www.townelaker.com
FOOTBALL! See pages 58 – 61
october 2010
AroundAbout — TowneLaker
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October 2010
Featured Articles 14 Woodstock Art & Wine Festival
Volume 16, Issue 6
Meet Rob Frazer event planner.
25 C.H.O.I.C.E.S.
You can help Vanetta Keyes win a grant to fight childhood obesity.
58
Friday Night Lights
Gridiron coverage of the Eagles and Wolverines.
58 – 61 Etowah Eagles Quarterback Braden Nolan on the run.
62 TLBA Golf Tournament
Local business people hit the links.
67 Halloween Happenings and
52 & 53
On the Cover
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC (Left to right): Dr. Jorge Lense, Kelly Franckowiak, Dr. Mike Litrel, Kate Rasmussen and Susan Griggs. In front: Dr. Pearl Hwang and Dr. Peahen Gandhi. Cover photo by Kim Bates.
Fall Festivals
Make the most of the fall season.
79 CCHS Dinner/Auction
A special night dedicated to helping homeless animals.
Around Towne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Local Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 & 18
Community Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Product Recalls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Community Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Dr. Litrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
It’s Time to . . . for Fall Festivals and Halloween Happenings.
Patty Ponder is the General Sales Manager for AroundAbout — TowneLaker. She can be reached at (770) 615-3322 or patty@ aroundaboutmagzines.com. 2
The TLBA Golf Tournament raised money for local students.
In Every Issue
Sen. Chip Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
67
62
Elected Officials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
School Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Community Coupons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . . . . 102 & 103
Contributing Writers Don Akridge............................................... 22 Dr. Randy Beck........................................... 80 Susan L. Cannizzaro ..................................14, 20 Sonia Carruthers......................................... 76 Christy Chappelear Andrews....................... 54 Brooke Doss............................................... 72 Jason Fleeman............................................ 66 Tim Grady................................................... 28 Dr. Scott Harden......................................... 40 Dr. Amy Hardin........................................... 10 David Heckelmoser..................................... 49 Shelley Herod............................................. 42 Joe Kafati.................................................... 46 Dr. Steve Keith............................................ 40 Kara Kiefer.................................................. 48
Chris Leggett.............................................. 28 Scott Lemmon............................................ 44 Rachael Letourneau.................................... 23 Dr. Mike Litrel............................................. 34 Dawn Marr................................................. 55 Greg Moore................................................ 29 Colin Morris............................................... 48 Cindy Morrow............................................ 50 Debi Radcliff............................................... 68 Rev. Bill Ratliff............................................ 82 Sen. Chip Rogers......................................... 24 Dr. Doug Thrasher...................................... 83 Melissa Vickery.......................................... 71 Dr. Steven Weiskopf.................................... 55
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Community Kara is the Editor of AroundAbout — Townelaker magazine. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and their two sons Brandon and Garrett. Feel free to send your comments or questions to editor@townelaker.com.
Around Towne The People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake by Kara Kiefer The cinnamon brooms are here! If there’s one thing that signals “fall” to me, it’s the cinnamon brooms available in most grocery stores. Around this time every year, I run into the store for one or two items, and the minute I enter, I smell the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon The next thing I know, I’m leaving with a cinnamon broom and nothing else. Along with the cinnamon brooms, October is a time for festivals and, of course, Halloween activities. Please check out our Halloween and fall festival guide on page 67. And don’t forget to pick up your broom!
What’s New? Corner Bistro’s hours will be extended starting October 25. The eatery will be open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday. The current menu will be available all day along with a few nightly dinner specials. Corner Bistro is located at 2360 Towne Lake Parkway. For more information, call (770) 924-1202 or visit www.tlcornerbistro.homestead.com. Misty Mornings recently opened in the center behind Long Horn Steakhouse on Towne Lake Parkway. The restaurant, which occupies the former location of Tuscany Italian Grill, offers country breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Mondays. The restaurant also is available to host group breakfast meetings or social events. For more information, call (678) 905-1019. Cherokee Internal Medicine recently welcomed Dr. Courtney Maniatis to the practice. Dr. Maniatis specializes in the health needs of patients 18 years old and up. Cherokee Internal Medicine is located at 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Suite C. For more information or to make an appointment, call (678) 238-0301.
What’s Coming? TownLake Diner is scheduled to open soon. The diner will occupy the former location of Rosie’s Diner in the Eagle Point shopping center. As of press time, the restaurant was accepting job applications.
What’s Moved? The Butchers Block recently moved into the Towne LAke Village Center at 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 120, next to El Ranchero. Owner Kelli Block hopes to reopen the shop this month, and she advises customers to check www. thebutchersblockmarket.net for a reopening announcement.
The HOPE Center recently relocated to 295 Molly Lane, Suite 120, in Woodstock. The Baby & More thrift store also relocated next door to the HOPE Center. For more information, call (770) 924-0864 or visit www.hopectr.com.
What’s Changed? We’ve decided to change our monthly contest corner. Instead of the trivia question, we now will ask you to find a particular phrase, logo or graphic that is located in one of our advertiser’s ads. Be sure the see the Contest Corner box below for this month’s hidden picture and find the …. (phrase, logo or graphic).
What’s Closed? We are sad to report that after many years in business, Woodstock Coffee House has closed its doors.
Trick or Treat! Inevitably, there will be the question about whether Towne Lakers will trick or treat on Saturday, October 30, or on Sunday, October 31. There is no “official” trick or treat day or time frame. However, Towne Lakers always have gone trick or treating on Halloween eve, whether or not it falls on a Sunday. The typical hours for the ghouls and goblins to be out is dusk through approximately 8:30 p.m. After that, it’s usually the teenagers without a costume, and if you’re like me, you’ll say no costume, no treat.
Contest Corner Congratulations to Denise Larzelere for being the first to find our hidden picture in the magazine on page 17 of the September issue. Denise won gift certificates to Chick-fil-A. We did not have a winner for the September trivia question: “Who had the original idea for Grandparent’s Day?” The answer is Marian McQuade. We have a new twist on our trivia question starting this month, look through the magazine and try to find the answer to the following clue:
Which advertiser is offering a complimentary personal training session?
Find the hidden picture:
If you know the answer to the trivia contest or find the hidden picture, be the first to call (770) 615-3325 or e-mail editor@townelaker.com. Contest rules: A player is eligible to win once every 12 months.
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AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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www.townelaker.com Keeping you plugged into the latest online happenings by James Ball
Publisher AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc.
Welcome to the new “online” column of your AroundAbout —TowneLaker magazine! We’d like to thank all of you for taking the time to check out our new site. We’ve experienced what we can only call the warmest of receptions from the online community here in Towne Lake.
Owners Karen and Jon Flaig Executive Editor Kara Kiefer Advertising Director Leslie Proctor
The information in this monthly column will keep you plugged into what’s happening with our online presence at www.TowneLaker.com. Articles and information that will appear here in the future will be based on topics such as:
Art Director Michelle McCulloch Sales Manager Patty Ponder
- How to use our website. - Upcoming features, contests, and site updates. - Ways in which we can all interact and become better connected to
Digital Marketing Director James Ball Video Correspondent Brandon Schultze
build a stronger community.
- Trends and upcoming technology as it relates to how we all communicate and do business.
We truly appreciate the comments and suggestions that we’ve received so far. You are helping us to evolve into the best web presence that we can have to better serve our community and clients. We value your continued input and support! We recently hired a video correspondent, Brandon Schultze. Learn all about Brandon on page 8. Our first major update will be launching within the next several days. What you can expect:
- The scrolling picture bar of your submitted pictures will be moving to a different location on the front page. The technology that drives this feature is quite a drain on site resources and it slows down the loading of the page, so we’re going to try something different.
- You’re going to be seeing more and more video! - New buttons and features!
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Join the TowneLaker fan page www.facebook.com/ aroundabouttownelaker 6
Community Board Sen. Chip Rogers, Colin Morris, Debi Radcliff, Bill Ratliff, Doug Thrasher AroundAbout — TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It is distributed free to approximately 13,000 homes by mail to all Towne Lakers. An additional 3,500 are placed in racks around the community. AroundAbout — TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th 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. AroundAbout — TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2010.
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Volume 16, Issue 6
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Community
Local News Let’s Meet Brandon!
Online Neighborhood Watch Unites Residents, Police
In the spirit of keeping our web presence timely, informative and entertaining, we knew we needed a special kind of someone to be out there in the community, shooting videos and being our “man on the street” correspondent. Meet Brandon Schultze! Brandon is a 17-year-old senior at Etowah High School. Full of personality and not afraid to let his personality shine, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, making comical short videos and cracking jokes. Brandon has been passionate about video making since he was a child when he would make short videos with his brother and friends in their cul-de-sac. Brandon says he spends almost as much time at Hillside United Methodist church as he does at home. He is involved with X Zone or TNT or, “whatever else they have going on.” As a senior, graduation is on his mind. He hopes to attend KSU or UGA but hasn’t committed to a major. “I’m really the same as any other 17-year-old. I love my used car, think I’m superman, and I can’t wait to graduate.” Look for Brandon out and about with his video camera and give him a big, “Hello!”
Local Author Publishes Inspiring Book Melanie Blievernicht (left) had written a successful devotional, Walking Faith Forward. In what should have been a joyous time of celebration after this book was published, Melanie’s marriage unraveled and her husband left her. Her experience led her to write Divorce is Only Human: My Journey with God Through Divorce. The book is an account of her divorce and includes space for journaling, opportunities for reflection and encouragement to those going the same experience. The book can be purchased on Melanie’s website, www. melanieblievernicht.com or at Amazon.com.
Banking, only better! 8
The Woodstock Police Department recently joined Nation of Neighbors, an online neighborhood watch located at www. nationofneighbors.com. The website is designed to bring together law enforcement and community members in all Woodstock neighborhoods. Members can use the website to discuss suspicious activity within the community, participate in community discussions, share news, photos and documents, and manage upcoming events. If several members report identical or related incidents, a report is sent to the Woodstock Police Department. Law enforcement members, in turn, can communicate with residents through e-mail and text alerts. Membership is free. To learn more, visit the website.
AroundAbout Gets Around! We love when our readers take us on vacation! Prior to starting graduate school at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, Ashley Miller (right) and Carol Clayton (left) spent several weeks touring Europe. The duo (and AroundAbout — TowneLaker) visited London, Spain, Italy, Poland and Finland. While in Finland, the girls visited a former Etowah High School foreign exchange student.
SCRA Invites Alums to Homecoming South Cherokee Recreation Association (SCRA) football and cheer would like to invite alumni and the community to celebrate homecoming at 7 p.m. October 8. Alums can help pump up the various teams for their games on October 9. Homecoming will be held at 6620 Old Highway 5. The SCRA Football and Cheerleading Association is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) corporation that was created to make sure that every child with the desire to participate gets the opportunity to play or cheer, without regard to prior experience, athletic ability or size. Find SCRA on facebook www.facebook.com/SouthCherokee.
LGE
770-424-0060
www.LGEccu.org
Community Credit Union
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Community by Dr. Amy Hardin
MRSA
The Germs Are Trying To Win!
About five or six years ago this summer, who have these infections sometimes we started seeing a lot more high don’t realize they have them, and think school and younger kids coming in with they just have bug or spider bites, until abscesses. Abscesses have been around it’s too late and they’ve already used the since Bible times; boils were one of weight rooms, shared a friend’s towel, the ten plagues brought on Egypt in the or even a bar of soap. Parents who clean Old Testament. Since the advent of a their children’s cuts can catch it if they cleaner lifestyle, as well as the invention don’t wash their hands after addressing of antibiotic creams and oral agents, we the wounds. Recently, one of the local haven’t seen a problem with abscesses high schools had an outbreak of MRSA until about 2004. Back in the “old days” infections among several football players. of the 90s, these boils or skin infections We’ve certainly seen siblings with were caused mainly by two bacteria: outbreaks as well, or children coming in staphylococcus from daycare or aureus (staph) and even the church streptococcus pyogenes or gym nursery. “Recently, one of the local (strep). These germs It’s such an easily high schools had an outbreak were easily treated spread germ, by two common that after only of MRSA infections among antibiotics, Keflex five or six years several football players.” (aka Cephalexin) and of seeing it, we Augmentin, and usually would find it in cleared up quickly after the nostrils of 60 the start of antibiotics. The abscesses we percent of Cherokee County residents. started seeing earlier this decade weren’t That’s a status called colonization, a clearing up with these medications; in fact, term that can be easily understood if you they were worsening and often requiring realize that we ALL have “good” germs hospitalization. We discovered that the that live all over our bodies and help germ, MRSA (Methicillin resistant staph us keep out the bad germs. MRSA has aureus), a resistant version of staph, was figured out a way to hang out with these causing a lot of the infections that just good germs and usually not make us too didn’t seem to be getting better. Because sick. Unfortunately, the MRSA germ can the germs were resistant to our old jump into cuts or dry skin (even in tiny fashioned antibiotics, we had to use two holes like mosquito bites) and set up these other versions of antibiotics, Clindamycin abscesses. (which also sees occasional resistance to MRSA) and Bactrim (a sulfa medicine). Luckily,if the infections are caught early Each year since then, we have routinely when they look like a small pimple or seen a lot more of these abscesses as well spider bite, they can be treated with warm as other skin infections, as well as and compresses, an antibiotic cream three forms of pneumonia with a pus collection times a day for a week, and vigorous around the outside of the lung due to cleansing of the skin with soap and warm MRSA (especially seen after influenza water. If the infection doesn’t get better infections). 24-48 hours after these therapies, you need to see your pediatrician or internist. MRSA can be spread easily among people Any time a temperature is seen, even with in close contact. It can live on surfaces a small bite or pimple, an appointment for up to 24 hours! This is why we see it should be made right away, and home so commonly among members of sports therapies should not be tried first. If it’s teams, in daycares and in families. People a small lesion, your doctor may prescribe 10
an oral antibiotic such as Clindamycin or Bactrim. A medium or large lesion may need “lancing” or incising and draining, and packed with a sterile thin dressing until the wound can heal from the inside out. Unfortunately, some kids don’t get better with these treatments and need to be admitted for IV therapy. Because the Children’s Hospital at Scottish Rite was seeing such a gigantic upswing in the number of these cases, officials there have added a ”sedation suite” where small children can be put to sleep briefly in an outpatient setting for incising and draining the abscesses. That tells you how often we see these infections! How do I prevent myself or kids from getting these sores, which can sometimes recur? The best way is to avoid ever getting the infection! Hand washing before and after using weight lifting equipment, or cleaning the sores of other people, is very important. Never share towels or football equipment with other kids in locker rooms, and wash workout clothes as soon as the workouts are over. Bring your own soap and towels for sports. Anyone who has a draining sore should not be at the gym or participate in contact sports. Keep any sores that you may have fully covered if in close contact with others. If you know you or a family member has MRSA, is there a way to 100 percent get rid of it? The sad answer is even the infectious disease experts don’t know. Some people are lucky and only have one abscess and never see another. Another group might get small abscesses sporadically, but they can catch them quickly and treat with prescription continued on page 88
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Community
Towne Lake Business Association
Member Spotlight: QuicKeys Locksmith Service You have likely seen his caricature all around town, the QuicKeys guy racing along as he clutches a big key, ready to bring you professional locksmith service, quickly, and with a smile. A Towne Lake Business Association member since 2009, QuicKeys Locksmith Service Company, Inc. supports its message with good old-fashioned customer service, quality and integrity. After more than 15 years working in corporate America, Cherokee County native and founder Adam Owen (right), decided to pursue his longtime dream of owning a business. “I have never loved being behind a desk for 10 hours a day and demanding travel schedules were putting too much unwanted strains on my family. That just became unacceptable to me.” In October 2008, QuicKeys Locksmith Service launched and was incorporated in 2009. QuicKeys offers an array of locksmith services, specializing in commercial and residential lock re-keying, door hardware installation and repair, lock out services, master keying and auto lock outs. Fully licensed, insured and bonded, QuicKeys Locksmith also provides a 90day warranty on all services. “There has been some very negative press surrounding the locksmith industry, which has understandably left consumers leery. QuicKeys is happy to be on par with the few locksmith businesses in the North Metro area that are continually striving to earn that trust back,” said Owen. One measure is the pricing of services found online. “It’s not typical for locksmiths in this area to provide full disclosure of their pricing on their website, as we obviously want to remain competitive with one another. But consumers are rightfully concerned with phone quotes changing dramatically once services have been rendered, so those concerns are quickly addressed from the start.” For the past two years, residential real estate business has been the core of QuicKeys’ success. As the residential market continues to fluctuate, QuicKeys is looking to broaden its base of commercial customers. Check out the website at www. quickeyslocksmith.com. As QuicKeys continues to grow, there’s a heartfelt message Owen wants to convey. “Thank you to our customers and thank you to all of our partners in business. QuicKeys Locksmith Service Company, Inc. is proud to be living, servicing and contributing in North Georgia’s communities.”
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The Towne Lake Business Association’s (TLBA) 10th Annual TLBA Golf Tournament was held on September 16, at the Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. The players could not have asked for better day. Thanks to the generosity of the players and sponsors, the TLBA was able to raise the funds necessary for our annual TLBA Entrepreneurial Scholarships, whereby two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, one each to a graduating college or technical school-bound senior at Etowah and Woodstock High Schools in the spring of 2011. We want to thank all the players, sponsors and volunteers who helped with this year’s tournament. A complete recap of the tournament can be seen on page 62. The topic of our September Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop was Make More Sales And Make More Money. We want to thank Mike Stewart of Mike Stewart Sales Dynamics for leading this workshop on the keys to increasing your sales. Please take a look at our upcoming events.
Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop Tuesday, October 19, 12:30 — 2 p.m. Communication Skills, presented by Jo Ann Canada. Jo Ann will discuss ways to effectively communicate not only with your employees but with your customers as well. Tuesday, November 16, 12:30 — 2 p.m. Tax Planning for Your Business., presented by John Drawdy of Drawdy CPA Services, LLC. Learn what’s new with federal and state income taxes for your business and yourself in 2010. What mistakes can you avoid and what steps can you take to minimize your income taxes? John will discuss some of the top income tax issues you should be aware of and how you can address them. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events at (770) 615-3350.
Welcome New Members:
Efficient Energy Solutions, LLC North Cobb Christian School
Jon Lamonte Todd Clingman
As always, we thank you for supporting our community and our local businesses, and thus “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.”
Visit us at www.tlba.org.
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Feature
Rob Frazer — Woodstock Art and Wine Festival by Susan L. Cannizzaro Rob Frazer is not letting the memories of last fall’s floods dampen his spirits. The local resident and event specialist is enthusiastic about making his November 6 & 7 Woodstock Art and Wine Festival a success. Last year’s inaugural event was almost washed out from the floods. “We had a very heavy A-frame sign outside Zucca advertising the two-day event and we found it two blocks down Towne Lake Parkway after the floods,” said Rob. Despite the bad weather and high waters, just over 1,000 people attended. The free family event includes a juried fine art show, live entertainment, hands-on art projects for kids and food from local eateries. Close to 75 Southeastern artists will display their wares, created in a variety of mediums including photography, sculpture, pottery and more. For a fee, patrons can sample and learn about more than 20 types of wine varietals. Frazer (right) got his start in event management by overseeing the food and beverage department at Chastain Park Amphitheater in the early 90s. His company, Premier Events, has produced regional events that include Music Midtown, Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Virginia Highland’s Summerfest. His vision for the Woodstock Art and Wine Festival developed from his desire to host a backyard event and inspiration from his wife’s artistic talents. Tremendous support from Main Street Woodstock, city council and the mayor has made his vision a reality. “We have done so many regional efforts until now, and these organizations have played a huge role in helping us understand how to market to the local community,” said Rob. “We are doing a lot of regional advertising for this event, so we will attract people from a wide area.” He said it typically takes two to three years to get an event off the ground, and predicts this will be the year to make a huge splash. Billy Peppers, the director of Economic Development of the City of Woodstock, has worked closely with Rob and his team, which includes partners Laura Valente and Jonathan Rawls. “Rob does special events all over Atlanta, and when he came to us last year, it was very flattering due to the enormity of the events he has done. He felt there was enough support from the community for this kind of event, plus he does this because he loves the community and wants to see the area grow,” said Billy. This year’s event will be held in the newly expanded City Park with Main Street Woodstock as the presenting sponsor. Rob hopes more than 10,000 people will visit in November, and is eager to add a Tour of Homes and 5K race to future festivals. For more information, visit www.premiereventslive.com/ WoodstockArtAndWineFestival. Susan L. Cannizzaro lives in Towne Lake with her husband Frank, and their two small children Jack and Sydney. She has written for several Atlanta publications including The Piedmont Review and The Atlanta Business Chronicle.
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Dates: November 6 & 7 Times: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Location: Main Street at Arnold Mill Road in the Olde Town development behind Pure Taqueria in downtown Woodstock Admission: Entry is FREE for all ages; $20 for a wine tasting wristband
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Community
Happy Birthday! Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com • Deadline is October 10.
Holly Kate O’Brien
Anna Catherine Wolfe
Harper Whatley
Leighton Whatley
Bob Cantwell
Age 8 on October 16 Daughter of Haley & David O’Brien Sister of Laurel
Age 4 on Sept 24th Daughter of Kelli & Jason Wolfe Sister of Andrew
Age 2 on August 15 Daughter of Melissa & Chad Whatley Sister of Holden & Leighton
Age 7 on September 27 Daughter of Melissa & Chad Whatley Sister of Holden & Harper
Celebrated on September 18
Ava Seiz
Trevor Casey
Carter Thomas Birchwell
Hailey Vorobel
Age 4 on September 10 Daughter of Mandy & Wes Seiz
Age 11 on October 2 Son of Leann & Eric Casey Future big brother of “no name yet” Casey
Age 1 on September 19 Son of Sherri & Bill Birchwell Brother of Erik and Kevin
Age 8 on October 3 Daughter of Terry & George Vorobel
Skylear McKayla Williams Age 1 on October 30 Daughter of Serea & Kyle Williams Love, Momma , Daddy, & Uncle Matty
Jake Wagner Age 15 on October 17 Son of Paige DiScenza Brother of Justin & Luke
Luke Wagner Age 11 on October 26 Son of Paige DiScenza Brother of Justin & Jake
Taylor Thompson Age 17 on July 12 Son of Ashley Cantwell & Kelly Thompson
Reese Morgan Blalock Age 7 on September 6 Daughter of Alison & Heath Blalock Sister of Jordan, Rylan and Heath Jr.
continued on page 18 16
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Community
Happy Birthday!
Leah Brown (left) Age 13 on September 13
Taylor Sullivan (left) Age 11 on September 9
Julianne Cantwell (right)
Collins Sullivan (right)
Age 12 on September 6
Happy birthday! (left to right) Colby Flaig, Age 8 and Josh Raab, Age 9 celebrating with friend Max Marchetti.
Age 8 on October 30
Children of Niki & Mike Sullivan
Happy Anniversary!
Betty & James Douglas Celebrated 60 years of marriage on August 5
ng i d d We ells B
Blair & Tim Teasdale Celebrating 5 years of marriage on October 1
Jan & Jim Dodd Celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 12
rk Sto ch t Wa
Tyla Elizabeth Vogan Brittany Byram and Chris Hirschfield
Born on August 15, 2010 Daughter of Jamie & Jon Vogan
were married on July 31, 2010
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Community
Pathfinder of the Month Oris Guillaume “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson by Susan L. Cannizzaro Does it sound daunting to feed more than 700 school aged children a hot meal daily and provide medical care to 500 people in two days? What may seem to be an insurmountable task in rural Haiti is the calling and passion of Pastor Oris Guillaume, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Haiti Cheri Harvest Life Ministries. Oris has made a difference in the lives of many local residents also, which is why Teresa Hodges nominated Oris to be our Pathfinder of the Month. “Pastor Oris has been an inspiration to numerous people on so many levels. The things he has accomplished since moving to the United States are truly astounding,” Teresa said. Pastor Oris (right) is a native of Haiti who first applied for a Visa in 1992 after his father died. He was granted his Visa eight years later at age 29, and became a U.S. Citizen in 2006. Oris came here not knowing the language well or fully understanding the culture, but he was willing to do whatever it took to make a better life for his family and support those still in Haiti. The pastor, who lives in Woodstock with his wife Elizabeth, two sons and his mother, also teaches business classes at Shorter College in Rome, and is close to completing a Doctorate Degree.
“I don’t want to miss an opportunity to save a life — my goal is to save one life at a time,” said Pastor Oris.
Pastor Oris established Haiti Cheri in 2001 to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the Haitian people and to cultivate thriving, self-sufficient Christian communities. The organization’s primary focus has been Haiti’s rural villages in the north, about 45 miles from the Dominican Republic border. Construction is nearly complete on a school in Dolval, a rural village where Pastor Oris served for three years. The Haitian government is not equipped to provide broad-based education 20
to children, so some attend private or Catholic school. In 1998, children in Dolval not going to private school attended classes in a small church. Before leaving Haiti, the pastor purchased land for a new school, and construction began in 2000.Enrollment has risen from 300 in 2003, 400 in 2005 and almost 700 this year. This new facility currently under construction will accommodate 1,200 students. “Donations to Haiti Cheri go toward feeding the children a daily hot meal, a nurse, vitamins once a week as well as the teacher’s salaries,” said Pastor Oris. The medical element to the pastor’s ministry includes work in a Cap-Haitien hospital and free medical clinics each year for residents of the rural villages that are hours away from CapHaitien. “In the rural villages, the only 911 you have is that you pray for God’s help,” said the pastor. Every two to three months, Oris and his fellow missionaries take U.S. doctors and nurses into villages to assist the sick, many of whom have never seen a doctor or been to a hospital. “I don’t want to miss an opportunity to save a life — my goal is to save one life at a time,” said Pastor Oris. During their last visit, they served more than 500 people in two days, and fed 700 patients in the hospital in Cap-Haitien. “We will fix food to feed an entire hospital and also give medicine to the children, as well as take prescriptions from patients and fill them,” he said. Oris credits Dan Merrefield, president of Haiti Cheri Harvest Life Ministries, as the man who makes the vision happen. The ministry also offers micro-loans, which is a way for Haitians to improve their lives. “The average per capita income is just $370 a year, and with a $300 loan, residents can set up a small market to sell vegetables, for example. or grow a small garden and become more sufficient. It’s better than charity; we want to put people in a position so they don’t need a handout,” said Dan. “Pastor Oris is an inspiring visionary leader; he inspires people to do better than they think they can be.” Towne Lake Community Church is one of several that partners with Pastor Oris in the mission field. Teresa traveled to Haiti with him in April 2010. “It created a drastic paradigm shift within me that has taken over the way I think about and view things, especially missions work. Imagine following Jesus along the road, listening in on his conversations and gleaning from his teachings. This is what I experienced as I walked along the dirt paths of Acul Samedi with Pastor Oris ministering to the people in the villages,” she said. For more information on Haiti Cheri Harvest Life Ministries, visit www.haiticheri.org or call 1-800-989-HAITI (4248).
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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Community
What Exactly Is Wealth Management? The two words signify a far-reaching kind of financial care by Don Akridge, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – Emory University Alumnus There’s financial planning, and then there’s wealth management. Think of wealth management as a step up from garden-variety financial planning. One office (rather than one person) provides a range of services for a client: personal financial planning and investment management, tax reduction and estate planning strategies, and occasionally in-house legal resources. Business continuation planning, tax preparation and even budgeting and bill paying are sometimes added to the menu. The difference is really big-picture. Financial planning usually means creating a strategy for accumulating wealth for retirement and personal goals. Investment management focuses on managing financial assets with a performance level in mind. Wealth management, “Good wealth in comparison, considers the total net worth of a management helps you family, a couple or an stay on top of things.” individual. It weighs financial decisions in light of an investment portfolio and additional components of the financial picture such as real estate, insurance, a business, charitable gifting and more. Yet it is also about paying attention to detail. Every successful professional or business owner reaches a point of delegation – there comes a point at which you can’t do it all yourself. Indeed, it can be hazardous to try and keep track of every detail without help. The same goes for your finances – your taxes, your investments, your various accounts. Good wealth management helps you stay on top of things. A skilled wealth management firm pays attention to many of the financial details in your life for you. You can free up your mind. You feel confident because the wealth management firm has an ongoing relationship with you, with regular reviews and communication. Wealth management unites advisors from different disciplines as a team. The team looks at your goals, needs and priorities to determine the right, individualized strategy for guiding your invested assets and enhancing your net worth. continued on page 96 22
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Best Debt Practices by Rachael Letourneau There is a lot of controversy surrounding debt. Whether it’s individual, corporate, or government debt, it seems as though everyone has an opinion whether debt is good or bad, how much is appropriate, and reasons for taking the debt in the first place. I, of course, have formed my own opinions after working with both extremely wealthy individuals and families who are struggling, and I can tell you that what I have learned over the years is very surprising. This month, I will share with you how to identify if your debt is acceptable, or if it is holding you back. Best debt practice #1: Only borrow money on things that will appreciate in value. Basically, this comes down to two things — a house and an education. Houses do historically appreciate in value, despite today’s conditions, so it is okay to borrow money on a house provided the payments are comfortable (generally no more than 25 percent of your take-home salary). Borrowing money for an education is controversial, but individuals with a college education make more money over their lifetime than individuals who do not have a college education, so for me, this is an opportunity cost. With that said, borrowing money for a college education should be just that — the education, and not the late-night pizzas, gas money and parties. Best debt practice #2: Car payments and credit cards are nothing but a burden — avoid them at all costs. I am sorry, but I cannot think of one positive thing to say about credit card debt. Not one. I do believe that a credit card is a good thing to have, but carrying a balance and paying interest is not a good thing to do. That dinner or that vacation that you paid for on credit isn’t going to seem so important two years later when you’ve paid enough interest to eat yet another dinner or go on yet another vacation. Car payments are no better. Because cars do not appreciate in value or provide any real opportunity cost, the best car is a paid-for car. Best debt practice #3: If you do have debt, be able to pay it off. Now. Many people are curious to know if they have too much debt, and my answer is very simple. If you have more “bad” debt (cars and credit cards) than you can afford to pay off right this second with cash, then you have too much. That may seem extreme, but this type of debts is nothing but baggage, and a conservative approach to debt is always better. I have never heard anyone say, “Man, I really wish I would have gone into credit card debt or saddled myself with a high car payment,” but I do hear people say all the time, “I wish I didn’t have these cards or this payment on a car.” Money is more about behavior than head knowledge, so if you create habits now that drastically reduce your dependence on debt, you will achieve financial stability much faster! Rachael Letourneau is a banking center manager for Bank of America. You may contact her at Rachael.letourneau@yahoo.com.
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Community by State Senator Chip Rogers
Too Much Government Should the taxpayers tell government how much is too much? I say, “yes!” Recent polling data shows government spending as the single biggest issue of concern for Americans. In my twenty years of poll watching I have never seen this issue rank any higher than third, until now.
$3.2 billion in tax rebates were sent back to Colorado taxpayers. l The state’s income tax dropped from 5 percent to 4.63 percent. l State sales tax lowered from 3 percent to 2.9 percent. l
During 1990s, Colorado led the nation in tax relief and economic growth.
l
In 2005, despite these incredible success stories, Colorado residents voted 51 percent to 49 percent to suspend TABOR Elected officials have long held to for five years. Opponents of TABOR spent millions of dollars the notion that they, and they alone, should have full control convincing voters the spending limits were just too restrictive. over the purse strings of government. And while this works They declared government, not the citizens, should spend the well in some places (the state of Georgia where our budget is money. balanced and we have the lowest spending per capita in the nation) it doesn’t work well in others (the During this five-year TABOR suspension, federal government where more debt has Colorado taxpayers missed out on another been accumulated in the last two years than “Georgians have the $3.6 billion in tax rebates. Instead, state in the first 200 years of the United States’ government spent the entire $3.6 billion. opportunity to put existence). The result was a faltering Colorado economy voters in charge of how with lower job growth and not much to show It is finally time to allow taxpayers to put real much is too much when for all the government spending. spending limits in our Constitution.
it comes to government spending.”
Twice, I have authored and passed through the Georgia Senate a Constitutional Amendment that limits how much taxpayer money can be spent in a given year. Each time, this effort has been stopped in the State House. In the next legislative session, I plan to offer the Constitutional Amendment again. With spending concerns at the top of voters’ minds, let’s hope this measure finally makes it to the ballot. The state of Colorado is perhaps the most pure example of what spending limits can mean for taxpayers.
In 1992, Colorado voters approved the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). The law prevents state government from growing more than the rate of inflation plus population growth. Any tax revenue beyond the limit must be returned to the taxpayers in the form of a rebate. TABOR was in place between FY 1994 and FY 2005. The results were astounding;
It is a classic example of the philosophical difference between those who believe government knows best how to spend money and those who believe private citizens, acting in the best interest of themselves and their families, know best. Georgians have the opportunity to put voters in charge of how much is too much when it comes to government spending. Yes, on the issue of state spending, Georgia is the most frugal state in the nation. But we should put this practice of fiscal responsibility in our Constitution with our own version of a taxpayer bill of rights. Tomorrow’s taxpayers - our children and grandchildren — deserve it. Chip Rogers is the State Senator for District 21. You can call him at (404) 463-1378 or fax him at (404) 657-9887. You also can e-mail Chip at Chip@SenatorChipRogers.com. Chip also serves on the AroundAbout — Townelaker Community Board.
For a complete listing of our Elected Officials, please see page 94. 24
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Vote for Grants for C.H.O.I.C.E.S. C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully) is in the running for two grants that will be awarded to the charity receiving the most votes from the general public. Local resident Vanetta Keyes, who is founder and executive director of C.H.O.I.C.E.S., hopes to receive both grants with your help! The first grant is from the Aetna Foundation to commemorate National Childhood Obesity Month. Through October 5, you can cast your vote at www. aetnafoundationvote.org. The winner of this grant will receive $50,000. C.H.O.I.C.E.S. also is a Community Champion of the Feeding Dreams initiative supported by General Mills. “We created the Feeding Dreams program to celebrate the work of our Community Champions. Vanetta and other Community Champions have made extraordinary strides to improve the lives of so many. We encourage everyone in Atlanta and nationwide to show their support by visiting the website and casting a vote in support of their top Community Champion,” said Rodolfo Rodriguez, director of multicultural marketing for General Mills. Through October 31, the public can cast a vote at www.feedingdreams.com for Vanetta and C.H.O.I.C.E.S. The individual who gets the most votes will receive a $10,000 grant for the charity of his/her choice. Second place gets $5,000, and a third place receives $3,000. The remaining champions will receive $2,000 each. Vote for our local hero, Vanetta, and her organization and help make a difference in the fight against childhood obesity! For more information on C.H.O.I.C.E.S., please visit www.choicesforkids.org or call (678) 819-3663.
Vote today at www.feedingdreams.com october 2010
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Community
Recent Consumer Product Recalls AroundAbout — TowneLaker wants to help keep you and your family safe. The following items have been recalled by their manufacturers in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).
Little People Play ‘n Go Campsite™. Fisher-Price of East
Counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded Batteries. Asurion of Smyrna, TN is voluntarily
Aurora, NY, is voluntarily recalling approximately 96,000 in the United States (14,000 were sold in Canada) Little People Play ‘n Go Campsite. The plastic Sonya Lee figure in the play set can break at the waist, exposing small parts which pose a choking hazard to young children.
recalling approximately 470,000 Counterfeit BlackBerry®-branded cell phone batteries in refurbished devices. The counterfeit batteries can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.
Baby Hammocks. MamaLittleHelper, LLC of
LCD-TVs. Sharp Electronics Corporation, of Mahwah, NJ is voluntarily recalling approximately 9,000 Sharp 32-inch LCD-TVs. The TV stand’s neck support can break and cause the TV to tip-over, posing a risk of injury to the consumer.
Slow Cookers. Kohls is voluntarily recalling approximately 25,000 slow cookers. The slow cooker’s control panel can overheat and melt, posing a fire hazard. Magnetic Maze Boards. Lakeshore Learning Materials, of Carson, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 18,500 magnetic maze boards. The magnetic maze board’s plastic wand can separate and expose a magnet that can be a choking hazard to children. Also, if a child has more than one of these toys and the magnets detach and are swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.
Vertical Gas Smokers. Char-Broil LLC of Columbus, GA is voluntarily recalling approximately 18,450 Char-Broil vertical gas smokers. When the temperature setting is in “low,” the smoker’s hose/valve/ regulator (HVR) assembly does not allow sufficient gas to flow, causing the flame to extinguish. Gas continues to flow and build up inside the smoker. If the smoker is reignited the build-up of propane gas can cause an explosion that bursts the smoker’s door open, posing an injury hazard.
Frisco, TX is voluntarily recalling approximately 500 infant and toddler hammocks. The side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause the infant to roll and become entrapped or wedged against the hammock’s fabric and/or mattress pad, resulting in a suffocation hazard.
Baby Bottle Warmers. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. of San Francisco, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 11,000 Beaba express steam bottle warmers. The bottle warmers can overheat liquids and baby food, posing a burn hazard to adults and babies.
Wireless Video Baby Monitors. Circus World Displays Limited (CWD) of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is voluntarily recalling approximately 800 Levana wireless video baby monitors. Wiring in the baby monitor camera can overheat and emit smoke, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Dehumidifier. LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co. of China is voluntarily recalling approximately 98,000 dehumidifiers. The power connector for the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Television Wall Mounts. Milestone AV Technologies LLC of Savage, MN is voluntarily recalling approximately 131,000 flat screen television wall mounts. The elbow joint components on the wall mount’s arm do not fit together properly, causing the attached television to tilt and possibly fall when the television is adjusted. This could pose an injury hazard to a consumer.
For more information on these and many other warnings issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, visit www.cpsc.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. 26
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Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft by Chris Leggett Did you know that every 3.2 seconds someone loses their identity? It’s a growing problem, and more than 11 million people in the United States have reported being victims. So how are thieves stealing your information? One way is by mail theft. Your bank statements or other personal documents are stolen from your mailbox. Mail may include sensitive information, including your name, address, account numbers, or even Social Security number. Thieves also go through garbage or recycling containers and look for documents that haven’t been shredded properly. To avoid this, shred mail and statements before throwing them out, and utilize electronic delivery of sensitive information that requires a password or other electronic means of identification. People also fall victim to identity theft by providing account information online. Identity thieves can access your information online if you do not exercise caution. Although shopping “Although shopping online can be convenient online can be convenient and safe, make sure you and safe, make sure you only purchase items only purchase items from from companies you companies you trust. ” trust. If you’re not sure of a particular company, check with the Better Business Bureau. Also, before giving payment information, look for signs that the site is secure, such as a closed padlock symbol on your Web browser’s address bar. When you are asked to provide payment information, the beginning of the Website’s URL address should change from “http” to “shttp” or “https,” which indicates that the site is secured or encrypted. Watch for these signs that someone may have stolen your identity: fraudulent charges on your credit card statement; credit card or bank statements don’t arrive in the mail; bills arrive for goods or services you didn’t request; suspicious inquiries on your credit report; phone calls from creditors, and suddenly denied credit. Many financial institutions offer electronic alerts via text messages or e-mail when there is certain activity occurring in your account. Monitor your accounts and take advantage of services to keep you tuned in to your account activity. Also, you are entitled to a free credit report from all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) every 12 months.
When Do I Hire? by Tim Grady If you’re like most business owners, you’re gritting your teeth. You hear double-dip and recovery in the same sentence. You have lots of good “maybes” but no real flow of orders. You want to help the unemployed, but also stay afloat. So, when do you hire? This is no time to be heroic. If businesses created 250,000 jobs every month, it would take five years to re-employ 15 million Americans. Everyone expects unemployment to spiral downward. It won’t. In a growing economy, unemployment drops about one tenth of one percent per month – around 1.2 percent a year. By this time, as a business owner you have looked around your shop and realized there are some jobs you won’t re-create. You have found other ways to handle those tasks. This occurs in every recession. Some jobs never come back, gone permanently because of automation, consolidation or just elimination. If you had 50 employees in 2008, and 25 now, you probably would not see more than 40 to 45 jobs when you are back on top. All these forces have made the job market tough. Business owners are changing their business plans. The new normal will be 10 to 15 percent less in head count, even if business grows beyond a former successful level. The time to hire is when you have some old fashion diagrams on paper where you can define the purpose and process for every box. They’re called organization and process flow charts. Whether you have five employees or 5,000, you need them. This is Business Basics 101. And, the charts don’t include people! That’s right – no people – zero. They come later. You need to identify the job functions your business needs, and the flow of processes within it that feed those functions. A simple flow is [product/service] — [marketing] — [sales] — [operations] — [accounting] — [administration]. Fit the skills your business needs into the job boxes, not the existing people. You may already sense some harsh realities. Do your existing employees have the skills your business needs? Can you train in areas where they don’t? Train now, when times are slow, not when business is screaming. When your org chart and processes are laid out, you will be able to see when to hire and the skills you need. Then you can run the Help Wanted ad. Tim Grady is a Towne Lake resident, senior strategist, business advisor and public speaker for NetMark International. For more information, you can reach him at 888-605-6400 or timgrady@bellsouth.net.
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AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Car Safety for Your Child by Greg Moore As parents, our main concern is keeping our children safe. Knowing they are properly restrained while on the road is important. A mistake many parents unknowingly make is not ensuring the proper seat is used for the child’s age and weight. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your infant in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible. Some of these seats have an age and weight limit of one year and anywhere from 20 — 35 pounds. Be sure you check the manufacturer’s directions and limitations on your seat. Studies show kids traveling in age-appropriate, correctly installed child restraints are at less risk of serious injury. It can be challenging to install your child’s safety seat. Some newer model cars are equipped with a “LATCH” system. A vehicle with this option will have factory placed anchors for child seat installation. These anchors, combined with a built on strap and additional hardware on your chosen seat, make installation easier than using a seatbelt. The National Highway Safety Administration estimates using the LATCH correctly will reduce the number of improperly installed child seats by half. If your vehicle does not have a latch system, you may need a special clip to limit movement of the seat belt. Clips are usually available where safety seats are sold. We have all heard “children under 13 years of age are safest when placed in the back seat.” Understanding why can help you better protect your child. Airbags can be extremely harmful to children. When a crash occurs, a sensor sends a signal to the airbags. Harmless nitrogen gas fills the bag, which is fully inflated in 1/20th of a second. Research shows children exposed to airbags during a crash were twice as likely to suffer serious injuries. Airbags were designed with the average sized male adult in mind and not children. Second generation airbags are designed to inflate according to impact, passenger size and proximity to the airbag. With this in mind, the airbag may inflate with less force or not at all. These airbags are still not safe for children. Some airbag safety suggestions are: Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front with an airbag. Doing this will direct the airbag force directly at your child’s head. Do not place a forward-facing child seat in the front seat with an airbag. This will place your child too close to the force of an inflating airbag. If you would like to have your child seat professionally inspected, please visit www.NHTSA.gov to find a safety check point station in your area. Greg Moore is the owner of Legacy Coach Works. He can be reached at (404) 969-CARS or visit www.legacycoachworks.com.
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Community
Community Calendar: October October 1 Art of the Figure Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Ann Litrel Art Studio, 8594 Main Street Information: Drawings and paintings from the Live Model with a live portrait drawing demonstration. Call (770) 5173060.
October 1 – 2 Neighborhood Garage Sale Location: Time:
Eagle Watch 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
October 1 – 3 Woodstock Market and Show Times: Fri. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: 9464 Main Street Information: The show is held the first weekend of every month through December. More than 60 vendors, petting zoo, pony rides and food. For more information, please call (770) 517-7771 or visit www. woodstockmarketshow.com.
October 8 – 9 Neighborhood Garage Sales Location: Time: Location: Time:
Towne Lake Hills South 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wyngate 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
October 9 Taming the Nile 5K Race Time: 9 a.m. Location: Hobgood Park Information: Proceeds will be used to purchase mosquito nets for African families. To register, please visit www. tamingthenile.org.
October 9 Sixes UMC BBQ and Family Fun Day Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton Information: BBQ, yard and bake sale, bounce house and activities for children.
$7 a plate, available to eat there or take home. For more information, please call (770) 345-7644.
October 9 Shred for Cancer Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: 606 Industrial Court Information: Sponsored by Georgia Document Destruction. Cherokee County residents can drop off up to six boxes of files to be destroyed for a minimum donation of $10 per car. All the proceeds will go to the Hieshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. For more information, please visit www.gadocumentdestruction.com.
October 14 – 16 Ghost Tales and Trails: A Storyteller’s Tour of Historic Woodstock Time: Tickets go on sale at 6:30 p.m. behind the gazebo in downtown Woodstock. Final tours depart at 9 p.m. on Thursday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Location: Downtown Woodstock Tickets: Adults $11, children 12 and under $6 Information: Two-time Emmy nominee and storyteller Paul Boehlert will head a line-up of seasoned storytellers for this historic walking tour and “ghost” storytelling event. Proceeds will benefit Greenprints Alliance bike trails and the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Visit www.elmstreetarts.org or www. greenprintsalliance.org or call the Towne Lake Arts Center at (678) 494-4251.
October 16 Paws for a Cause Dog Walk-a-Thon Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Animal Shelter, 1015 Univeter Road, Canton Information: Shelter volunteers will walk shelter dogs to raise funds for Breast Cancer research. Volunteers also will be taking sponsorship donations for the
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LGE
dogs to keep them walking through the holidays. Call Lori Kekel at (770) 3457270 or e-mail her at shelterfriends@ gmail.com.
October 18 Goshen Valley Golf Classic Time: 11:30 a.m. for registration and opening of driving range Location: Cherokee Country Club, 665 Hightower Trail, Atlanta Information: Proceeds will benefit the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. For additional information or to register, please visit www.goshenvalleyclassic.org.
October 23 Good Shepherd Fall Fair Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1208 Rose Creek Dr. Information: Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Family Violence Center, Papa’s Pantry and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s World Hunger Fund. Applications and more information may be found at www.goodshepherdwoodstock.org or call (770) 924-7286.
October 23 Ferst Foundation Read-A-Thon Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: Foxtales Bookstore, 105 E. Main Street Information; Local officials, Woodstock High School teams, teachers, principals and local volunteers all will be on hand to read. Sponsored by the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy. For more information, contact Debby Pinion at (404) 374-2231 or e-mail pinion48@ comcast.net.
770-424-0060
www.LGEccu.org
Community Credit Union
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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Lifestyle by Mike Litrel, M.D.
Quality Family Time When I’m scheduled to perform early morning surgery, I often leave the house with one of my boys to drop him off at school. One morning last week, Joseph and I were taking off a few minutes late when, without explanation, he opened the car door and disappeared into the house. I waited with growing impatience. I’m never late for surgery. One more minute and you can walk…
Joseph makes his way downstairs to commandeer the couch, bury his face in the cushions, and moan about how tired he is. I watch in disbelief as Ann actually makes this human moocher a hot breakfast. Eventually he moseys to the table to leisurely munch his morning repast.
I drive Joseph to school whenever I can. I figure he’s 13 and can use the extra sleep. More importantly, I know he’s not going to live in my house forever, and these moments are precious and fleeting. Theoretically, our drives together are quality family time.
On some level, his lackadaisical teen attitude feels like a personal affront. Nothing is more offensive than a human being milking a situation for all it’s worth – especially when that human being lives in my house. Yet, sometimes when I listen to my parental sermons, I annoy even myself.
But sometimes they feel less like “quality,” and more like “stomach ulcer. “
I have to admit if I were 13, I would actually prefer to take the bus. But Joseph expresses profound sadness whenever we can’t drive together, lamenting he doesn’t “get to spend enough time with me.” I am not fooled. He regrets losing his personal chauffeur.
I backed out of the driveway as a warning signal. Joseph emerged from the house. When he spotted my car’s progress, he stopped and crossed his arms in disapproval. Reluctantly he walked toward my car at such a sluggish pace, I couldn’t help jerking the car away another 20 feet. Joseph halted and glared. I gestured violently. He resumed walking even more slowly. Now fully annoyed, I surged forward 50 yards to the end of the block. Joseph thrust out both arms in a “what’s your problem” gesture, and dragged forward like an angry snail.
It’s enough to make you sick.
Ann and Mike Litrel and their sons, Tyler and Joseph.
I leaped out of the car and threw his book bag on the pavement. “You can walk to school, Joseph!” I shouted. Two neighbors on a morning stroll smiled politely with raised eyebrows, eyeing me in my surgical scrubs, standing in the middle of the street shouting at my son 50 yards away. Ann sometimes complains that I act the same age as Joseph, but I disagree. I’m at least three years older, plus I have a driver’s license, so there. The pace of daily life can act like a pressure cooker, sometimes causing us to boil over. I want to be on time for surgery; I want to give my son a ride. As long as he doesn’t keep me waiting, everything works great. But 13 years olds have their own agendas. Joseph gets an extra half hour at home on the mornings I drive him to school. In my mind’s eye, I picture him using this extra time for some character building activity – doing a few pushups, reading the Bible, cleaning the garage. But in reality,
The only thing I am missing is the hat. Joseph broke into a respectful jog once he saw his book bag on the street, so I decided to give him a second chance. On the way to school, I treated him to a long lecture on the importance of punctuality. I ended by insisting he apologize for keeping me waiting.
“Sir, I am sorry for making you late, Sir,” he recited woodenly. The tone of voice conveyed exactly what he wasn’t saying — words not publishable in a family magazine, mind you. I couldn’t help but laugh. I don’t know what’s more difficult: being a parent and endeavoring to raise a child, or being a child and endeavoring to put up with a parent. At the end of the day, it’s probably an even toss-up. The real task may be just to do your best and enjoy the blessings of your family as much as you can. By the time I dropped Joseph off at school, we were both laughing about something. He jumped out of the car with his book bag and closed the car door. He reached through the window to give me a fist bump. I checked the clock and saw I was still on schedule. I guess it was quality family time after all. Dr. Mike Litrel practices with his fellow OB/GYNs at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Canton and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel lives in Woodstock with his wife Ann and their two sons, Tyler and Joseph. Visit www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
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Lifestyle
Everyday Angels Dear Everyday Angels: I have experienced some of the most troubling times of my life these past few years. If it could happen, it did! I was feeling like everyone’s victim as my husband experienced the dreaded “midlife crisis.” He walked out the door leaving me scrambling to find a job and raise my children. After a year of exhausting my family’s resources and emotional energy, I was embarrassed and had no pride left. Everyday Angels called me on my worst day to ask questions to see what I needed. You did not even know me. You helped pay my utilities that month, and I could not believe it. I was touched by your response when I asked why you would walk into a stranger’s life and help them? You said it was not you or your organization but it was simply God living through you and that I would be alright.
PSST . . .
There is a whole lot of fun going on at
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Most visited pages: • TowneLaker Fan of the Day • Community news, with videos • Restaurant Health Scores Stop by, there is always something new . . .
Will your charity need some help this holiday season? We live in a great community with many helping hands to volunteer their time! Email Kara at editor@townelaker.com with contact information and specific needs of your charity and we will include you in the Holiday Helping Hands section of AroundAbout – TowneLaker in November and December.
Thank you for all that you do. If there is anything I can do to assist your wonderful organization, I will. As Everyday Angels begins its ninth year, we’d like to thank our community and readers who have supported us throughout the years. Your cards and donations have helped make a difference, especially during these challenging economic times.
• Recipe Forums
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Since that day, I have truly believed that I would be okay and looking back, I know that God sent the people and resources into my life to help me make it and encourage me. I know that there will always be tough times ahead but along with helping me with utilities, Everyday Angels taught me a very important lesson in life. With renewed faith, I now always try to make a difference in the life of others as you all did for me – even if I hardly know them.
We are beginning our new year by re-introducing ourselves to our local school staffs and counselors. There are many needs right here among us. We will reach out within our community for clothing and food as well as helping with utilities and rent. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing God glorified and the devil mortified by our actions. We all have been given unique gifts, talents, and blessings to share and there is certainly an abundance of needs and brokenness surrounding us which allows us to share them. Everyday Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides short-term funding (currently up to a maximum of $425 per month) to those in need in our community. If you would like to offer assistance, please send your donations or gift cards to Everyday Angels, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189. No amount is too small. To contact us, please call (770) 615-3349 or email AAeverydayangels@gmail.com.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
october 2010
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Right Wing Tavern Keeping it Local
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our years ago, Right Wing Tavern opened at the start of what was to become the revitalization of downtown Woodstock. Located behind the red caboose on Main Street, next to Morgan’s Ace Hardware, the former train depot has a long and colorful history. Built in 1912, it was a political whistle stop for many politicians. When passenger service was eliminated in 1949, the building served as a city hall, police station, fire station and a community center. A lot of care was taken during the restoration of the Tavern to ensure and maintain the historic integrity of the building. Considering the rich history of the depot, the theme as well as the cuisine for the restaurant
was obvious — American. Owner Jamey Snyder had a vision: to put his name, reputation and work ethic on the line to create a cool and comfortable tavern. Today, his vision has come to fruition, and the Right Wing Tavern is a cornerstone in the downtown Woodstock restaurant scene while striving to keep it local more than ever. Being local means more to Jamey than just locally owned and managed. “As much as we can, we are trying to be regionally sourced for the food we serve. We have formed partnerships with several local purveyors which keeps our menu fresh and seasonal.” In fact, Jamie is able to gather vegetables and herbs from his own one-acre garden in downtown Woodstock. It’s a difference you can taste. Since opening, Jamey has honed the menu to suit the tastes of his customers. “For the most part, we have kept the core menu the same, but offer unique and seasonal weekly specials,” he said. Whether you are there to dine for lunch or dinner, you will find classic American cuisine with a variety wide enough to satisfy every palate. For lunch, try one of the five varieties of wings with cheeky political names like the Coolidge, the Reagan or the Nixon. The lunchtime crowd can choose from an array of salads, burgers and sandwiches. Dinner customers can enjoy an appetizer of fried pickles and fried green tomatoes
or three cheese and garlic beer dip while sipping one of the many American beers, wines or a cocktail made from American spirits! Dinner selections include an 8-ounce sirloin, low country shrimp and grits, soy and local honey sesame chicken or flounder with blue crab stuffing. And if you’re REALLY hungry, go for “The Taft,” a one-pound, fully loaded hamburger — take home box optional! Each night is special, with different themes throughout the week. Tuesday is Pint Night, and customers can keep the glass if it’s the beer of the month. Wednesday is Working Man’s Wednesday with “bluecollar” pricing. Thursday offers bottles of wine at half price. Friday is Dirty Hippy Left Wing Night with live music. Saturday features $5.95 handcrafted martinis and “train spotting” for the kids (a free scoop of ice cream whenever a train rolls by), and Sunday is Team Trivia night. Right Wing Tavern is a perfect venue for parties or large gatherings, and privacy is offered on the enclosed porch, Jamey believes in giving all of his guests a local experience, from the hands on ownership to the food he serves. With a devilish grin, he stated, “Everyone is welcome — even Democrats!”
Open every day except Monday.
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AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Dine and Golf
in Cherokee County
october 2010
AroundAbout — TowneLaker
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Lifestyle
The Latest with Lenses
The Truth About Fillings
by Dr. Steve Keith
by Dr. Scott R. Harden
I’m over 40 and this is hard to read… One universal, frustrating reality is that it becomes difficult for the eye to change focus from far to near as the years go by. Typically by our late 30s - when our kids want to show us something and hold it right by our noses - we pull back to really see what they are holding. By our early 40s, the print on medicine bottles is tough. By our late 40s, most reading is difficult. “But wait, my cousin can see great up close, and he grew up watching MASH and Cheers.” But he can’t see great far away. The eye transitions from a variable focus camera to a fixed focus as the years pass. Those with excellent distance vision start to have trouble up close. Those who have trouble seeing far away find themselves taking off their glasses to read. In childhood, the lens inside the eye is very flexible, and the eye can easily change focus from far to near. The lens is built by layers, and the body keeps building those layers, much like rings on a tree. By our late 30s, the muscles inside the eye are still very strong. However, the lens is not as flexible, and we start to have trouble focusing up close. Because the main issue is the physical anatomy of the human lens, diet, exercise and lifestyle really don’t play a role. For some, their visual centers in the brain will accept more blur and will decipher out-of-focus information. They learn to tolerate some blur. However, most people prefer very clear vision. Thankfully, we have many modern solutions. The progressive addition lens is today’s bifocal and gives the best visual performance for most eyes. It blends near power down through the lens to take advantage of the eye’s natural movements when we read. We lift our eyes to see the horizon, and the top of the lens is built for distance. We drop our eyes to read, and the bottom of the lens has power to supplement the natural human lens. Computer progressives, also called occupational progressive lenses, are optimized for the distance to the screen. The very top of the lens is blended to see across the room, about 15 feet away. The main body of the lens is designed for the computer distance, and the very bottom of the lens is set for very small text. Contact lenses can be helpful, but success rates are lower than glasses. Many prefer the clarity of eyeglasses. There are three main contact lens approaches. One is to best focus the eyes for distance and use reading glasses. The second is monovision, where one eye is focused for distance and the other for reading. continued on page 96 40
Thank you, Lori Moller, for inspiring this article during a recent visit to our office. Lori provided her unbiased opinion stating she believed her dental fillings lasted a lifetime. This is such a big misconception in dentistry. Lori granted an in-depth telephone interview to provide further insights as to why she felt her fillings would last throughout her entire life. QUIZ: 1. Fillings last a lifetime; true or false? 2. How long do dental fillings last? 3. All fillings last about the same time; true or false? 4. People’s mouths don’t influence how long fillings last; true or false? 5. All dentists achieve the same quality fillings; true or false? 6. Old fillings have to fracture before they need replacing: true or false? 7. Fillings don’t get decay around them; true or false? (Answers: found throughout the article.) Most people are not very enlightened about their dental fillings, and have the same notion Lori did. Most of us receive fillings when we’re children, and dentists seldom volunteer an explanation of how long these fillings should last. During routine discussions with patients, it is evident a large majority of patients believe dental fillings placed during childhood will last for the remainder of their lives. When you consider our mouths are constantly moist, 98.6 degrees and full of millions of bacteria, it is as the Listerine commercial used to say, “a battle ground”. Our mouths contain more bacteria than the entire world’s population, while our bodies house approximately one trillion bacteria. Bacteria get into our teeth because of many imperfections, and despite the defense of our saliva, immune system, brushing and fluoride, cavities still develop. Decay must be removed and is accomplished by drilling and creating what is termed a “cavity prep.” The cavity prep is now filled, traditionally by “amalgam” (silver filling) or more recently by “composite” (white fillings), to create a new surface that is impervious to future decay, but realistically not forever. So, how long do fillings last? Dental fillings are affected by many variables and can last for only a few years or for decades depending on the abuse they must withstand. Fillings require replacement when a filling breaks out of the continued on page 88
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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Lifestyle
Renew, Reuse, Repurpose by Shelley Herod The new term being used in the decorating world is “repurpose.” Establishing a new use or finish for an object would define repurposing. You can reuse, refinish and repurpose furniture that you already have to create a new look for a minute price. Remember that an item doesn’t have to be limited by its name. Do not think that a piece of furniture has to remain in the same room for which it was purchased. The most adaptable piece of furniture to repurpose is a dresser. Simple techniques such as painting, adding new hardware, or enhancing the top can make a significant change. Outside of the bedroom, a dresser can store towels and toiletries in the bathroom, be topped with a butcher block to create an island in a kitchen, or simply store infrequently used items in the garage. A table is another piece that can be converted easily. An average size dining table with its legs shortened can become a coffee table. Taking that a step further, if you add batting to the top and cover with fabric, you have an ottoman. Repurpose the leaves of the table for shelving or use antique tabletops as artwork for the walls. Old weather doors can be utilized as tabletops. Many of us have ditched bulky television sets for flat screens. The television armoires can be painted a fun accent color and added to the bathroom as a linen cabinet. If you change the wooden doors to glass, you’ll have a wine cabinet. My favorite is creating a workstation, which is a perfect solution if you don’t have a home office. The cabinet can be home base for your office and computer equipment, and the doors can be closed to disguise the clutter at the end of the day. Another very simple solution is to convert it to a toy storage cabinet. How many times have I said, “Paint is your best and cheapest friend?” If you have a quality piece of wood furniture but the finish doesn’t work in your space, it would be a sin to get rid of it rather than repurpose it. If your room is a little too dark, paint mismatched pieces with a fresh coat of white paint or black paint if the room needs to be grounded. The room will pull together instantly. Achieve the Pottery Barn look by using a sander to create an antique finish for a fraction of the price. Add new hardware as a final touch. Old mirrors and frames can transform into completely new items. Convert an old picture frame and into a serving tray. Add a piece of wallpaper or fabric where the photo would go, and add handles to both ends. VOILA, you have a serving tray! Use several oversized frames painted the same color and back them with cork to make corkboards to hang above a desk. If you need to shed a little light in the dining room but a mirror gives off too much continued on page 88 42
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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Lifestyle
Birds Roll out as Fall Rolls in by Scott Lemmon
C
herokee County will play host to thousands of winged visitors for the next few weeks, as birds from across the country migrate to their fall and winter destinations. This is a very exciting time for birdwatchers and individuals who feed wild birds, because many species not native to the area will be passing through and will be seen at feeders, in birdbaths, in yards and in other natural settings. We’re also on the lookout for those bird species that arrive here to spend the winter, like Juncos, White-Throated Sparrows, Hermit Thrushes and Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers (yes, there really is a bird by that name; it’s not just an insult thrown around in the old spaghetti westerns). Migration is a fascinating part of bird behavior. It appears that age, sex, weather and the availability of food, water and shelter are the major factors in migratory behavior.
“More than 300 bird species found in North America during the summer will make their way to Latin America and the Caribbean, some covering distances of nearly 7,000 miles! The Atlantic Flyway is a major migration “superhighway” that takes many birds through north Georgia.
More than 300 bird species found in North America during the summer will make their way to Latin America and the Caribbean, some covering distances of nearly 7,000 miles! The Atlantic Flyway is a major migration “superhighway” that takes many birds through north Georgia. While migration is still not completely understood, it appears that some birds orient themselves by the stars on clear nights
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while others seem to have a built-in magnetic compass. Some birds travel over large bodies of water, and it is not uncommon for birds to lose one fourth to one half of their body weight during over-water migration. In order to survive their grueling trip, birds accumulate fat prior to migration. This physiological change helps the birds maintain their energy reserves. Not only can we enjoy migrating birds as they pass through our area, but we can also play a role in their survival by providing food, water, habitat and/or shelter to help them conserve and replenish their energy supply during their journey. Scott Lemmon can be reached at (770) 928-3014 or e-mail him at wbuwoodstock@comcast.net.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Lifestyle
Let’s Talk Diabetes by Joe Kafati, DPT Diabetes and its complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and contribute substantially to one’s health care costs. According to the American Diabetes Association, the estimated costs associated with diabetes in the U.S. in 2002 totaled $132 billion. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) estimated that in 2007, the total number of people in the United States affected by diabetes was 24 million, or 8 percent of the U.S. population. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes) results from auto-immune beta-cell destruction in the pancreas and is characterized by a complete lack of insulin production. The body destroys the cells that would normally produce insulin, which is a hormone that helps regulate the sugar levels in your blood by changing sugars into energy. In effect, insulin decreases your sugar levels. If insulin is “Non-modifiable risk not regulated properly, factors for Type 2 the dangers are sugar diabetes include age, levels that are too high (hyperglycemia) or race or ethnicity, family levels that are too low history, history of (hypoglycemia).
gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and a low birth weight.”
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or the body has an abnormal resistance to the insulin produced. Diabetes can cause a number of possible complications that include nervous system damage, kidney and eye damage, cardiovascular disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Who is at risk? Non-modifiable risk factors for Type 1 diabetes include family history, race and certain viral infections during childhood. Non-modifiable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include age, race or ethnicity, family history, history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and a low birth weight. There are some risk factors for Type 2 diabetes that can be affected. These include your Body Mass Index (BMI) (which is a measure of your body fat using your height and weight), physical inactivity, poor nutrition, high blood pressure, smoking and alcohol use of these mentioned, research has shown that an elevated BMI is one of the strongest risk factors. continued on page 96 46
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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Lifestyle
Why Girls Don’t Play Football
Moms and Kids
by Kara Kiefer
by Colin Morris
As a regular fixture at my son’s football games, I’ve come to a few conclusions regarding why girls don’t play football. The obvious reason is, of course, football is dirty and stinky. However, as I watch more and more football, I’ve come up with the top five reasons girls more than likely will never play football.
1. The uniforms.
There is not one girl out there who would wear an outfit that is designed to make your rear end and thighs look huge. And what’s this about wearing someone’s old uniform? Girls only want NEW!
2. The Yelling. It’s commonplace to see teammates yell at each other on the sidelines, especially if one of them messed up. If you had a group of girls on the sidelines and one of them started yelling at another, things would go much differently. More than likely, the helmets would come off, followed by a loud back and forth exchange. You might even see some hair pulling and crying.
“Girls don’t like to talk numbers when it comes to their weight, much less have it printed on a card for the entire world to see. ”
3. Listening to the Coach. Listening to the coach is not the problem. However, I can’t imagine a group of girls willing to get on one knee to listen to a man. That is an unlikely scenario.
4. Lock-in Camp. You have to all sleep in the cafeteria? On an air mattress? And share a common bathroom? For a week? Definitely not happening.
5. The Stat Card.
During the first home game, we received cards with all the varsity players’ statistics: number, height and weight. Girls don’t like to talk numbers when it comes to their weight, much less have it printed on a card for the entire world to see. Not in this lifetime. If we could get cute, flattering uniforms, refrain from yelling at our teammates and not have to spend a week sleeping on a cafeteria floor, I can see more and more girls going out for football. However, until that time, this girl is perfectly content sitting in the stands cheering on her son! Kara Kiefer is the Editor of AroundAbout — TowneLaker. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and sons Brandon and Garrett. 48
Fall in North Georgia makes me smile. The trees turn every shade of the autumn rainbow. Everywhere you look, there is a festival or a pumpkin patch. Have you noticed that October brings out almost as Colin Morris with her children (left to many decorations in right) Patrick, Micaela and Gabriel. the neighborhoods as Christmas? We love to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Nothing says fall like a pumpkin. Here are some of our favorite pumpkin things to do in the fall. I take pumpkin pictures of my kids. This tradition in our family started when they were little, and I would take them to the pumpkin patch. For several years in a row, I had these adorable pictures of them in their toddler jeans standing among the rows and rows of pumpkins. Something about the bright orange and the fall harvest light gave the kids an angelic glow. Now, I try to carry on the tradition. Although I must confess that for the last two years, I have just hauled our three pumpkins into the back yard and made the kids sit around them. Maybe not quite the same feel, but they still turn out pretty good. I like taking a theme picture at the same time every year. It helps me see how much my kiddos have grown. We also carve our pumpkins. I try to buy a carving kit at the end of the last season and stash it away. We have found that the Internet has a ton of designs you can print and transfer onto your pumpkin. Keep in mind the difficulty rating, so that you don’t end up committed to a larger project than you really want. We scoop out the seeds because some members of the family love roasted pumpkin seeds. I rinse the seeds off and then dry them in my salad spinner. I put them on several baking sheets and then drizzle them with a little butter and shake some Lawry’s season salt over them. I bake them at 350 degrees for 30 minutes stirring every so often. Yumm! Wondering what to do with your pumpkin after Halloween? My sister gave us a pumpkin turkey kit to use on an uncarved pumpkin. There’s a head and five or six tail feathers, and each piece has a metal spike at the end that you press into your pumpkin. Before you know it, your pumpkin is transformed into Mr. Turkey. Since you are only making small cuts into the pumpkin, it lasts a while. Enjoy the cooler air and the season with your little pumpkins.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Zinfandel by David Heckelmoser Most of you probably think of the blush semi-sweet wine when someone mentions Zinfandel. Actually, it’s a red wine variety that is very popular in California, and it can range from a robust red wine to the blush, semi-sweet Zinfandel. The grape came to the United States in the mid 19th century and has flourished here ever since. The variety’s origin was a mystery until recently when DNA testing traced the Zinfandel roots to an indigenous Croatian grape named Crljenak. It’s found to be genetically identical to Italy’s Primitivo. Outside of the Zinfandel grown in California and Italy’s Primitivo (grown in the Puglia region), there are only isolated plantings in South Africa and Australia. Red Zinfandel has robust red fruits and a spicy, sometime peppery aroma with plenty of tannins and alcohol, with blueberry, raspberry and plum flavors — think of plum and currant jelly. The red Zinfandel grape also is used to make white Zinfandel wine. During the wine making process, the dark skins of the grape spend less time in contact with the juice, giving the final product a blush appearance, and a lighter and semi-sweet result. Occasionally, Zinfandel is fortified, and can be marketed as a California port style. I have had several of these and would recommend looking for them. Think of Zinfandel as the Golden Retriever of red wines because it loves everything at the table and can handle a variety of tastes.
Pairing suggestions: White Zinfandel — fruit and fruit salsa, mild cheese, lighter pasta dishes and roasted turkey. Red Zinfandel — barbecued chicken, pork, ribs, strong cheeses (Bleu), lamb, spicy and grilled sausage. Go for grilled beef with a full bodied Zinfandel. Red Zinfandel wine suggestions from California: Orin Swift “Prisoner;” Buehler, Four Vines “Biker;” Paso Robles, “Seghesio” brand and specifically “Rock Pile Road Vineyard.” Until next time, cheers! David Heckelmoser is a professional member of the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Specialist of Wine CSW, Atlanta Chapter Sommelier Les Marmition. october 2010
AroundAbout — TowneLaker
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Lifestyle
Meet Your Community
Butterfly in the Cocoon of Grief by Cindy Morrow I met Julie a few months ago. She’d come to the coffee shop with a computer and a hurting heart. She’s in Canton to be with her mother as she is in the last stages of Alzheimer’s disease. I haven’t been near nor had much grieving in my life, but there’s a dignity and rightness to a journey ending at home surrounded by the ones you loved and who love you. A trained meditation instructor, she shuttles between her job and family in California and her role and family here. “This coffee shop is my little oasis; it is so peaceful here.” She sips her cold drink. “I can check out for a while, check my e-mail and remember…. dying is just a part of life.” Her previous career as a hospice nurse prepared her in many ways. Her previous role of daughter makes this time completely different. We all knew her mom was dying; there’s no doubt now. All we could do was wait, care for her personal needs, and make her comfortable. A few weeks ago a monarch butterfly fluttered before her as Julie entered in the doorway. We laughed at the unexpected beauty and the lift it gave her day. Then, it seemed most every time she visited lately, one hovered outside the window where she sat, even though she sat in a different place each time. Our hearts really need so little, but need that little so much. When I could, I’d sit with her and we’d talk about the seen, the unseen and the eternal. How the caterpillar thinks his world is ending, when it’s just begun, but differently. How you’d never look at a caterpillar and imagine a butterfly! About how scary it is to be in the dark, but how precious it is to be held by friends and family while in the dark. Our community includes not only those passing through, but those passing on. Hospitality to strangers seems a global measurement; maybe it’s less a ruler than a mirror of a community’s heart. I hope the reflection Julie sees of ours is one of warm hospitality that somehow cools and refreshes. And now, you’ve met Julie.
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AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
october 2010
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Feature
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AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
october 2010
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Lifestyle
Support for Cancer Patients Minimizing the emotional and mental strain after diagnosis By Christy Chappelear Andrews, executive director, Cancer Support Community-Atlanta
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you face a tough battle. Aside from the obvious physical challenges, cancer patients often fight against overwhelming feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and a loss of control – even when they are surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends. When and if you are ready, talking about your cancer with others who understand can help you cope with the uncertainties ahead and provide tremendous benefit during your treatment and recovery. Some days, it’s about the cancer. Worries about burdening loved ones with your disease or how to help them fully understand your struggle can cause plenty of emotional and mental strain. Some days, it’s life itself that challenges you. Finding the right kind of support at the right time can be critical to your emotional, social and spiritual recovery from cancer. It also can teach you more about the cancer itself and help you make more educated decisions throughout the course of your illness.
The value of support groups Over the last 25 years, there has been extensive research on the positive effects of support groups as a method of coping with cancer, improving quality of life and, in some studies, even increasing survival. They help reduce the stressors commonly associated with cancer – unwanted aloneness, loss of control and loss of hope. In fact, research conducted at the Cancer Support Community (CSC) has shown that people who participate in quality psychosocial care, including support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs and stress-reduction classes either face-to-face or online, report significant decreases in depression and stress, increased selfconfidence and zest for life, stronger knowledge of their
disease and a new attitude toward their illness. Support groups are not for everyone; nor are they all the same. Many types of groups are available and, at the Cancer Support Community, all are professionally led by licensed therapists or leaders certified in their field. Some groups are disease specific (breast cancer, colorectal cancer, etc), age or gender specific (young adults, men, women) or for patients at a certain stage of cancer. Groups also are available for loved ones and caregivers.
Partners in your recovery The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide have joined together to become the Cancer Support Community – the nation’s largest professionally led network of social and emotional support for cancer patients, their loved ones and caregivers. In Atlanta, the organization has had a unique partnership with Northside Hospital for 10 years, extending an already powerful network of cancer care. More newly diagnosed cases of cancer are diagnosed and treated at Northside than at any other community hospital in Georgia. CSC-Atlanta hosts many educational, social and therapeutic programs – all of which serve as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment: educational seminars support groups l special support programs for children l gentle exercise classes l art therapy programs l stress reduction programs l other social and educational events l cooking demonstrations – expanding in 2011 l l
Programs are led by licensed therapists and trained professionals who have years of experience in offering encouragement and hope. Everyone whose lives have been touched by a cancer diagnosis, regardless of where they were treated, is welcome to participate at no charge.
Programs are available in Atlanta, Forsyth and Cherokee. For more information, visit www.cancersupportcommunityatlanta.com. 54
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Soccer Season
Medicare Guide 2010
Prime time for foot, ankle injuries
by Dawn D. Marr
by Dr. Steven Weiskopf Soccer is great fun and exercise, but it also brings injuries. Parents and coaches need to think twice before coaxing young, injury-prone players to “play through” foot and ankle pain. Skeletally immature kids plus games that have them starting and stopping and moving side to side on cleats is a recipe for foot and ankle sprains and worse. Kids will play with lingering, nagging heel pain that, upon testing, turns out to be a stress fracture. Their injuries are worsened by continuing to play and ignoring the pain. Stress fractures can be subtle – they don’t always show up on initial x-rays. Symptoms include pain during normal activity and when touching the area, and swelling without bruising. Treatment usually involves rest and sometimes casting. Some stress fractures heal poorly and often require surgery, such as a break in the elongated bone near the little toe, known as a Jones fracture. Soccer’s constant running can place excessive stress on a developing foot. Pain from overuse usually stems from inflammation, which can be around the growth plate of the heel bone, more so than a stress fracture. Kids’ growth plates are still open and bones are growing and maturing until ages 13 to 16. Rest and, in some cases, immobilization of the foot, should relieve the inflammation. Other types of overuse injuries are Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis (heel pain caused by inflammation of the tissue extending from the heel to the toes). Sudden ankle sprains are also common to soccer. Ankle sprains should be evaluated by a podiatric physician to assess the extent of the injury. If the ankle stays swollen for days and is painful to walk or even stand on, it could be a fracture. Collisions between soccer players often take their toll on toes. When two feet are coming at the ball simultaneously, the ball turns into a cement block. The weakest point in that transaction is usually a foot, with broken toes the outcome. The toes swell so much the player can’t get a shoe on, which is a warning sign for young athletes and their parents: If they are having trouble putting on a shoe, they shouldn’t play. This season, be aware that the health of your child’s feet and ankles should never be ignored. Dr. Steven Weiskopf, a board certified podiatrist with Village Podiatry Centers, specializes in treatment and surgery of the foot, ankle and lower leg. His office is located at 1198 Buckhead Crossing. october 2010
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease, which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Basic Medicare covers many health care services and supplies, but there are many costs, or gaps, it doesn’t cover. New laws have changed Medigap policies (Medicare Supplement Insurance). A Medigap policy is private insurance that pays some costs that basic Medicare doesn’t cover. Medigap policies pay your share of the costs of Medicare-covered services, such as coinsurance, copayments or the deductibles. You must have Medicare Part A and B to purchase a Medigap policy.
“As of The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services if June 1, 2010, you meet certain conditions. there have been Part A (hospital insurance significant changes 80/20) covers inpatient care for Medigap in hospitals, skilled nursing facility, hospice and home health policies.” care. Part B (medical insurance) cover doctors’ services, outpatient care, certain preventive services to maintain your health and to keep illnesses from progressing. Part C (Medicare Advantage plans, like a HMO or PPO) is run by private companies approved by and under contract with Medicare. It includes Part A, B, and usually provides other coverage like prescription drugs. The disadvantage is the company can change doctors or drop you without your consent. Finally, Part D (prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, may lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future. As of June 1, 2010, there have been significant changes for Medigap policies. Medicare Supplement Plans E, H, I and J aren’t available for future enrollment. If you already had these plans before June 1, 2010, you can keep them (grandfathered). There are two new Medigap Plans – Plan M and Plan N. In addition, benefits for Plans A, B, C, D, F and G have changed. All standardized Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable, regardless of your health issues, as long as your premium is paid. Medicare reform means some seniors face benefit cuts. Seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage may soon find their benefits have been cut.The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your six month open enrollment period. This period begins the first day of the month when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, an insurance company
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“My love of Georgia and desire to make it even better for my children is what inspired me to serve in state government.”
A Public Servant with a Clear Vision for Georgia! Around the Georgia Capitol he is known as the taxpayers’ best friend. Senator Chip Rogers has become the voice of many who want government smaller, more transparent, and less intrusive. Senator Rogers has also gained the trust and respect of members on both sides of the aisle. He was unanimously elected senate majority leader in 2008. Never afraid to take on the tough issues, Senator Rogers has earned a reputation for his willingness to lead. • Senator Rogers authored the first comprehensive state law in America dealing with illegal immigration. His work on this issue has become model legislation in a number of states. • Senator Rogers wrote one of America’s toughest laws against identity theft. • Senator Rogers gained national attention for his successful four-year effort to finally outlaw dog fighting. • Senator Rogers twice passed through the Senate a constitutional amendment to limit state spending and require surplus tax dollars to go into the reserve and back to taxpayers. • Senator Rogers authored and passed into law a comprehensive overhaul of the Georgia property tax system. Beginning in 2011, Georgia property owners will have true fair market property assessments and a fair process for appeals. • Senator Rogers was a driving force behind eliminating the Georgia senior retirement tax. • Senator Rogers led the way to eliminate the Georgia state property tax. • Senator Rogers wrote the law that created the Open.Ga.Gov Website so that everyone can see where Georgia tax dollars are being spent. The Website is recognized as one of the best examples of government transparency in the nation. • Senator Rogers authored the Grade Integrity Act to ensure teachers control the classroom and the grade books so that students receive the actual grades they earn. • Senator Rogers has been an integral part of the leadership team that balanced the last two state budgets by reducing state spending over $3 billion, while not raising taxes.
State Senator Chip Rogers
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“Regardless of how tough the issue, Senator Chip Rogers is always willing to take it on and lead. His hard work and commitment produces real results for Georgia.” — Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
Senator Chip Rogers believes Georgia can become more prosperous and better educated by following the foundational principles of our founders – more economic freedom, more educational freedom, and more personal freedom.
Senator Rogers’ 2011 Agenda • Constitutional amendment to limit state spending and require surplus funds go into the reserve and then be returned to taxpayers. • Expansion of the successful Special Needs Scholarship to foster care children and children in military families. • Tax code overhaul to make Georgia the most business-friendly state in America. During the last eight years, Senator Rogers has established a new standard for open government and constituent interaction. He has held more than 120 town hall meetings in the district, which is believed to be the most held by any elected official in Georgia.
Chip Rogers - Our Senator & Georgia’s Majority Leader
State Senator Chip Rogers Office: 404-463-1378 chip@SenatorChipRogers.com SenatorChipRogers.com
Paid for by Friends of Chip Rogers
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WOODSTOCK FOOTBALL
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Photos by Skip Daugherty october 2010
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ETOWAH FOOTBALL
Photos by Marguerite White october 2010
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Community Hits Links for Scholarship The day was ideal for a round of golf. But this wasn’t just any old day of golf; this was the 10th Annual Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA) golf tournament, held at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. Players enjoyed a round of golf, friendly competition, lunch and dinner and an awards ceremony, all while raising money for the TLBA Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund. Each year, the TLBA awards a graduating senior from Etowah and Woodstock High Schools a $1,000 scholarship. 2 The TLBA would like to extend a “thank you” to Title Sponsor AroundAbout — TowneLaker and Gold Sponsor Cycle Works Sanitation as well as all the Hole Sponsors!
Title Sponsor AroundAbout – TowneLaker
ace 1st Pal m Te Gold Sponsor
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Cycle Works Sanitation & Recycling
Silver Hole Sponsors Unique Hair Salon – Kathy Pucci Tom Cramer Company Vantage Card Services Joseph W. Segraves Drawdy CPA Services, LLC Twisted Technologies Publix Super Markets State Senator Chip Rogers Merino & Jarvis, LLC Towne Lake Family Chiropractic Five Pillars of Hope – Gloria Snyder RBM of Atlanta – Kyrus Frames McStatt's Printing Company El Ranchero Mexican Restaurante Source 5 Payroll 62
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1. Bill Crawley, Jerry Hansard, Gary Jackson and Scott Gilbert. 2. Steven Roberts, George Kinney, Jon Lamonte and David Kapchinske. 3. Jim Vadino and Melissa McMillen. 4. Matt Fryer, Darrell McIntyre, Bruce Gaston and Joe Holbird. 5. Chris Dilday , Marc Replogle and Marc Sobel-Sorrell. 6. Bill Ratliff, Joe Segraves, Mark Peykoff and Wayne Kosbe. AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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Schools & Sports
Tennis Fest Raises Funds for Boys and Girls Club
SCRA 8U Allstar Team Celebrates a Great Season
BridgeMill Tennis Center recently hosted the 16th Annual KIA Tennis Fest. The event was sponsored by Sheriff Garrison Charities, Inc. and raised $4,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Cherokee County.
Congratulations to the SCRA 8U Allstars for success at the Dizzy Dean World Series in Southaven, MS. The team had a 7-1 tournament record, and were the champions of the Consolation Bracket. The team also placed third in the district, fifth in State “A” and finished the season with a 25-12 record. Congratulations!
Left to right: Pat Perry, David Carricker, Sheriff Roger Garrison and Mike Perry.
Readers are Leaders! Woodstock High School football players and cheerleaders recently visited Woodstock Elementary School to read to students in the morning before school. Students are excited to come to school every Thursday and Friday morning to listen to their role models read to them. Zoe Yurchuck reads to students.
Taylor Barie Captures Tournament Title Taylor Barie (right) recently won his first 16U tennis tournament at Sandy Springs Tennis Center. The 14-year-old, who turns 15 in January, wanted to challenge himself by playing up in the 16U division. He defeated both the number one and number two seeds to win his first championship. “I went into the tournament not expecting anything and ended up beating some kids who drove themselves to the tournament,” said Taylor, the son of Carrie and Brian Barie. Congratulations!
Front row (left to right): Willie Hockman, Mason Gentry, Nick Fagerburg, Mason Port and Cole Noeller. Middle row: Vince Miller, Lucas Newport, Parker Kruglewicz, Cason Rich, Aaron Osada, Benjamin Stokes and Caleb MacCracken. Back row: Coaches Davis Port, Matt Hockman, David Osada, Tony Scott (head coach) and Billy Rich
Register Now for Junior Winter USTA Registration now is open for Winter USTA. It’s recommended that teams consist of four girls and four boys. Levels range from beginner to advanced, and all levels have the chance to qualify for state competition next summer in Macon, GA. Matches are tentatively set for Tuesday afternoons with lineups consisting of boys singles, boys doubles, girls singles, girls doubles and mixed doubles. Age divisions are 18 & Under, 14 & Under, 12 & Under and 10 & Under (which will play on the 60’ court). Annual USTA Junior memberships are $19 and league fees are $23 per child. Each team also needs a captain/manager. For additional information, please e-mail jrcoordinator@cherokeetennis.org.
Please Send Us Your Homecoming Photos! We will feature them in the November issue • We are extending our deadline to October 15. Email your photos to editor@townelaker.com and then look for yourself in print. 64
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The World is Changing Owners
Cherokee Christian Wins First Soccer Game
The World of Gymnastics and Cheer recently welcomed new owners, Jackie and Tim Courtwright, who first worked at World in 1994 and became fast friends with the founders, Laura and Greg Mikszan. After stepping away to raise their family and pursue other opportunities, Jackie and Tim approached the Mikszans about selling. “It’s the right fit,” stated Laura. “They have been a part of this place almost since the beginning, and they share the philosophy that every child makes a world of difference.” Laura will remain with the business as Community Outreach Coordinator. “Laura and Greg have had such a positive impact on the community, and we look forward to continuing that legacy,” Jackie said. The World campus is located at 104 Victoria North Court. For more information, please call (770) 516-6898 or visit www. worldofgymnasticsandcheer.com.
Cherokee Christian High School junior Tyler Henderson (#20) takes the ball down the field as junior Daniel Mills (#15) and freshman Ty Cox (#18) assist. The CCHS Warriors went on to beat Heritage Academy 4-1 in the first game of the season.
Etowah Cheer Hosts Dress Sale to Benefit Cancer Etowah High School cheer squads recently held “Something Special,” a vintage dress sale of gently worn homecoming and prom dresses, benefitting the American Cancer Society. With dress sales, community contributions and proceeds from a raffle conducted by freshmen cheerleaders, $1,754 was raised. The remaining dresses were donated to the students at the Devereux Center in Kennesaw.
Banking, only better! october 2010
LGE
770-424-0060
www.LGEccu.org
Community Credit Union
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Schools & Sports
The Case for QuickStart, Again by Jason Fleeman QuickStart is a whole new ballgame for kids tennis! With equipment and courts tailored to suit their needs and abilities, kids will feel confident as soon as they pick up a racquet. The shorter racquets, slower and lighter balls, and smaller courts - all of which make up the QuickStart Tennis format - allow kids to rally back and forth over the net right away and enjoy the game right from the start. In 2008, USTA Georgia approved using the QuickStart format for a number of sanctioned tournaments. In 2009, USTA Southern approved QuickStart throughout the South. In 2010, USTA National approved 10&Under competition be played on 60-inch courts and 8&Under Competition be played on 36-inch courts. Even the International Tennis Federation is mandating the QuickStart format in January of 2012. In a study (www.10andundertennis.usta.com), 28,000 children were asked why they play sports, and the top answer was “fun’” followed by “to do something I am good at” and “to improve my skills.” “Winning” did not even make the Top 10!” I enjoyed reading Mark Billson’s September article, “What Age Is Too Young To Start?” Mark stated, “It is not the amount of tennis that a child plays, but the amount of pressure-free tennis that keeps them in the game.” Seventy percent of children quit organized sports by the age of 13 because it’s not fun anymore. Several years ago, I was a coach with expectations that may have been too high for competitive juniors. I am proud of the many state, southern, and national juniors I taught. Looking back however, I wonder how many children I may have pushed too hard because of my high expectations rather than just letting them have fun? QuickStart has given me a “new start.” Making a commitment to USTA in 2009 and to children under 10 years old, I gave QuickStart the chance it deserves. It has paid off greatly! I have a 10&U group I have been teaching for 18 months. Boys in that group were regional 8&U champions in November 2009. They also qualified for the 10&U state championships in Macon 2010. Anyone who thinks QuickStart doesn’t work should come watch these children on Thursdays at Eagle Watch. QuickStart, and other aspects of “social” tennis, can be a “haven” where children can get away from their overstructured lives and learn to move, play and create. Research indicates that kids develop personal motivation and a love of the game when they are given ample opportunity to participate in unstructured free play. Let’s make sure to give each child this opportunity. For more information, check out www.10andundertennis.usta. com. If a tennis program near you does not support or promote the QuickStart format, contact me and I will help you find one. Jason is a USPTR professional, a USTA Georgia Tennis Professional of the Year and director of junior tennis programs at a local club. Jason can be reached at jasonfleeman@gmail.com. 66
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Halloween Happenings and Fall Festivals Towne Lake and Woodstock Happenings Fall Festivals Carmel Elementary School 1 – 5 p.m. October 23, including the school’s first one-mile fun run beginning at 8 a.m., sponsored by the Running club. Children in grade 2 and younger must run with a parent or older sibling. No charge. For more information, visit www.cherokee.k12. ga.us/schools/carmel-es. Boston Elementary School 5:30 – 8 p.m. October 15, including inflatables, carnival games, prizes, basket raffles, music, food and more. Towne Lake Community Church 4 – 8 p.m. October 30 for all ages. On October 3, “It’s all about Kids” at the 10:30 a.m. service. For more information, call (678) 445-8766 or visit www.tlcchurch.com. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church The church will host its annual Fall Fair on October 23 which will benefit local organizations. The day will include free games and activities for children, entertainment by Translucent, a local Christian band as well as other church musicians. There also will be food available for purchase from the Butchers Block. For more information, call (770) 924-7286.
Towne Lake Area Events: Kids Fest 3 — 7 p.m. October 30 at the downtown city park. The event will include Halloween trick or treat activities for the younger ghouls and goblins, including moonwalks, DJ, games, Tim the Magician, Adam the Juggler, the ever popular stringed apple and pumpkin bowling games, face painting, costume contest and candy give-away. Come early and enjoy dinner at the downtown restaurants and vendors. Trophies
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for the funniest, scariest and best costume at 6 p.m. in front of the Gazebo! For more information, visit www.woodstockga.gov. Moonlight Madness Safe Kids Cherokee County will host its annual “Moonlight Madness” event at Kroger on Towne Lake Parkway, 4 – 7 p.m. October 28. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and compete in the contest. Games, food and treats will be scattered throughout the store. Area firefighters will carve pumpkins, and Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services will discuss fire safety and hand out replacement batteries for smoke detectors. For more information, call (678) 493-4343. MOMS Club of Woodstock — Towne Lake The MOMS Club of Woodstock-Towne Lake will host an open house for moms and kids at the Trunk or Treat, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. October 27, at the Summerchase subdivision playground (1st right off Summerchase Drive). Wear your favorite costume. Free food and play. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Dawn Barnes at momscluboftownelake@ gmail.com. Sixes United Methodist Church – Trunk or Treat 5 – 7 p.m. October 24, members of the church will decorate their car trunks and give away treats. Children encouraged to wear their costumes. For more information, please call (770) 345-7644. Woodstock Music Festival Noon – 10 p.m. October 2 at the Downtown City Park. This new all-day music festival will feature different local bands every hour for all musical tastes. Food vendors and fun for the kids! Bands to be announced. For more information, visit www. woodstockga.gov.
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Cherokee County Happenings: Cagle’s Dairy MAiZE The Cagle’s Dairy MaiZE is an intricate network of twists and turns carved into acres and acres of corn. Food concessions are also available. The maze, with more than three miles of paths, will be open in October on Fridays 5 – 11 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets are $10. Farm tours are available for $7 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Hayrides and bonfires are Fridays and Saturdays 6 – 10 p.m., with tickets $7. The Haunted House will open October 1, Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. – midnight. Tickets are $12. Discounted combination tickets are available. For more information, visit www. caglesfamilyfarm.com.
Pumpkin Patches: Hillside United Methodist Church Dates: October 11 – 30 Times: 1 – 8 p.m. daily Sixes United Methodist Church Opens on October 2. Times: 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., 12 noon – 7 p.m. Sundays. Proceeds go to missions and outreach of the church’s youth and children’s ministries with 10 percent of profits to be donated to Cherokee MUST Ministries. For more information, call (770) 345-7644. Berry Patch Farms 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. October 2 – 30, and weekdays October 18 – 29 3:30 – 7 p.m. Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, and enjoy apple cider, homemade fried pies, boiled peanuts and popcorn when you return. Also featuring a playground and baby farm animals. For more information, visit www. berrypatchfarms.net.
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Cherokee County School Board Update by Debi Radcliff Fall is in the air; athletes have taken to the fields, and everyone has settled into their daily school routine. Seems like just another school year? Not quite. You all know that everyone in the school system, from custodians to administrators, teachers and secretaries, students and parents, are being asked to do more with less. There is no doubt that there will be increased moments of stress and frustration this year as employees go about their daily routines with less resources and manpower. Our employees will keep smiling and keep plugging along, maintaining a professional atmosphere as we travel this path of “less and less.” Their efforts are not going unnoticed – we appreciate all they do for our children. I’ve been asked by many parents what they can do to help ease the strain. Thank you for asking. My best advice to parents is to be patient this year and to be more involved! Volunteers may help fill some of the voids. PTAs may be asked to help fill more needs – giving of your time and talents would be a great way to help our schools during these lean days. Thank you for caring about your public schools! Support your PTA! Congratulations to all the “My best advice to teachers selected as Teacher of the Year at their schools. parents is to be patient What a great honor to have this year and be more been recognized by your involved. ” peers as someone who makes the job of teaching a wonderful learning experience. As of this writing, the district teacher of the year has not been selected, but it is sure to be someone we will all come to know and recognize as the best of the best! Congratulations to the teachers and staff at Etowah High School, and former principal Ron Dunnavant, for being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for outstanding gains in student achievement. This is no small hurrah – only 300 schools across the United States are recognized for such achievements. Once again, the Cherokee County School District is a leader in the field of public education! Keep up the great work. Great things are happening in our public schools. Stay involved to be informed! Debi Radcliff is Post 6 representative and Vice Chairman of the Cherokee County School Board. You may contact Ms. Radcliff by e-mail at Radfam5@bellsouth.net. 68
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Etowah Named Blue Ribbon School Etowah High School recently was chosen as a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. Etowah is one of only six schools in Georgia and 304 nationwide to receive this honor. The Blue Ribbon program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either high performing or have improved student achievement to high levels, especially among disadvantaged students. Etowah won in the category for high achievement regardless of student background. The program is part of a larger Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. Principal Keith Ball said, “The students, staff, and entire Etowah Eagle community shares in this award. Receiving this recognition is a by-product of the hard work and dedication of committed students and staff who truly believe that excellence is the minimum. It is truly an honor, and we are humbled to be one of only two high schools in the entire state to win.”
desire to serve as a leader of the 21st Century for the remainder of his high school career and beyond. This selection mirrors Justin’s vast involvement in leadership activities and his dedication to community service. Justin is the son of Elizabeth Edwards. Congratulations!
Cherokee Christian Opens New High School Cherokee Christian School staff and students recently celebrated the unveiling of its new high school, accepting students in grades 9-12, at 3075 Trickum Road in Woodstock. For more information, please visit www.cherokeechristian.org or call Kim Howell at (678) 494-5464.
Carmel Hops Back in Time Carmel Elementary School went back to the 50s for its annual Sock Hop. More than 300 students attended the event, with the girls dressed in poodle skirts and the boys clad in jeans, white tees with rolled-upsleeves and hair slicked back. The students enjoyed music and refreshments, and prizes were given to the best costumes for the boys and girls. Left to right: Girls’ costume contest winners Caroline and Gigi Barsh.
Left to right: Mike Owen of Lusk Construction, Scott Rossman of Regions Bank, CCS Director of Operations Hal Scripka, CCS High School Principal Dr. Rod Kirby, CCS Superintendent Mike Lee, CCS Board Member Richard Goff, CCS Board President Martin Hawley, County Commissioner Jim Hubbard and CCS Elementary Principal Robert Lester.
Relay for Life Woodstock High School faculty and staff recently kicked off the annual Relay for Life fundraising by purchasing special shirts to wear with jeans every Tuesday from now until the end of the year. So far, 97 faculty and staff members are participating.
Woodstock Senior Honored for Leadership Woodstock High School senior Justin Toliver recently participated in the 2010 CNN Leadership Unplugged Conference. Justin also was selected to serve as an executive committee member for the 21st Century Leaders Youth Advisory Council. According to 21st Century Leaders’ Executive Director Robert Watson, Justin was selected based on his commitment to Left to right: Justin leadership in the Toliver and Robert Watson. 21st century and his october 2010
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Schools & Sports
You Can Make A Difference Shelby Bates
Do you have one person that has inspired you or made a difference in your life? That one person who has been there for you through thick and thin? I know we all do, but sometimes it’s hard picking one person; however, when you actually sit down and think about who it is, you will find someone. I know you will! The person that has made a difference in my life and has inspired me, is my swim coach, coach Falco. He has pushed me to where I thought I was going to drop dead! Nonetheless, he pushed me through and I was more than okay… I was great! My legs were sore, I was in dire pain, and my face was bright pink, but I loved every minute of it. Before every race, Falco said, “Go Shelby!” Which meant the absolute world to me; and after he cheered for me, I usually had a successful race. I remember ever since Coach Falco took me in his group, he wanted me to succeed in everything, not only swimming. He always is there for me to talk to and he makes me smile each day at practice. So who has helped you in life? Who has put a smile on your face? Who do you want to keep in your life forever?
Mitchell Harrison
The person who has made a positive difference in my life both in the past and present is my grandfather. My grandfather has taught me a lot of things and has helped me where I need help. My grandfather has taught me a lot, including sports, history of the world and history of my family. My grandfather taught me how to kick a football the proper way and how to tackle. That may not seem important to you, but this has changed the way I play football. I also am very good at social studies because of things he has taught me. I respect my grandfather for helping my family and me and also serving as a pilot during the Cold War. My grandfather has also helped me with one of my main projects that dealt with the history of my family giving me a lot of information and helping me get an “A.” My grandfather has taught me that in order to be successful you must work hard. Thanks to him, I am constantly trying to do better and work harder. He has also taught me that if you respect people they will respect you too.
Anna Winters
My best friend and cousin, Maribeth, has made a difference in my life. Maribeth has been through so much and has done so many things. She has helped me to realize that you need to be thankful for what you have. She has helped me realize because last July, her dad died of cancer. Her dad had been battling cancer on and off for four years and he was a fire fighter. When her dad died it was a slow and sad process but she showed me through the process that when you are going through hard times that you need to stay strong. I have realized that I am very lucky to have a dad as great as mine. Sometimes I think it is good to stop and think about just how lucky you are. Some kids are dealing with the death of a father or some are dealing with divorce. I am going to try my best to be more thankful for what I have, just like Maribeth did. Do you think you could try to be more thankful, too?
Staci Thomas
My brother has always been there for me. He has helped me with so much like homework, advice, rides home from school, or even cooking me dinner. He has showed me how to keep going when things are hard mentally and physically. He told me that if anything is hard, I need to keep going, push that thought of it being hard out of my head. He has also shown me how to have fun and a good time. I can remember when I was about six years old, and he helped me build a tree-house. That was fun, and we spent time together which showed me he really cared. Even though we often fight, we still love each other very much. My brother has been a great role model. I will always look up to him. He is currently in basic training but I can’t wait until he comes home. Who is the person that has made a difference in your life?
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Electronics Recycling by Brooke Doss If every American recycled or donated their old electronics, they would keep two million tons of material from being thrown into landfills, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most electronics contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury. Recycling electronics prevents these toxic chemicals from getting into our soil, air, and water, and reduces the amount of energy and materials used to create new items. Some companies that collect and recycle old electronics are Office Depot, Best Buy, Staples, Sony, Dell, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. Call or visit their websites to see what items they accept and the condition they must be in. Before you recycle your old electronics and appliances, try to donate them! This will benefit your community, and lengthen the existence of the items. Contact charities in your vicinity, or ask about collection events. Common items for donation include old televisions, video cameras, VCRs, computers and printers, cell phones, pagers, and MP3 players. Some companies offer 10 percent off your next purchase for returning old MP3 players. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electronics and other appliances account for about twenty percent of electrical bills in a standard American home. One easy way to increase your savings is to use a power strip. Plugging electronics into a single strip will allow you to power off all your devices at once. Also, when buying electronics, look for efficient, long-lasting products, which will decrease the amount of waste you produce, and keep you pleased with the device for longer. Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing section of municipal waste, and the most common type of e-waste is batteries. According to the EPA, the Battery Act was signed into law in 1996, to deal with two primary concerns: to eliminate the use of mercury in rechargeable batteries, and to supply collection methods and recycling to promote the proper disposal of batteries. Batteries that end up in landfills can cause serious health risks. Rechargeable batteries are a much safer and cheaper alternative to single-use batteries. A single rechargeable battery can take the place of up to one thousand single-use alkaline batteries in its lifetime (www.informinc.org/fact_CWPbattery.php#bwps). Rechargeable batteries can be recycled at no cost to the consumer, guaranteeing the appropriate disposal of toxic chemicals that are frequently used in these batteries. In many cities, there are retailers that will recycle most types of batteries; and if the battery is not recyclable, they will get rid of it safely. To find such a retailer near you, go to www. earth911.com. Brooke Doss, 16, is the reigning Miss Cherokee Rose Outstanding Teen. Her platform is ‘Teens Live Green! — Reducing Our Carbon Footprint.’ She is passionate about living green and educating others on the importance of this issue and what they can do to help save our environment. 72
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School Information Public Schools Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/carmel-es Chapman Intermediate School 6500 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-6424 Principal: Dr. Pam Colvin www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/chapman-es E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 924-6260 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA. 30189, (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Bob Hahn www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 592-3500 Principal: William Sebring www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ woodstock-hs
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Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms
Private Schools American Heritage Academy 2126 Sixes Road Canton, GA 30114 (770) 926-7779, www.ahacademy.com Principals: Maryann Radnovich (PreK & K) Sharon Day (1 — 12 grade) PTO President: Fran Chandler Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org Principal: Hal Scripka
Lyndon Academy 9914 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 926-0166 www.lyndonacademy.org Headmaster: Linda Murdock New Life Christian Academy 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton, GA 30115 (770) 345-3010 Principal: Katherine Knoke North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 975-0252 www.ncchristian.org Headmaster: Todd Clingman Omega Learning Center 5330 Brookstone Drive, NW, Suite 320 Acworth, GA (770) 792-7431
Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92 Acworth, GA 30102 (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah
Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road Kennesaw, GA 30144, (770) 926-7729 www.shilohhills.com Administrator: John D. Ward
Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road Acworth, GA 30102 (770) 974-9091, www.harvestbaptist.org Principal: David Goings
St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org Principal: Pat Allen
Cherokee County School District 2010 – 2011 Calendar at a Glance
October 11 No School, Furlough day November 2 No School, Teacher Work Day November 22 – 26 Thanksgiving Break December 20 — January 4 Christmas Break January 17 No School, MLK Day February 21 – 25 Winter Break March 18 No School, Teacher Work Day April 4 – 8 Spring Break May 27 Last Day of School Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Parent Connect: https://pcxp.cherokee.k12.ga.us School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
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by Sonia Carruthers
Interactive Event Features Youth Helping Youth Over the last year, the Cherokee FOCUS collaborative has been developing the Cherokee Youth Council, a diverse group of youth that represents different schools, GED programs, home schools and area colleges. The group is a mixture of teenagers who are leaders, followers, trailblazers and some who have strayed down the wrong path for a time. It is a collaboration of youth who may be black, white, brown, bi-racial, Christian, Jewish, non-denominational, athletes, artists, musicians, or scholars. According to Youth Council Chairman Keven Pimentel, age 18, “We are all different, therefore we can make a difference.”
that particular issue. For example, a teen might draw a card that sends him to spin the “Wheel of STDs,” where a public health professional will be stationed with information on this issue. Youth will be present to speak firsthand about teen pregnancy, underage drinking and speeding, and the negative effects some of their choices have made in their lives. There will also be plenty of vendors representing organizations that offer help for the teens. The ultimate goal of the game is to move through life’s challenges. In order to win, participants must reach high school graduation, where they will receive a certificate showing they complete the event.
To help the teenagers pull together this event, several “youngThe vision of the Cherokee Youth Council is to live in a county at-heart” adults are in the background offering guidance on where all youth have the opportunity resources, contacts, set up and day-ofto create a youth-friendly environment event activities. These adults come from with access to resources and support the Cherokee Department of Juvenile “The vision of the Cherokee to make this environment a reality. Justice, district attorney’s office, solicitor’s Youth Council is to live in a Council members meet to discuss the office, Highland Rivers Mental Health, county where all youth have challenges facing today’s teenager. It’s Family Solutions, Focus Counseling, the opportunity to create a an understatement to say there has been a Towne Lake Arts Center, Fellowship of wide variety of issues brought to the table. Christian Athletes, New Life Church, and youth-friendly environment Drugs, alcohol, home life, peer pressure, Cherokee Youth Works. The council also with access to resources sex, bullying, education, health, teen addresses the goals of the Live Healthy and support to make this driving, and social media issues are just a Cherokee coalition, recently begun with environment a reality.” few of the topics discussed. Each subject funds donated by Kaiser Permanente. has an entire sub-layer of concerns that any teenager may be faced with at any time. While any Cherokee County teenager is welcome to attend the event at no charge, the challenge In an effort to address issues important to teens and to identify is designed for youth in grades 7-10, including homeschool area resources and support services, the council has planned students and teens who aren’t enrolled in school. the Cherokee Youth Challenge for November 2. The theme is “Electing to Make Positive Choices,” and the event was planned Sonia Carruthers is the Executive Director of Cherokee FOCUS. for Election Day so teens who are out of school can attend. You can e-mail her at cherokeefocus@alltel.net or visit www.cherokeefocus.org. Because the event is designed by teenagers, it will not look like a typical youth summit. There will not be many adults speaking at kids about the dangers of drugs or Internet safety; they’ve heard that stuff before. The focus will be youth working with youth to examine the choices they face, and the consequences of their Cherokee Youth Challenge choices The Cherokee Youth Challenge is an interactive event that’s modeled after the board game “Life.” The actual event is considered the game board, and each teen draws a card, and moves through the event according to the instructions on that card. The focus will be on five categories: Drugs and Alcohol, Relationship Issues, Driving and Safety, Sex/Abstinence and Technology. Each challenge is a “destination” where the youth might land, and will be manned by adults who are a resource for
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When: November 2, time TBA Where: New Life Church, 154 Lakeside Dr., Canton (just off I-575 at exit 14) To register: No charge. Preregistration required by calling Kevin Pimentel at (770) 345-5483 ext. 1 or visiting www.cherokeefocus.org.
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Schools & Sports
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Event Raises Money for Local Animals
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hat’s more fun than a shopping spree? An auction of course! The excitement of man vs. man in a race against time and the almighty dollar, awaiting the outcome of who would prevail to redeem the object of his desire. Ah yes, the thrill of it all. How does it get any better do you ask? Add a gourmet buffet dinner, raffle, door prizes, live entertainment and music, a chance to hobnob with the movers and shakers of our community and people who want to make a difference, and you’ve got an evening of exciting treasures, palatable pleasures, sensational sights, delectable sounds and inspirational words. Mix this all in a bowl, stir vigorously, and you’ve created the 2010 CCHS Annual Dinner Auction. This exciting fundraiser helps support the Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS), which serves the people and animals of Cherokee County. It offers a variety of programs including adoptions, low cost spay and neutering, low cost vaccinations, assistance with emergency medical care and humane education for people of all ages. CCHS is a private facility and receive no local, state or federal support. It is supported solely through sales from their thrift store and your generous donations. The majority of their adoptable animals are in foster homes. These adorable babies are waiting for a permanent home where they will receive the love and care they so justly deserve. This dinner auction is just one way they are able to raise the funds to
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accomplish their mission. This years event was held at the Cherokee County Administration Building and Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center. The evening featured Moby in The Morning, live music from Jeff Byrd, and guest speakers State Representative Charlice Byrd and Senator Chip Rogers. The Committee Co-Chairs, Sherri Rubin and Tana Greer (pictured on right) were very busy ladies, being pulled in every direction. Many volunteers came out to help make the event a success. Hundreds of items were up for auction, from gift baskets, jewelry, and restaurant gift certificates to a 32” TV, diamond ring, custom dog house and Harley Davidson riding outfit, and the room was buzzing with anticipation. CCHS has helped 280+ animals get spayed or neutered and 875 animals get adopted in 2009. They accept donations at their Thrift Store at 5900 Bells Ferry Road and also have adoptions at local PetsMarts. You can check for times and locations on their website at www.cchumanesociety.org or call them at (770) 592-8072 for information. Check out their Bark Park behind the store. Plan on attending next year’s dinner auction, you won’t want to miss it! If you would like to volunteer to help with adoptions, please call Ottis Moore at (770) 592-8072. The Cherokee County Humane Society, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization.
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Are You Calling Me Fat?? by Dr. Randy Beck Is your pet chubby, portly, rotund, fluffy, weight challenged or have a little extra padding? I see it all the time and unfortunately have the duty of letting a lot of clients know that the extra weight is simply fat and is causing obesity. Obesity and fat are such negative words so we try to use cute words to describe a potentially deadly problem in both dogs and cats. Obesity in pets can contribute to diabetes, arthritis and a severely shortened lifespan. A few medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Cushings disease, can cause excessive weight gain in dogs. Both cats and dogs can have growths such as tumors in the abdomen and sometimes fluid accumulation from tumors, heart disease, or inflammatory diseases. However, the majority of the time an increase in weight means one thing: too much food and not enough exercise. Many diets are out there to address this problem and many of them are great, but they will almost always fail if the owners do not measure and restrict the amount of food eaten. You can eat all the low calorie food you want, but if you eat enough of it, then you will still be fat. The same goes for pets. We definitely see a greater percentage of our pet population as being overweight than in the past and the answer is usually pretty simple: We love our pets and want to make them happy! If your pet begs, then it is human nature to want to feed and reward. If he/she is tired, then we want to provide him/her with rest. The ugly truth is that most dogs and cats are like my own in that they get to lounge around a lot and eat whenever they want. When I see dogs and cats in great shape, I try to express how well the owners are doing in keeping them fit. Approximately 33 percent of adult dogs and cats are overweight. More than 50 percent of pets between the ages of 5 and 10 are obese. I personally have a very plump kitty named Big Al, so I certainly need to practice what I preach. So what is the secret to getting your pet to lose weight? Unfortunately there’s nothing magical. The only thing you can do is to figure out your pet’s daily caloric requirement and feed 20-30 percent less. The daily caloric requirement is 14.5calories/pound plus 70 calories, so a 50-pound dog would need around 795 calories per day. This is a generalization, and inactive dogs need less. While it’s not always easy finding how many calories are in pet food, look online at the manufacturer’s website. The most common problem I see is overfeeding treats. Some dog treats might be very healthy, but they also contain a lot of calories. It is not uncommon for some treats to have as many continued on page 88 80
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Marriage Moments by Rev. Bill Ratliff Some of you truly are suffering in your marriages. Things are not going well. You are not communicating or connecting effectively. You feel sad, lonely or hurt or all of these. You are at the end of your marital rope or standing on the emotional edge of the cliff. You ask yourself, “What should I do?” Regardless of the amount of hurt in your marriage, there is a way to begin the healing process. If there has been some kind of horrific pain in your marriage caused by a specific event or decision made by one of you, then you need to apply principles of damage control. If you have sinned against God, confess it: I Peter 1:9. If your spouse had sinned against you forgive it: Ephesians 4:32. If your marriage troubles have affected your children or anyone else, go to them, and let them know they are deeply loved. If you are committed to your marriage, let your children know that truth. Do not use your children as sounding boards or as free counsel. All they need and want to know is that you will do everything you can to work it out.
“Do not use your Although he is not one of my children as sounding heroes, Al Gores’ announcement of his separation from his wife Tipper boards or as free hurt me. They have been married counsel .” a long time and seemingly been happy. Reportedly, they just “grew apart.” To me, that means they exercised no damage control and did almost nothing to try and grow together. I don’t know for sure what happened to them. I hope they sought counseling. Regardless, they gave up. Even though your marriage seems on the rocks right now, I encourage you not to give up. There is more at stake than just your marriage. Everybody you know will be affected by the demise of your marriage. Hang in there. Pray and seek God’s plan for your relationship. He wants your marriage to succeed more than just staying together. The God of the universe wants your marriage, just like your life, to be a light in the darkness. In John 16:33b Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” If Jesus can overcome the world, he can certainly overcome the struggles in your marriage. It just takes two who want to plus One who CAN.
Date Your Mate: Take your spouse to a Braves game during Bobby Cox’s last season. Apart from the traffic jam, the parking, the crowd and certain annoying fans, you’ll have a lot of fun. Bill Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He is also a member of the Around About — TowneLaker’s Community Board. He can be reached at (678) 445-8766. 82
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BabySpeak by Dr. Doug Thrasher Recently, our daughter’s family came to visit. This included one of our grandchildren, Charlotte. Charlotte is 20 months old and talking up a storm. I had forgotten what baby speak sounded like and was amazed at how well she could communicate, if you could understand what she was saying. Charlotte’s favorite word is, “NO!” My guess is that she has heard that word a lot because she is a rather busy little girl and always getting into things. The problem is, she says, “NO” when she means no and “NO” when she means “yes.” It’s all a matter of interpretation. One of her favorite snacks is “papasicles.” She calls them that because she knows the word Papa, which is her name for me. I doubt she is making any comment on what she thinks of her Papa when she wants a snack. Interestingly, I learned that “Popsicles™” were invented by a granddaddy and named by his grandchildren. Charlotte is beginning to put two and three words together to make sentences. Not too long ago, it was time for a nap and she did not want to quit playing with her GiGi (her name for her grandmamma). So, as my daughter was carrying her off to the bedroom, Charlotte reached out for my wife, Debbie, crying, “GiGi, save me!” Even though GiGi usually fulfills every one of Charlotte’s wishes, momma won that round, and Charlotte took her nap. Another of her favorite words is “gen” meaning “again.” We got a call one night and our daughter told us she hoped we felt very blessed. Then she told us that when she and Charlotte were saying nighttime prayers, when she said, “God bless Papa and GiGi” Charlotte would say, “gen,” so she said, “God bless Papa and GiGi” again. They did this approximately 30 times. We know we are very blessed, indeed. As our visit was coming to a close, Debbie, otherwise known as GiGi, and I, otherwise known as Papa, were walking in the yard with Charlotte. I had to leave them for a moment to do something, and as I was walking back, I heard Charlotte yelling, “Papa, ‘mere.” That is baby speak for, “Papa, come here.” I can’t tell you how sweet those words were to my ears. And all this has got me to thinking, in the same way that we have to interpret baby speak, I imagine God has to interpret all the ways that we relate to Him. And, I imagine, there are no sweeter words for God to hear than, “Papa, ‘mere!” “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God… and by Him we cry “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:14-16) Dr. Doug Thrasher is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the AroundAbout — TowneLaker’s Community Board. You may contact him at dthrasher@hillsideumc.org. october 2010
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Towne Lake Area Religious Services Baptist
Jewish
Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner
Chabad Jewish Center 1635 Old Hwy 41 NW, Suite 112-265, Kennesaw (770) 771-9952, info@JewishwestCobb.com Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat of each month at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat of each month at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWestCobb.com
First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Paul Vance New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 10:50 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Monty Guice www.newvictoriabaptistchurch.org South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert
Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Episcopal Church of the Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta, (770) 928-7916 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Rector: Rev. Paul McCabe www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler
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Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life” Messianic Jewish Fellowship 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock (678) 936-4125 or (678) 445-8766 Shabbat Services — Saturday’s 10 a.m. Rabbi Gary Maxted www.tlchaim.com (partnering with TLC Church, Woodstock, GA)
Lutheran Celebration of Grace Lutheran Church 2260 Holly Springs Pkwy, Suite # 120, Canton (770) 503-5050 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Sunday School: 9 a.m., Faith Formation: 9 a.m. Pastor: Virginia Krekling www.CelebrationofGrace.org Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.goodshepherdwoodstock.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien
Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church Service at the Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org
Presbyterian Cherokee Presbyterian Church, PCA 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton, (770) 704-9594 Sunday Services: 9 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday School: 11 a.m. Pastor: Alan Lutz www.cherokee-pca.org Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jake Marshall
Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry Niese www.stmichaelthearchangelwoodstock.catholicweb.com Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com
United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Millie Kim www.bascombumc.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church Worship Experiences at Johnston Elementary School 2031 East Cherokee Drive, (404) 862-7850 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:45 a.m. Nursery available at both times Pastor: Chris Bryant www.COAHUMC.org First United Methodist Church of Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 926-6440 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Over 50s meet 1st Saturday each month at 11:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude Herbert Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org
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Towne Lake Area Religious Services Liberty Hill Church Worship at 930 Marietta Highway (Cherokee High School), (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 10:45 a.m. Nursery available Sunday School: All ages, 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Jim Buckman www.sixesumc.org
Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 — 8:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Axios Church 155 Rickman Industrial Drive, Holly Springs (678) 493-5969 Sunday Service: 10:15 a.m. Pastor: Ray Brim www.axioschurch.org Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 2355 Highway 92, Acworth, (770) 917-9040 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church Meeting at Woodstock Middle/High School (770) 517-2977 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Pastor: Chuck Angel www.bridgepointechurch.org
Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb Carmel Road Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 12:30 p.m. Sacrament Meeting: 2:15 p.m. Bishop Phil Karski Canton Ward, 3459 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 10:20 a.m. Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. Bishop Scott Harman Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Covenant Christian Center 330 Adam Jenkins Memorial Blvd, Canton (770) 345-0307 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Apostle Kito J. Johnson www.CityOfCovenant.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White Freedom Church Meeting at North Cobb High School 3400 Old Highway 41 NW, Kennesaw, (770) 529-6006 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.freedomchurch.tv Pastor: J.R. Lee
Celebration Church 340 Towne Lake Parkway (678) 461-9626 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.
Jubilee Church (Newfrontiers) Meets at Kell High School 4770 Lee Waters Road, Marietta (678) 471-1930 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. www.jubileechurch.us
Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson
Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth (Cherokee Corners) (404) 663-1828 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas
Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92 (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Larry Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com
Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5, (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv
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Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org The Pointe Church Hasty Elementary, 205 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, (404) 557-9640 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Brian Jones www.myfriendschurch.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Greg Goebel www.resurrectionwoodstock.org Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Messianic Jewish Fellowship (Tikvah l’Chaim): Saturday 10 a.m. The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m. Celebrate Recovery: Friday 6 p.m. Sr. Pastor William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Unity Christ Church 2871 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, (770) 422-9552 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Terrence Padgett www.unitycc.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Small Groups: 6 p.m. Wednesday Meal: 6 p.m.; Worship: 6:40 p.m.; Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Aprenda Ingles Gratis (Free ESL): Lunes 7 — 9 p.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Bryan Collins www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Greg Brown www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 8534 Main Street, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael
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The Truth About Fillings
MRSA
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tooth or the tooth breaks around the filling leaving a gap and exposing “dentin,” which is the layer of soft tooth structure beneath the enamel very vulnerable to bacteria. Fillings also require replacement as they chronically disintegrate from years of physical deterioration at the junction of the filling and tooth, allowing bacteria to penetrate down the sides of the filling into the tooth, causing “recurring decay.”
antibiotic cream. Then, there is a subset of kids with normal immune systems who continue to have recurrent medium to even large-sized abscesses.
Bacteria inside the tooth can cause decay by producing acid that destroys tooth structure. Another common cause of recurring decay is an old philosophy of placing a small filling in the middle of a tooth surface with many grooves that were not all included in the cavity prep (known today as “extension for prevention”), nor were the grooves sealed, resulting in these grooves eventually experiencing recurrent decay. Thus fillings or teeth do not have to break in order to replace a filling. Fillings don’t last a lifetime. Fillings last 10-15 years based upon historical average. The best time to replace fillings is once they demonstrate “marginal” breakdown (gaps between the filling and tooth) so that recurrent decay is kept at a minimum. Realize that decay happens, and fillings need to be replaced multiple times in your life. This will avoid the surprise felt by Lori and many other patients. Dr. Scott Harden is a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry and has served the Towne Lake area for more than 21 years. He is a Dental Advisor for two nationally renowned dental research companies. You can reach him at (770) 926-0000 or visit FountainViewSmiles.com.
Medicare Guide 2010 continued from page 55
can’t use medical underwriting. It can’t refuse to sell you any Medigap policy or charge you more for a Medigap policy because of health problems. While the insurance company can’t make you wait for your coverage to start, it may be able to make you wait for up to six months for coverage of a preexisting health problem. If you apply for Medigap coverage after your open enrollment period, there is no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a policy if you don’t meet the medical underwriting requirements, unless you are eligible for guaranteed issue rights. Insurance companies set prices for Medigap policies in three ways: Community rated, which gives the same rate to every individual within a specific zip code regardless of age or health; issue-age-rated which is based upon the age you are when you buy, and won’t change as you get older; and attained-age-rated which is based on current age, so your premium goes up as you get older. Dawn Marr holds current Georgia licenses in life and health insurance, variable products as well as Series 6 and 63 for securities. She can be contacted at (404) 354-9410 or ddmarr59@aol.com. 88
Studies are under way to determine if antibiotic cream mixed with salt water and sprayed up the nose a few times a day can help. But no one is sure how long this therapy would have to be repeated, and studies have yet to show great results. Other studies have patients taking a diluted bleach or chlorhexadrine bath once or twice a week to remove germs from the skin’s surface. But again, the results haven’t been significant, and no one knows the exact amount of medicine to put in the bath. Research is continuing, so stay tuned! A great website that discusses MRSA in even more detail is www.cdc.gov/MRSA. Georgia has produced a nice pamphlet that can be found at the Georgia Department of Health’s website. If you find yourself with a sore that won’t go away or is worsening, see a doctor immediately. These resistant germs are not ones to be messed with. Dr. Amy Hardin is a pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics, and she and her family are residents of Towne Lake. Check out Northside Pediatric’s website www.northsidepediatrics.com/and be our friend on our new Facebook page.
Renew, Reuse, Repurpose continued from page 42
reflection, try using an old window backed with a mirror. Not only does it add interest, but the panes will diffuse the reflection. Chairs, side tables, stools, and benches can be relocated easily from room to room. A bench from the end of your bed can be moved to the kitchen table to replace two chairs, and then stashed to the foyer. Your look will never get stale, and your guests will assume you have new furniture. Next time you are thinking about throwing away a household item, stop, think and be creative! It might be the perfect piece to be repurposed.
Are You Calling Me Fat?? continued from page 80
as 80-90 calories. Avoid the treats, or offer very low calorie substitutes like fresh green beans. Remember that grapes and raisins can be toxic, so stay away from them! If you are having a hard time with your pet’s weight, ask your veterinarian to tell you the target weight and suggest ways to get them back to that lean, mean, eating machine that they once were. Dr. Randy Beck is the owner of South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital located at 513 Sharp Street in Woodstock.
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Reference
Towne Lake Area Clubs and Organizations Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: Keller Williams Realty, 220 Heritage Pkwy Contact: Steve Monahan, (770) 712-4077 Website: www.CherokeeToastmasters.com No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday morning at 7:30am Location: Corner Bistro off Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: Stephanie Natarus, (770) 928-2700 stephanie@livinginsured.com Website: http://www.meetup.com/No-Fee Referral-Network-Woodstock/ North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Steve Green, (770) 427-2799 Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: October 19 at 12:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 Website: www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377 Website: www.powercore.net Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Latimer Hall Contact: info@woodstockcba.com
CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS. Cherokee County Special Olympics Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Location: CrossRoads Middle/High School Contact: Colleen Konwick, (770) 517-7101 Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Contact: Amy Economopolous (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 Website: www.cacadopt.petfinder.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: Candice Knight, (770) 795-9349 Website: www.feedmylambs.net Genesis Adoptions Contact: Lindsay Kirk, (770) 517-0043, lkirk@genesis-adoptions.org Website: www.genesis-adoptions.org Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia. Contact: (770) 345-1879 Website: www.habitatncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com Website: www.hopectr.com Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: Shari Koch, (770) 218-1997 Website: www.hospiceadvantage.com iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Meeting: First Monday at 12 noon Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 Website: www.iCORorphans.com
Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 Sons of the American Legion Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Church Contact: Charles Tucker, (678) 643-0794 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Terry Morrison, (770) 715-3375 Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & third Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (770) 926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958
Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158
Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 Website: www.papaspantry.org
Charitable Organizations
Civic Organizations
American Legion & Auxiliary Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Church Contact: Charles Tucker, (678) 643-0794
Cherokee County Animal Shelter Auxiliary Contact: (770) 704-PAWS or ccasa4paws@yahoo.com Website: www.ccasauxiliary.org
Beta Sigma, Kappa Chi Chapter Meeting: Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact: Maria Kuhn, vccibaker@aol.com or April Bolle, (678) 327-7233
Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115, admin@cchumanesociety.org Website: www.cchumanesociety.org
Hickory Flat Optimist Club Meeting: First & third Tuesdays 12 noon Location: Family Tradition, Highway 140
Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@ southernco.com
MUST Ministries Contact: Kim Loesing, (770) 479-5397
AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50 and older. Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944
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Kiwanis Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (678) 494-4841 Website: www.kiwanisofwoodstock.org
Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: (770) 993-3145 or (770) 926-0627
Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: Chad Arp, (678) 493-4343 Website: www.cherokeesafekids.org
Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika. org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org
Junior Service League of Woodstock 24 hour information line: (770) 592-3535
Meals “Fur” Pets has pet food collection bin at AroundAbout — TowneLaker offices. Contact: Steve Monahan, (770) 712-4077 Website: www.mealsfurpets.com
Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Stephanie Natarus, (770) 928-2700 stephanie@livinginsured.com Website: www.womenofwoodstock.com
Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hour, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 Website: www.ahimsahouse.org
Contact: Alan Flint, (770) 720- 9056
Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663
Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Third Monday at 7 p.m. Location: The Holly Springs Train Depot Contact: Judy Hamilton, (770) 380-7071, jkmailbox@yahoo.com Website: www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: Fourth Monday at 7 p.m.; Breakfast at Right Wing Tavern first Saturday at 8 a.m. Location: Justice Center in Canton Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli, (770) 592-6545 Cherokee County Republican Women Meeting: Third Wednesday, Dinner at 6 p.m., Speaker at 7 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s at BridgeMill Contact: (678) 520-2236 for reservations Website: www.ccrwcga.com
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Recreation & Hobbies
Support Organizations
Airstream Caravan Club Website: http://home.windstream.net/topofga/ Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044
Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131
Allatoona Gold Panners Location: Creeks around Lake Allatoona Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044 rrkelly@bellsouth.net Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Location: Woodstock Art Center, 205 Arnold Mill Rd. Contacts: Madeline Hall, (678) 754-8482 woodstockartcenter@comcast.net Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 Website: www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting First Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: BridgeMill Community Center Contact: Jim Millsap, PIO, (770) 928-8590 Website: www.cherokee-ares.org/ccars
Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Meeting: First Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Atria, 1000 Professional Way Contact: Atria Woodstock, (770) 926-0119 Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551 Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com
Cherokee County Arts Center Meeting Fourth Friday at 10 a.m. Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 Website: www.CherokeeArts.org
CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 Website: www.casaforchildren.org
Cherokee County Saddle Club Meeting Third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Family Tradition, Hickory Flat Contact: Tamma Trump, (770) 655-0819 Website: www.cherokeesaddleclub.com
Cherokee Autism Spectrum Support Group A support group for families with children on the autism spectrum. Contact: Heidi at hcf67@comcast.net or Renee at mrjperrelli@yahoo.com
Cherokee Fencing Club Meeting: Beginners, Wednesdays at 5 p.m.; Club, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Location: Recreation Center, Main Street Contact: Andy McCann, (678) 494-9750 Website: www.cherokeefencingclub.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Contact: Dan Baldwin, 770-846-4843 Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Melanie Williams, (770) 345-2983 Website: www.cherokeemta.org Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com Girls Night Out is for single or divorced women. Meeting: Monthly dinner, time & date TBA Location: Different restaurants around Atlanta Contact: roxann.arce@comcast.net Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Meeting: Third Tuesday Contact: Carolyn White, (770) 926-6756
Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org Website: www.fosteroradopt.org C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. 24-hour information line: (770) 517-3043 Depression and Bipolar Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: 8534 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: (770) 560-7112, healthymoods@aol.com Website: www.Myspace.Com/healthymoods Emotions Anonymous Meeting: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contacts: Cindy, (770) 928-6554; Sherry, (770) 926-1889 Fellowship of Companies for Christ International Meeting: Second & fourth Thursdays at 7 a.m. Location: Woodstock Family Restaurant Contact: Randall Hill, (770) 516-5887
Hearing Loss Resource Group Contacts: Cathy, (678) 483-9135 WoodstockSHHH-info@phydeaux.org JDRF Cherokee Pickens Family Support Group for families of children with Juvenile (type 1) diabetes. Meeting: Second Saturday Location: River Green Subdivision Facilities Contact: Tom, (770) 345-4864, Tom@brushwithart.com Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church Contacts: Marguerite, (770) 926-2791 Megan, (770) 517-0191 Miracle Mothers is for women trying to conceive or adopt. Contact: Melissa, (770) 516-1078 Website: www.miraclemothers.org MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30189 Contacts: www.momsclubtownelake.com momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOMS Club Woodstock — 30188 Contacts: momsclubwoodstockn@yahoo.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Tues. a.m. or Wed. p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: (770) 926-4428, www.fbcw.org Mothers & More Meeting: First & third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Kroger at Towne Lake Contact: Michelle Wise, (770) 720-8834 Website: www.woodstockmm.com National Alliance for Mental Illness Family Support Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays, 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Jill, (404) 394-1229 or Patrick, (678) 654-2091 Website: www.nami.org National Psoriasis Foundation Support Group Meeting: First Tuesday at 7 p.m. (call for directions) Contact: Scott Bell, (404) 218-6626 Website: http://support.psoriasis.org/woodstock Overeaters Anonymous Meeting: Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Location: H.O.W. Place, behind fire station on Bells Ferry Road at Old Bascomb Court Contact: Lois, (770) 592-6421 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711.
Singles of Towne Lake 35+ holds monthly mixers. Contacts: Lisa, (770) 597-3430 LisaR789@bellsouth.net
Georgia Canines for Independence Meeting: First Monday at 6:30 p.m. Location: 6683 Bells Ferry Road, Suite H Contact: Ramona Nichols, (404) 735-3647
S.N.A.P. offers resources for children with special needs. Meeting: Second Monday from 10 — 11:30 a.m. Location: 100 Hickory Circle, Holly Springs Contact: (770) 720-4068
Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization. Meeting: Third Sunday at 1 p.m. Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (800) 753-2264
Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275
Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899
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Reference
Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
(770) 345-0400
Non-Emergency 911 Parks and Recreation:
(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
BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 (770) 924-7768 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. www.nasa-ga.org (770) 926-4175 SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264
Cherokee County Government:
Animal Shelter Business Licenses Clean & Beautiful Commission Commissioners Courthouse Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation
Taxes: License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration
(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (770) 479-0407
Children/Family:
(770) 479-3117
Pets: Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Lost Pet Hotline (770) 615-3333 Meals “Fur” Pets www.mealsfurpets.com (770) 762-4077 SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org
Anna Crawford Children’s Center Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry
(770) 592-9779 (770) 720-7712 (770) 479-1804 (770) 345-5483 (770) 720-3581 (770) 720-3610 (770) 924-0864 (770) 479-5397 (770) 591-4730
Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)
(678) 413-8400
Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)
(770) 926-7155
Schools: see www.townelaker.com for complete listing Board of Education www.cherokee.k12.ga.us (770) 479-1871
Georgia State Patrol
(770) 205-5400
Sheriff’s Department www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4200
Health Department
(770) 345-7371
Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm
Hospitals: Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee
(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100
Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:
Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center
(770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
Libraries: www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek (770) 591-1491 R.T. Jones (770) 479-3090 Woodstock (770) 926-5859
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Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com
(800) 275-8777
Recycling Center
(770) 516-4195
Utilities:
Atlanta Gas Light Co. www.aglc.com AT&T www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority Comcast Cobb EMC www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power
(770) 907-4231 (404) 780-2355 (770) 479-1813 (770) 926-0334 (770) 429-2100 (888) 660-5890
Urgent Care Facility Wellstar Urgent Care
Woodstock, City of:
(678) 494-2500
(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,
ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) www.ci.woodstock.ga.us City Hall (770) 926-8852 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6025
LGE
770-424-0060
www.LGEccu.org
Community Credit Union
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Reference
Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government:
President Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)
Senate Russell Courtyard-2 Washington, D.C. 20510 Website: http://chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
Senator Johnny Isakson (R)
1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: http://isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Tom Price (R), District 6
P.O. Box 425 Roswell, GA 30077 Website: http://tom.house.gov e-mail: use contact form on website
Rep. John Linder (R), District 7
90 North St., Suite 360 Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.linder.house.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Commissioners: Buzz Ahrens (R), Chairperson Harry Johnston (R), Post 1 e-mail: hjohnston@cherokeega.com
(202) 224-3521 fax: (202) 224-0103
Jim Hubbard (R), Post 2 e-mail: jhubbard@cherokeega.com
Karen Bosch (R), Post 3 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999 fax: (770) 661-0768 (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 479-1888 fax: (770) 479-2999
e-mail: kbosch@cherokeega.com
Post 4: Jason Nelms e-mail: cnelms2@gmail.com
Cherokee County School System
Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo P.O. Box 769, 110 Academy St., Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us e-mail: drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
Governor Sonny Perdue (R)
(404) 656-1776 fax: (404) 657-7332
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 Website: www.cherokeega-sheriff.org e-mail: rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
Senator Chip Rogers (R), District 21
(404) 463-1378 fax: (404) 657-9887
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner David Fields
(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602
State Government:
State Capitol, Room 111 Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: chip@SenatorChipRogers.com
Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27
e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
Rep. Charlice Byrd (R), District 20
e-mail: charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov
Rep. Sean Jerguson (R), District 22
e-mail: sean.jerguson@house.ga.gov
(678) 493-6001
e-mail: lbahrens@cherokeega.com
(404) 656-0126 fax: (404) 463-2793 (404) 656-0287
Cherokee County Courts:
100 North St., Canton, GA 30114 e-mail: dfields@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 8681 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30189
Board of Education: Stephen Bentley (R), Post 1
(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236
(678) 493-4200 fax: (678) 493-4228
(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420 (770) 924-4099 fax: (770) 924-9567
(770) 704-4398, x4374
e-mail: me@stephenbentley.com
Mike Chapman (R), Post 2
Superior Court: Chief Judge Frank C. Mills, III Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea
(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240
State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr. Judge W. Alan Jordan
(678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490
e-mail: janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Magistrate Court: Judge James E. Drane III (R)
(678) 493-6431
e-mail: rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Probate Court: Judge Keith Wood (R)
(678) 493-6160
e-mail: Radfam5@bellsouth.net
Juvenile Court: Judge John B. Sumner
(678) 493-6250
Clerk of Courts: Patty Baker
(678) 493-6511
(770) 704-4398, x4372
e-mail: mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Gary Puckett (R), Post 3
(770) 928-3315
e-mail: puckett@bellsouth.net
Janet Read (R), Post 4 (Chair) Rick Steiner (R), Post 5
(770) 516-1444
(770) 704-4398, x4370
Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby
90 North Street, Suite 310Canton, GA 30114
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners 90 North Street, Suite 310 Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokeega.com
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Debi Radcliff (R), Post 6 (Vice Chair)
(770) 592-7864
Kim Cochran (R), Post 7 e-mail: kimgcochran@gmail.com
City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
(770) 592-6017
e-mail: dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com (404) 362-1600
Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association (Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) (678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6013
Douglas Properties
(770) 926-3086
117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188
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What Exactly Is Wealth Management?
The Latest with Lenses
continued from page 22
continued from page 40
When is it time for wealth management? If you have too many financial concerns, issues or priorities to address by yourself, then it is certainly time for this kind of financial care. And even if your financial life is less complex, significant wealth calls for a vigilant, ongoing management approach.
There is a big learning curve, and it typically takes months for monovision to begin to feel natural. The third category is a blended multifocal lens. The idea is to blend enough near power into the lens to help up close without having that power get in the way of distance vision. There are several new multifocal designs that provide good results.
Don Akridge is president of Citadel CPA, Financial Planning & Investment Services, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-9526707. Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. This material was prepared by Peter Montoya Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting Representative or the Representative’s Broker/Dealer. This information should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Broker/Dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If other expert assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.., www.marketinglibrary.net
Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft continued from page 28
There are many services available to help protect against identity theft, but make sure you trust the source. You can check with your financial institution to see if it provides a program that offers prevention and detection as well as recovery from identity theft. There may be a small cost associated with this service, but in the end, it could end up saving you thousands of dollars and a great deal of time. Chris Leggett is CEO/president of LGE Community Credit Union, a federally insured banking alternative offering checking and savings accounts, certificates, money market accounts, IRA’s, credit cards, loans, and mortgages, with better rates and lower fees than you will typically find in a bank. If you have questions about your credit score, or are looking to apply for a loan in the near future, contact an LGE loan representative at 770-424-0060 or visit www.LGEccu.org
Check out www.townelaker.com for local news between issues of AroundAbout – TowneLaker
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If your arms are not long enough to help bring words into focus, or you look like you are playing the trombone when reading a menu, you should consider using a modern lens for help. Dr. Steven Keith is an optometrist at Towne Lake Eye Associates. He has served the area for 15 years. He can be reached at (770) 926-2858 or www.townelakeeye.com.
Let’s Talk Diabetes continued from page 46
Prevention There are ways to prevent the onset of diabetes that are not difficult to incorporate into everyday life. National U.S. surveys of physical activity indicate that more than 25 percent of U.S. adults do not engage in any leisure-time physical activity with numbers rising among American minority populations. In general, active individuals have better insulin and glucose profiles than their inactive counterparts. In other words, physical activity can decrease resistance to insulin, which is the main problem in Type 2 diabetes. So what type of physical activity and how much do you need to reduce your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes? The most recent recommendation is 20-30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days during the week to total 150 minutes per week. Physical activity does not have to be organized and performed at a gym. In fact, the chances are slim of sticking with the activity if it is structured and performed at a gym. Moderate activity can be as simple as adding a little more walking into your day-today activities. Take a 10-minute break at work and walk around the parking lot or the building. If you do this three times a day, it adds up to 30 minutes. Make lifestyle changes that include parking your car farther away from the store and taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. You can ride a stationary bike, swim, dance or even work in the garden. It just needs to be moderate activity that will elevate your heart rate and keep it up for a sustained period of 20-30 minutes per day. Of course, exercise is just one part of the equation and before starting a program, it is a good idea to check with your physician to make sure you are healthy enough to begin. Joe Kafati opened Rebound Physical Therapy in 2006. He graduated from the University of St. Augustine in 2001 with a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy and also has earned his MTC (Manual Therapy Certification). He can be reached at (678) 445-9799.
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
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Classifieds Childcare
gARAGE/Yard SAles
Home Services
Childcare in Rose Creek. 20 years experience. Full, part-time and hourly. Only pay for days you come. 7 a.m. — 6 p.m. Janine, (770) 517-9604.
Eagle Watch Community Garage Sale, Friday and Saturday, October 1st and 2nd, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All Together Clean. Working in your area for 10 years. No teams, licensed, bonded. References available. (770) 294-0303.
Huge Community Garage Sale. Towne Lake Hills South. October 8th and 9th, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Look for the Balloons!
Free to Good Home
Wyngate Community Garage Sale. Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FREE TO GOOD HOME Three Beautiful Cats that I must give free to a good home. They are indoor cats and have been well cared for. Please call Karen. (404) 431-6900.
help wanted Hair Quarters Salon. Best prices on booth rentals in Towne Lake. Limited booths available. Call Ayesha, (404) 579-5823. Part Time and Full Time Career Opportunities. Flexible schedule. Call Tom at Primerica for more information. (678) 453-6855.
FOR RENT
$
Atlanta Grout and Tile Care. Cleaning and sealing showers, floors, caulking, grouting, shower pans, marble, stone, slate, exterior tile and stone. Free estimates. (770) 917-9200. Penny Clean "One Woman Show." Residential, commercial, moving and deep cleans. Reasonable rates, 25 years experience. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. (678) 494-3602. Todd's Tree Service. Trimming and removal. Dependable, insured, great clean up. (770) 592-4288. Frameless Shower Enclosures. Update your bathroom now with glass benches, mirrors and frameless enclosures. By D'Sapone, (770) 9242871. Free estimates. Visit our website, www. dsapone.com.
Classifieds Work! You’re Reading Them ... Aren’t You?
Basement Apartment. Private, utilities included. Ten minute walk to lake. Available October. $475. (770) 516-6633.
E.P. Pressure Wash. Reasonable rates, free estimates, insured. (770) 380-2325.
Remodeling, Painting, Yard Work by Nick. (678) 668-0438, (678) 525-9399 or (770) 365-4967.
$
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NEXT CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THE 10 th FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH'S ISSUE! 98
AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
PET SERVICES
SERVICES, cont'd.
Pet Au' Purr Professional Petsitting since 1998. Bonded and insured, P.S.I. member. www. PetAuPurr.com. Book now for the holidays. Call Deb at (770) 310-4814. =^..^=
Piano Lessons. B.A. Piano Performance, M.A. Piano Pedagogy. Two recitals per year. Technique and artistry competition for advanced students. 18 years experience, young children through adults. (770) 424-8853, (770) 500-9837.
SERVICES Vacation Rental Affordable DJ. All occasions. My music or yours. $75/hr. 2 hr. minimum. $50 additional hours. Special wedding prices. (770) 485-0441.
Custom Home Décor Renovating a room? Need drapes, pillows etc? Complete it before the holidays. (404) 372-1706. www.caroncreates.com.
october 2010
Panama City Beach Panama City Beach Gulf Highlands Beach Resort. Gated community, 3 BR, 2½ BA, sunroom, full kitchen, W/D, very nice view, swimming pools, large pool at beach house, tennis courts, putt putt golf. Call for daily rates and specials. (770) 592-1070, (770) 3561059.
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Reference
Check out our all new coupon page now on www.townelaker.com A New Creation Salon............................................................... 31
Kani House............................................................................... 97
Animal Atlanta........................................................................... 9
Landscape Matters................................................................... 23
Azure Salon & Spa.................................................................... 27
Liberty Roofing......................................................................... 29
Baby & More............................................................................ 50
Mad Hatter Services Company.................................................. 21
Bar-B-Cutie............................................................................... 93
My Mechanic Joe...................................................................... 49
Bon Vivant Salon...................................................................... 99
Pearl’s Spa & Apothecary Boutique.......................................... 72
Bunting Landscape Construction Inc......................................... 82
PlaynTrade............................................................................... 93
C&T Auto Service...................................................................... 72
Precision Painting & Remodeling................................................ 5
Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation............................................... 80
Reliable Heating & Air.............................................................. 97
Carpet Dry Tech........................................................................ 87
Rudi Jewelry............................................................................. 31
Christian Brothers Automotive................................................. 42
Salon & Spa Venessa................................................................ 23
Dorton Co. Jewelers................................................................. 45
Sturges Heating & Air Conditioning........................................... 19
Dr. Jerry Smith Orthodontics..................................................... 47
The Lawn Squad....................................................................... 43
Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills.................................. 42
The Plumbing Doctor................................................................ 82
Green Heating & Air................................................................. 66
The Sundance Center................................................................ 50
Hair by Marcia.......................................................................... 49
Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail............................................... 37
Hammock’s Heating & Air........................................................... 5
WOW Cafe & Wingery................................................................ 1
JD’s Bar-B-Que.......................................................................... 85
Zest & Zing............................................................................... 66
Visit our Community Clipper page for more coupons from our advertisers.
Connect with friends and keep up to date on what’s happening right here in Towne Lake! 100
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AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Community Clipper
COUPONS
To reserve your spot, call (770) 615-3304 or email admanager@townelaker.com
Total Distribution: 16,500 Over 13,000 direct mailed to homes and businesses in the Towne Lake area.
To reserve your spot, call (770) 615-3304 or email admanager@townelaker.com today!
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Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! Attorneys/Legal Services
Dentists/Orthodontists
Health & Beauty
Merino & Jarvis, LLC.............................................. 46 (770) 874-4600
Byrd Dental Group................................................. 25 (770) 926-8200 2035 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock
A New Creation Salon............................................ 31 (770) 928-3554
Automotive CnT Auto Service................................................... 72 (770) 926-4276 Christian Brothers Automotive.............................. 42 (770) 926-4500
Cherokee Oral Surgery........................................... 43 (770) 345-8118 www.cherokeeoralsurgery.com
Azure Salon & Spa................................................. 27 (770) 345-8280 Big Apple Nail & Spa.............................................. 22 (770) 516-9996
Legacy Coach Works.............................................. 51 (404) 969-2277 www.legacycoachworks.com
Dr. Jerry Smith, Orthodontist................................. 47 (678) 905-0300 Fountain View Dentistry........................................ 41 (770) 926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Woodstock
My Mechanic Joe................................................... 49 (770) 591-6640
Park Pediatric Denistry of Woodstock, LLC............ 51 (770) 926-9260
Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail............................ 37 (770) 592-8102
S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS............................................. 19 (770) 924-8848
Banking/Financial Services
Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD.............................. 77 (770) 517-0444 4595 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock
Salon & Spa Venessa............................................. 23 (770) 591-2079
Williams Orthodontics........................................... 46 (770) 592-5554
Sundance Massage Center, The............................. 50 (678) 591-5066
Citadel Professional Services, LLC.......................... 13 (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Kennesaw First Cherokee State Bank...................................... 15 www.2gochecking.com LGE Credit Union....................................8, 32, 65, 92 (770) 424-0060 www.LGEccu.org Morrison Financial Group...................................... 17 (770) 384-8380
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Carpet Dry-Tech .................................................... 87 (678) 368-5991
Chiropractors Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation.................. 93 (770) 516-9900 www.discoverrehab.com
Computer/Business Services
Home Improvement/Repair & Service
American Heritage Academy................................. 13 (770) 926-7779 www.ahacademy.com
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D......................................................... 51
Chattahoochee Technical College.......................... 21 (678) 454-1800 www.chattahoocheetech.edu Goddard School, The............................................. 37 (770) 516-0880 www.goddardschool.com Kennesaw State University, Cont. Ed..................... 71 (770) 423-6765 www.kennesawedu/coned.com
Towne Lake Commercial Owners Association..... 104
Reiki......................................................................... 9
Bryan Plumbing Services....................................... 19 (770) 826-5277
Park View Montessori School................................ 83 (770) 926-0044
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Pearl’s Spa............................................................. 72 (770) 966-9099
Education/Instruction/Counseling
Nerd in a Flash......................................................... 5 1-888-637-3462
Churches
Hair by Marcia....................................................... 49 (678) 494-7947
Access Education Towne Lake Driving School........ 95 (678) 494-2200
Music Together...................................................... 80 (404) 209-9953
Bridgepointe Church.............................................. 83 www.bridgepointechurch.org
Bon Vivant Salon................................................... 99 (770) 516-9100 www.bonvivantsalon.com
Efficient Energy Solutions, LLC................................. 7 (678) 986-0140 Gerogia Hardwood................................................ 68 (770) 771-3705 Green Heating & Cooling, Inc................................ 66 (770) 479-2844 Hammocks Heating & Air........................................ 5 (770) 794-0428 Liberty Roofing...................................................... 29 (678) 797-5325 Mad Hatter Service Co, The................................... 21 (770) 740-8133 www.madhatterservices.com
Nelson Painting & Home Improvement................. 73 Waldron Dentistry................................................. 89 (678) 283-8171 (678) 907-7907 www.nelson-painting.com www.dentalstaffschool.com AroundAbout — TowneLaker October 2010
Peach State Handyman......................................... 85 (770) 505-6531
Cherokee County Humane Society........................ 79 www.cchumanesociety.org
Tenniz Trendz......................................................... 47 (770) 926-8508
Pike’s Professional Painting................................... 95
South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital..................... 43 (770) 924-6746
Woodstock Wolverines.......................................... 87 www.woodstockwolverinesfootball.com
Plumbing Doctor, The............................................ 82 (770) 516-9000 Precision Painting.................................................... 5 (678) 234-9668 Reliable Heating & Air........................................... 97 (770) 594-9969 www.reliableair.com Roswell Woodstock Plumbing................................. 5 (770) 663-0600 Sturges Heating & Air............................................ 19 (706) 692-0898, (678) 300-4257
Lawn Maintenance/Landscaping Bunting Landscape Construction, Inc.................... 82 (770) 346-9426 Calvary Landscaping.............................................. 80 (770) 720-1727 ILW Outdoor Concepts Inc..................................... 27 (770) 380-6635 Landscape Matters................................................ 23 (770) 403-5813 Lawn Squad, The................................................... 43 (770) 591-4745
Physicians and Medical Services Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC..Cover, 52, 53 (770) 720-7733, (770) 516-0552 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Foot & Ankle Clinic.................................................. 9 (770) 926-6686 Georgia Pain Management.................................... 77 (770) 544-1000 120 Stone Bridge Parkway, Woodstock John Lutz, PhD....................................................... 95 Northside Hospital................................................ 11 (770) 720-5100 201 Hospital Road, Canton www.northside.com
Skip Daugherty Photography................................... 7 (770) 329-5807 www.skipdaughertyphotography.com
Pet/Veterinarian Services & Supplies A Home Away From Home.................................... 51 Animal Atlanta......................................................... 9 Animal Hospital at Towne Lake.............................. 73 (770) 591-9500 Cat Clinic of Woodstock......................................... 73 (770) 780-2800 Cherokee County Animal Shelter........................... 81 (770) 345-7270 www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA460.html 1015 Univeter Road, Canton
october 2010
Kani House............................................................. 97 (770) 592-5264 www.kanihouse.com
Zest & Zing............................................................. 66 (770) 591-4000
Plastic Surgery Center of the South....................... 75 (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Progressive Audiology Center Inc.......................... 85 (770) 592-4744, (706) 253-7244
Wellstar................................................................... 3 www.wellstar.org/heart
Kim Bates Photography........................................... 1 (770) 617.7595 www.kimbatesphotoart.com
J.D.’s Bar-B-Que..................................................... 85 (678) 445-7730
Pinnacle Orthopaedics.......................................... 63 (770) 926-9112 www.pinnacle-ortho.com
Optometrist/Eyewear
Photographer
Right Wing Tavern........................................... 38, 39 (678) 445-2099 251 E. Main Street, Woodstock www.rightwingtavern.com
WOW Cafe & Wingery............................................. 1 (770) 926-9225
Rebound Physical Therapy.................................... 73 (678) 445-9799
Haigwood Studios.................................................. 25 (770) 594-7845
Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills.............. 42 (770) 926-6097
Northside Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine........ 87 (770) 928-0016
Pike Nursery.................................................... 37, 78 (770) 926-3252 www.pikenursery.com
Towne Lake Eye Associates.................................... 75 (770) 926-2858
Restaurants/Food Services Bar-B-Cutie............................................................ 93 (770) 924-9491
Wellstar Cobb Hospital.......................................... 47 (770) 739-4670
POLITICAL Friends of Chip Rogers.................. Back Cover, 56, 57 www.senatorchiprogers.com Re-Elect Judge Alan Jordan.................................... 17 www.judgealanjordan.com
Services/Retailers Miscellaneous Art Jewelers........................................................... 27 (770) 924-3133 136 Woodstock Square Ave., Wodostock Baby and More Thrift Store................................... 50 (770) 924-0864 Bizarre Bazaar, The................................................ 17 (404) 502-0587 Cherokee Pignic..................................................... 33 www.cherokeepignic.com Dorton Co. Jewelers.............................................. 45 (770) 426-0090 www.dortonco.com 425 Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw Habitat for Humanity No. Central Georgia............ 68 (770) 345-1024
Real estate & related services
Justina’s Accessories Boutique................................ 7 (678) 494-6331
Lake Nantahala............................. Inside Front Cover (828) 321-3101 www.visitlakesend.com
Pineapple Park....................................................... 29 (678) 494-8494
Reflection - Lake Nantahala.......... Inside Front Cover www.reflectionlakenantahala.com
Play n Trade Video Games..................................... 93 (770) 924-9300
Recreation and Fitness
Rudi Fine Jewelry................................................... 31 (678) 445-2626 6790 Highway 92, Acworth
Etowah Eagles Football............................................ 9 www.etowaheaglesfootball.com Optimal Performance Training, LLC....................... 31 (678) 738-5378 Green Acres Equestrian Center, LLC...................... 36 (770) 517-5154 Steps Dance Center............................................... 22 (770) 516-1363
AroundAbout — TowneLaker
Towne Lake Arts Center......................................... 95 (678) 494-4251 www.tlaclive.org Your Turn Kid’s Resale & Boutique........................... 1 (770) 517-5605 Woodstock Furniture Outlet.................................. 37
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Paid for by Friends of Chip Rogers