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AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Contents November 2020

Contributors

Art Jewelers

37 Don Akridge 42 Cherokee Office of Economic Development

On the Cover

From left, Angelica McDeermond, Andrew McDeermond, Dave Meadows, Jason Nails, and Jennifer Nails.

31 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists

Right, Restore17 house parents with boys who live in House of Hope.

33 Rev. Joseph Cousin 45 Brent Hollers

Pages 28 & 29

38 Beth Embry-Houchens

T1D Support

A support group on Facebook helps families like the Houchens, left, deal with a T1D diagnosis.

Scout’s Prosthetic Project

Daniel McCrobie combines his love of engineering with his calling to help others by creating artificial hands and arms.

36 Harry Johnston 50 Dr. Lulu Elkaiali 26 Rob Macmillan 48 Mary Migliaro 51 Justin Spainhour-Roth 27 Robert Tidwell 22 Pacita Wilson

In Every Issue

4 Around Woodstock 8 Local News 16 Noteworthy 24 Everyday Angels 26 Rob’s Rescues

34 Community Calendar 35 County Commision Highlights 46 School News 52 Recent Home Sales

Celebrating Our Athletes

The Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame has been around since 2003, honoring our favorite gridiron, basketball and other-sports stars.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

54 Directory of Advertisers

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Around Woodstock

IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting

Letter From the Editor

I’m thankful for so many things, among them the inspiring resiliency of Cherokee County residents during a difficult year. After the initial period of shutdowns, slowly but surely, we’ve come alive again, venturing out to test the waters. Our neighbors are pivoting to come up with new ways of carrying on life as usual. We have a few examples in this month’s issue. Beth Houchens created a diabetic support group through Facebook (page 38). When the Susan G. Komen 3-Day was canceled, Gloria Avillar and her daughter mapped out their own 60-mile trek for women who wanted to continue to promote breast cancer awareness (page 30). In our calendar on page 34, you’ll see many in-person events have gone to a virtual format, including the huge MUST fundraiser, Gobble Jog. While initially, pivoting took the place of panicking, I believe now it’s the norm. We’re accustomed to looking at newer and safer ways to live our lives. Which really isn’t a bad idea anyway! As a pastor’s wife, I’ve seen quite another side of serving others: making sure we conduct our meetings and services in such a way that we aren’t compromising the health of any of our members. I’ve lived in this county since 1987, and am still amazed when I learn things I didn’t know before. I had no idea Cherokee had a sports hall of fame … did you? Well, now you do. Turn to page 48 and read about it. And if you know Cecil Pruett, send him a thank you note for bringing the idea to us! It’s sort of like being married for 33 years (I say that as Glenn and I just celebrated our anniversary on Oct. 18) and discovering new things about your spouse. Glenn’s my rock, my hero, my biggest blessing in life! Over the years, we’ve grown together in our faith, brought some amazing children into this world, and I look forward to our next 33-plus years together! I am thankful that he has more energy than I do, and ALWAYS encourages me to take a walk with him. So, thanks to Glenn, I look forward to seeing you around town!

The Daily Draft Tap Room and Bar, 8594 Main St., Woodstock www.thedailydraft.net

Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

Capovilla and Williams, 3205 South Cherokee Lane, Woodstock 866-951-0466. https://military-defenseattorney.com.

What’s New

Molina Dental Group has opened at 9895 Main St., Woodstock. The practice offers general, implant and cosmetic dentistry. 770-426-6773. www.molinadentalgroup.com. On Facebook. The Innovation Spot, at 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 300, offers coworking solutions less than a mile from downtown Woodstock. 770-262-3668. www.theinnovationspot.com. On Facebook.

Kudos!

Carl Moore Sr., who served as senior pastor of Allen Temple AME for 24 years before retiring in 2017, has been given the 2020 Barbara G. Ingram Citizen of the Year award by Preservation Woodstock, Inc. Woodstock is one of seven communities given the PlanFirst designation for 2021-22. The honor, given for excellence in community planning, makes the city available for technical assistance as well as bonus points and enhanced eligibility for certain Department of Community Affairs funding opportunities.

Your Input is Wanted

Cherokee County Recreation and Parks wants to hear from

While I appreciate our entire ALM team, I’m especially thankful for my fellow editors Jackie Loudin and Katie Beall - for their hard work each month to fill the space between ads with delightful and informative content!

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

residents in the southwest area of the county. Following a September virtual public input session, the county will host a virtual design workshop at 7 p.m. Nov. 12. Register online at cherokeega.com and click on the SW Cherokee Parks & Trails Plan Information link on the homepage. Anyone with questions should contact Bryan Reynolds, director of Community Services for Cherokee County, at BDReynolds@CherokeeGA.com or Sarah McColley, with TSW, at smccolley@tsw-design.com.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

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Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 800 are placed in racks around the community. See page 56 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2020

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Local News

County Task Force Earns Statewide Honor

The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV ) has presented its Task Force of the Year award to the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force. The Cherokee County task force is made up of government and community-based agencies, survivors of family violence, and other concerned community members and professionals. The group meets monthly at different law enforcement agencies throughout the county, with the goal to strengthen and sustain coordinated community response to family violence in Cherokee County. “The District Attorney’s Office is pleased to participate in the work of the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force,” District Attorney Shannon Wallace said. “This committed group of individuals is making a real impact on Cherokee County, by working together to develop an effective response to this serious crime.” The Task Force conducts reviews of serious domestic violence cases. One recent case review led to a change in the way special conditions of bond and probation are flagged, improving survivor safety and offender accountability in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force co-chairs Rachel Ashe and Tommie DeGonzague.

Devren Ambrose with one of two food pantries at Little River UMC.

Scout Project Tackles Hunger Issues Feeding the hungry is the focus of Devren Ambrose’s Eagle Scout project. The Etowah High School student has built two food pantries at Little River United Methodist Church, to help food-insecure families. He’s a member of Troop 625, which meets at the church. “These pantries are being built nationwide, and the more that can be built, the more people we can help,” the 17-year-old said. “The Little River pantries will be stocked by the church and the scouts.” Local residents are asked to help keep the pantries stocked, or drop by and take food, if you need it. The church is in Woodstock at 12455 Highway 92. www.littleriverumc.info. There’s more information about this type of food pantry at www.littlefreepantry.org, and on Facebook.

All Aboard the Virtual Railroad Open House Each fall, since 2011, Towne Lake resident Eric Siegel has hosted a free open house for his large O-Scale model railroad. Following social distancing guidelines, Siegel has decided to hold a live virtual open house webcast on YouTube. His layout, named the Appalachian & Western Railroad, takes up 900 square feet and occupies the basement of his Towne Lake home. The layout has been featured in several publications over the years, and will be of interest to anyone who loves trains, or has a child who loves trains. The live show will start with an introduction and tour of the layout, followed by a question and answer session with viewers, and a running session of various types of trains. To take part, tune in 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21 at www.youtube.com/ericstrains. For more information, call 404-400-2993. 8

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Eric Siegel’s model railroad fills the basement of his Towne Lake home.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Local News

Gobble Jog Organizers Decide on Virtual Format

The MUST Ministries Gobble Jog, the agency’s top fundraiser, will take a virtual format this year. While the format may be different, organizers encourage local residents to sign up; the need for food is the greatest in MUST’s history. “For 49 years, MUST Ministries has been called to offer help and hope, but we have never seen such an insurmountable need,” said MUST Ministries President and CEO Ike Reighard. “During the pandemic, we have done everything we can to serve those in poverty, and those plunging into poverty for the first time.” MUST has distributed more than 1.42 million pounds of food since March 16. The organization provides 38 school food pantries and three client services pantries, sends food boxes to senior citizens in two counties, and finished the annual summer lunch program with a record 379,471 meals given to at-risk children in five counties. But, a lack of food is still a critical problem for many area residents. Runners and walkers choose between a 10K, 5K, 1K, Tot Trot (50 yards) or phantom runner, and then run their own race anytime between Nov. 1-26. The race cost is $35 and includes a color-wash, longsleeved T-shirt that will be mailed after Thanksgiving. For more details, sign up at www.gobblejog.org.

A Day of Golfing Benefits Seniors

The Volunteer Aging Council Golf Tournament, held in September, raised $18,723 to help low-income seniors in Cherokee County. The first-place team was Daryl Rice, Rusty Stephens, Charles Worley and Joey Buice. Donations are being accepted still; if you’d like to help out, email Deanna Gale at dlgale@cherokeega.com for more information.

Preparing for 2020 Wreaths Across America Donations are being accepted to purchase wreaths for graves at the Georgia National Cemetery, which will be placed on Dec. 19. It’s part of a national effort to recognize those who have fought bravely in serving America. More than 20,000 military men and women are buried in Georgia’s National Cemetery on a hilltop near Canton. Approximately 500 volunteers from the Boy Scouts of America, churches, community organizations and families lay wreaths on the gravesite prior to the annual memorial service. Donations are tax-deductible, with a receipt provided by the Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council upon request. Checks should be payable to Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council and mailed to GNCAC, P.O. Box 5476, Canton, GA 30114-9998. For more information, contact Tom Wilder, U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran and Cemetery Council member, at 770-973-1422 or tom@wilder-realty.com.

Organizers hope the virtual format won’t dampen enthusiasm for the fundraiser. 10

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In an emergency, seconds count, and Cherokee County residents can have emergency alerts sent directly to them in a timely fashion. Through CodeRED, local public safety personnel can notify residents and businesses by telephone, text message and email of time-sensitive information, emergencies or urgent notifications, including weather alerts. The system can reach hundreds of thousands of individuals in minutes, to ensure information, such as evacuation notices, missing persons, inclement weather advisories and more, is shared quickly. Only authorized government officials have access to share alerts with the CodeRED system. To sign up for the free service, visit the Cherokee County EMA website at www.cherokeega-ema.org, to access the CodeRED link, or text “CHEROKEEALERT” to 99411 to enroll.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Lend a

Helping Hand

Adopt a Senior 2020

www.cherokeega.com The Cherokee County Senior Center is collecting gift items for local seniors: umbrellas and one-size-fitsall rain ponchos, $25 grocery gift cards, and a book of stamps. Place gifts in a holiday gift bag (no wrapping please). There is no need to register this year. Gift drop off is Nov. 2 – Dec.7, and Saturday drop off is 10 a.m.noon Dec. 5. For more information, call 770-345-2675 or email JNMCEUEN@cherokeega.com. Gift drop off is at the Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road.

While the holiday season traditionally is difficult for many, this year’s pandemic has caused even greater need. Here’s a list of local nonprofits working to make sure everyone has a great holiday season. Please do what you can to help, whether it’s donating money or time. 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 other ways to help throughout the year, visit www.justserve.org.

Cherokee Family Violence Center

www.cfvc.org The center has a transitional housing complex with 72 apartments, and an emergency shelter that accommodates 12 women and children. The Thanksgiving wish list includes turkey or ham, fresh or boxed potatoes, gravy mix, corn or other canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, tomato or Alfredo sauce, pasta, pumpkin pie mix, instant coffee, hot chocolate mix, apple cider, fresh fruit, rolls, marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers and cinnamon rolls. 770-479-1703. raysa@cfvc.org.

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. 2 and Dec. 5. Donors 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.

Cherokee Thanksgiving

Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the program has been modified, but the focus remains the same: to make sure all disadvantaged veterans have a great Christmas. If you know of a veteran family that is in need, or know of an elderly veteran living alone, or you or your group would like to support the Adopt a Veteran program, contact program director Jim Lindenmayer at jlindenmayer80@ gmail.com or 678-983-7590, or Betty Lewis, of the American Legion Post 45 Auxiliary, at 770-318-6451. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

The 28th annual event, on Nov. 26, is open to everyone. Organizers are partnering with Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q in Canton to provide 2,000 free meals, by delivery or pickup, in Cherokee and Pickens counties. Local area emergency service personnel, as well as area hospital emergency staff, receive dinners. Current health guidelines/restrictions have caused a change in meal prep and menu. This meal will be: barbecue pulled pork, mac and cheese, green beans, traditional dressing and a dessert. To order meals for delivery or pickup, email ctmeals007@gmail.com, or call 470-232-5797 with your name, address and number of meals needed, along with an email address and a contact phone number. Dinners are delivered between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meals requested for pickup will be available at Williamson Brothers, 1600 Marietta Highway, Canton. Volunteers are needed to make deliveries; email ctdrivers007@gmail.com if interested. Donations can be made to Cherokee Thanksgiving Inc., and mailed to Cherokee Thanksgiving, 913 Lacy Road, Canton, GA. 30115. For more details, contact Cheryl Mosley at mcbratney52@comcast.net or 678-296-7297.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

The Children’s Haven

www.CherokeeChildrensHaven.org 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 Christmas pajamas (sizes newborn to teen) and bralettes or sports bras (XS-L). Target, Kohl’s and Best Buy gift cards are welcome. Volunteers always are needed to assist in the Caregiver’s Closet. Items can be dropped off at 1083 Marietta Highway in Canton. 770-345-3274.

Never Alone

www.NeverAlone.org

The food pantry is seeking partners to help provide Thanksgiving turkeys and family meal boxes for 700 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.

Forever Fed

www.foreverfed.org Forever Fed hosts nine drive-through food pantries and two clothes closets each month. More than 1,000 families are served, and about 75,000 pounds of grocery support is distributed to the community every month, in response to this increased season of need. For a complete list of events and volunteer opportunities, check the website. If your organization would like to help us with a food drive or coat and blanket drive, contact susan@foreverfed.org or call 678-883-314.

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 children with the community’s help. This includes building traditions, talking about the true meaning of Christmas, and fulfilling some of the young people's wants and needs through gift giving, to teach them that they are loved. With 42 kids to purchase gifts for, Goshen relies on the generosity of the community to fulfill these wishes. A list of gifts has 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 MUST Ministries Thanksgiving Food Box Program long has been a source of help and hope to those living in poverty in Cherokee County. To help your neighbors in need, MUST is collecting donations of canned green beans, corn, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes. Also requested are boxes or packets of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, stuffing and gravy mixes (no glass please). Monetary donations for turkeys and frozen pies are the most helpful. Nonperishable items can be dropped off 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. through Nov. 13. Drop-offs are at MUST’s Canton location at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway. Please call Kendall Jones at 770-721-2923 or email kjones@mustministries.org. 14

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Operation Christmas Child www.samaritanspurse.org

Representatives will be collecting donations of filled shoeboxes Nov. 16-23, but collection may look a little different this year. Check the website for updates on locations in the area that will be accepting shoeboxes, and for directions on donating or filling a virtual shoebox.

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

Encompass Ministries and its food pantry offer yearround 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 for the program. All levels of contributions are accepted. All size donations are appreciated. For more details, call the Secret Santa phone line at 470-333-8673 or email cherokeesanta@yahoo.com.

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Five-Year-Old Pays It Forward Young Christian Carnaghi, once a patient in a metro Atlanta hospital’s NICU unit, has gotten a lot of media attention for helping his mom make mask coverings for NICU nurses. The five-year-old Woodstock resident’s story has appeared in Woman’s World, on Today.com and Mother.ly. It started in March, when his mom Kristy wanted to help healthcare providers who were working tirelessly as the pandemic set in. Mother and son got busy, working at Christian’s pace, mom said, to make colorful covers so medical masks would be less scary for younger patients. Kristy said her son understands that they’ve helped people who helped him when he was sick. To date, they’ve made about 200, which they sent with their neighbor, who works in a local hospital.

Christian’s story was shared in Woman’s World.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Joy and Maggie during a meeting before the operation.

A Stranger's Life-Saving Gift

Imagine someone you don’t know stepping up to donate a kidney to you at your biggest time of need. That happened to Maggie Haynes, a Cherokee High School student. Joy Silk, a Cherokee County School District employee, heard about Maggie’s health crisis and offered to be tested to be a donor. She was a match. Apparently this generous spirit is a family trait. Joy's mom Judy Brandon also donated a kidney to a stranger in July 2019. Judy was inspired after watching a news story of a teen who needed a kidney. She was tested and wasn’t a match for the teen, but was a match for someone else. “The whole process has been the most humbling, spiritual experience of my life,” said Joy, who is married and has two children who attend Creekview High. “I am honored that God has allowed me to help this precious family. I have been blessed with healthy children and cannot imagine what it must be like for Maggie’s parents, not only to face this with Maggie, but also to experience the same heartache of such an awful disease and a kidney transplant with Maggie’s older sister, Lily.” Lily and Maggie’s parents are Ashley, who teaches at Ball Ground Elementary STEM Academy, and Jerry Haynes. When Lily was four and Maggie was one, Lily was diagnosed with cystinosis. Maggie also tested positive for the disease, caused by a buildup of cystine that form crystals in organs and tissues including the kidneys, eyes, muscles, pancreas and brain. “We are so grateful for Joy’s determination to give such an amazing gift,” Ashley said. “She heard about Maggie’s need for a new kidney and she has never wavered in her desire to donate … I would love for everyone to know that giving a kidney (to a person in need of one) is one of the most selfless gifts a person can give. It is the act of a hero. In our eyes, Joy will always be a hero for giving Maggie the opportunity to gain her quality of life back.”

A Special Graduation Ceremony A recent ceremony marked the graduation of 13 students who earned their GED with help from the Cherokee Youth Works program at Cherokee FOCUS. Five of the students attended the graduation, which featured keynote speaker Harry Johnston, chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. Names of graduates are Maria Cabrera, Andre Burns, Adia McKinney, Alondra Cardenas, Christopher Chatham, Zaria Cowins, Marquis Figueroa, Sadie Horne, Noah Keith, Cameron Kelly, Emily Massey, Shaelyn Nixon and Anthony Russell. Other speakers included Trey Ragsdale, chairman of the Cherokee FOCUS Board of Directors; Chris Hord, Director of Adult Education at Chattahoochee Technical College; Brody Smithwick, Founder and President of Lion Life, and Phillip Young, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Holly Springs, where the ceremony was held.

Graduates, from left: Maria Cabrera, Andre Burns, Adia McKinney, Alondra Cardenas and Christopher Chatham.

E.T. Booth Middle Schoolers Surpass Fundraising Goal

Ella Atkinson and Olivia “Via” Jackson sign the “big” check to present to BEATS.

Middle school students Ella Atkinson and Olivia “Via” Jackson recently raised $412.50 for a local equine therapy program called BEATS, Inc. The two E.T. Booth students are SmileUp! Ambassadors, a nonprofit that encourages kids to help other kids through volunteerism. Their donation will fund a month of therapy for four families. Ella explains: “This summer, my best friend Via and I decided to start a book club. The first book we read in our book club was “Out of My Mind,” a book about a girl named Melody. It showed her journey through the struggles of living with a physical handicap. After we read this book, Via and I were inspired to help people with physical handicaps, like Melody. When we found BEATS, we knew it was perfect! … When we learned that SmileUp! allows kids to create fundraisers, Via and I knew we had to do it! Together, we read 16 books and almost doubled our original fundraising goal. ” Via adds: “My love for horses combined with my love for reading led me to begin the Book Worms Read-a-Thon with my friend, Ella. … SmileUp charitable foundation gave us the tools we needed to start our online fundraiser in support of BEATS.” Learn more about SmileUp! at www.smileupfoundation.org, and BEATS at http://beats-inc.org. Follow the girl's fundraiser on Instagram @bookworms7th or online at www.mightycause.com/ story/Bookwormsreadathon. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Humble Senior Citizen Asks, Why the Fuss?

Oley watches the TV segment with his housemates, who can’t be seen in this picture because they were practicing social distancing.

The residents of Camellia Place in Woodstock gathered recently to watch a special segment on NBC Nightly News, one that told the story of their friend and housemate Oley Doty. Turns out, the 94-yearold’s daily walks along the sidewalks where he lives have turned into a special relationship with school bus drivers and students at Woodstock Elementary School. The humble man, however, doesn’t understand the fuss. “It’s funny that just being neighborly and waving can result in so much attention,” he said. The story began when Oley began walking outside during the quarantine. He walked the network of walking paths through the Camellia Place assisted living community, where he lives, and then moved on to Rope Mill Road and beyond. Oley began waving at the Woodstock Elementary school buses as they headed to school with busloads of kids. Pretty soon they began looking for each other - Oley knew when the buses would come by and was there to greet them, every morning and afternoon. Bus driver Stacey Childers called Camellia Place Life Engagement Manager Allison Suh to arrange a reception at Woodstock Elementary, where he was served his favorite root beer floats and met the kids and drivers in person (at a safe distance, of course). After a media blitz that included local and national news outlets, Oley has become a local celebrity. Along with the school bus drivers and kids, runners, dog walkers and drivers on Rope Mill all honk and wave to Oley, who walks five miles each day. Suh said he receives cards and gifts, including wood carvings, CDs, and so much love and attention from the community. “He is the sweetest man who would do anything for anybody,” Allison said, “so for the community to reach out and give back to him during all of what’s going on right now is just very sweet.” Reporter Catie Beck interviews Oley for the segment that ran on NBC Nightly News.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

ART on the

Green PHOTOS BY BRITTANY WEIR

This Oct. 4 event was hosted by the Elm Street Cultural Arts Center on the event green. Ashley DeLaughter and Ansley Henson share a laugh while shopping at a jewelry booth.

Shoppers enjoyed the afternoon, visiting vendors' booths with family and friends. 20

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Major and Baker Heath.

Olga Tsahacas and Gino.

Marisa and Preston Vitanza.

Gwyneth and Chris Grole. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Bring Your Small Spaces to Life BY PACITA WILSON

Do you have a space in your home you just aren’t sure how to complete? If you’re like me, I love my spaces to be functional, but uniquely decorated. There are a variety of opportunities in every space, and just because it is small, doesn’t mean you can’t show it some love. In any room, playing with scale is one way to make a space feel larger. Having high ceilings is definitely something you should take advantage of. With high ceilings, comes endless opportunities. You could add floating shelves for storage, or you can use a beautiful piece of art to change the feeling of the room. Accessorizing shelves can be intimidating for some. If you don’t know where to start, try the techniques that I use.

Break the shelves into quadrants. Each shelf needs to balance the others.

Don’t be afraid to leave empty space. This prevents your shelves from becoming cluttered.

Use an item as the main focal point to draw attention. Then, accessorize with books, vases and frames.

If you have abandoned the small spaces in your home, I hope these tips will give you the inspiration needed to decorate them. Ultimately, this can be a fun, unique way to infuse your home with your personality. Pacita Wilson is the owner of Pineapple Park Home. www.pineapplepark.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

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This credit union is federally insured by NCUA. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020 23

EVERYDAY

While Sept. 11 is already a tragic memory in our nation’s history, the date has taken on new meaning for a local family. On Sept. 11, Laura Blake began her Friday work day at Woodstock High School, where she is a special education teacher. Around 10:25 a.m., during the transition of her class, she noticed she had missed numerous calls from an unknown number. The calls continued until she was able to answer. “A lady’s voice from Kennestone Hospital told me that she believed one of my family members had just arrived there,” Laura said. “After answering a series of questions that seemed to last forever, I knew that they had my only child, Jessica, 19. She had been one of three passengers in a fatal car accident on I-75, and the driver did not survive impact. “My wonderful co-workers and administrators helped me through the next half-hour and made certain I arrived at the hospital quickly and safely. Upon my arrival at Kennestone, I was met with paperwork to begin emergency surgery on Jessica’s spleen. Additionally, Jessica suffered lacerations to her liver, kidneys, as well as fractures to her neck, back, face and sternum. Both lungs were badly bruised requiring tubes for drainage. Her right arm was broken in several places, which resulted in another surgery. They had to take care of the most dangerous situation first. She was hospitalized for three weeks and then released in my care. Jessica may need more surgeries down the road as her body heals.” Her care will require therapies at least three days a week. Laura is a single mom and has spent the past 14 years raising her daughter alone as she worked full-time. “I love my special kids and families. Both Jessica and I love spending time with them, even outside of our time at school,” Laura said. Jessica, a 2019 Etowah High School graduate, had moved back in with her mom and just started a new job the day before her accident. She was removed from her dad’s health insurance policy and was outside of the qualifying period to be added to her mom’s healthcare plan. “We were patiently waiting for open enrollment when the accident happened.” Laura said. “Circumstances and timing could not have been worse for us.” It took Laura more than four years to become pregnant with Jessica. “I call her my miracle. She is all that I have and I am so grateful that her life was spared that morning, and that her injuries are temporary, but the road ahead is long. I know it could have easily been much 24

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Jessica spent three weeks in the hospital.

worse for both of us. I have thanked the good Lord every single day for giving me my daughter 19 years ago and even more thankful for sparing her life that morning,” Laura said. “I am not someone who receives well. I prefer to be on the giving side of life. I give myself grace as I share my story because I am unsure how I will be able to care for her – missing work, out-of-pocket costs, having to pre-pay for all of her necessary physical, occupational and emotional therapies. It is terrifying, but my faith is strong. I have been overwhelmed by the love and prayers for us. It truly gives us strength for the next steps ahead.” Everyday Angels received several requests from readers, who love Laura Blake and her daughter, to help this family. Laura is that person who loves on specialneeds children each day, and has become more to them than a teacher. We share her story and her needs with you as we approach the end of a turbulent year. Let’s rally together to show her how much God loves her, and how our community appreciates her, and all that she gives to our children. Collectively, we can offer her some relief and encouragement during the uncertain times ahead. 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 via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Rob’s Rescues

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

This dog’s name is Brandy. She is 6 years old and is a Chihuahua. She is pretty small. An owner turned her in for some reason. She is very calm and walks well on a leash.

This is Part 2 of my interview with Michelle Kaylor who is the Rehabilitation Manager at Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located on Jekyll Island. Part 1 can be found in the October issue.

www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org

How many turtles nest on Jekyll Island every year? A record year would be 204.

How many eggs does a turtle lay and how many survive to adulthood?

This cat’s name is Kirby. She is 13 years old, and just wants a home where someone will love her and nothing else. She really needs a home. So, are you going to give her a home? She is a nice and sweet cat. She was an owner turn-in. She is an easy cat and she is really not happy in the shelter.

Not a lot survive. Turtles become “teenagers” and reach reproductive age at 30 years old. There are very many threats in the ocean that they have to overcome to Rob and Michelle Kaylor of Georgia Sea Turtle Center. get to that age.

Do you put tracking devices on your turtles? What kind of information do you collect?

From time to time. They are very expensive – both the device and the satellite time. It allows us to follow the turtle in the ocean and gives us information on its migration, also its depth and the water temperature.

What type of food do turtles eat when you are rehabilitating them and how much?

These animals can be found at Cobb County Animal Services. www.cobbcounty.org/publicsafety/animal-services/adoption. 26

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

It depends on the species. Green turtles are vegetarian. In the hospital, all the turtles get hospital-quality food. Green turtles get supplemented with cucumbers and bell peppers as this resembles sea grasses in the wild. Loggerheads eat crabs and crustaceans, as well as sea grasses and algae in the wild. Before we can release a loggerhead, we make sure it is able to hunt for food. The quantity depends on their condition. If they are weak and thin, we work up their food intake slowly.

What are the main problems for turtles and how can people improve to help them? Of the turtles we see, 30% have recreational boat strike injuries. Sea turtles have lungs so they must come to the surface to breathe, and are often hit when they do so. Boaters need to be more aware of driving and not hit them. We also see a lot of marine debris cases. Fishing lines get tangled in their flippers. Balloons and plastic pieces are being found in their stomachs. The public must make a better effort to pick up fishing line and garbage. Please visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org for more information.

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

3 Things Juries Aren’t Allowed to Know BY ROBERT TIDWELL

I have been a trial attorney for 18 years. During that time, I have tried more than 100 personal injury trials. Early in my career, I represented insurance companies. Later in my career, I began representing the injured parties. While every case is different, there are many commonalities. One is that juries have questions they want answered before returning a verdict. However, judges are not allowed to answer many of those questions. Over the next few articles, I am going to address some of the questions juries have, and why the judge will not answer them. The three most common questions are: Does the defendant have car insurance? Does the plaintiff have health insurance? And, did the defendant receive a citation from the police officer?

Does the defendant have car insurance?

This is almost always the first question a jury asks in a car wreck case. Through conversations with jurors, I have learned that they often want to compensate the injured party for the injuries he/she suffered, but they do not want to financially ruin the defendant. Accidents happen, right? It would be a shame to ruin someone financially, when all they did was make a mistake. You can hear the collective groan of the jurors when the judge instructs them, “You are not to consider whether or not the defendant has insurance when evaluating the evidence in this case.” The reasoning behind this makes sense. Jurors have the responsibility of deciding the following three issues during a car wreck trial: 1. Was the defendant negligent in causing the wreck? 2. Did that negligence injure the plaintiff ? 3. What are the plaintiff ’s damages? The law recognizes every party to a case as equals. As such, it would be improper to consider whether or not the defendant can afford to be held responsible. The law recognizes that juries may be improperly influenced by the fact that the defendant has car insurance to cover the cost of the verdict. It would be easier to award the plaintiff damages if it will not come out of the defendant’s pocket. That is why jurors are not allowed to know. Generally speaking, if the defendant has an attorney at trial, he/she has car insurance. Your car insurance company not only covers the cost of your verdict, but it also hires an attorney to represent you at trial.

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

A Life-Changing

MINISTRY

Owner of Woodstock’s Art Jewelers invites the community to join him in supporting Restore17, helping orphans in Ecuador.

Children in Ecuador benefit from the work of the Restore17 ministry.

Dave Meadows, owner of Art Jewelers in Woodstock, took his first mission trip to Ecuador in the summer of 2011. That trip was very impactful for him and his family. Since then, he and his wife and several of his children have traveled to Ecuador many times to serve. Through events they witnessed on these trips, they became aware of the acute orphan crisis there and felt they needed to do something more to take up the cause of helping vulnerable children. As a result, Jason and Jennifer Nails (Dave’s mission team members) founded Restore17, and Dave became a board member and advocate for the fatherless and vulnerable.

The Mission

Restore17’s mission is to provide Christ-centered, restorative care to at-risk youth and families by meeting spiritual, physical, educational and emotional needs. Each child the ministry serves has a unique and difficult story. Some were abandoned or removed from their families due to abuse or neglect, while others are victims of human trafficking. Restore17 comes alongside these children and their families to offer the support and services needed to help change their stories. A reunited family Restore17 works with in Ecuador.

Dave Meadows preaching in Ecuador

Three Areas of Ministry

Restore17 has three main areas of ministry, which include a transition home, orphan care and family preservation.

Transition Home. Casa Esperanza (House of Hope)

equips children who have aged out of institutionalized care for independent living. Currently, five boys live full-time in Casa Esperanza; their lives have changed dramatically through the love and support they have received in this home and through this ministry.

Orphan Care. Restore17 partners with two governmentrun orphanages, showing more than 50 children Christ’s love on a weekly basis. Ministry staff members hold weekly Bible study, serve as mentors, offer emotional support, provide for physical needs, and empower the kids through homework assistance and tutoring. Kids are able to go on weekend vacations, summer camps, monthly birthday celebrations and other field trips and activities.

Family Preservation. Restore17 currently has 15

reunited families in the family preservation program. The children were reunited with their families after living in a partnering orphanage. This program’s goal is to prevent further separation of parents and children and to provide resources and support to help families thrive together.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Sponsored Content

Thanking God, Even During a Pandemic BY REV. DR. JOSEPH N. COUSIN, SR.

As we approach another Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded of all the reasons we have to give thanks. In fact, our thanksgiving does not just occur in good times; even in a pandemic, we have cause to give thanks, because God is still good! During this season of thanks, look to Psalm 40:1-4 for encouragement:

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no conf idence in the proud or in those who worship idols.”

When we examine the words of David in this Psalm, we find a reason to thank God through all seasons — even a pandemic.

We thank God for listening.

No matter our circumstance or situation, God always hears our cries. We have been crying out to God throughout this season, and he always is listening. Just as David cried out, we,

too, cry out, and, just as God answered David’s cries, God answers ours.

We thank God for helping us.

God is not just listening to us; God also is giving us extraordinary help — otherwise we would not have made it. David writes that God lifted him out of a pit of despair and out of the mud and mire. We must thank God for lifting us out of the difficult places of this pandemic, and continuing to bless us.

We thank God for giving us a new song to sing.

David reminds us that God has given him a new song to sing in his difficult circumstances, and I believe God does the same for us. Allow God to remix your life and start singing your new song. Let this season be an opportunity to keep praising and thanking God, because the old song is over; it’s time to sing a new song of praise to God — even in a pandemic.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr. is pastor of Allen Temple AME church in Woodstock. www.allentempleame.org.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Around & About NOVEMBER

The annual Sheriff Frank Reynolds’ Golf Invitational at Hawks Ridge Golf Club benefits Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, the Children’s Haven and the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. www.frankreynoldscharities.com.

5 will begin at 9 a.m. at Woodmont Golf Club. For details, Golf Fore Moms, a fundraiser for Serenade Heights,

contact Lori Shackleford at 404-502-7129 or llshack@ bellsouth.net.

Electric Avenue is the musical act for the Canton

First Friday event, 6-9 p.m. in downtown Canton. www.DowntownCantonGA.com.

Parent’s Night Out at the Cherokee County 6, 20 Aquatic Center, 5:30-10 p.m. Also Dec. 4 and 18. Cost is $15 per child early registration, $20 at the door. www.crpa.net.

the Season to Be Green recycling and paper 7 ‘Tis shredding event will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Woodstock

Elementary School. Check www.WoodstockParksandRec.com.

Editor’s Note: Please check each website for the most current information as events can change after our magazine goes to press.

PROJECT: Artists for a Cause will 13 6x6 take place 6-9 p.m. at Timbers on Etowah, 225

Reformation Parkway, Suite 202, in Canton. During this show, 6-inch by 6-inch paintings donated by local artists will be sold, with proceeds going to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center to purchase art supplies and other items.

The TEDxDupreePark event has 13-15 changed to a virtual event, starting at

2 p.m. each day. Check www.tedxdupreepark.com for updates.

Virtual Run F.O.R. Cherokee is a 5K run/ 15 walk event that benefits the county’s DUI/drug

treatment court and the Cherokee Friends of Recovery foundation. Learn more at www.cherokeefor.com.

Fundraising cornhole tournament for the 12U Georgia Academy Braves-Gianneschi Cooperstownbound team will begin with registration at 11 a.m. Sponsorships available. Space is limited. Entry fees are $25 for individuals, $50 for teams. Proceeds go to the team's 2020-21 budget and Cooperstown 2021 expenses. cornholeinthecommunity.eventbrite.com.

Bags & Brews is a cornhole tournament sponsored by the Rotary Club of Towne Lake and the Rotary Club of Cherokee County, set for 1-6 p.m. at Burnt Hickory Brewery, 2260 Moon Station Court, Suite 210, in Kennesaw. Registration begins at noon. For details, email townelakerotary@gmail.com or sign up at www.rotarysignup.com.

Flat Fellowship Church, 5301 Hickory Flat 7 Hickory Highway in Canton, is hosting its eighth annual car show at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $15. Vendors, concessions, raffles, door prizes, cake walk and more. Vendor space available for $20 (no food vendors.) Call 770-823-4566 or 770-633-1313 for more inforomation. www.hickoryflatfellowshipchurch.com.

This year’s charity golf tournament at the Golf 10Club at Bradshaw Farms will benefit the Goshen Valley

Foundation. Price per golfer is $100. To register, call 770-592-222 or visit www.bradshawfarmgc.com.

Veteran’s Day ceremony will be available 11forA virtual viewing on the Downtown Woodstock or

Woodstock Parks and Recreation pages on Facebook.

fifth annual Hubble Foundation Golf 12The Tournament is set for Woodmont Golf Club. The

event typically raises $10,000 each year. The foundation gives scholarships to children and spouses of fallen tower technicians, and works to make changes in the telecommunications industry. www.hubble foundation.org.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Santa’s Mailbox will be open 18-Dec. 19 for letters at the Cherokee

Recreation and Parks center at 7545 Main St. Santa will answer all letters, and even return the original one for the holiday scrapbooks.

All Chocolate: A Stand-Up Comedy 22 We're Special by Jessica It's All Good at 7 p.m.

at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. The show will highlight stories from comedian Jessica It's All Good's life, while hitting headon topics surrounding race, to create conversation (and have a good laugh.) Recommended ages 12 and older. Digital streaming option available. www.elmstreetarts.org.

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

Highlights from the Oct. 6 meeting. For the full minutes, and a schedule of upcoming meetings, visit www.cherokeega.com/BOC.

• Reappointed Rejune Edwards to the Board of Family and Children’s Services.

• Voted to deny RaceTrac Petroleum’s variance request related to the signage at one of its locations on Ga. Highway 20. Instead, the commissioners approved the request to modify conditions from a 2012 zoning case. The BOC approved allowing the sign as presented to the board, and is not requiring the additional surrounding masonry. The motion, which indicated the sign should be built according to the drawing submitted to the board, was made by Chairman Harry Johnston and seconded by Commissioner Steve West. • Voiced no opposition to two city of Ball Ground annexation notices, including one request to annex 0.421 acres on Old Dawsonville Road, and another to annex city-owned property on Roberts Lake Drive that is slated for a city park. Neither request included a rezoning request.

• Approved a grant agreement from the Center for Tech and Civic Life for $611,293 and adopted a $75,000 budget amendment to the 2020 fiscal year budget on behalf of the Office of Elections and Voter Registration. The budget amendment to the fiscal year 2020 budget covers money already spent. • Approved the FY 2021 budget, which totals $304.1 million. • Approved an agreement with Perimeter Office

Products for copy and specialty papers. The three-year contract provides a savings to the county of about $7,000 per year. County Manager Jerry Cooper said he would direct his staff to order paper supplies under the agreement to save money, and he encouraged elected offices to direct their staff to do the same.

• Approved an automatic aid agreement between the city of Woodstock and Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services. Cooper voiced his thanks to Fire Chief Tim Prather and his team, and Woodstock City Manager Jeff Moon and his team, for working together to ensure the agreement was beneficial to both parties. It identifies first-due response areas, as well as mutual aid areas, which requires one jurisdiction to request the assistance of another. The agreement also establishes an expectation for incident command. • Approved a change to the agreement with Georgia Power to change the electricity rate program at the Aquatic Center from a real time rate to a fixed price alternative program.

• Approved a motion to withdraw the arbitration request with the Department of Community Affairs related to a city of Canton annexation request on Old Doss Drive. The issue was worked out without arbitration, and the applicant withdrew their request. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

A Look at Our County's Finances and Taxes BY HARRY JOHNSTON

People often ask me, “How’s the county doing financially?” It’s a great question. The short answer is, we’re in great shape. First, our tax rates and overall tax burden are among the lowest in Georgia. The Board of Commissioners (BOC) doesn’t control the school tax, which is the biggest item on your tax bill. But, combined, the three property tax rates we do control are the 27th lowest of Georgia’s 159 counties. Also, we’re one of three counties in Georgia that doesn’t charge an additional 1% local sales tax to help fund county operations. Our combined local sales and property tax rates are the second lowest in the state. We’ve adopted a floating homestead exemption for the general County Maintenance & Operations Tax, which is the largest of the three rates controlled by the BOC. After a homeowner applies for and receives a homestead exemption, the exemption automatically increases to fully offset any increase in assessed value not caused by physical improvements to the property. The net taxable value is frozen for as long as you own the home. Like almost all other counties, we do have a 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) that can be used only for capital projects and purchases. We use about half of our SPLOST funds for road improvements, and for the most part we buy all fire, police and other vehicles with the rest. We can’t do without those things, so property taxes would have to go up without SPLOST. The remainder is used for projects like new fire stations and parks; expansions of court,

library and office buildings; the jail; and the airport. In spite of our low overall taxes, we’ve been able to accumulate about $50 million in cash operating reserves, about one fourth of our annual operating budget. We have an excellent AA bond rating. And, we never borrow money for operations, like most other counties do. Our challenge is to keep up with the county’s growth while keeping taxes low. The BOC considered a small tax increase this year to catch up on the numbers and pay for first-responder personnel, which have fallen behind the growth. Due to strong opposition, we held tax rates flat, postponed some of the catch-up initiatives, and budgeted to use about $6 million in reserves in 2021 to start the catch-up process. Projections are that we’ll need to use half that much again in 2022, before normal growth in revenues catches up with costs in 2023. By then, we’ll be facing new financial pressures from growth. With our low tax rates, it’s likely our public safety and other services will continue to lag somewhat behind our growth. The officers and leadership do an amazing job with what they have, earning elite accreditations and ratings, but it’s an ongoing struggle to keep up. As always, I’m interested in your thoughts. Please email me at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.

Our challenge is to keep up with the county's growth while keeping taxes low.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

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

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Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. How much do you know about the different coverage

options? If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored group health plan.1 When you enroll in Medicare, you pay multiple premiums for multiple types of coverage (Parts A and B, as well as the Part D prescription drug plan). Unlike a group health plan, there are no caps on out-of-pocket costs, and there is a risk that you might have to pay a hospital insurance deductible more than once per year. Original Medicare also doesn't cover some costs that seniors would like to cover, such as dental and vision care expenses.2 This is why so many retirees decide to buy Medigap policies or enroll in comprehensive Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans — they recognize the shortcomings of original Medicare. The downside of Part C plans is that you are restricted to the doctors in their networks. Original Medicare allows you to choose any doctor that accepts Medicare (though it is smart to have a Medigap policy as well). You can switch freely from one Medicare Advantage plan to another in the open enrollment period; you also can enroll in one without having to go through underwriting. If you want to move from a Part C plan back into original Medicare, you may not be able to supplement Parts A and B with a Medigap plan right away, because underwriting will be required.3 Whether you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, or are considering a change in coverage, it is vital to understand these matters. If you have questions, visit Medicare.gov or ssa. gov/medicare for more information. 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. Citations: 1 - cnbc.com, August 26, 2020, 2 - medicare.gov, September 16, 2020 3 - medicare.gov, September 16, 2020 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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AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

WORLD

DIABETES DAY

Mom Uses Experience to Help Diabetics In honor of National Diabetes Month, Beth Houchens shares her experience with the disease, and talks about a group she formed that’s making a big difference for families living with T1D. BY BETH EMBRY-HOUCHENS

Nov. 14, 2020

What is

T1D?

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. It is not preventable and there is currently no cure. It is not caused by eating too much sugar and T1Ds can eat sugar. Children and adults are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes every day. Screening for T1D can be done with a simple finger poke at your or your child’s next well visit. Symptoms include fatigue, changes in vision, fruity smelling breath, extreme hunger and thirst, unexplained weight loss, unusual behavior, heavy breathing, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting.

- Beth Embry-Houchens

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

My son, Beau, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 5. After a 2.5-day stay in Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, and 16 hours of diabetic education, Beau was released to go home. As we sat on the bench outside, waiting for my husband, Tim, to pick us up, I remembered the uncertainty I felt as a new parent when Beau was born. Yes, I had a nursery and all of the “things” a baby could possibly need, but having the actual baby awakened a new level of love and responsibility. Leaving the hospital after Beau’s diagnosis was no different. It was the beginning of our new life as a Type 1 family. We were starting over, but with a 5-year-old who would need insulin and monitoring for the rest of his life. We were afraid of what could go wrong, and hopeful we could provide a happy and healthy life for him.

Beau Houchens with brothers Finn and Jude.

Two Years Later

I could say that after two years, we are pros at living with this disease (I would be lying), and Beau is living his best life (that is true). But I would be leaving out a part of the story. While Beau was in the hospital, I filled out an information card left by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ( JDRF). The organization left a bag for Beau that included a little bear named Rufus, that Beau could practice giving shots to, along with other info. Rufus is a well-loved bear today. After being home for about two weeks, a lady from JDRF called, and I talked her ear off. It felt so good to listen to her experiences as a T1D mom, as well as to share mine. Since then, our family, along with friends, has participated in three JDRF One Walks, two in Atlanta and one in Nashville. Beau’s face always lights up when he sees other kids with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. His worries about being different disappear. Participating in the walks, and raising money, supports life-changing breakthroughs that give hope to everyone impacted by Type 1.

Resources for T1D Families

About a year after Beau’s diagnosis, I wanted to do more for the T1D community, so I volunteered to be a community outreach coordinator for JDRF. When children who live in the Cherokee County area are initially diagnosed, and they fill out the JDRF information card, I reach out to them to offer helpful resources and someone to talk to once they’re home. Serving in this capacity has been cathartic for me because I have been able to take my son’s diagnosis, which was so emotionally painful, and turn the pain into something positive. As time progressed, I realized Beau also needed connections to his Type 1 community. We always heard great things about Camp Kudzu. Since 1999, Camp Kudzu has educated, empowered and inspired children living with diabetes. It’s a place where nothing is unusual about having T1D because all the campers have it. There are endocrinologists, RNs, physician assistants, and dietitians present to make sure campers are safe, and they also sneak in some educational info. One of the teen adventure camps is held at Cherokee County’s Camp Harbor High, at Lake Allatoona! A few months ago, I started a Facebook group, Woodstock/Canton GA T1D Support Group, to offer support locally. It has grown from a few local parents I knew to 23 members. This is not a group I hope anyone needs to join, but I hope it will be a source of support and inclusiveness for those who “qualify.” If you or someone you know are a Type 1, please consider joining. All experiences are valuable, and you never know when you might need to borrow a supply or just need someone to talk to. COVID-19 has caused making connections to be more difficult, if not impossible. Camp Kudzu and JDRF have been hit hard because they depend on fundraising to operate. This year, camp was canceled and the JDRF One Walk has moved to a virtual platform. Our local group hasn’t been able to hold events. As conditions improve, I look forward to events for the kids and parents. For more information, visit www.JDRF.org and www.campkudzu.org. If you’d like to support us, our team name for the virtual walk is Cherokee County: United to Cure T1D.

Young Warriors

Support group members introduce us to their T1D warriors. Beau Houchens, age 7, Woodstock Diagnosed June 27, 2018

“When you see Beau, he’ll be toting his medical supply bag, which holds his phone that displays his blood sugar, which is Bluetooth connected to his Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor, that he wears on his body. He also carries a device that controls his insulin pump; sugar for lows; extra insulin and needles for insulin pump failures; and an emergency kit that someone else would have to administer to him if he lost consciousness. He also has a new puppy named DEX, he hopes to have trained as his Diabetic Alert dog.”

Jennings Peppers, age 7, Canton Diagnosed Sept. 12, 2018

“Jennings faces his diabetes everyday with determination, insulin, a continuous glucose monitor, and the support of family. His smile, love of reading, fantastic math skills and love of sports show he’s a typical 7-year-old boy... the disease does not define him, it just reminds him that God gives strength to conquer every challenge.”

Charlee Perkins, age 5, Woodstock Diagnosed Nov. 1, 2019

“Charlee has shown great strength and bravery as she quickly overcame her fear of needles, and is giving her own injections 8-10 times a day within less than a year of diagnosis. She has learned what diabetes is and how to continue living life to the fullest with this disease. Nothing can stop Super Diabetic Girl!”

Madison Grace Rhodes, age 5, Canton Diagnosed Oct. 31, 2019

“Madison was diagnosed on a well visit to her pediatrician. She is amazingly strong and brave. She wants to become an endocrinologist and help find a cure for diabetes. She loves to teach people about diabetes and believes she will change the world.”

Eli Sullivan, age 5, Canton Diagnosed May 24, 2017

“Having a child with Type 1 can be hard, but it doesn’t define us. The T1D community is very supportive, and we have learned to lean into each other as we navigate through the joys and fears.”

Hannah Wills, age 9, Canton Diagnosed Jan. 21, 2020

“Hannah hasn't let diabetes slow her down! She is a true warrior. Nothing gets in her way, especially not the highs and lows of Type 1 diabetes!” AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Serving His Community

Former pastor brings passion to educate, serve to his role as mortgage broker.

hen you read Joshua Dean’s bio, it is easy to realize his passion for helping people. The mortgage broker has degrees in education and theology, along with mortgage and insurance experience. At the core of his role as a mortgage broker with Residential Funding is a desire to educate and serve people in the Towne Lake and Woodstock communities, helping them achieve their dreams of owning a home. “I believe in doing the right thing, and treating people with dignity and value,” Joshua said. “My perspective comes from being a former pastor and loving people well.”

More Options, Better Choices

Joshua moved his family to Cherokee County from Buffalo, New York, four years ago. His commitment to supporting the community he and his family enjoy so much led him to open the Woodstock office of Residential Funding, where he’s branch manager with a staff to support him. He has more than 12 years of experience in the financial services industry, including residential mortgages, debt management, and property and casualty insurance.

As a mortgage broker, Joshua has more than 50 lenders at his disposal. He is able to shop for the best rates for his clients who are buying, selling or refinancing their homes. More options mean better choices for his clients, an advantage of moving past the old mindset of going to a bank or a direct lender when looking for a home loan. Education is another element that Joshua brings to the closing table. He spends time educating his clients - especially first-time home buyers - from beginning to end, so they feel confident understanding the process and appreciating the value of their purchase. “I hold your hand through the entire process. You have access to me whenever you need it,” he said. “My allegiance is to you because I don’t work for one lender.” Communication is one key to Joshua’s success, along with the strength that comes from working with two experienced team members. Morgan Townsend, Joshua’s assistant, and Mary Free, the processor, have close to 15 years of combined service in the industry. The Woodstock team works together to stay in touch with agents, clients and everyone Sponsored Content

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

involved in the process. “We want to help people take their next best step in their home ownership journey, whatever that entails,” Joshua said. “I win a lot of business because I can get the best rates, but I keep my business because of service.”

All About Community

Commitment to the community is what drives Joshua as a businessman, husband and father of three: Judah, 8, Grantly, 7, and Gracie, 3. He cites that dedication as the reason he works hard to offer the best personal service to clients who are looking to buy, sell or refinance a home. Joshua and his wife, Tina, have been married 15 years and are part of a small group at Woodstock

Clients Are Saying

PHOTO BY J. KING IMAGES

“Joshua Dean and his team are phenomenal. My husband and I were first time home buyers and Josh was incredibly helpful in walking us through the process and making us feel confident and comfortable as we ventured into this next big step in our lives. He was incredibly accommodating and went above and beyond in explaining every last detail of the process and what to expect. His platform was user-friendly and allowed for us to remain organized throughout the process. His communication was impeccable and he was readily available at all hours to address questions or concerns. Overall, Josh and his team are friendly, professional, timely and organized. They were a complete joy to work with and made an intimidating process feel absolutely seamless. My husband and I are incredibly grateful to Joshua Dean for making our first time home buying experience so special. We will have the fondest memories of our first home for many years to come.” Sabrina F.

City Church. He is a volunteer coach for his kids’ basketball and soccer teams. He was a Division I basketball player at the University of Buffalo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. He also has a master’s degree in theological studies from Masters International University of Divinity. The former pastor admits he is doing ministry in a different context now, as a full-time mortgage broker. “Buying a home is often a stressful time. People get weary in the process, and often feel overwhelmed. I’m here to eradicate any doubt,” he said. “I will pray with people if they want me to. My passion is just to serve people, and create a great experience for them.”

“Joshua Dean did an amazing job helping my wife and I buy our first house. He made the whole process as smooth as could be and made me feel confident about our purchase. He explained everything in simple terms so we would understand and was there to answer any questions that we had no matter the time of day. Josh even took time out of his Friday night and stayed on the phone with me until almost midnight one night because I was having a hard time sending over certain documents. I would recommend Josh to anybody.” Donald W. “Joshua Dean and team were the best to work with! Professional, prompt, knowledgeable, and with the consumer’s best interest in mind. Also, Joshua was very flexible with being available after-hours and weekends to answer calls and texts. If you’re in the market for a loan or refinance, Joshua Dean and his team are the way to go!” Diana M.

Residential Funding Consultants Joshua Dean 700 Churchill Court, Suite 120, Woodstock 30188

470-303-0087 residentialfundingconsultants.com/joshua-dean joshua.dean@ResidentialFundingConsultants.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Kick-Off Tour of Cherokee High Schools BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, an initiative started by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, kicked off its tour of Cherokee high schools last month at River Ridge High School. Since its launch, Be Pro Be Proud has hosted more than 350 students, industry representatives and local leaders, including Gov. Brian Kemp. This initiative is a focused effort to generate student, parent and educator interest in the skilled professions, presenting them as high-tech, high-wage careers. The website, www.beprobeproudga.org, connects students with 13 skilled professions with approximately 10% or more growth potential while linking to training and area industries, which hire within these professions.

High school juniors and seniors are introduced to skilled professions through the new hands-on mobile workshop.

Along with the website, the new hands-on mobile workshop features five highly interactive simulators that place students directly into the skilled professions while utilizing the latest in digital and virtual technology. In partnership with the Cherokee County School District, Be Pro Be Proud Georgia mobile workshop targets juniors and seniors as it visits high school campuses this fall.

“We greatly appreciate the Cherokee County Office of Economic Development’s partnership to support our students’ future career success, especially in educating them about jobs in the skilled professions,” said Dr. Brian V. Hightower, school superintendent. “I’ve been aboard the Be Pro Be Proud Georgia mobile workshop, and it’s an awesome interactive way for our students to learn about in-demand jobs.” The safety of Be Pro Be Proud visitors is a top priority amid COVID-19. Additional measures have been implemented to ensure the mobile workshop is safe and sanitized for guests. To learn more about Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, visit www.beprobeproudga.org.

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

Gov. Brian Kemp toured the Be Pro Be Proud Georgia workshop during a recent visit. 42

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Invites you to sponsor, donate or register at: http://Christmas-Reg.fikket.com for the

4th Annual

Viewers can observe the parade at Gatewood Park or Cooper Branch #1 Boat Ramp.

Christmas Boat Parade Saturday, December 5, 2020

The 2020 parade proceeds will benefit The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Haven of Canton, GA

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Making Prosthetics Eagle Scout chooses project that changes lives. Tim Andrasy of Canton hasn’t worn a prosthetic arm since he was in high school 22 years ago. It was too bulky and didn’t fit well, so he gave up wearing it, and found work-arounds to succeed in his culinary career. After serving many years as an executive chef, he’s now in a second career as a butcher. Recently, he met someone who changed his life. Daniel McCrobie is a Scout with Boy Scouts of America Troop 4056 based in Hickory Flat. When it came time to work on his Eagle Scout project, he passed up projects such as installing picnic benches for the local school or church, or clearing hiking trails at a state park. McCrobie decided to think bigger. He knew he wanted his project to help people and have a lasting impact. He also wanted to use the skills he

Daniel McCrobie with one of the 3D prosthetic limbs. 44

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Tim Andrasy of Canton is measured for his device by Eagle Scout Daniel McCrobie.

had learned in engineering classes at Sequoyah High School. And, like most teenagers, he wanted it to be interesting and fun. The timing of McCrobie’s search for a meaningful project aligned perfectly with a new high school teacher, who started a Robotics Team. In addition to wanting to be competitive in FIRST Robotics regional tournaments, teacher Brent Hollers suggested two possible service projects that would enhance the students’ knowledge of STEM subjects, and benefit those in need. One of those projects seemed like a perfect fit for what McCrobie wanted for his Eagle Project. While schools were shut down due to COVID-19 and summer break, McCrobie was able to establish an e-NABLE chapter at Sequoyah High School. e-NABLE “is an online global community of ‘Digital Humanitarian’ volunteers from all over the world who are using 3D printers to make free and low-cost prosthetic upper limb devices for children and adults in need.” A generous donation from the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation, started by a Sequoyah High School graduate and his family, provided the team with a Dremel DigiLab 3D printer to make the computer-designed plastic prosthetics. The foundation learned about the team’s work through its membership

in the Rotary Club of Canton. McCrobie quickly got the newly formed chapter certified to print several models of hands and arms. Additionally, after several conversations with Maria Esquela and Bob Rieger, leaders of the global e-NABLE organization, McCrobie was asked if the Sequoyah chapter could be the national repository of surplus hands. One of the requirements for the Eagle Scout project is to get materials and money donated. Not wanting to just ask for money, McCrobie thought up another service he could provide. He used his 3D printer to make Corona Safety Keys. He offered free keys to those who made donations toward his project. Within 10 days, the Scout had gathered almost double the amount he had estimated he would need for his project. With the extra funds, he was able to print additional hands and help more people. When schools reopened in August, McCrobie began looking for potential clients for his fellow Robotics team members to help. The first person they helped was an Alabama man, who lost four fingers in a pyrotechnics accident. Then, on Sept. 19, McCrobie led a combined group of Robotics team members and Scouts to work on six hands and arms. These included a hand for an 8-year-old Canadian girl, who was born without her left hand;

an arm for a Chinese man, who lost his hand and part of his arm due to cancer; and a finger for an Arkansas man, who lost his forefinger in a shop accident. The remaining hands and arms created by the Robotics team will be placed in inventory for future needs. Andrasy learned about the e-NABLE project during a chance encounter with McCrobie’s mother. “I thought it was too good to be true,” Andrasy said, and he eagerly set up a meeting, and saw that the help and the hope was real. McCrobie said meeting Andrasy, hearing his story, measuring his arm, and working to help him has been an incredible experience. “I am thrilled to be able to help a person locally, and actually see the prosthetic in action,” he said. Andrasy said it’s difficult to put into words how meaningful the work by McCrobie and his classmates is to him. “It will make my life better,” Andrasy said, “in so many ways it’s hard to count.” McCrobie is a senior at Sequoyah High School, and is dual enrolled in Kennesaw State University. He is researching engineering colleges and plans to pursue a degree in biomechanical engineering. After college, he hopes to work in research and development for prosthetics.

Student Project Provides Technical and Social Benefits BY BRENT HOLLERS

The Sequoyah High School robotics team was founded last year as part of the FIRST Robotics Competition league. This organization is a global group that establishes robotics competitions on a yearly basis (www.firstinspires.org). As a part of this program, students are encouraged to perform service and outreach to the community, especially in areas where they can apply their STEM skills to benefit local and global communities. Since I am the head coach, I introduced Daniel McCrobie and the team to the e-NABLE group, and McCrobie was immediately engaged and interested in the project. He spent the better part of the spring, summer and fall doing a tremendous amount of work to get our e-NABLE chapter established, and to get our program certified to print hands

and arms. He completed and sent out his first arm about a month ago and since then, our team has worked on creating prosthetics for individuals locally and globally (we have projects ongoing for people in China, Albania, Germany and Australia). Without McCrobie’s tenacity in getting this program established, the program would not be having such a tremendous impact on the students and recipients of these prosthetics. What I enjoy most about this program is seeing the direct application of what students are learning in class to real world problems that not only have a technical benefit, but a social and emotional one. Through this program, students are learning empathy, client relations, and a host of other soft skills that will greatly benefit them once they leave this school. Sometimes in education we get so focused on the standards, tests and content that we miss out on the opportunities to create a real impact in students’ lives through the application of what they are learning to create a better society. What is amazing about what I have seen in the students is not only the honing of their technical expertise, but also the growth of their empathy toward people whom they may not otherwise interact with or understand their needs. This is truly problemsolving and project-based learning at its highest level and what we strive for as teachers. McCrobie’s passion for STEM and for others has been demonstrated by the tremendous amount of time and resources he has invested in this program. Jason T. Dickerson, right, pictured with the Sequoyah High School FIRST Robotics Team led by teacher Brent Hollers, left. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

School News

Senior Earns Recognition With PSAT Scores

Wyatt Reardon, a Cherokee Christian senior, was named a Commended Student in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. His scores on the PSAT placed him within the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students, who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 PSAT/NMSQT. According to the spokesperson for NMSC, this means he has "demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success." Woodstock Middle School seventh-grader Jackson Croft shares why his bus driver Jenny Glasser is special.

Arnold Mill Elementary School first-grader Emerson Wages is thankful for her bus driver Jean Keesee.

Students Honor Bus Drivers

Last month, the Cherokee County School District observed School Bus Safety Week by asking students to give their bus drivers a shout-out. We add our thanks to all the bus drivers in our school district, who safely transport students to and from school each day. 46

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Chatt Tech Implements Program in Dental Assisting Chattahoochee Technical College has implemented a new program in dental assisting that addresses a widespread need for highly skilled workers in this career field. “Due to the fact that there is a national dental assistant shortage, that is projected to continue through 2024, our dental assisting students are in an optimal position to enter the job market,” said Chattahoochee Chattahoochee Tech welcomed its first class of dental Tech Dental Assisting assisting students this semester. Program Director Michelle Peets. The college welcomed its first class of dental assisting students this fall. This program is based at the Chattahoochee Tech Marietta Campus in the college’s new, state-of-the-art health science building. In addition to learning basic chairside skills for general dentistry, students will learn how to expose digital radiographs and how to use a phosphor plate reader for X-rays. Students also will learn the latest technology for infection control measures, such as biological monitoring to ensure sterilization of instruments. Because of the pandemic, much of the dental assisting class instruction has been moved online, with students meeting on campus one day a week for lab classes that run all day. Students can complete the Chattahoochee Tech Dental Assisting program in three semesters and earn a diploma in dental assisting. After graduating from the program, students will take the Dental Assisting National Board’s (DANB) National Entry Level Dental Assisting exam.

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www.mustministries.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

The Hall of Fame exhibit lines a wall at the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA in Canton.

Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame

Showcasing the best athletes, coaches and businessmen and women since 2003. BY MARY MIGLIARO

Visit any community across the United States and ask the locals how much they value sports in their city or town, and you will find great attention is given to local athletes and their accomplishments. Cherokee County is no exception, but it offers something many communities do not: a sports hall of fame.

The idea for a local sports hall of fame began with Cecil Pruett, a former basketball standout on his Alabama high school team. Marvin Satterfield and Bill Groover, basketball players at the old Canton High School, often took Pruett to sporting events at the University of Georgia. During these trips, the men would talk about the accomplishments of Cherokee County athletes.

In 2001, Pruett returned to Alabama for the induction of his former high school basketball coach into the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame. (Pruett was inducted in 2010 for his basketball career.) Pruett, who served as Canton mayor 1995-2007, became interested in creating a hall of fame for Cherokee County. After much discussion and networking for support, the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame, modeled after the one Pruett saw in Alabama, was created as a nonprofit. The first inductees were installed in 2003. Since that time, the number has risen to 104 talented male and female athletes, coaches and business owners representing baseball, basketball, football, wrestling and golf, among other sports. Many athletes achieved statewide or national attention and accolades, including Olympic-level competition. When the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA was rebuilt, hall of fame board members worked to include an exhibit in the new facility, located at 151 Waleska St. in Canton. For the complete history and information about the hall of famers, visit www.cchof.net.

2019 Inductees

LaShonda Stephens Tucker.

PHOTOS BY TEENA COOGLE

A member of the Sequoyah Lady Chiefs in 1992-96, Tucker was the Class AAAA Player of the Year in 1996, appeared in four straight state semifinals, and won two state championships. She won a pair of national championships at the University of Tennessee and was a starter on the 1998 national championship team that went 39-0.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Danielle Donehew. A member of the Sequoyah Lady Chiefs in 199296, Donehew appeared in four straight state semifinals and won two state championships. She played at Georgia Tech before joining the staff at Tennessee. Donehew served in executive roles with the Big East Conference and the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream and currently serves as executive director of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

Among the Standouts Arfellow Gates

Matt Moore. Moore was a four-year starting football player at Cherokee High School and a three-year starter at Valdosta State. He has coached at West Virginia and served as head coach at Pickens and North Gwinnett high schools, as well as a college assistant at Texas Tech, Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech.

Mickey Swims. Swims is the second inductee in the contributor category. Swims has owned and operated Woodstock’s Dixie Speedway for 42 years. He also runs Rome Speedway, which he has owned since 1969. Swims is a member of the Georgia Racing and National Dirt Late Model halls of fame.

Born on April 29, 1938, in Lafayette, Alabama, Gates moved to Canton in 1963. In 1965, he organized a youth baseball team for African American kids in the Canton-area Pearidge, 19 and Stumptown communities. During the same year, he tried to enter his team in the Canton Little League, but was turned down. Two years later, his kids were accepted to play in the Canton Little League. In 1968, he became the first black manager in Canton Little League. Within the next five years, he coached a Little League team to a state championship. During the mid-1970s, he became the first black president of the Canton Little League. In 1997, he was inducted into the Georgia Dizzy Dean Baseball Hall of Fame and received the Law Day Liberty Bell award in 2000. He was also one of the first inductees into the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame.

Choosing Hall of Famers

Cindy Ely Angelich

The selection process for inductees begins with the submission of applications, due no later than Dec. 31. Details of the criteria for applying are on the website, along with the printable application and instructions. Once the Hall of Fame board of directors receives the application, materials are sent to the committee, which reads the applications and chooses the new inductees. The board has a subcommittee that uses established criteria to evaluate each nominee based on achievements. Once reviewed by the subcommittee, the top 25% of the nomination results are submitted to the board of directors for a vote by the entire board. This vote usually takes place at the end of January, and inductees are notified. The induction ceremony/banquet usually takes place in April or May. The board reserves the right to postpone the banquet if COVID-19 is still an active concern. Mary Migliaro, a 45-year Cherokee County resident and retired teacher, is CEO of Mission Possible Consulting, a nonprofit consulting company, and often writes for local publications.

A basketball standout, Angelich achieved Cherokee High School All State status in 1974, as well as AllRegion in ’75. She also was part of the 1976 State Championship, All Region and All State teams, and was named State Runner-up, All Region and All State in ’77. She received a basketball scholarship from the University of Tennessee and was part of Final Four AIAW teams in 1979-81. In 1984, Angelich was a member of the USA AllStars Olympic Exhibition Series Team.

Kyle Owen

A member of the Cherokee High School golf team in 1988-1990, and three-time letterman and MVP, Owen went on to be a three-time letterman and MVP at Kennesaw State University. He turned pro in 1997, and won four professional tournaments, including a national Pro-Pro tournament against Bubba Watson, Bill Daly and others. He was inducted into the Kennesaw State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. Named the Georgia PGA player of the year in 2017, Owen is the PGA head golf professional at St. Ives Country Club. AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

How to Handle Children’s Dental Injuries BY DR. LULU ELKAIALI

Cooler weather means it is time for outdoor activities and fall sports for our kids. With this extra outside time, falls and injuries, especially to the face and mouth, are common. Approximately 25% of toddlers sustain dental injuries, most often occurring between the ages of 2 and 4, when coordination is not completely developed. For older kids, bike and scooter accidents can often result in dental injuries. If your kids play sports, be sure they wear a mouthguard. Some sports require it, but many do not. It may take time for your child to get used to it, but wearing a sports mouthguard can help prevent major dental injuries.

Tips for handling a dental or oral injury.

• Before worrying about their teeth, make sure to first assess for signs of concussion. If your child's behavior seems questionable, a trip to the emergency room is warranted to rule out a major head injury. • Next, differentiate between a baby tooth or permanent tooth injury. If you are unsure, call your child's dentist. Most dentists have an after hours emergency number or email where you can send a picture and receive guidance. • If your child's adult tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence. Reimplantation of the tooth is the best course of

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

action, but if you do not feel comfortable doing so, place the tooth in milk as quickly as possible, and call your child's dentist. If no milk is available, saliva is second best, followed by water. The longer the tooth is dry, the worse the prognosis. • If your child's baby tooth is knocked out, do not reimplant! This could cause serious damage to the developing permanent tooth bud. Instead, turn the experience into a positive one for your child, such as explaining that the tooth fairy is coming early! • Chipped teeth, or teeth that have been shifted, can vary in severity. If you can see any pink (the nerve) or your child is unable to bite down fully, call your child's dentist.

For all accidents.

• Apply pressure to the area if bleeding. • Use cold compresses for any gum and lip injuries. • Give children's ibuprofen to help with pain, swelling and inflammation. • Stick to soft foods for seven to 10 days.

Dr. Lulu Elkaiali is a board-certified pediatric dentist at ToothTown Pediatric Dentistry in Woodstock. She is a Cherokee County native and is proud to serve her community.

Don't Underestimate Power of Community BY JUSTIN SPAINHOUR-ROTH

“It takes a village.” Look, I already know what you’re going to say. “Justin, that’s a cliche.” “People say that so much.” “It’s an overused phrase, so it doesn’t mean much anymore.” While I can agree with you, to an extent, let me ask you this: Haven’t we seen the power of our community during the past eight months? Supporting each other and letting our community support us back. That reciprocity of leaning on each other shows us that we all want to work together to make where we live, work and play the best place possible for all of us. And while we haven’t necessarily been able to socialize and support one another the same way as before the pandemic, we’ve all been really creative with making things work. Ways of Supporting Creatively • Using the power of social media to recommend local businesses, restaurants, and organizations to your friends, neighbors, and fellow community members on an online forum. • Ordering takeout or shopping at a small boutique’s online store. • Sending your friends silly video messages and mailing cards as a way to cheer them up and check in. • Cheering on our schools for their constant dedication and hard work. • Donating your time and/or money to help spread awareness to charities and nonprofits you care about and believe in. It can be easy to get bogged down by day-to-day life, but if you stop to look around and see all the good our community members are doing, and how they’re working to serve all of us, you’ll get a sense of pride and hold yourself a little higher. As a community-driven organization, this is exactly why we exist. We understand a community can do more when we come together, and the arts are a great way to connect and communicate. As you’re navigating the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of the year, don’t forget to find ways to continue to support your community at the same time, like bringing the family together for a holiday tradition or sitting down for a good laugh with some local comedy. It truly does take a village, and I hope you take the time to experience that this season. All the best to you and yours. Justin Spainhour-Roth, marketing manager for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, has a bachelor of arts in communication in musical theater from Bowling Green State University.

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

A NEW Comedy Special!

WE’RE ALL CHOCOLATE

NOV 22, 2020 IN-PERSON & DIGITAL STREAMING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

The Holiday Tradition Continues!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

DEC 18-20, 2020 DEC 22-24, 2020 AN OPEN AIR CONCERT PRODUCTION

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Woodstock Area Homes Sold in September

List Price Address

Subdivision

850,000 769,900 769,900 759,900 699,000 646,000 615,000 599,900 599,900 599,000 595,000 559,550 539,900 539,000 525,000 525,000 514,900 513,310 498,000 490,000 489,000 488,000 484,900 475,000 449,900 449,900 435,000 419,000 415,000 400,000 399,800 398,300 395,000 389,900 385,000 385,000 349,900 345,000 344,900 339,900 337,500 335,000 335,000 331,900 320,000 319,000 299,900 295,000 290,000 289,000 285,000 285,000 282,000 279,900 275,000 275,000 265,000 265,000 265,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 249,000 242,000 240,000 239,900 239,900 235,000

Woodstock Knoll South on Main South on Main South on Main Overlook at Woodstock Knoll Overlook At Woodstock Knoll Vaughn Estates South on Main Cottages at Trickum Olde Heritage Longleaf Woodstock Inwood Mountain Park Overlook Olde Heritage Olde Heritage Olde Heritage Haney Walk Inwood Longleaf Woodstock none Olde Heritage Olde Heritage Inwood Mill Park Acreage Oakhurst Wynchase Woodhaven Court Olde Heritage Cornerstone Park Phase Two Highland Park Arbor View Wynchase Serenade Stoney Creek Stoney Creek none Cornerstone Estates none Gunners Pond Willow Tree Arbor View Wynchase Walnut Creek East Cherokee Village Woodstock Village Waverly Park Briarwood Valley Brook Wiley Bridge Junction N/A Highland Village Woodlands Westridge Weatherstone Weatherstone Woodstock Village River Plantation Park at Kingsgate Applewood Weatherstone Cottages of Woodstock Woodglen West Ridge Other Applewood Wellington Manor Bramble Oak

221 Johnston Farm Lane 174 Brighton Boulevard 176 Brighton Boulevard 164 Brighton Boulevard 304 Harvest View Terrace 208 Johnston Farm Lane 118 Gardenia Trail 265 Dawson Drive 3056 Trickum Road 129 Olde Heritage Way 108 Foxtail Road 132 Meadow Mill Road 117 Mountainside Drive 407 Olde Heritage Circle 123 Olde Heritage Way 371 Heritage Overlook 426 Hathaway Avenue 125 Meadow Mill Road 144 Foxtail Road 1946 TRIPP Road 326 Heritage Overlook 410 Crestline Way 169 Inwood Walk 250 Rope Mill Road 2800 Billings Road 1764 Grand Oaks Drive 553 Rokeby Drive 121 Wood Hollow Drive 401 Crestline Way 164 Cornerstone Circle 407 Northpark Lane 739 Parkside Drive 240 Edinburgh Lane 418 Windsong Way 139 Stoney Creek Parkway 157 Stoney Creek Parkway 1027 Wiley Bridge Road 204 Cornerstone Circle 5595 Vaughn Road 4003 Pondview Court 1476 Willow Bend 115 Woodview Court 402 Waverly Place 105 Blackberry Court 220 Forest Way 411 Village View 869 Oxford Drive 103 Brookstone Trace 125 Aspen Court 123 Wiley Bridge Court 120 Rusk Street 261 Highland Village Lane 517 Mullein Trace 3026 Ridgepoint Lane 165 Weatherstone Drive 309 Sam Cobb Place 179 Village Trail 141 River Marsh Lane 522 Drifton Way 231 Apple Branch Drive 172 Weatherstone Drive 235 Abercorn Way 227 Woodglen Drive 2071 Crestview Way 119 Pioneer Drive 221 Apple Branch Drive 1395 Chatley Way 802 W Bramble Oak Drive

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Beds Full Baths Yr Built Sales Price Days On Market 6 4 4 4 6 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 5 4 5 5 4 3 4 4 5 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 3 3 4 3 5 3 4 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

5 4 4 4 5 4 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 1 4 3 2 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

2016 2020 2020 2020 2016 2016 2019 2020 2020 2006 2018 2019 2019 2008 2006 2016 2017 2019 2020 2001 2007 2016 2017 2007 1962 2014 2017 2017 2007 2013 2018 1999 2008 2002 2016 2015 1986 2012 1999 1979 1988 2002 2008 1998 1984 2015 1996 1995 1994 1986 1974 2012 2003 1996 1998 2002 2014 1998 2000 1983 1999 2007 1982 1995 1978 1982 1989 1979

805,000 828,357 821,962 769,900 699,000 646,000 602,800 599,900 633,000 580,000 587,500 520,330 496,000 528,000 525,000 510,000 498,000 519,770 489,000 490,000 489,000 485,000 482,900 439,000 425,000 449,900 432,000 408,000 400,000 395,000 380,000 398,300 395,000 385,000 380,000 379,000 340,000 334,000 339,000 335,000 340,000 330,000 325,000 336,900 300,000 310,000 306,000 305,000 290,000 293,000 254,140 280,000 285,000 281,425 275,000 275,000 268,000 262,500 275,000 250,000 260,000 249,000 190,000 247,000 220,000 232,000 245,000 225,000

9 0 0 61 1 25 382 36 140 3 11 388 144 56 3 5 27 101 7 10 2 6 0 250 448 29 21 4 6 1 149 0 3 13 13 9 19 22 22 18 2 145 34 113 20 12 0 3 1 3 1 37 1 1 1 4 14 28 4 3 3 10 6 1 73 7 2 6

Because CTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization your donations are tax deductible.

Cherokee Theatre Company PO Box 5885 â&#x20AC;¢ Canton, GA 30114 AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Advertisers November 2020

ANIMALS/PETS Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

COUNSELING 53

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com

Tidwell Strimban Injury Lawyers 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com

Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA, 833-534-2542 www.gatrialattorney.com

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

Canton Counseling 678-880-4645 www.cantoncounseling.com

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

DENTAL/ORTHODONTICS Dentistry for Woodstock, Dr. Bruce Fink 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com

Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail 7 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com

Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 36 Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.smiledoctors.com

Hardline Customs 770-675-8115 www.hardlineind.com

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY SALON & SPA

ToothTown Pediatric Dentistry 470-523-8090 www.toothtownpd.com

Lights on the Lake http://christmas-reg.fikket.com

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

Edward Jones Sarah K. Kendall 1 770-720-6245 www.edwardjones.com/sarah-kendall FUNERAL SERVICES

Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

AUTOMOTIVE

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

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

HOME AND GARDEN Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com

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

Foundation Business Enterprises 678-919-1991 www.fbellc.net

Salon Gloss 678-483-8900 www.salongloss.biz

Piano Lessons by Ralph Iossa 973-519-6863 www.woodstockpianolessons.com

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

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

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

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1(675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

A New You Skin & Body Clinic 678-739-0040 www.anewyouclinic.com

MOOD Salon 678-653-8444 www.moodsalonwoodstock.com

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS INWDSTK 50 inwdstk.org/events 54

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING

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

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

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

Inside front

Southern Sky Home Outlet www.southernskyoutlet.com

Capital Mortgage Solutions 770-450-9717 www.cmshomeloans.com

Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.tpgsells.com

NAIL SALON Main Street Nail Studio 770-928-2662 PHOTOGRAPHY Brittany Weir Photography 678-514-9267

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

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

Tender Touch Phlebotomy & CPR Service 7 770-750-5363 REAL ESTATE& RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities, Shonna Sherrill c: 678-634-5581 o: 770-240-2005 www.shonnasherrill.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The www.thetomlinsonteam.com

25 5

Susto's Taco Bar Restaurant: 678-400-8131 Catering: 678-400-8160 www.sustostacobar.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Back cover

Prosperity Home Mortgage 404-895-0641 www.lisaeifert.phmloans.com

Art Jewelers 770-924-3133 www.artjewelers.com

Cover, 28-29

Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com

SENIOR LIVING/ SENIOR SERVICES

Residential Funding Consultants, Joshua Dean 40-41 470-303-0087 www.residentialfundingconsultants.com/ joshua-dean RESTAURANTS 7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant 13 www.7tequilasmexicansrestaurants.com JD's Bar-B-Que 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com

Rootstock 1 www.rootstocknow.com

Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

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. 56

AROUND WOODSTOCK | November 2020

Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500

678-494-0102 www.TPGsells.com REALTY PARTNERS

CALL US today for a CASH OFFER! Looking for a stress-free way to sell your home? vNo Showings vNo Repairs vAgent Representation Visit tpgcashoffers.com to request your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value and compare if a traditional sale or cash sale meets your needs.

Search for your next home at TPGsells.com Interest rates make purchasing a new home in 2020 a great value! Call us to learn more. For more info, contact The Premier Group (TPG) Main Office at 8604 Main St., Downtown Woodstock

678-494-0102 TPGsells.com

Copyright 2020 Keller Williams Realty, Inc. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Conditions may apply. Equal opportunity housing provider. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Kris McKeeth

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Articles inside

Scout’s Prosthetic Project