11-19 Townelaker webfinal.pdf by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

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TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Contents

44 & 45 On the Cover Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Photo by J. King Images

November 2019

Features

In Every Issue

Contributors

14 Time for Giving

4 Around Towne

64 Don Akridge

8 Community News

36 Nathan Brandon

12 Everyday Angels

58 Danny Branom

16 Celebrations

79 Christopher Brazelton

18 Ribbon Cuttings

38 Michael Caldwell 56 Cherokee Office of Economic Development

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

T1D Warriors

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

26 Community Calendar

A Hero’s Welcome

62 Recent Home Sales

Towne Lake turns out to make Army lieutenant’s homecoming adventure.

A National Event

30 Towne Lake Dining Guide 50 Rob’s Rescues 68 Library Events 72 School News 82 Clubs & Orgs

Maybe they didn’t have to walk five miles in the snow with no shoes uphill both ways to get to school. But they walked.

84 Churches 86 Directory of Advertisers

39 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 20 Beth Embry-Houchens 42 Harry Johnston 54 Ann Litrel 52 Josh Nelson 23 Billy Peppers 66 The Premier Group 60 Christopher Purvis 70 Bill Ratliff 71 Sonny Sellers 46 Elisabeth Stubbs

Advertising

22 Sydney Sullivan

Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.townelaker.com TowneLakerMagazine 2

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

24 Dan Thrailkill 40 Pacita Wilson

@Townelaker

townelakermagazine

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Around Towne 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

What’s New Esther 4-14 Antiques & Treasures has opened at 703 Bascomb Commercial Parkway, Suite 106 in Woodstock. Esther 4-14 is a new antiques and collectibles store, with booth rentals available. 678-653-8334. Dr. Christopher Luft, a residency trained optometrist, has joined Towne Lake Eye Associates. The Connecticut native and major in the Air Force Reserves graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College, attended optometry school at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and graduated with an Advanced Studies Certificate in Clinical Medicine. After completing an ocular disease residency program at the Wilmington, Delaware, Veterans Hospital, he and his wife moved to Atlanta.

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

TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

COMMUNITY BOARD The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine and providing valuable feedback.

Kurt Johnson, co-founder of the Kurt and Sheila

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

Ann Litrel is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and coauthor Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com.

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

Scott Coleman is the owner of Coleman Home

Services, a residential construction firm based in Towne Lake. He and his wife Lisa have three grown children and have lived in Towne Lake for 23 years. Scott and Lisa are supporters of the local special needs community. Scott enjoys the outdoors, cooking and his annual fishing trip to Alaska.

Bettie Sleeth has lived in Towne Lake for more than 12 years, and helped start the Kiwanis Club in Cherokee County. She's been active in service leadership programs in Cherokee County schools, helping bring Key Clubs to Etowah, Sequoyah and Creekview high schools and a Circle K club at Reinhardt University. She's active at her church, Hillside United Methodist, and serves in many community service projects and activities.

Lynne Saunders is the founder and executive director of Encompass Ministries. Her employment classes are based on a book she wrote, “21st Century Keys to Employment.” Lynne has been married to Bill for 33 years and has three grown daughters and five grandchildren.

TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 900 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2019. TowneLaker 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Volume 24, Issue 7

America’s Community Magazine TOWNELAKER | November 2019

TOWNELAKER | 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

Etowah students, shown here with members of the Lions Club, tend to a garden with 18 raised beds.

Growing to Meet Local Needs The Woodstock Lions Club made a $500 donation to Etowah High School’s Future Farmers of America adviser Ashley Rivers. She and her students will use the funds for a vegetable garden that will grow food to help families in need. Students will put the donation to work by purchasing seeds, compost, plug trays, rakes, picking and washing baskets, and plastic tubs to transport vegetables to a food bank. The Etowah vegetable garden has 18 raised beds. Students have planted broccoli, cabbage, lettuce and onions. In the spring, they will plant tomatoes, squash, zucchini, jalapenos, bell peppers, lettuce and cucumbers. 8

TOWNELAKER | 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.

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Local News Farm Bureau Earns District Honors Cherokee County Farm Bureau (CCFB) received four awards for its volunteer programs during the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) 1st District annual meeting, held Sept. 17 in Calhoun. William Grizzle is the CCFB president. www.ccfarmbureau.org.

— The Women’s Leadership Committee, chaired by Molly Childs, received the Outstanding Women’s Leadership Award. Among its activities during the past year, the committee partnered with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, the Cherokee County Extension office and the city of Woodstock to host an agricultural expo showcasing county farms, agricultural and horticultural businesses. — The Promotion and Education Committee, chaired by Nichelle Stewart, received the Outstanding Promotion and Education Award. Through many projects, the committee’s work at Indian Knoll Elementary School shared agricultural information with 926 students and 113 faculty and staff. — The Legislative Committee, co-chaired by Don Keeter and B.J. Weeks, received the Outstanding Legislative Program Award. The committee hosted the Legislative Appreciation Breakfast at Big Door Vineyards, followed by a tour of the farm and a visit to Jake’s Produce, a canning facility and catering business.

Cherokee bureau Director Vicky Grizzle, left, Molly Childs, Don Keeter, President William Grizzle and member Dan Schilling. Photo courtesy of Georgia Farm Bureau.

— The bureau received the Membership Award, presented to county farm bureaus that increased their membership over the previous year. The GFB 1st District includes 15 counties in northwest Georgia.

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. 10

TOWNELAKER | 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 12

TOWNELAKER | 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. 14

TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Celebrations!

Anna Catherine Wolfe Sept. 24 Happy 13th birthday, Anna! We love you! Mom, Mr. Nils, Andrew and Amelia.

Grace

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

Brantley King

Turning 3 on Nov. 21. Wishing you a very happy birthday! We love you bunches, Pumpkin!

Dax

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

Haley Warholak

Oct. 31 Happy Sweet Sixteen! We love you and are so proud of you! Mom, Dad, Jordan, Sierra and Kelsey.

Evan

Happy 8th birthday on Nov. 10! Your family loves you and wishes you the best birthday ever! Love, Mama, Dad, Brandy, Austin, Jacob, Chloe and Nana.

Danielle and Zach Morgan Happy first anniversary! Married Nov. 4, 2018. Love, Mom and Dad.

Jocey

The Lodge at Bridgemill

Happy birthday to, from left: Pat Buchanan, Flora Ella McIntire (100 years young), Carmen Dickman and Joe Dickman.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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.

Jeremiah Backlund

23 on Oct. 25. Happy birthday, sweetheart! Your birth is definitely something to celebrate. You mean the world to me. Love, Nicole.

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.

Baya Grace

Happy 5th birthday! We love you so much, Mommy, Daddy and Isla.

Happy Horsman family birthday month! Matt, Nov. 19 Ellen, Nov. 11 Hudson, Nov. 11 (Happy 2nd bday!) Hayes, Nov. 30 (Happy 1st bday!)

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

E-mail to: Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com December deadline is Nov. 10. Please specify TowneLaker. TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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

RIBBON CUTTING GrassRoots Tree And Turf Care 100 Holt Drive, Acworth 770-917-8200 www.grassrootsturf.com

EVENT CALENDAR 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

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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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.

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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. TOWNELAKER | 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.” TOWNELAKER | 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 22

TOWNELAKER | 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. TOWNELAKER | 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. 24

TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Around & About NOVEMBER

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.

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.

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.

2-3 Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Etowah River Park, Taste & Brews Country Fest is noon-7 p.m.

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.

The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Jingle Bell Shop 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. 10 a.m. Canton’s annual chili cookoff and veterans parade take place, 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. 26

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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

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

public servant representatives. Coffee and doughnuts after the ceremony. www.woodstockga.gov. 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.

Special Christmas,” a family musical 15-16 “Papa’s 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 770-926-9755 or 770-926-0397 or email BascombPrayers@gmail.com.

the Season to be Green Recycling Event is 16 ‘Tis 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the Woodstock Elementary

School parking lot, 230 Rope Mill Road. Accepting electronics, batteries, textiles, cell phones, etc. For more details, visit www.WoodstockParksandRec.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.

Over Woodstock 5K and Chili Cookoff, 30 atWings 2 p.m. at Noonday Creek Trail (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.

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 TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Around & About DECEMBER

2-15 Mailbox

Children can drop off their letters to Santa at Santa’s , 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.

6 www.cantonga.gov for details.

Christmas in Canton is planned for 6-9 p.m. Visit

March of the Toys, the Christmas Toys for Tots parade, begins at 7 p.m. in Ball Ground.

6-8,13-15 Cherokee Theatre Company, is set for 8 “Greetings,” a performance by the

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.

Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights in Woodstock begins at 5:30 p.m. at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Road, and travels down Main Street to Sam’s Club at Highway 92. For road closures and parade map, visit www.WoodstockParksandRec.com. Festival: 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 Holiday, People’s Choice, Most Original Floats, and the History and Heritage Award Float. 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.

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.

DECEMBER ONGOING 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. www.inwdstk.org.

YPOW AM

Young Professionals of Woodstock meet 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Copper Coin. www.inwdstk.org. 28

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET 8:30 a.m.-noon, every Saturday through Dec. 28. Market Street, downtown Woodstock. 5-8 p.m. every Tuesday at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm St.

ELM STREET THEATER www.elmstreetarts.org

Nov. 1

iThink Improv Troupe Show begins at 8 p.m.

Family friendly.

Nov. 15-17

“Willy Wonka Jr.” The delicious adventures

of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m, Saturday and Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. Rated G. A sensory friendly performance is planned for 2:30 p.m. Nov. 16. An ASL interpreted performance begins at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 17.

COED @ THE CIRCUIT 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600 www.cherokeega.org • www.facebook.com/ cherokeeofficeofeconomicdevelopment

1 Million Cups Cherokee (1MC CHK)

First and third Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. First Wednesdays are held at The Circuit, third Wednesdays are held in different Cherokee County cities. The free, biweekly coffee gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level. Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to practice their pitch skills, gain valuable feedback, or belong to a community.

The Lunch Circuit

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second Wednesdays. A monthly exclusive lunch gathering of aspiring and current entrepreneurs to eat, build community and learn the stories behind successful Cherokee entrepreneurs.

Woodstock WordPress Meet-Up

First and third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Local WordPress developers, designers and publishers get together to share knowledge and experience, and to meet other WordPress users in the area.

For more information 770-926-9229 NorthGaOBGYN.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 404, Woodstock, GA 30189

We offer comprehensive services in women’s health. OB/GYN SERVICES & SURGICAL PROCEDURES: • Annual Well-Woman Exams

• HPV Vaccines

• Robotic Hysterectomies

• Fertility Evaluations

• Contraception Management

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomies

• Maternity Care

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Diagnostic Laparoscopy

• Cervical Cancer Screening

• Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

Our experienced and specially trained staff include mid-wife, Shelly Ray, CNM and physician assistant Michelle Clardy, PA-C to meet all of our patients’ needs.

Esther Dorzin MD, MPH

Angela Falany MD, FACOG

Michael Hulse MD, FACOG

Najia Lawrence MD, FACOG TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Towne Lake Dining Cancun Mexican Grill

Mexican 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #200 770-693-4680 cancunmexicangrill.net

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

China Fun

Chinese 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671 chinafunwoodstock.com

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

El Ranchero

Mexican 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616 elranchero8.com

Family Tradition

Homestyle Cooking 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885 familytradition.net

GAMEDAY Fresh Grill American/Burgers 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754 gamedayfresh.com

Izumi Asian Bistro

Thai/Sushi/Chinese 2035 Towne Lake Parkway 678-238-1899 iloveizumi.com

JD’s Bar-B-Que

Barbeque 6557 Bells Ferry Road 678-445-7730 jdsbbq.com

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Johnny’s Pizza Pizza/Pasta/ Salad 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494 johnnyspizza.com

Kani House

Japanese Steak/Sushi 2455 Towne Lake Parkway, #110 770-592-5264 kanihouse.com

Keegan's Irish Pub

Irish/Pub 1085 Buckhead Crossing, #140 770-627-4393 keegansirishpub.net

KPOP BBQ

Korean BBQ 1105 Parkside Lane 770-485-3055

La Parrilla

Mexican 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606 laparrilla.com

LongHorn

Steakhouse 1420 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-5494 longhornsteakhouse.com

Maple Street Biscuit Co. Southern 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, #160 678-903-2161 maplestreetbiscuits.com

Mellow Mushroom

Pizza/Pasta 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331 mellowmushroom.com

NaNa Thai Eatery

Thai 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. Suite 110 770 -485-6008

NY Style Deli & Pizza Pizza/Subs/ Bakery 2340 Towne Lake Parkway 678-426-7004 pizzabymansi.com

Panera Bread

Bakery/Soups/Sandwiches 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809 panerabread.com

Peking & Tokyo

Chinese/Japanese 200 Parkbrooke Drive, #160 770-591-8858 pekingandtokyoga.com

Song’s Garden

Chinese 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #320 770-928-8387 songsgarden.com

Tavern at Towne Lake American 1003 Towne Lake Hills East 770-592-9969 tavernattownelake.com

The Place

Bar/Grill 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901 theplacebargrill.com

Tuscany

Italian 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888 mytuscanyrestaurant.com

Volcano Steak & Sushi Asian 2990 Eagle Drive, #100, 101 678-498-7888 volcanowoodstock.com

WOW Pho & Grill

Vietnamese 6242 Bells Ferry Road, #118 678-383-6099 On Facebook at: Wow Pho & Grill

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

A Soldier Come W W

A local veteran shows his respect. Photo courtesy of J King Images. 32

TOWNELAKER | 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 Towne Lake Turns Out

Cherokee County 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. TOWNELAKER | November 2019

IN THE SPOTLIGHT • The business.

What do you get when a butcher and a baker become great friends? You get a local shop dedicated to providing customers with fresh meat, seafood, prepared meals and delicious baked goods, every day of the week. The Butcher and a Baker is owned by friends Kellie Block and Sandy Kluger. They say they love how food brings people together and their goal is to provide easy chef-inspired meals, the freshest cuts of meat and seafood, along with specialty cakes, cupcakes and other freshly baked pastries.

1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 140, Woodstock 30189

770-517-2225

11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday www.thebutcherandabaker.com

“This place is amazing! I love the convenient prepared meals when my husband doesn’t want to cook. He loves being able to select his choice of meat and have it cut to order. The sides are delicious!” - Jennifer

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• What’s unique.

With the holidays quickly approaching, this Towne Lake shop offers fresh turkey as well as turducken - quantities will be limited. Offerings also include family style sides such as chef-prepared stuffing, mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, sauteed brussels sprouts, house-made gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, specialty cakes and pies, and so much more. For Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, standing rib roast, beef tenderloin, stuffed turkey breast, rolled pork roast, pork crown roast, lamb crown roast, live lobsters and many more speciality items will be available to make your holiday meal special. Fresh house-made compound butters complement all of these offerings.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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.

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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 non-comprehensive 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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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.” 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.

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.

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

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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Fall Accents Make Your Home Cozy BY PACITA WILSON

Now that fall and cooler weather are here, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x2C6;&#x2019; 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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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?

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.

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Local Doctors,

National Reputation Most metro Atlantans are accustomed to long commutes, but can you imagine traveling across the country for a physician visit? It happens at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, where patients traveled from 27 states for treatment last year due to a growing reputation for expertise in pelvic reconstruction, vaginal rejuvenation and urinary incontinence. The practice has three physicians who are double board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as the subspecialty female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS), also known as urogynecology. It’s a draw for patients seeking help for complex issues related to pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Patients share high enthusiasm for Cherokee Women’s Health - but their reasons vary, falling into three very different categories.

Why Patients Choose Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 1. Expertise “I’m thrilled I found an expert.” After the birth of her second child, Janie felt that her entire pelvic area was “wrecked.” She described a sensation of “everything falling down,” and that

“nothing felt right anymore.” Janie wanted someone with surgical expertise to help restore her body. Although she lives in Tennessee, she contacted Cherokee Women’s Health. “Dr. Michael Litrel performed my vaginoplasty and he’s simply amazing! I feel absolutely wonderful and have done nothing but brag about him and his staff. I highly recommend their office. I was expecting more pain and downtime, but I feel great! From the time I first got

Drs. Litrel and Haley - part of the team the readers voted “Best Surgeons.”

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

in contact with them, things fell into place and went so smoothly. I’ve never experienced this kind of excellent service at any other doctor’s office. I was treated with such amazing courtesy and respect. I could not be happier with the care I received.” Julia, a patient from North Carolina, was suffering from a constant urge to go to the bathroom and, like Janie, felt like her insides were falling out. She wanted a doctor who was an expert in female pelvic health, and she found Dr. James Haley. She was diagnosed with a prolapsed bladder, which required surgery. “I was thrilled to pieces because I knew I had found a doctor with the knowledge and expertise I was looking for. I was also happy with Dr. Haley’s kind and patient demeanor. I recovered much faster than I thought, and I am so thankful I have my life back. It’s worth traveling the distance when you know you’re in good hands.”

2. Relationships “I love my OB/GYN.” Hundreds of online reviews testify that the doctor-patient relationship is very important. In fact, patients say their physician at Cherokee Women’s Health is the first health care provider who has ever listened to them. “Dr. Peahen Gandhi is the only OB/GYN that has ever sat down with me prior to exam and really listened to me. No doctor has ever done that before. Usually, they just talk over me. I have never been to a more caring, competent doctor. I truly feel that she is the best doctor I’ve ever had. Referrals will forever be made to Dr.

Dr. Hale is one of Cherokee Women’s 3 “Top Docs,” Atlanta magazine.

Dr. Hale spends extra time with a young GYN patient.

Gandhi by me,” Karen W. said. A patient named Carrie visited Dr. Kathryn Hale. “Dr. Hale was absolutely FANTASTIC. I can’t say enough good things. She made me very comfortable, and really listened to my concerns. I really appreciate her very open and caring demeanor, and her approach to providing care for the issues I was concerned with.” Dr. Kawami Clay has a fan in patient Giselle F. “I will forever be grateful to Dr. Clay for her attentiveness and honesty with me during the last weeks of pregnancy... an emergency C-section saved me and my daughter’s life!” “Dr. Britton Crigler was wonderful!” Stephanie, a patient, said. “He listened to our wishes and was super gentle and patient with me and my first baby boy. We are so grateful!” In fact, patients like Stephanie helped ensure that each physician at Cherokee Women’s Health was nominated in 2018 and 2019 for the coveted list of Mom-Approved OBs, published by Atlanta Parent magazine.

3. Relief “I experienced relief for the first time in years.” For women who are not pregnant, gynecologic care often means nothing more than a routine annual exam. But when pain or bleeding interferes with their daily lives, women look to their physician for more - they want relief. When Tiffany was in middle school and began to menstruate, life as she knew it changed. That’s because she

was one of the 1-in-10 females who suffer from a combination of PCOS and endometriosis, a condition that often goes undiagnosed. Tiffany’s cycle was always irregular, and she began to experience a great deal of pain, sometimes bleeding three weeks out of the month. When Tiffany was 21, the pain and bleeding were so severe that she went to the emergency room. An ultrasound showed a tangerine-sized cyst on one of her ovaries. The emergency room doctor recommended that she follow up with a gynecologist. Tiffany made an appointment at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, where she was diagnosed with PCOS. During a procedure to remove the large cysts, she also was treated for endometriosis by having painful scar tissue removed. Tiffany began to have regular cycles, her pain lessened, and she had energy again. “I experienced relief for the first time in years,” she said. During one of those appointments, she received the welcome news that — against all odds — she was pregnant! She and her husband were ecstatic. “The whole practice is wonderful. Each provider I have seen has treated me well and has shown me they care,” Tiffany said. “I recommend Cherokee Women’s Health to all of my friends.” While the reasons may vary why patients travel to Cherokee Women’s Health from as far as Alaska, Maine, Washington, Montana and California, the common denominator is always this: A happy patient.

Dr. Gandhi and Jourdan show why Cherokee Women’s is “Readers’ Choice.”

Patients traveled from 27 states for treatment in 2018

OB/GYN and UROGYNECOLOGY Canton: 227 Riverstone Dr. Woodstock: Towne Lake Overlook Medical Building 100 Stoneforest Dr., Ste 200

770-720-7733 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1:30-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday

www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Facebook: cherokeewomenshealth Twitter: atlantaobgyn Instagram: Cherokee_womens_health Pinterest: Atlantaobgyn YouTube: Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists

PHOTOS BY J. KING IMAGES

AWARDS Multiple physicians in the practice voted to Atlanta magazine’s prestigious list of “Atlanta Top Docs” by their peers. Voted Readers’ Choice “Best OB/GYN” for multiple years and “2019 Best Surgeon” in Aroundabout Local Media magazines in Towne Lake, Woodstock and Canton. Voted “Mom-Approved OBs” by readers of Atlanta Parent magazine. Sponsored Content TOWNELAKER | November 2019

In which room will you be replacing the flooring? A. Living room B. Bedroom C. Kitchen D. Bathroom

What is most important to you? A. Timeless look that won’t go out of style. B. Floor that is comfortable, soft, warm. C. Easy to take care of. D. Durable, lasts a very long time.

How many kids and pets (combined) live in your home? A. 0 B. 1-2 C. 3-5 D. 6 or more

Is moisture a concern?

POP

QUIZ

A. Floor will not be exposed to water. B. Would only get wet if I had a flood. C. Sometimes the floor will get wet. D. Water gets on the floor every day. What is your budget? A. $$$ B. $ C. $$ D. $$$$

DIY or professionally installed? A. Professional installation; I’m making an

Which Flooring Is Right for You?

investment, I want the job done right.

B. I need a professional; don’t have the right tools. C. My floor is uneven, I don’t know how to correct the problem. I need a pro.

D. A professional crew that does this every day can do it much quicker than I could.

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Are you ready for new floors in your home, but not sure what kind to choose? New flooring is an important decision for any homeowner, so here’s a short quiz to help you choose the best flooring for you, your family and lifestyle.

Now tally up your answers to see which letter you chose more. A. Hardwood floors are a great choice for you.

Beautiful, timeless, but require more care than other floors.

B. Carpet is for you. Budget friendly and cozy. C. Luxury vinyl or laminate is what you should Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

look at. Scratch resistant, water resistant, great wood looks and tile looks to choose from.

D. Ceramic/porcelain tile is for you. Durable and waterproof, the best choice for a bathroom.

TOWNELAKER | 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. 48

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Noah Fornuto with special ed teacher Amanda Farist.

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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. 50

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

The Cost of Unexpected Long Term Care BY JOSHUA NELSON

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 70% of Americans who reach the age of 65 will need some form of long-term care for an average of 3 years. Based on my experience, I know that most elderly people have failed to plan for long-term care, even though many eventually will need it. Although aging seniors definitely are worried about the need for long-term care, most people don’t like contemplating a future of poor health, disability and eventual death. I have found these to be their three principal concerns: • Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others. • Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care. • Having enough money for everyday needs, and not outliving assets and income. The fear of not being able to maintain their lifestyle can be devastating to the elderly. No wonder many elderly care recipients withdraw, become angry and suffer from severe depression. The cost of care can be enormous. Fortunately, family caregivers, friends and community organizations, such as churches, provide most of the care services in this country at no cost. At some point, these nonpaid volunteers become

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

overwhelmed, and cannot handle the scope of services needed for many long-term care recipients. Even worse, some who need care don’t have family or community support to provide that care. This means paid commercial services are needed. Genworth Insurance Co. provides an annual survey on the costs of home care, assisted living and nursing homes across the country in various cities and regions. The latest survey, from 2018, reveals the median cost of U.S. care services for a single individual is the following: Homemaker services — $4,004 a month Home health aides — $4,195 a month Assisted living — $4,000 a month Nursing home, semi-private room — $7,441 a month Nursing home, private room — $8,365 a month Just three years of these kinds of out-of-pocket expenses would wipe out $280,000 to $500,000 of retirement savings, depending on the facility. Long-term care is typically not what retirement savings were intended to pay for. Joshua Nelson is an elder care law attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Bldg. 900, Suite 200, Woodstock, GA, 30189. www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.

Our Family of OB/GYN Specialists is

Welcoming New Patients “Love, love, love this office! The staff is so patient and understanding and the doctors are wonderful and very thorough! I couldn’t ask for a better group of caring people.” – Emily E. Cherokee Women’s Health has been caring for women in N. Georgia for 26 years. All of our 10 providers live locally, are part of the community, and believe in treating patients like family.

We’re here with you from beginning to birth, which means one of our doctors will deliver your baby at Northside Hospital Cherokee.

GYN

We’re the only OB/GYN with 3 double board-certified urogynecologists so we can diagnose and treat complicated female health issues.

Call Us Today

770.720.7733 Canton and Woodstock

cherokeewomenshealth.com WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM 54

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

F191850-L - Aroundabout Local 3.63x10

BY ANN LITREL

ometimes I wonder if bagging leaves started as a practical joke on us homeowners. As an artist and a gardener, I can tell you that getting rid of leaves is one of those suburban traditions that just doesn’t make sense.

Leaves are great natural mulch.

From a gardener’s perspective, leaves are healthy. They are nature’s great compost, perfectly designed to enrich the roots of trees, shrubs and flowers. They have nutrients in them that the trees draw up from deep in the soil. Why would we throw them out? From an artist’s perspective, leaves are no problem. They’re brown, just like mulch. They look great in your beds, around your shrubs. If your leaves look too big, just run the edges of your beds over a few times with a mower or put them in a shredder before you blow them into your shrubbery beds. The entire trick to mulching with leaves is this: edges. If you can’t part with the look of neat beds, purchase a few bags of brown mulch. Mound the mulch along the edges of the beds. Six inches in, let it thin out. Take a few handfuls and scatter it into the bed so the mulch blends into the natural shredded leaves. Take it from an artist - the human eye is mysteriously attracted to neat edges, and for some reason will ignore all kinds of messiness - if only the edges are neat. Save money on mulch. Save money on fertilizer. Leave the leaves.

Go Ahead, Start Dreaming… WE’LL TAKE CARE OF THE REST

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Leaves are a haven for pollinators.

Leaves make a healthier landscape. They hold moisture. Among the leaves are the cocoons of hundreds of butterflies and moths who are natural pollinators. Along with the leaves in our beds are dry stems and pieces of wood that shelter small pollinating bees over the winter. The nutrients and microbes of leaf litter sustain thousands of insects and small animals who eat them - snails, fireflies, lizards, birds, turtles, salamanders … They all depend on the nutrients of leaf litter for the foundation of their food chain.

Trends favor healthier landscaping.

In the past few years, savvy communities and neighborhoods have been easing away from the sterile look of chemical- and maintenance-dependent turf. These neighborhoods have developed standards that allow more natural designs of native grasses and wildflower landscaping. Pollinators thrive. Dragonflies flourish and control mosquitos. The healthiest and most stress-free fall yard you’ve ever enjoyed might be yours with this one simple idea ... Leave the leaves.

Ann Litrel is an artist, writer and certified Master Naturalist. She works in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.

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TOWNELAKER | 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. 56

TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

The Evolution of Vehicle Keys BY DANNY BRANOM

One thing that won’t ever change in this world is that things change. What we did in the past generally isn’t what we do today. The same can be said of the vehicles we operate and depend on to get us around. For example, the size and weight of current vehicles is vastly different than what our parents drove. Today’s vehicles are smaller in size and lighter in weight. It’s not necessarily a good or bad thing, it’s just part of the evolution of the automobile. Changes also have taken place with vehicle keys. When I was growing up, a vehicle required two different keys, one for the ignition switch, to start the vehicle’s engine, and the other to lock/unlock the doors and trunk. Then, car manufacturers changed to a single key that would start the engine and lock/unlock the doors and trunk. From there, electronic keys were introduced, allowing a single key and a few additional buttons on the key fob you could push to lock and unlock the doors. Finally, in newer models, the ignition switch vanished and now you use a button to start and shut off your engine, as long as your key is close by. For us car buffs,

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

the start button originally was used on early model vehicles. The technology used for keyless, push-button ignitions involves a wireless signal. The bad news is that most manufacturers’ keys continually send out a signal that can be captured with a scanning device and duplicated for later use. That’s right, the criminals don’t have to steal your car keys, they only have to capture your keys’ signal. Think about that for a minute; you are at the grocery store shopping for dinner, and your key is transmitting its code as you walk up and down the aisles. Just like that, your signal is captured, replicated and your vehicle is gone before you get out of the checkout line. There are easy ways to prevent this from happening to you and your family, and I’ll be sharing tips and details on how to do so in my next article, in the January issue.

Danny Branom is owner/operator of Christian Brothers Automotive in Towne Lake. 770-926-4500. www.cbac.com/townelake.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

The Great Lake

CLEANUP BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

The 34th annual Great Lake Cleanup, considered one of the largest lake cleanups in the nation, took place Oct. 5. The weather was overcast and windy, with temps in the low 80s, which was awesome, considering the record breaking heat that had preceded the event. More than 3,500 registered volunteers, mainly Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups, participated in the one-day cleanup, gathering more than 6 tons of trash and 89 tires around the lake. Afterward, 1,045 people attended the appreciation picnics at Galt's Ferry Day Use in Cherokee County and Riverside Day Use Area in Bartow County. Both Old Highway 41 No. 3 and Sweetwater Campgrounds were filled to capacity from Friday afternoon until Sunday with registered volunteers who camped for free at the two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facilities. Thank you to all the people who volunteered, and the 41 sponsors that assisted with this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event. We hope to see you in 2020 at the next Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup!

More than 3,500 volunteers registered for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cleanup, gathering more than 6 tons of trash from around Lake Allatoona. 60

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Christopher Purvis is the lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.

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 TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Towne Lake Area Homes Sold in September

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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

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.

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-

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.

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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. 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

For example, currently, single-family detached homes in Woodstock in the $100,000-$399,000 range show 3 or less 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 less 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

@ the Library

Sequoyah Regional Library System • www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

Librarian Kara R. poses with the pop-up library at the Canton Farmers Market, where guests received library cards and checked out books.

ROSE CREEK

WOODSTOCK

4476 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock 770-591-1491

7735 Main St., Woodstock 770-926-5859

Nov. 12

Nov. 7

Atlanta Astronomy Club and learn about the winter wonders in the sky. For all ages.

Drop in, play games, and enjoy some refreshments as we celebrate International Games Week. For all ages.

Evening with an Astronomer at 6 p.m. Spend the evening with members of

Nov. 21

LEGO Robotics Club at 6 p.m. Take apart and rebuild LEGO Mindstorm robots. For teens in grades 6-12.

HICKORY FLAT 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-7565

Nov. 19

Teen Manga Club at 5 p.m. Read and discuss different manga series and related topics, draw characters, and compete in manga/anime-inspired group games. For teens in grades 6-12.

Nov. 20

Music & Moves at 10:30 a.m. Get moving and grooving with parachute play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one action-packed hour. 68

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Family Game Night at 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 14

Résumé Workshop at 5:30 p.m.

Stop by the computer lab for tips and tricks to polish your résumé. Please bring a digital or paper working copy of your resume. Call to register.

Nov. 26

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. Enjoy the traditional Charlie Brown Thanksgiving dinner as you watch the annual TV special. For teens in grades 6-12.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

The Riches of a Loving Marriage BY BILL RATLIFF

Recently, I was sitting outside a strip mall, where I watched a couple walk out of a store hand-in-hand. They appeared to be of meager means, and it looked to me that life had aged them beyond their years. Yet, this couple, who on the surface seemed to have very little in worldly things, demonstrated what really matters in a relationship. The kindness of their smiles to each other, the genuineness of their hand-holding, his manners of opening the car door for her — all were a reminder to me as a marriage partner to make the most of every moment I have with my wife, and to thank God for her every day, no matter what our circumstances may be. This experience reminded me of a couple I knew at the church where I served in seminary. They were povertystricken. Their home was in great need of repair, and, as far as I could tell, their wood siding never had been painted. They survived off vegetables they planted together in their garden. Every Christmas, the church would bring them a large fruit basket filled with tasty goodies and some much needed cash. They inspired me, because they never asked for anything or complained. Instead, they encouraged and supported the

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missions and ministries of the church, even when they could not afford it. These two couples remind me of the incorrectness of our thinking about the poor. I hate the fact that people all over the world live in poverty. Yet, despite their financial situations, people do rise up. I believe it could be that a financially poor couple is the greatest giving couple on earth. Jesus affirmed that idea in Luke 6:20, where he says, “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“

Date Your Mate

Spend time with your mate during Thanksgiving, not just eating fried, smoked or baked turkey and watching football, but also thanking God for all that he has given you. You might look for an opportunity to bless someone in need with a Thanksgiving dinner, too. You could provide this through a gift card, a turkey or a meal delivered to their house, or help serve at one of the local agencies providing meals.

Bill Ratliff is a pastoral counselor and certified life coach. Contact him at billratliffcatalyst@gmail.com or www.billratliffcatalyst.com.

Celebrate Holy Days, Not Just Holidays BY THE REV. SONNY SELLERS

Here we are in the heart of fall, preparing for what comes next − the holidays. The word holiday comes from Old English meaning holy day, the only time people really got a break from hard labor. Now, it seems to mean more work getting ready for the holidays. The big one is Christmas, and more and more of us complain that Christmas stuff comes out too early. In Old Europe, the practice was to prep and decorate as late as Christmas Eve. That’s when the tree was brought into the house and the Christmas season continued for 12 days. Remember the song? In America, Christmas Day is the end of the season because the New Year is coming fast. When should the season begin? Maybe, we could at least wait until after Halloween, but no later than Thanksgiving and the Macy’s parade. That’s when my tree comes into the house (and it’s dry as a matchstick by Christmas Day). Churches have a hard time making Christmas a holy day rather than just a holiday. The worst quandary is when Christmas falls on a Sunday, and churches must decide about services. Do we have them, and what times? It seems church Christmas programs get squeezed in

between school, work and community events. Again, people are busy trying to prepare for that “day free of labor.” I want to encourage all of us to prepare for, but also to prioritize, these holy days. What is the best way your family can spend dedicated time together? We all enjoy the stories of the season: the Grinch, Charlie Brown, our favorite Christmas movies, but, for holy days, I want to encourage you to seek out stories that incorporate the original story of Christmas. Christmas is Christ Mass, a service (Mass) dedicated to Christ. Have you heard the story of Papa? He believed Jesus was coming to his little shoe shop for a special visit on Christmas Day. All that day he is interrupted by other people – each one with a special need. What does Papa do? Does he help the people, or ignore them to focus on his preparations for Jesus’ visit? I’ll let you look up the ending to that story. Happy Holy Days!

The Rev. Sonny Sellers is an elder serving Bascomb United Methodist Church. A teacher, musician and actor at heart, he can be reached at sonny.sellers@ngumc.net.

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

School News Local Student Writer Chosen as a Kid Reporter 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. Bryce Jones. Photo courtesy of Scholastic Kids During the program’s 20th Press. 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 Prize-winning 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.

District SAT Scores Exceed State and National Averages Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2019 topped state and national averages on the SAT, according to results released by the College Board. The Class of 2019 earned an average total score of 1115 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam — the most commonly recognized measure of achievement for high school students. The score exceeds the national public school average by 76 points and the state average by 67 points, outscoring both by wider margins than the previous year. The SAT measures critical reading and mathematics abilities related to successful performance in college. It includes two 800-point sections: evidence based reading and writing (ERW) and mathematics, with a possible total score of 1600; a third section, a writing exam, is optional. The average ERW score for Cherokee County district students is 566, and the math is 549. All district high schools topped national and state averages on the exam; their scores are: Cherokee, 1093 (557 ERW, 536 math); Creekview, 1127 (569 ERW, 559 math); Etowah, 1128 — the highest average in the district (573 ERW, 555 math); River Ridge, 1108 (566 ERW, 541 math); Sequoyah, 1116 (571 ERW, 545 math); and Woodstock, 1116 (562 ERW, 553 math).

Special Athletes Receive a Special Send-off

Students line the hallways, prepared to cheer on their Special Olympics athletes. 72

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E.T. Booth Middle School recently celebrated its Special Olympics athletes with an extra special send-off for the Cherokee County School District’s Special Olympics Awareness Games. The student athletes walked through campus, where hallways and walkways were lined with cheering students and teachers, and the school’s band. The bus of athletes was led to River Ridge High School for the Awareness Games by a motorcade of police cruisers, motorcycles and a K9 unit. “It was a spectacular event that my students will never forget,” special education teacher Lori Salvino said. “The love and pride these students felt today will always be in their hearts.”

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

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Oct. 2, 2019

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Students, staff, parents and a few family dogs participated in Bascomb Elementary’s Walk to School Day event, sponsored by the Bascomb PTA. International Walk to School Day is a global event, with participation in communities from more than 40 countries, that involves walking and biking to school on the same day. It began in 1997 as a one-day event. The event now has become part of a movement for yearround safe routes to school and a celebration – with record breaking participation from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico – each October. Next year’s Walk to School Day is Oct. 7.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

International Food Festival

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. 76

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Festival attendees were entertained by dancers, from left: Marko Petrovic, Olivia Vattelana, Anthony Vattelana, Jazmin Wagner, Michael Vastakis and Kyra Chronis.

Oct. 12-13 St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church

Kyra and Lily Vega share a cup of ice cream.

Fresh corn roasting over a fire pit. Top right, Zoe Juarez enjoys her ear of roasted corn. TOWNELAKER | November 2019

School News 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.

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

Members of Woodstock’s SkillsUSA team. 78

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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 eye-opening experience has shown me that not all people have the same advantages as others.”

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 TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to everyone who entered the September competition, "Beach/Water's Edge."

Digital Projection:

1st Bill Bradford "Kissin'"

3rd Donald Newton "The Duck River Swirl"

2nd Rebecca Blackwell "Midnight on the Georgia Coast"

Color Print:

1st Eillene Kirk "Sunrise at Driftwood Beach" 80

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

2nd Rick Sapp "Edge of the World"

Monochromatic Print:

1st Rebecca Blackwell "Gone Fishing"

3rd Becky Sapp "Wade in the Water"

2nd Bill Bradford "Black Ice"

3rd Mike Voeltner "Lake Trahlyta Shoreline"

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. Please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@ comcast.net for more information. TOWNELAKER | November 2019

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Ahimsa House helps domestic violence victims 24-hours a day get their pets to safety. 404-452-6248. www.ahimsahouse.org. Anna Crawford Children’s Center, dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through prevention and intervention services. 678-504-6388. www.cherokeechildadvocates.org. Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness, helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560. CASA for Children has programs to increase safety and improve educational, social and emotional functioning of children impacted by abuse. 770-345-3274. www.casacherokee.org. CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations, sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. 770-592-8072. Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 770-479-1703. Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org. Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Bill Queen, 404-441-3508. www.cherokeefca.org. Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115. admin@cchumanesociety.org. www.cchumanesociety.org. Cherokee FOCUS works to improve lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. 770-345-5483. www.cherokeefocus.org. Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. 770-345-5312. 770-345-5320. www.cherokeega.com/senior-services. Cherokee Young Life for high school students, meets Monday nights at Bradshaw Farm clubhouse, 7853 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 104, Woodstock 30188. 678 653-5707. www.cherokeecounty.younglife.org. Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. 678-640-3512. www.communityveterinarycare.com. Companion Animal Connection 678-493-9847. www.adoptapet.com. Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com. Feed My Lambs, Inc. provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. 770-795-9348. office@feedmylambs.net. www.feedmylambs.net. Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org. Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. 770-842-8893. www.funds4furryfriends.com. Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats. 770-704-PAWS (7297). www.theanimalproject.org. Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org.

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618. www.goshenvalley.org

Green Shelters America animal rescue group. 770-712-4077. GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com. www.GreenSheltersAmerica.com. Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia, 770-587-9697. www.habitat-ncg.org. Healing Hands Youth Ranch offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and healing. 770-633-4451. www.hhyr.org. HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. 678-391-5950. www.hqmg.org. HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 770-924-0864. info@hopectr.com. www.hopectr.com. HOPE Center — Seeds Thrift Store offers men, women & children’s clothing, furniture & other home goods. 770-517-4450. www.seedsthriftstore.com. Life Connection Ministries provides humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com. Matthew E. Russell Foundation establishes literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org. MUST Ministries provides groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org. National Alliance for Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org. Never Alone provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. 770-592-1227. www.nextstepministries.net. The North Georgia Angel House Girls Home, residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn selfsufficiency. 770-479-9555. www.angelhousega.com. North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. 706-253-6303. www.ngapregnancy.org. Papa’s Pantry, a year-round food ministry that includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. 770-591-4730. www.papaspantry.org. Pet Buddies Food Pantry provides pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs to families in need. 678-310-9858. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org. Safe Kids Cherokee County offers free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808. www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org. SmileUp! Charitable Foundation works to get children involved in volunteering with local charities that help children. www.smileupfoundation.org. SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Offers mission trips. 770-516-1108. www.servone.org.

Timothy’s Cupboard, a food pantry associated with Timothy Lutheran Church at 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. 770-591-5515 www.timothylutheran.360unite.com/timothyscupboard-home.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation fosters a national dialog toward finding the cause, cure and prevention of ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. 478-397-5542. www.theblueribbonfoundation.org. Volunteer Aging Council helps raise funds for seniors in Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. 770-310-3474. www.vac-cherokeega.org.

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

AA Meetings Canton: 9:30 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Mondays at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html. Abortion Recovery Helping those who have been impacted by abortion. 678-223-3519. Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton: 8 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays Al-Anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2208, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-516-3502. American Heart Assoc. - Cherokee Div. 678-385-2013. American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695. A-Typical Parkinson’s Education and Support Group Meets 6:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Ball Ground UMC, 3045 Canton Hwy. in Ball Ground. Contact Norma Schmidt at 770-366-9585. Caregivers Alzheimers Spousal Support Group Meets: 12:30 p.m. first Tuesday of every month for lunch at Benton House of Woodstock, 3385 Trickum Road. 678-494-4500. woodstockinfo@bentonhouse.com. Celebrate Recovery, Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. 770-366-7515. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644. www.sixesumc.org. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House, 678-459-2347. www.MinistryHouse.org. Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660. www.celebraterecovery.com. Cherokee County Support Group for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs. 404-402-0571, 770-337-0294, jhmom88@comcast.net or christystephenson@msn.com. Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org. Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock. www.cherokeeministers.org. Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock. 770-793-7818.

Georgia Canines for Independence. 404-824-4637. gcidogs@aol.com. www.gcidogs.org. Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors through small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. 727-251-7690. info@gracevalleyministries.org. www.gracevalleyministries.org. Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). 770-919-9275. Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta chapter for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com. La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church. 678-315-7686. 770-517-0191.

Male Veteran Support Group

Meets 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays at First Baptist Church Woodstock in Building "A" Room 260. Light snacks provided. MOMS Club of Woodstock-Towne Lake momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com. www.sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock. MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-924-4777. Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. 678-677-2589.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter. Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont. 678-493-3618. Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-345-8687. Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Meets: Various times during the year. Schedule at www.cherokeechamber.com. 770-345-0400. Gini@CherokeeChamber.com. Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. www.cherokeetoastmasters.com. The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. 678-789-6158. www.xperienceconnections.com/ spotlight/woodstock/. Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 678-389-3887. www.tlba.org. Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7-8:30 a.m. Fridays at Freight Kitchen & Tap, 251 E. Main St., Woodstock. 404-816-3377. www.powercore.net. Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first Wednesday of the month at Tavern at Towne Lake. info@womenofwoodstock.com. www.womenofwoodstock.com. Woodstock PowerCore Team Meets: 7 a.m. on Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-952-5000 ext. 20.

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

Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program Contact Jim Lindenmayer at Jlindenmayer80@gmail. com or 678-983-7590, or Mike Satterly at 404-680-2412. Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 404-663-4663.

CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS

AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Lunch is $15. 770-926-1944. Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room). www.saltcherokee.com. Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288. www.rockbarn.org. Citizen Oversight and Education 678-520-2236. citizenoversighteducation@yahoo.com.

Cherokee County Republican Party P.O. Box 1267, Woodstock 678-882-0915. www.cherokeecountygop.com. Contact us to verify meetings, time and locations. Follow us on Facebook and twitter. Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton. 770-592-7811. jkconkey@gmail.com. Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at Chick-fil-A, 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall. 770-294-0922. Republican Women of Cherokee County 678-520-2236. www.rwccga.com.

RECREATION & HOBBIES

Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events, outings. rrkelly@bellsouth.net.

Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. 770-345-8687.

Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Cherokee Meets: 8 a.m. first Monday, at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2107, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 678-468-9900. www.greatercherokeekiwanis.org.

Cherokee Community Chorale 678-439-8625. www.cherokeechorale.org.

Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy. 20. 770-393-1766. Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com. www.pilotinternational.com. Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 770-480-4179. Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock. www.townelakerotary.com. Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 678-428-6514. Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991. www.serviceleague.net. South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-926-3522. Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-715-3375. www.townelakeoptimists.com. Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. 770-926-8336. Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club www.woodstockjwc.org. Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Monday at New Victoria Baptist, 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. 770-906-2958. Woodstock Preservation Group 770-924-0406. http://preservationwoodstock.com/.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS

Cherokee County Democratic Party Monthly Social: 1 p.m. first Saturday at Canton IHOP. Monthly Business Meeting: 7-9 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot. Monthly Dinner Social: 6:30 p.m. second Thursday at Las Palmas, Holly Springs. 470-240-1529. www.cherokeedemocrats.com. Charles Ravenscraft, chairman@cherokeedemocrats.com. Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. www.cherokeelp.org.

Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton. 770-704-6244. www.CherokeeArts.org. Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803. www.caes.uga.edu/extension/ cherokee/mastergardeners. Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org. Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com. Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org. Cherokee Music Teachers Association 770-720-1701. www.cherokeemta.org. Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187. www.csaimpact.com. Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com. Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. www.christianauthorsguild.org. Firestorm Robotics Meets Wednesdays and Saturdays at Cherokee Makerspace, 6436 Highway 92, Suite 100, Acworth. 678-247-1972. firestormrobotics.org. Girl Scouts Atlanta Sherry Saunders, ssaunders@gsgatl.org 404-293-3511. www.girlscoutsatl.org. Kingdom Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. Les Marmitons, for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org. Neighbors and Newcomers of Towne Lake (NNTL) is a social club for residents of 30189 area code. 770-855-9623. www.nntlclub.com. Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com. William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. TOWNELAKER | November 2019

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

Canton Bible Church 94 North St., Canton CantonBibleChurch.org Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-439-5108, www.ccchurchonline.org

Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723, www.hopewellbaptist.com Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324, www.mtzb.org New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org Rising Hills Church 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock www.gorhc.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975, www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com

Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575, www.mynertamid.org Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137, www.etzchaim.net Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 770-642-0434, www.bethtikvah.com Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630, www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533, www.kolemeth.net

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS

Sar Shalom 180 Parkway 575, Suite 150, Woodstock

LUTHERAN

Celebration of Grace 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-345-8540, www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286, www.gslutheran.org

Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com

Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812, www.tlcwoodstock.org

CHURCH OF GOD

ORTHODOX

Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org

Canton Church 110 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 678-285-3288, www.cantonchurch.com

PRESBYTERIAN

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

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

Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068

First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538, www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349, www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415, www.HeritageCanton.com Hickory Road 2416 Hickory Road, Canton www.hickoryroad.org Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100, www.hbcacworth.org 84

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

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

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

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

EPISCOPAL

St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-485-0504, www.stelizabethga.org Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564, www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869, www.gracecanton.org

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003, www.ctrcec.com

Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-3558 , www.heritagepres.com

Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916, www.ecamarietta.org

Trinity 1136 Trinity Church Road, Canton www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org

Saint Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722, www.stclementscanton.org

Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074, www.woodstockpcusa.com

JEWISH

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255, www.jewishwestcobb.com

Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923, www.lasalettecanton.com

St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009, www.saintmichaelcc.org

Antioch Church 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193, www.antiochchurch.life

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

Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com

UNITED METHODIST

Ball Ground 3045 Canton Hwy, Ball Ground 770-735-6247, www.ballgroundumc.org

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

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755, www.bascombumc.org

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

Big Springs 2066 Sugar Pike Road, Woodstock Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502, www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480, www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030, www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-5969, www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883, www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920, www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495, www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0837, www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644, www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

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

OTHERS

Abiding Church 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766, www.abiding.church Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030, www.actionchurch.tv Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road, Canton 770-475-9628, www.antiochcanton.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572, www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280, www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733, www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Engage Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 150, Woodstock 678-445-8766 The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock 770-517-7265, www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560, www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-720-2227, www.fivestonesga.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841, www.freshspringsworship.com

Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170, www.lifechurchcanton.com Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347, http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 ,www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412, www.newcovenantcanton.org New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660, www.newlifecanton.com North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001, www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652, www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795, www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040, www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737, www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 8534 Main St., Woodstock 770-769-7495, www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100, www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795, www.thrivechapel.com Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100, www.unitynorth.org

Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135, www.fdvida.org

Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366, www.victoryga.com

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, www.godsrollingthunder.org

Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092, www.woodstockcity.org

His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500, www.hishandschurch.com

Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org

Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 452 Milton Drive, Canton 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com Life Bible Church 124 P. Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton www.lifebiblechurch.com

Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515, www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990, www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Advertisers

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

November 2019

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.debranski.com

Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com

Jones Family Law 770-479-1050 www.jonesfamilylawfirm.com

AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

Chloe's Auto Repair www.chloesautorepair.com

53 1

Towne Lake’s Carwash 31 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com 65

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

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Towne Lake Business Association www.tlba.org

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Goshen Homes 770-345-9535 www.goshenvalley.org/homes

TOWNELAKER | November 2019

Towne Lake Family Dentistry Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.townelakefamilydentistry.com

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

EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING

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

CHIROPRACTIC

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

Brookwood Christian Academy 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com

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

College Smartboard 678-379-8662 www.CollegeSmartboard.com

ClearView Softwash & Pressure Washing 42 770-926-1960 www.clearviewatl.com

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

Platinum One Soft Wash 770-630-9782 www.platinumonesoftwash.com

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

CREDIT UNION Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES 55

DENTAL

Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 35 678-505-8907 www.frankfurtforeignautomotive.com

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

CLEANING SERVICES

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC Inside front 678-250-9355 www.nelsoneldercarelaw.com

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

Next Step Ministries nextstepministries.net

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric) Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.bairdfamilydentistry.com Dentistry for Woodstock 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Levitt Orthodontics 770-516-6100 www.levittortho.com

Accounting Connections, LLC O:770-516-5987 C: 770-846-7799 www.accountingconnections.org

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

FITNESS R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

FUNERAL SERVICES 13

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 63 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 64 770-592-5554 and 770-345-4155 www.smiledoctors.com

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

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

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

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

Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Holiday Tour of Homes www.WoodstockJWC.org

The Townlake Handyman Service, LLC 770-966-2945

Jingle Mingle inwdstk.org/events

Ladies Christmas Brunch www.deniseroberts.org

Titan Tidings Christmas Gift Show

HOME DÉCOR Budget Blinds 678-540-1615 www.budgetblinds.com/woodstock

Neighborhood Nest, The 770-485-5898 www.theneighborhoodnestga.com

Pineapple Park Home 678-494-8494 www.pineapplepark.com

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

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

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 40 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Hardrockscapes 43 877-295-2060 www.hardrockscapes.com Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.landscapematters.com

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

NAIL SALON

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

CFM Electrical Services 678-614-9661

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

Shot from the Heart Photography 67 www.shotfromtheheartphotography.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

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

Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com

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

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.mrjunk1.com

Inside front

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

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

Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology 37 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

North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists 770-926-9229 www.NorthGaOBGYN.com

Atlanta Communities Tara Daigle 404-925-6351 Mary Hunter: 770-355-2611 www.theelizabethhouse.info.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Broadus Realty Group 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com

Gordon Mosley, Harry Norman Realtors 7 C: 404-667-3221, O: 404-495-8331 www.gordonsellsatl.com Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cvr 404-954-2486 www.kurtandsheilateam.com Lindsey Haas Team Direct line: 678-933-1962 Office: 770-240-2005 www.thehaasteam.net

29, 43

Sarah Terrell/Remax Town & Country 770-928-6525 www.realestateagent.net Windsong Properties, Westbrook 770-516-3678 www.windsonglife.com

RESTAURANTS/FOOD

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC Cover, 44, 45, 53 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.yourhearinglink.com

Rausch Family Practice 678-384-7305 www.judithrauschmd.com REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

Beth Fornuto Photography 770-846-3848 www.bethfornuto.com

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

PHOTOGRAPHY 5

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

Optimal Performance Medicine 9 678-250-0700 www.optimalperformancemedicine.com

INSURANCE

Main Street Nail Studio 770-928-2662

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

KPOP BBQ 770-485-3055

The Butcher and A Baker 770-517-2225 www.thebutcherandabaker.com

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

TRANSPORTATION EconoRides 27 678-218-7170 www.econorides.com

TOWNELAKER | 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.

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TOWNELAKER | November 2019