11-19 AroundWoodstock webFINAL by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Best Rooftop views in Cherokee Local Family owned Live Music on Thurs & Saturdays 3740 Sixes Rd Canton, GA 30114 Daily Lunch Buffet 11-3 770-213-3302 Sunday Brunch w/handmade tortillas & Omelet station Rooftop Bar, Patio & backyard w/corn hole

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Contents

28 & 29 On the Cover Pineapple Park Turnkey Service Photo by J. King Images

November 2019

Features

In Every Issue

Contributors

10 International Food Festival

4 Around Woodstock

40 Don Akridge

Tasty cuisine and dancing were the highlights of this church event.

16 T1D Warriors

Meet some of our youngest neighbors who are living victorious lives despite a diabetes diagnosis.

22 Special Olympics

Photos show a few of the 1,200 student and volunteer participants in the school district’s annual event.

32 Time for Giving

While we’re busy being thankful for all we have, here’s a reminder about ways we can help others.

38 A Hero’s Welcome

Woodstock turns out to make Army lieutenant’s homecoming an unforgettable experience.

Community News

Nathan Brandon

12 Downtown Events

Christopher Brazelton

Michael Caldwell

13 Ribbon Cuttings 14

Celebrations

Everyday Angels

Rob’s Rescues

Community Calendar

Recent Home Sales

School News

Directory of Advertisers

42 Cherokee Office of Economic Development 24 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 16

Beth Embry-Houchens

Harry Johnston

Billy Peppers

The Premier Group

Sydney Sullivan

Dan Thrailkill

Robert Tidwell

Pacita Wilson

Advertising Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com @AroundWoodstockMagazine @AroundWoodstock @around_woodstock 2

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Around Woodstock Letter From the Managing Editor On Dec. 28, 2018, my husband and I dropped off our oldest son, Matthew, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. It was the last time I would see him for the next nine months. Later, I would tell him that those were the second longest nine months he has ever put me through! Matthew is a 1st lieutenant in the Georgia Army National Guard, and was part of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s deployment to Afghanistan. As a mother, I could not have been more proud of him, and, as a mother, I have never prayed more. When we finally received word that he was coming home, we planned a gathering of family and friends to welcome him back. Then, I had a bright idea. I posted it on the Towne Lake Living Facebook page and asked if people would line up on our neighborhood’s main street to wave and surprise him. As it turned out, I was the one who was surprised! As things sometimes do on social media, my Jackie and her son Matthew. post went viral. Before I knew it, I had people from all over Woodstock, and beyond, reaching out to me about what had now become an event. Even with all the social media sharing, we were able to keep it a secret from Matthew − along with a little help from his wife, Jessie. Our family cannot begin to thank everyone who came out, texted, sent private messages, emails and shared pictures after the fact. We were completely overwhelmed by the response, and amazed by the outpouring of support. A huge shout out goes to the members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department who gave Matthew and Jessie a police escort through Towne Lake. Our hearts are full with the return of our son, and full of love and appreciation for the community we have called home for almost 23 years. There are many military families in our area, and since we celebrate Veterans Day this month, please take a moment to thank a soldier for his or her service. It may seem like a small gesture, but to them and their families, it can mean the world knowing they have the support of fellow Americans.

IN WDSTK Ribbon Cuttings

Bank OZK

8770 Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188 470-557-5823

Christine’s Creations

8838 Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188 770-591-5944

Sperry

915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite D-433, Woodstock The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta

Kudos! Jackie Loudin is the managing editor of Around Woodstock. She and her family have lived in Towne Lake since 1997. She can be reached at jackie@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Thanks to overwhelming community support, Next Step Ministries’ 6th annual Run, Walk or Roll 5K and Fun Run raised a record $35,000 with 500 registered participants. Money raised supports the organization, which offers programs for people with special needs. www.nextstepministries.net.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in many ways that include serving as contributing writers and providing valuable feedback.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Cousin, Sr., was appointed pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in June 2017. His degrees include a bachelor of arts in political science from Hampton University, master of divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology, and a doctoral degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the field of marriage and family therapy. Donnie Henriques has been mayor of Woodstock

since 2006: he served on city council beginning with the creation of Ward 6 in 1999. Donnie and his wife, Dr. Jan Henriques, have three children and three grandchildren.

Kris McKeeth is team leader and

visionary for The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts that include her position on the Business Board of downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah Foundation.

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com Managing Editor Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Director of Marketing Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church in 2005 and

still serves as lead pastor. The father of five draws from his experiences in 26 years of ministry and 24 years of marriage to challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for better living, loving and laughter.

Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive for Window Expert Tinting, has been Woodstock’s Planning and Zoning Commissioner since 2015 and volunteers for many committees that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance because of her desire to help create safe trail riding experiences. Dan Thrailkill and his family love living in the “city unexpected.” He serves on several civic and private local boards and is active in YPOW. In 2016, Dan co-founded Front Porch Advisers, LLC which focuses on community relations and business development strategies for Georgia-based companies. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1988, Dan believes no one should be a victim of their disease, so you’ll likely see him at the gym.

Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in Woodstock and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 800 are placed in racks around the community. See page 56 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 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. Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2019

Around Woodstock 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com Volume 7, Issue 1

America’s Community Magazine AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Breathe Easier! Sleep Better! Get Healthier!

Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists

Our board-certified physicians offer sleep study evaluation, pulmonary function testing, cardiopulmonary testing, advanced bronchoscopic techniques and lung cancer screening programs to treat an array of lung and sleep conditions. Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists is affiliated with Northside Hospital Cherokee.

A Northside Network Provider

Woodstock

900 Towne Lake Pkwy, Suite 206 Woodstock, GA 30189

770-852-7740

Blairsville

Canton

East Ellijay

308 Deep South Farm Road, Suite 102 Blairsville, GA 30512

460 Northside Cherokee Blvd, Suite 130 Canton, GA 30115

433 Highland Pkwy, Suite 203 East Ellijay, GA 30540

678-493-2527

CherokeeLungAndSleep.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Local News Chamber Celebrates 2019 Leadership Graduates Leadership Cherokee, a program of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, graduated its 31st anniversary class recently. The alumni count is more than 640 graduates. Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2019 selected three of their peers to receive special annual recognitions. • The Cristal Stancil Leadership Award honorees were Jimmy Eley, Woodstock Fire Department, and Guillermo Sanabia, WellStar Health System. • The Bob Frongillo Magic Spark Plug award was presented to Jason Blakey with Credit Union of Georgia. • Outgoing 2019 Leadership Cherokee Chair Neil Blackman of Corblu Ecology Group was commended by incoming Chair Linda Lullie of Inspired 2 Design, for spearheading the Class of 2019. The nine-month program included a retreat with team building exercises, and sessions that focused on economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, arts, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, healthcare and social/human services.

Leadership class members, front row from left: Kyle Porter, Kristi Bosch, April Weeks and Stephanie Villasenor. Second row: Demetria Lane, Kryss Roch, Tosha Ginn, Janet Ponichtera and Katie Bishop. Third row: Eric Rein, Chris Sims, Josh Neville, Brooke Ford and Jenny Rose. Fourth row: Dr. Jacob Sluder, Brett Timmer, Tina Farmer and Zachanta Valoy. Back row: Jimmy Eley, Jason Blakey, Guillermo Sanabia, Bryon Reeves and Brian Cain.

ARC Predicts County’s Growth Trends

A Turkey-Day Event That Helps Others Plans are underway for the 17th annual MUST Ministries’ Gobble Jog, set for Nov. 28. The event includes runners in costumes, music, races and family time. The festivities drew 10,000 people from 45 states last year. The race is surrounded by a street festival atmosphere, according to MUST President and CEO Ike Reighard. “People tell us it’s one of the most enjoyable outings they attend all year. There is a sense of family and friends on Thanksgiving Day, combined with the deep desire to help their neighbors in need. What better day to show thankfulness and help others?” Now in its 17th year, the event raises much-needed funds for those in poverty in an eight-county area. MUST, in its 48th year of service to those in need, provides groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, housing, summer lunches for children, workforce development, clothing, toy shops and neighborhood pantries in 33 schools. For more details, visit www.gobblejog.org. 8

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Cherokee County’s population will grow 139,000 by 2050, reaching a total of 375,000, according to forecasts released recently by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The forecasts also predict that Cherokee’s population of older adults will grow quickly: The share of residents age 75 or older will be 15% in 2050, compared with 4% in 2015. The growth in the older adult population is part of a regional trend. For more details, visit https://33n. atlantaregional.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

International Food Festival Oct. 12-13 St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church

Zoe Juarez enjoys her ear of roasted corn.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANGELA RICE, SHOT FROM THE HEART PHOTOGRAPHY.

Kebabs were a popular item.

Kirk and Christy Rich select their food from vendor Irina Coleman. 10

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Kyra and Lily Vega share a cup of ice cream.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

IN town

Woodstock NOVEMBER

Veterans Day Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. at The Park at City Center in 11 Woodstock, with military and public servant representatives. Coffee and donuts

after the ceremony. www.woodstockga.gov.

the Season to be Green Recycling Event Saturday is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the 16 ‘Tis Woodstock Elementary School parking lot, 230 Rope Mill Road. Accepting electronics, batteries, textiles, cell phones, etc. For more details, visit www.WoodstockParksandRec.com.

Wings Over Woodstock 5K and Chili Cookoff, at 2 p.m. at Noonday Creek Trail 30 (818 Market St.) in Woodstock, is a fundraiser for the North Georgia Angel House.

Event includes a tot trot. For more information on registration, email Gary Jenkins at pacesetr@bellsouth.net or call Charlice Byrd at 404-557-2218.

DECEMBER

2-15

Children can drop off their letters to Santa at Santa’s Mailbox, located in the gazebo at The Park at City Center. Just before Christmas, they will receive a personalized letter from Santa. Please remember to include a return address. No classroom projects, please.

Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights in Woodstock begins at 5:30 p.m. at Woodstock 7 Elementary School on Rope Mill Road, and travels down Main Street to Sam’s Club

at Highway 92. After the parade, walk over to The Park at City Center and visit Santa, and watch as the mayor and Santa flip the switch to light the 30-foot Christmas tree and announce the winners of the best floats. Music by Ronnie the DJ. Free moonwalk, cupcake decorating and kids’ activities.

The Elm Street Theater presents “A Christmas Carol” at 2 p.m. Free admission; please bring a hearty, non-perishable food donation for local food pantries. www.ElmStreetArts.org.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

IN WDSTK www.inwdstk.org

Jingle Mingle

6-9 p.m. Nov. 14 at Reformation Brewery. Tickets include barbecue, two drinks and a souvenir glass. Proceeds benefit the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation’s Shop with a Hero event. Limited tickets available at the door.

Small Town Creatives

Quarterly meetings offer a chance to network with other creatives. The next gathering is 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7, featuring digital experience designers and developers. Paid registration required.

INFluence

Meets the last Friday of each month at 8 a.m. Breakfast is served. The event includes a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by greater Woodstock or Cherokee County officials on important issues or services offered that affect the community.

YPOW AM

Young Professionals of Woodstock meet 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Copper Coin.

Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 â&#x20AC;˘ www.cherokeechamber.com Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 3605

RIBBON CUTTING

Nov. 7, Dec. 5 Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast, 7 a.m. breakfast meetings

offer current and future chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. November sponsor is WellStar Health System. December sponsor is WLJA - 101.1 FM / Enjoy! Cherokee Magazine.

Nov. 8 Jingle Bell Shop, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Northside Hospital

FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers 3342 Trickum Road, Suite D, Woodstock 678-401-5772

Cherokee Conference Center. The event is a one-stop shopping experience, with a chance to visit Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workshop, where children can play while parents shop. Vendors will be present with an array of gifts and craft items at this free shopping expo.

Nov. 12 Power Hour, 10 - 11 a.m. at the chamber board room, is a fast-

paced networking time with fellow business leaders.

Nov. 13 B.L.A.S.T.T. Workshop, 9 - 11 a.m. The topic is: Do I Need a Social

Media Policy? Dawn Stastny of Stellaris Group will discuss the background and basics surrounding an effective social media policy.

Strongside

110 Londonderry Court, Suite 112, Woodstock 678-735-0563

Nov. 19 Business After Hours is 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at ERA Sunrise Realty, 157 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 100, Canton. Strictly a networking event; no program. AT&T is the presenting sponsor.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Celebrations!

Dax

Happy 3rd birthday, Daxy boy! We love you to the moon and back. Love, Mommy, Daddy and Brady.

Happy 31st birthday Christine!

Oct. 26 You are the greatest friend eva! I hope your day is filled with pumpkin errything! Love ya Boo, Katlin.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

E-mail to: Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com December deadline is Nov. 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Jocey

Happy 7th birthday to our chiquita. You brighten up our days with your laughter, beautiful soul and wit. We love you so much! Love, Mami, Daddy, Michael and Wrigley.

Grace

Nov. 24 Happy 4th birthday! You mean the world to us! Love Mommy, Daddy and Parker.

No Right Way to Be an Artist BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

Every day, actors, directors, singers, dancers, artists, movie-makers, circus clowns, and many others, put on a costume. If they’re lucky, that costume is for a character they want to play. But, many times, they put on a costume for a job that hides who they truly are, so they can earn an hourly wage to support their real dreams (and bills). How many Starbucks baristas do you think are really artists in disguise? Most artists identify their life’s calling: artist, actor, designer, etc. Sadly, for many artists, their passion or calling doesn’t always pay the rent. If the qualifier for being able to identify as an artist is making your living off of your art form, then the world would have a lot fewer artists. The truth is, there’s no official rite-of-passage in order to identify as an artist. People who are full-time artists are artists. People who are artists after their 9-to-5 office jobs are artists. People who are stay-at-home parents, full-time nurses, or volunteers can be artists. The only qualifier for someone to be considered an artist is that they make art. Putting any additional requirements on that is toxic. Sure, not everyone who doodles on the corner of a sticky pad during a meeting is an artist. But, if someone wants to put that creation out into the world, whose place is it to stop them? This mindset isn’t limited to artists. When will we, as a society, start valuing people for who they are instead of what they do? It’s something we have to intentionally work to change. As an artist, I know I fall into the trap where I value only what I do rather than who I am, and unintentionally place that same pressure on others. One group we can learn from here at Elm Street is our students, who value their peers regardless of their method. It is inspiring to watch them value each other first so they can support each other regardless of achievement. Our students have been working hard to produce “Willy Wonka Jr.” And, while the show will be fantastic and a great time for the family, maybe you can also catch a glimpse of the students’ bond and friendship, and not just what they have achieved.

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

NOV 15th - 17th

DEC 13th - 24th REGISTRATION FOR

SPRING CLASSES IS NOW OPEN!

DEC 6 Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

8pm ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

T1D WARRIORS

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and World Diabetes Day is recognized Nov. 14, to raise awareness about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. According to www.beyondtype1.org, Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. The pancreas is left with little or no ability to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Sugar that stays in the blood can damage organ systems, which is why Type 1 diabetics have to pump or inject insulin daily. Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age and requires planning to avoid high and low blood sugars. Type 1 is not a lifestyle disease or something you can outgrow. It is not preventable and currently there is no cure. To help raise awareness and encourage others with diabetes, we asked a few of our readers to share stories of their Type 1 Warriors. 16

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

BEAU , age 6

‘My pancreas may have quit, bu BY BETH EMBRY-HOUCHENS

In June, 2018, my three boys and I drove to Greenville, South Carolina, to visit my husband, and their dad, Tim, while he was on a business trip. Beau, my middle child, and I had been having stomach cramps for a day or two. We didn’t have fevers or other symptoms, so I decided that a doctor’s visit was not warranted. Once at the hotel, the boys were excited to go swimming, but Beau suddenly felt bad again, and lay down in a lawn chair. This was uncharacteristic of my active and adventurous 5-year-old, but I also had stomach cramps, and assumed we had a mild virus that would pass. The next morning, everyone seemed to be feeling great. We kissed Tim goodbye, and the boys and I left for the Greenville City Zoo. We spent four hours walking around, seeing the exhibits, and then decided to cool off with a popsicle. It was so hot and muggy that day. All three of the boys looked wilted, and Beau was feeling sick at his stomach again. I took his temperature, which was normal, and noticed an unfamiliar smell about him.

Playing baseball continues to be a favorite pastime for Beau.

We took a quick break and decided to beat Atlanta traffic by driving home early. When leaving the zoo, my youngest son, Finn, stopped at a monkey exhibit that had a tropical waterfall. Beau tugged at my shirt and told me he had wet his pants. My only thought was confusion, because Beau was potty trained at 20 months old. I immediately googled Beau’s symptoms: unexplained urination, pale, fatigued, stomach cramps, odd smell. Shockingly, the suggested diagnoses were Type 1 diabetes or appendicitis. I had Beau jump up and down, which was the suggested test for appendicitis. No pain equaled no appendicitis. Beau didn’t have any pain when he jumped. Given the two possibilities, I had been praying for appendicitis. I started to panic. I went through the long list of complications I had considered while pregnant with the boys, and Type 1 diabetes had not been one. Looking back, maybe I should have considered it. My maternal grandmother, born in 1929, had Type 1 diabetes. As I stood in the zoo, formulating my plan of action, I had a flashback of giving her an insulin shot in her stomach when I was a young child. I also thought about the times she asked me to bring her something sweet when she was having low blood sugar. I didn’t know the specifics of Type 1, but I knew it was a serious condition that led to my grandmother’s death, at the young age of 61. In my mind, there was no way that, after three generations, Type 1 was resurfacing in my child. Taking a deep breath, I realized this was only an online diagnosis. I rushed the boys to the car and started searching for the nearest Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) urgent care along the route home. Life changed after the zoo. Within three hours of leaving, Beau was emergency transported by ambulance from a CHOA urgent care to CHOA Egleston. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and received his first insulin injection to lower his blood sugar. There had been no long, drawn-out sickness or high fever preceding this day. We now know that Beau was a carrier of latent antibodies that are characteristic

ut I did not.’ of Type 1, that must have activated in his body. The first several months were a blur. While Beau was in the hospital, he and I attended a three-day training class to learn how to count carbs, give injections, test blood sugar levels, calculate insulin, and other skills necessary for daily survival. Tim and I fully devoted ourselves to monitoring Beau around the clock, and aggressively sought information about how to manage his blood sugar levels. Our new reality had set in: Beau never would be able to serve his country in the military. On average, his life had been shortened by 10 years. Beau has been diagnosed for 17 months. Managing diabetes is a normal part of our lives. We are still learning, but, for the most part, we keep Beau’s blood sugar in his target range by monitoring with a constant glucose monitor (CGM), which greatly reduces the need to do finger pokes to test his levels. Beau’s CGM is the Dexcom 6, and he wears it around the clock, on his arm or thigh. A small catheter is inserted into his body, allowing access to his blood. Every 5 minutes, his blood sugar level is displayed on his cellphone via Bluetooth and can be shared with others. Beyond seeing Beau’s realtime blood sugar levels, I can study trends and patterns to gain tighter control, which eventually will lead to longer life spans, and less complications for Type 1s who have access to the technology. In June, Beau switched from insulin injections to the Omni Pod insulin pump, reducing his number of monthly injections from 180 or more, to 10. I change his pump every three days, and, because he’s so young, I do his pump and CGM changes while he sleeps. The pump has been life-changing for Beau! He no longer associates food with an injection, and I can give more accurate doses than is possible with injections. The greatest difference between life before and after diabetes is the need always to be well prepared. When we are well prepared, there are few situations we can’t handle. Our family enjoys being spontaneous — camping, road trips, going to the beach with no certain plans. After

Beau and his family particpate in local fundraisers to rasie awareness about T1D.

Beau was diagnosed, we realized that spontaneity could put Beau in a medically compromising position. We still do all the things we did before, but with a large number of supplies in tow. Beau is 6 years old and is in the first grade. Before he started kindergarten, I worked with his school to develop a 504 plan to ensure his safety at school. We also developed a medical plan of action for daily care, based on his doctor’s orders. Outside of school, Beau enjoys art, playing the piano, South Cherokee Baseball and Impact Soccer. He has a very supportive baseball family that has rallied for him along the way. It is common to see Tim or me walk around the diamond or along the sidelines to keep Beau connected to his CGM, so we can monitor his blood sugar as he plays. It is important for me to share Beau’s story, so unsuspecting parents can recognize the signs of Type 1. It commonly is misdiagnosed as a cold or the flu.

Gradual weight loss, which I associated with exercise, is another common symptom that is overlooked. Fruity breath, fatigue, increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, irritability, and blurred vision are other indicators. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or pediatrician for a simple finger prick, so blood sugar levels can be assessed. Having Type 1 is difficult, but, with new technology, and continual research, it is not the early death sentence it used to be. In less than a year and a half, we have figured out how to make it part of our routine. To all the families who fight this battle every day, don’t ever give up hope for a cure. You are stronger than you know. I will not let this condition stand in the way of Beau living a full life. He has accepted the regimen he must follow to remain healthy, and it exists in the background of the things he wants to accomplish and experience. As he often says, “My pancreas may have quit, but I did not.” AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

ELI , age 4

‘Every moment of every day, this is his reality.’ BY SYDNEY SULLIVAN

May 24, 2017. A date we won’t ever forget. The day before, I made a quick call to the pediatrician’s office to ask about my 2 1/2-year-old son’s recent onset of insatiable thirst, hunger and leaking through diapers. I was encouraged that this was “just a phase” and not to worry. I insisted on a quick check-up the next day. On the way to the appointment, we got stuck in traffic, due to an accident, and I almost turned around and went home. Thankfully, I found a different route to the office. We went right back and the nurse started off by pricking Eli’s finger. The meter just read “Hi.” The nurse looked confused, I was confused, so she did it again with the same result. The nurse then scurried out of the room with a quick comment about the meter not working. The doctor came in and checked again. Same result. Only this time, the doctor looked at me, and I could see the urgent concern in his face. He insisted that we head straight to CHOA. He urged me to make phone calls on the way to arrange care for my two older kids who were with me, and to have my husband leave work and pack some bags for us and meet us at the hospital. I was numb. A quick Google search revealed that a “Hi” reading was a blood sugar number over 600. Normal is about 70-120. In that moment, our lives were changed forever. I remember coming home from the hospital two days later, with two types of insulin, meters, test strips, syringes, alcohol wipes, glucagon, glucose, and a whole bunch of formulas for calculating every carb that goes into my sweet little boy’s body. It was terrifying. All of a sudden, this little boy that I had successfully raised for 2 1/2 years became a little boy that I was entrusted with giving the right amount of insulin. I had no idea how to keep him alive. The same medicine that would keep him alive also could kill him. That thought, even now, often keeps me up at night. And, we are no strangers to medical needs. Our 8-year-old was born at 29 weeks and spent seven weeks in the NICU. Our 6-year-old daughter has severe hearing loss, among 18

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

other things, that we have had to navigate. Even our little Eli was a 17-day NICU graduate. Yet, this was the most life-altering diagnosis. Once the shock wore off, and we began to grasp this new life, we became motivated to put every tool into Eli’s toolbox that we possibly could. We got a Dexcom (a type of continuous glucose monitor that sends his blood glucose levels to our phones even when he is not with us), and he has an insulin pump. Even with the pump, we have to calculate carbs correctly and control them. All the pump does is prevent 6-10 shots a day. Technology is great, but not foolproof. On Eli’s birthday last December, he was celebrating at a bounce house with his siblings and cousins. I was closely watching his numbers and giving him glucose, but right before he started to climb into the play structure, I called him over to manually check his blood sugar, just on a hunch. As I did, he collapsed in front of me. Eli’s Eli and his service dog Olivia. blood sugar was 23. Even with all of the technology in the world, we us everywhere to help with Eli’s care. For couldn’t prevent this crash, and it was scary. now, Olivia is all puppy, besides her amazing At that moment, my husband and I decided nose, but she is learning fast. to add another tool to our toolbox. We are almost 2 1/2 years into this. Eli This spring, after much research, we does not remember life before T1D. It’s a decided to trust Tattle Tail Scent Dogs in blessing and a curse. He had to grow up Salt Lake City, Utah, to give us Eli’s next quickly. Even at 4, he knows more medical tool, a diabetic alert dog. We had a shoe terminology, and how to read a nutrition drive fundraiser to help us with the cost. label, better than many adults. However, The entire community was phenomenal, every moment of every day, this is his and we are so grateful. We collected reality; our reality. We chose to embrace it, 3,525 pairs of shoes in 60 days, which we and learn everything we can now, because got funds for, and the shoes were sent to one day Eli will become a teenager, an developing nations. adult, and will have to carry this for the On Aug. 9, we flew to Utah to meet Eli’s rest of his life. There are hard days, really new companion and best friend. Eli named hard days. In those times, we lean in to her Olivia, and the moment we met her, our family, our friends, the ever-supportive Eli’s blood sugar was high. She immediately T1D community, and our faith. It has been let him know. We will be continuing to train such a bittersweet journey so far, and we her through Tattle Tails. She soon will be a love seeing the beautiful things rise from fully trained service dog that will come with the challenge.

JENNINGS , age 6

‘Carbs are his kryptonite, T1D is his label …’ BY BILLY PEPPERS

I’m not sure anything prepares a parent to hear that their child is facing a lifetime of treatment for a disease that makes every meal a math lesson and requires constant blood checks. My wife and I faced that reality on Sept. 12, 2018. Our son Jennings, age 5 at the time, was diagnosed by his pediatrician as a Type 1 diabetic during a visit right before a planned fall break trip. For several months prior, we’d noticed signs, such as bedwetting, which we thought had become a thing of the past. He constantly was thirsty. We also saw significant mood swings. Twice that spring and summer, we visited the doctor, and twice everything checked out fine. So, when Jennings became even pickier about eating and started losing weight, it was time for another doctor’s visit. I remember the call so well. I was in an important meeting, and my phone rang. Like many people do, I sent the call to voicemail, and rejoined the discussion — only to have it ring again. I stepped out of my meeting and took the call. That’s when I got the news that we needed to pack for a visit of a few days to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to learn about Type 1 diabetes. We learned more information in two days of classes at the hospital than I probably learned in an entire college course. For those not familiar, Type 1 diabetes (often referred to as juvenile diabetes) is not the same as your dad’s elevated blood sugar from a poor diet. We learned that Jennings’ pancreas was not working and never would again. He would need to offset the carbohydrates he consumes daily with insulin shots. We learned to count carbs, work math formulas to determine shots, and how to factor in temperature changes, exercise or sickness. As a parent, your job is to protect your child. With Type 1, my new job is to protect Jennings, while also giving him six to nine shots a day. Imagine the life of a kindergartener who gets shots every day! With the help of technology, we’ve been able to limit blood checks through

a continuous glucose monitor (Dexcom G6) that sends bluetooth readings every 5 minutes to our cellphones and smartwatches. (If I’m looking at my phone or watch while we’re talking, I’m not being rude … I’m just making sure he’s in range.) It’s been a wonderful and stressful year learning about this disease, understanding that each day is a new adventure, finding a larger family of others around the world with Type 1 diabetes, and being an advocate for a child who cannot do the carb formulas, yet. Every day is a blessing. While a disease can take a family down, fighting for a sense of normalcy can make a family stronger. I know our family is now more focused on each moment, and being there for each other. Everywhere we go, we carry a lunchbox full of insulin, needles, a glucagon pen, blood glucose meter, test

strips, lancets, alcohol swabs, apple juice boxes, glucose tablets, extra batteries, and treats for low blood sugar events (It’s so stylish!). We’re the family that gives shots at the table in the restaurant, not because we want to make you uncomfortable, but because it’s our everyday normal, and we hope you’ll ask questions so we can help you understand. Jennings is like most 6-year-olds, interested in basketball, fortnite dances, and snuggles. Carbs are his kryptonite, Type 1 diabetes is his label, but meeting the challenges head on everyday makes Jennings my superhero. For more information about Type 1 diabetes, please visit www.jdrf.org, or consider contributions to Camp Kudzu (campkudzu.org), a fantastic Georgia outreach program for children and families living with Type 1 diabetes.

Technology helps track Jennings’ blood sugar and limit the number of blood checks. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

RESOURCES Georgia Chapter of JDRF www.jdrf.org/georgia

Leading the fight against Type 1 diabetes (T1D) by funding research, advocating for policies that accelerate access to new therapies, and providing a support network for millions of people around the world impacted by T1D.

Camp Kudzu

http://www.campkudzu.org/

Dan participates in the annual Camp Kudzu golf tournament. This year’s tournament raised about $75,000.

Take Control of T1D BY DAN THRAILKILL

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on Jan. 13, 1988. After living with my disease for 31-plus years, and working to maintain an A1C of 5.6% to 6.2%, I have two important pieces of advice that apply to every diabetic, regardless of type.

1. You are responsible for your disease, and your top priority always must be your health. If you are the parent or the caregiver for a child with diabetes, your primary responsibility should be to equip them with the skills to take care of their disease independently as they approach adulthood. The best decision my parents made for me was to send me to a summer camp for kids with diabetes. This also will be the best decision you will ever make for them as a caregiver. Camp Kudzu is a summer camp located here in Georgia. Experiencing life with diabetes alongside other kids will show them that they are not the only one with this predicament, and give them an opportunity to make lifelong friends. If you are a recently diagnosed adult, find some diabetic friends that have chosen an active, healthy lifestyle and hang out. 20

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

2. Everything is normal with diabetes, and trial and error is the only way to learn what works for you. CliffsNotes are not available for personal diabetic knowledge. The best way to learn what works best for your diabetes is trial and error. The only potential shortcut to obtaining this valuable “experience” is to learn from other diabetics with as much as or more experience than yourself. Determining what works best for your diabetes is the most gratifying accomplishment for any diabetic, knowing that it also can be a moving target, and change as you get older. While diabetes is not treated the same today as it was when I was diagnosed, the basics have not changed, and likely always will remain the same. One of the best compliments I can receive is when someone I do not know says: “but you don’t look diabetic.” I normally reply with: “Thank you, I try my best not to,” because that would mean not doing my best to take care of myself. My motto is: If I do not take care of my disease, someone else will have to, and that is not fair to them. Follow Dan on Instagram @t1dant, or visit www.JDWoodstock.com.

Camp Kudzu provides camp experiences for families and summer camps for kids age 5 and older. “We cannot wait until Eli is old enough this summer to begin their day camp,” Sydney Sullivan said. “Camp Kudzu is a place where T1D is the norm, and our kids get to build friendships with others T1s … they get to feel ‘normal’ for a week!”

T1D MOD Squad

www.t1dmodsquad.org

This California-based nonprofit helps children nationwide with grants to afford camp, supplies, emergencies, and diabetic alert dogs. This support organization has more than 15,000 members and is run by moms of T1 kids. “Honestly, my No. 1 biggest source of support has been on Facebook,” Sullivan said. “There are a variety of T1D pages, but the night Eli was diagnosed, a friend (who also has a T1 son) directed me to T1D MOD Squad. MOD stands for Mothers of Diabetics. I had an instant family with them, and they are who I turn to first with questions.”

Other helpful Facebook groups • Parents of Type 1 Children in Georgia

• GA Type 1 Diabetes Support Group

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Special A

Day For

ATHLETES PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETH FORNUTO

More than 1,200 students and volunteers participated in the annual Cherokee County School Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Olympics Awareness Games on Oct. 4 at River Ridge High. Elementary, middle and high schools sent athletes and student volunteers to the event, which was co-coordinated this year by Amy Aenchbacher, Dave Martinez, Paula Dixon, Amanda Farist, Ben Farist, Noah Fornuto, Emily Heath and Jennifer Merges. PTAs hosted additional games and activities for athletes.

Dave Martinez helps Jacob Donley cross the finish line. 22

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Noah Fornuto with special ed teacher Amanda Farist.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

A Hysterectomy Can Lead to Relief BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

Twenty years is a long time to suffer. Talia can attest to that. Her struggles started in her late 20s, when she began experiencing heavy clotting. It continued for a few years, and then the pain began. Talia had never experienced menstrual cramps, so this pain was new. Each month, Talia suffered backaches and pain that traveled down her legs. The pain was so uncomfortable she would miss a few days of work each month. Talia’s quality of life was affected to the point where she couldn’t go anywhere without bringing a change of clothes. In fact, she was losing so much blood that there were times she would become lightheaded and tired. Talia had to plan events and vacations around her cycles. Talia visited doctors over the years, but they never found a cause for her problems. She continued to suffer for 10 years, until she decided to try a different physician. Talia found answers when her new doctor diagnosed her with endometriosis. After trying several non-invasive treatments with no success, her doctor discussed the possibility of a hysterectomy. Since she was in her

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

mid-30s and had no children, Talia wasn’t ready to lose that option. Years went by, and, when she reached her mid40s, Talia knew it was the right time to have the hysterectomy. Talia had a partial hysterectomy, during which her uterus was removed in sections because it was so large. A normal uterus weighs about 50-60 grams, and Talia’s was 384 grams. Her doctor also did a bladder sling and bladder tack to help prevent it from dropping in the future. Talia spent only one day in the hospital and went home with minimal pain. It’s been a little more than two months since the surgery, and she is feeling great. After her hysterectomy, Talia said, “I no longer have to plan events around my periods and I am finding my new normal. I feel liberated!”

Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

Photo: Hair cut, colour, and style by élon Salon.

It’s the most

Wonderful time of the year! S

hine brightly at all of your holiday events with gorgeous hair and stunning makeup from élon Salon. From gatherings of family and friends to company parties and gala events— you want to look your best. élon’s masterful stylists are ready to create a unique style just for you that is sure to make your season

merry and bright!

Appointment times fill up fast this time of year, so call today to guarantee your spot, 770-427-8698.

HOLIDAY DEALS

FREE

Now till December 31st

Gift Certificate for every $150 of Gift Cards purchased

Buy any 3 Get 1 FREE Acacia & élon

Hair Care Products Mix and match • No limit on purchases

BEST HAIR SALON 3 TIME WINNER

Hair Colour Specialists

facebook: elonsalon | instagram: @elonsalon1

770.427.8698 • elonsalon.com • 695 Piedmont Rd • Marietta AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

EVERYDAY During this month of thanksgiving, we want to share the long, difficult journey of a local mom and family whose lives were drastically changed when her daughter suddenly experienced an acquired brain injury (ABI). We hope Robin’s story will stir empathy in your heart and serve as a reminder to never take a single day for granted. each day we see positive changes in Amanda, and we know In the fall of 2016, after graduating it all happened for a greater purpose. The four of us currently from Berry College with a degree in live together in a ranch home in Woodstock until Amanda can education, my daughter, Amanda, 24, function without continuous help and supervision. It takes years and her husband John, returned from their for the brain to heal, so it is a long, ongoing journey. honeymoon to their new home in Woodstock. Amanda pushes through physical therapy at Rebound in While opening wedding gifts, Amanda suddenly lost vision in her Woodstock and works out at Gold’s Gym, surrounded by many eye and experienced unbearable pain in her head. wonderful community members who know and encourage her. John rushed her to Northside Hospital Cherokee’s emergency Often, she attends Shepherd Pathways department, but her complications for other therapies that require daily were so severe, she had to be lifetrips to Decatur, so we can continue to flighted to Emory University Hospital be trained to help her progress to each for life-saving neurosurgery. Amanda next level. We stay inspired by how far had a ruptured, level 5 brain aneurysm she has come. She graduated from her coiled to stop hemorrhaging. This is wheelchair to a gait belt then a walker, considered an acquired brain injury, or and is now walking on her own. She ABI, which is different from a traumatic re-learned to swallow, eat, talk, and is brain injury that occurs from a fall or starting to read, write and count again. accident. She continues to work to find her way ABIs are rare in young people, and back cognitively. especially someone as athletic and It is Amanda’s goal and our prayer healthy as Amanda, who had been that, in time, she can be the wife a dancer/cheerleader, rock climber, she has yet to be, and return to wakeboarder, scuba diver and crew the education system, if only as an member. Looking back, the warning inspirational speaker at community/ signs were there. Amanda had church gatherings, to share her story suffered headaches, anxiety, difficulty as a testament of hope for others concentrating and eye swelling starting experiencing challenges. about six months before this lifeWhile much is still needed for Amanda and her husband John. changing tragedy. Since little is known Amanda, our primary focus is to launch about the uniqueness of ABIs, much can a foundation to raise awareness of symptoms of ABI, which get overlooked, as it is rare to order MRIs/scans on an otherwise could become preventable in the future. We also want to create healthy young person. opportunities for new resources in the greater North Atlanta Amanda’s prognosis was bleak; she spent 10 weeks in neuroregion where little support exists. With continued faith, hope ICU at Emory. Overall, during two years spent in and out of Emory and perseverance, we are immensely thankful for the life of our and the Shepherd Center, Amanda has suffered through having daughter and look forward to seeing where, with this community portions of her skull removed three times, multiple infections, that she so loves, we can make an impact on the brain injury comas, strokes, seizures and clinical setbacks. Today, she lives with population, which is growing at historically high rates. a permanent shunt and stent to manage further aneurysms. Her May God bless you and your families, and especially all of us strength and will to defy the odds have been amazing to witness. who, together, strive to create a better place for those in need. With her loving husband John, our family, friends and God by her side, Amanda miraculously has survived unbearable pain With grateful, humble hearts, and procedures. Everyone has made changes to ensure Amanda Robin continues to receive her necessary therapies. We all continue to work as much as possible, and have made many lifestyle adjustments that allow us to rotate caring for her. My husband Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate and I sold our home to downsize, while John sold their first home, via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose purchased prior to the wedding, because it had unmanageable Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your stairs. Additionally, my father had to be moved to assisted living funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your in Woodstock, and my husband was diagnosed with a recurrence community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com of cancer. “Overwhelmed” would be an understatement, but 26

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

We provide trusted, compassionate and exceptional care to patients with GYN cancers and other related conditions. Our experience in gynecologic oncology, combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques, means that our patients can rest assured knowing they are in the best hands possible.

Conditions We Treat

• Pelvic Masses • Ovarian Cancer

Atlanta

• Cervical Cancer • Endometrial Cancer

980 Johnson Ferry Road NE Suite 900 Atlanta, GA 30342

• Endometrial Hyperplasia • Endometriosis

4 Convenient Locations

Marietta

780 Canton Road Suite 405 Marietta, GA 30060

Call 404-459-1900 for an appointment with Dr. Gerald A. Feuer in Atlanta & Marietta.

Canton

460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard Suite 400 Canton, GA 30115

AtlantaGynOnc.com

• Uterine Fibroids • Pelvic Adhesive Disease

Towne Lake

900 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 302 Woodstock, GA 30189

Call 770-721-9400 for an appointment with Dr. Michelle A. Glasgow in Canton & Towne Lake.

In the 38 years I’ve called Kennesaw home, I’ve had the pleasure of helping investors work toward their ﬁnancial goals. And now, with Schwab, I have more ways to help than ever before. So stop by the ofﬁce and let’s discuss how we can help you and your family.

Trust services. Fixed income. Retirement planning. Estate I’m open for business, 4401ks. We’re new to the Trading. Mutual funds & etfs. for questions, Asset nt. Neighborhood. Let us Investment management. for earning your trust. income. 401L ing. Show you around. Trust services. Fixed Mike Pefferly Kennesaw Independent Branch Asset Retirement planning. Estate planning. Trading. 1450 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy, Suite 430 Kennesaw, GA 30152 management. IRAs. 401(k)s. Tax planning. Robo-advice. 770-281-3922 Investment Wealth management. Fixed income. Research. schwab.com/kennesaw services.Mutual Mutualfunds funds&&ETFs. ETFs. management. Trust service. Retirement accounts. Specialists. Trust services. Fixed income. Retirement planning. Estate planning. Trading. Asset management. IRAs. 401(k)s. Tax planning. Roboadvice. Wealth management. Fixed income. Research. Mutualfunds funds&& Investment management. Trust services. service. Mutual ETFs. Retirement accounts. Specialists. Trust services. ©2019 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC. All rights reserved. MWD878-1 (1018-8X9S) (10/19) Fixed income. Retirement planning. Estate planning. Trading. Asset management. IRAs. 401(k)s. Tax planning. Robo-advice. Wealth management. Fixed income.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Pineapple Park Turnkey Service Moving is made easier, allowing clients to cross the threshold to fully furnished, decorated home.

PHOTOS BY J. KING IMAGES

www.pineapplepark.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

magine you are leaving the closing table, excited about the new home you just bought. Keys in hand, you jump in your car, eager to get to your new home. Your excitement wanes as you think about the work that’s ahead of you. Unpacking boxes. Figuring out new window treatments. Which walls do you paint, or should you use wallpaper? A lengthy shopping list is coming together: shelf liners, kitchen gadgets, food for the pantry, new appliances, curtains or blinds, electronics ... even cleaning supplies and waste baskets. All things you need to get settled in your new home. Not to mention the chores: putting away dishes, hanging art on the walls, setting up electronics…. What if you could sidestep that process, and make one phone call that would let you cross the threshold into your fully furnished and decorated new home, grab a cold drink from the fridge and relax on your couch for a few moments before heading to bed, where you pull back the covers to slip into fresh sheets? Thanks to Pineapple Park, this can be your reality. You don’t have to do anything but show up if you opt for the turnkey service, which is completed in one day, beginning at sunrise and with the reveal at sunset. Pacita Wilson, owner of the Woodstock home décor store, offers a one-day, turnkey service that does all the work for you, down to lining the waste cans. You just walk in and start enjoying your new home. “This is coverage all the way to your clothes hangers, your sheets, your mattress covers,” she said. “We’ll even set up your coffee maker, make sure your ice bin is full. Our claim to fame is:

we accomplish it within 24 hours. We are a call-you-by-your-firstname business that offers personalized customer service.” With three levels of service available, clients can choose the details they want covered. The extras available beyond the basic package include: food shopping to stock the pantry and fridge; purchasing appliances, from ovens to toasters; mounting televisions in more than one room, even if that means electrical work. Pacita hopes the one-and-done option will relieve homeowners of the time and hassle involved scheduling contractors, driving to multiple retail outlets for large and small purchases, and spending money in multiple venues while trying to find the best prices. Pineapple Park has a home décor store on Chambers Street in downtown Woodstock and a warehouse, open to trade and turnkey design clients, on Rope Mill Road. The Warehouse also is open to the public 1-5 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. “We love to see your children run and play, but please don’t bring them on “The Park” day,” Pacita said. Pacita and her husband, Ken, have deep roots in home design. In 2010, they opened Pineapple Park in Woodstock after moving from Florida, where she operated a furniture showroom and several warehouses. Pacita has been in the design business for more than 20 years. “We strive to be of service to anyone looking to create a wonderful home filled with peace, grace and hospitality by offering everything from full service interior design down to gift items for friends and family,” she said. “It is always our goal to create space with our clients’ visions in mind and bring them to fruition.”

Pineapple Park

240 Chambers St. Woodstock, GA 30188

678-494-8494

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Open until 7 p.m. on Thurs.

Christmas Open House Saturday, Nov. 9th

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Park Warehouse 202 Rope Mill Road Woodstock, GA 30188

Pineapple Park – Home

By appt. only to the trade

Thepark_warehouse

678-401-4893

Sponsored Content

Pineapple_park

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Understanding the Current Housing Market PROVIDED BY THE PREMIER GROUP

There is a phrase that real estate agents are all too familiar with: Months of inventory. Chances are, you may not really understand what it means or how it impacts buyers and sellers. Months of inventory reflects an estimate of the amount of time it would take to sell all of the current listings in a given area, if no new listings became available. How does this inventory impact real estate clients? Months of inventory often is referenced when determining whether it’s a seller’s market, balanced market or a buyer’s market. • If there are 0-6 months of inventory, meaning that all current listings can expect to be sold within 6 months, it is considered a seller’s market, because houses are selling very quickly. In a seller’s market, sellers have the advantage, because the demand for property exceeds supply. • If there are 6-7 months of inventory, it is considered a balanced market. Current listings aren’t selling like hotcakes, but they’re not staying on the market too long, either. • If there are 7-plus or more months of inventory, it is considered a buyer’s market, because houses are selling slowly. In a buyer’s market, buyers have more negotiating power than sellers, because the supply of listings exceeds the current demand for housing.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Inventory can be calculated in different price ranges. You even may notice that homes in the same area are experiencing very different markets, depending on their list price. For example, currently, single-family detached homes in Woodstock in the $100,000-$399,000 range show 3 or fewer months of inventory, whereas homes in the $400,000-$449,000 range show 7 months of inventory. Homes in the $450,000$799,000 range show 4 or fewer months of inventory. This means we currently are in a split market between a seller’s market and a balanced market, depending on the price point. This may not be the case in other cities. (Data is collected from FMLS and may change from month to month.) If a seller chooses to list their property during a seller’s market, they might encounter multiple offer situations. Additionally, a little curb appeal can go a long way toward inspiring bidding wars and driving prices up. The best house in a tight market is a good position to be in. If a seller chooses to list their property during a buyer’s market, they need to know that the average house isn’t going to sell overnight. The real estate agent will work hard to market the property, but the owner should be prepared to make a similar effort to make the house as attractive as possible. Competitive pricing, home staging and fresh paint are imperative.

Best. Gift. Ever! Youth Savings Accounts APY*

5.00%

+ $50 Cash**

There’s no better gift than good savings habits. And with our Youth Savings accounts, your kids will earn a merry 5.00%APY* on the first $1,000 (age 18-22 earn a huge 7.00%APY* on the first $1,000!) Best yet, open an account before December 20, and we’ll give them $50!** Make this the best holiday ever with a savings account from LGE. The smarter, merrier way to bank. Simply visit one of our convenient branches, or call 770-424-0060 for more information.

Membership eligibility and $5 minimum balance required. *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate effective 09/01/19 and applies to balances up to $1,000; balances greater than $1,000 earn lower rate. 5.00% APY applies only to Youth Savings accounts; 7.00% APY applies to Young Adult Savings accounts. Youth Savings and Young Adult Savings are variable rate accounts. **Offer valid 10/01/19– 12/20/19 (“promotional period”) but may be withdrawn at any time. Offer is valid for new members who open a new Youth Savings or Young Adult Savings account. Youth Savings and Young Adult Savings accounts are available to members from birth through age 22 and limited to one account per person. Initial deposit of at least $5 must be received during the first 10 days, after which $50 will be deposited into the account within 10 days. Bonuses may be taxable. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may not be combined with similar product offers. Federally insured by NCUA.

LGEccu.org • 770-424-0060 AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Helping Hand

Lend a

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. While you’re at it, consider bringing a basket of homemade goodies, fresh fruit or colorful flowers to show your appreciation for the staff and volunteers at these nonprofits. To learn about many other ways to help throughout the year, visit www.volunteercherokee.org.

27th annual Cherokee Thanksgiving Hosted by Canton First United Methodist Church. Volunteers will serve approximately 2,000 meals in Cherokee and Pickens counties on Thanksgiving day. This dinner is for anyone who needs a meal, does not want to eat alone, or isn’t able to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Local area emergency service personnel and hospital emergency staff members also will receive dinners. To order a meal for dine-in, delivery or pick up, call 470-232-5797 or email ctmeals007@gmail.com. Dinners are delivered between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 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 CTvolunteers2019@gmail.com or contact Cheryl Mosley at 678-296-7297 or mcbratney52@comcast.net. Allow a few days for response. Food or monetary donations also are needed. Mail a check to Cherokee Thanksgiving, Inc., 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton, GA 30115.

The Children’s Haven

www.CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

Adopt a Senior 2019 www.cherokeega.com

The Cherokee County Senior Center is collecting gift items for local seniors, zip-up lightweight jackets with hoods, grocery gift cards, a book of stamps, or other nonperishable items. Place gifts in holiday gift bags (no wrapping please). Register to adopt Nov. 4-Dec. 13 by emailing JNMCEUEN@cherokeega.com or calling 770-704-2320. Drop off gifts Nov. 12-Dec. 16 at the Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road. Saturday drop-off times are 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency www.crpa.net

The Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency is collecting items for Cherokee County nursing centers, through the annual Hugs in a Blanket campaign, between Nov. 3 and Dec. 6. Individuals can bring a new warm blanket and a pair of unisex slipper socks to the recreation center at 7545 Main St., Building 200 in Woodstock. 770-924-7768. lcollett@cherokeega.com. 32

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

This nonprofit 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 diapers, wipes, teen underwear (adult sizes XS-L), bralettes or sports bras (XS-L). Target or Walmart gift cards are welcome. Volunteers are always needed to assist in the Caregiver’s Closet. Items can be dropped off at 1083 Marietta Highway in Canton. 770-345-3274.

Forever Fed

www.foreverfed.org Forever Fed distributes Christmas Boxes to 300 children receiving Christmas Angel Gifts each Christmas season. The ministry also hosts eight mobile pantries and clothes closets, providing grocery support and clothing to more than 600 families struggling to make ends meet each month. For a list of high-demand food and clothing, visit www.ForeverFed.org and click on the Donations tab. If your organization would like to sponsor a food drive, please contact Susan@ForeverFed.org or phone 678-8833314. There are hundreds of family-friendly volunteer opportunities each month. Sign up on the website by clicking the Volunteers tab.

Never Alone

www.NeverAlone.org The food pantry is seeking partners to help provide Thanksgiving turkeys and family meal boxes for 600 local families who are having financial difficulties. Never Alone’s partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank allows it to purchase food at greatly discounted prices. Please consider making a tax deductible donation online at www.NeverAlone.org or by check, made payable to and mailed to: Never Alone Outreach, P.O. Box 1904, Woodstock, GA 30188.

Operation Christmas Child www.samaritanspurse.org

Goshen Valley Foundation www.goshenvalley.org

The holidays are a difficult time for foster children not living with their families. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch attempts to provide a memorable Christmas experience for foster youth with the community’s help. This includes building traditions, talking about the true meaning of Christmas, and fulfilling some of the youth's wants and needs through gift giving to teach them that they are loved. With 42 youths to purchase gifts for, Goshen relies on the generosity of the community to fulfill these wishes. A list of gifts have been compiled on the Amazon website through a charity wishlist. For details, visit http:// goshenwishlist.org, email Executive Director Stacy Cooper at scooper@goshenvalley.org or call 770-796-4618 for a clickable link to view gifts the boys have requested.

MUST Ministries — Cherokee www.mustministries.org

The Thanksgiving Food Box Program has its roots in the very origin of the Thanksgiving holiday. The agency is looking for donations of cans of green beans, corn, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes; boxes or packets of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, stuffing and gravy mixes; frozen pies; and turkeys (no glass please). Grocery store gift cards also are welcome. Monetary donations for turkeys and frozen pies are the most helpful. MUST partners with a distributor to get the most turkey per dollar. Nonperishable items can be dropped off 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. now until Nov. 14. The frozen pies can be dropped off 8-9 a.m. Nov. 11-15. Both drop-offs are at MUST’s Canton location at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway. Volunteers are welcome. It always helps to let MUST know what items you’ll be bringing. Please contact Breier Sanders at 470-651-8405 or email at cherokeeholiday@mustministries.org.

Representatives will be collecting donations of filled shoeboxes Nov 18-25 at Canton First Baptist, 1 Mission Point. Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, collects boxes filled with clothing and accessories, craft items, school supplies, toys and personal care items (no liquids accepted, including toothpaste, shampoo, deodorants, etc.) and ships them around the world to children in need. Collection times are: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, with additional times of 4-8 p.m. Nov. 20, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-noon Nov 25. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ to learn how to pack a shoebox. For questions regarding drop off, call the church at 770-479-5538.

Papa's Pantry/Encompass Ministries www.papaspantry.org

Encompass Ministries and its food pantry offers year-round food and stability as well as life skills training assistance, Mondays-Saturdays. Special holiday needs: Donations of turkeys, ham and nonperishable food items. A list of the top 10 food needs is kept up-to-date on the website. Tax-deductible donations also are accepted online at www.papaspantry.org. For more 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, schools, churches or groups such as Sunday school classes or Boy and Girl Scout troops to help the more than 300 children in foster care this year. Sponsors can be matched with specific children or collect speciality items needed to service our program. All levels of contributions are accepted. All size donations are appreciated. For more details, call the Secret Santa phone line at 470-403-0541 or email cherokeesanta@yahoo.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

An Up and Coming Georgian Era BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

In the early 1900s, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis referred to the states of our Union as “laboratories of democracy.” Our Constitution's 10th amendment reserves all powers, not specifically prohibited or granted to the federal government, for the states or the people. This broad authority for state governments provides an opportunity for the states to experiment. They act as a “marketplace of states” in which each of our state governments are actively engaged in a friendly competition to enact policies that best serve their citizens, businesses and stakeholders. It's no surprise that clever policies coming out of a state capitol rapidly become contagious, and find their way to other state capitols, and often, eventually to the U.S. Congress. As we think back over America’s 243 years, it's easy to name some of the states that have led the way in policy and political direction. Both Republican and Democrat states rank, and a noncomprehensive list would include Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, California and Ohio. If we’re being honest with ourselves though, Georgia has never truly had her time in the “policy sun” here in the American republic. Our state hasn’t played the role of the contagious leader, the innovation hub or political powerhouse like many of our sister states, but, I believe, that has been changing in the last several years.

Georgia leads on issues that matter in America today. Logistically, we have the busiest commuter airport in the world at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. The Ports of Savannah is the second busiest container export port in the United States, and Georgia’s ports consistently rank in the top five busiest ports in the nation. Politically, our role in presidential and key congressional races will continue to grow as the rest of the nation views us as a potential swing state. From a policy perspective, Georgia continues to experiment and refine policies that are increasing standard of living and quality of life for Georgians. Our state has consistently been named the number one state in which to do business for the past seven years. Our unemployment rate is at its lowest point in state history. We have seen more feature films filmed in Georgia than any other location in the world. Eventually, as we continue to take over film and start-up culture, they’ll have to stop calling us the “Hollywood of the South” or the “Silicon Valley of the East” and start calling California the “Georgia of the West.” Continued on page 53 Michael Caldwell is the state representative District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov.

J o i n u s f o r o u r 8 th A n n u a l

Titan Tidings

Christmas Gift Show Blessed Trinity High School 11320 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075

Saturday, November 16th - 9:00am – 5:00pm Sunday, November 17th - 10:00am – 3:00pm - Over 110 vendors with a large variety of unique and beautiful gift items - Jewelry, Wreaths, Pottery, Fine Art, Holiday and Home Décor, Accessories, Knits, Children’s Items and much more! - Tons of parking and all booths are indoors - Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes - Huge Bake Sale - Concessions will be available - $2 Admission - No Strollers Please

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

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

Treatments offered for: • Hernias

• Skin and soft tissue lesions

• Gallstones and gallbladder problems

• Thyroid and parathyroid disease

• Breast masses and cancer

• Diverticulitis and colon cancer

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernias

• Stomach, adrenal gland, pancreas and spleen disorders

770-924-9656 • ncsurgicalassociates.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412, Woodstock, GA 30189 AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Rob’s Rescues This dog’s name is Polly. She is a young, 1-year-old Staffordshire terrier dog who is not very big, but is very energetic. She will need someone to run with or go on walks with. She will be a loyal dog to you and is gentle. This cat’s name is Peter. He is a 5-year-old stray. He would be better without small children, as he just likes to be petted on his head. He has been injured in the past and doesn’t like to be touched on the lower part of his body, but he is a really nice cat to have around and would be good for someone older. These animals are available at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, 1015 Univeter Road, Canton.

Meals on Wheels Atlanta I interviewed Ms. Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, who is the CEO of Meals on Wheels in Atlanta. www.mowatl.org

What does Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOW Atl) do and how many people do you help?

We provide meals to more than 700 seniors. We have hundreds of volunteers and raise 97% of the funds that are needed to run this program ourselves.

What happened that made you start providing pet food to the people who use the MOW Atl program?

Our volunteers were realizing that many seniors were feeding their food to their pets. These animals are often these people’s only companions and mean the world to them. So, we established a pet food pantry and volunteers will now take food from the pantry to these pet owners.

What could I and the community do to help you? We need to keep the pet pantry stocked.

What type of food do the seniors in your program get? Where do you get the food that you give to the people and where do you get the pet food? Do you provide more dog or cat food?

The food we give to our seniors is bought with our own funds from commercial food provider, Cysco, and cooked in our commercial kitchen. The meals are overseen by a registered dietician for the particular senior’s needs. The pet food is obtained 100% by donations. At the moment we provide more dog food than cat food.

How could we get other MOW programs to also provide pet food?

Many MOW programs are county or government supported. We are not, which gives us more freedom to pursue ideas and form different partnerships − like the partnership we are hoping to form with the Humane Society of Atlanta that will help with vetting and further helping the pets of our seniors in the program. The focus of the Pet Advisory Council section of MOW America is moving toward providing pet food for seniors in their programs, which is a good step.

Rob and Ms. Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, CEO of Meals on Wheels Atlanta. 36

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. www.robsrescues.com. On Facebook @robsrescues.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

A Soldier Come W W

A local veteran shows his respect. Photo courtesy of J King Images. 38

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

hen Matt Loudin headed to Woodstock on a recent Sunday afternoon, he thought he was going to enjoy a quiet reunion with family and friends. His mother had other plans. Loudin, a 1st lieutenant with the Georgia Army National Guard, had just completed a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. His mom made a simple request on social media, asking friends and neighbors to line their neighborhood streets to welcome him home. The request went viral. The post was shared on several neighborhood Facebook pages, the Next Door app, Twitter and by several news outlets. Woodstock responded by lining Towne Lake and Wyngate parkways, where proud citizens waved American flags, held signs and chanted “Matthew.” Hundreds of people turned out, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, members of the Etowah Junior Eagles football team, families and supporters from as far away as Jasper, Georgia. Loudin and his wife Jessie were escorted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department from I-575 to the Wyngate subdivision, where Matt and Jessie grew up. They are graduates of Etowah High School. Matt graduated from Shorter University with a criminal justice degree, and Jessie has a finance degree from Kennesaw State University. When asked what he thought about the turnout, Loudin said, “I don’t feel like I deserve this at all, but it was such a great homecoming. I really appreciate everyone that came out to support me.” A short video of Loudin’s homecoming can be viewed on the 11Alive News website at http://bit.ly/32h8O9DLoudin.

es Home and Woodstock Turns Out

Cherokee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department provided a police escort for the Loudins, in the red jeep. Photo courtesy of J King Images.

Students and players from the Etowah Junior Eagles lined up on Towne Lake Parkway.

Local Boy Scouts pose with the soldier. Photo courtesy of J King Images.

Matt and Jessie Loudin with their fur baby, Cody.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Raising Healthy Children DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

One of the greatest legacies any parent can leave a child is the framework for living an enduring, healthy lifestyle. Good habits can be formed early. It is hard to overestimate the power that parents have on their children’s development, which is why parenting is such a profound responsibility. The attitudes and habits formed in childhood can determine your child’s health in their adult years. Here are some ideas for parents who are looking to raise healthy children who grow up to be healthy adults. Start early. Good eating, sleeping and exercise habits should begin early in childhood. It’ll save you (and your adult child) from the difficulties of breaking bad habits later. Be familycentric. Make healthy living a family affair. Consider the impact even small actions can have. Talking with children about nutritional benefits often encourages them to eat healthier.1 Plan for healthy meals and snacks. Modern lives are busy, but try to plan ahead by stocking healthy foods and snacks in the house. You may even want to cook a few meals during the weekend, for the week ahead. If you’re looking to improve dieting behaviors, be sure to move slowly with these changes. The less the kids notice, the more effective the transition likely will be. Expose your child to different foods by pairing them with foods they already like. Be active. It may be harder than ever to tear children away from the phone, computer and TV, but it’s crucial that children engage in active play. It doesn’t have to be an organized event. Challenge your child to a push-

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

up contest, or offer to play goalie, so they can practice soccer kicks. Connect physical activity to a positive experience. Be a role model. Lessons are difficult to teach if the teacher is not practicing what they preach. Be sure to lead by example. Securities offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a registered investment adviser. Cambridge 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 a 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. Citation: 1 - kxly.com/news/wsu-researchers-release-study-onhealthy-eating-habits-in-children/1076453914 [5/8/19]

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.

Resources for Cherokee County Seniors BY NATHAN BRANDON

The Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) is the 501c3 organization of Cherokee County Senior Services. The VAC is a group of volunteers that strives to help make life better for our seniors and senior veterans. We are a nonprofit organization established in 2000 by volunteers who raise money and awareness for the needs of this precious group of seniors. The vision of the VAC is to ensure safety, security, shelter and sustenance for our Cherokee County seniors and senior veterans. Programs available to help include: Health and Safety Renovations, Volunteer Driver Program, Last Stop Financial Assistance, Senior Comforts, and Meals on Wheels. We provide a number of services for Cherokee seniors. Volunteers build wheelchair ramps, as well as make minor repairs and home improvements to enhance the quality of life. We also provide transportation to various appointments when CATS transportation is unavailable. The VAC provides emergency assistance when all other resources have been exhausted. This may include minor medical costs, prescriptions, utilities, temporary housing and other unexpected expenses. The VAC will provide fans and heaters to keep seniors as comfortable as possible. Lift chairs are provided to help maintain mobility along with walkers and canes. Shower

chairs, adult diapers, bed pads and toilet paper products are available to ensure a better quality of life. If you are a Cherokee County senior and answer yes to any of these questions, please contact De Gale at dlgale@cherokeega. com or call 770-345-2675. • Have you ever had to make the decision to pay either your medical bills, electric bills or buy your next meal? • Have you had to live without air conditioning, or refuse to turn it on because you can’t afford it? • Do you use a wheelchair or walker, but have difficulty getting into your home? • Have you ever used a washcloth instead of toilet paper because you can’t afford to purchase it? The Volunteer Aging Council is always looking for volunteers who want to help meet the needs of seniors by obtaining resources from the community through fundraising, grants, donations and hands-on volunteerism. If you would like to join our efforts, contact De Gale.

Nathan has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1982. He retired from Cherokee County Senior Services, and remains involved in community organizations that focus on senior adults.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

The Mill On Etowah

Canton’s New Mixed-Use Destination PROVIDED BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Memories of a bustling cotton mill are finely woven into the fabric of Canton’s past. From the time of the Model T Ford to the early 1980s, the Canton Textile Mill was worldrenowned for durable handcrafted denim. With close proximity to the railroad and the Etowah River, the mill has become a prime location for mixed-use redevelopment. Except for a church and a few industrial tenants, the mill has remained mostly empty — but that’s about to change. Last summer, developers Penn Hodge and Grant Schmeelk envisioned a 30-acre project that will restore the grandeur of the historic cotton mill through a mixed-use redevelopment called The Mill On Etowah, at 141 Railroad St. in Canton. The vision began last fall, when Reformation Brewery was announced as the anchor tenant. Breathing new life into this development will open opportunities to connect history with a new generation. With access to greenspace and the Etowah riverfront, the mill will be home to office/coworking space, retail shops, restaurants, recreational pursuits, art and entertainment. The tenants include Barrel & Vine Tavern and Wine Bar, Click Funnels, Cotton Mill Exchange, Liberty Hill Church, Nava Taqueria, Nomadic Flow Outfitters, Rayven Co. Candles, Reformation Brewery, the Real Fix Pizzeria, and Thrive Coworking. Food lovers will be able to indulge in cuisine ranging from barbecue to fine wine and tapas. For more details, visit http://etowahmill.com. Outdoor enthusiasts can gear up for a fun day on the river at Nomadic Flow Outfitters, located in Reformation Brewery. 42

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Residents and visitors can drop tubes and kayaks into the river at Etowah River Park and float to the outtake at the mill. For visitors who would rather navigate dry land, Canton’s linear trail system surrounding The Mill On Etowah continues to expand. The city plans to improve walkability through the creation of a trail system that can accommodate a 10K loop and connect existing parks. Strong community partnerships are key to making this project a success. From day one, the developers worked with Canton officials, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, the Cherokee Historical Society and environmental groups to create an authentic experience that would inspire visitors to explore, connect and come away with a renewed sense of wonder. While some of the buildings are new, the charm of the historic cotton mill remains. From the impressive tall ceilings against industrial-aged red brick to the arched hallways that once welcomed mill employees to a hard day’s work, the story of this once thriving cotton town is part of this timeless landmark. As more businesses open their doors in the coming months, The Mill On Etowah will create an experience unlike anything Canton ever has seen. This family-friendly destination will inspire a new generation to work, live and play in Cherokee, by choice.

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention & expansion. For more information, visit www.cherokeega.org.

Career Training in High-Demand Fields ChattahoocheeTech.edu 770-528-4545

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Fall Accents Make Your Home Cozy BY PACITA WILSON

Now that fall and cooler weather are here, it’s time to add some cozy, warm accents to our homes to reflect this beautiful season of family gatherings and thankfulness. Just as leaves change color and fall to the ground, adding texture to our lawns, we can add layers and textures to our fall tablescapes, helping bring the season into our homes. Neutral tones, plaids, fun chunky chargers, unique napkins - all work to bring the feeling of fall to your table. For added effect, place acorn accents and stems of greenery for texture, and pumpkins for a touch of color. Along with some beautiful stemware, your table will feel cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to share moments of gratitude and love this season. You can achieve this same feeling in your living space by replacing your light-weight summer throw, with a soft, knobby textured blanket − perfect for snuggling up on a chilly night. Pillows are another fabulous way to change the overall feel of a room, in just mere seconds. Swap out neutral linen-colored pillows with a velvet or cable knit pillows. It will instantly cozy up your family gathering space.

Pacita Wilson is the owner of Pineapple Park Home. www.pineapplepark.com

Start your Smile Doctors Smile today with

up to $500 off *

Braces or Invisalign

*Some restrictions or exclusions may apply

Woodstock-Towne Lake 145 Towne Lake Pkwy Suite 201

(770) 592-5554

Canton

205 Waleska Rd Suite 1-A

(770) 345-4155

Find us near you at SmileDoctors.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Same Day Braces Michael D. Williams, DMD, MS

0% Interest

Se habla Español Smile Doctors of Georgia - Dana E. Fender, D.M.D., Owner

Housing in Cherokee: Types and Affordability BY HARRY JOHNSTON

At the Sept. 17 board of commissioners’ meeting, we agreed to contract with a consultant for a Cherokee County housing study. It’s not a big action, but it could be important. We need a better understanding of the housing currently available in our county, and how that supply compares with demand. We hope to identify current gaps, and create strategies to help meet future housing needs. While the housing market primarily should respond to demand, and usually does, we may learn more about appropriate ways to shape the development of housing, to keep Cherokee a great place to live.

What are the issues?

• Diversity. Is our housing market too focused on a “typical” type of housing, or is it meeting a full range of needs?

• Rental housing. This has to be part of the mix. Some people don’t want to own homes, and that trend is growing. Some folks, who would like to own homes, just aren’t in a financial position to do so. The downside for the community is that renters sometimes don’t engage in their community to the same degree as homeowners. How much rental housing is needed and is appropriate?

• Apartments. Turnover tends to be high in apartments, and the

residents tend to be less committed to their communities than those living in single-family homes. However, apartments are the most convenient form of housing. Some people use them for a short time, while others choose or need to live in apartments long-term. They potentially provide an affordable option. How many apartments do we need, what type, and where?

• Density/lot size. In Cherokee County, we limit density in many

areas as a means of restraining residential growth, and to preserve a semi-rural and small-town lifestyle. But, that drives up the cost, and some areas are appropriate for higher-density housing. How should we manage density to best achieve our housing and other goals?

• Affordability. This is a big one. We need some amount of very low-cost housing, possibly subsidized, especially for seniors living on fixed incomes. And, we need housing that’s affordable for moderate-income folks, like police officers, firefighters, teachers and factory workers, all of whom are essential to our county. How much and what types of affordable housing do we need, and where? How do we ensure good quality, and that it stays that way over the long run?

We’re searching for these answers. This study won’t provide them all, but I believe it will help. If you have suggestions about this, or anything else, please email me at hjohnston@ cherokeega.com. I truly want to hear from you.

Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Around & About NOVEMBER

9-10 Holiday Tour of Homes

Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club 23rd annual will feature four homes this year. Tours will take place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, with a candlelight tour 5:30-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For ticket info, visit www.woodstockjwc.org.

An American Red Cross blood drive will take place 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock. gslutheran.org, 770-924-7286 or signup at redcross.org.

Born to Run 5K, a fundraiser for Reinhardt University’s

Cherokee County grant program, begins with registration at 7 a.m.; race begins at 8 a.m. in Cannon Park at 130 E. Main St., Canton. The program supports Cherokee County students attending Reinhardt. Pre-registration is $25 before Oct. 21, then $30. www.reinhardt.edu/5K.

Merry Market is an annual arts and crafts bazaar set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Canton First United Methodist Church. More than 60 arts and crafts, home décor, clothing, and gift vendors, bake sale and a café serving lunch. Proceeds benefit church missions. Admission is free. Details on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MerryMarketatCantonFirstMethodist. Email questions to merrymarketatcantonfirst@gmail.com. Taste & Brews Country Fest is noon-7 p.m. 2-3 Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Etowah River Park,

600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. The event celebrates the best of southern food and beverages, and includes live music, a play area for kids, vendors market, and arts and crafts. Admission is free. www.tasteandbrews.com.

Celebrate Recovery’s fifth annual Thanksgiving dinner 5 begins at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92. Participants will learn about the recovery program, worship, enjoy a meal, and message from Pastor Johnny Hunt. Childcare provided; registration required. http://crthanksgiving.eventbrite.com.

8 Shop

The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Jingle Bell is set for 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center. The event is a one-stop shopping experience, with a chance to visit Santa’s workshop, where children can play while parents shop. Vendors will be present with an array of gifts and craft items at this free shopping expo.

9 Park in Woodstock. Off-road duathlon with 5.5 mile mountain

Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon and 3.3 mile trail run at Rope Mill

bike/3.3 mile trail run/5.5 mile mountain bike. Shirt and coffee mug for pre-registered participants. Solo, two- and three-person team divisions for the duathlon. Fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock.

Canton’s annual chili cookoff and veterans parade take place at 10 a.m., with the cookoff beginning at noon (ending at 5 p.m.), and the parade at 1:30 p.m. The city’s beer and wine walk is noon-5 p.m. www.cantonga.gov.

Run with Rob 5K, hosted by Rob’s Rescues, takes place at 8

a.m. at the BridgeMill Athletic Club, with start and finish lines at the playground pavilion. Same day registration and packet pickup starts at 7 a.m. Proceeds will benefit The Grey Project. Register at www.robsrescues.com. 46

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Decorations from the 2018 tour of homes. Photo by Abigail Peyton.

A community dinner to honor veterans will be held 6-9 p.m. in the main dining room of the Woodmont Golf and Country Club. Guest speaker is Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, president of the Georgia Military College. Cost is $38 per person. For more information, call 770-345-9260 ext. 0.

Volunteer Aging Council is sponsoring a luncheon, 15 The 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at The Oaks at Towne Lake, 4580 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. The VAC fundraiser will help less fortunate seniors and veterans in Cherokee County. Cost is $5. Dine-in or takeout available. RSVP the location, so the chefs have a head count. 770-345-2675. www.vac-cherokeega.org.

“Papa’s Special Christmas,” a family musical 15-16 Christmas production, will be presented at Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call 770926-9755 or 770-926-0397 or email BascombPrayers@gmail.com.

Love Lights a Tree in Canton begins at 5:30 p.m. The 29 event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. www.cantonga.gov.

DECEMBER of the Toys, the Christmas Toys for Tots parade, begins 6 atMarch 7 p.m. in Ball Ground. www.marchofthetoysparade.com a performance by the 6-8,13-15 “Greetings,” Cherokee Theatre Company, is set for 8

p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the historic Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. www.cherokeetheatre.org.

Canton Optimist Club’s Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. Watch for details at www.cantonga.gov.

Shop with a Hero is set for 7 p.m. at the Walmart at 13 Highway 92 and Trickum Road. Donations are appreciated;

call Officer Ryan Bleisath at 678-614-9104 or visit the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation website at www.WPSFoundation.org for more information. This event helps children whose families are facing financial difficulties by taking them Christmas shopping.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Know Your Car In 2019-2020

Cherokee Theatre Company invites you to join us for a collaboration with Kudzu Players to bring you “A Christmas Carol” being added to our regular season lineup.

November 22, 23, 24 2019 Friday/Saturday - 8pm • Sunday - 2:30pm

$20 Adult | $18 Seniors 60+, Students, Military *** SHOW NOT INCLUDED IN 2019-2020 SEASON TICKETS ***

December 6,7,8| 13,14,15| 2019

W W W. C H E R O K E E T H E A T R E . O R G

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR TICKETS & MORE INFO ON OUR

2019-2020 season!!

ALL REGULAR SHOWS

Friday/Saturday - 8pm • Sunday - 2:30pm

Adults – $18 | Member Discount – $15 Groups 10 or more - $13 | Senior/Student/Active Military – $15 P l ay i n g at Canton Theatre • 171 Main St., Canton, GA

Box Office 770-591-0282 | info@cherokeetheatre.org Cherokee Theatre Company PO Box 5885 • Canton, GA 30114 48

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

BY ROBERT TIDWELL

What happens when you are injured in a wreck you did not cause and the at-fault driver either has no car insurance or not enough? Georgia law requires every policy of liability car insurance sold must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage equal to the amount of liability coverage you purchase. See O.C.G.A. §33-7-11(a). In other words, if you purchase $100,000 of liability insurance on your car, the policy automatically includes $100,000 of UM coverage. However, you have the ability to choose not to purchase that automatic UM coverage. To further complicate matters, you also may choose to purchase UM coverage in an amount less than your liability insurance. In this scenario, you may have purchased $100,000 of liability insurance but chose $25,000 of UM coverage. In either scenario, the insurance company will have you sign a rejection of UM coverage when you purchase your policy. The insurance agent may offer one of these options to you as a way of saving a few dollars on your policy. It is seldom worth it. Under no circumstances, however, are you allowed to purchase more UM coverage than liability coverage. There are basically two ways UM coverage comes into play. Under Georgia law, an at-fault driver is uninsured if he 1) does not have any automobile liability insurance¹, or 2) does not have enough automobile liability insurance to cover your claim against him.

nsurance Coverage — Part 2 The first instance is not complicated. If the at-fault driver does not have liability insurance, you make your claim against your UM carrier to answer for his negligence. Your claim includes medical bills you incurred, as well as your pain and suffering. Your insurance company is responsible for covering your claim as if it was the company insuring the person who hurt you. After your UM carrier pays the claim, it can pursue repayment from the atfault driver through subrogation, if the at-fault driver’s identity is known. Looking to your UM carrier when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance is when Georgia law gets quirky. In Georgia, unlike any other state, there are two types of UM coverage. The first is referred to as set off UM and the second is referred to as add on UM. Assume you have a claim worth $150,000 and that you have $100,000 of UM coverage while the at-fault driver has only $50,000 of liability insurance. If you have set off UM, the at-fault driver’s insurance would pay $50,000 and then your UM carrier would pay $50,000. In other words, the $100,000 of your UM coverage is set off by the $50,000 of liability insurance carried by the at-fault driver. In this example, you would be left coming out of pocket for the remaining $50,000 of your claim, as there is not enough insurance to cover it. However, the outcome would be quite different with add on coverage. Add on UM coverage does just that, it is coverage that

adds on to the available liability insurance. So, in this example, the at-fault driver’s insurance would pay $50,000 and your UM coverage would pay $100,000. With add on UM coverage, your entire claim would be covered. Many clients worry that making use of their UM coverage will cause their car insurance to be canceled or premiums to increase. Fortunately, the Georgia State Legislature has protected us from such a possibility. Recognizing that you have done nothing wrong when you find yourself in need of using your UM coverage, your insurance company cannot raise your rates, or refuse to renew your policy, just because you make an uninsured motorist claim. See O.C.G.A. §33-9-40, §33-23-45. ¹Hit and run drivers fall under category 1, as do phantom drivers who run you off the road. However, if a phantom driver causes a wreck without actually hitting your vehicle, you must have testimony from a third party witness corroborating the phantom vehicle’s involvement. The third party witness may be a passenger in your car, even if that passenger is making a claim against the phantom driver as well.

Robert Tidwell is a personal injury trial lawyer at Tidwell Strimban, LLC in Woodstock, where he lives with his bride Lori, and their two daughters. www.tidwellstrimban.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Woodstock Area Homes Sold in September List Price Address $662,682 $394,000 $519,900 $529,900 $480,000 $299,900 $319,900 $224,000 $499,900 $479,900 $532,365 $500,000 $579,900 $394,900 $515,000 $599,900 $485,600 $499,900 $325,000 $410,000 $266,000 $600,000 $420,000 $385,000 $215,000 $274,990 $258,000 $235,000 $310,000 $235,500 $240,000 $285,000 $218,900 $438,000 $328,500 $263,000 $749,900 $257,000 $499,990 $199,850 $399,900 $311,000 $280,000 $384,900 $250,000 $212,000 $385,000 $381,190 $250,000 $273,900 $425,000 $289,000 $315,000 $375,990 $225,000 $239,000 $607,900 $259,900 $238,900 $275,000 $459,000 $194,900 $260,000 $265,000 $245,000 $189,900 $314,900 $200,000 $272,900 $256,000

109 Sweetbriar Farm Road 226 Edinburgh Lane 325 Riverton Way 243 Fowler Street 313 Heritage Overlook 1955 Tripp Road 321 Dexter Drive 524 S Holly Springs Road 268 Dawson Drive 819 Clubhouse Pointe 133 Mountainside Drive 117 Heron Crossing 172 Inwood Walk 1840 Grand Oaks Lane 207 Fernwood Place 3032 Trickum Road 517 Margaret Lane 138 Mountainside Drive 488 Toonigh Road 513 Augusta Drive 600 Adam Circle 111 Sweetbriar Farm Road 206 Tyler Drive 107 Normandy Drive 114 Apple Valley Drive 907 Dooney Drive 112 River Marsh Lane 805 W Bramble Oak Drive 914 Dooney Drive 138 River Oaks Drive 127 N River Drive 210 Paddington Place 222 Valley Brook Drive 601 Crabapple Court 903 Warnock Way 841 Oxford Drive 229 Big Rock Way 459 Village View 175 Inwood Walk 2306 River Station Terrace 404 Loblolly Street 99 Parks Circle 105 Abbey Circle 527 Rokeby Drive 257 Weatherstone Pointe Drive 902 River Rock Drive 315 Edinburgh Lane 301 Southpark Lane 213 Weatherstone Pointe Drive 257 Highland Village Lane 5015 Hickory Hills Drive 222 Park Avenue 169 Churchcliff Drive 307 Southpark Lane 5037 River Rock Way 105 Village Court 200 Briar Hollow Lane 223 Foothill Drive 306 New Tracy Court 501 Watercress Drive 390 Windsong Way 406 Holly Springs Road 318 Justin Drive 240 HIGHLAND VILLAGE Lane 155 Weatherstone Drive 373 Arnold Mill Road 180 Abbey Circle 1320 Toonigh Road 208 Whitewater Court 507 Drifton Way

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Subdivision

Sweet Briar Farms Wynchase Inwood Woodstock Downtown Olde Heritage none The Woodlands none South on Main Bradshaw Farm Mountain Park Overlook Heron Pond Inwood Oakhurst Fernwood Creek Trickum Farms Villas at Mountain View Mountain Park Overlook None Bradshaw Estates Ansley Forest Sweet Briar Farms Woodlands Woodlands Applewood Woodlands River Plantation Bramble Oak The Woodlands River Oaks Little River North Waverly Hills Valley Brook Bradshaw Estates Woodlands Waverly Park Overlook at Woodstock Knoll Woodstock Village Inwood River Oaks Longleaf Woodstock Dobbs Estate Cottages Of Woodstock Wynchase Village At Weatherstone Colemans Bluff Wynchase Highland Park Village at Weatherstone Highland Village Bradshaw Farm Park Place Estates Woodlands Highland Park River Oaks East Cherokee Village Overlook at Woodstock Knoll Little River South Deerchase Woodlands Serenade Toonigh Crossing Ansley Forest HIGHLAND VILLAGE Weatherstone Little River North Cottages of Woodstock Ranchwood Estates Briarwood PARK AT KINGSGATE

Beds Full Baths Year Built Sold Price Days on Market 4 4 4 4 5 5 3 3 5 5 5 3 5 4 5 5 3 5 4 6 4 4 5 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 6 4 4 7 3 4 3 2 3 2 5 3 4 5 4 3 3 4 5 3 3 3 4 6 4 3 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3

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

2018 2007 2019 2012 2011 1975 2003 1952 2019 1995 2019 2014 2017 2015 2006 2019 2019 2019 1984 2003 1992 2018 2003 2003 1982 2004 1998 1979 2005 1985 2014 1993 1988 2005 2004 1997 2014 2013 2018 1988 2018 1973 2004 2016 2002 1987 2017 2019 2002 2012 1996 1985 2005 2019 1992 1984 2014 1974 1984 2005 2001 1986 1987 2012 1998 1975 2013 1984 1995 2000

$668,492 $381,500 $550,520 $520,000 $475,000 $225,000 $312,500 $220,000 $578,785 $477,500 $520,090 $500,000 $557,450 $392,500 $475,000 $604,165 $484,860 $502,865 $310,000 $405,500 $266,000 $600,000 $420,000 $388,000 $217,500 $274,990 $258,000 $196,500 $288,000 $237,000 $242,500 $285,000 $217,500 $435,000 $338,500 $263,000 $730,000 $257,000 $463,950 $189,150 $547,929 $280,000 $275,000 $387,900 $248,000 $215,000 $379,000 $382,660 $250,000 $270,000 $415,000 $289,000 $312,500 $375,990 $225,000 $219,000 $612,000 $254,500 $241,900 $275,000 $459,000 $190,000 $260,000 $255,000 $238,000 $190,000 $315,000 $204,000 $265,000 $245,000

234 170 25 384 82 195 91 47 27 103 44 85 134 143 107 352 173 68 4 28 57 335 5 4 5 2 27 20 9 13 21 8 39 10 55 8 96 12 340 8 83 139 115 5 9 3 6 16 4 14 51 2 4 133 1 9 26 20 7 4 4 14 3 5 15 3 4 108 66 96

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

School News

Members of Woodstock’s SkillsUSA team.

A Special Set of Skills Put to Good Use The Woodstock High School SkillsUSA team, led by law and justice teacher Laura Antonelli, recently completed the first of many planned community service projects. The 21 students gathered to assemble 50 hygiene packs and 60 food packs for homeless veterans, in partnership with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office and the American Legion’s Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program. “I am so pleased to be a part of an event which encompasses community members and students alike, coming together to help those in need,” Antonelli said. “SkillsUSA at Woodstock High School aims to help those within our community.” Sophomore Alyssa Jones said the experience was very meaningful for students. “This eyeopening experience has shown me that not all people have the same advantages as others.”

Woodstock work-based learning students, from left: Kieri Calles-Guzman, Ashley Espinoza, Avery Stiber, Brooklyn Yates, Morgan Lawley, Sarah Shepard, Nhyri Mudie and Charles Snyder.

High School Students Go Back to Elementary School Students from Woodstock High School’s Work-Based Learning Program (WBL) are back where many of them started their educational experience − Woodstock Elementary School (WES). The elementary school’s After School Program employs nine WBL students, and seven of them are former WES students. Woodstock High student Morgan Lawley said she was thrilled to earn a spot working at her former elementary school, adding that the experience has influenced her career path. “After graduation, I want to be a special education teacher and hope to be able to return to WES!” she said. The Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship programs prepare high school juniors and seniors for the world of work through a combination of academic and workplace learning. The work experience is supplemented with instruction and activities that apply, reinforce, refine, or extend the learning that occurs during work, so that students develop attitudes, knowledge, skills and habits they might not develop solely from work experiences. 52

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Local Student Writer Chosen Scholastic recently announced that Bryce Jones, an 8th grader at Woodstock Middle School and contributing writer for Aroundabout Local Media, has been selected as one of 50 Kid Reporters to join Scholastic Kids Press, an award-winning team of young journalists, ages 10-14, from around the world. During the program’s 20th anniversary year, Jones will report “news for kids, by kids,” sharing stories from his community, while covering critical topics and issues that matter most to young people. Kid Reporter stories are published on the program’s website (http://kpcnotebook. scholastic.com/home), and featured in select issues of Scholastic Classroom Magazines, which reach more than 25 million students in classrooms nationwide. Past Scholastic Kid Reporters have reported on national and global moments, covering five U. S. presidential elections, as well as the Olympics and Tony Awards. Kid Reporters also have made headlines interviewing influential figures, including Pulitzer Prizewinning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai, conservationist Jane Goodall, “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah, civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, “Captain Underpants” and “Dogman” creator Dav Pilkey, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Bryce Jones. Photo courtesy of Scholastic Kids Press.

An Up and Coming Georgian Era continued from page 34

Spoon Drive Serves Up Support for Haitian Children Cherokee Christian Schools (CCS) hosted a Spoon Drive to support the efforts of the Matiak Foundation in ministering to children in Haiti. The Spoon Drive concept originated with Ayva Matiak (current 5th grade student at CCS, front row, third from left in photo), who was impacted by the number of children eating without spoons when she served with her grandparents during a mission trip to Haiti. An impressive 2,937 spoons were collected by students and will be shipped to children in Haiti.

One of the best examples of this leadership came up during President Trump’s State of the Union speech. He highlighted Rep. Collins’ (R-GA) First Step Act that enacted comprehensive, historic criminal justice reform at the federal level. President Trump lauded the bill and stated, “Now, states across the country are following our lead.” What he didn’t mention is that the act mimicked Georgia’s state criminal justice reform effort led by Gov. Nathan Deal and Georgia’s General Assembly. Georgia got it right, the feds notice and adopted, and now states across the nation are looking to mimic. We’re leading the way on issues that matter to America. We’re on the cusp of a Georgian era, and with creativity and work, I believe that genuine answers to our nation’s most pressing questions from healthcare to tax reform and beyond can be tried and proven right here at home. Feel free to reach out to me at michael@ caldwellforgeorgia.com or on my cell phone at 678-523-8570. You can also join us at 9 a.m. on Saturdays for our Weekly Coffee with District 20 at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to represent our families in our General Assembly.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Advertisers

For advertising rates and information: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 • Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com

November 2019 ANIMALS/PETS Half the Way Home 404-384-5366 www.halfthewayhome.org

EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING 49

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com

BEAUTY SALON & SPA élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com

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

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Next Step Ministries nextstepministries.net

CHIROPRACTIC Joint Chiropractic, The 678-214-4449 www.thejoint.com

DENTAL Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 35 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 44 770-592-5554, 770-345-4155 www.smiledoctors.com 54

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Charles Schwab Mike Pefferly 770-281-3922 schwab.com/kennesaw

Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.citadelwealthcare.com

Graham & Kapp, LLC 770-591-8121 www.grahamkappcpas.com

Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Your CBD Store 770-627-3512 www.cbdrx4u.com

Sanctuary on Main 770-365-5106 getamber.net

Sports BodyWorx 404-268-0999 www.sprtsbodyworx.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS

CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union 770-424-0060 www.lgeccu.org

St Joseph Catholic School 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

AUTOMOTIVE Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu

Cherokee Theatre Company 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org

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

Holiday Tour of Homes www.WoodstockJWC.org

Jingle Mingle inwdstk.org/events

Titan Tidings Christmas Gift Show

HOME DÉCOR Five Star Christmas Lighting 49 www.fivestarchristmaslighting.com

Budget Blinds 37 678-540-1615 www.budgetblinds.com/woodstock Pineapple Park Cover, 21, 28, 29 678-494-8494 www.pineapplepark.com Molly Trost Interior Design 404-372-9500 www.mollytrostdesign.com

Neighborhood Nest, The 47 770-485-5898 www.theneighborhoodnestga.com Southern Sky Outlet 678-842-8411

HOME AND GARDEN Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

Carpet Dye Tech 678-368-5992 www.carpetdyetech.com

Hardrock Scapes 877-295-2060 www.hardrockscapes.com

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

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1(675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com

Nelson Exteriors 678-283-8171 www.nelson-exteriors.com

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

NAIL SALON Main Street Nail Studio 770-928-2662

PHOTOGRAPHY J. King Images 404-384-2794 www.jkingimages.com

Shot from the Heart Photography 53 www.shotfromtheheartphotography.com

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology Atlanta, Marietta: Dr. Feuer 404-459-1900 Canton, TowneLake: Dr. Glasgow 770-721-9400 www.atlantagynonc.com

BridgeMill Family Health Care 770-704-4580 bridgemillfamilyhealthcare.com

Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists Woodstock: 770-852-7740 Canton: 678-493-2527 www.cherokeelungandsleep.com

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

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Atlanta Cancer Care 770-721-3800

Nuevos Amigos 770-213-3302

AtlantaCancerCare.com Georgia Cancer Specialists 770-479-1870 GACancer.com

Rootstock & Vine 770-544-9099 www.rootstockandvine.com

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities Tara Daigle 404-925-6351 Mary Hunter: 770-355-2611 www.theelizabethhouse.info.com Holbrook 678-371-4246 www.holbrooklife.com Premier Group, The â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.tpgsells.com

Back cover

KPOP BBQ 770-485-3055

SENIOR LIVING/ SENIOR SERVICES Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com

TRANSPORTATION EconoRides 678-218-7170 www.econorides.com

RESTAURANTS/FOOD

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Lasting Impressions Boutique 706-530-1157

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. 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. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2019