10 15 townelaker webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

October 2015 Volume 21, Issue 6

14 Tailgate Winners

Tasty recipes to try when cheering for your favorite team.

16 University Football

Highlights from KSU’s inaugural game, Reinhardt season opener.

18 High School Gridiron

Woodstock, Etowah High football seasons are in full swing.

26 Little Bellas

New opportunity for young girls interested in mountain biking.

30 Coloring for Adults

There’s a grown-up version of this much-loved childhood activity.

34 Harvest of Festivals

Plenty of options for celebrating fall season and cooler weather.

54 Walking the Walks

Participants share motivations for 2-Day and 3-Day Events

69 St. Michael’s Celebration

Archbishop, pastor, congregants attend new sanctuary dedication.

80 Amphitheater Plans

Woodstock’s summer concerts in 2016 will have a new venue in same location.

26 Contributing Writers Don Akridge Gloria Avillar Kyle Bennett Siobhan Brumbelow Michael Caldwell Caron Catalon Claire Frost Dr. Scott Harden Dr. Amy Hardin John Harris Dr. Jan Henriques Dan Jape Kurt & Sheila Johnson Sean Kaufman Kimberly King-Spohn Mark Kissel

59 54 78 79 36 28 40 62 66 68 66 38 31 50 64 73

In Every Issue Joe Lemmo

Around Towne

Ann Litrel

Birthdays

Dr. Mike Litrel

Community News

Jackie Loudin

Community Calendar

Rob Macmillan

TLBA

Jeff Moon

Faith

Matt Neal

Everyday Angels

Julius Quarcoo

School News

Bill Ratliff

Towne Lake Dining Guide 58

Lynne Saunders

52 50

Jodi Tiberio

Parking Map Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide

Jessica Leigh Smith Lynne Watts

GreenPrints Trail Map

Jamie Williams

Recent Home Sales

Dr. Vincent Williams

Advertisers Index

www.townelaker.com

48 & 49 On the Cover

Fountain View Family Dentistry Photo by Darleen Prem 2

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

ADVERTISING Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Join the TowneLaker magazine fan page

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TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

AROUND TOWNE

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

What’s New Hot Dog Heaven has a food truck that will be parked at the BP station on Towne Lake Parkway from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sundays. Hot Dog Heaven recently celebrated its 13th anniversary in downtown Woodstock. Bluegrass Dental, LLC has opened at 14205 Highway 92, Suite 107. Dr. James David Anderson practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with experience ranging from porcelain veneers to implants, crowns and bridges. 770-926-1113. Out Spokin’ has opened a second location, Out Spokin’ Outpost, at 3422 Sixes Road, Canton, next to Anytime Fitness. This location, which is half the size of the downtown Woodstock store, has a big fleet of rentals and services for Blankets Creek trail riders. 770-213-8667. Jennifer Jackson has started an online consignment boutique called Emily Laine Boutique, and is accepting high-end women and children’s fall and winter clothing and accessories. 770851-8030. www.emilylaineboutique.com. Semper Fi Bar & Grille has opened at 9770 Main St., Woodstock, featuring burgers, wings, salads and sandwiches. Hours are 4-11 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 770-672-0026. www.semperfibarandgrille.com Pie Bar has opened at 8720 Main St., Suite 130, next to Salt Factory Pub. Pie available by the slice, whole pie or custom orders. 678-402-6245. For updated hours, visit www.orderpiebar.com.

What’s Coming Construction has begun on the new amphitheater at The Park at City Center, which is expected to be complete before the 2016 concert season. For a look at the plans, see page 81. The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta will be getting two new stores: The Limited, in the addition being built on the property, and The Cosmetics Company Store, which will occupy an existing vacant storefront. A Kia dealership has been approved for construction at the Ridgewalk exit of I-575, near Rope Mill Park on the right side of the interstate heading north. No word yet on when construction will begin.

What’s Changed Advanced Wellness and Functional Medicine is the new name of NexSlim, the practice of Dr. Jeff Donahue and nurse practitioner Serena Kumar at 200 Parkbrooke Drive, Suite 100. The staff has added well checkups and same-day sick visits. 678-888-0332. New website is www.advancedwellnessatl.com. Epic Martial Arts at 200 Parkbrooke Drive, Suite 120, has doubled its space to 3,000 square feet. 770-592-0088. www.martialartswoodstock.com. 4

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Who’s Moved Northside Cherokee Pediatrics has opened a second location in Suite 306 at the Northside/Towne Lake Medical Building at 900 Towne Lake Parkway. 770-852-7720. The Holly Springs office is located at 684 Sixes Road, Suite 220. 678-388-5485. Dr. Jamie Rollins will continue to practice in the Holly Springs location along with new partner, Dr. Nancy Doelling. Dr. Shalini Shah and new nurse practitioner Melissa DuBois will see patients at the Towne Lake location. www. northsidecherokeepediatrics.com.

What’s Closed We are sorry to report that Jake’s Bar and Grill on Bells Ferry Road has closed.

Kudos

Unique Hair Salon, at 6508 Commerce Parkway, is celebrating 10 years in business and will offer $10 haircuts on Oct. 24. 770592-3562. Dr. Dave Brannan, a Woodstock chiropractor, has announced that he is Cherokee County’s first “certified on-site practitioner” in corporate wellness, which brings chiropractic care to corporations wanting to improve employee performance. Brannan is with Basic Chiropractic, 715A Bascomb Commercial Parkway, in Woodstock. www.basicchiropractic.com. Canton automotive manufacturer Piolax USA has broken ground on an 82,000-square-foot expansion to its facility in the Canton-Cherokee Business and Industrial Park. The new automotive warehouse facility, expected to open in 2016, will add 30 jobs to the current workforce of 255 employees. “Piolax USA has been a good corporate partner to our city. We are pleased that they continue to grow,” said Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood.

Ribbon Cuttings

Ichiban Buffet, 2210 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 104, Holly Springs Cagle’s Family Farm, 362 Stringer Road, Canton www.caglesfamilyfarm.com Fendley Farmstead, LLC, 1287 Sardis Road, Canton www.fendleyfarmstead.com Crooked Creek Furniture & Gifts, 12746 Cumming Highway, Canton Pollo Tropical, 188 Molly Lane, Woodstock www.pollotropical.com Fashion Cupcake, 8670 Main St., Suite 3, Woodstock. www.shopfashioncupcake.com

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of TowneLaker. She has lived in Cherokee County for 28 years. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Townelaker COMMUNITY BOARD The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine and providing valuable feedback. Ann Litrel is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com. Dee Locklin is a Georgia State University retiree who moved to Towne Lake in 1998. She and husband Lewis are the proud parents of KSU student Taylor. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and now is focusing her energy on caring for her beloved husband as he battles latestage cancer. Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County for the last 15 years. He performs improv comedy with the iThink Improv Troupe out of the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Theatre in downtown Woodstock. He lives in Woodstock with his wife Justine, and his cat, Wasabi. Lynne Saunders is the founder and executive director of Papa’s Pantry and The Master’s Training Center. Her employment classes are based on a book she wrote, “21st Century Keys to Employment.” Lynne has been married to Bill for 33 years and has three grown daughters and five grandchildren. Dr. Scott R. Harden is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for more than 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.

Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3322 Controller Denise Griffin Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3315 Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3309 Assistant Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3307 Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 15,000 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,000 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 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. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015. TowneLaker PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by:

Volume 21, Issue 6 6

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Experience the Best Childhood Preparation for Social and Academic Success.

OPEN HOUSE TOUR OUR SCHOOL • MEET OUR TEACHERS • FUN ACTIVITIES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 • 11 AM - 2 PM

ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL OFFER

WOODSTOCK • 770-516-0880 3115 Parkbrooke Circle

GoddardSchool.com INFANT THROUGH PRE-K • AFTER-SCHOOL The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2015

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Latresse Bray

Age 52 on Oct. 7 Happy birthday! Love Sammie, Simmie, Sierra, Savannah and Sydney

Anna Catherine Wolfe Age 9 on Sept. 24 Happy birthday sweet girl! We love you! Mom, Dad, Andrew and Amelia

Celebrations!

Breanna Boling

Age 11 on Oct. 29 Happy birthday, sweetie! Love, Dad, Mom and Rachel

Gabriel Roosa

Haley Warholak

Age 5 on Oct. 10 Age 12 on Oct. 31 Happy Birthday Buckaroo! Happy birthday sweet girl! Life with you is an adventure. We love you! Mommy, Daddy, Love you! Mommy and DaDa Jordan, Sierra and Kelsey

Shelby and Andrew Rice

Age 10 on Oct. 4 Happy Birthday!

Happy 16th Anniversary on Oct. 12 to my favorite! I love you Aaron! Love, Tracey

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Kevin and Andrea Ekmark Happy anniversary on Oct. 20!

Ron Krokey

50 years young on Aug. 30 Many, Many More! Love Always, all of the Krokey/Giardino family

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

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

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Football Field Becomes Worship Stage Cherokee County’s 2015 Fields of Faith is planned for 7 - 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Tommy Baker field at Cherokee High School. This year’s adult challenge speaker will be illusionist, stunt artist and evangelist Brock Gill; the student impact speaker will be Claire Gay. A coach’s testimony will be given by Mike Britt of River Ridge High, and Deal Balkwill will be worship leader. To catch updates, keep up on the event’s Facebook page: Cherokee County FCA “Fields of Faith” at Cherokee High School. This is not a school-sponsored program. This local event is part of a nationwide movement started in 2002 by Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Oklahoma area director Jeff Martin, who wanted to do something to help youth “regarding the temptations and spiritual battles facing our more ‘spectator generation’.” For more details on the movement, visit www.fieldsoffaith.com.

Local High Schooler Wins Pageant Sylvia Dye, a junior at Etowah High School, won the Miss Apple Capital Pageant 2015. Sylvia is the daughter of Danny and Melissa Lord, granddaughter of Charles and Sylvia Hulsey, and niece of Corliss Schwaller and Sylvia Dye Kim Blankenship.

It’s Time to Prepare for Christmas MUST Ministries is gearing up for the holidays and is looking for donations and volunteers to help with the MUST Christmas Toy Shop, which mimics a small department store where clients can shop for gifts for their children. The shop needs donations of toys, blankets, stocking stuffers, hats, scarves, gloves, school supplies and family games. One Saturday in December, MUST hosts three Secret Santa locations where some of the children choose a gift for their moms and dads. MUST needs new and very gently used items that parents might enjoy. For more details, email toyshop@mustministries.org or visit www.mustministries.org.

Revival of a Community Christmas Favorite A Return 2 Bethlehem community event, which is a renewal of Back 2 Bethlehem that formerly took place at Hopewell Baptist Church, is in the works for Nov. 28 through Dec. 6 at New Victoria Baptist Church, 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Organizers are looking for churches and individuals to help present this program, which will feature a replica of Bethlehem during the time when Jesus was born. To learn how to get involved, contact Daina Holland at daina5@ windstream.net. www.return2bethlehem.org.

Rewarding the Greenest of the Green Results are in from the 4th annual Mayor’s Recycling Challenge event, sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Going Green Committee. Woodstock collected the most recycling, totaling 460,146 pounds, followed by Canton – 260,584 pounds, Ball Ground – 85,260 pounds, Waleska – 77,860 pounds, and Holly Springs – 46,780 pounds. The combined total collected by all the cities was 930,630 pounds, a 15 percent increase over last year. For the fourth consecutive year, Waleska collected the most recycling per capita with 111.39 pounds per resident, as determined based on 2013 U.S. Census population estimates. Additional per capita totals included Ball Ground – 57.53 pounds/resident, Woodstock – 17.11 pounds/resident, Canton – 10.78 pounds/ resident and Holly Springs – 4.78 pounds/resident. Canton was recognized for having the highest percentage increase of collected recyclables over the previous year. This year the city collected 260,584 pounds, which is a 64 percent increase over last year. This is the first year this award was presented. The mission of the Chamber’s Going Green initiative is to encourage the community to implement green practices that conserve community resources while helping businesses thrive. The competition was held during June and July. To learn more about the Chamber’s Going Green efforts, or to participate in upcoming events, visit the Chamber at www.cherokeechamber.com Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques, center, accepts or contact the Chamber at the Mayor’s Challenge award from Chamber Chairman 770-345-0400 or Amber@ Jeff Rusbridge, Dyer & Rusbridge, P.C., left, and Going Green Chairman Vic Knight, Waste Management. CherokeeChamber.com.

Decorators at Work Preparing Homes for Tour

A Healthy Community of Seniors

The Junior Service League of Woodstock is making plans for the 18th annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Nov. 14-15. Since the tour began in 1997, more than $350,000 has been raised to benefit community charities. The tour gives participants a chance to enjoy touring homes professionally decorated for the holidays by local designers, and to come away with a few decorating ideas to implement in their own homes. For details, visit www.jslwoodstock.org.

The 5th annual Senior Sense Expo will take place 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. More than 50 vendors will showcase merchandise, services and products geared toward the needs of senior citizens. The event will feature guest speakers, health screenings and demonstrations. For more details, call 770-345-6730 or 770-345-7515.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

WE’RE CHEROKEE’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WITH AN EMPHASIS ON “COMMUNITY. ” Northside Hospital-Cherokee offers more than the latest medical treatments. Since becoming part of Cherokee County in 1997, we’ve been a devoted member of the community. We contribute to Partners in Education in Cherokee County schools and our physicians and staff have donated more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work to local organizations. In all, we’ve invested millions in local community centers, academic institutions and charity organizations in Cherokee County. We will continue to invest in and support Cherokee. Because it’s our home, too.

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

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Drive-By Flu Shot Clinic

From left: Dave Bruns, president of Optimist International, with Tony Bell, Governor-designate of Georgia Optimist and Charlice Byrd, president of Towne Lake Optimist Club.

Optimists Reveal New Name, Logo The Georgia Optimists held its 4th quarter conference in Savannah recently, and unveiled its new name, GATEway District for the Georgia and East Tennessee Optimists, as well as the group’s new logo. The Optimist is a volunteer civic organization of dedicated men and women that work each day to make the future brighter for children, community residents and club members. The mission is to provide hope and a positive vision by bringing out the best in kids, and to develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed. For more information, contact Charlice Byrd at 404-557-2218 or cbyrd87@outlook.com.

The public health department in Cherokee County is providing a quick and convenient way for residents to arm themselves against four strains of flu. The drive-by clinic will be available for Cherokee County residents 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Woodstock Health Center, 7545 North Main St., Woodstock. Call 770-928-0133 or 770-345-7371 for more details. The four-in-one quadrivalent flu vaccine and the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine for people age 65 and older will be available. Marie Smith, immunization and child health coordinator for North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health, said, “Quadrivalent flu vaccine is designed to protect against four different strains of flu, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.” The Fluzone High-Dose influenza vaccine has four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibodies) contained in regular flu vaccine to provide extra protection for people 65 and older, whose immune systems have become weaker with age. The cost of the quadrivalent flu shot is $25 and the Fluzone High-Dose flu shot costs $50. Cash, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna and BlueCross BlueShield Health Insurance will be accepted, as well as some other forms of payment and insurance, depending on the county. For more details, visit www.nghd.org.

Each basketball player paid $10 to take part in the fundraiser.

Middle School Students Make a Difference E.T. Booth eighth-grader Nick Wilson (pictured eighth from the left) organized a basketball tournament in Towne Lake in August, and raised $164 to benefit Georgia Special Olympics. Nick’s love and support of Special Olympics comes from watching his relative, James Thigpen, participate in the competition.

Sons of the American Revolution Offer Opportunities for Youth

Volunteers Needed for Equine Therapy Sessions

The Cherokee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is sponsoring an Americanism poster contest with the 2016 theme “The Boston Tea Party” for students in grades four and five. Representatives from the chapter also visit schools and groups of young people with a traveling trunk program that features replicas of items from the Colonial and Revolutionary era. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Highway, Canton. For details, visit www.cherokeechapter. com.

Horse Talk in Woodstock, at 345 Bluebird Acres Road, is seeking both adults and teens ages 14-up to volunteer to lead therapeutic horses or walk alongside the special needs therapy riders. Horse experience preferred but not required. Volunteers will be trained. School and community service hours available. Flexible weekday and Saturday shifts are offered year-round. For details, visit Horse Talk Volunteers @ Green Acres Equestrian Center, LLC on Facebook, email greenacresonline@bellsouth.net or call 770-517-5154.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

FEARLESS ATHLETES DESERVE

NATIONALLY- RANKED

SPORTS MEDICINE.

From repairing broken bones to rehabbing torn ligaments, Children’s Sports Medicine helps young athletes get back to full speed. For more information visit choa.org/sportsmed.

OPENING IN OCTOBER: CHILDREN’S AT CHEROKEE - 1554 RIVERSTONE PARKWAY, CANTON TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

TOUCHDOWN! In honor of the inaugural Kennesaw State University football season, and the third year for Reinhardt University, we thought it would be fun to share tailgating recipes from some of the area’s biggest sports fans.

A nita a n d Stewa rt Geogha ga n

Dr. K i n a Ma lla rd, Pre sident

“Stewart is our grill king and loves being the master of the entree! Our youngest daughter, Emily, created this dry rub recipe and it’s awesome on any cut of pork. No sauce is needed when you put this on ribs. If smoking a larger cut of pork, like a Boston butt, I love the white BBQ sauce recipe. The sweet and sour pasta salad recipe is a standard go-to when refrigeration is not available.”

Talon Tea

Kennesaw State University ~ Go Owls!

BBQ Dry Rub

Reinhardt University ~ Go Eagles!

Boil 8 cups of water and add 8 family-size tea bags. Let sit for 20-30 minutes, then remove tea bags and pour in 1 gallon pitcher. Add 1 cup of sugar or Splenda Add 4 cups of pineapple juice

• 1 ¼ cup white sugar • 1 ¼ cup brown sugar • ½ cup salt • ¼ cup black pepper • ¼ cup paprika

Add 2 cups of orange juice Top off gallon pitcher with water.

Buffalo Eagle Dip

Mix and rub on pork before grilling. Stores well.

Sweet and Sour Pasta Salad • 1 pkg (16 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta • 1 medium red onion, chopped • 1 medium tomato, chopped • 1 medium cucumber. Peeled, seeded, and chopped • 1 medium green pepper, chopped • 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley Dressing: • 1 cup sugar • ½ cup vinegar • 1 Tbsp ground mustard • 1 tsp salt, optional • 1 tsp garlic powder

Combine and mix: • 1 8-oz block of cream cheese president Dr. Kina Mallard, • 3-4 cooked chicken breasts, Reinhardt left, with Housekeeping Supervisor shredded Valarie Jordan. • 3/4 cup of hot sauce (1 cup if you prefer a hotter flavor) • 1 cup of ranch or bleu cheese dressing • 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese Place in an oven safe dish and top with 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until cheese is bubbling and the edges are brown.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a large serving bowl. Add the onion, tomato, cucumber, green pepper, and parsley; set aside. In a saucepan, combine the dressing ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

White Barbecue Sauce • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise • ¼ cup white wine vinegar • 1 Tbsp coarsely ground pepper • 1 Tbsp horseradish-style deli mustard • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp sugar • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tsp prepared horseradish

Anita and Stewart Geoghagan with daughter Rachel Cox, right, and friend Siler Ayers, left.

Whisk together until blended. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks. 14

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Bill a n d Don n a Ratliff

University of Maryland ~ Go Terps!

Maryland Crab Cakes • 1 lb Maryland crabmeat • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs • 1 beaten egg • 5 Tbsp mayonnaise • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning • 1 tsp prepared mustard • 1/4 tsp pepper • Pinch of salt Set crabmeat aside. Mix together all other ingredients. Fold in crabmeat. Form into patties and sauté in small amount of olive oil until browned on each side.

S E P I C E R

Ta ilg at i n g Matt Nea l

Jen nifer Ca rter

Chicken Wings

Bulldog Bloody Marys

University of Florida ~ Go Gators!

University of Georgia ~ Go Dawgs!

I usually make two kinds of chicken wings: sweet BBQ and jerk. For the sweet BBQ, I mix one bottle of barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s) with one small can pineapple juice. Marinate wings for at least two hours. Bake for 45 minutes at 400 degrees, then grill a few minutes on each side until brown and crispy and only slightly charred. Here’s the trick: add more sauce while grilling the wings. I dip the wings in the sauce again before grilling each side. You can bake ahead of time and grill them at the tailgate party. For the jerk wings, cooking is the same. My favorite sauce to use is Helen’s Tropical Exotics sauce, but it’s only available online, so use whatever brand you prefer.

Don nie a n d Ja n Hen riqu e s

Louisiana State University ~ Geaux Tigers!

“Muffuletta sandwiches are an Italian-style sandwich that is a New Orleans tradition. It’s all about the right bread and the right olive salad.”

Muffuletta Sandwiches • 11 loaf muffuletta bread

(Leidenheimer bread is the best! If you cannot find, then use an Italian bread with seeds).

• Olive salad

(we use Gambino’s brand)

• Salami, sliced • Ham, sliced • Provolone cheese, sliced Slice the bread horizontally in half and place on a baking sheet. Drain olive salad and place a generous layer on one half of bread. On the other drizzle some olive oil, then layer salami and ham and cover with provolone cheese (use a couple of thick slices for each). Place in oven oat 275 degrees for about 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Slice in half or quarters and enjoy! If tailgating prohibits warming up first that’s okay. They are also great served cold. Love this served with Zapp’s potato chips and cold Barq’s root beer!

• 1 tall hurricane glass (prefer to use for longer garnish) • Enough ice to fill the glass Try this Bulldog Bloody Mary for • 1 part Tito’s Vodka your next tailgating event. • 1 pinch of Fresh Horseradish • 3 parts Lefty O’Doole’s Bloody Mary Mix • 1 splash of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce Garnishes: Bubbie’s Kosher dill pickles, Manzanilla olives, Claussen bread and butter pickles, crispy bacon strip, celery stalk. Note: It’s very important to mix all the ingredients well, but it is crucial not to “shake” the cocktail because it tends to fizz. Instead, transfer the mixture from one container to another gently before pouring into its intended glass. Afterward, skewer the garnishes. Let the Bloody Mary sit for at least two minutes to let the ice melt a little, thereby chilling the drink to perfection.

Deviled Eggs • 18 boiled eggs: Peeled, and with the yolk removed (set yolks aside for filling) • 4 strips crispy bacon • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1/3 cup mayonnaise • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp white vinegar • 1 dash of paprika • Salt to taste • Diced bread and butter pickles and diced red sweet peppers (for garnish, optional)

Deviled eggs are the perfect tailgating appetizer.

Place a damp towel over the peeled, halved boiled eggs while you’re making the filling. In a bowl, mix together yolks, cream cheese, mayo, mustard and vinegar. Season with salt to taste. Pipe the mixture into the eggs. For a pretty touch, use a cake decorating tool. You can alternate garnishes for each egg for added interest: crispy strips of crumbled bacon, diced red sweet peppers or diced bread and butter (sweet) pickles. Sprinkle all with paprika. TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Coach Brian Bohannon prepares his team.

2015 Football Schedule 10/3 @ Cumberland 10/10 vs. Point U 10/17 vs. Gardner-Webb 10/24 @ Liberty 10/31 vs. Monmouth 11/7 vs. Charleston Southern 11/14 @ Coastal Carolina 11/21 @ Presbyterian #67 CJ Collins is a Sequoyah High graduate.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

2015 Football Schedule 10/3 @ Bluefield College 10/10 vs. Faulkner University 10/17 @ Cumberland University 10/24 vs. Lindsey Wilson College 11/7 @ Campbellsville University 11/14 vs. Bethel University

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Woodstock

PHOTOS BY SKIP DAUGHERTY

Wolverines

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Etowah

PHOTOS BY MARGUERITE WHITE

Eagles

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Custom Education for Every Student

nder the single Omega Learning sign, stretched across the top of Suite 300 in the shops at 1025 Rose Creek Drive in Towne Lake, are two opportunities for customized educational instruction to help your child reach his or her potential. Omega Learning offers a tutoring center and a private school with grades K-12. Both are staffed by certified teachers and have AdvancEd/SACS accreditation, which makes Omega Learning the only tutoring franchise in the country with that accreditation. It’s a bonus that comes from being connected with the private academy — and one that sets the tutoring center apart from others, according to owner Jeff Hales.

Jeff opened Omega Learning in September 2013 and started the academy in the fall of 2014. The educational side of Omega is managed by a full time education coordinator, while Jeff runs the business and financial aspects. “I had a desire to combine my passion for education, love of children and business background while giving back to my community,” said Jeff, a certified public accountant who spent 35 seasons coaching youth sports. “I’m a big proponent of education and was the first one in my family to earn a college degree. As I was working through a restructuring in my accounting career, I found Omega. This is my calling - working with kids, education and utilizing my business background.”

Omega Learning (Tutoring and Private Academy) Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 300 678-540-6606 • woodstock-ga.omegalearning.com www.facebook.com/OmegaLearningWoodstock • www.facebook.com/OmegaPrivateAcademyWoodstock

Tutoring K-12

esigning a custom plan for each student is the priority for the certified teachers who work with students in math, science, reading and other subjects. Communication is a key element - parents receive correspondence from the teachers after each tutoring session. The Towne Lake location is one of 12 Omega Learning centers, eight of which are in the metro Atlanta area. Other schools can be found in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, with new ones opening along the east coast. When a family comes to Omega for help, a customized learning plan is set for each student after an initial assessment and input from the parent. Administrators use the WoodcockJohnson IV Tests of Achievement to identify skill gaps in reading

photos by Amanda Winchester/Rainflower Photography 20

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

and math in order to develop a customized program. The tutoring system follows the AIM method: Apply, Integrate and Manage. Tutoring is done through small groups with a maximum three-to-one ratio. While a typical program involves two hours a week, it can vary depending on the needs of the student. Omega Learning also offers test prep for students taking the SAT, ACT, SSAT or Georgia Milestones standardized tests. “We offer just about anything that students in grades K-12 may need help with,” said Jeff. “With our tutoring services, we see students who may struggle with math or reading, improve their skills and gain the confidence they need to be successful in the classroom, while our ACT/SAT test prep students are able to achieve higher standards required by many of our colleges today.”

mega Private Academy Woodstock is a SACS accredited Christian academy that offers a K-12 college prep curriculum with caring, certified teachers. Additionally, Omega offers its students the opportunity to participate in monthly community service activities, field trips, a student council, National Honor Society and yearbook club. “The single biggest differentiator is our small classroom sizes, with a maximum of eight students to one teacher,” said Jeff. “Our students who have come from large classes excel in this smaller setting.” The school ended the 2014-2015 school year with nine students, each of whom returned this school year, in addition to seven new students. Omega has one high school senior who will be graduating in May. Omega currently has students in eight of the 13 grades (K-12). Classrooms are typically multigrade and lesson plans are customized, offering students enrichment if they want to move ahead quicker, or remediation if they need additional help. Classroom hours are 8:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, with Fridays reserved for independent study with students given homework or projects that usually take four or five hours to complete. Students turn in these assignments on Monday to earn credit for Friday attendance. The school is approved by the Georgia Department of Education to accept funding for students who have IEP (Individualized Education Plans). That funding comes through the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS). Electives are offered daily until 3 p.m., and currently include Spanish, homework help and study skills. Community service projects instill a sense of community as well as empathy and compassion within the students.

Once a month, Omega Private Academy sponsors projects like clean-up days at Hobgood Park, sorting and labeling canned goods at local food pantries, and visiting seniors in elder care facilities. Relationships are built along with the lessons learned during these projects. Jeff said that during a visit to a nursing home, one of the residents asked a student to bring a home-cooked meal on the next visit. That simple request turned into a school-wide project when the families catered an Italianthemed luncheon to 50 elderly residents. “We hope to make that an annual event,” said Jeff. “Volunteerism is not something we force - they have the option to participate - but we usually have a good turnout.” “A good way to see if a child may be a fit in our environment is to try a shadow day,” said Jeff. Omega offers enrollment throughout the year. “This gives a prospective student an opportunity to shadow a current student throughout a day to experience our difference first hand.”

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Busy College Student Gets a New Look BY JODI TIBERIO

Kaitlin works as a full-time server at Reel Seafood while attending Kennesaw State University. She is working toward a degree in special education. Kaitlin chose this career because she has a close family member with learning disabilities, and it breaks her heart to see the frustration he faces daily. She is certain that helping children to learn is her life’s work. Kaitlin is also athletic, and has a passion for running. With a busy schedule of work, school and exercise, Kaitlin never takes time to shop for herself or go to a salon, which makes her a great makeover candidate. Her standard go-to style is simply pulling on an old pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and putting her hair in a ponytail.

Kaitlin came to Brooklynn’s to find jeans because it had been a few years since she had gotten new ones. Our new Cello dark wash extra soft skinnies fit perfectly. We agreed that a pretty colored Piko top would make a nice, classic and fresh look for Kaitlin. Piko tops are popular for their flowy cut, and because they are made of bamboo. This eco-friendly fabric is fade-resistant and does not pill. Brooklynn’s has more than 30 colors in stock, but we chose this jade color, to bring out the green in Kaitlin’s eyes. The Piko dresses and sweaters are also popular this fall. Fringe boots are super trendy this season, and these tan booties go with everything. We topped the look with a blanket scarf, a soft and cozy accessory in this year’s newest colors. Kaitlin left Brooklynn’s to discuss options for her hairstyle with Venéssa Lanier at Salon and Spa Venéssa. Kaitlin came into the salon wearing a ponytail. When she took her hair down, Venéssa noticed that her shoulder-length hair was fine, with some natural wave. Kaitlin said she was ready for a change. She wanted something new but had two simple requests: she did not want a platinum blonde and she wanted to be able to pull her hair back when she exercises. Venéssa suggested a sporty bob cut, which is softly stacked in the nape area and longer toward the front. This cut makes her fine hair look fuller and still allows her to pull her hair up. By adding a bit of long layering and using the right styling products, Kaitlin no longer has the complaint of her hair laying flat to her head. It now bounces into waves and has movement. Because Kaitlin requested a low maintenance hair color, Venéssa chose a color that was the same shade as her natural color but would give Kaitlin texture and shine, and Venéssa also painted a lighter color through to add a golden hue through the layers, which also gives Kaitlin’s hair the appearance of fullness. Next, Rising Star Stylist Kara Wood shared some makeup tips with Kaitlin. Kara recommended applying a Golden Prism eyeshadow over Kaitlin’s entire eyelid, and then adding a soft eyeliner to make her eyes appear more open. Kara also recommended using a bold Blackberry lip color to give Kaitlin a strong, put-together look, even when she is pressed for time. This busy working student can now look current and be beautiful on the go. We wish Kaitlin much success in her future career of teaching children with special needs. We also thank you, Kaitlin, for the passion you have for helping others.

Jodi Tiberio owns Branches and Brooklynn’s boutiques. Contact her at Jodi@tberioretail.com. Venéssa Lanier owns Salon and Spa Venéssa, and can be reached at salonvenessa@gmail.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

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Community

Rob’s Rescues This dog’s name is Chico. He is a boy and is really friendly. He is 4 years old and was a stray. He is thin and black and really cute. He is a good listener and really likes people. He is a miniature Pinscher mixed breed. There are lots of kittens in the shelter. This kitten is Delta. He is 4 months old and likes to play. He is very active, more than any of the other kittens. He even played with my pen while I was writing. Here I am with Mrs. Susan Kazlauskas of Towne Lake. She is the hospital administrator at VCA Terrell Mill Animal Hospital. They have a Rob’s Rescues pet food collection bin there and have collected a lot of food for the shelter. Big News: I am going to do a pet food collection Oct. 11-18 at Starbucks on Sixes Road. Please bring in a small bag or tin of dog or cat food to Starbucks for local animals in need.

Rob’s Rescues now has a Facebook page!

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Moving Mountains

Little Bellas is empowering young girls through mountain biking. This fall, Little Bellas, which has chapters in Vermont, friendly encouragement,” said Loose. Goal-setting, healthy lifestyles, strong female bonds and California and Colorado, is expanding to include a program personal empowerment were that meets on Sundays at the important elements to be Blankets Creek Trail and Olde taught when mountain bike Rope Mill Park in Woodstock. Olympian Lea Davison, her sister Rebecca Loose is heading Sabra Davison, and avid cyclist up the new mountain biking and friend Angela Irvine created organization, Atlanta Little Little Bellas in Vermont in Bellas. She is a personal trainer, 2007. The organization has now avid cyclist and runner from reached more than 2,000 girls. Roswell, and she has devoted “Woodstock really has much of her professional work all the aspects that we are to helping youth develop and really excited about for a new maintain healthy lifestyles. Rebecca Loose with girls at Blankets Creek trails. Little Bellas chapter,” says Loose also coaches the Roswell Lea Davison, a specialized global rider. “It has an amazing Composite High School mountain bike team. She joined Little fusion of trails, mountain bike culture, and a female riding Bellas to increase the opportunity for girls in the Atlanta area community. We are incredibly excited to extend that positive to embrace mountain biking. energy to the younger community of girls.” “Introducing a young girl to mountain biking will give her Six-year-old Jayden Randall, who participated in the a healthy and fun hobby that she can continue well into introduction class, said, “having the other kids around made adulthood, and show her that even the biggest obstacle can me want to go fast and climb all the hills.” When asked what be overcome through practice, strength, determination and continued on page 88

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Expert Surgical Care for the Cherokee Community

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

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(770) 924-9656 • ncsurgicalassociates.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412, Woodstock, GA 30189 TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Barmbrack

From the kitchen of Caron and Alberto Catalon

Ingredients:

2 ½ to 3 cups mixed dried fruit (dark and golden raisins and currants, if you can get your hands on them) 2 oz whiskey (optional) 2 cups cold tea (place 3 black teabags in bowl, add boiling water and let brew 2-3 minutes, remove bags and let cool) 2 cups plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 cup soft light brown sugar ½ tsp mixed spice 1 large egg A few coins wrapped in parchment paper (optional)

Method:

Place the mixed fruit in the tea (and whiskey if you choose) overnight to soak. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and line with parchment paper a 2-pound loaf pan. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and mixed spice in a mixing bowl. Make a small well in the middle. Add the egg and use a wooden spoon to mix. Add some of the tea from the fruit. Mix thoroughly. Dough should be wet, but not too wet. Fold in fruit. Add your coins. Bake for one hour. After it has cooled, wrap in plastic wrap to preserve. Slice and spread with butter. Enjoy with a nice hot cup of tea.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Barmbrack:

A Fruity Irish Tradition BY CARON AND ALBERTO CATALAN

Barmbrack is a Halloween tradition in Ireland. It is a fruitcake served with a cup of tea in the afternoon. It is nice and moist due to the soaking of the fruit in tea overnight. Tradition has us bake a ring and money into the barmbrack. If you got the money in your slice, you were going to be rich. If you got the ring, you were going to be married. There was such excitement during that time of the year when you would bring a slice to school or enjoy it with your family. I know as Americans, the word fruitcake scares most of you, but try this one and your mind might be changed.

Caron and Alberto Catalan, owners and managers of Papa P’s, have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. www.papa-ps.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Coloring is Not Just for Kids BY JACKIE LOUDIN

I’ve been hearing about a new trend through my Facebook friends and online articles—coloring books for adults. They are so popular now that when I recently checked the top selling books on Amazon.com, two of the top 10 were coloring books for grownups. Not to be left out, I immediately ran to the basement to find my childhood coloring supplies—carefully stashed away and preserved from reckless children. As I pulled out my treasured Crayolas and my Cinderella coloring book, I realized this wasn’t what my social media friends had been talking about. Without delay, I went to my favorite big-box discount store and returned with freshly sharpened colored pencils, bright fine-tipped markers and two books filled with pages of intricate designs—just waiting to be filled with color. I spent the next few hours engrossed in a world where the only decisions I had to make were which color to use. My family laughed at me but I continued coloring at the kitchen table long after they all went to bed. I found it calming and relaxing, and I loved seeing the black-and-white patterns come alive with shades of my favorite colors. I experienced what studies have shown: coloring can relieve stress, lower blood pressure and exercise fine motor skills. Some experts compare the benefits to that of yoga, and

Christine Blankinship (left) and Sharon Newman Setser try out the library’s adult coloring supplies.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

according to what I have read, both sides of the brain are engaged since it is a structured activity and requires a certain amount of creativity. That’s what we call a win-win. Kehinde Ogundeji (left) and Binta Ogundele say Coloring clubs they enjoy the relaxing aspect of coloring. have popped up in response to the new hobby; in fact, our local libraries are hosting regular coloring groups. I stopped by the Hickory Flat Library recently to see if anyone else had jumped on the coloring bandwagon and was pleased to meet several fans. Tables were covered with free coloring sheets and colored pencils. Patrons were invited by the librarians to sit and color a while. And many did, losing themselves in the tranquil sound of pencils scratching across paper. There are no rules, no numbers to Adult Coloring follow or deadlines to meet. There are Hangout just pages - empty of color and waiting Coloring group meets to take on life through the artist that, 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays some would say, lives in all of us. I don’t Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at R.T. Jones claim to be an artist, but I have always Memorial Library enjoyed the uncomplicated process in the meeting room, of coloring and feeling the sense of 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, satisfaction once a page in my coloring 770- 479-3090. book was complete. I have discovered Coloring pencils, that as an adult I still get the same markers and coloring pages provided satisfaction from this simple activity. or bring your own. Now if someone can just find a way to This program is for make it cool for grown-ups to play with ages 16 and older. Play-Doh, I will be even happier.

Facts Prove the Appeal of Cherokee County BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

We chose to live in Cherokee County for many of the reasons that we love to sell real estate in Cherokee. Because our oldest of three children was just entering preschool when we were considering where we wanted to live, our top priorities when selecting a home were excellent schools, a safe community and affordable home prices. Below is a consolidation of facts that validated our decision in 2002 and information that you might want to share with others considering Cherokee County. Cherokee County is home to some of the top schools in the state. Recently, the county’s graduating class of 2015 was acknowledged for having the second-highest average American College Test (ACT) scores in metro Atlanta. Our county’s students had a composite score of 22.7, topping the national and state averages of 21. Cobb County came in third with an average composite score of 20.8. The Cherokee class of 2015 scored the highest average score in the county’s history in the English, reading and science sections of the test. Cherokee’s top school scored an average of 24 on this test which is on par with East Cobb and North Fulton’s most distinguished schools. In addition, Canton, Acworth and Woodstock have recently been listed among the top 10 safest and most peaceful cities in the state. Movoto Real Estate compiled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report to determine the “chance of crime” in every city in Georgia. Canton had an average of 0.4 annual crimes per 100,000 residents, Acworth had 0.6 and Woodstock had 1.4. In researching this subject, we found Cherokee County cities on every list that used varying criteria to rank cities’ safety. In July, the average Cherokee County home (in the geographic area served by this publication) sold for an average of $253,766. Two areas with comparable school systems and safety ratings (East Cobb and North Fulton) sold for an average of $351,899 and $450,781. Cherokee County homes are an amazing value, especially considering the lot sizes and amenities offered in Cherokee’s finest neighborhoods. With top-ranked schools, safe communities and affordable homes, Cherokee County should be a top choice for any family. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to buy in Cherokee County. It has served our family and our real estate business well. Selling homes in Cherokee County is easy for us because we believe in what we sell and we believe there is no better place to live for the money.

With top-ranked schools, safe communities and affordable homes, Cherokee County should be a top choice.

Kurt and Sheila Johnson are Keller Williams Top Producing Agents and have served Cherokee County for more than 10 years. www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

Oct. 2

Out & About

Hollywood Night is the theme for the monthly Friday Night Live event, 6-9 p.m., in downtown Woodstock. Visit www. whatsupwoodstock.com for details. Oktoberfest is the theme for the First Friday event in downtown Canton, 6-9 p.m., with food and craft vendors and classic rock by the band Black Wolf Moon. www.cantonhdl.com.

Oct. 3

Craft fair at Towne Lake Community Church will take place 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and will feature handmade baby items, woodworks, pottery, jewelry, cosmetics and more. A children’s author will be on hand to sign books. Events will be held inside and outdoors at 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock. Touch a Truck at the Cherokee County Fire Training Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is a free chance for children to explore fire trucks and meet their operators. The center is in Holly Springs at 3985 Holly Springs Parkway. www.crpa.net.

Oct. 10

Woodstock Fire Department open house, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., will include a live extrication demonstration with the Jaws of Life, quick-dress gear races, fire safety house, lunch, station tours and truck shows, hose line operation station, and free bounce houses and inflatables. The event will be held at Station 14 off Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock.

Oct. 13

Woodstock High School will host the 19th annual Cherokee County Band Exhibition. The gates open at 6 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m. This event is open to the public; tickets are $7 per person; children 6 and younger are free. All six Cherokee County high school marching bands will perform, as will Reinhardt University and Kennesaw State University. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Woodstock Wolverine Band Boosters. Concessions will be available. woodstockbandboosters@gmail.com 678-677-2589.

Oct. 14-17

Friends of the Libraries book sale begins with a preview sale for members at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Rose Creek Public Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. Nonmembers may join at the door; individual membership is $15. Sale for the public will be 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds will go to purchase children’s materials and all audio materials. 770-591-1491.

Oct. 15

Boots N BBQ fundraiser for Feed My Lambs ministry, which operates a free Christian preschool in Canton, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Buckhead Barn. For tickets and details, visit www. feedmylambs.net.

Oct. 17

Fall Bazaar at The Lodge at BridgeMill, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with face painting, craft vendors and performances by Oktoberfest Band Sherri and Larry. Juggler Adam Boehmer will perform noon32

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

1:30 p.m. The Lodge is at 10451 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. www.thelodgeatbridgemill.com. A free barbecue dinner at Woodstock United Methodist Church,5-7 p.m., will include pork and beef barbecue, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, salad and desserts. Donations are welcome, to benefit missions at the church. The meal will be held in Latimer Hall, 103 Towne lake Parkway. RSVP by 5 p.m. Oct. 15 to 770-516-0371.

Oct. 23

Rockin’ the River is a concert set for a 6 p.m. start, and features

2014 Georgia Male Artist of the Year Thomas Fountain at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway. Concert is free, and food trucks will be on hand. www.canton-georgia.com. Golf tournament fundraiser for Healing Hands Youth Ranch begins at 9:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m., at The Highlands Course at Lake Arrowhead, 486 Arrowridge, Waleska. An awards ceremony and buffet dinner will be at the end of the tournament. www.hhyr.org.

Oct. 24

Hoofstock fall festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., will be hosted by Stable Moments, a weekly mentorship program that pairs children in foster and adoptive families with horses in therapeutic Equine Facilitated Learning. The festival, featuring crafts, food trucks and more, will take place at Misty Acres farm at 285 Air Acres Way, Woodstock. For more details about Stable Moments and the event, visit www.stablemoments.com. Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon and 5K Trail Run will be held at Olde Rope Mill Park, with the race briefing at 8:30 a.m. To see a course map and register, visit www.mountaingoatadventures. com. A portion of the proceeds will go to SORBA Woodstock for continued trail maintenance of Rope Mill and Blankets Creek trails. Free document shred day, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Summit Financial Solutions, 1816 Eagle Drive, Suite 100-A. A professional shredding company will be onsite to shred personal and confidential documents. No need to remove staples, paper clips, folders or notebooks. Limit four boxes per participant.

Oct. 30

Fall festival at Towne Lake Community Church, 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock, begins at 6 p.m. with games, hayrides, food and family fun. contact@tlcchurch.com. www.tlchurch.com.

Oct. 31

Fall festival at Woodstock Christian Church, 5-7 p.m., with food, games, inflatables, face painting, live music and candy for the children. The festival is a free event in a safe environment for the whole family to enjoy. The church is at 7700 Hwy 92. www.woodstockchristian.org. KidsFest at The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock, begins at 3 p.m., and features a costume contest at 6 p.m. at the gazebo. The event features Halloween trick-

or-treat activities for the younger ghouls and goblins, including moonwalks, DJ Ronnie, Tim the Magician, Adam the Juggler, games, stringed apple and pumpkin bowling games, face painting and candy give-away. Trophies and prizes for the funniest, scariest, cutest, and best costume. A movie will be shown in the park at 7 p.m. www.woodstockparksandrec.com.

Nov. 7

Photos with Santa for children and pets will be available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Pet Supermarket, 12185 Highway 92, Woodstock. Guests will receive photos the same day. Appointments can be made by calling Judy Davila at 770-432-9075 (between 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday). The event is a fundraiser for the Cherokee Volunteer Aging Council, which supports the safety and well being of senior citizens in the county. www.vac-cherokeega.org.

Reinhardt University Performances Falany Performing Arts Center For ticket prices and more details, call 770-720-9167 or visit www.reinhardt.edu/fpac.

Oct. 8-9

Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser will take place at 7 p.m. each night at the Gordy dining facility, hosted by Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center. A three-course meal will be served.

Oct. 13

The Broadway Boys at 7:30 p.m. will showcase the group, which consists of male vocalists currently working on New York’s stages. They will perform songs with elements of pop, funk, gospel, jazz and folk to show tunes and classic pop songs. The Broadway Boys perform in groups of six to explore harmonies rarely presented by Broadway singers.

Etowah Soccer Light the Night 5K/Fun Run will begin at 7 p.m. at Etowah High School’s stadium, 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock. Registration is $25; those who register by Oct. 27 will get a T-shirt. Proceeds support boys and girls soccer at Etowah. For details and to register, www.etowahsoccer.com.

Oct. 16

Merry Market at Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and will feature arts and crafts, and boutique gift items. For updates, check Merry Market at Canton First Methodist on Facebook.

Reinhardt University faculty will perform a free recital at 3 p.m., featuring piano, string and voice performances.

Nov. 14-15

Woodstock Art & Wine Fest takes place 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock. Event includes a juried art show, crafts, wine tasting area, live music and entertainment, interactive kid’s activity area and food. Entry is free for all ages; $30 per day for a wine tasting wristband. www.woodstockartandwinefestival.com.

Nov. 13

Jingle Bell Shop, sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, will be held 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Vendors will have gift and craft items for sale, and guests can visit with Santa. www.cherokeechamber.com.

Nov. 26

13th annual Gobble Jog on the Marietta Square benefits MUST Ministries. The Gobble Jog is MUST’s largest fundraiser. Every Thanksgiving, thousands of people converge on the Marietta Square for a 10K or 5K run before Thanksgiving dinner. For information, email Cara Reeve, creeve@mustministries.org

Dec. 12-13

Cherokee Chorale Christmas concerts will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Canton First United Methodist Church. Auditions for the 2016 spring concert, which will take place on March 20, will be held at 3 p.m. Jan. 3 in the choir room at Canton First UMC. www.cherokeechorale.org.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be presented at 7:30 p.m. by the National Players, a unique theatre ensemble touring for its 67th consecutive year.

Oct. 25 Oct. 29

An Evening in Vienna featuring the School of Performing Arts Opera Program begins at 7:30 p.m. Complimentary desserts and coffee will be available.

Nov. 3

Jazz Ensemble presents its fall concert at 7:30 p.m., with selections from classic big band hits to blues to contemporary works, under the direction of Anton Harris.

Nov. 5

Brass Extravaganza will present Strike Up the Brass, featuring two versions of George Gershwin’s Strike Up the Band. Includes brass quintets, trumpet ensembles, low brass and full brass ensembles.

Cherokee Co. Aquatic Center 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs Register at www.crpa.net or contact Cara Gordon at 678-880-4760 or cagordon@cherokeega.com.

Oct. 2

Parent’s Night Out is planned for 5:30 to 10 p.m. $20 per child ages 5 and up.

Oct. 4

Paws in the Pool will be held 1-4 p.m. $5 per dog.

Oct. 16

Teen Night begins at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 per child, ages 13 and up.

Oct. 31

Trick-Or-Try-It is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon and will feature different stations with information and try-it sessions for many of the center’s programs, including log rolling, swim lesson evaluations, swim team prep tryouts, yoga, water aerobics and more. TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

A Harvest of Fall Festivals BY LYNNE WATTS

Autumn is the time when cooler weather and the explosion of fall color beckon the family outdoors for endless festivals and adventure. Family friendly Stone Mountain hosts the 43rd annual Highland Games on Oct. 17-18. Thousands of Scots (and Scot wannabes) will arrive in their family tartans to participate in athletic competitions, Scottish country dancing, piping, drumming or just watching the colorful spectacle. This is a show you don’t want to miss. www.stonemountainpark.com/ events/Highland-Games Fall in the Georgia Mountains heralds the apple season and for 44 years, Ellijay has hosted its Apple Festival. There are more than 300 vendors selling handcrafted items, a parade and an antique car show for attendees to enjoy. Venture outside of Ellijay and travel along State Highway 52, where 11 of the county’s 18 apple orchards are located. Pick your own or visit the numerous roadside stands to take home nature’s bounty. www.georgiaapplefestival.org Further up the road, Blairsville is hosting the annual Sorghum Festival that has been part of the town’s heritage for 40 years. You will find arts and crafts, food vendors, square dancing, biscuit eating, pole climbing and, of course, sorghum mill grinding and cooking. www.blairsvillesorghumfestival.com

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

At the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, the annual Mountain Fall Festival will be in full swing Oct. 9 - 17 with musical performances, arts and craft vendors, a flower show and the popular official state fiddlers’ convention. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes for a toe-tapping good time. www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/2015-events/fall-festival For a unique cultural experience in a spectacular fall setting, visit Gibbs Gardens during the Japanese Cultural Fall Festival in late October. Amid thousands of colorful Japanese maples you can experience an authentic tea ceremony, archery demonstrations, Japanese martial arts, dancing and much more. Stroll through the peaceful Japanese gardens or relax on the patio of the Manor House, with its gorgeous mountain views. www.gibbsgardens.com Whether you are looking for a spectacular show or a leisurely walk through local craft booths and food vendors, don’t miss Georgia’s harvest of fall festivals.

Lynne Watts is an author, speaker, coach, mom and a retired Cherokee County School District counselor. She can be reached at www.lynnewatts.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Community

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The Oath of Office BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

Every elected official in the United States of America swears an oath of office before being vested with the powers of the office. The best example of this process is seen during a presidential inauguration. The president’s oath of office is the only oath that is prescribed word for word in the U.S. Constitution. All other oaths are prescribed by general law. On Jan. 13, 2013, I was sworn into my first term as your state representative. As part of that process, I took the Official Oath of a Georgia State Representative, and reaffirmed it on Jan. 12, 2015 when I began my second term. For this article, I would like to walk you through the sections of my oath of office so that you can know the word-for-word metric by which to measure my performance as your public servant in the General Assembly. OFFICIAL OATH OF GEORGIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 20 GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of this State and of the United States and, This first portion of our oath is, in my opinion, the most important. If we could simply get our elected officials to uphold these 22 words, we would instantly fix the dramatic majority of issues facing our nation. on all questions and measures which may come before me, I will so conduct myself, as will, in my judgment, be most conducive to the interests and prosperity of this state.

PROFESSIONAL.EXPERIENCED.RELIABLE.

PAINTING • SIDING • WINDOWS • DOORS

Sounds like a slam dunk. Should be perfectly simple to do what you think is best. In reality, a legislature by its very nature pulls your thinking in countless directions. The idea of the legislative branch is to mix different viewpoints and arguments in a room to see what comes out. When in doubt, ask your legislator if he or she truly believes the vote he or she is casting is most conducive to the interests and prosperity of Georgia—not of the legislator or of special interests. That can be a sobering question. I further swear or affirm that I am not the holder of any unaccounted for public money due this state or any political subdivision or authority thereof,

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TOWNELAKER | October 2015

I affirm that my personal fortune is devoid of any hidden monies that belong rightfully to the citizens of the State of Georgia or any of her Counties, Cities, Departments, etc. That I am not the holder of any office of trust under the government of the United States, any other state, or any foreign state, The oath (wisely) ensures that I am not also holding any office at any other governmental level. We don’t need state legislators who are torn between loyalties to different governments making decisions on behalf of our state.

continued on page 88

Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

Furnace Humidifiers: A Behind-the-Scenes Powerhouse BY DON JAPE

Furnace humidifiers offer Georgia homeowners unique benefits in winter. Not only do humidifiers help ward off dry-air problems, such as chapped skin, sinus issues and dry nasal passages, they can also help you save some cash. Installed to work alongside your heating system, furnace humidifiers generate moisture. As your furnace heats the air moving through the system and releases it to the incoming ductwork, the humidifier shoots water vapor into the conditioned air. The air moves into the ducts and is dispersed throughout your home’s living spaces. As long as a room has a duct delivery grille, it will receive the moisture-filled air. Furnace humidifiers do a thorough job of combating dry air. Because the moist air moves throughout the entire home, you don’t have to deal with the challenges that portable humidifiers present, such as monitoring water levels and daily cleanings. Portable units only humidify small spaces, so if you want your entire home humidified, you’ll have to buy multiple units, ultimately increasing your purchase cost and electric bill. With a whole-house furnace humidifier that connects directly to the home’s main water supply, you won’t have to worry about: Maintenance. Just call your HVAC contractor once a year when you need furnace and air conditioner service, and the technician will check the humidifier, too. Health issues. Say goodbye to colds, sinus pressure and

Towne Lake Business Association TLBA will have an After-Hours Event Sponsored by Papa P’s on Tuesday, October 13 starting at 6 p.m. Members and Visitors are welcome to join in on the great camaraderie and food courtesy of the TLBA. We look forward to seeing you! TLBA’s second annual Bowl-A-Thon, our fundraiser benefiting the Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Awards, (given to one senior from Etowah HS and one senior from Woodstock HS), will be held on January 23, 2016 at the newly local Stars and Strikes! The Bowl-A-Thon is a family-friendly event for ALL ages and levels of bowlers. If you are interested in supporting your neighbors, friends, or own Etowah or Woodstock student whether you are a player, sponsor, or volunteer, please contact Gloria Snyder by email at gjsnyder@ bellsouth.net. More information will be available in the November issue and on our website.

TLBA’s Lunch-N-Learn Workshop

Speaker: Anthia McStatts Santini of McStatts Printing Topic: “Importance of Logos and Business Branding!” Workshops are presented by leading business speakers geared toward our local business owners and supporters. Lunch is included! Where to Be: “The Grille” at Towne Lake Hills When: Tuesday, October 20 @ 12:15-2 p.m. Cost: $12.00 www.Facebook.com/TowneLakeBusinessAssociation Thank You for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee!” 38

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

respiratory issues. A dry environment is a breeding ground for these problems. Combating the seasonal dryness by adding moisture back into the air helps. Discomfort. Tired of electric shocks, dry noses and sore throats? A humidifier solves those problems. Home disrepair. Dry air doesn’t just wreak havoc on your health - it causes problems for the wood products around your home. When the air gets too dry, wood floors, instruments, woodwork and more can become damaged from dry air. High utility bills. Whenever you can turn down your thermostat, you’ll save on heating costs...but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to stay warm on a cold winter’s night in Georgia. With a humidifier in play, you can do both: turn the thermostat down and save on heating costs, and feel warmer at the same time. Why? Because moist air makes you feel warmer, even at a reduced temperature, and the Department of Energy reports that homeowners can save about 1 percent on utility costs for every 1 degree they turn their thermostats back.

Dan Jape is the owner or Reliable Heating & Air. He can be reached at 770-594-9969

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Five Pillars of Hope Five Pillars of Hope is Gloria Snyder’s home-based marketing business, one that allows her to reach people locally and globally with a message of living a life in balance. For the past 16 years, she and her husband have lived and shared the value of incorporating preventative health care products into their home environment. They never want to know what health challenges they have avoided, but they know how their health has improved. Gloria Snyder, Owner As an entrepreneur in the wellness industry, Gloria has aligned her efforts with Nikken International, Inc. − a 40-year-old, total wellness company. Thanks to Nikken’s research and development of active wellness technologies, Gloria, through the Five Pillars of Hope, continues to help families discover a greater wellness, personal fulfillment, peace of mind and financial security − a life in balance. Gloria is a member of the board of the Towne Lake Business Association and the Georgia Wellness Association. She can be reached at 678-431-2691 or fivepillarsofhope@gmail.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

Fall into Autumn:

Transitioning Your Wardrobe from Summer BY CLAIRE FROST

It’s that time of year again: football is on television, chili is in the slow-cooker and leaves are burning in the backyard! It may take a little while longer for Georgians to feel a chill in the air, but we’re still anxious to begin the glorious transition to fall. Not quite ready to break out the heavy coats? That’s okay...grab a pumpkin spice latte and settle in. Here are seven tips to take your summer wardrobe through a smooth transition to fall! Scarves. Pull out the lightweight scarves, leaving the extra thick ones in the closet for now. You can wrap one around you for warmth in the cooler evenings, or even drape around your neck and then belt the ends at the waist over a dress for a unique fall look. Boots. For me, the number one thing that updates an outfit for the season is always shoes. A pair of suede booties will take that summery floral dress into fall seamlessly. Stacked heels and fringe are big this season. Totes. An everyday bag in an earthy color is sure to help ground your wardrobe this fall. I change up my bag fairly regularly and in the fall months, I opt for some olive green, rich brown or black bags. Burnt sienna works, too. Vests. Yes, vests. Cargo vests (and jackets) are big right now.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

When they are worn over feminine sundresses (or flowy summer shirts), vests can make a really cool statement. Lips. Darken them. Start wearing your lipstick just a shade or two darker, and you can change your whole look. This is the easiest way to update your beauty routine for fall. Oversized Sweaters. If you have a few oversized sweaters that you wear around the house (or in an office that’s just a little too cold), it’s time to work them into your everyday outfits. You can belt them or just let them hang loose. With a messy ponytail and just the right pair of jeans, this look is effortless and chic. Plaid. Work it in somewhere: with a bag, a mid-length skirt or a button-up shirt. Plaid is in stores everywhere right now, and it’s the perfect season to try out the trend. The 90s are officially back, baby - and they brought their plaid and sweaters with them! Wishing you all a very fashionable fall season!

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

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

The Ethics of Surgery BY MIKE LITREL, MD

Ann was a 20-year-old college student when she suffered a near fatal bleed in her brain. I had known this young woman, who would later become my wife, for two months. I called her home, and heard the news from her parents. I struggled to make sense of it all. What did it mean that this young woman I liked so well was suddenly so very ill? The physician in charge of her care was the chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at a prestigious teaching hospital. He explained to Ann and her parents that Ann’s bleed was caused by a birth defect involving a blood vessel. He stressed that as long as the blood vessel was there, it would pose a threat to her life. He recommended surgery. Ann’s parents were deeply unsettled. Of course they wanted this removed from their daughter’s life. But the blood vessel was deep in Ann‘s brain, next to her motor cortex. The risks of surgery were immense. They sought a second opinion from a neurosurgeon at a different, equally prestigious university teaching hospital. Ann’s father asked this surgeon the only question that mattered: If this were your daughter, would you recommend surgery? No, he said. If Ann were his daughter, he would not operate. He explained that the surgery could lead to paralysis or death. He pointed out that Ann had lived with the malformation 20 years before it had bled and that it might not bleed again. Or that if it did, the outcome would be the same – no permanent brain damage or symptoms. He also shared the surprising fact that the first neurosurgeon had not documented that he recommended surgery—in fact, the first neurosurgeon had written that he‘d advised Ann’s parents against it. It was only in his verbal communication with Ann’s parents that he’d pressed for surgery. Thirty years later, Ann remains healthy without ever having undergone life-threatening neurosurgery. Of course, there is a comedian or two in the family who will argue that Ann did indeed

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

suffer brain damage—the proof being that she agreed to marry me. But I prefer to ignore such amateur diagnoses. Recently, a patient traveled from another state to see me for a second opinion. She’d had a gynecological surgery years ago and was now experiencing some pain. She went to a surgeon in her home state. “He said I needed emergency surgery! But I can’t take off from work – I could lose my job!” Her story poured out – her husband was sick at home and it was only her job providing health insurance and paying their mortgage. Her story does have a happy ending. I performed an exam and found no evidence of any emergency. I simply wrote a prescription for a topical cream to relieve her occasional discomfort. As the good news sank in, I watched the tightness leave her face. Tears of relief began to flow, her smile was wide, and she gave me a big hug. Any time you cut into the human body, no matter your skill as a surgeon, there are unique dangers. Every doctor knows this, and some choose to ignore it. Sometimes it’s for money, other times it’s hubris. They forget the truth: the highest joy of being a doctor is helping people, and the best thing about practicing medicine and surgery is the honor of meeting new people to love as you would want others to love you.

The highest joy of being a doctor is helping people...

Dr. Michael Litrel is board certified in the sub-specialty female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He is a board certified urogynecologist and obstetrician/gynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

Mexican Migrants In My Backyard BY ANN LITREL

Now that my boys are grown and gone, I sometimes feel like the only kid left outside in our neighborhood. When I see a turtle, I run out to take a picture and give it a name. (So far I’ve named eight.) When my husband finds a cool bug like a writing spider or praying mantis, he knows to send me a picture because it makes me happy. And in September every year, I go out in my garden to look for monarch caterpillars in my milkweed. Passing neighbors no doubt wonder what I’m doing—a middleaged lady with sketchbook and camera, crouching down to stare at something no one else can see. That’s okay. As the world becomes more developed, I’m interested in what small animals, bugs and critters can survive in my yard—a tiny oasis of wild plants and flowers in the middle of a big subdivision. Who Feeds Them? When I was a kid, every first grade classroom had a glass fish tank for hatching monarch butterflies. Every kid got to see the caterpillar form a chrysalis and hatch two weeks later into a grown butterfly. Nowadays, the monarch butterfly’s annual flight to and from Mexico appears in innumerable documentaries. It’s named one of the world’s 10 great animal migrations. What you Art by Ann Litrel, annlitrel.com might not know is that the entire migration takes four generations to complete. The female butterfly that flies north from Mexico in spring to mate, lay her eggs, and die,

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

is the great-grandmother of the butterfly that makes its way back south in the fall to hibernate. He or she will roost sleeping with millions of fellow monarchs, and then fly north in the spring to mate and start the cycle all over again. Fifty years ago, milkweed was common along roads and in fields. It’s the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat. In my small hometown in the Midwest, we could always find a stand of milkweed—with caterpillars—to bring to class for the annual hatching. This was not true for my sons. In the manicured subdivision where we live now, anything that vaguely resembles a natural field is sprayed or mowed down to create the Plant a Monarch appearance of conforming Waystation green. And in rural areas, This Fall for Next Spring most farms use herbicides, killing the strips of Nectar Flowers for Adult Butterflies wildflowers between fields • Magenta Echinacea • Purple Liatris that used to feed and host • Gold Black-Eyed Susan migrating butterflies. • Pink Joe-Pye Weed Homeowners Join a • Yellow Sneezeweed Grassroots Rescue Operation. Host Plants for Monarch Caterpillars Across the country, many • Common Milkweed people have united to fill • Butterfly Weed the gap, swelling into a Online sources for native plants: grassroots movement to www.easywildflowers.com plant monarch waystations www.nichegardens.com continued on page 88

Ann is an artist and writer who lives in Towne Lake with her husband Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com

REEL SEAFOOD 8670 Main Street Woodstock 770-627-3006

ctober is a popular month for outdoor dining. The temperatures are cooler and the humidity of summer is mostly a distant memory. Reel Seafood in downtown Woodstock provides the perfect patio spot for lunch or dinner, where you enjoy the beautiful fall weather and the fresh cuisine of one of the city’s most welcoming restaurants. When you visit Reel Seafood, owners Karen and David Silverman bring 30 years of restaurant experience to your table along with some of the freshest fish and seafood you can find this far inland. Their approach to creating a casual, fine dining atmosphere is ideal for a quiet, relaxed meal or for celebrating a special birthday, anniversary or occasion of any kind. For those wanting more privacy for their special evening, Reel provides a private dining room that seats up to 32 guests. The room is equipped with a large, flat-screen TV that can be used for entertaining slideshows or business presentations. The versatility of the room accommodates both professional meetings and private parties. Reservations are required and guests are encouraged to book early during the holiday season.

Lunch, Brunch or Dinner Reel is the Right Restaurant Brunch is a popular meal in the South and the Sunday brunch menu at Reel Seafood has something for everyone. A traditional offering like French toast is taken to the next level at Reel, where it is stuffed with spiced apple mascarpone and served with hazelnut butter, molasses and pecan wood-smoked bacon. Buttermilk fried chicken with Belgian waffles, smoked salmon with a toasted bagel, and Logan Turnpike shrimp and grits are just a few of the other items guests can choose from the extensive menu. And don’t forget the Bloody Mary bar and bottomless Mimosas! Guests who enjoy watching their food being prepared can sit at the chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen. Daily lunch specials are posted on Reel’s Facebook page so guests have good reason to like and follow the page. The dinner menu incorporates fresh seafood like mahi mahi, salmon and lobster. Delicious steak and chicken dishes are available for the landlubbers. Get started with an appetizer like the crab and goat cheese fritters with red pepper jelly, or dive into a platter of half shell East Coast oysters complete with horseradish mignonette and cocktail sauce. There is no wrong direction to go on this menu. If you have dietary restrictions, make sure to mention it to your server. Reel provides gluten-free and vegetarian options that are not mentioned on the regular menu. Special requests are welcomed and David says that his cooks are well trained to prepare special items. The full service bar offers an extensive wine list and a wide range of beer offerings. The two large-screen TVs located at the bar make it an excellent choice for football fans on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The experienced bartenders prepare drinks using premium liquors and encourage patrons to try out special house cocktails like the Reel margarita. David and Karen represent the perfect combination of superior food and outstanding service. David has been cooking since he was 14 and at age 19, he

photo by J King Images

Hours: Sunday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Brunch served 10:30 a.m. − 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. www.reel-seafood.com. www.facebook.com/reelseafood1 had his first culinary apprenticeship. He spent seven years at Ray’s on the River, and he was a corporate trainer for Rio Bravo and worked under Master Chef Tom Catherall of the Here to Serve restaurant group. Karen has been in the restaurant business since age 14 and has worked all over the U.S. − doing everything from server, bartender to manager. It’s not often you find a chef-owned and operated restaurant where the owners set out each day to make their guests feel special. That’s what you will find at Reel, along with high quality, fresh food that is cooked to order. Karen and David agree that downtown Woodstock is a great location for their business. Try Reel Seafood and you’ll discover it’s not just a great location —it’s a great place to be.

food photos by Danny Griffin

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community. This time last year, 11-year-old Katelyn Fige anxiously began her sixth grade year at her new big school, Woodstock Middle. Katelyn is a smart, outgoing little girl who loves her school, teachers and many friends. As time went by last fall, Katelyn would randomly fall down. There were no headaches and she never got sick. Her blood work was clinically normally but doctors referred her to a neurologist for further evaluation. The wait time for a routine neurological evaluation was approximately six months. As they were waiting for that appointment, her parents became aware that things just didn’t seem right. “We began noticing a lack of concentration, blank stares, declining grades and more falling down. Her teachers were also concerned,” said David, Katelyn’s dad. “We just couldn’t wait for the appointment with the neurologist so we took Katelyn to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite on March 5. They performed a CT scan and then an MRI to see more and better details,” said Elizabeth, Katelyn’s mom. “The wait seemed like forever until we were approached by two doctors and we knew this was not going to be good. The world stopped spinning as we heard the horrifying words, brain cancer. Our hearts hit the floor as questions flooded our mind.” Katelyn was diagnosed with stage four, Pineoblastoma. She had a pear-size, fast-growing tumor located on the pineal gland deep inside her brain. Don’t Google it, the doctors warned, and they haven’t. On March 13, Katelyn’s surgeons performed a 13-hour surgery successfully removing 95 percent of her tumor. An aggressive series of radiation was scheduled to follow surgery however things didn’t quite go as planned. One week post-op, Katelyn was in a medically induced coma for six weeks. Her dad said they almost lost her. “Since March, we have spent 91 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Katelyn has had 27 MRIs, 120 X-rays, 14 CT scans and 13 shunt revisions and counting. Katelyn lost her ability to speak, her mobility and her eyesight. It wasn’t until July that Katelyn spoke her first words since her surgery,” said David. Katelyn celebrated her 12th birthday in July and began her first round of aggressive chemotherapy. She is scheduled to undergo six months of aggressive chemo in hopes of eliminating the remaining cancer cells. 46

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Katelyn Fige with her mom, Elizabeth

“Katelyn is our little hero. We live our lives hour by hour/ day by day grasping for a small glimpse of the little girl she was before all of this happened,” said her mom. “I took time from work to take care of Katelyn and her father continues to telecommute to keep things going at home. We will live our lives later – after Katelyn is better.” Since Katelyn’s diagnosis, her parents have spent only 31 days at their home in Woodstock. They will not leave her and sleep on a fold-out couch in her hospital room. When Katelyn is able to be at home, her dad places her in a sling to carry her up and down the many stairs of their townhome. Katelyn is transported to and from her appointments in their twodoor coupe with little space. Their situation is less than ideal for all that lies ahead. Everyday Angels would like to appeal to our compassionate community. Let’s rally around Katelyn and her family with our love, support, encouragement and prayers like we do so well. Let’s fundraise for Katelyn while giving the fight against childhood cancer the attention it deserves. With only 4 percent of federal government cancer research funding going towards childhood cancer, changes need to be made! Everyday Angels is accepting donations, giving 100 percent of funds received to Katelyn and her family. Please tell us how Everyday Angels and the magazines that feature us, can help with your fundraising efforts in support of Katelyn. To follow Katelyn’s daily journey, LIKE her Facebook page, Prayers for Katelyn Fige. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

photo by Darleen Prem

Feature

Fountain View Family Dentistry & Cosmetic Center

Dr. Harden and his team extend great dental care to the elderly Although times have changed over the past decades, the basic need for good dental care remains paramount, especially for the elderly. Dr. Scott Harden of Fountain View Family Dentistry has bridged the gap between basic dentistry of the 1980s to the ultramodern and technical dentistry of today. He understands how to provide personalized dental treatment to the elderly and is glad he has the ability to help them. Dr. Harden says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key to balancing fundamental treatment procedures with high-tech dental care for the elderly, such as implants, depends upon the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dental needs and desires, dental diagnosis, overall health and cost factors.â&#x20AC;? The elderly have numerous factors that compromise their dental health. People born in the 1950s or earlier did not have the same access to dental care as today, or place the same value on dental health as people do today. Many people used to have their teeth pulled and replaced with dentures rather than having teeth restored. They did not have the quality dental products found on the market today. More people smoked, causing damage to their teeth and gums. Elderly people consume tremendous amounts of medications that have detrimental effects on their dental health. Many elderly people lose dexterity

photo by Darleen Prem

1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg 200, Suite A Woodstock, GA 30189 Conveniently Located near Towne Lake

www.FountainViewSmiles.com 770.926.0000 48

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and cannot clean their teeth as well as they should. Age itself causes many dental problems: gum recession and associated root decay, gum disease, and reduced immune system response to oral bacteria that results in both tooth decay and gum disease. According to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, there are more than 43.1 million adults aged 65 and older in the United States. Seniors represent about 14 percent of the U.S. population, about 1 in 7 Americans, but consume 40 percent of the prescription drugs and 35 percent of over the counter drugs. Medications produce dental problems that include dry mouth, abnormal bleeding, inflammation, mouth sores, enlarged gums, cavities and bone loss. The most important issue is dry mouth, which allows bacteria to flourish in the mouth. According to Dr. Harden, “Oral bacteria produce acid in our mouths and that is the enemy – especially for the elderly. This acid is diluted by saliva to protect our teeth. Reduce saliva and you increase dental problems directly.” The reality for the elderly is they have gone through a different era that has predisposed them to dental problems, and now, aging and the effects of modern medications have further compromised their dental health. Tooth decay and gum disease are predominantly painless. Oral bacteria produce acid that slowly destroys our tooth structure and the nerves in our teeth. It happens over time so our body accommodates the tooth decay without toothaches. Gum disease, caused by bacterial acid, also occurs over time and allows for advanced gum disease to

occur without pain. Waiting on mouth pain is not a good way to judge active dental problems, especially in the elderly because their nerves are generally not as sensitive. The takehome lesson is that regular dental visits for the elderly are more important than for any other age group. The elderly often require a combination of gum disease treatment, crowns and partial dentures to restore their mouths. Partial dentures come in and out of the mouth and replace missing teeth by anchoring to natural teeth. Advances in partial dentures have made it easier and more economical to replace several missing teeth without expensive implants. Newer procedures and new denture designs allow partial dentures to attach to existing teeth, creating a natural look with the advantage of not loosening the anchor teeth over time. Dr. Harden has worked with dentures extensively throughout his dental career and is very familiar with the advantages and challenges they can present. The elderly are not always good candidates for popular dental implants because of bone loss in the jaw. Dr. Harden evaluates each patient’s dental needs and helps customize treatment to best fulfill their needs and desires. Dr. Harden and his staff at Fountain View Family Dentistry are working hard to remove the barriers that keep some older patients from visiting the dentist. The spa-like atmosphere of the office helps to relax and welcome patients of all ages. If you, or someone you know, needs to take that important step toward complete dental health, call Fountain View Family Dentistry today − where you really can go to the dentist and relax! TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

Postal Workers: The Unsung Heros BY SEAN KAUFMAN

“Uh-oh. You had a bottled water in your bag.” The airport security agent smiled at our 8-year-old daughter. “Why can’t I have a bottled water?” she said in a Children provided confused state. artwork This morning, & letters, instead of for postal employees watching the to view while morning kid waiting in line shows, we had a at clinics where CDC distributed family meeting. antibiotics. My wife and I honored the men, women, and children who lost their lives 14 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001. We honored them by talking about their sacrifices, sharing their stories, and remembering their lives. So many lost and yet the further we move away from that day in history the more numb we become to it. This October however, I want you to honor your letter carrier.

I never knew much about the U.S. Postal Service. To be honest, all I knew was I would seal my letter, lick my stamp and put it in the mailbox. My work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would take me to Trenton, N.J., in October 2001. Roughly 1,400 postal employees were exposed to Anthrax—a very dangerous infectious disease. The anthrax attacks of 2001 posed a very difficult challenge. Sept. 11 had just happened. Norma Wallace had become sick with some kind of pneumonic condition. She was lying in bed when CNN reported on a ticker “African American postal employee confirmed with anthrax in Trenton, New Jersey.” Norma was surprised as her doctors hadn’t told her yet. Then during a lunch break, Norma’s colleagues at the Hamilton mail sorting facility watched a CNN report that stated the building they were having lunch in had been found to be contaminated with anthrax. Moments after seeing this on CNN, alarms sounded and the building was evacuated. But where did those people go? Did they take their clothes off before jumping in their cars and heading home? No. They would go home and spend the next 100 days worrying about them and their families becoming sick with something deadly.

continued on page 88

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

Becoming an Actor Step 4: Résumés and Cover Letters BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH

You now have your professional headshots ready to send out to agents. You have done your research and have narrowed down to whom you want to submit. But there is still one crucial element to the submission process and that is what you send in with the headshot: the résumé and the cover letter. Let’s tackle cover letters first. This is your typical professional letter, just like what you were taught in school. As for what to write, think about your purpose. Your goal is to entice an agent to check out your materials. The agent knows why you have sent in your headshot and résumé, so there’s never a need to explain that in the cover letter. That agent also does not have time to read about the dream you had that gave you the courage to pursue your lifelong goal of being rich and famous. Make your letter short and to the point: write a respectful request that the agent review your materials, and close with reliable contact information. As for your résumé, please do not feel self-conscious if you don’t have a full page of credits. Everyone is new at some point in his or her career; even Brad Pitt started with nothing. It is important, however, to show that even though you may not have many credits, you are actively training. So be certain the training section of your résumé has at least a few credible 50

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classes listed. For the special skills section, there are a few rules: 1. Only list what you are truly proficient at. 2. Don’t list the obvious such as “licensed driver.” 3. Don’t list things that don’t matter, such as “good with children” or “great at memorization,” (you should be), and 4. Definitely include anything that makes you unique. For more detailed information on what makes a great acting résumé, check out Bonnie Gillespie’s archives of her blog at www.actorsaccess.com. If you would like to see how to format your résumé, you can download mine at my website: www.JessicaLeighSmith.com. Above all, have confidence that you are enough and that simple is best.

Your goal is to entice an agent to check out your materials.

Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Cherokee County with her family and is an actress and producer. JessicaLeighSmith.com and Facebook.com/NotFinishedInc.

NEW SERMON SERIES & CHURCH-WIDE STUDY BEGINS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

Up to your eyeballs in debt? When is enough enough?

Join us in worship Sunday mornings at 8:25, 9:25 & 11 am.

4474 Towne Lake Pkwy | Woodstock, GA 30189 770.924.4777 | www.hillsideumc.org

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

Today’s Job Search Tip: Strengthen Your Skills BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

“Technology is a funny thing. It is wonderful, until it isn’t.” In a moment, when technology fails, everyone’s efforts can completely shut down, unless someone knows how to fix it. I am generally the last one to upgrade to the next (let alone the newest) version of anything. It’s nice to be comfortable with what I have and know. Why bother making a change? This past spring I had a paradigm shift when my cell phone fell into water. After spending six days in rice to dry out, it was officially finished. I went to the AT&T store to see what my replacement options were. Unlike my past inclinations, I bought a phone brand different from what I previously used. And I bought the corresponding Bluetooth watch that would not only tell time, but would also track my correspondences and health checks. After several instructional YouTube videos, I increased my understanding and, yes, acquired new skills that brought a higher level of confidence and comfort. Now I am asked almost daily about this new mastered technology. It feels good to be on the leading edge! Knowing how to use several features of a cell or watch phone is not a specific job skill unless you are looking for a job that sells such products. However, getting yourself to learn something new is admired by most people, especially potential employers. What skills are needed for your desired job? Here are a few things to consider: • Look into industry-based continuing education (CEUs) • Pursue further education with a GED, vocational training, or at a college • Take certification courses • Subscribe to, and read, industry-based publications and journals • Network with people in your industry to discuss new trends • Tackle the latest technology • Watch YouTube videos (My niece learned to decorate cakes this way!) • Conduct Internet research • Ask someone who knows what you want to know to be your mentor • Practice, practice, practice Keep in mind that Spanish is an important skill, no matter what the industry. If you need to become employed, knowing a foreign language will give you an automatic edge over someone with equivalent job skills and education. Make it your goal to learn something new every day. Keep making progress!

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

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

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TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

Walking the Walks Each year, thousands of women participate in national events to bring awareness to finding a cure for breast cancer. Each woman has a different reason for being there. Here are a few Cherokee County women who share their own motivations.

Because I want to be part of the solution. BY JAMIE WILLIAMS

I love the name, “It’s the Journey.” It truly summarizes what me into the journey. Instead of mourning what seemed to be takes place each October in Atlanta [A 2-Day Walk for Breast the inevitable diagnosis of so many, I became empowered to Cancer that takes place Oct. 3-4 this year. www.itsthejourney. become part of the solution, to honor and memorialize my org] The organization and thousands courageous love ones and to fight of participants are on a journey to for the millions who are at risk — fight breast cancer. They do this by including myself and my daughters. funding grants that provide breast Jan was a financial planner like cancer education, screening, early me. We connected immediately at detection, support services, and a Kingdom Advisors meeting and continuing care for Georgians. That’s became fast friends. She was in right! All of the $11 million raised a battle for her life and was also stays right here in Georgia. This a well-regarded captain for the 2-Day and 30-mile walk to raise funds Atlanta 2-Day walk. She pushed and awareness takes walkers through us lovingly to train, fundraise and the beautiful neighborhoods, city fellowship. Her big smile and Jamie, front and center, with Team Jan. streets and parks of Atlanta. But regular drawn out question to us make no mistake, this is no ordinary walk in the park. of “Whooooooaz a Walkin’?” even when she was very ill, My journey started years ago when my Aunt Paulette was inspired us to set our problems aside and push on to a better diagnosed with breast cancer. I went on to experience this cause. Jan still captains us from heaven. We can hear her in diagnosis with my Mama Jo, Mama Bea, Aunt Thresia, Poppie our heads and in our spirits when our feet, knees and hips are (yes, men can get breast cancer, too) and my beloved friends begging to get off the concrete and call it a day. Our answer, Roberta, Tammy and Jan. Sweet Jan was the one who brought simply, is: “yes! Let’s do this!”

Because I can! BY GLORIA AVILLAR

How do you explain what the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk [set for Oct. 16-18 in Atlanta] means to you in 200 words or less? It’s an impossible task. You decide to do your first walk for all the right reasons, but also to see if it’s something you can actually do. Then you reach mile 60 on Day 3 and your life is never the same. The question goes from “how could I possibly do this?” to “how could I possibly not?” I’ve had some amazing experiences in the 11 events that I’ve participated in, but this one always helps me put things into perspective. While doing the 3-Day in Seattle in 2013, it rained like crazy on Day 3 (no big surprise). The rain was coming at us sideways as we walked along this stretch of highway by the port.

We had to walk in single file and the only thing to do was keep your head down and watch the sneakers of the person ahead of you. I was drenched and miserable and found myself wondering what the heck I was doing out there. Then, I remembered that somewhere behind me there was a 23-year-old woman, still in treatment for breast cancer, being pushed in her wheelchair by her teammates through this storm. I would be warm and dry in my hotel room within hours, and she would be heading back for more rounds of chemo within weeks. I continue to walk because I can, and so that hopefully my daughters won’t have to.

Gloria Avillar and her teammates had enough energy for a celebration leap.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Gloria’s team, Team Treasure Chest, poses with a 90-year-old cancer survivor of 24 years.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lifestyle

A Fair Warning BY MATT NEAL

Folks, it’s time we had a serious discussion about a problem that faces us all, a problem that may wipe out all of humanity. The Zombie Apocalypse. I bring this to your attention now because I’ve been monitoring this situation for quite a while. At this time of year, and as we approach All Hallows Eve, we are at the crux of a transformation. In my own childhood, people would dress up as Frankenstein, vampires, ghosts, and other mundane creatures. However, in the past few years I’ve noticed a trend toward the more ghoulish and gory. Halloween night is a time when we expect to see zombies roaming the streets, and what do we do? We give them candy. Now you see the problem, my friends. I believe this zombie trend has been engineered by the zombies themselves. They intend to inundate us with fake zombies, so much so that we don’t expect the unthinkable. Once we have let our guard down, they will strike. Imagine this frightening scenario − the doorbell rings; you open it holding a bowl full of candy. Several people stand at your door, in rags and tatters, all bloody and maimed. You hold out the bowl of candy and … they eat your arm right off! Back in the day, Americans were worried that the Soviets would attack on Christmas morning. Is it so crazy that the zombies would use the same methodology? What better way to attack when we are least expecting it? By the time we realized the truth, it would be too late. Here’s what we all have to do: When the cute princesses and Spidermen come to the door, it’s okay to hold out that bowl of candy...but when the zombies come to the door, have a dead rat on hand. Offer them that. If they go for it, beware − there is a good chance they could be actual zombies. Happy Halloween.

Halloween night is a time when we expect to see zombies roaming the streets, and what do we do? We give them candy.

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

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH.

Schedule Your Mammogram Today!

Call 678-581-5900 to schedule your digital mammogram at WellStar locations in Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties.

Early morning, evening and weekend appointments available.

wellstar.org

For scheduling, please call 678-581-5900. TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Health & Wellness Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

CUISINE

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com

American

open

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

American

$-$$

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad/ Sandwiches

closed

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Homestyle Cooking

closed

American Casual

$-$$

open

full bar

special events

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/ Chinese

open

full bar

yes

JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road 678-445-7730, jdsbbq.com

Barbeque

$-$$

open

Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Road 770-790-5740

American

open

full bar

yes

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

American Casual

Sun. Brunch

$-$$

open

full bar

yes

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

Mexican

open

full bar

LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com

Steakhouse

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Marco’s Pizza, 6424 Bells Ferry Road 678-213-2100, marcos.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331, mellowmushroom.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

*NY Style Deli & Pizza, 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, d 678-426-7004 *see a

Pizza/Subs/ Bakery

$-$$

open

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Mexican/Irish

Sat.&Sun. brunch

open

full bar

large groups call ahead

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Song’s Garden, 2068 Eagle Drive 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com

Chinese

$-$$

open

The Place, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901, theplacebargrill.com

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

Town Lake Diner, 2290 Eagle Drive 770-675-3390

American

$-$$

open ‘til 3

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671, chinafun88.com Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616 Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885, familytradition.net Featherstone’s Grill, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club 770-592-9969 GameDay Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754, gamedayfresh.com Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Parkway 678-238-1899, iloveizumi.com

Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494, johnnyspizza.com *Jump Kitchen Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing d 678-388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com *see a

pg.24

Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-5264, kanihouse.com La Parrilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606, laparrilla.com

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com

*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-3100, papa-ps.com Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com

Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

pg. 41

d *see a 8 . g p

* Denotes Advertiser

RESTAURANT

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

Towne Lake Area Dining Guide

IRA Rollovers for Lump Sum Pension Payouts

Give those dollars the opportunity for further tax-deferred growth. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

A big payout leads to a big question. If you are taking a lump sum pension payout from your former employer, what is the next step for that money? It will be integral to your retirement; how can you make it work harder for you? Rolling it over might be the right thing to do. If you do not have substantial retirement savings, that lump sum may be just what you need. The key is to plan to keep it growing. That money shouldn’t just sit there. Even tame inflation whittles away at the value of money over time. Most corporate pension payments are not inflation-indexed, so those monthly payments eventually purchase less and less. Lump sums are just as susceptible: if you receive $100,000 today, that $100,000 will buy 33 percent less in 20 years even with only 2 percent inflation.1,2 Putting it in the bank might cause you some financial pain. If you simply deposit your lump sum payout, it will be considered taxable income by the IRS. (There are very few exceptions to that rule.) All that income may send you into a higher tax bracket.1 Moreover, you will not get the whole amount that way: per IRS regulations, your employer must withhold 20 percent of it. In addition, if you receive the lump sum before age 59½, there could be a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty per federal tax law as the federal government wants to encourage you to keep your retirement money in your retirement account until your 60s. In most cases, you need to leave your job (i.e., retire) before you can roll money out of a pension plan.1,3 Want to postpone paying taxes on those assets? By arranging a rollover of your lump sum distribution to a traditional or Roth IRA, you may defer tax on those dollars. You can even defer tax on a distribution already paid to you if you roll over the taxable amount to an IRA within 60 days after receipt of the payout (weekends and holidays are included in those 60 days).1,3

In fact, through a direct rollover (also called a trustee-to-trustee transfer), you can avoid the 20 percent withholding and the larger tax bill that comes from receiving all that money. The funds can be transferred to an IRA this way, giving you many potential investment options and the ability to continue keeping those assets in a taxdeferred qualified retirement account.1 If you are considering taking a lump sum payout, make sure you position that money for additional tax-deferred growth. Talk to a financial professional who can help you with the paperwork and get your IRA rollover going. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - finance.zacks.com/voluntary-retirement-pension-lump-sum-10401.html [3/13/15] 2 - articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-04-26/business/sc-cons-0425journey-20130426_1_roth-ira-buying-power-income [4/26/13] 3 - nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/2014/rollover-ira/ [9/7/14] 4 - finance.zacks.com/can-roll-over-pension-plan-ira-6138.html [3/13/15]

Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Attention Sciatica And Low Back Pain Sufferers……

Could One Hour With Our Doctors Give You The Answer To Your Disc Pain? Now, in Acworth, GA, Dr. Erin Arnold, D.C. & Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. have what may be the most important breakthrough in non-surgical back pain treatment. Before and after MRI studies have shown disc bulges shrink in size – even with the most painful cases of L4-L5 & L5-S1 herniations. If you’ve had disc problems for years, recently injured your back, or you’re suffering with sciatica, you must hear about these new studies. Scientific studies tell us that spinal discs are responsible for most of the aches and pains people suffer from. Discs act like a cushion between our backbones and allow for a space at each level so the nerves can exit the spinal column. When these discs get injured or wear out from bad posture, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniations begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. If the herniations occur at L4-L5, they can severely compromise the large sciatic nerve, causing muscle weakness, tingling, and severe pain. The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. This costs quite a bit of money. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000-$15,000, and sometimes more. The recovery time and missed work can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgery. But here’s the biggest problem… there is a high failure rate of back surgery. One medical study found that on average, 53% of L5-S1 back surgeries fail to produce relief of symptoms (International Orthop 1987.) Do You Have A Disc Problem? If you experience any of the following in your back or neck, chances are your pain is due to a disc bulge, herniation or degeneration: • A vice-like squeezing feeling in your back • Sitting causes back or leg pain • Stabbing pain at the belt line or in your neck • Can’t turn over in bed without hurting • Numbness in your toes or fingers • Fire down your legs • Searing pain radiates into your arm • Prickling in your leg or toes Finally, Some Good News…… If you’ve been suffering with back pain or arm/ leg pain caused by a disc bulge, disc herniation or squashed or compressed discs. Until recently, the only advice for many of you suffering in pain was to try what you’ve been told: • Try exercising • Try physical therapy • Try pain medications • Try muscle relaxers • Try pain shots • Try dangerous back surgery • Just live with it If you’re like most, none of these have worked for you or you are afraid of what could happen if you do try some of these. Exercising makes you hurt more, pain medications and muscle relaxers cover up the problem and give you side effects. Pain shots can cause more pain, don’t 60 TOWNELAKER | October 2015

work or don’t last very long or FIX the problem, back surgery didn’t work, or made you worse. Or maybe you were one of the lucky ones that back surgery actually helped, but now the problem is back with a vengeance. Whatever your situation, you owe it to yourself to check into a Breakthrough Computerized Non-Surgical Treatment for back pain and sciatic or leg pain caused by a bulging, herniated or squashed disc or discs. It has helped hundreds of people who were suffering just like you. This new treatment machine we are calling “the squashed disc machine.” How “Good” Discs become “Bad” Discs Over time the discs in your back tend to get squashed or compressed, especially if you’ve played certain sports when younger or have a job that requires lots of sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time. Car accidents, lifting things, very physical jobs just to name a few. It’s kind of like a cookie with cream filling, and the cream filling will start to ooze out from between the sides of the cookie if pressure is applied on top of the cookie (like gravity on our spines). Eventually this happens to a lot of us. Statistics show over 80% of Americans will suffer with back pain some time in their life. How Does This Machine Work? Haven’t you ever had the thought…”Gosh, if somebody could just pull me apart…I would feel a whole lot better.” Yeah, we know you have. And it kind of makes a bit of sense. Well someone else, actually a medical manufacturer, back pain specialists, neurosurgeons and engineers have come up with just that. A machine that gently pulls you apart, stretches the disc to a certain point that causes a drop in pressure inside the disc (like a little vacuum in the middle of the cream filling) causing the cream filling to suck back in! You’ll simply lie on your stomach or back, whichever is comfortable, and then a specialized belt is gently put around your waist. We’ll set the machine to focus on your problem area – then the advanced decompression computer system will do the rest. Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and best of all there will be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, and no painful exercises. Does Decompression really work? Just Listen to What Our Patients Had to Say: When I came in North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute I was suffering with Sciatic Pain that ran down my leg. Since starting the decompression therapy I have a lot less pain and my quality of life has improved. I can do more things and golf more. From my 1st visit I felt that I was very important and that my care was a top priority to the doctors and staff. I am very thankful for their care and dedication to my health. Much thanks to you & your staff, Bill Otott – Retired (Golfer) I originally started getting help at North Cobb Spine & Nerve for my Sciatica that ran down

Dr. Erin Arnold my left leg. One of my biggest concerns was not getting surgery. Now that I have gotten decompression therapy I have no more pain and my life feels normal again. My sciatic pain is gone. Everyone at the practice is so helpful and fantastic! I was amazed that I could get help without surgery. Thank you, Mike Morton- Sales Representative In just a matter of weeks you could be playing golf, enjoying your love life, or traveling again. The Single Most Important Solution To Your Sciatica and Back Pain It’s time for you to find out if spinal decompression will be your sciatic and back pain solution. For 15 days only, we’re running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. What Does This Offer Include? Everything we normally do in our new patient evaluation. Just call before Oct. 15th, and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where the doctor will listen… really listen…to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms. • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • An extensive review of your MRI. • You’ll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like is has been for so many other patients. Until Oct. 15th, you can get everything listed here for $20. The normal price for this type of evaluation including x-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking us up on this offer. Here’s What To Do Now: Due to the expected demand for this treatment, we suggest calling our office at once at 678-574-5678.

North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4 Acworth, GA 30101

Restoring Freedom From Foot And Ankle Pain Treatment and Surgery for All Ages • Heel Pain, Bunions • Foot and Ankle Fractures • Sports Injuries • Work-related Injuries

DR. STEVEN WEISKOPF

• Custom Orthotics WOODSTOCK 1198 Buckhead Crossing Suite D Woodstock, GA 30189 ph. 770.928.9263 TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Health & Wellness

Was Your Last Dental Visit More Than Three Years Ago? BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

There are good habits you should maintain throughout your life, and going to the dentist every six months is one of them. The old adage “slow and steady wins the race” really applies to dentistry; people who are too busy to address their dental health often suffer the consequences of unexpected problems that can include deep painful cavities, abscessed teeth or extractions. After practicing dentistry for nearly 30 years, it has become extremely apparent to me that people who receive regular dental check ups have healthier teeth because their dental problems are detected earlier, and their treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. More importantly, regular dental check ups prevent many problems from developing in the first place. In recent weeks, I have seen several new dental patients who have brought this important message to light. One family brought in their college-aged son and daughter, who both play college sports; the entire family was delightful and very intelligent. These college students were busy, especially with sports and rigorous training, and had not dedicated time for regular dental check ups. They had typical and undesirable college eating habits, and both consumed sports drinks that promote tooth decay. Their oral hygiene technique and frequency were greatly lacking; let’s just say their coaching in oral hygiene did not compare to their coaching in sports. The long delays in dental check ups resulted in numerous large cavities close to the nerves in several molars. They both complained of pain when eating cold or sweets. Their treatment was reactive rather than proactive, and the entire family learned a valuable lesson. Tom is another new patient we met several days ago. His chief concern was an upper molar that was hurting very

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

badly. The radiograph of his tooth revealed severe decay that required the tooth to be extracted; upon further clinical inspection, we discovered that one of his lower molars also had advanced decay into the jawbone, and needed to be removed as well. Additionally, many of Tom’s back teeth were loose. Taking time to measure Tom’s gums revealed advanced gum disease involving all of his back teeth, and this was a game-changer involving his overall treatment needs. These teeth were removed to alleviate his pain. Tom is a successful businessman who travels around the world, and is a very involved father. He admitted he has not taken time to have a dental check up for almost 10 years. He knew he had bad breath and had occasional toothaches but ignored these symptoms. He said he wished he had come to the dentist sooner, but life happened. Tom learned that tooth decay and gum problems typically advance without pain. Tom will have several visits with specialists including a gum surgeon and an oral surgeon. He will lose numerous back teeth and have them

People who receive regular dental check ups have healthier teeth because their dental problems are detected earlier.

continued on page 88

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

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Health & Wellness

Genetic Testing is Easy and Affordable BY KIMBERLY KING-SPOHN, M.S., CGC, MANAGER, WELLSTAR GENETIC RISK ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Genetic testing has moved beyond the realm of science fiction. Paired with family history and lifestyle, genetic testing helps determine a person’s risk of developing cancer. Cost has been a concern in the past. Many patients I meet with are surprised to learn it is much more affordable now and often covered by insurance plans if deemed medically necessary. Some patients I meet with do not have cancer. This was recently the case with a mother of two. We looked at her family history for three generations. The young woman had multiple cases of cancer in her family and had most recently lost her mother to ovarian cancer. She was offered a test to examine her BRCA genes. When functioning properly, BRCA genes help the body to prevent tumors from growing. When these genes are not working properly, tumors grow more frequently and may lead to cancer. By identifying gene mutations, we can proactively plan for our patients’ health. If a patient knows there is a gene mutation, she can decide on a treatment course, such as minimizing her risk of developing ovarian cancer by having her ovaries removed or conducting additional screenings to catch potential cancer growths. It is all about arming our patients with information and allowing them to make informed decisions to better live the lives they envision. In the case of the woman who had lost her mother to cancer, the tests came back negative and gave her peace of mind. Patients with a cancer diagnosis also find genetic testing useful. Identifying a mutation may affect treatment, such as making a patient eligible for clinical trials or choosing surgical options to prevent recurrence. A woman with breast cancer and a gene mutation may consider a bilateral mastectomy to keep breast cancer from recurring. Women with a BRCA gene mutation are also at higher risk for ovarian cancer and may consider the removal of ovaries as a preventative measure. No matter the result, as genetic counselors, we help guide what new genetic information could mean for a patient. It’s a unique process for each individual, and we’re here to help patients be as informed as possible.

No matter the result, as genetic counselors, we help guide what new genetic information could mean for a patient.

Kimberly King-Spohn is a board-certified genetic counselor and serves as the manager of the WellStar Genetic Risk Assessment Program.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Lower Back Pain That will Not Go Away BY DR. VINCENT WILLIAMS

There are times when conservative treatments do not alleviate lower back pain. When this is the case, it can be indicative of a biomechanical problem in the lower extremities (feet, ankle or knees). While a patient does not necessarily have complaints of pain in the feet, ankles or knees, it may be worth investigating. When a house is built, the foundation is the base of the entire house. If the foundation is not strong, there can be problems later as the house settles − often manifesting themselves in other parts of the house. The same is true with the human body. The foundation of the body is the feet. When we get up and move, our feet are the first to make contact with the ground. Problems with the feet can cause problems elsewhere in the body. The foot has three arches: medial, lateral and transverse. If these arches are not functioning properly it can result in pain in other parts of the body. For instance, if your medial arch is falling, your knee will rotate inward, and the hip on the same side will drop toward floor. This can cause foot pain, knee pain, hip pain or lower back pain. Often by correcting mechanical problems with the feet, lower back pain can be alleviated. There are several options. The first one is to increase the joint motion of bones in the feet and ankles through chiropractic manipulation. The second option is to use a soft orthotic to stop the foot’s arch from falling. Once the arch of the foot has dropped, you cannot correct the arch’s functionality with chiropractic manipulation. The foot will always require support. Sometimes our feet have problems that are more complicated than just fallen arches and may require a referral to a licensed podiatrist.

Dr. Williams earned a B.S. In Human Anatomy and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker College of Chiropractic and has been in practice for 18 years.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Health & Wellness

How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist! BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.

October is National Audiology Awareness Month. According to U.S. News and World Report, audiology is a highly recognized profession that was ranked one of the best careers in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. According to the American Academy of Audiology, audiologists: • Are the primary health care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. • Prescribe, fit and dispense hearing aids and other amplification and hearing assistance technologies. • Are members of cochlear implant teams. • Perform ear- or hearing-related surgical monitoring. • Design and implement hearing conservation programs. • Design and implement newborn hearing screening programs. • Provide hearing rehabilitation training such as auditory training and listening skills improvement. • Assess and treat individuals, especially children, with central auditory processing disorders. • Assess and treat individuals with tinnitus (noise in the ear, such as ringing).

• Most hearing loss that is caused by nerve damage can be treated by an audiologist with hearing aids, assistive listening devices and hearing rehabilitation. • Audiologists work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practice, ENT offices, universities, K-12 schools, government, military and Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals. • Most audiologists earn a doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. Some audiologists earn a doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of Science (ScD) degree in the hearing and balance sciences. • Audiologists must be licensed or registered for practice in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Check the credentials of the professional you chose as your hearing health care provider. You may think you are seeing an audiologist when purchasing a hearing aid, but many professionals may be licensed to fit you with a hearing aid but are not audiologists and usually do not have a doctorate degree. I am proud to be part of this exciting profession that is in the business of helping people. If you want more information on audiology and hearing loss, visit www.HowsYourHearing.org.

Audiologists treat all types of hearing loss in infants, children, teens and adults. • Almost all types of hearing loss are treatable by an audiologist.

Dr. Henriques, a board certified audiologist and lead provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock, has been practicing since 1985. www.YourHearingLink.com.

It’s Okay to Fail BY DR. AMY HARDIN

Several years ago, my daughter tried out for a local symphony orchestra. She practiced like crazy, picked an amazing piece which sounded great - and she tried out…but wasn’t selected, even for the lowest band level. She was crushed (we all were), but it’s probably one of the best things that ever happened to her (and us). Today’s society is so focused on success. Everyone gets a trophy at kid’s soccer and baseball. All parents want their kids in AIM or in the best choir, or going to the best colleges. It’s a reflection of your parenting, right? Well, this month’s article is about why it’s also important to allow your kids to fail. New studies, which I’ve been fascinated to read as both a mom and pediatrician, talk about these “super successful since birth” kids who are now suffering from anxiety and depression in college and adulthood, and wondering why they don’t get the grades/job/spouse/house they want or think they deserve. After parenting trends that focus on keeping kids happy and super-achieving 24/7, I can’t say I’m surprised. Social media doesn’t help much, because other parents (and kids) are posting pics of their successes online every day. But I’m here to tell you that our daughter’s failure showed her that the world did not fall apart when she didn’t get into the 66

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symphony orchestra. She still had her high school band, and friends and family who loved her. She learned that there will almost always be folks who are better than her at something, but that doesn’t mean she should stop trying. She had to get up and go to school the following Monday, and yes, tell her friends who knew she was trying out that she didn’t succeed. This showed her that true friends have her back even more in failure than success. She learned to be empathetic for others who don’t succeed. She also learned her musical skills weren’t quite there yet, so she practiced harder, and the next year made it into a new symphony orchestra. She played amazing music, and won a spot on the Redcoats Marching Band at UGA her senior year, along with a small music scholarship - all because of her failure. If your child doesn’t succeed, please remember your own failures, and talk about them with your child. It’s okay to fail; in fact, it often leads to future success!

Dr. Amy Hardin has been a pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics in Woodstock for more than 20 years. www.northsidepediatrics.com.

Reverse Hormone Imbalance For Better Health BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO

I am asked frequently by patients what to do when weight loss programs and exercise fail to yield desired results. I answer with the question, “when was your last hormone panel checked by your physician?” Most patients tell me they have never had their hormone levels checked. They add that no one has ever suggested it. Other patients tell me they have been told a hormone panel check and hormone replacement therapy are not necessary. If you are starting menopause or are at the end of it, you don’t have to tough it out where symptoms are concerned. Natural hormone replacement therapy with bioidentical hormones may be what you need. For women who have had a total or partial hysterectomy, hormonal imbalances can begin and linger with the use of artificial hormone replacement therapy (not to mention the serious side effects associated with long-term use). You may have a hormonal imbalance if you have some of the following symptoms. Weight gain in spite of physical activity and diet changes. Many people, especially men and women who are past their 40s, have an underlying hormone imbalance that makes it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Insulin resistance, high estrogen and cortisol, low progesterone and testosterone are some of the possible imbalances that contribute to this. Fat buildup around the midsection. High cortisol is normally the chief culprit. This is due to chronic stress and underproduction of certain hormones. During times of chronic stress, the body’s hormone pregnenolone is “stolen” by the endocrine system to make more cortisol, a process sometimes called the pregnenolone steal. As a result, production of the sex hormones suffer as more and more cortisol is produced. Managing stress and taking adaptogen supplements can help reduce overproduction of cortisol. Low libido. This is one of the first symptoms to occur during a hormone imbalance. Sleep disturbance is a major contributor to low libido. Restoring progesterone balance in women and testosterone in men is normally enough to fix this. Anxiety, irritability, depression, night sweats and insomnia. If you don’t feel like you did when you were younger, it may be time to talk to your physician, but not the time for pharmaceuticals. Masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals does not address underlying hormonal imbalances, which are largely responsible. Your body does not suddenly become deprived of benzodiazepines, sleeping pills and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) when you turn 40. It is your hormones that need to be looked at and adjusted when necessary.

O. Julius Quarcoo, a pharmacist for 21 years, is owner of Towne Lake Family Pharmacy, which offers compounding and regular prescriptions. 770-635-7697. townelakepharmacy@yahoo.com. TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Faith

Marriage Moments: Seek Counsel from God BY BILL RATLIFF

An indispensable part of any marriage is to receive wise counsel. Some people seek it from their parents, grandparents or other family members. Some seek it from their pastors; others seek it from trained marriage counselors, or even friends. I believe the first place to seek wise counsel is from the Lord our God. He created marriage as the Bible says in Genesis 2:24, where we are told: “... A man shall leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and the two shall become one flesh.” The Bible specifically directs us to seek wisdom from God because we do not become wise through our knowledge or experience. Wisdom is a gift from God. In James 1:5, we read: “...if any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God...and it will be given to you.” You can’t do better than wisdom from God; however, I offer some simple marital advice that could come in handy. What NOT to say to your wife: “You could stand to lose a few pounds.” “Are those some wrinkles I see?” “Your new hairstyle isn’t so great.” (I once had a friend who told his wife her new haircut looked like a mushroom cloud. Needless to say, it didn’t go over very well.) What NOT to say to your husband: “You don’t make enough money.” “Your belly has gotten so big.” “Why do you always have to watch so many sports programs?”

What you SHOULD say to your wife: “Wow! You look great today!” “I am impressed with how much money you saved while shopping.” “That back rub was awesome!” What you SHOULD say to your husband: “You are such a good driver.” “Thank you for fixing the disposal.” “That foot rub was awesome.” I hope these suggestions are helpful, but again I encourage you to seek wisdom from God first and foremost.

Date Your Mate:

Make Maryland crab cakes and take them to a tailgate party. They will be a hit no matter which team you are rooting for. See the recipe on 14.

Bill Ratliff is the senior pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He can be reached at 678-445-8766 or bratliff@tlcchurch.com.

Winning Life’s Battles BY JOHN HARRIS

Have you ever been in a battle? If you have a pulse, then I’m sure the answer is yes. Exodus 17:8-16 tells us a story about one of Israel’s battles and how God helped those involved. I believe that the same ingredients for their victory can lead to victory for you today. I understand that the text takes place in ancient times, but please know that these were real people. Their garments may be different from ours, and we have more gadgets today, but the people are the same. “The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” Exodus 17: 8-16 First of all, be ready for battle. This battle came at a time when the Israelites least expected it. They had just crossed the Red Sea, and God had just crushed their arch-enemy. Then the Israelites were suddenly attacked by another 68

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enemy. This attack was unprovoked, and unwanted. We must be ready. Next, you must remember your burden. This is a defining battle with a people called the Amalekites. In scripture, they are a picture of our flesh. I’m not speaking about skin, but rather sufficiency. We will always battle with our need to be self-sustaining. In great victories we often look to ourselves rather than to God. You must also realize your battle plan. We do not win our battles in the flesh, but we win through prayer (Eph. 6:1018.) Prayer is the real battlefield of our lives. In the text, Moses tells the people to prepare to fight, but he and two others would go up on the hill and pray. Victory didn’t come because they had better weapons; victory came because of better warfare. What a picture of our salvation! What a picture of the cross of Jesus Christ. continued on page 88

John Harris is the senior pastor at New Victoria Baptist Church, which is located on Bells Ferry Road. He may be reached at johnharris@newvicbaptist.org.

St. Michael Congregants Celebrate New Sanctuary St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Woodstock recently dedicated a new sanctuary, with a dedication mass celebrated by Archbishop of Atlanta, Wilton D. Gregory, the church’s pastor, Father Larry Niese, 14 priests from the Archdiocese, a host of other notable guests and a sanctuary full of worshippers. Construction on the $8.5 million project began in March 2014. The new sanctuary was built onto the former church, which now has been turned into a Family Center. More than 1,100 worshippers can be seated in the new sanctuary, which nearly The new sanctuary is a welcome addition for St. Michael’s 3,070 active families. Photos courtesy of Debbie Quinn. doubles the former church’s capacity. holy celebration without additional distractions.” Ann Carey has been a Carey describes the church’s interior as “cruciform, parishioner since St. Michael the traditional, elegant and timeless.” Archangel began as a mission “The neutral color palette draws all the attention The seating capacity inside the new facility is 1,100. in 1995. She spearheaded to the altar, tabernacle and crucifix, highlighting our the fundraising effort for the Catholic faith,” she said. “The stained glass windows building project, and is pleased with the outcome. illustrate the 20 mysteries of the rosary and the large rose window “The celebration of Mass has always been the heart of our over the tabernacle represents the seven holy sacraments and the parish. With the new, larger church, we can accommodate all Divine Mercy heart.” parishioners and guests at each Mass in a beautifully comfortable The church is at 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 30188. manner, without the need for standing due to space constraints,” www.saintmichaelcc.org. she said. “This allows folks to fully participate and engage in the

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

School & Sports

A Novel Idea:

Writing a Great Beginning CREATIVE WRITING ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY JOE LEMMO’S 7TH GRADE E.T. BOOTH LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS

Each month, Joe Lemmo will feature a different story element from students who are working on writing novels. This month highlights the opening paragraphs of their first chapters. Since the beginning of humanity, there has always been a group of people who were gifted. Parents always tell their children that they are gifted with certain abilities like the ability to write well or create things, but these Jordan Fansler people were not gifted like the average person, they had magical abilities. Some of them could make things disappear, while others could move things by thought. Some could heal wounds, and one could even fly. These people lived in refuge in the mountains west of the Great Plains for a very good reason. The average people of the world thought of these magical persons as evil. They thought that they would use their magic to take power. However, in reality, the magical people, who most referred to as Thwarshes, were good and kind. At first they used their powers to help others. They acted like doctors and military members; therefore, everyone in the country of Amer, which would later become America, prospered. But there was a greedy man who sought power and money. He took over as king and realized something had to be done about the Thwarshes, who he thought would surely take away his power.

Not many people know how I see things the way they do. They don’t think that dogs like me are as smart as them. I stand out from other dogs starting with how I am very intelligent. Ever since I was born, November Morgan Castle 19th, eight weeks ago, I have realized how I can understand more things than my brothers and sisters can. When I’m not wandering about the world, I get to play with my siblings in this grassy area guarded by a fence. I think I’ve heard my owner call it a pen. Sometimes I wish that I could leave the pen and go somewhere new. Today was January 14th, 2015, just a regular day. I was wandering out in the field when I saw something moving in the distance. The fast moving figure had circular rolling objects and it was in the shape of a square. I started running because the weirdly shaped figure was coming towards me. 70

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“James are you finished?” questioned Austin. “Not even close.” I shouted angrily. Austin kept asking me that nonstop, which drove me crazy, but since joining the institution he was the only friend I had, so I Korbin Roberson kept my temper. I joined the institute to become a technician, not some question machine. “Austin, please stop asking me that. I’m almost finished.” Austin nodded and walked off to his room. I finally could work in peace. All day I had classes here at the outpost and in my free time I liked working on stuff, but today I had no free time. Right after my classes I had to come here and work on this electrical panel. Being a college kid I should have more time, but since the outpost is in the Canadian wilderness, there was a lot of work to be done. I had always wondered why this research outpost was here. It was massive but so far away from civilization. I was close to finishing when Austin came running down the hallway.

Where there is a door, there is a doorknob. Where there is a doorknob, there is a lock. And usually, when there is a lock, there is a key. But, what if there wasn’t a key to a locked door? How would anyone get to the other side? And Jedidiah Davis more importantly, what would be on the other side? Such questions are usually asked by the most inquisitive, adventurous, and courageous of people. And yet, they weren’t asked by people of those features. Instead, they were asked by a family who can be described as the complete opposite of the descriptions that I gave you. Nonetheless, they were somehow able to prevent the world from falling into a deep, dark age.

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County for the last 15 years.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

School & Sports

Senior Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Paula M. Ruiz of Woodstock High School is one of three Cherokee County School District seniors named as semifinalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. Ruiz joins academically talented high school seniors from across the country who are competing for 7,400 scholarships worth more than $32 million. Scholarships will be awarded in spring 2016. For the next step of the competition, semifinalists submit an application including their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received; as well as an essay, a recommendation from a high school official and evidence they have earned grades that confirm their outstanding PSAT Paula M. Ruiz performance.

Bascomb Gets a New Sign Bascomb Elementary School recently replaced its 20-year-old sign with a new digital version. The PTA helped the school reach its goal to purchase and install the new sign at the school’s entrance. The new digital format is designed to keep families and the community informed about upcoming school events.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Boston Elementary Class of 2023 Fifth-grade students at Boston Elementary proudly spelled out “Class of 2023” − their anticipated high school graduation year − as part of the Etowah Innovation Zone initiative, a plan that encourages students to work toward the long-term goal of earning a diploma.

ET Booth Students Learn Through Hands-on Lessons Seventh-grade reading teacher Amy Loiselle recently created “Saving Fred” and the “Cup Stack Challenge” − hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) lessons through which students creatively solve tasks by working together. Loiselle plans to use additional lessons similar to these throughout the school year to encourage students to communicate, cooperate and practice time management skills.

Kinsey Norton, Nina Velasco, Sophie Mnich and Kennedy Cleveland cooperate on “Saving Fred.”

John Weathers, Ally Zazzara and Corrine Wnukowski work together on the “Cup Stack Challenge.”

County Students Earn Record High ACT Scores The Cherokee County School District’s class of 2015 earned record high scores and the second-highest county average in metro Atlanta, while exceeding their peers across the nation on the ACT college entrance and placement examination. The district’s average ACT composite/total score on the curriculum-based test is 22.7, rising from 22.6 last year and 20.8 over the past decade; national and state averages are 21. Students earn a score on a scale of 1 to 36; the ACT is taken in lieu of, or in conjunction with, the SAT. The class of 2015 earned the school system’s highest-ever scores in the English (22.4), reading (23.4) and science (22.6) sections, with averages for those three sections, as well as mathematics, all increasing from the previous year. The number of seniors who took the ACT also climbed to 1,450, or 59 percent of the senior class – an increase over the 56 percent posted the previous year. The ACT will be administered this year at high schools in the district on Oct. 24 and Dec. 12. Testing in 2016 will occur on Feb. 6, April 9 and June 11. Students will have a choice of at least two dates at each campus.

Clark Creek Makes History “We are simply ecstatic about our State STEM Certification!” Principal Dr. Jennifer Scrivner said. “The students, teachers and community have worked diligently to ensure an amazing 21st-century education for our students. We know the success we have experienced would not have occurred without the vision and continuous support of the Superintendent, his senior staff and the School Board. It is evident that the school district is truly preparing students for the frontier careers of tomorrow!”

School Club Hosts STEMposium for Students Woodstock High School’s WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Club recently hosted a STEMposium with guest speaker Anna Cooks, a project lead and senior engineer for the Southern Company. Cooks spoke with WISE Club students in the media center during lunch periods.

From left: Club sponsor teacher Kelly Burke, club members Nicole Kirby, Savannah Fuchs, Kendall Alsup, Paula Ruiz and Julia Tully, and guest speaker Anna Cooks.

From left: Principal Kim Montalbano, Lynn Ziner from the American Heart Association and PE teachers Stefanie Cunningham and Scott Fortes.

School Recognized by American Heart Association Woodstock Elementary School has received a Fit Friendly School Gold Achievement designation by the American Heart Association (AHA). Lynn Ziner, youth market director for the AHA was at the school recently to present a plaque to Principal Kim Montalbano, and PE teachers Stefanie Cunningham and Scott Fortes. The Fit Friendly program recognizes employers/schools that go above and beyond for their employees/students to create a culture of physical activity and health. The Gold Achievement level requires that criteria are fulfilled in areas such as offering physical activity support, increasing healthy eating options, and promoting a wellness culture.

Cell Phone Use, Texting and Other Driving Distractions BY MARK KISSEL

Several years ago, Georgia had the third-highest rate in the nation of drivers who text while driving. Drivers become so engaged with cell phones that they fail to maintain safe distances between vehicles, merge into adjacent traffic lanes and ignore traffic signals. While anecdotal evidence indicates that younger, less-experienced drivers are more easily distracted, unfortunately many adults are just as guilty. Georgia law is very clear about texting and driving. Georgia Law O.C.G.A. 40-6-241.1 states that all drivers younger than age 18 are banned from using a cell phone while driving. All drivers, regardless of age, are banned from texting while driving, according to Georgia Law O.C.G.A. 40-6-241.2. Certain exemptions apply, such as reporting a traffic accident, reporting a situation in which you believe your personal safety is in jeopardy, or using the device while the vehicle is parked. A National Safety Council survey found that daytime motorists use some type of hand-held or hands-free device that ultimately causes distraction and slower reaction times. Many are so immersed in the conversation, they neglect their responsibility to drive safely. Other actions can be just as problematic— reaching

for an object increases crash risk by nine times, reading while driving increases crash risk by three times, grooming or applying makeup increases crash risk by three times, and drowsiness l increases crash risk four times. Data provided by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) for Cherokee County reveal that between 2009 and 2013, traffic accidents rose from 4,475 to 5,578, resulting in an average of 1,511 injuries and 14 fatalities. In Georgia, drivers younger than 21 represent 10 percent of those involved in fatal crashes. A safe driving contract was created by the GOHS that sets out expectations that parents should have with their teens while they are continuing to develop their driving skills. It can be found at: http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/fullpanel/uploads/files/teendriver-parent-agreement.pdf

Chief of Police Mark Kissel has served the Cherokee County School District since 1999 and has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience. TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Friday, November 13th Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center Cherokee County Administration Building 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Take Exit 20 on I-575 & follow signs.

Free Admission & Visits with Santa!

Would you like to be a vendor at the 7th Annual Jingle Bell $hop? Vendor space is available now! Presented by:

Sponsored by

FREE

Shopping Bags courtesy of

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Welcome to

photo by Darleen Prem

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

The Outlet Shoppes

T at Atlanta at Saks

Fifth Avenue Off Fifth

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

Trolley Routes outlined in red

Chattahoochee Technical College

Parks Cir

Trolley Stop

Public Parking Lots

Dobbs Rd

Rope Mill Rd

Kyle St

On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only

T Pkwy

Arnold Mill Rd

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Mca

t Rd

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S er d ar

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

Dupre

Reeves St

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Main St

Mark et

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Sat 1:45-4:15

T Wheel

Fowler St

Hicko

Reformation Brewery

T Fri 6:00-8:15

Pade

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To GA Hwy 140

Elm

Map

in St

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Cham bers S

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Park at City Center

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To GA Hwy 92

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

Downtown Woodstock

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

Salt Factory Pub 8690 Main St. (678) 903-6225 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com What A Dog 9595 Highway 92 770-485-3411 76

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CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no

Modern American

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

Wood-fired Pizza & Grill

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Southern

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

Full bar

yes

American

open

Tapas/Sushi

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

Italian

open

Full bar

Diner

$-$$

open

Weekends only

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Beer

Southern

Sunday Brunch

$$$$

open

Beer/Wine

yes

Mexican

Sat./Sun. Brunch

open

Full bar

6 persons+

Seafood

Sunday Brunch

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

limited

Gastropub

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

English Tea room

closed

yes

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

Chicago style Hotdogs

open

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

RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria 9425 Highway 92 #100 770-672-6996 Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com Pure Taqueria 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood d 8670 Main St. *see a5 4 . pg 770-627-3006

Money Magazine Honor a Nice Surprise BY JEFF MOON

Money magazine named Woodstock as one of the “50 Best Places to Live” in the United States of America for 2015 in its September issue. Woodstock was the only city in Georgia selected. It was the first time that the city was recognized in the magazine’s prestigious annual list. There is no application process for this recognition; editors and reporters at Money use their own criteria each year to come up with the list. The city learned about the honor a few days before the information was released publicly. Woodstock has made a number of “Best of” lists in Georgia over the last few years, but to be recognized by a national publication is very humbling, especially when the recognition is not something for which the city could apply. It takes a lot of hard work to reach the point of consideration for a recognition such as this list. Elected officials, staff, business owners and residents all share in this accomplishment because the community, not the individuals, were responsible

Woodstock has made a number of “Best of” lists in Georgia over the last few years.

for the “Best Places” designation. Countless hours of planning and public input, and years of implementation were involved. The city receives many requests to meet with and speak to other local governments in Georgia, to talk about our planning process and the success we have seen in Downtown Woodstock. Each time we meet with a group, we share the same message: It starts with a plan. Each of Woodstock’s plans have public “buy in,” and elected officials and staff who have the discipline to stick with the plan throughout the years of implementation. I am proud to live and work in this community. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you’re not worried about who gets the credit. I can assure each of you that we will continue to work each and every day to achieve the vision adopted by the Mayor and Council. And if we move up the list of “Best Places to Live” because of the efforts, so much the better!

Jeff Moon has been city manager for Woodstock since April 2008. Moon earned a Master’s Degree in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Downtown Woodstock

Networking Option for Young Professionals BY KYLE BENNETT

Young residents of Woodstock and the surrounding areas have a new opportunity. Young Professionals of Woodstock, (YPOW) is an organization created for the growing young professional population. The mission of Young Professionals of Woodstock is to provide an outlet for participants to develop professionally, build lasting relationships, become philanthropically active and contribute to the economic development and high quality of life in our community, now and for the future. YPOW is for 18- to 40-year-olds with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people and cultivating skills for career enhancement. YPOW membership is free for Main Street Woodstock members, and $25 for non-members. YPOW consists of this area’s most passionate, authentic and driven future leaders. Our number one goal is to create opportunities for aspiring professionals to meet each other, network, gain career enhancement skills, and explore ways to give back to our community. YPOW will

have educational, social and charity events throughout the year that will focus on everything from best social media practices for self-owned businesses, interviewing techniques and fun ways to volunteer. YPOW will have a holiday charity event, and start educational and motivational events in January. As a young professional in Cherokee County, I came to the realization that there weren’t many organizations like this to take advantage of. Some surrounding communities have young professional groups, but there was a need here in Woodstock for such an organization. YPOW was created with the help of several talented individuals, and I believe it will become an asset to the community, and may help retain young entrepreneurs in this area. Keep an eye on YPOW’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ YoungProfessionalsOfWoodstock) and website, www.ypow.org, for upcoming event dates and more info. YPOW would also love to hear ideas and feedback about what you see in the future for YPOW, so please take our short survey online.

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

The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770592-6056 • downtownwoodstock.org/downtown-buzz

Oct. 30 Speed Networking Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Experience Elm Street: Making Art Relevant BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village’s mission statement is “We engage the community with relevant art experiences everyday.” There are so many avenues you can take in expressing the arts. Theatrically, you can choose between a comedy or drama, in the form of a play or musical. Is it scripted or improvised? The list of choices goes on. But what makes our art experiences relevant? One thing I love about working at Elm Street is providing the opportunity to express creativity in many different ways, such as having artists painting live during an event, music events on the event green, and turning children’s stories into movies. By offering these experiences, we are connecting our audience to a variety of art expressions, thereby making each experience relevant. About five years ago, before Elm Street Cultural Arts Village had an event green or moved into the City Center, we were given the opportunity to plan an outdoor production during the month of October. We collaborated with Greenprints Alliance to put together a ghost walk that would link the history of Woodstock and our community through this performance. Audiences could come at dusk and take a stroll around Woodstock’s quaint park and gazebo and hear spooky tales from Elm Street’s 18th century storytellers. We call it Ghost Tales & Trails and it is still relevant today. This year, we are thrilled to continue Ghost Tales & Trails on our Elm Street property. With the century-old Reeves house as our backdrop, we have themed this production as a 1940s mystery with a Film Noir motif. Audience members can engage with cast members as they try to identify the criminal through their stories and interactions. Each performance is different because every night there is a new criminal. Ghost Tales & Trails: The Lady of Noir will run October 22-30. We have also partnered with downtown Woodstock and Friday Nite Live for October’s Hollywood Night, where our cast will be involved in the clue-gathering game of Downtown Detective. Groups of people travel around downtown in search of clues to complete their game card for a chance to win some prizes. Who doesn’t love a little mystery game? Elm Street’s mission is not to subject our audience to what you may experience at a movie, but to engage our community with relevant art experiences every day.

We are connecting our audience to a variety of art expressions...

Siobhan Brumbelow is on staff at Elm Street. She currently holds a BA in Theatre from Brenau University and toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre.

111 ELM STREET • DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

OCTOBER

22, 23, 24, 29, 30 Thurs - Sat @ 6:30pm Tours Start Every 30 Mins

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SPRING CLASSES REGISTRATION OPENS SOON ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Downtown Woodstock

Woodstock’s Newest Resident This 100-foot platform ladder truck just moved into the city, replacing an 18-year-old model that was retired from service. The new truck has updated equipment that includes thermal imaging cameras, self-contained breathing apparatus, state-of-the-art hydraulic tools for extrication and ground ladders for ventilation and rescue. The truck can carry six personnel and has all basic life support equipment as well as firefighting tools on board. It was purchased with SPLOST funding at a cost of just over $1 million. Guests at the Oct. 10 open house at Woodstock Fire Station 14, off Arnold Mill Road, will be able to see the truck. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.

New Amphitheater on the Horizon Construction has begun on the new amphitheater at the Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock, the site that hosts the popular monthly summer concerts. The new facility, that should be open by summer 2016, will feature a permanent stage, tiered grass seating and restrooms in the park. Amphitheater facts: • The project area is a 2.7 acre expansion, which increases the park size to 3.5 acres. • The multi-use lawn, directly in front of the stage, will be open throughout the year for activities, and is properly sloped to provide seating with good sight lines during concerts. • The terraces, behind the lawn, provide parents a place to supervise children playing on the lawn below while serving as stadium-style seating for the concerts. • Estimated seating capacity is 6,000-7,000 with the potential to expand to 10,000 if the upper park is equipped with portable video screens. • New handicapped accessibility is incorporated into the park allowing access from the upper level to the lower level multiuse lawn, with access to the terraces as well. • The hospitality plaza and Grove offer special event use opportunities year round while providing a VIP area for sponsors during concerts. • The wall along Arnold Mill Road will protect users from traffic and incorporates design details seen in the streetscape along Main Street to the west. • The band stage, planned for phase two, is designed with rigging points for lighting and sound that should accommodate acts from small local bands to national touring artists. 80

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Download the App and help lost dogs find their way home today!

cherokeega-animals.org

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Cherokee Photography Club

Congratulations to all the participants in the August competition, “Travel.”

If you earned a ribbon in either of the print categories, please send a digital file of your image to Dean Kelley for the CPC website. He already has the files from the digitally projected category. deankelley@windstream.net

Digital Projection:

1st Becky Sapp “Shifting Sand”

3rd Rick Sapp “The Land of Giants”

2nd Naomi Shively “Iceland Aurora”

HM Vicki Sellers “Chattanooga Choo-Choo”

Color Prints:

1st Naomi Shively “Ice Cave” 82 TOWNELAKER | October 2015

2nd Peter Kilpo “Street Market”

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

3rd Martin Longstaff “Piazza”

Monochromatic:

1st David Ferguson “Hands Off”

2nd Martin Longstaff “Going Down”

3rd Eillene Kirk “Low Tide”

HM Kim Bates “Old School” TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Reference

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org

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

CHURCH OF GOD

Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007

Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com

Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 www.crossroadspbc.org

New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com

Faith Community 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org

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

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.com

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

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

LUTHERAN

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

ORTHODOX

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

PRESBYTERIAN

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

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

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

EPISCOPAL

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

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

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 4255 Wade Green Road NW, Suite 120, Kennesaw 678-460-7702 www.jewishwoodstock.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC

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

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

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

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

UNITED METHODIST

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

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

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

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

OTHERS

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

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

Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Community Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Soul Medicine 3725 Sixes Road Canton Soulmedicinesunday.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Watermarke 2126 Sixes Road, Canton 678-880-9092 www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, 678-493-3618 Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock Contact: Marci Zied 770-345-8687 Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock www.cherokeetoastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets: 8:30 a.m. third Thursday at J Christopher’s, 315 Chambers Street, Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations Contact: Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 http://xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/ Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: 770-615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle 770-952-5000, ext. 20 or 404-816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House helps victims of domestic violence 24-hours a day who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 404-452-6248 www.ahimsahouse.org Angel House Girls Home is a residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn self-sufficiency. Contact: 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com Anna Crawford Children’s Center is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and protecting and serving children and families through prevention and intervention services. Contact: 678-504-6388 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Bethany Place is a transitional home for single women, unwed mothers. Contact: 770-479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org CASA for Children promotes the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse through programs that increase their safety and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning. Contact: 770-345-3274 www.casacherokee.org CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Contact: 770-592-8072 Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. Contact: 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Contact: Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: 770-928-5115 or admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org Cherokee FOCUS works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. Contact: Sonia Carruthers 770-345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. Contact: 770-345-5312 or 770-345-5320 www.cherokeega.com/senior-services Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. Contact: 678-640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com Companion Animal Connection Contact: 678-493-9847 www.adoptapet.com Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. Contact: aaeverydayangels@gmail.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. Contact: 770-795-9348 office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness in North Georgia by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter 770-842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. Contact: 770-704-PAWS (7297) www.theanimalproject.org Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly backto-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. Contact: 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org Green Shelters America animal rescue group. Contact: 770-712-4077 or GreenSheltersAmerica@ gmail.com www.GreenSheltersAmeric.com Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: 770-587-9697 www.habitat-ncg.org Harvesting Hope Ministries gives surgery care packs to children facing liver and kidney failure. Contact: dawn@harvestinghopeministries.org www.harvestinghopeministries.org. Healing Hands Youth Ranch offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and healing. Contact: Jennifer Simonis 770-633-4451 www.hhyr.org HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. Contact: 678-391-5950 www.hqmg.org HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy.

Contact: 770-924-0864 or info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com HOPE Center — Baby & More Thrift Store offers adult and children’s clothing. Contact: 770-517-4450 www.babyandmorethriftstore.com MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org Never Alone Outreach provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. Contact: 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. Contact: 706-253-6303 www.ngapregnancy.org Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry, which also includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. Contact: Lynne Saunders 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry helps families in need by providing pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs. Contact: 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County provides free child safety seat inspections by appointment. Contact: 770-721-7808 www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. Contact: 770-516-1108 www.servone.org Volunteer Aging Council is a nonprofit that helps raise funds for the seniors of Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. Contact: 770-310-3474 www.vac-cherokeega.org VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Contact: Irma Martin 678-662-2366 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Contact: Andrew Yrabedra 404-663-4663 CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. Contact: Rich 770-926-1944 Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room) www.saltcherokee.com

Cherokee County Historical Society Contact: 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org Citizen Oversight and Education Contact: 678-520-2236, citizenoversighteducation@ yahoo.com Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. Contact: Marcie Zied 770-345-8687 Junior Service League of Woodstock Contact: 770-592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org/ Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy 20 Contact: Lynda Goodwin, 770-393-1766 or Lynda@ edgoodwinassociates.com www.pilotinternational.com Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 770-480-4179 Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Featherstone’s Grille at 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock www.townelakerotary.com Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 678-428-6514 Service League of Cherokee County Contact: 770-704-5991 http://serviceleague.net South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. Contact: 770-926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club. Contact: 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. Contact: 770-926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Contact: 770-906-2958 POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democratic Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs Contact: 770-345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock http://cherokeelp.org Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. third Saturday at Jump Kitchen & Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock Contact: 678-882-0915 http://cherokeecounty.gop Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli 770-378-8232, conradquag@gmail.com www.teapartypatriots.org/groups/cherokee-tea-partypatriots/ Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton Contact: 770-592-7811 or jkconkey@gmail.com Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at the Wendy’s in Holly Springs, 5343 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Contact: Bill Dewrell 770-294-0922 Republican Women of Cherokee County

Contact: 678-520-2236 www.rwccga.com Recreation & Hobbies Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events , outings Contact: Rob Kelly rrkelly@bellsouth.net Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee Community Chorale Contact: 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton Contact: 770-704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Master Gardeners Contact: 770-721-7803 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/ mastergardeners Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey 770-720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association Contact: 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. www.christianauthorsguild.org Kingdom Riders, a forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome. Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. Contact: 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton www.cherokeechapter.com William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Contact: 678-445-6518 SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AA Meetings Canton Meets: 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock Meets: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. http://www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton Meets: 8 pm Thursday at St Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock Meets: Tuesday Al-anon and Alateen 8 pm Thursday Al-anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. Contact: Reba. 770-516-3502 www.ga-al-anon.org/district-number.php?district=17 American Heart Association - Cherokee Division Contact: 678-385-2013 American Red Cross metro chapter Contact: 770-428-2695

Breast Cancer Support Group Meets: 10 a.m. - noon first Thursday of each month at Northside Hospital—Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: 404-843-1880 Celebrate Recovery Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. Contact: 770-366-7515 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist Contact: 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House Contact: 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton Contact: 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Cherokee County Support Group Provides support for people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, etc. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Rd, Holly Springs Contacts: Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@ comcast.net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 christystephenson@msn.com Cherokee County Special Olympics Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association For pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock www.cherokeeministers.org Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock Contact: Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Georgia Canines for Independence Contact: 404-824-4637, gcidogs@aol.com www.gcidogs.org Grace Valley Ministries Connects pastors by offering small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. Contact: 727-251-7690, info@gracevalleyministries.org www.gracevalleyministries.org Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Contact: Jeannie 770-919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter For people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. Contact: nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church Contact: Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770517-0191 MOMS Club of Woodstock-TowneLake Contact: momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: 770-924-4777 Unlimited Possibilities Support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center

Contact: Kelly 678-677-2589

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Mexican Migrants In My Backyard continued from page 44

in their own gardens. These small plots and patio pots include nectar flowers for butterflies, and host plants for caterpillars to eat. In an amazing feat of species survival, even a tiny spot of asters can call a monarch down from the sky to feed and lay eggs if they are fortunate to find milkweed. As I write this article, I take a break every few hours to watch a monarch caterpillar eat milkweed I’ve placed in a jar. By the time this magazine appears, the caterpillar will have made its chrysalis and hatched. And hopefully, I will see it spread its wings and take off on its flight for a long winter’s sleep in Mexico.

Postal Workers − The Unsung Heros continued from page 50

This was not only about them; their families also suffered. They were asked to immediately show up to work and continue working even though there were no controls to prevent further exposure. Pregnant women would sort through mail scared. Other postal employees would tell stories of how their children were treated poorly at school and called “anthrax kids.” Even more postal workers would share stories of the horrible side effects of the antibiotics they were taking and the pain of feeling completely out of control during this difficult time. It was not knowing if or when they would get sick that was scaring them the most. October 2001 must also be remembered. Take some time and say thank you to your local letter carrier. Twenty-two people got sick and five died as a result of the 2001 anthrax attack, and yet the mail service demonstrated the resiliency of the American spirit— not one day did the mail service stop.

Winning Life’s Battles continued from page 68

You also need to rely on a buddy. Moses had Aaron, and the people below fought together. You need a buddy with you in your battle. That’s why you need a church. There you will find a buddy, maybe in a small group, Sunday School class, or in a ministry. A buddy is someone you can trust who can prop you up, pep you up, and pray you up! Battles can become blessings. Let God bless you!

Moving Mountains continued from page 26

she thought about her first Little Bellas session, nine-year-old Annabel from Marietta said, “it’s awesome! More girls should do it. When do I get to come back?” Highlights of the program’s curriculum include lots of games, snacks, a color powder day, and of course, lots of trail riding. The color powder day is like a color run, in which the girls will be wearing white T-shirts that will be the color of a rainbow when they finish their ride. If you know a girl who’s ready to ride, she can find out more by visiting www.littlebellas.com. 88

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

The Oath of Office continued from page 36

that I have been a resident of my district for the time required by the Constitution and the laws of this state, and that I am otherwise qualified to hold said office according to the Constitution and laws of Georgia. I must give my word that I am actually eligible to hold the office I have spent years and thousands of dollars campaigning for. This one is hopefully, nearly always a given. SO HELP ME GOD Finally, we finish with a call for the aid of providence. This phrase was, most famously, added to the end of the Presidential oath by President George Washington. It is not included in the Constitution, but at his 1789 inauguration, Washington concluded his oath with the sentiment and leaned down to kiss his Bible. It has been reaffirmed by nearly every president since. I was sworn into office with my wife at my side and my right hand on the family Bible that was handed down to me through the generations by way of my great-grandmother (through whom I claim lineage to an American Patriot and Continental from the Revolutionary War). I commonly reread this oath to ensure that I am living up to the pledge that I have taken before God and my fellow Georgians. I ask that you pray for me as I endeavor to represent our families within the constraints of this sacred commitment and that I am able to conduct myself in a manner that will be “most conducive to the interests and prosperity of this state.” If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. You can also meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly!

Was your Last Dental Visit More Than Three Years Ago? continued from page 62

replaced by either dentures or implants and crowns; these decisions will be made together as his treatment unfolds. Tom certainly did not wish for his teeth and gum problems to advance so far, but he also learned a valuable lesson regarding the importance of regular six-month check ups. Regular visits allow an ongoing assessment of your gums, and the hygienist can act as your personal coach, to ensure you are performing your oral hygiene properly every day. Hygienists measure your gums around every tooth to monitor for gum disease and know if you’re missing an area. If a problem arises, treatment can be performed in addition to coaching, to improve oral hygiene techniques for the specific area. The dentist evaluates your teeth every six months in a similar manner to ensure you avoid big problems that could otherwise occur from not going to the dentist for excessive months or years.

Reference

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

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

Sen. David Perdue (R)

B40D Dirksen Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 perdue.senate.gov

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)

131 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20510 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 isakson.senate.gov

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 11

238 Cannon House Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20515 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 loudermilk.house.gov

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

202-456-1414 fax: 202-456-2461 202-224-3521 GA: 678-248-6444

203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov

202-225-2944 GA: 770-429-1776

404-652-7003

Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22

770-722-7526

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23

404-656-0254

Rep. John Carson (R) District 46

404-656-0287

Cherokee County Courts 678-493-6260 678-493-6270 678-493-6240

State Court Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

Earl W. Darby

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

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

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner 2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo 221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us

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

Kelly Poole (R) District 1

678-895-9044

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2

770-893-2970

John Harmon (R) District 3

404-462-4950

kelly.poole@cherokee.k12.ga.us

john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us

TBD (Chair) 770-721-4398, x4370

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Clark Menard (R) District 5

770-928-0341

clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us

678-493-6431 678-493-6431

Probate Court Judge Keith Wood (R)

sgordon@cherokeega.com

Rick Steiner (R) District 4 678-493-6490 678-493-6480

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

Scott Gordon (R) District 4

patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Superior Court Chief Judge Jackson Harris Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Ellen McElyea

bpoole@cherokeega.com

Sonya Little 678-576-2644

john.carson@house.ga.gov

rgunnin@cherokeega.com

Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov

Ray Gunnin (R) District 2

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

678-523-8570

wes@cantrellforhouse.com

lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Coroner

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

scot@turnerforhouse.com

L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman

Brian Poole (R) District 3

404-463-1378

michael@CaldwellforHouse.com

Commissioners

swest@cherokeega.com 202-224-3643 GA: 770-661-0999

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

www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001

Steve West (R) District 1

State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

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

City Government 678-493-6160

Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood

770-704-1544

Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing

770-345-5536

District Attorney Shannon Wallace

678-493-6250 678-493-6280 770-479-1488

Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

770-592-6001

678-493-6511

www.woodstockga.gov

www.canton-georgia.gov

Juvenile Court Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker

www.hollyspringsga.us.

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Reference

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

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

Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street.

It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2016) - This approximately 1.2 mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2016) - This 1 mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. 90

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN AUGUST

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Reference

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County Government:

770-345-0400

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

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

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration

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

Taxes:

Children/Family:

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

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

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)

678-413-8400

Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)

770-926-7155

Georgia State Patrol

770-205-5400

Health Department

770-345-7371

Hospitals:

Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

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

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

Libraries:

Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock

Non-Emergency 911

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

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

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

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

Parks and Recreation:

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

770-345-5500 770-591-5820 770-924-7768 www.crpa.net 770-704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com 770-591-1000 770-924-7865 770-926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org 770-926-5672 770-592-9969 800- 753-2264

Pets:

Animal Control 678-493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) w ww.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions 770-345-7270 www.cherokeega-animals.org Cherokee County Humane Society 770-928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic 770-924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends 770-842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) 770-928-5120 www.secondchancedogs.org Second Chance Dog Rescue

Post Office (Woodstock)

www.usps.com 800-275-8777

Recycling Center 770-516-4195 Sheriff’s Department 678-493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Utilities:

Atlanta Gas Light Co.

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

Urgent Care Facility

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

770-200-1220

404-851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton 678-661-3166 Wellstar Urgent Care 678-494-2500

Woodstock, City of:

(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall 770-592-6000 Fire Department 770-926-2302 Police Information 770-592-6030

photo by J King Images

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home.

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

We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,000

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

Townelaker

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

CHIROPRACTIC

Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.Debranski.com

Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 678-445-7423 www.hartman-imbriale.com

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

Ribley Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

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

CHURCHES

AUTOMOTIVE America’s Service Station 678-398-4164 AmericasServiceStation.com

Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

C & T Auto Service 770-928-5940 www.CandTAutoService.com

Christian Brothers Automotive 770-926-4500 www.cbac.com

Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 55 678-505-8907 www.FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com 5

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898 BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

Azure Salon & Spa 770-345-8280 www.AzureSalon.net

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

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Downtown Buzz 78 770-592-6056 www.downtownwoodstock.org/downtownbuzz Towne Lake Business Association www.TLBA.org

Hillside United Methodist Church 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org

CLEANING SERVICES

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS 69

Towne Lake Family Dentistry Dr. Ray Morgan 770-591-7929 www.RayMorganDMD.com

Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 35 678-224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554, www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION Bascomb UMC Preschool 770-926-0397, www.bascombpreschool.com

Goddard School, The 770-516-0880 www.GoddardSchool.com

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

Dynamic Clean Team 404-414-7743 Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com

Omega Learning Center and Omega Private Academy 678-540-6606 woodstock-ga.omegalearning.com

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

COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900 www.ccrguys.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric) Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC 678-810-0881 www.BringBackSmiles.com

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Georgia Funeral Care & Cremation Services 678-574-3016 www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

Fountain View Family Dentistry Cover, 48, 49, 63 770-926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com

Anytime Fitness 877-MY-ANYTIME www.anytimefitness.com

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

PHIIT Club at R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

Spillane Orthodontics 770-928-4747 www.SpillaneOrtho.com

TANC Total Aesthetic Nutrition Center 678-345-8001 www.TANCfit.com

Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 770-517-0444 www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR Atlanta Prestige Flooring 770-516-3227 www.atlantaprestigeflooring.com

AquaDoc Plumbing 770-516-9000 www.plumdr.com

For advertising rates & information, please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322 • Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com 94

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Carpet Dry-Tech 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com

DENTAL

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA

Master’s Training Center, The 770-591-9588

North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 678-574-5678

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

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com

Design Options 866-595-FLOOR www.DesignOptionsFlooring.com

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com

PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com

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

Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 770-591-9500 www.townelakevets.com

Magnolia Cottages by the Sea Linda B. Lee, 850-319-8050

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES 55

Atlanta North Dermatology 770-516-5199 www.atlantanorthdermatology.com

Glass Source 404-695-1054 www.YourGlassSource.com

Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

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

Children’s Health Care of Atlanta CHOA.org/sportsmed

Hammocks Heating & Air 770-794-0428 www.HammocksHVAC.com

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 770-726-8948 www.NorthGeorgiaHearing.com

Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490 www.thhmga.com

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.MrJunk1.com

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

Precision Painting & Remodeling 678-234-9668 www.precisionpaintingatlanta.com

Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com

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INSURANCE Insurance Group of the Southeast 770-854-0385 www.insurancegroupse.com

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE 35

Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.landscapemattersinc.com

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Overstreet Lawn Care 770-861-7272 www.overstreetlawncare.com

RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

LIFE COACHING Texting Coach, The Text 770-500-9844 www.textingcoach.com

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

Northside Hospital -Cherokee www.northside.com

Northside Pediatric & Adolesc. Medicine 29 770-928-0016 www.northsidepediatrics.com Northwest ENT & Allergy Center 770-427-0368 www.nwent.com

Perimeter North Family Medicine 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com

Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 770-592-9065 www.johnromanlutz.com

Rebound Physical Therapy 678-445-9799 www.ReboundPTClinic.com

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy 770-635-7697 www.TowneLakePharmacy.com

Village Podiatry Center 770-928-9263 www.villagepodiatrycenters.com

Wellstar 770-956-STAR (7827) wellstar.org

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Cruise Planners, Kathy Faisal 678-445-5235-Office 770-231-7033-Cell

Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org

Etowah Eagles Football www.EtowahEaglesFootball.com

Etowah Lacrosse Golf Tournament

Jingle Bell Shop 770-345-0400 www.CherokeeChamber.com

Kennesaw State University

Reinhardt University

Taste of Etowah

Woodstock Wolverines Football www.woodstockfootball.net

Zombiefest www.cherokeezombiefest.com

Butchers Block 770-517-2225

Jump Kitchen 678-388-7717 www.JumpKitchenSaloon.com

Hudson Grille 770-420-2500 www.hudsongrille.com

NY Style Deli & Pizza 678-426-7004

Papa P’s 770-592-3100 www.papa-ps.com

Reel Seafood 770-627-3006 www.reel-seafood.com Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Dismero Red Line 678-398-4008

PHOTOGRAPHERS Rainflower Photography www.rainflowerphotography.com

Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193, 678-494-2953 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 62 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346 www.calvarylandscaping.com

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

North Georgia Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, Dr. Bret Hintze 770-999-0804 www.NGFAR.com

Paragon Property Group Anna Daily, 888-MNG-MNT9 ext. 1007 K.K.Lopez, 888-MNG-MNT9 ext. 1006 www.paragonga.com

Spirited 678-214-5304 www.spritlala.com

TOWNELAKER | October 2015

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Aqua Doc Plumbing

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TOWNELAKER | October 2015

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Spirited

Support Your Community and Shop Local! 96

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120 N. Medical Pkwy | Building 200, Suite 100 | Woodstock, GA 30189

770.591.7929

www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com

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