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TOWNELAKER | November 2015

November 2015 Volume 21, Issue 7

14 Turkey Day Dishes

Tasty recipes to try for your Thanksgiving meal.

18 Tackling the Commute

On a mission to attract businesses, lessen travel time for workers.

20 Men’s Health

Woodstock mayor encourages men to get regular checkups.

24 Get Plugged In

A list of nonprofits, agencies that can use help for the holidays.

28 Homecoming Time!

Etowah, Woodstock students take the field in their finery.

30 Supporting Our Vets

Volunteers work to make sure our heroes get the help they need.

38 Creative Mothers

Women find a balance in being artists and moms.

50 Becoming an Actor

Community theater offers great experience for the big screen.

68 Special Olympics Album Sharing the joy of competition, love and support on the field.

Contributing Writers Chantel Adams 56 Don Akridge 46 Paul Baumgartner 61 Christopher Brazelton 81 Michael Caldwell 32 Caron Catalán 16 Cherokee Office of Economic Development 18 Rebecca Devane 38 Claire Frost 39 Delia Halverson 55 Dr. Scott Harden 64 Dr. Amy Hardin 64 Donnie Henriques 20 Dr. Jan Henriques 66 Kurt & Sheila Johnson 19 Sean Kaufman 58

In Every Issue Leslie Kerns

Around Towne

Venéssa Lanier

Birthdays

Joe Lemmo

Community News

Ann Litrel

Dr. Mike Litrel

Everyday Angels

Jackie Loudin

Community Calendar

Rob Macmillan

TLBA

Matt Neal

Julius Quarcoo

Donna Ratliff

Lynne Saunders

Susan Schulz

Towne Lake Dining Guide 60 Faith

School News

Parking Map

Greenprints Trail Map

Jessica Leigh Smith

Jodi Tiberio

Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide

Doug Thrasher

Recent Home Sales

Lynne Watts

Advertisers Index

www.townelaker.com

48 & 49 On the Cover

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, P.C. Photos by J. King Images 2

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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

Join the TowneLaker magazine fan page

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TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

AROUND TOWNE

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

What’s Changed Towne Lake Driving School is under new ownership. Towne Lake residents Jodi and Marc Giuliano recently acquired the driver education business, located in the Southe Pointe at Towne Lake shopping center next to Johnny’s Pizza. Office hours are 1:30 - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Stop by to see Gina or Kerin for information or visit them on line at www. townelakedrivingschool.com for upcoming class schedules or registration. 678-494-2200.

What’s Open Salon W Parkside is open in the location of the former Kara Christian salon at 105 East Main St., Suite 130, Woodstock 30188. Salon hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 678-445-2658. Look for Salon W Parkside on Facebook. Truck & Tap is now open at 8640 Main St., Woodstock, featuring a rotating selection of food trucks and craft beer and wine. For the food truck schedule, visit http://truckandtap. com. Find them on Facebook under Truck & Tap.

What’s New Bascomb Mission Thrift Store, 9550 Main St., Suite 170, Woodstock, has opened. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ThursdaySaturday. The store is a ministry of Bascomb United Methodist Church. www.BascombMissionThrift.org Downtown Woodstock officials have announced new trolley stops for the holiday season. Stops include Reformation Brewery, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Woodstock Public Library, Woodstock Community Church and several locations along Mill, Main and Chambers streets. See the map on page 75. All About That Bowtique has opened at 3502 Sixes Road, Canton, featuring clothes for women and teens, formal wear and accessories, jewelry and gift items. The boutique is a Simply Southern authorized dealer. Also featuring thread and vinyl embroidery. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. MondayThursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 770-720-3343. Look for All About That Bowtique on Facebook.

What’s Coming

fresh fish, and a café that will be open for breakfast and lunch. Burger King is replacing Blimpie’s inside the Walmart at Trickum Road and Highway 92.

What’s Closed We are sad to report that Towne Lake Diner has closed. The Noonday Creek Trail at Reeves Street in downtown Woodstock will be closed for about six months, until nearby construction is completed. A detour is marked with signage directing trail users to existing sidewalks along Reeves and Maple streets in the Woodstock West neighborhood. Contact Woodstock Parks and Recreation at 770-517-6788 with any questions about the temporary trail closure.

Kudos Canton has been named the most beautiful city in the Peach State by The Culture Trip, in its recent 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Georgia listing. Read the report at www.theculturetrip.com.

Cherokee County Ribbon Cuttings Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic, 120 Stone Bridge Parkway, Suite 440, Woodstock 30189. www.pocatlanta.com Nationwide Insurance – The McClain Agency, 111 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 208, Canton 30115. www.nationwide.com/ mattmcclain Outpost Training Co., 2472 Marietta Highway, Canton 30114 www.outposttraining.com AFLAC – Teena Hardwick, P.O. Box 1381, Woodstock 30188 678-267-4901.

Don’t Forget to Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3

Planet Fitness will be opening in the former Office Depot location at 299 Molly Lane in Woodstock. 678-903-8849. www.planetfitness.com OMO Fish House should be open by mid-November at 12900 Highway 92, in the former Zaxby’s location. OMO will have a smokehouse where the owners smoke fresh fish, and also feature a retail side where shoppers can purchase smoked or 4

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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.

North Cobb Christian School

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770.975.0252

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PK3-12th grade

www.ncchristian.org NCCS admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

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Saturday NOVEMBER 14TH 9:30am TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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COMMUNITY BOARD

Townelaker

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.

Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.

Kurt Johnson, co-founder of the Kurt and Sheila real estate team, has been involved in real estate most of his adult life. He and his wife have lived in Cherokee County for more than 13 years, their three children have attended county schools since the oldest started first grade at Bascomb Elementary. Kurt and Sheila work hard to promote Cherokee County and all it has to offer.

Controller Denise Griffin Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3315

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 late-stage 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. 6

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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

Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3309 Managing Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3307 Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com 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 7

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

Celebrations!

Adlee Kate Lear

Happy 3rd Birthday Daddy and Mommy love you so much precious Addie Bug!

Samantha Kistler

Age 5 on Nov. 29 Happy Birthday to our #1 best girl! Love, Daddy, Mommy and James

Ella E. Elbeck

Rassie Boone Segers

Happy first birthday! We love you so much little man! Mom, dad and big brother Ford

Wyatt Ford Barton

Madison Dodd

Age 10 on Nov, 21 We are proud of you and how you light up this world! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Madeline

Simmie Bray

Age 2 on Nov. 4 Happy birthday sweet boy! We love you! Mama and Daddy

Age 22 on Nov. 27 Happy Happy Birthday. Love Mom, Dad, Sierra, Savannah and Sydney

Baylee Allyson Moreland

Born Sept. 8, 2015 5 lbs 10 oz., 18.5 inches Proud parents, Brett and Kim Moreland Congrats Big Brother Benjamyn!

Farrah Elizabeth Nixon

Age 13 on Nov. 5 Age 4 on Nov. 11 Happy Birthday! We love you, Weezy! Happy birthday baby girl! Mom, Harold, Amari, Ezra and Calvin We love you! Mommy, Daddy, & Emily

Noa Lewis

Age 5 on Oct. 29 Happy Birthday Diva Love Mom, Dad and big sis Gabs

Carli Fendley and Andy Marinelli were married June 27, 2015 at Mason’s Farm at River’s Edge

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Congratulations Claire and Jonathan Rosenfield 8

Married on Oct. 2 Have a long and happy life together! Love, Mom and Dad

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Canton Moose Lodge Honors Local Firefighters The Canton Moose Lodge, located at 208 Moose Loop Road honored several firefighters and staff members with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during its annual Community Service Awards Banquet. Public Information Officer for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Tim Cavender was the guest speaker. Honorees are: ● Battalion 1 Firefighter Award – James Laughlin ● Battalion 2 Firefighter Award – Capt. Kevin Lanier ● Battalion 3 Firefighter Award – Chris Ginn ● Volunteer Firefighter Award – Michelle Ice ● EMS Employee of the Year Award – Scott Coppola ● Fire Administration Award – Michael Priest ● Special Operations Award – Todd Weidman ● Explorer of the Year Award – Zach Robinson Tim Cavender (right), assists in presenting awards to, from left: Zach Robinson, Chris Ginn, Michael Priest, Capt. Kevin Lanier, and Michelle Ice. The other winners weren’t available for the photograph.

Model Railroad Open House Towne Lake resident Eric Siegel is opening his home from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 21 for families to visit his large O-scale model railroad layout, which takes up the basement of his Deer Run North home. Siegel’s 900-square-foot display is named The Appalachian & Western Railroad, and has been featured in several magazines. This open house is part of a larger tour of Atlanta-area model railroads called the Piedmont Pilgrimage (www.piedmontpilgrimage.com). Siegel’s layout is still under construction, which offers train enthusiasts a chance to see the process. Snacks and beverages will be offered to guests, and a limited number of free train gifts will be given away. Guests can enter a drawing to win a free train set. For information, call 404-400-2993. The address is 640 Overhill Drive. No charge for admission.

Hospital Selected for Baby-Friendly Initiative Northside Hospital-Cherokee is participating in the EMPower Breastfeeding Initiative to enhance maternity care practices and raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. The Cherokee hospital is the only one in northwest Georgia selected to participate. Gwinnett Medical Center is the only other hospital north of Macon participating. The initiative is a 30-month process and officials hope to complete it and receive the Baby Friendly USA© designation around the time that the new hospital opens sometime in 2017. www.empowerbreastfeeding.org.

Honoring Vets Who’ve Lost Their Eyesight The Georgia National Cemetery was the site of an American flag monument dedication, attended by more than 80 veterans from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans Foreign Wars, U.S. Submarine Veterans and Georgia Fallen Firefighters Foundation along with Lions and Rotary club members. This is the second braille flag at a national cemetery; the first is in the welcome center at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Members of local Hightower Trail Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Cherokee Rose Society, Children of the American Revolution (CAR) were among those who raised funds for the monument. The braille flag has a dual purpose: to honor the 125th anniversary of the founding of the DAR and to honor veterans and active service men and women who suffer from ocular trauma and premature blindness. The Blinded Veterans Association reports more than 132,000 American veterans have lost their sight in defending our freedoms. Members of the DAR Hightower Trail Chapter and CAR Cherokee Rose Society attended the unveiling. 10 TOWNELAKER | November 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 | November 2015

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS School Supplies Collected at Reinhardt Headed to Kenya

Hearthstone residents participated in the Walk for Hunger event.

Local Seniors Take Part in Food Drive The residents of Hearthside Towne Lake, an independent senior living community in Woodstock, raised more than $500 and to date have donated 8,700-plus food items to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Each year the food bank services more than 600 charities, with most of their efforts going to help children and senior citizens. Money also was collected during a late September Walk for Hunger event. To date, Hearthside communities have collected almost 45,000 food items. www.hearthsidetownelake.com

Children living at the House of Hope orphanage in Kenya, a mission started by Canton-based nonprofit SERV International, will receive the 3,461 items collected by Reinhardt University students, faculty and staff. Dr. Joann Adeogun, an assistant professor of business, organized the collection, which includes 1401 pencils, 224 pens, 600 crayons and markers, 163 pieces of chalk, 672 notebooks or paper items, 113 dictionaries and thesauruses, 243 erasers, and miscellaneous items like packs of rubber bands, rulers and pencil sharpeners. Adeogun described the supply drive as her way of giving back. “It has nothing to do with any class,” she said. “It was just a project worth doing.” Adeogun first learned about the orphanage this past spring when her international business class, and a project management class taught by business instructor Tina Boosel, worked with SERV. Adeogun felt called to do more, so she set up a school supply drive on Reinhardt’s Waleska campus this fall. She also collected letters of support for the children from students in several Reinhardt business classes and from young people at Boosel’s church, Antioch Christian Church in Canton. “The idea of the letters was to let the children know they are connecting with someone else outside of Kenya,” Adeogun said. “They now have 50 orphans; last spring they had 40.” The supplies will be delivered to Kenya as part of a mission trip conducted by SERV. For more information on SERV, visit www.servone. org or call 770-516-1108. For more on Reinhardt, visit www.Reinhardt. edu or call 770-720-5600.

Cherokee Leadership Graduates Class of 2015 Congrats to the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2015, who recently completed a nine-month course on a range of topics that included economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, arts, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, healthcare and social/ human services. Leadership Cherokee is a program of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Shane West earned the Bob Frongillo Magic Spark Plug Award and Greg Erdely was the Cristal Stancil Leadership Award recipient. West and Erdely are with Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services. Counting this recent group, the program has more than 550 graduates in 27 years.

The leadership class, front row from left: Shane West, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services; Rachel White, WellStar Health System; Jeremy Smith, City of Holly Springs; Jennifer Simonis, Healing Hands Youth Ranch; Lindsey Roberson, Southeast Restoration Group; John Black, 1 Man Geek, LLC; Tracey Satterfield, Live Clean, Inc.; Jenny Wood-Harris, Goshen Valley Foundation; Abby Roach, Roach, Caudill & Gunn, LLP; Angela Reece, Mauldin Body Shop; Brittany Duncan, City of Woodstock; Kathy Lambert, Chart, Inc.; Ginger Fowler, Georgia Probation Management; Jennifer Davo, Studio 5 Salon, and Kendall Jones, MUST Ministries. Back row, from left: Bill Sebring, Cherokee County School District; Jeffrey Pourchier, Reinhardt University; Greg Erdely, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services; Kelly Geiken, Edward Jones; Kim Whatley, Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency; Scott Rule, Chattahoochee Technical College, and Chad Atkinson, Cherokee FOCUS. 12 TOWNELAKER | November 2015

When it comes to Sports Medicine, we’ve got great stats.

As a leader in pediatric sports medicine, our specialists see and treat every type of sports injury. So if your child gets hurt, count on our team of doctors, therapists and athletic trainers to help him get back on the field. Learn more at choa.org/sportsmed.

©2015 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved. Some physicians and afﬁliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and are not our employees.

NOW OPEN: CHILDREN’S AT CHEROKEE | 1554 RIVERSTONE PARKWAY, CANTON TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

Happy Thanksgiving! Since we can’t invite each of you to join us for a festive dinner, we thought the next best thing would be to share our favorite recipes. We hope you enjoy - and wish each of you a happy time with family and friends.

Ja ckie Lou di n

Patty Ponder

“Cannolis are a favorite Italian dessert we always enjoy during our holiday meals. Our family Thanksgiving is a combination of American and Italian traditions, with turkey and lasagna, and pumpkin pie and cannolis for dessert.”

Cannoli

“I was really nervous the first time I cooked my own turkey. I think I must have called my mother at least a half-dozen times to ask her questions about the process. And yes, I did remember to remove the bag of giblets from inside the turkey prior to cooking it. A few years ago I started brining my turkeys (soaking the turkey in a solution of salt and water). Try brining your bird this year. It will change your world, I promise – or at least it will change your turkey. You won’t be disappointed!” Family meal at the Ponder home.

• 1½ pounds Sargento Ricotta Cheese (It is important to use Sargento because it is a dry ricotta, versus Polly-O, which I love in my lasagna, but is too wet for cannolis.)

• 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar • ½ bag miniature chocolate chips • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Empty cannoli shells

(I usually get mine at Publix and ask for chocolate-dipped shells.)

Mix all of these ingredients together. Spoon into cannoli shells just before eating; you shouldn’t do this too early because the shells will get soggy.

Christie Dee se

“This recipe is special to the Deese family because it came from my husband’s grandmother more than 22 years ago. It is an all-time favorite that I am required to make every single year, specifically for my husband James, my dad Terry Schmitz and my uncle Mike Cooper. I just know that I’m not allowed to show up on Thanksgiving without this dish. Even if I must miss Thanksgiving dinner due to other family obligations, I send this dish to my husband’s side of the family as a peace offering — works every time! I think of sweet Granny Deese, and smile as I prepare this dish so everyone can devour it while offering never-ending compliments.”

Sweet Potato Souffle

• 3 to 4 cups sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed. • 1 cup sugar • ⅓ stick butter, melted • ½ cup milk (or cream) • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 teaspoon vanilla Topping: • ⅓ stick of butter • 1 cup brown sugar • ⅓ cup self-rising flour • 1 cup chopped pecans Mix sweet potatoes and next six ingredients and place in bowl. Mix topping, sprinkle on top of potatoes and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. 14

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Turkey Brine

• 1 cup sea salt • ½ cup sugar • ½ cup brown sugar • 5 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns • 1 tablespoon garlic powder • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary • 1 tablespoon rubbed sage • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

Dissolve sugars and salt in 2 quarts of boiling water. Once it is dissolved, add the other spices and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Add in 1-2 quarts more water (depending on the size of your bird). Place your turkey in a large Ziploc storage bag (one of the big ones designed for holding sweaters). When the brine solution is cool, pour over bird (you can add a bunch of ice cubes to speed up this process). Add more water if necessary you want the entire turkey fully submerged. Let bird sit in brine for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. If your bird won’t fit in your refrigerator, put it in a cooler and cover with ice. When you are ready to cook your turkey, remove it from the Ziploc bag, then rinse and roast as you normally would.

Michelle McCu lloch

“I’ve been making this bread since I was 9 years old. I had a book called “Cranberry Thanksgiving,” which is the story of a grandmother who loses her secret recipe. The book set my imagination on fire, I just had to try the recipe, which was included in the book. It was a big hit.”

Cranberry Bread

• 2 cups sifted flour • 1 cup sugar • 1½ teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon baking soda • ¼ cup butter softened • 1 egg beaten • 1 teaspoon orange peel • ¾ cup orange juice • 1 cup chopped walnuts • 1½ cups fresh cranberries, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter, sugar, egg, orange juice and orange peel together. In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients and add to the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly, fold in cranberries and walnuts. Pour in a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour and 10 min.

From our tables to yours Ca n di Ha n niga n

“Be prepared for your family to ditch the traditional pumpkin pie in favor of this dish.”

Better than Pumpkin Pie • 1 16-oz. can pumpkin • 1 cup sugar • 1½ cups milk • 3 eggs • ½ teaspoon salt • 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice • 1 teaspoon lemon extract • 1 pkg. yellow cake mix • 1 ½ sticks butter, melted Topping: • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Pour into a well-greased 13 x 9 in. pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top, then drizzle butter evenly over cake mix. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour until lightly browned. Serve with whipped topping. Serves 10-12.

Denise Griff i n

“This is my mother-in-law’s (Betty Griffin of Thomasville, GA) recipe, and the one my husband looks most forward to.”

Brown Rice

• 1 cup rice • ¾ stick melted butter • 1 can French Onion soup (not the mix) • 1 can beef consommé • 1 can sliced mushrooms

Mix all ingredients in a Corning Ware™ dish, then cover. Bake at 350 for one hour.

L a u ra L atchford

“Growing up in Maryland, a Thanksgiving Dinner is not complete without a side of fresh local seafood. With crab season gone, this would leave us with oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. I still try to carry on this tradition and have fried oysters every Thanksgiving day.”

Fried Oysters

• 1 qt. fresh oysters • 2 eggs • 1 tablespoon Old Bay® Seasoning • 16 ounces cracker meal • 16 ounces seafood breader • Canola oil

Mix all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the two eggs in a separate bowl. Strain and rinse the oysters, adding them to the whisked egg. Remove the oysters one by one from egg to the dry mix, coating each oyster well. Deep-fry in canola oil at 375 degrees until golden brown.

K a ren F la ig

“My mom Shirley is 75 years old, and has been making our family’s Thanksgiving dressing all of my life. She never used an exact recipe - just a little of this and that — and it made perfect sense to her. Last year the torch was nervously passed to me, since standing in the kitchen all day is becoming difficult for her. I knew this day would come and I also knew that despite my best effort, my dressing would not measure up. I needed courage, confidence and time (all of which I lack), along with exact instructions. It wasn’t my momma’s dressing, but the following recipe was a big hit; it has become our new tradition – and it’s foolproof. ”

Cornbread Dressing • ½ cup butter • 2 cups chopped celery • 2 cups chopped leeks • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • Buttermilk Cornbread, crumbled (recipe follows) • 3 cups cooked crumbled Karen’s mom (left) and aunt Joan. biscuits (I used Sister Shubert’s frozen) • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled • 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth • 2 large eggs, slightly beaten • 1 cup sour cream • 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning • 1 ½ tablespoons ground sage • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper • I also add shredded rotisserie chicken Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 in. baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat until it melts. Add celery, leeks, garlic, cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, biscuits, bacon, broth, eggs, sour cream, poultry seasoning, sage, salt and pepper. Stir just until crumbs are moistened. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes until center is set.

Buttermilk Cornbread • 6 tablespoons butter • 2 cups buttermilk – flavored self-rising cornmeal mix • 2¾ cups whole buttermilk Preheat oven to 425. In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, heat butter until melted. In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal mix and buttermilk. Spoon batter into hot skillet and bake 30 minutes. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato with Pecan Crumble Ingredients: 4 sweet potatoes 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg a little salt and pepper a little olive oil

Pecan Crumble: 3 Tbsp. butter 4 Tbsp. flour 4 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans

Method: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sweet potatoes on baking sheet and bake for around 45 minutes, until soft. Melt butter, add sugar and stir. Add pecans and flour. Stir until well combined. Cut potatoes in half. Scoop out inside, mix with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, salt and pepper and mash until well blended. Fill each skin with the mixture, top with pecan topping. Rub olive oil on outside of skins. Bake for additional 20 minutes.

Admitted Skeptic Warms Up to Sweet Potatoes BY CARON AND ALBERTO CATALÁN

Although I grew up in the land of potatoes, I never ate a sweet potato until I came to the States. My mum says we have them in Ireland, it just wasn’t something we ate in our house. However, we always had a giant sack of regular potatoes just outside the back door in the covered passageway beside our house. I was skeptical of this “sweet potato” idea. The first time I tried them was my first Thanksgiving in the United States. (I wasn’t really sure what it was. An American Christmas?, my friend and I wondered.) My friend and I were invited to an American’s house for dinner, where we had a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. Whoever would have thought of such an idea? Alberto and I had our first date for lunch on Thanksgiving Day 1992. We were both off and didn’t really understand why the restaurant was closed, but took advantage and went to the only place open—the Black-eyed Pea! We will be married 20 years Caron and Alberto Catalán, owners and managers the week before Thanksgiving this year. of Papa P’s, have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. Happy Thanksgiving from ours to yours. What a great idea www.papa-ps.com. for a holiday!

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

Eliminating the Daily Commute. Mission Impossible? BY THE CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

It’s 7 a.m. and you’re getting on the road for another commute to work. Coffee in the cup holder, radio on and the same thought runs through your head, “I wish I worked closer to home.” You are not alone. In fact, 78 percent of Cherokee County residents leave the county to work every day. Why? Because the jobs they are looking for are not available in Cherokee — yet. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) is working to change that. During COED’s 2015 strategic planning process called Opportunity Cherokee, nearly 2,400 residents from the community were engaged to provide insight on developing an economic development strategy that will decrease the outcommute. Ninety-five percent of the out-commuters surveyed stated they would like to work in Cherokee, however only 64 percent of those were willing to take less pay to do so. If they traveled more than 45 minutes each way, they were more likely to consider a reduction in pay to be closer to home. The overwhelming majority of these individuals earn $50,000 or more annually, they work in the professional and technical services sector, and their commute takes most of them to Cobb County or north Fulton County. These positions include engineering, information technology, design and advertising, which are available in Cherokee but not in the quantity needed to support the population. To facilitate a positive change in the out-commute trend, the community must first have available property and buildings to recruit prospective businesses and for existing business to expand. Second, Cherokee should capitalize on the talented and skilled workforce living in the community to attract new businesses that will create future employment

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

options. “One of our biggest assets is our impressive workforce,” said Misti Martin, COED president. “Our office has been working diligently to bring companies to the county that would provide new opportunities to our residents.” While the percentage of the out-commuting population has decreased in the past several years, it is still too high. The data collected in the Opportunity Cherokee plan will be a valuable tool in recruiting the companies that will keep the Cherokee talent local. The Opportunity Cherokee plan is a strategic blueprint for the next five years. The mission is clear, the plan is underway and the community is ready. Follow COED on Twitter @CherokeeOED and Facebook.com/ cherokeeofficeofeconomicdevelopment to stay up to date on economic development news.

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

Buying New Construction BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

Before the market showed signs of improvement, it wasn’t feasible or practical to buy a newly constructed home. With the current lack of inventory of single family homes, it’s becoming more of a necessity. In Towne Lake, for example, there are only 129 single family homes on the market for sale, which is fantastic for sellers but problematic for buyers. With homes that are priced to market selling in under a month, it can be difficult for buyers to get the home they want. Buying a new home from a builder is more feasible now, since builders have adjusted to the rising demand and have built up some inventory. The number one thing to do when buying any home is to hire your own real estate agent. Having an understanding as to the price direction in the community, recent sales prices and buyer incentives is essential to you getting the best deal. When interviewing a buyer’s agent, make sure they have sold new construction and worked with builders and understand the new home buying process. Additionally, you should have your own representation; a builder’s on-site agent is paid to represent the builder’s best interests, as your agent would do for you. Also, a good buyer’s agent will be able to insure that contingencies and cancellation rights are built into your new home contract. The correct contingencies are especially important when you

have a home to sell before the completion of the new home. The good news is that your buyer’s agent will be compensated by the listing agent to represent you and look out for your best interests. Hiring a licensed, accredited individual to perform your own home inspections is also recommended. A pre-drywall inspection would be very advisable, as it is the last chance to see how the plumbing, electrical and framing were completed. No builder is perfect, and construction workers are human and occasionally make mistakes. A good builder should correct any problems found by your inspector without hesitation. If you are considering new construction for your next home, good planning will be a necessity. The construction process can take four to six months, so contact your local real estate professional to discuss getting your current property on the market, and to devise a plan for your transition.

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

My Message is Simple: Wear the Gown! BY DONNIE HENRIQUES

I was pleased and honored to have been asked to contribute to this issue by writing an article relating to men’s health. I would like to share my personal story in the hopes that it will increase awareness among men about the need for regular checkups. You see, in August, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. While the doctors tell me it was caught early, there is still apprehension on my part. By the time you read this, I will have had the surgery to correct the situation and hopefully will not need radiation or chemotherapy. The one thing that may have saved my life was my annual physical where, in addition to the exam, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test was performed. While my PSA was barely above the threshold for concern, the percentage increase from last year was significant. I credit my internist, Dr. Alan Mills, with raising the concern, and my urologist, Dr. Carl Capaluto, with catching it early.

You see, in August, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

I’ve been sharing my story with friends and family members with the hope of sparking an interest in getting a prostate exam. I know of a few people who have taken the hint, and have gone to their doctors, asking specifically for the exam. That, in itself, is the thing that pleases me the most. The takeaway is that all men should be checked annually, whether or not they have had symptoms. I did not have any to speak of; that’s why I consider myself lucky. If a man is diagnosed with this disease, there are many different options available. I chose surgery because I want ISIS—the name I’ve given it— out of my body and I don’t want to take the chance for a reoccurrence. So, my message is simple. – As Channel 11 states during its public service announcements, “ Wear the Gown!”

Donnie Henriques started his community service as a city council member in 1999, and is serving his third term as Woodstock’s mayor. He and wife Jan have three children and three grandchildren.

Healthy Eating at Thanksgiving BY MATT NEAL

November is National Diabetes Month. If you have diabetes, if the disease runs in your family, or if you are trying to eat healthy, I have bad news for you. You are in enemy territory. Thanksgiving is coming and it’s what many of us call “starchgiving” – that delicious, holiday crammed with yummy casseroles, stuffing and side dishes filled to capacity with starchy, carbohydrate-filled goodness…baked with cream-ofeverything-soup. Five years ago, when my doctor first told me I was on the verge of becoming a diabetic, I didn’t take much notice. However, as years passed, I soon realized what the true enemy was: It was my pantry, which was filled with cans of creamy delicious soups, boxes of processed pastas and packages of salty, flour-filled gravy mixes. When I first went to the doctor, I suspected something was wrong. Eating foods with lots of carbs or sugars gave me a strange, nauseous feeling. Plus, I became so lethargic, I could hardly move. I was lucky my body was at the very beginning stages of diabetes; however, as time passes, the symptoms get worse: cuts or sores heal slowly, vision problems begin, you can feel tingling in your toes, and so on. Do yourself a favor and don’t put off that dreaded trip to the doc. Many people control the disease solely by altering their diets and avoiding the bad stuff usually found sitting beside the turkey and cranberries. 20

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In my youth, Thanksgiving was a time to gobble every good thing in sight. These days, it’s not a matter of depriving myself, but of eating what I should be eating instead. Join me in resisting those savory dishes of vegetables covered in mounds of grayish brown gunk that makes you believe there is more flavor added. Resist those creamy, starchy potatoes and those heavenly-smelling, fresh-baked white bread rolls. I’m here to tell you, there is life beyond the starchy and delicious processed foods we spent our childhood gorging on. In my time in the wilderness, I’ve found peace and happiness in such unexpected places, such as cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, and green beans cooked with onions. Trust me when I tell you that full-flavor can be found without a can of Cream of Mushroom soup. Satisfaction can be had without starchy, fatty gravy or sugary desserts. I know my words may seem ludicrous, almost blasphemous...but I have tasted the goodness of cauliflower substituted for potatoes, and broccoli casseroles made without cream-of-anything, and the taste is good.

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.

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Community

Woodstock Native Opts for Bold Hair Color BY JODI TIBERIO & VENÉSSA LANIER

Ali Soumas, our November makeover model, is a native of Woodstock. She is from a well-known Woodstock family — her dad is the fire chief of Woodstock. Ali told us that she does not change her look often, but she wanted to “spice up” her style to surprise her boyfriend of more than seven years. Ali visited Brooklynn’s to pick out a new poncho for the fall. Jenna, our assistant manager, had fun showing Ali the

many choices for this season. Ponchos are popular because they are not only soft, cozy and trendy, but they also fit almost everyone. Ali and Jenna decided on this popular cream-colored poncho with fringe. Monogrammed boot cuffs from MudPie add another fun element to this outfit. These boot cuffs are a popular favorite and are readily available in most letters. With some skinny jeans and boots, this look is fabulous-made-easy. Salon and Spa Venéssa’s Rising Star stylist Kara Wood consulted with Ali. Collectively, they decided to do a bold color change. Kara used hair painting techniques to lighten Ali’s natural (virgin) medium-brown hair. Since Ali has never had dramatic hair color before, Kara kept the lightened hair away from Ali’s natural hair color at the scalp, which will allow for her hair color to be easily maintained, and grow out looking natural. After the color processed, Kara glazed Ali’s hair with a color conditioning treatment to even out the tone and add shine. The end result was a shiny, golden-blonde color that brightened Ali’s face and gave her the “spice” she was looking for. In order to maintain this Balayage color through the fall, Ali will visit the salon again to freshen-up her color with the same treatment. As her hair grows out, a few “babylights” can be added around the front for even more brightness. Ali’s new hairstyle was complete with a healthy trim. Kara cut Ali’s long hair into a v-shape, adding long layers for movement. As for her makeup, Kara chose the new Sublime Spirit fall makeup collection to enhance Ali’s natural beauty. Kara showed Ali how to do a dramatic smoky eye, and how to create soft and natural-looking lips. Since her eyes are blue, Ali was surprised that Kara used a Blue Lapis eye shadow. Kara explained that with the correct shadow color and placement, the color can actually enhance her blue eyes. Finally, a nude Sandstone lip color gave her lips the perfect amount of color and shine to finish the makeover. We only hope Ali’s dad knows how to put out the sparks when her boyfriend sees her new look.

Ali told us that she does not change her look often, but she wanted to “spice up” her style.

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 | November 2015

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TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Helping Hands

Helping Others Because many of our friends and neighbors struggle financially every day, there are many charities that work hard to help people in need. Here’s a list of local nonprofits that have additional needs for the holidays. To learn about many other ways to help throughout the year, visit www.volunteercherokee.org.

Cherokee County Senior Services

Cherokee Family Violence Center

The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, Cherokee County Senior Services and the Volunteer Aging Council are working together on the annual Adopt-A-Senior 2015 program. Volunteers are asked to “adopt” a senior who receives services through Cherokee County Senior Services and provide him or her with a cardigan sweater, $25 gift card and a book of stamps. Sizes and gender information will be assigned when volunteers register on Nov. 9. Deadline to drop off gift packages is Dec. 11. To participate, contact Frankie Sanders at fsanders@ cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768.

The center has a transitional housing complex with 72 apartments and an emergency shelter that accommodates 12 women and children. The Thanksgiving wish list includes turkey or ham, fresh or boxed potatoes, gravy mix, corn or other canned vegetables, pasta, pumpkin pie mix, instant coffee, hot chocolate mix, fresh fruit and rolls. For delivery details, call 770-479-4641 or email jessica@cfvc.org.

www.cherokeega.com

Cherokee Thanksgiving Hosted by Canton First United Methodist Church. Volunteers will serve approximately 2,000 meals in Cherokee and Pickens counties on Thanksgiving. Delivery, dine-in or pickup. This dinner is for anyone who needs a meal, does not want to eat alone or simply isn’t able to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Local area emergency service personnel and hospital emergency staff members will Cherokee Thanksgiving volunteers prepare receive dinners. To turkey for the dinner plates. order a meal, call 770877-2601. Dinners are delivered between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To dine in or pick up, also call 770-877-2601 to reserve your meals. Dine in starts at noon. Volunteers for delivery can email ctdrivers007@gmail.com. Allow a few days for response. Opportunities to volunteer to assist with meal prep and serving start the week before Thanksgiving; email CTvolunteers2015@ gmail.com or call Barbara at 770-656-9209 for more information. Allow a few days for response. Food or monetary donations also are needed. Mail a check to CFUMC, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton, GA 30114. Indicate Cherokee Thanksgiving in the memo line. 24

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www.cfvc.org

The Children’s Haven

www.CherokeeChildrensHaven.org The Children’s Haven is a local nonprofit that promotes the health and happiness of children in Cherokee who are affected by abuse. The group works to ensure their safety, advocate on their behalf and respond to meet their needs. Holiday needs include new coats, socks, pajamas and underwear. Target or Walmart gift cards are welcome. Items can be dropped off at 1083 Marietta Highway in Canton. 770-345-3274.

Feed My Lambs

www.feedmylambs.net

The nonprofit, which offers free Christian preschools— including a location in Canton—holds Happy Birthday Jesus parties each year for the young students. Individuals or groups can sponsor a child: $10 gets a Happy Birthday Jesus shirt, $25 gets the child a shirt, gift bag, balloon, cake and drink. Groups may be interested in sponsoring a party by providing a portion of party needs (new unwrapped gifts, cupcakes, drinks or T-shirts) or show up to volunteer at the party. For more details, call Maggie Bridges at 770-795-9349.

Forever Fed

www.foreverfed.org The mobile food ministry needs donations of kid-friendly soups and boxes of granola bars for the Food4U/Cans 4 Kids food boxes that are distributed to children at risk of food insecurity in Cherokee County. Each box contains seven meals and seven snacks for one child. For details, call 678-883-3314 or email susan@foreverfed.org.

During the Holiday Season Give Canton the Bird

Never Alone

www.givecantonthebird.com

www.NeverAlone.org

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and once again, Action Church is asking Cherokee County residents to donate turkeys and other supplies to the Give Canton the Bird campaign. The goal is to give away 1,000 complete Thanksgiving meals to families in need this holiday season. A complete list of items needed is available online.

The food pantry needs financial donations (tax deductible) to provide Thanksgiving turkeys and family meal boxes to 600 local families who are having a rough time financially. Never Alone’s partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank allows it to purchase food at greatly discounted prices. Donate online or by check, made payable to and mailed to: Never Alone Outreach, P. O. Box 1904, Woodstock, GA 30188.

Goshen Valley Foundation www.goshenvalley.org

The holidays can be difficult times for the foster youth that Goshen Valley serves. The youth can use a little extra support from their community, and area residents can help by providing meals for the youth and house parents. “Frozen casseroles are a huge blessing for our house parents who are having to prepare three meals a day when the boys are out of school,” says Zach Blend, executive director of Goshen Valley. Individuals or small groups are encouraged to donate frozen meals. You can even deliver them in person and take a tour of Goshen Valley. Gift cards from Walmart, Target and Amazon can also help to fill many Christmas wish lists. Another need is artificial Christmas trees for the homes. These can be small, tabletop trees to full-size trees. For more information, email Carley Jacobs at cstephens@goshenvalley.org or call 770-345-9535.

MUST Ministries - Cherokee

www.mustministries.org

Thanksgiving boxes will be given to more than 1,000 families this year. The agency is looking for donations of cans of corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes; boxes or packets of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix and stuffing; packets of gravy mix, frozen pies, and turkeys. Non-perishable items can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 3-13 at MUST’s Canton location at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway. Frozen turkeys and pies can be delivered 8-9 a.m. Nov. 23-25. It helps to let MUST know what items you’ll be bringing, so please call Ranettia Beasley at 770-576-0359 or e-mail at cherokeeholiday@mustministries.org.

Operation Christmas Child

www.samaritanspurse.org

Representatives will be collecting donations of filled shoeboxes Nov. 16-23 at Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, collects boxes filled with toys and hygiene items and ships around the world to children in need. Collection times are: noon-2 p.m. Nov. 1620, with an additional time 5-8 p.m. Nov. 18; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21, noon-3 p.m. Nov. 22 and 9-10 a.m. Nov. 23.

Papa’s Pantry

www.papaspantry.org

Donations of turkeys, hams and produce are needed, as well as non-perishable food items. A list of seasonal needs is kept up-to-date on the website. Papa’s Pantry is a food and stability training organization for Cherokee residents. For details, call 770-591-4730.

Secret Santa

www.cherokeesanta.com

The Secret Santa program of the Department of Family and Children’s Services for Cherokee County offers a way for individuals, businesses or larger groups such as Sunday school classes or scout troops to help the more than 350 children in foster care this year. Sponsors can donate as much or as little as they can. All size donations are appreciated. For more details, call the Secret Santa phone line at 678-427-9393 or email cherokeesanta@yahoo.com.

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community. Everyday Angels would like to share the story of Brenda Carlile, 45, who is a wife, mom of four, and one of the godliest women you will ever meet. Prior to early August of this year, life was simply perfect for Brenda. She was blessed with an amazing husband, four healthy children (ages 19, 12, 6 and 3) and she spent her days joyfully homeschooling her kids. Brenda was also teaching sewing for Timothy Ministries, a homeschool support ministry. On July 30, Brenda and her two younger children headed to Waycross, Ga., to spend her birthday weekend with her parents; her husband Chris had to work. The night before she left, Brenda woke up to abdominal pain and bloating. “I had a few similar episodes over the past few months and I thought it was simply a foodrelated reaction to what I had eaten the night before,” said Brenda. “We loaded our car and began the drive despite my pain. However, the pain didn’t subside, and 34 hours later, my husband insisted that I go to the emergency room. “ER immediately performed a CT scan and sonogram of my abdomen,” she continued. “Tests revealed a 9 cm solid mass right above my left kidney, with inflamed lymph nodes surrounding it. Emergency room doctors suggested that I see an oncologist on Monday. I made the decision to [keep my plans to visit] with my parents and extended family that long birthday weekend, as we celebrated through lots of prayer! Once we returned home to Canton, the roller coaster ride began.” Brenda’s faith is evident in this Facebook post from Sept. 30: “Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Had a nice visit with Dr. A this morning, and for once, all test results were back, and final! He gave me all the good news first - it’s large B cell, fairly common lymphoma, with all the affected lymph nodes contained in one area. Then, the not-so-good report: the bone marrow biopsy came back positive so I’m stage 4 because of that, and it’s a little more difficult to get into remission. The battle begins at 8 a.m. tomorrow, with treatments every three weeks. Six treatments scheduled and then all the testing to see the results. This road is only unknown to us, but my faithful God has already traveled it - and He will hold my hand the entire journey - of this I 26

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

have no doubt. He knows what the future holds, and He doesn’t want us to worry or be anxious, but only to trust Him. So I will do that. But I may have a big ole cry first.” Seven years ago, Chris lost his concrete business during the economic downturn. Financial struggles are nothing new for the Carlile family. Chris is now working for Quick Response Force, which specializes in home restoration and water damage repair. He has always worked hard for his family, but health insurance had become a luxury that they simply could not afford over the past few years. “We will likely be on a payment plan for the rest of our lives,” Brenda said. “We may not have a lot of money but we have a lot of love.” Brenda’s physical battle began recently, and her faith is stronger than ever. “Since the beginning, our amazing friends, family and church family has been a great source of love, comfort and food,” she said. Despite her bad days, Brenda’s strong faith and family encourage her. “Please pray that God would be glorified with my response throughout this trial,” she said. “So, we wait….but I’ve got a comfortable spot Under His Wings!” May we all have the strength, courage and faith of Brenda Carlile. Please keep her and her family in your daily prayers. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

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TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

Staci Thomas, Queen and Walker Mauldin, King.

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

ETOWAH Homecoming

WOODSTOCK Homecoming

Seniors Blake Heyer and Emma Dixon.

Michaela Thomas and Zack Wallace.

ROTC prepares to present the homecoming court.

Madison Reeg with dad, Michael.

Joe Burnett, Michael Gustafson, Julia Tulley, Blake Ventura.

Seniors Savannah Krapf, Olivia Harrison, Alex Shugart and Danielle Rubin.

Kelley Shareef with dad, Dave.

Jordie St. Pierre and Abir Sharma.

Sam Gill, Ally Bullock, Isaac Condrey, Joey Felder, Makayla Powell.

Alyssa Moffitt with her dad, Chad.

Taylor Savors and dad, Zachary.

Beta club members participated in the parade.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Beatty, Queen and Jackson Beasley, King TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

Heroes Need Help, Too BY SUSAN SCHULZ

Veterans have spent much of their lives putting themselves in harm’s way as they fight for our freedoms. They’ve sacrificed so much to ensure our safety. It’s good to know there’s a group of caring volunteers dedicated to taking care of them. Jim Lindenmayer is director of the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program for American Legion Post 45. The plight of veterans who either don’t have a home, or have housing that’s in disrepair, is something that has kept him awake many nights. Veterans also struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse, loss of work, and a host of other challenges that contribute to loss of stable housing. Lindenmayer launched the Veteran program last November and has already served at least 100 veterans, mostly from the Vietnam era. The program has expanded from helping homeless vets to include vets who are financially challenged. A few success stories: • A Korean War veteran with limited funds needed a new air-conditioning unit. The Homeless Veterans Program received a $50,000 grant from Home Depot, and as a result, was able to provide a new air conditioning system for this vet. • A homeless Vietnam-era veteran contacted the program for help in improving his employment situation. Program volunteers contacted MUST Ministries, which found a local shelter for him to stay. Volunteers are working with the Georgia Department of Labor’s Veteran placement team to get him into a suitable job. • Another Vietnam-era veteran was relying on electric space heaters to warm his home. The Homeless Veterans Program’s utility assistance arrangement paid his outstanding utility bill, and is working with a volunteer group to make

Volunteers build a ramp for an Army veteran whose son is wheelchair bound. 30

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repairs to his HVAC system. “We have learned that homeless prevention, jobs, benefits assistance and mental health support are also needs of the veterans we serve. With winter coming, we want to stay ahead of the needs of our veterans,” Lindenmayer said. Cherokee County has the seventh largest veteran population in Georgia, with about 700 vets currently living in the county. Many of them do not have the resources necessary to get to the Veterans Administration facilities to receive help. Lindenmayer has accomplished much by working with other non-profit groups, such as MUST Ministries and Habitat for Humanity, to get the help these heroes need. Last July, a partnership was formed with Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to military members, veterans, and their loved ones. All involved celebrated over the impact this partnership will have on behalf of the veterans who served faithfully and now need help. “We believe coordination and collaboration between agencies and organizations within communities is crucial,” said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, founder and president of Give an Hour. “Our mental health professionals — whether they are giving direct counseling services, helping to raise awareness, or providing education — play a vital role in the health and well-being of the communities in which they live.” All honorably discharged veterans - not just those who have served in war - are eligible for service through the Homeless Veterans Program. If you know someone who needs assistance, please contact jlindenmayer80@gmail.com. There are many ways to help if you want to be involved: donate time, offer housing, help with utility bills and repairs, build ramps, provide clothing or make a financial donation. All financial support is tax deductible (501(c)19 Veteran Program). For more information, visit www.legion.org or call American Legion Post 45 at 770-479-4405.

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

Remembering the U.S. Infantry BY JACKIE LOUDIN

dioramas that depicts the U.S. Infantry’s 240-year Until recently, I was unaware that the National history from the American Revolution to present Infantry Museum and Soldier Center existed, and day. The figures in the exhibits are sculptures cast I certainly didn’t know it was practically in our from actual active-duty soldiers who posed for backyard. Located on the edge of Fort Benning, the representations. A powerful musical score it takes a little over two hours to make the drive and realistic light show add to the drama of the from Woodstock to Columbus, Ga. room. The museum and center’s mission is to The different galleries and exhibits allow “provide education and training to Soldiers and guests to travel through history from World I their families, as well as the general public on and World War II to the Cold War, and from the all aspects of the history of the U.S. Infantry, the Vietnam to the Gulf wars. Some artifacts are origin and development of Fort Benning, and on display in glass cases while others, like actual an overview of the U.S. Army.” From personal Army helicopters and airplanes, hang overhead. experience, the facility goes above and beyond There’s a lot to take in and it’s easy to miss some its mission. It serves as a reminder to us of the of the details if you don’t look closely. My family many who have made sacrifices throughout our agreed that a second trip would be necessary to country’s history to secure our freedom. explore the museum in its entirety. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by the The National Infantry Museum and Soldier statue known as “Follow Me!”—a World War II Center is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesdays through battle cry attributed to Col. Aubrey S. Newman The “Follow Me!” statue keeps watch Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. that is also the motto of the U.S. Army Infantry. at the museum’s entrance. Admission is free, however a $5 donation per The imposing figure depicts an infantryman person is suggested. Believe me, this visit is worth so much more! beckoning his fellow soldiers to follow him into war. For more information, check out the museum and center’s Visitors are directed to the museum’s signature exhibit, “The Last website at www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. 100 Yards.” A ramp leads guests through a collection of life-sized

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Community

Bureaucracy, Bills and Brewers BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

The American system of government is not complex. The legislature writes the laws, the executive enforces the laws, and the judiciary sorts out arguments over the laws. There is one problem though: more often than not, the bureaucrats simply ignore the rules and do whatever they want. We see this problem in action at the federal level nearly every day. We hear stories about an out-of-control Environmental Protection Agency pushing new regulations on businesses, a new immigration policy ordered into existence, and more action on behalf of agencies and departments without any authority granted from the people’s representatives in Congress. This extends to the U.S. Supreme Court exercising “interpretations” of the law—which effectively rewrite the legislation—to the misuse of presidential executive orders to bypass the legislative process altogether. Recently, we’ve seen this extend to our state government through the Department of Revenue (DOR). The 2015 legislative session was a contentious one with debate on issues from transportation funding to repeal packages, and even included what has become known as the #SetBeerFree movement. As it turns out, Georgia is one of only three states in the nation that don’t allow craft brewers to sell you a beer while you visit their brewery. Forty-seven other states allow this. We allow it for wineries but not breweries. In Georgia, we have what is known as the “three-tier system” which was set up after prohibition. You can either brew beer, distribute (wholesale) it, or retail it, but you may not do any two of those three. This system has been fiercely protected (and lobbied for) by the distributors. Because of this strict categorization, brewers in our state have been placed at a distinct economic disadvantage (which explains why we have fewer craft breweries in all of Georgia than reside in Asheville, N.C.). This set the stage for Senate Bill 63, the Beer Jobs Bill, which after going through the sausage-making process that is legislating, evolved into an extremely watered-down version of itself. It did not allow breweries to sell beer, but instead allowed them to give it away as a “free souvenir” included in the price of educational tours. There were two important parts of the legislation which made this acceptable to the brewers: The brewers were allowed to charge variable amounts for different tours so that they could differentiate between a guest taking a few glasses to be consumed on premises and a guest taking a full growler home. Beer given away with these tours would be subject to use tax, but was explicitly codified as not being classified a retail sale so that no confusion could ensue. DOR, which governs alcohol in Georgia, managed to create confusion anyway. After the department was part of the committee process from January to April, the governor’s review process from April to May, and issued its own rules 32

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

and regulations from May to June, DOR officials decided to issue a new “policy bulletin” in the last days of September declaring that prices of these tours could not differ based upon the volume of beer included. Despite the fact that the law states that the beer souvenirs shall not be considered retail sales, the DOR has decided that they will be anyway if the breweries charge differing amounts for tours based on volume. This kills the entire model and completely ignores legislative intent (and the black and white language of the law). Why have I spent so much time talking about craft beer? Because SB63 resulted in 1,500 new jobs statewide—at least six new direct jobs and added investment in the hundreds of thousands in Woodstock alone. This was all done under the law as passed by our General Assembly and signed by our governor. Then with a few paragraphs, an unelected department slaughtered it. If you wonder why business owners seem timid to invest and grow in our current economy, it is because they fear actions like these. It’s a tremendous injustice for Georgia, the No. 1 state in which to do business, to allow these business owners to take risk under our laws only to be subverted by unelected bureaucrats. We owe better to those entrepreneurs investing in Georgia. At the bare minimum, we owe them the confidence that our laws will not be overridden by those who cannot be held accountable in the voting booth. It is my hope that by the time you are reading this column that we have already convinced the DOR to reverse its decision. If we haven’t, real Georgians will lose their jobs, and you can be sure you’ll see my name among the top of those looking to fix this once and for all during the 2016 legislative session. 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!

Georgia is one of only three states in the nation that don’t allow craft brewers to sell you a beer while you visit their brewery.

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 | November 2015

Community

Something to Talk About

The Conversation Piece 825 Jamerson Road, Suite 417, Marietta, Ga 30066 678-480-7313 8 a.m. − 5 p.m. Monday − Friday Website: www.theconversationpiece.com Facebook: TheconversationpieceGA Instagram: Theconversationpiece The Conversation Piece is a custom handmade furniture company that exists to invest in the lives of others. Daniel Harris and his team do this by seeking to employ men who battle with addiction issues. Many men who graduate rehab facilities struggle to find quality jobs or any work at all ultimately making a clean life much harder to accomplish. The Conversation Piece exists to create a space for men walking the difficult journey of recovery by promoting hard work and dignity in craftsmanship. “Woodworking, or working with your hands in general, is very rewarding” says Daniel. Understanding accomplishments or rewarding actions is very important when day-to-day life is challenging. What makes this fun is that each craftsmen can put their heart and soul into each piece as it represents they are rebuilding themselves. The Conversation Piece creates a few different pieces but what they enjoy the most are tables. “We have an odd mixture of styles between the guys” says Daniel and “that’s what makes it fun when we sit down and draw up ideas.” Many of the pieces created are dining room tables − the centerpieces of family time. Harris says he didn’t fully appreciate the family dinner table until he and his family experienced the death of his brother. “My brother passed away almost two years ago and we

Photos by Clay Goswick

had not sat down for dinner since that loss. After creating The Conversation Piece, I felt it was important to repair this by building a new dining room table for some new memories. We needed to say goodbye to the old table and what we felt it represented and start fresh in memory of my brother; as a family. It has been a healing and uplifting experience to sit down and share a meal and conversation once again,” said Harris. Harris says his hope is to build furniture that tells a story of recovery and redemption, and he wants to see that furniture find its way into homes across Georgia. Now, that’s something to talk about.

photo by Kim Bates 34

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

A Ritz Cracker Kind of Guy BY DR. MIKE LITREL

My doctor partners and I take turns being on call for the holidays. Two years ago, my turn fell on Thanksgiving, and as I looked across the table at my loved ones and listened to their loud and animated conversation, I remember noticing they all seemed to be in various states of inebriation. I began to wish the hospital would call me. Nothing is more annoying than being the only sober one at the dinner table. Especially when you paid for all the wine. I realized there were three ways to handle my unhappiness. One, I could make sure I wasn’t on call the following year so I could join in the frivolity. Two, I could cultivate new friends and family who were less inclined to intoxicate themselves at holiday meals. Or three, I could view this moment of unhappiness as a spiritual lesson and walk more strongly the path of Love. The decision was easy. I decided not to be on call again. Holidays are stressful, but particularly so for women. Women are more aware of the subtleties of celebration. They put effort into aesthetic touches that would never dawn on a man. The intention, I believe, is to manifest beauty. But sometimes the result is marital conflict. Every Thanksgiving, Ann makes six dozen homemade crackers called “Cheddar Crisps” that come in three flavors: cracked blacked pepper, caraway seed, and something called nigella seed. Ann carefully sequesters her crackers in a tin box to be doled out at the right moment. Every guest is given three crackers just after saying grace, one of each flavor - and a bowl of butternut squash soup. It’s such a big deal to Ann that we handle each cracker like Grandma’s antique tea cup. Unfortunately, I am more a Ritz cracker kind of guy, accustomed to shoveling large quantities into my mouth until I am full. So for me, this homemade cracker stuff is holiday stress. How do I express genuine appreciation for the work my wife has

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

put into this pre-Thanksgiving snack, without conveying my true thoughts? Stop wasting so much time already – they’re just crackers! Instead, I channel Effete Cracker Connoisseur, solemnly critiquing the subtleties of each flavor and commenting about how the steam from the soup opens up the palate so one can fully appreciate the differences. But truthfully, I just wanted Ann to stop making them Last year I got my wish. I was not on call, and no homemade crackers were to be found! But I noticed a few things. Free to imbibe a glass of wine, I found I did not want any, but instead chose sparkling water. And the sodden idiots inclined to boorish conversation I remembered from the year before were actually beautiful people I am so very blessed to have in my life. But what surprised me most was that I actually missed Ann’s homemade crackers. It’s not always easy for a man to appreciate the attention to detail an effortful woman brings into her family’s life. Sometimes, what she does seems frivolous — and God knows, sometimes it’s expensive. But there is a reason for a woman’s efforts, and this I understand – as a father, as a husband of 28 years, and also as a physician who has listened to women carefully over the years. A woman gives life to her children, brings beauty to her home, and creates ties in her community. A woman makes life more beautiful for us men…. Whether we want her to or not. Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS is board certified in the subspecialty female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He is a board certified urogynecologist and obstetrician/ gynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

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TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

Women Find Balance in Being Artists, Mothers BY REBECCA DEVANE

At some point in their lives, most people have been moved by a piece of artwork. Perhaps they were moved enough to wonder who created the art, what inspired the artist or if there was a story behind the work. There’s a unique story behind some paintings that were created for Falany and Hulse Women’s Center in Towne Lake. The project, a commission by the physicians group, was a combined effort of the members of Creative Mothers, a new art group in Towne Lake. The fact that the paintings are the result of a group effort makes each piece part of a beautiful puzzle, intricately layered with the talent and style of women that make up the diverse group. A puzzle is a fitting analogy, as these mothers Catherine Pawiak, mom of Callie and Cas, with the paintings “Genesis of a Hue.” The seem to fit together perfectly to create moving abstract artwork has 15 layers of acrylic paint and textured media. artwork. and gave them an opportunity to share their passion for The Creative Mothers formed through Facebook this creating. The goal of the group is to utilize all forms of art to summer, after DeAnna Headrick noticed many of her friends create beautiful experiences that unify people. The Creative were in need of a pick-me-up. Mothers want to build a forum where all mothers have an “I became a stay-at-home mom recently and the more I outlet to express themselves. visited my friends I realized that we need something that The members look forward to being involved in public isn’t just changing diapers. When I asked if anyone wanted art programs, murals and art installations for businesses in to make art together I had an overwhelming response,” said the future. Each member takes a turn managing a project. DeAnna, a Canton mom with two young children. DeAnna Currently, there are a half dozen new projects in the works, has an art degree from Kennesaw State University and has a including a Creative Mother’s Day art show that is planned strong network of friends in Cobb and Cherokee counties. for Mother’s Day weekend in 2016. The group has approximately 15 core members, all artists If you would like to join Creative Mothers, or keep and mothers. Some women in the group have had formal track of the group’s progress, go to Facebook.com/ training in the arts, while others are self taught. However, thecreativemothers. art is the connective force that brought them all together

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Things That Make Me Cry, Now That I’m a Mom BY CLAIRE FROST

My daughter was born last Halloween, and this year has flown by. I smiled politely and acted like I wasn’t hearing it for 1,650,598th time when someone would say, “Enjoy it. It goes so fast.” I didn’t understand exactly what they meant…and then I blinked. Now I’m putting together Captain Hook and Tiger Lily costumes to complement our little Tinkerbell for what is technically her second Halloween. How is it possible? I’m completely unable to put into words the amount of love I have for my sweet, laughing, inquisitive, strong-willed, chatty, dimpled, blue-eyed girl. She is the purest thing I know. I’m as surprised as anyone at how much I enjoy motherhood. I was unaware that lying dormant under my tough-girl exterior was a giant squishy mess of sensitive, emotional goo, ready to love and nurture a little person. Since I am unable to articulate the amount of love I have my sweet girl without crying, I thought I would share some of the things that could make me cry at any moment. • Any given normal baby milestone, like stopping breast feeding. • Not-so-normal baby milestones, like moving from Swaddlers diapers to Cruisers. • Being away from her for the longest time ever (which gets longer each time, though still hasn’t been overnight). • Commercials with a mother and child, or just a baby or a pregnant woman. • Watching my husband play with her. • Reading stories to her that were read to me. Those are guaranteed to result in a call or text to my parents the moment I put the book down. • Going up in her clothing size. (I cried in Target when I realized that now her footie PJ’s have little stickies on the bottom so when she walks there is traction. Walking?!?) • Any time I see a kid go off to college on TV, because I know that day is coming down the tracks at the speed of a locomotive. • Any time she says “Mama” or gives me a kiss. (Tearing up just thinking about it right now.) • When she falls asleep while I’m holding her, and she nuzzles in between my neck and shoulder. (I could honestly live in those moments forever and melt.) • When she doesn’t need my help for something that she did, until now. (She recently took a spoon from me and successfully fed herself oatmeal, and then redecorated our freshly painted kitchen walls with the rest of it.) • Whenever anyone tells me I’m a good mom. With open arms, I have accepted the melting of my heart and inability to control my emotions when it comes to my child. I will happily shed these “crazy embarrassing mom tears,” because being a mother is the most rewarding and terrifying thing I have ever done. But everyone was right: It’s all worth it.

Claire is the editor of House of Frost, a blog juggling family, fashion, food and furnishing with a little sparkle. HouseFrost.com TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

Nov. 6

Out & About

Downtown Art Walk in Woodstock is the theme for November’s Friday Night Live, set for 6-9 p.m. Bands will be playing throughout the downtown area. www.whatsupwoodstock.com.

Nov. 6-7

Multifamily church/community yard sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at BridgePointe Church, 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock. The sale will include furniture, jewelry, computers, exercise equipment, books, housewares, and more. Credit cards accepted. www.bpc.life.

Nov. 7

Veterans Day celebration in Canton will begin at 10 a.m., and is taking the place of the monthly First Friday event. Canton officials and the local American Legion are sponsoring the event, which will include two guest speakers, a flag retirement ceremony and a parade featuring veterans. www.cantonhdl.com. 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 and 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. 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. Proceeds support boys’ and girls’ soccer at Etowah. For details and to register, visit www.etowahsoccer.com. 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.

Nov. 11

Veterans Day Ceremony, candlelight ceremony begins at 7 p.m. in The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. Dirty, torn and retired flags unfit to fly can be dropped off for proper disposal at collection boxes located in the parking lot of the Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, and next to the memorial in The Park at City Center. 40

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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. 14

The Cherokee Music Teachers Association meeting begins at 10 a.m. at Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center in Waleska. The program will be “The Art of Practice” by Huu Mai, president of the Cobb Music Teachers Association. All programs are free and open to the public. For more info, please contact Linda Lokey at 770-720-1701 or linda@lokey.net. Safe Sitter – Babysitting Training and More is offered 8 a.m-4:30 p.m. at Northside Hospital - Cherokee education department, 130 Oakside Court, Canton. For ages 11 and older. The medically based program includes child care techniques, basic first aid, CPR, rescue techniques (choking infant and child rescue), babysitting as a business, and online and cell phone safety. Developed by pediatricians. Cost is $35. To register, call 770-345-2295 or email lana.mayfield@northside.com.

Nov. 14, Dec. 5 & 19

Latimer Hall Arts and Craft Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. will feature handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, wood, metal art and more. Members of local high school arts clubs will be selling their work. Latimer Hall is in Woodstock at 103 Towne Lake Parkway, a block off Main Street. Get updates on Facebook at Latimer Hall Arts and Crafts Show.

Nov. 17 - Dec. 19

Cherokee Arts Center Holiday Show and Sale will be open to the public during regular gallery hours, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdayFriday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds will benefit the arts center. Members who want to participate can contact info@cherokeearts.org or call 770-7046244. The center is at 94 North Street in downtown Canton. www.cherokeearts.org.

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 at creeve@mustministries.org.

Nov. 28

Artisans Arts and Craft Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, will feature handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, wood, metal art and more. Get updates on Facebook at Latimer Hall Arts and Crafts Show. Cartoon Christmas Celebration, 1-6 p.m. at Autumn Hill Nursery, 4256 Earney Road, Woodstock. Free activities including a Grinch maze, “Frozen” karaoke, Minion photo booth, Rudolph scavenger hunt, a hay ride with Snoopy as he hunts for the Red Baron, a visit with Santa and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.

Dec. 1-17

Santa’s Mailbox will be in the gazebo at The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, so children in the community can drop off their letters to Santa. They can expect a personalized letter from Santa before Christmas! www.woodstockga.gov.

Dec. 4

Lighting of the Holly Springs Christmas tree begins at 6:30 p.m. at the train depot with seasonal songs and light refreshments. 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs. www.hollyspringsga.us.

Dec. 4-6

The Atlanta Christmas Musical “What Are You Looking For?,” 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at First Baptist Church Woodstock. The original musical drama was written by Karen Kleinschmidt and Patrick Walker. Original music written by Brad Cox, Jerald Hill (both First Baptist members) and Eva Wilson. Orchestration by Dove award winner Cliff Duren. www.fbcw.org.

Dec. 5

Christmas Jubilee in downtown Woodstock begins with the second annual Woodstock Christmas Run. Sign up at www. active.com or www.WoodstockChristmasRun.com. The parade of lights starts at 5:30 p.m. at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Road, travels up Main Street to Towne Lake Parkway to Mill, Market and Fowler streets back to Main Street, ending at the school. For road closures and a parade map, visit www. woodstockparksandrec.com. After the parade, a festival will be held at The Park at City Center where the city’s mayor and Santa will flip the switch to light the park and Christmas tree. Santa will be available for visits, and the winners of the best holiday and most original floats will be announced. Music by Ronnie the DJ. Free marshmallow roast and activities for the entire family. Movie in the Park starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.woodstockparksandrec.com for more Jubilee details. Holly Springs Christmas parade begins at 1:30 p.m., and will wind through downtown on Holly Springs Parkway and end at the train depot. After the parade, visit with Santa and get a complimentary photo. Outdoor activities include entertainment, hot cocoa and treats and a children’s craft. www.hollyspringsga.us.

Dec. 6

Run for the Children 5K race and 1-mile Reindeer Run, sponsored by the Service League of Cherokee County, will be held in downtown Canton. Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in front of the gazebo. Registration before Nov. 29 is $25, and $30 after. A Santa’s Helpers category for those wishing to contribute and get a shirt without running is $15. www.serviceleague.net.

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.

The University Symphonic Winds.

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

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 the George Gershwin work. Includes brass quintets, trumpet ensembles, low brass and full brass ensembles.

Nov. 15

The University Concert Choir, under the direction of Martha Shaw, will perform at 3 p.m. The 100-member student choir performs throughout the state for community outreach, and in February of this year performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The Chamber Singers also are performing in this concert.

Nov. 10

The University Percussion Ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m. These students must learn to perform at a professional level and to rely on each other to perform their pieces.

Nov. 12

The University Symphonic Winds concert begins at 7:30 p.m., directed by Rob Opitz and featuring close to 90 students.

Nov. 23

The University Symphony Orchestra performs at 7:30 p.m. with approximately 60 students under the direction of Jere Flint. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

Sequoyah Regional Library System Events Ongoing

Nov. 18

Knitting & Crocheting Group, 1-3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Rose Creek Library. Let Mrs. Darlene help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn, and be prepared to have fun. No registration or prior knowledge required.

Nov. Chess & Chat, 1-3 p.m. at the R.T. Jones Library. Informal chess

Rose Creek Crafters, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. every Tuesday at Rose Creek Library. Bring jewelry or other crafting supplies. Create something of your own or just watch other creative geniuses at work.

Nov. 4 & 18

Adult Coloring Group, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ball Ground Library. Adults are invited to stop by the library meeting room to relax and rediscover the joy of coloring. Supplies are provided. 770-735-2025.

Nov. 5, 12 & 19

Sit & Stitch Social, 10 a.m.-noon at the Woodstock Public Library. Enjoy the company of other creative people while you stitch on your current project. Take time to finish a work in progress. Get inspired to try something new. Meet new people and have fun!

Nov. Book Repair estimates, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ball Ground

Library. Book lovers who want to bring new life to old books or Bibles will receive free estimates on restoration. Jack Kyle, a retired book binder, will be available to explain how he can restore and rebind your cherished items. 770-735-2025. DIY Burlap Pumpkin, 4 p.m. the Hickory Flat Library. Materials will be provided. Registration is required by calling 770-345-7565.

Nov. 9

Open Craft Night, 6-7:30 p.m. at the R.T. Jones Library. Share your projects, tips and ideas, and enjoy the company of other crafters. Bring whatever project you’re working on, drop in, and join the group. Beginners welcome. Participants must bring their own supplies. For ages 14 and older. 770-479-3090.

Nov. 10

Author Event, 6 p.m. with author Larry Cavendar at the Ball Ground Library. The Ball Ground native will share excerpts of his first published book, “A Patchwork Quilt.” 770-735-2025.

Nov. 12

Tree Planting Workshop, 4 p.m. at the Woodstock Library. Learn about selecting, planting and caring for trees from Joshua Fuder, Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent. Call 770-926-5859 to register.

Nov. 16

Book Club, 11 a.m. at the Ball Ground Library. Discussion of “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. New members are welcome. 770-735-2025.

Nov. 17

‘Minute To Win It’ challenge, 4 p.m. at the Hickory Flat Library for ages 9-12. Get ready for an afternoon packed with fun and challenging games based on the popular TV show. Space is limited; registration is required by calling 770-345-7565. Registration begins Nov. 4. that meets once a month to play. Chess sets available at the adult services desk. No need to register. 21 group

Nov. 25

Career Lab will be parked at the R.T. Jones Library. The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board’s mobile lab will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for free assistance with job search, information about training opportunities and access to computer workstations. Services are available for age 16 and older.

Nov. 30

Nerd Trivia for teens, 6 p.m. at the R.T. Jones Library. Teens and tweens in grades six and up are invited for fandom trivia, free snacks, and fun. 770-479-3090 ext. 233.

Dec. 2

Here Comes Santa, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hickory Flat Library. Bring a camera to snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy crafts, refreshments and entertainment by the Avery Elementary School choir, directed by David Boggs at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome.

Dec. 3

The Polar Express & Santa Visit, 6-7:45 p.m. at the Rose Creek Library. Bring your blanket and wear your best pajamas to experience the magic of Van Allsburg’s classic holiday tale “The Polar Express.” Also enjoy crafts, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Registration begins on Nov. 19; Reservations required by calling 770-591-1491. All ages are welcome.

Dec. 7

Holiday Open House, 6-7:45 p.m. at the R.T. Jones Library. Celebrate the season and enjoy the Festival of Trees as well as crafts, refreshments, a tree lighting, storytelling and songs performed by the Hasty Elementary Chorus. All ages welcome.

www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org • RT Jones Library

116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, 770-479-3090

Bookmark Book Club, 4 p.m. at the Woodstock Library. Earn four accelerated reader points by joining this discussion about current Georgia Book Award nominee “The Fourteenth Goldfish” by Jennifer L. Holm. Registration required by calling 770-479-3090 ext. 233. For ages 9-12.

• Hickory Flat Public Library

Ceramic Demonstration, 6 p.m. at the Ball Ground Library. Back by popular demand, Helene Maloy, owner of A Piece of Time, will demonstrate ideas for creating ceramic holiday gifts. Optional: Bring $5 to paint an ornament to take with you. Registration required by calling 770-735-2025.

• Woodstock Public Library

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565

• Rose Creek Public Library

4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 770-926-5859

• Ball Ground Public Library

435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground, 770-735-2025

COME HERE. FEEL BETTER.

5 Locations Serving Atlanta Metro • Canton • Cartersville • Woodstock • Marietta • Buckhead

770-427-0368 | www.nw-ent.com Canton Location: 13 Reinhardt College Pkwy Canton, GA 30114

Woodstock Location: 960 Woodstock Pkwy | Suite 100-101 Woodstock, GA 30188

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

November Heralds Holiday Festivities BY LYNNE WATTS

November is the time of year when Mother Nature packs up her paintbrush and palette of sienna, ochre and scarlet to make way for Old Man Winter to arrive. Close out the last days of fall and set the mood for the upcoming season by attending some of the holiday festivities in Atlanta. Gather up the kids and head out to the Center for the Puppetry Arts to see “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” a holiday classic presented Nov. 12-Dec. 27. While you are there, be sure to stop by the museum to learn about the history of puppetry through an amazing collection of more than 2,000 puppets and posters. www.puppet.org/perform/rudolph.shtml “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” at the fabulous historic Fox Theatre is both circus and holiday spectaculars rolled into one. With more than 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists, adults and kids alike will be enthralled with a show that includes stunts, illusions and singers performing both holiday favorites and original music. http://foxtheatre.org/shows-and-events/ Visit the annual Winter Wonderland exhibition at Fernbank Museum, where you can enjoy two floors of festive trees and displays reflecting the diverse cultural traditions of North America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Weekends from Nov. 29 to Dec. 21 will feature special Holly Jolly activities for the kids, including a puppet

Towne Lake Business Association TLBA will hold its annual Holiday Gala and Silent Auction on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at The Grille from 6-9 pm. 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 Jan. 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 on our website.

TLBA’s Lunch-N-Learn Workshop Speaker: Kristi Cobb CPA, Paragon Accounting and Tax Topic: “Year end Tax Benefits and Preparation for 2016” 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, Nov. 16 @ 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!” TOWNELAKER | November 2015

factory hosted by the Center for Puppetry Arts. Adults can attend the Martinis and Imax evening, where they can sample small plates, sip on a yuletide toddy and view a holiday movie. www.fernbankmuseum.org/visit-fernbank/ Every little girl’s favorite character, Madeleine, from the book by Ludwig Bemelmans, is back for the sixth year at the Horizon Theatre. Join Madeleine, Miss Clavel, and Madeleine’s 12 best friends in “Madeline’s Christmas.” When all the girls come down with the flu, they are faced with the possibility of their upcoming trip home for Christmas being cancelled. This musical is a treat for the whole family. www.horizontheatre.com/plays/family-series/ Want an adult night out from the same venue? Leave the kids at home and get ready to be entertained as Horizon Theatre performs the outrageous holiday comedy, “The Santaland Diaries,” written by NPR comic genius David Sedaris. It is the tale of Crumpet, an out-of-work elf who shares his story of the life of an out-of-work Macy’s department store elf. www.horizontheatre.com/plays/the-santaland-diaries/

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

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Stunning Ladies, LLC

What do you carry for self-defense? That’s what Tammy Jensen, president of Stunning Ladies, LLC, wants to know. According to www. oneinthreewomen.com, one in three women will be assaulted in their lifetime; unfortunately, many women don’t think about personal protection until it is too late. Stunning Ladies provides a variety of defensive weapons for every situation. Among the many products offered at stunningladiesllc.com are the striker stun gun, mace and the Bad Kitty keychain weapon, as well Tammy Jensen as steel batons and bedside holsters for firearms. Tammy became a staunch advocate of women’s self-defense after surviving an attack herself. Although she chose to move beyond the nightmare, Tammy never forgot the feeling of helplessness she experienced when it happened. “I never want anyone else to go through what I did,” she said. “Stunning Ladies came out of that resolve.” Licensed to carry her firearm, Tammy is a member of the NRA, Georgia Carry and two gun clubs for women. Additionally, she is deeply involved her community. This mother of two has lived in the Woodstock area since 1995. As the holiday season approaches, stunningladiesllc.com is a great place to shop for a gift that tells your wife, daughter, sister or friend next door that you care for her safety. “Self-defense is the gift that says, ‘Don’t be a victim - be victorious!’” Tammy said. For more information about Stunning Ladies, LLC contact Tammy at 770-262-0919 or visit www.stunningladiesllc.com.

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TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

Planning for Retirement When You Are Single If you aren’t married, you should consider these potential expenses and needs. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

How does retirement planning differ for single people? At a glance, there would seem to be no difference in the retirement saving effort of an individual versus the retirement saving effort of a couple: start early, save consistently and use vehicles that allow tax-advantaged growth and compounding of invested assets. On closer inspection, differences do appear—factors that single adults should pay attention to while planning for the future. Retirement savings must be built off one income. Unmarried adults should save for retirement early and avidly. Most couples have the luxury of creating retirement nest eggs from either or both incomes. They can plan to build wealth with a degree of flexibility and synchronization that is unavailable to a single saver. So when it comes to building retirement assets, a single adult has to start early, save big and never let up, as there is no spouse around to help in the effort and only one income from which savings can emerge. The Social Security claiming decision takes on more importance. An unmarried person’s Social Security benefits are calculated off his or her lifetime earnings record. Simple, cut and dried.1

Married people, however, have an option that the unmarried lack. Once their spouses begin to collect Social Security, they have a chance to claim a spousal benefit as early as age 62 rather than wait for benefits based solely on their own earnings. In fact, they may be able to claim this spousal benefit at age 62 even if they are widowed or divorced. If they are caring for a son or daughter from that marriage who is also receiving some form of Social Security benefits, they may be eligible for a spousal benefit before age 62.2,3 All this means that a couple can potentially rely on two Social Security incomes before both spouses reach what the program deems full retirement age. An unmarried person cannot exploit that opportunity, so the decision to claim Social Security early at reduced monthly benefits or postpone claiming to receive greater benefits becomes critical. An unmarried person may someday have a huge need for long-term-care insurance. If there are no adult children or spouse around to serve as caretakers in the event of a debilitating mental or physical breakdown, an unmarried individual may eventually become destitute from costs linked to that sad consequence. Long-term-care coverage is growing more expensive and fewer carriers are offering it these days, so many married baby boomers are wondering if it is really worth the expense; in the case of a single, unmarried baby boomer retiring solo, it may be. Housing is often the largest expense for the unmarried. In an ideal world, a single adult could pay half of the monthly housing expense of a married couple. That seldom happens. Relatively speaking, housing costs usually consume much more of an individual’s income than the income of a couple. This is true even early in life: according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, married folks in their late 20s spend $7,200 per person less on housing expenses annually. So a single person would do well to find ways to cut down housing expenses, as this frees up more money that can be potentially assigned to retirement saving.1 Saving when single presents distinct challenges. In fact, saving for retirement (or any other financial goal) as a single, unmarried person is often more challenging than it is for a married couple—especially in light of the fact that spouses continued on page 92

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 | November 2015

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Feature

Restoring a Woman’s Anatomy

Inside & Out All staff photos by J. King Images

A Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

Peahen Gandhi, MD, FACOG, FPMRS 48

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

woman’s body is never the same after having children. Who better to fix your anatomy than the doctors who not only deliver thousands of babies, but are also reconstructive surgeons? Breaking new ground with a higher level of services for the community are the physicians of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, who have delivered more than 10,000 babies in the community since the practice opened in 1993.

urogynecology). Physicians in this field specialize in treating conditions women commonly experience from having children or aging - including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Joining Drs. Litrel, Gandhi and Haley are OB/GYN colleagues Dr. Britton Crigler and Dr. Kathryn Hale. Together, the five make up the only obstetricsgynecology practice in Georgia with multiple board certified pelvic reconstructive surgeons.

OB/GYNs who are Subspecialty Board Certified Reconstructive Surgeons

Addressing Women’s Hidden Suffering

Doctors Michael Litrel, Peahen Gandhi and James Haley have achieved board certification in the subspecialty female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS, also known as

FPMRS surgeons correct disorders to the pelvic floor that result from childbirth and aging. The pelvic floor refers to the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that hold a woman’s bladder, rectum, and female organs inside the body. Damage to the pelvic floor can lead to a leaky bladder or

the dropping (prolapse) of the bladder, rectum, vagina or uterus. “Motherhood is a tough road,” comments Dr. Litrel. “It’s not just the pregnancy and labor, or raising the children. Later on, a woman can have pain or bleeding, a leaky bladder, even changes in her female anatomy or appearance, that can affect her relationship with her husband.” Dr. Gandhi adds, “Because we’re OB/ GYNs, we’re not cosmetic surgeons who concentrate only on the outward appearance of your body. We repair interior anatomy as well. This includes problems like incontinence, pain, pelvic floor prolapse and vaginal laxity, as well as distorted labial anatomy.”

Reconstructive and Cosmetic Gynecologic Surgery

Many life-changing therapies can be performed in the offices of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, making a hospital stay unnecessary. These include vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty and breakthrough technologies such as Thermiva. This painless office procedure uses thermal energy to rebuild tissue and tighten vaginal muscles. Thermiva treatments can increase sensitivity and strengthen muscular contractions, leading to greater sexual satisfaction. Treatments can also reduce dryness and urinary incontinence. Dr. Haley says, “Lots of women make the mistake of believing that pain and discomfort are natural as they age. That’s not the case. Surgical techniques and the understanding of women’s anatomy have increased tremendously in the past 20 years. That‘s what made the new specialty [FPMRS] necessary.”

A Powerhouse Team for Obstetrics

Pregnant women who come to Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists will find a truly holistic practice, with a significant depth of knowledge combined with the technological advances. All the physicians have the expertise to manage high risk obstetrics as needed. Fourdimensional ultrasound services are nationally accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Healthy pregnancies are confirmed with advanced technologies for noninvasive testing, including Nuchal Translucency or Cell Free DNA testing. Additionally, Drs. Hale and Crigler are experts at noninvasive muscle floor pelvic strengthening options, including Apex and Intensity devices. Both vegans, they build on the mind-body-spirit approach of the practice, with Dr. Hale recently achieving certification in plantbased nutrition from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. Her election to the National Medical Honor Society Alpha Omega Alpha is a distinction shared by Drs. Litrel and Gandhi. Certified Nurse Midwife Susan Griggs rounds out this team of providers to complete the picture of a practice with total dedication to the health of their patients, before and after childbirth.

James Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

Kathryn Azelia Hale, MD, MPH, FACOG

Treating Patients As We Would Our Loved Ones

“It’s ingrained in our practice to treat each patient as we would a family member,” says Dr. Litrel. “It’s a fact that every one of us loves our work and feels it’s our calling. It’s our privilege to always do our best, and strive to be our best— for our patients, and for this community we live in.”

Britton Crigler, MD

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists OB/GYN and UROGYNECOLOGY

Canton: 227 Riverstone Drive Woodstock: Towne Lake Overlook Medical Building 100 Stoneforest Drive, Suite 200

770-720-7733

8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Facebook: CherokeeWomensHealth Twitter: @atlantaobgyn

Susan Griggs, RN, CNM

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

Becoming an Actor Step 4:

Building a Résumé without an Agent BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH

It isn’t easy to get an agent without quality credits on your résumé, so let’s talk about how to build your résumé without having an agent. Even if you hire an agent, you’ll need to know how to find and/ or create your own work, to set up habits you’ll always keep. Theatre training is the easiest credit to obtain. There are community theatres in just about every city in America where aspiring actors can hone their skills. Community theatres offer a well-rounded education, and they typically hold open “Wedding Singer” performed at Elm Street. Photo auditions...anyone courtesy of White Flower Photography. can audition for any show, regardless of experience. In addition to adding credits to your résumé, theatre work will give you a chance to practice the art of acting. This is especially helpful if you cannot afford training. Theatre roles are much more intensive than film and television roles, and performing in plays can give you a wonderful education in how to craft a character. While theatre is important for a strong résumé, you also need to add some television and film experience to your list of credits. It is likely you won’t be able to score an audition for big-budget projects without an agent, but don’t let that discourage you. Instead, work on finding independent projects; the best way to find such auditions is through acting groups on Facebook and ActorsAccess.com. Stay away from Craigslist, since many projects found there are not safe or of good quality. You may hope to get big auditions immediately, but remember that small projects are great practice for the bigger stuff. You do not want to be in front of major casting directors until you’re ready. If you want to make a career as an extra, you can find just about all the work you want in and around Atlanta. However, if you want speaking roles, treat your work as an extra only as on-set experience. You may want to do it once or twice, just to have the opportunity to see what it is like to be on a major set — but you do not want to put extra work on your résumé. Putting “extra” on your résumé does not tell a casting director anything about your ability to act, and trying to beef up your experience by putting “featured” or “Bar Patron” usually won’t make a difference in any hiring decision. The casting director and agents will know you did not audition for that role, and that you didn’t have lines. Have patience, and your résumé will grow. If you want to jump ahead quickly in your career, you need to learn how to produce your own work, also called self-producing. 50

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

The basic concept is that you either write a script for yourself, or you collaborate with a writing partner; then you find a crew to film. Just like you are beginning in your acting career, others are beginning in their editing or directing careers, and building their own résumés. You can find such potential career-makers in online groups, in meet-ups or within your personal circle. Once the project is finished, you can distribute it to online video sites like YouTube; you can even enter your production into film festivals. Promote the project, earn followers, and soon your network of contacts will grow.

Community Theater Options in Cherokee County

• Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, www.elmstreetarts.org The theater and offices are located at 8534 Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188 – in the brick building that once was a community church. Elm Street, with more than 180 plays and musicals since opening in 2002, offers open auditions, classes, camps and a full season of productions. 678-494-4251 • Cherokee Theatre Company, www.cherokeetheatre.org Founded in 1986 by a group of theatre-lovers who wanted to bring the arts to Cherokee County. Performances are held at the Canton Historic Theatre, 171 East Main St. The company’s mission is “provide a creative environment for theatre arts by producing and supporting quality theatrical events for the Cherokee County community.” 770-591-0282 • STARS Community Drama http://stars-community-drama.webnode.com The Christian-based drama troupe was started by Tisha Gotte geared toward children interested in performing. tagotte9394@aol.com • Broadway Bound Productions, www.broadwayboundproductionsinc.com The focus of Broadway Bound is to present original plays, giving playwrights a chance to see their work come to life onstage. Founded by husband and wife team, Cheryl Lambert and Ralph Zaffino. 770-720-2698 • Atlanta Theatre Collective, www.atlantatheatrecollective.com Frequent performances at the Canton Theatre.

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

How to Effectively Talk to Your Boss BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

November is a time when many job seekers temporarily give up their search with the assumption that employers don’t hire during the holidays. Quite the contrary, employers are now filling funded positions that have been on hold until the fourth quarter. Through The Master’s Training Center’s Career Services, we have had phone calls almost every day from clients who are getting jobs! For many, getting the job is the highlight; then comes reality when daily, weekly, and ongoing drama takes center stage, and zaps all life and energy from what was supposed to be the income savior of the family. What do you do when there seems to be a clash between your opinion (as an employee) and your employer’s? It is impossible to address every employment conflict, but understanding simple concepts are key. Remember: right or wrong, the boss always wins. If he or she has the power to hire, they can fire. If you are experiencing a problem, most likely others are, too. However, when you decide to confront your boss, do not try to represent your fellow employees or address a departmentwide problem. Speak to your boss as if it is a situation with an amiable solution. When a boss detects a mutiny, the message bearer bears the brunt. Put yourself in your boss’ shoes. What is he or she

up against? Is your boss answering to his or her boss? Maybe he or she is on a tight leash. Be sensitive and bring understanding to your colleagues. If you absolutely must address a situation, ask your boss to schedule time to talk about the problem, and its solution. Simply complaining is not productive. Do not tell your boss how they are at fault; instead, illustrate the breakdown in the workplace process, and offer a corrective plan. Do not make it personal, and look for ways to make your position costeffective for the company. Be a problem solver, and you will come out on top. Keep Making Progress!

Be sensitive and bring understanding to your colleagues.

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 | November 2015

Lifestyle

Rob’s Rescues This dog’s name is Doug. He listens well and sits and snuggles with you. He does not jump on you. He is really gentle and calm for a big dog. He is a pointer mix and about 3 years old. At the moment there are four adult cats at the shelter and quite a lot of kittens. This cat’s name is Tippi. She is gray and white and is 7 years old. She is a domestic short-haired mix. Tippi is big and lazy. She winds herself up into a ball and she is very soft and snuggly. Anagrace and Davis Watson used their birthday money to buy cat and dog food for Rob’s Rescues, which I took to the shelter.

Rob’s Rescues now has a Facebook page!

TOWNELAKER | November 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

The Alphabet of Thanksgiving BY REV. DR. DOUG THRASHER

A friend of mine, Allen Hunt, told me several years ago about a Thanksgiving tradition that he had begun. It’s called the Alphabet of Thanksgiving. The idea is simple. All you do is take a piece of notebook paper and write the alphabet down the left side of the page. After that, you write one thing that you are thankful for beside each letter of the alphabet. Some of the letters present quite a challenge. I also have found that once I begin, I think of many more things that I am thankful for than can be captured in the one thing per letter guideline. I have been doing this for several years now and sharing it with my family as we gather for Thanksgiving. Here’s my list for this year.

E - Exercise. I love to work out and seek to maintain a good level of physical fitness.

A - Awe. I am struck with awe and wonder at God’s creation. I also remember the awe in the eyes of my grandchildren at some of the sights they saw at Disney World this year.

I - Inspiration. I look around every day and see the beauty of the earth. I see people do incredible things. I read books that tell stories that lift my heart.

B - Beach. I am a beach person. Walks on the beach with my wife or my family refresh my soul.

J - Jesus Christ. There is no other Savior and my relationship

C - Church. I have always been a part of the United Methodist Church, and I love it; but it’s truly something special to belong to any body of believers. D - Debbie. My wife, my love, my friend for the past 40 years. She’s amazing!

F - Friends. How do we exist in this world without all the friends that are ours? I am blessed. G - Grandchildren. We have five little girls: Charlotte, Georgia, Elizabeth, Abigail and Anna. They are all precious darlings. H - Health. This is a special one this year. A year ago, I received a stent in my heart. This year I feel restored. Praise God!

continued on page 92

The Rev. Dr. Doug Thrasher is District Superindentent for the Atlanta-Roswell District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

My Favorite Thanksgiving Hour BY ANN LITREL

As young girls, my sister Jane and I headed outside on sunny days to explore, packing a sandwich and a thermos of Kool-Aid. Out the back gate, through the blackberry brambles and down to the little river separating our subdivision from the farm next door, we began our adventures. Our crossing was often blocked by cows, huge and scary-looking, standing in the shallows. Most times we summoned up the courage to skirt around them. The cows never seemed to mind two small girls traipsing up the dirt road into their pasture. The farm seemed labyrinthine, magical. We found small fenced fields, forgotten sheds, islands of forests and winding streams, huge old oaks bumpy with lichen. Everything we found, we named. We drew maps and made up stories - “Wizard’s Ring,” “Grasshopper’s Bouncing Field,” “Witches’ Glen.” We wove the magic that children do, hidden from the eyes of grownups. Now Jane lives far away, and our time together is measured not in seasons or years, but in hours. Yet even an hour can be magical. Jane comes to visit with her family every other Thanksgiving; when the pies are baked, the cranberry salsa and cornbread dressing is prepped and the turkey is in the oven, it’s time, once again, for my sister and me to explore. We don’t have to go far; the little strip of “meadow” in my small back yard is enough. I add a few seedlings every year - wild sunflowers, Joe-Pye weed, coneflower, bee balm 54

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– so this little island of wilderness is ever-changing. In late summer evenings when the setting sun glows, I sit on my Adirondack chair under a tree with a glass of wine and watch the butterflies feeding in the tall meadow flowers. Goldfinches flit from seed head to seed head, sampling the bits they love. By November, Jane and I find the garden still lovely, as it browns for its winter sleep. We gather the seed heads that stand like sculptures among the grasses, clothed in their dusky robes of gold, rust and purple. We harvest bright-red blueberry leaves, fluffy heads of milkweed blossoms, and upright fronds of Indian grass. The walk back to the kitchen yields the evergreens holly, ivy, ferns. We arrange these priceless treasures with grocery store flowers in two tall vases for the Thanksgiving table. This hour spent with my sister is perhaps my favorite of Thanksgiving - rediscovering the secret magic of childhood.

Ann with her sister Jane.

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

Senior Sense

Thanksgiving Time BY DELIA HALVERSON

With passing years, we often lose sight of the original meaning of a holiday. The Thanksgiving season has two strikes against it. The first is the expansion of the Christmas season. It seems more and more Christmas activities are pushing into the Thanksgiving season. When I was a child, the stores shocked us by displaying Christmas merchandise around the first of December. Now, Santa and the products of his workshop fight with Halloween masks and skeletons for space on the shelves. In fact, on Sept. 30 I saw Christmas trees in the aisles at a local wholesale club! Personally, I do enjoy a three to four-week Christmas season. It only comes once a year. But would an earlier Thanksgiving offer more opportunity for real thankfulness? After all, thankfulness is what it’s all about. Perhaps we could incorporate our honor of veterans into the day and also offer thanks for peace in our nation. The second strike against Thanksgiving is the time lapse between the actual close of harvest and the date. Growing up in Florida, I never knew the true feeling of harvest time; it seemed to me that Thanksgiving was just an arbitrary date because harvest occurred year round. In fact, the height of the pickling season came in early June, and by mid-July, the gardeners gave up, unless they replanted. When I lived in the Dakotas, I enjoyed a true harvest. Like a squirrel preparing for winter, I pickled, canned and froze every tidbit our laboring garden produced. I even suffered the thorns of the buffalo berry bush for its translucent red-pink berries to make jelly. At the end of all that work and turmoil, I truly felt thankful. Then, I had to wait six weeks for my Thanksgiving dinner. In the Dakotas, we often picked the green tomatoes before frost and wrapped them in newspaper to ripen them. One year I tried to keep a few tomatoes in the refrigerator for Thanksgiving Day, so that I could enjoy something fresh from the harvest. Today, everything for a Thanksgiving dinner comes directly from the grocery store. Shouldn’t Thanksgiving be more than planning a big dinner and bursting at the seams while we watch football? I do appreciate the opportunity to get together as a family, but we seldom really think about just what we are thankful for. It becomes rather matter-of-fact. Maybe this year we will ask everyone at the table to mention at least one thing they are thankful for before the meal.

Delia writes books and leads workshops internationally. She and her husband settled in Woodstock after living in eight states. Their children and grandchildren live nearby. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

A HEAD START ON THE

Holidays

BY CHANTEL ADAMS | CHANLYNNADAMS@GMAIL.COM

November might be my favorite month of the year. By this time, the kids have found their groove at school, the dog days of summer are far behind us, and we’re just beginning to think about the upcoming holiday season. It’s not quite here, which means we’re not knee-deep in the pit of crazy…yet. While you’ve still got time to catch your breath, I wanted to introduce you to a few of my favorite new pieces for entertaining this season.

1. Every home needs a bar cart, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. I love

Target’s Threshold line for the home. In addition to this handy bar cart for just $129.99, you can get everything you need to stock it (sans the hard liquor) at Target, too. The simple, gold lines will complement any decor and can carry you through the new year in style. Target, off I-575 at Exits 7 and 19.

2. Gold and white is an elegant color

combination that mixes well with red and green, and I see this rustic burlap everywhere these days. One of my favorite places to go for unique pieces that are both durable and beautiful is Willow in the Canton Marketplace shopping center. This gold and white serving platter and the coordinating mugs have me yearning for brunch with friends. Don’t forget your hostess. These would also make a stunning gift. Platter and serving spoon $40.95, mugs $16.95 each. Willows Gift Shoppe, 2022 Cumming Highway, Canton.

3. Looking for something special to

serve the family during the holidays? When I found out that a pasta called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue actually exists, I couldn’t resist featuring it here. The pasta is festive and colorful. Cook it to al dente perfection — with just the right amount of bite — and, like me, you’ll be giggling under your breath with every mouthful. $13.50, Leaning Ladder.

4. These salts, with their fancy names and intriguing

4 TOWNELAKER | November 2015

suggested uses, caught my eye last weekend. If used liberally, I wouldn’t be surprised if more than one guest asks you to share your recipe’s secret ingredient. You can smile coyly, wink, and say, “Ahh...it’s just a sprinkle of Santa Salt.” In addition to the products you see here, I also found others, called “Magic Unicorn” and “Friends Forever.” How fun is that? $11 for a sample pack of five, 105 E. Main St., Woodstock, Leaning Ladder.

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle

Start Giving Thanks for Friends, Family BY SEAN KAUFMAN

Since the time you were in your mom’s belly, I have been thankful for you. Moments after you were born the nurses said, “Talk to him” and the moment I did, you stopped screaming and looked for me. I am thankful for your recognition. As I drove home with you for the first time, I am thankful that something so small made it home safely; it was the only time I ever really followed any sort of speed limit. I am thankful for the first large burp, your first smile, hearing you laugh, and learning never to give a baby a box of raisins (no matter how much they like it). Worrying that you wouldn’t crawl and thankful that you did. Panicking that you wouldn’t walk and thankful that you ran. Concerned that you would never talk and thrilled that you have never stopped speaking. Thankful that you can read, write and know the difference between right and wrong. I thank you for never embarrassing our family name and always trying your best. I am wrong

Sean Patrick Kaufman

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Son, I am thankful for what you have taught me—the lessons of life—but most of all I am thankful for having the chance to be your Dad.

sometimes, and I thank you for your forgiveness and your beautiful heart. I thank you for laughing and allowing me to hug you when you cry. I am thankful for the opportunity to give you advice and witness your growth in life. Son, I am thankful for what you have taught me—the lessons of life—but most of all I am thankful for having the chance to be your Dad. I love you and always have. It’s November. Let those you love know how thankful you are for them. Thanksgiving is about taking the time to eulogize the living, especially those you love. Waiting until they can no longer hear you means you have waited too long. Start with your family and move to your friends. It can take 30 seconds or hours. Either way, letting someone know you are thankful for him or her being in your life is truly one of the greatest gifts you can ever give to another. I wish all of you a very wonderful, safe and healthy Thanksgiving. God bless.

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Lifestyle Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

CUISINE

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

American

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS no

open

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Parkway American no $ $-$$ open full bar 770-592-7676, chilis.com China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671, chinafun88.com

RESERV. no call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com

Soup/Salad/ Sandwiches

closed

Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Homestyle Cooking

closed

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

American no $ $-$$ open full bar Casual

special events

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Parkway 678-238-1899, iloveizumi.com

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

Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494, johnnyspizza.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

Jump Kitchen Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing 678-388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com

American Casual

Sun. Brunch

$-$$

open

full bar

yes

Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-5264, kanihouse.com

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

La Parrilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606, laparrilla.com

Mexican

open

full bar

LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway Steakhouse no $ $$ open full bar 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com

call ahead seating

Marco’s Pizza, 2068 Eagle Drive 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

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

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

pg. 31

d Mexican/Irish *see a 770-592-3100, papa-ps.com pg. 1

*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway

Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com

Sat.&Sun. $ $ open full bar brunch

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

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

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

* Denotes Advertiser

RESTAURANT

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

Towne Lake Area Dining Guide

Faith

Give Thanks, Even When Things Go Wrong BY DONNA RATLIFF

Giving thanks, even in difficult circumstances, is what the bible tells us to do. Attitude can be everything when things go wrong. It can make or break our day, as well as the enjoyment of our marital relationship. We had just three days to go out of town recently, and we desperately needed a few days of rest and relaxation. The drive to the beach was long and tiresome. The next morning, we got up early, excited to see what the day would bring. By 9:30 a.m., our enthusiasm had quelled a bit. My husband went out around 8 a.m. in a kayak for a short ride around the marina area. I reminded him to take his cell phone out of his pocket because he had recently lost one in the water; I also paddled around in the kayak and he took a picture with his phone, so I knew the phone was out of his pocket. Then we went to investigate the pool; as he stepped in to check the temperature, I realized there was a problem: Yes, you guessed it...the phone was in his pocket. I unhappily looked at him and declared, “I thought you took that out of your pocket earlier!” It was not a happy moment. We raced off to the grocery store to get rice, in the hope that it would dry out the phone. We found a cell phone repair store and headed in that direction around 9:15 a.m., but our car wouldn’t accelerate. We were able to pull over, and quickly searched for a beach mechanic with my cell phone. Sitting on the side of the road with a non-working phone and a non-working car early in the morning of the first day of our vacation didn’t bring great thoughts. We found a local auto repair shop, and were able to limp our

car to it. We had visions of dollar bills flying out of our pockets between the car and the phone, and this was only our first day of vacation. We decided to pray and go with the flow. As it turned out, Andy the auto repairman ordered a part and fixed our car for a very reasonable amount. To our surprise, Andy offered his vehicle to us, so we could drive to the cell phone repair store while we waited on our car to be finished. God reminded us that things were not all that bad; it made us stop and give thanks in the little things, as well as the big ones. As you reflect this month of Thanksgiving, remember the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in everything for this is the will of God.”

Date Your Mate:

To celebrate fall, take your mate for a ride into the North Georgia mountains to one of the orchards, and buy some apples and pumpkins. Then go home and collaborate on making some delicious dishes with your produce.

Donna Ratliff is the wife of Pastor Bill Ratliff from Towne Lake Community Church. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor working in Cherokee County.

Longing for the Days of Civility, Love BY REV. DR. PAUL W. BAUMGARTNER

I really miss civility. I don’t know when it all changed, but people don’t even seem to be able to disagree with each other without being mean and insulting. Politicians, political parties, Christians...In his “Small Catechism,” Martin Luther explained the Eighth Commandment [You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor] with these words: We are to fear and love God, so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their reputations. Instead we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light. I hear God’s Ten Commandments referred to a lot, but it seems like the Eighth has become optional or obsolete for many people. It’s bad enough that there is such persistent tragedy and violence and hate and anger around us. In fact, other than God’s, it can be pretty hard to find any good news these days. I dread turning on the TV news. Most of my television watching currently is HGTV because they always turn something ugly into something beautiful. I’m pretty sure that’s what God has in mind too. Listen to these words from 1 John: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God… this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we

should love one another…let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action…let us love one another, because love is from God…if we love one another, God lives in us…the commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. Obviously God doesn’t consider us loving one another as optional or obsolete. Even if its people we disagree with…ouch! Mine might just be the reminiscences of an old man, but I believe there was a time when people were more civil, and I miss those good old days...or maybe that’s just the way I wish things were. It’s obviously the way God wishes things were. I can’t change the world, but I can refuse to participate in the ugliness. With God’s help, I can see that my own words and actions are civil and loving, and give God thanks and praise when I witness love and civility in others.

The Rev. Dr. Paul Baumgartner has served as senior pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since January 2004. He can be reached at pastorpaul@gslutheran.org. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Health & Wellness

Hormone Therapy For Anxiety And Depression BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO

I recently filled a prescription for a powerful antidepressant — a benzodiazepine (called “benzo” for short), as well as some sleeping pills for a 46-year-old woman. The combination of psychotropic drugs was not helping with her anxiety and depression, and was instead causing unpleasant side effects. I suggested that she get a hormone panel taken by her physician, to rule out any hormonal imbalances. The labs revealed her symptoms were caused by a deficiency of estrogen and progesterone. She was prescribed a combination of natural bioidentical estrogen, and progesterone cream to be applied twice a day. Several weeks later, she reported that her anxiety and panic attacks had improved tremendously. She said she was sleeping better, and her hot flashes and night sweats were almost gone. She also experienced an improvement in her mood, which had been noticed by her husband and kids. As I wrote in my last article, our bodies do not suddenly become depleted of anti-depressants, benzodiazepines and sleeping pills when we turn 40. Hormones levels can change drastically after the age of 40, so treatment should be geared toward restoring hormone levels to their optimum levels, and correcting probiotics, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For most women, a daily dose of compounded progesterone

(derived from wild yam) in the form of a cream, capsule or lozenge is enough to correct mood swings, low libido, and difficulty sleeping or staying asleep. Studies show that the risk of increased breast cancer occurs with progestin (synthetic progesterone), and not natural progesterone. When natural products are altered in the lab into synthetics agents, our bodies sometimes reject them, and the result can be adverse side effects, some of which could be life threatening in some people. Natural progesterone protect most people from cancer of the endometrium and the breast; it may also protect against osteoporosis, promotes fat burning and maintains sex drive. Natural progesterone can act as a natural antidepressant, and sometimes improves sleep. Bioidentical hormones have been proven to work. For help finding a functional medicine practitioner of hormone replacement therapy, please call our pharmacy.

O. Julius Quarcoo, a pharmacist for 22 years, is owner of Towne Lake Family Pharmacy, which offers compounding and regular prescriptions. 770-635-7697. townelakepharmacy@yahoo.com.

OB/GYN Offices Located in Canton and Towne Lake

Get back to living your life. For heavy periods, cramps, bladder leakage, fatigue, mood swings, pelvic discomfort and vaginal rejuvenation, consult our GYN specialists.

770-720-7733 Top Row: Mike Litrel, MD; Peahen Gandhi, MD; James Haley, MD Bottom Row: Kathryn Hale, MD; Britton Crigler, MD; Susan Griggs, CNM; Barbara Oess, NP

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Canton / Woodstock cherokeewomenshealth.com

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Health & Wellness

Debunking Common Myths About the Flu BY DR. AMY HARDIN

Every fall, our flu vaccine arrives and we offer it to our families. Every year, I hear the same urban legends regarding the flu vaccine from parents. This month’s article will hopefully combat some of those myths! Myth #1: Influenza is not that bad. This is true if you don’t mind four days of 104-degree temperatures, shaking chills, horrible body aches and a body-racking cough that lasts two to three weeks. Myth #2: Influenza kills only old people. Unfortunately, 146 parents found out last year this was not true; that is the number of children who passed away from the flu or one of its complications. Almost half of these kids had no major medical problems. The important statistic to know is 90 percent of the kids who died were NOT vaccinated. If you have asthma or a history of wheezing, your risk of getting sick is higher. Seventy-five percent of kids hospitalized with flu were not vaccinated. Myth #3: I caught the flu from a flu vaccine. It’s been proven again and again that you can’t catch the flu from the vaccine. Scientists know the flu vaccine is not perfect and they are looking for a better one. At best, it works about 75 percent of the time. At worst, including last year, it works about 30 percent of the time. This is because of the

changing nature of the flu viruses in the United States each year (which is why you have to get vaccinated every year). So if you caught the flu after you were vaccinated, you either a) caught it in the two-week window that it takes the vaccine to start working, or b) caught a strain not covered in the vaccine. Myth #4: If I give my child fancy vitamins/probiotics/ essential oils/healthy foods/latest Facebook fad, they will boost my child’s immunity and he or she won’t need the flu vaccine. Certainly a healthy lifestyle is important for all families, but influenza is an equal opportunity germ. Schools, daycares, churches, gym nurseries, ballfields, grocery stores and neighborhoods are full of germs. Our best defense is a good offense, which is what the flu vaccine offers. It’s not too late to get your child or yourself the flu vaccine. We never know when flu will arrive or how bad this year’s outbreak will be, so let’s be prepared!

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

Smile! It Increases Your Face Value BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Most people become aware of their appearance in their teenage years. They are more self-aware because they want to be accepted by their friends, impress other people they might date and generally feel confident about themselves. They become concerned about anything that improves their looks. Boys start lifting weights and girls learn about hair and makeup. During this stage of self-reflection, many teenagers get braces to straighten their teeth. This is not their favorite idea and cramps their style, but it’s a coming-of-age ritual they tolerate on the road to straighter and healthier teeth and better looks. Overall, people start caring about their appearance as teenagers and they never stop throughout their entire life. A very important part of looking good is wearing a smile you like and feel confident about. A bright, attractive smile generates a stunning first impression. Without uttering a single word, your smile can convey confidence, optimism and a friendly personality. Aside from the physical effects of your smile, your smile also provides major psychological and emotional influences on your personality. If you are selfconscious and unhappy about the appearance of your smile, it can create a barrier and affect how others perceive you, making you appear timid, hesitant, removed, unhappy or even angry. An inadequate smile may create feelings of unattractiveness and insecurity. 64

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Fortunately, advances in cosmetic dentistry allow people to benefit from smile makeovers that involve facial esthetics, gingival esthetics, microesthetics and macroesthetics. The physician will use photographic tools to analyze facial muscles, lips, gum tissue, teeth color and texture, function, tooth proportion, midlines and teeth angulaton. A smile makeover is a personalized process that involves review of models, photographs and a powerful pre-smile wax up that demonstrates a 3-D smile result in advance. I had the privilege recently of performing a smile makeover for a woman in her 70s who was getting remarried. It was an amazing experience to participate in her desire to look good. If you are among the lucky people born with a beautiful smile, consider yourself blessed. If your smile falls short of your expectations, it’s good to know there is a solution that can provide you with the attractive smile you desire. A smile makeover can create a feeling of being younger, more attractive and confident in your everyday life—personally and professionally.

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 | November 2015

Health & Wellness

Please Pass the Stuffing BY DR. JAN HENRIQUES

“Dad, can you carve the turkey?” “Mom, please pass the gravy.” “Did you see that catch?” “Grandpa, I love you.” These are just a few snippets of conversation that can take place at a family gathering for Thanksgiving. Some people feel out of the loop in regards to what is being said around the family table. Some just pretend to hear and sit back and let the conversations happen around them. Others avoid these situations because they feel left out. Withdrawing from social situations is very common for people with untreated hearing loss. Whether you are struggling with work meetings, conversation around the card table or family occasions, hearing is an integral part of communication. According to the Better Hearing Institute, addressing hearing loss can help better maintain vitality in life by nurturing relationships and social connections. Studies reflect that the use of modern hearing aids not only helps people with their overall ability to communicate, but also has a positive effect on their relationships and participation in group activities. Improved hearing can often

keep employees in the workforce longer, since untreated hearing loss can affect job performance. Hearing loss treatments can also protect cognitive function and aid in keeping the blues away. A 2014 study found that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of depression in adults of all ages, particularly 18-69. A study from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University found that hearing aids may slow cognitive decline tied to hearing loss. Earlier studies have linked hearing loss to dementia. If you suspect hearing loss, your first step is to have your hearing tested by a licensed audiologist. Don’t miss hearing “I love you” during the holidays, along with all the other important sounds of life.

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

Leukemia: Prompt diagnosis and expert care BY LESLIE KERNS

A leukemia diagnosis can cause fear and uncertainty, and alter the lives of both the patient and family members. Leukemia is a progressive cancer in which the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce increased numbers of immature or abnormal cells. This diagnosis can bring profound changes, and treating leukemia is complex and demanding. People diagnosed with acute leukemia can feel well one moment and face a serious diagnosis requiring immediate intervention in the next. Someone is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer every four minutes, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In 2015, there will be 54,270 newly diagnosed cases of leukemia in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Changes in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are what cause leukemia symptoms, which can include fatigue, shortness of breath, excessive bruising and bleeding, fever and headache. The only way to diagnosis leukemia is through a careful, prompt and comprehensive evaluation. Often this requires admission to a hospital and evaluation by an oncologist. The 66

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

accurate diagnosis of leukemia is critical. Current testing methods to obtain this diagnosis can be complex and timing is critical. Much of the testing done today helps predict the course of treatment that each individual patient needs to achieve the best outcomes. Oncologists and hematologists who specialize in the treatment of patients with leukemia will often have access to these specialized tests. Treatment for acute leukemia typically requires an initial admission to a hospital that can support the unique needs of leukemia patients. Support services such as nursing, blood banks, nutritionists, therapists and navigators help patients optimize their journey through treatment. Although the journey is complex and overwhelming, prompt diagnosis, focused treatment and specialized support can help patients survive.

Leslie Kerns is the director of the Leukemia Program at Northside Hospital. The leukemia program provides patients with the exceptional quality care needed to treat their blood-related malignancy. Visit www.northside.com/leukemia for more information.

Purchase your tickets online at: ksuowls.com

Purchase your tickets online at: reinhardteagles.com TOWNELAKER | November 2015

School & Sports

A Special Day in Woodstock More than 1,000 people, including athletes, staff and student volunteers, attended the Cherokee County School District’s Special Olympics Awareness Games on a recent October day. River Ridge High School hosted the event, which included participants from almost every elementary, middle and high school in the county. The athletes competed in various track and field events, along with other fun activities, to promote the yearround Special Olympics program. The games opened with a parade of athletes, presentation of the colors by River Ridge JROTC, the Special Olympics oath, the national anthem, and a special song performed by a group of athletes. The annual event is coordinated through the county’s office of educational programs, and organized by adaptive physical education teachers Dave Martinez and Amy Aenchbacher and assisted by Jennifer Merges.

Bascomb student Aidan Carr pushes for the finish line with support from volunteer Drew Hines.

Mary Jo Boyer helps Savannah Donley cross the finish line.

Event Co-Coordinator Dave Martinez welcomes the crowd, as Master of Ceremonies Anton Zellman looks on.

Dave Martinez assists Etowah HS student Gabby Allen at the end of the torch relay.

School board chair Kyla Cromer, left, and fellow board members John Harmon and Kelly Poole watch the parade of athletes. 68

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Woodstock High students, from left, Manolo Mejia, Jeremiah Moore, Ana Lisa Lopez and Kimmy Dominguez, prepare to sing for the opening ceremonies.

Andy Meredith of Woodstock High and Mitch Dillon from Cherokee High.

Hanna Graves, left, and Elizabeth Botsford with Jacob Donley on the winner’s podium.

A Novel Idea: Focusing on the Setting 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 settings of their stories. Panting, I pull off my dark hoodie and wrap it around my waist. As I gained back my breath, I continued to run, anywhere, just to get away from the terrifying beast not too far behind. The long streets were lit by tall street lamps and lights. The streets were silent at night, well they had been for a Alexandra Feldam while since the Ajabs had taken over. The Ajabs were unjust, ruthless leaders that owned a large amount of land, including Trihenia, the colony that I lived in. I turn onto a dark street that I had not seen before, but it was the only way I could go without the beast finding me. While in my train of thought, I remembered that earlier on in the week, an old beggar had slipped me a note that I paid no attention to. I reached into my large pocket and brought out the crumpled note. As I took it out, I attempted to smooth it out against my palm. It read, “There is a safe haven in the Hidden Woods located not two miles from here, trust no one. -F.” I tightly grasped the small note in my trembling hand as I started toward the woods. I heard a great snarl. I continued to run, as twigs snapped underneath my bare feet. Small rocks dug at my ankles while low tree branches poked and prodded at me. Despite the pain and blood, I pushed through, and reached a door that stood in the dead center of the woods. Strangely, the door had no building and connected to nothing. The large bronze door had a small opening made for a small coin or token. I released my tight grasp on the note in my hand. On the bottom of the note, taped to it was a small round coin. I quickly ripped off the tape and slotted the coin into the imprint. The door suddenly made a loud popping noise as it became ajar. I could hear that the beast was still bounding behind me. I wrapped my fingers and pulled at the heavy door. The beast was right behind me. On the walk back to the palace, birds were chirping a lovely tune. The sun was setting over the horizon of a nearby lake, which made the sky explode with vibrant colors. Everywhere in sight was pink, purple, red or orange! It was the most radiant thing I had ever seen. The reflection of the Faith Porter sun beamed onto the beautiful, light blue lake. I hadn’t even noticed that I had stopped right in my tracks to gaze at the scenery. The aroma of pine trees filled my lungs for a while, until Michael leaned in and placed his arm around my neck. The overpowering smell of his cologne replaced the pine tree odor. I rested my head on his chest and I could hear his thudding heartbeat. I savored the moment and we just stayed there, gaping at the sunset. Suddenly, two doves flew overhead and stopped right in front of us. The stop wasn’t even slightly abrupt; it was just so naturally done. Michael immediately awed, which made me chuckle. They started making cute noises which I couldn’t compare to anything I had ever heard before. We watched and listened to the doves for roughly 25 minutes until we finally realized it was dark and we had missed more than half of the sunset. I looked to Michael and smiled sweetly and he stared deep into my eyes. Our gaze felt unbreakable.

BOOM! Lightning and thunder crashed. WHOOSH! Turbulent swirls of wind blew leaves in all directions. Pitter, patter. Rain steadily showered down. Snow silently floated to the ground. Sunlight shone brightly. All of these events occurred in the sky above Lavenbol, a Jedidiah Davis small island imagine-nation on the equator in the Indian Ocean. The inhabitants of Lavenbol, the Lavinets, could mysteriously change their surroundings at will. That is why certain areas of Lavenbol are sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, grassy, mountainous, or even marshy. All the locations in Lavenbol, despite their distinct differences, were alike in one way: they contained joy. All except for one place: the home of the Prisston family. Although everywhere in Lavenbol is thoroughly unique, the Prisston residence is just plain. If one enters another area of Lavenbol, one would feel an overpowering awareness of a certain emotion. However, at the Prisston residence, one felt nothing. It was New Year’s Day, 1999, the day of the Happi Festival, a Lavinet tradition/holiday to celebrate the blissful year before. An exciting parade was being held on the cobblestone streets of the town, squeezing between the Old Victorian buildings. Delicious aromas of ice cream sundaes, funnel cakes and Loraay (a warm, creamy drink) wafted through the air. Fireworks of every color imaginable rocketed skyward, illuminating the pitch black night sky. Lavinets in luxurious costumes danced to Lovelen (pronounce Lukelen), a music that is a mix of pop, jazz and blues. I got out of my seemingly messy bathroom after a 20-minute shower. I turned around to see my gray Siamese cat, Oliver, sitting on a pile of clean clothes, staring at me. “I forgot to feed the cat!” I thought to myself. I ran down the old, creaky, wooden steps and straight into the small Claire Wright laundry room. The small clock on the pale gray wall read “5:32 a.m.” It’s roughly been an hour and now I’m questioning why I got up so early! The bus comes in an hour! I groaned, knowing that one hour was barely enough time. I forgot all about Oliver until I heard a constant “meow” coming from the other side of the door. I grabbed Oliver’s “food bowl” (an old chewed up Tupperware container) and filled it up with cat food. The smell of dried meat and fish, a smell utmost revolting, ran up my nose. I pinched my nose as I ran up the flight of stairs and back into my room. I quickly grabbed my bookbag, along with $10 for breakfast and lunch. I accelerated downstairs and swung open the old oak door. I slammed it behind me and locked it. The door made an odd “click” so I knew it was locked. As I turned around, the brisk, Illinois morning air hit my face.

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County for the last 15 years. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

School & Sports

Volleyball Team Wins Second Place Cherokee Christian High School JV volleyball team recently won second place at the inaugural Cherokee Christian Invitational Tournament.

Boston Raises Funds at Spirit Night Boston Elementary School recently teamed up with Chick-fil-A, one of its partners in education, for a spirit night to benefit the school’s physical education department. A portion of the proceeds went to purchasing athletic equipment. Students enjoyed an evening of fun activities and Chick-fil-A food. Siblings kindergartner Gabe Moore and secondgrader Carson Moore enjoy spirit night.

Bingo Supports Marching Band Front row, from left: Emily Faulkenberry, Chelsey DeChandt and Lauren Meder. Back row: Grace Aste, Amber Murphey, Coach Alex Teate, Jenna Powell, Rebecca Horne, Jolie Cazenave, Megan Costolo and Elizabeth Carlile.

The Woodstock High School Marching Wolverines will hold their annual bingo night from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 6. There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, bingo prizes, food, drinks and a bake sale. Everyone who attends will receive a ticket for the door prize drawings. All proceeds from the event will be used by the Woodstock Wolverines Band Boosters to provide funding for the marching band. For more information, contact Thelma Woodburn at woodburnjm@aol.com or 770-516-6395.

School Receives Grant from Farm Bureau

Cherokee Charter Academy received a $500 grant from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for the study of hydroponics. Curriculum resource teacher Kara Reeder says, “The hydroponics project will integrate across the curriculum and give students the opportunity to investigate soil-less farming. We see this project as a natural extension and application of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) principles to agriculture. The ability to grow food without soil, sample some of this food and give back to the community is a lesson that can influence agricultural development and production for the next generation of farmers. Our goal is to encourage our students to make a difference in the community while bringing food to local tables.”

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

From left, front row: Seventh-graders Gabrielle Meece, Kaitlyn Gower, Zach Fletcher, Jimmy Bouban and Jourdyn Crowl. Second row: Grace Hart, Parker Gregg, Boston Forbes, Demetrius McCants, Mackenzie Lang and Lillian Hebert. Back row: Teacher Kara Reeder, Principal Dr. Scott O’Prey, students Madelynn Howe, Jackson Hamilton, and Mackenzie Begley, parent volunteer Daniel Hebert and the Farm Bureau’s Shirley Pahl.

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

School & Sports

International Walk to School Day

Woodstock Elementary School recently celebrated International Walk to School Day, with 183 students participating. The event was supported by parents, the Cherokee County School District Police Department, Woodstock Police and Fire departments and Woodstock High School’s football team. The football players welcomed the students who walked to school, cheered them on and passed out “Walk to School” armbands and stickers.

Students Make Solar Ovens E.T. Booth Middle School students in Holly Mullinax’s eighth grade and high school credit physical science classes recently crafted their own functioning solar ovens. Students were posed with the following scenario: “It’s a long weekend, and you are camping with your family. Everyone wants a s’more, but you left your matches at home.” Students then researched, designed, constructed, tested and improved a solar oven that successfully melted marshmallows and chocolate to create s’mores. They built their solar ovens using a variety of boxes; some were Sequoyah Jackson, left, wrapped in plastic wrap, some lined with aluminum foil, and most were and Connor Clay make covered in black paper. Many students used different objects to serve solar ovens. as an oven rack, so their s’more would be suspended in the oven rather than sitting on the bottom. Following a successful test of the ovens, students enjoyed their sweet reward.

Etowah Teacher Wins Farm Bureau Award

Woodstock High School football players Ethan Chamberlin (88), right, and, from left, Trent Paschal (76), Corey Long (35) and Liam Byrne (2) cheer on elementary school students as they walk to school.

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Etowah High School teacher Ashley Rivers recently won a regional award from the Georgia Farm Bureau. She received the First District Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award at the district’s annual meeting. The award recognizes young farmers who earn the majority of their income from something other than production agriculture. Rivers, who teaches agriculture, operates the school greenhouse and serves as director of the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter, earned an associate degree in animal and poultry science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture Ashley, with her education from the University of Georgia. daughter Della.

Etowah Booster Clubs Support Cancer Research The Etowah High School Touchdown Club, along with other booster clubs from Etowah, contributed to Pope’s Rally Foundation during a recent Friday night game against Pope High School. The foundation benefits childhood cancer research and originated 10 years ago after the death of Matt Hobby, a Pope senior defensive lineman. Etowah cheerleaders wore Pope’s special light blue fundraising T-shirts during the game to honor and support the cause.

Light the Night 5K The Etowah High School soccer teams will sponsor the ninth annual Light the Night 5K and one mile fun run beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 7. The starting line will be in the Etowah High School stadium; the entire race takes place on Eagle Mountain. All proceeds benefit Etowah’s boys’ and girls’ soccer programs. For more information or to register, visit www.etowahsoccer.com.

Softball Players Bring Home First-Place Trophy The Lyndon Academy middle school girls’ softball team brought home the first-place trophy in the recent North Atlanta Metro League (NAML) tournament. The team, only in its second year, had only one conference loss and defeated both Mount Pisgah and North Cobb Christian schools to become the NAML champions.

Front row, from left: Emily Conyer, Annabelle Naugher, Hannah Jenkins, Katy Lyn Boardman, Audrey McHugh and Heather Austin. Back row: Coach Meghan Money, Ciera Hobbs, Shaelynn Hay, Hayden Gardner, Gillian Barnes, Emily Lewis and Coach Amy Johnston. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Welcome to

photo by Darleen Prem

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

Ridgewalk Pkwy

To I-575 Exit 9

Woodstock T Community Church

Trolley Routes outlined in red

Dobbs Rd

Rope Mill Rd

- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only

On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only

City Center

Pkwy

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa) St

Trail

er St

n St

Mca

ar d Rd

Reeves St

tim

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

ry St

iley

Pade

Fowler St

Hicko

Reformation Brewery Fri 6:00-close Sat 2:00-close Sun 2:00-close

Wheel

Oak St

le St

T T

Elm

Map

in St

reek

E Ma

day C

To GA Hwy 140

Noon

T Park at City Center Arnold Mill Rd

Mill

ffee

Lake

Route and schedule subject to change Check downtownwoodstock.org/trolley for more info

Cham bers

Town e

Wall

To I-575 Exit 8

Mark et S t

Fridays 6-10 PM Saturdays 2-10 PM Sundays 2-6 PM

Chattahoochee Technical College

Kyle St

FALL 2015 SCHEDULE:

Main

Trolley Stop

T St

Public Parking Lots

Woodstock

T Public Library

Main

The Outlet Shoppes

T at Atlanta at Nike

To GA Hwy 92

r Pe

ns ki

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Downtown Woodstock

Open House at Woodstock Fire Station #14 PHOTOS BY DARLEEN PREM

The Oct. 10 event, the first open house in Woodstock, was such a success (with more than 3,000 in attendance) that it’s likely to become an annual event. “Our goal is to have an open door no matter what day it is,” said Fire Safety Education Sgt. George Williams. “The biggest reason people see public safety individuals is during a time when it’s not so relaxed. Our idea and focus is to let the community know we are here to help people, but we also want to develop relationships with the community so they’ll feel comfortable with the fire department.“

An extrication demo showed how officers remove someone from a badly mangled car.

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Home Depot Fire Safety Workshop PHOTOS BY DARLEEN PREM

The Woodstock Home Depot hosts workshops for kids on the first Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. until noon. The October theme was fire safety, to promote October’s National Fire Month. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Downtown Woodstock

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, © 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. 78

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 • downtownwoodstock.org/downtown-buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Downtown Woodstock

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

RESERV. no

8 persons +

yes

yes no yes

Weekends only no

yes

6 persons+

limited no yes

yes

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

RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS Canyons American no $ $ open Beer/Wine 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern Modern no $$ $$$ open Full bar 125 E Main St. American 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open Full bar 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar 251 E Main St. Brunch 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican no $ $-$$ open Full bar 9550 Main Street 678-498-8243 Hot Dog Heaven American no $ no open no 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no Fri./Sat. $$ open Full bar 380 Chambers St. only 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no $$ $$ open Full bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas Southern Sunday no $$$$ open Beer/Wine 108 Arnold Mill Rd. Brunch 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com Pure Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. $$ $$ open Full bar 405 Chambers St. Brunch 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood Seafood Sunday $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar 8670 Main St. Brunch 770-627-3006 Salt Factory Pub Gastropub no $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar 8690 Main St. (678) 903-6225 Tea Leaves & Thyme English no $$ no closed no 8990 Main St. Tea room 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s Italian no $$ $$$ closed Full bar 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

Elm Street:

Making it Palatable - The Engagement Factor BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

When I was in college (go ‘Noles!), I decided to start a nonprofit theatre company. While I had many reasons for doing this, I was able to hone the skills I was learning in lectures, and apply them outside of the classroom. I learned a lot, but one of the passions I discovered was that I didn’t want shows to be ephemeral, particularly to guests who didn’t visit the theatre that often. Now, you might think that connecting with people who have never been to a theatre or art event before would require making it easy to comprehend, bite-sized and entertaining; in other words, make a show to be palatable. You wouldn’t be wrong with this thought; initially, I believed the same thing. My team and I set out to do a lot of research and perform an IMMENSE amount of trial and error (mostly error) to figure out how to make a performance, a piece of artwork or art in general, palatable to those who didn’t frequent the arts world. As you can imagine, it was quite a challenge, and although there isn’t a code, we did discover a few things. The most important discovery we made was that palatability does not require keeping things on a surface level for easy comprehension and/or connection. The REAL challenge was to add flavor and depth to really enthrall those who don’t want to be there. That something extra was engagement: going the extra mile to meet people, regardless of their interest, and bringing them into the story being told. Extra spectacle, or changing the story, actually diluted or took away flavor. Like most theatres, there are several departments: lights, sound, costumes, etc. However, we now have a new addition in every show we do: Engagement. For “Ghost Tales & Trails,” we turned downtown Woodstock into a giant Clue board game. For “Flat Stanley” later this month, we will have a TON of kindergarten classes coming to learn about Stanley’s adventures before we open the show to the public. We aren’t diluting these stories to make them palatable...we are enhancing them to create a better flavor.

The most important discovery we made was that palatability does not require keeping things on a surface level for easy comprehension and/or connection.

CITY CENTER DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

NOVEMBER 13-15 FRI AT 7:30PM SAT/SUN AT 2:00PM

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SPRING CLASSES ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, works as the operations director for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Cherokee Photography Club

Congratulations to all the participants in the competition “Silhouettes.”

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

Monochromatic:

1st Martin Longstaff “Golden Ride ”

2nd Naomi Shively “U.S. Marines ”

3rd Peter Kilpo “Last Round of the Day”

HM L.B. Bryant “Through My Lover’s Eye”

Digital Projection: 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. 1st Percy Clapp “Black Birds” 82

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

2nd Cheryl Heib “Sands of Time”

3rd Becky Sapp “Flight Dreams”

HM David Ferguson “Lost Souls”

Color Prints:

1st Rick Sapp “Garden Dreams”

2nd Bobby Campbell “County Fair”

3rd Eillene Kirk “Rock On!”

HM Martin Longstaff “The Pledge” TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN SEPTEMBER

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

START A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION!

Atlanta

Christmas musical

Presented by FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WOODSTOCK

DECEMBER 4, 5, & 6 Tickets available at

ATLANTACHRISTMASMUSICAL.COM

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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

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

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

Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21

404-463-1378

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

678-523-8570

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

678-576-2644

Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22

770-722-7526

wes@cantrellforhouse.com

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23 mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov

Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 john.carson@house.ga.gov

404-656-0254 404-656-0287

678-493-6260 678-493-6270 678-493-6240

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

Earl W. Darby

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

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

Sonya Little

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 678-493-8088 678-895-9044 770-893-2970

patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

John Harmon (R) District 3

404-462-4950

john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us 770-721-4398, x4370

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Clark Menard (R) District 5

678-493-6431 678-493-6431

770-928-0341

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

City Government 678-493-6160

Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood

770-704-1544

www.canton-georgia.gov 678-493-6250 678-493-6280 770-479-1488

Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing

Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

678-493-6511

www.woodstockga.gov

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

678-493-4100 fax: 678-493-4228

kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Chief Judge John B. Sumner

www.cherokeega-sheriff.org

clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Juvenile Court Judge Anthony Baker District Attorney Shannon Wallace

770-735-8055

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner

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

Probate Court Judge Keith Wood (R)

bpoole@cherokeega.com

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2

Magistrate Court Judge Gregory Douds

rgunnin@cherokeega.com

kelly.poole@cherokee.k12.ga.us

State Court

Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R)

Ray Gunnin (R) District 2

Kelly Poole (R) District 1

Superior Court

Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

Steve West (R) District 1

Kyla Cromer (R) (Chair)

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

L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Coroner

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

scot@turnerforhouse.com

Commissioners

Brian Poole (R) District 3

Governor Nathan Deal (R)

michael@CaldwellforHouse.com

www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001

swest@cherokeega.com

State Government

brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

770-345-5536

www.hollyspringsga.us.

Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

770-592-6001

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 770-345-0400 Cherokee County Government:

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

Taxes:

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

Children/Family:

Anna Crawford Children’s Center 770-345-8100 Bethesda Community Clinic 678-880-9654 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club 770-720-7712 Cherokee Family Violence Center 770-479-1804 Cherokee Focus 770-345-5483 Child Support Enforcement 770-720-3581 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org 770-345-3274 Department of Family & Children Services 770-720-3610 The Hope Center 770-924-0864 MUST Cherokee Ministries 770-479-5397 Papa’s Pantry 770-591-4730

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat) 678-413-8400 Fire Department (District 1, Station 20) 770-926-7155 Georgia State Patrol 770-205-5400 Health Department 770-345-7371 Hospitals:

Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000 North Fulton Hospital 770-751-2500 Northside Hospital — Cherokee 770-720-5100

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

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

Libraries:

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

Non-Emergency 911 770-479-3117

Parks and Recreation:

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

Pets:

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

Post Office (Woodstock)

www.usps.com 800-275-8777

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

Utilities:

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

Urgent Care Facility

American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock 770-200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy 404-851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton 678-661-3166 Wellstar Urgent Care 678-494-2500

Woodstock, City of: (in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall 770-592-6000 Fire Department 770-926-2302 Police Information 770-592-6030 TOWNELAKER | November 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 | November 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 Clement’s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC

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

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

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

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

UNITED METHODIST

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

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

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

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

OTHERS

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

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Cornerstone Community 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.info God’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 | November 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 | November 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 | November 2015

Planning for Retirement

The Alphabet of Thanksgiving

are given some distinct federal tax advantages. Still, the effort must be made. Start as early as you can, and save consistently.

with Him is intimate and incredible. Would that everyone knew Jesus.

continued from page 46

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 - mainstreet.com/article/retirement-planning-for-singles-howgoing-it-alone-makes-saving-different [9/17/15] 2 - oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/09/dont_miss_out_ on_spousal_socia.html [9/21/15] 3 - ssa.gov/planners/retire/applying6.html [9/24/15]

continued from page 53

K - Kids. Remember, sometimes it’s a challenge to find the right words. I love Debbie and my two children - Brianne and Jordan. We love their spouses as well - Dan and Meredith. L - Love. The greatest gift we have been given is love - both the love of God and the love of others. I treasure the gift. M - Mom. Mom passed away this past year at the age of 94. She was an awesome person. I thank God for her and I miss her. N - Nourishment. To not be hungry is truly a blessing. Let us not take this gift for granted. O - Opportunity. I think of all the opportunities I have had during my lifetime and am thankful. This past year I had the opportunity to preach the Gospel in Russia. P - Profession. I wanted to say work, but needed the “w” for something else. Aren’t you thankful for work? Q - Quiet Time. Time spent in the presence of God every day. He gives us peace. R - Ranch dressing. My family knows I have several favorite foods and I just wanted to praise God for the variety of things we have. S - Shelter. To live in a home every day and to have a place out of the wet and cold. I am forever grateful. T - Tomfoolery. In other words, laughter and humor. The Bible tells us laughter is the best medicine. I believe it. U - USA. There is no greater country in the world. Thank you God. V - Vacations. Time to be with family and enjoy the wonders of life and love. W - Worship. I am deeply moved in worship every week. What a gift God gives us to worship. X - The “X” button on the computer allowing us to exit when we get messed up. I need an “X” button in life. Y - Yes. All the times that I have taken leaps of faith and said “Yes,” including receiving Christ as my Savior, answering a call to preach, and in my marriage ceremony with Debbie. Z - Zest. I have a joy and zest for life. And I am thankful for every day. Praise God! Now, go and write your own alphabetical list of all the things that your are thankful for!

Have a Joyful and Blessed Thanksgiving! 92

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

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TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Townelaker

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

Hill & Hill Financial 770-672-0402 www.hillandhillfinancial.com

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES 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

AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

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

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

Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 35 678-505-8907 www.FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com Meineke Towne Lake: 678-398-4164 Canton: 678-880-3134 meineke.com

Towne Lake Business Association www.TLBA.org

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Junior Service League Tour of Homes www.JSLWoodstock.org

Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org

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

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Azure Salon & Spa 770-345-8280 www.AzureSalon.net

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

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Downtown Buzz 79 770-592-6056 www.downtownwoodstock.org/downtownbuzz

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

Inside Back

Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554, www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

CHURCHES First Baptist Church Woodstock www.AtlantaChristmasMusical.com

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

CLEANING SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

Dynamic Clean Team 404-414-7743

Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com

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

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

Conversation Piece, The 678-480-7313 www.theconversationpiece.com

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

Fountain View Family Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com

FURNITURE

DENTAL

Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC 678-810-0881 www.BringBackSmiles.com

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

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

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

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

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

EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION

COMPUTERS

Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail 23 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com

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

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

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

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

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

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

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

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northside Hospital -Cherokee www.northside.com

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Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 770-517- 6636 northsidecherokeeortho.com

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

Northside Pediatric & Adolesc. Medicine 770-928-0016 www.northsidepediatrics.com

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

Butchers Block 770-517-2225

Northwest ENT & Allergy Center 770-427-0368 www.nwent.com

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

Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910

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

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Cover, 770-720-7733 48, 49, 62 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Children’s Health Care of Atlanta CHOA.org/sportsmed Marietta Plastic Surgery Towne Lake: 678-494-2380 Marietta: 770-425-0118 MariettaPlasticSurgery.com

13 Inside Front

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

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 16 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.landscapemattersinc.com

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

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

Rausch Family Practice 678-384-7305 www.judithrauschmd.com

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

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

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

PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com

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

Donna Charitat: 770-309-0253 www.MyAgentDonna.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS J King Images www.JKingImages.com

Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com

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

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 Basketball www.etowaheaglesbasketball.com

Etowah Eagles Football www.etowaheaglesfootball.com

Kennesaw State University

Reinhardt University

Woodstock Wolverines Football www.woodstockfootball.net

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Dismero Red Line 678-398-4008

Rudi Fine Jewelry 678-445-2626

Spirited 678-214-5304 www.spritlala.com

Wild Birds Unlimited 770-928-3014 www.woodstock.wbu.com

WATER DELIVERY Golden Rule Spring Water 404-444-6292 www.goldenrulespringwater.com

TOWNELAKER | November 2015

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