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TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Contents

Contributors

November 2020

36 Don Akridge

Residential Funding Consultants

35 Danny Branom 66 Ryan Blythe

74 Cherokee Office of Economic Development

On the Cover

50 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists

Joshua Dean, with wife Tina and children Judah, Grantly and Gracie, has a strong commitment to his family and the community.

67 Rev. Joseph Cousin 63 Dr. Lulu Elkaiali

Pages 44 & 45

Cover photo by J. King Images

58 Linda Hartsfield 69 Brent Hollers

24 Beth Embry-Houchens 70 Barbara P. Jacoby 38 Harry Johnston 56 Ann Litrel

48 Rob Macmillan 22 Mary Migliaro

30 60 32 26 79 46

Christopher Purvis Lynne Saunders Susan Schulz

Justin Spainhour-Roth Elisabeth Stubbs

In Every Issue

4 Around Towne

Celebrating Our Athletes

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

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.

Erika Neldner

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

8 Local News

12 Celebrations 18 Noteworthy

40 Community Calendar 48 Rob’s Rescues

52 Everyday Angels

54 County Commission Highlights

64 Towne Lake Dining Guide 71 School News

76 Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide 80 Cherokee Photo Club 82 Clubs & Orgs

84 Recent Home Sales

86 Directory of Advertisers

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81 Lacy Street, Marietta | 770-428-3328 TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Around Towne 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 24). 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 62). In our calendar (pages 40 and 42), 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 22 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 look forward to our next 33-plus years together! I am thankful that he has more energy than I do, and always (underscore and capital letters) encourages me to take a walk with him. So, thanks to Glenn, I look forward to seeing you around town!

Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

Mountain Education Charter School

6500 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock 30189 www.mymec.org/sites/cherokee

What’s New

Dr. Steve Lammert and Dr. Daniel McMahon have joined Towne Lake Primary Care,

a Northside network provider. Dr. Lammert will see patients at the new Bridgemill location in Canton. Dr. McMahon will see patients at the new Holly Springs location. 678-445-0819. townelakepc.com.

Towne Lake Food Mart has opened at 172 Towne Lake Parkway. Open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. https://towne-lake-food-mart.business.site.

TRUE Automotive, an independent European, domestic and Asian auto repair facility, is open at 103 Elliott Industrial Drive, Woodstock. The business also has locations in Lawrenceville, Suwanee and Marietta. 678-494-6473. www.trueautomotive.com.

What’s Coming

The remaining lots at The Village at Towne Lake have been bought by Davidson Homes, which plans to open a new community in the neighborhood. The model park is due to be completed by the end of this year, and will showcase five plans - one townhome and four single-family residences.

Your Input is Wanted

Cherokee County Recreation and Parks

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

wants to hear from 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

Around Acworth | Around Canton Around Woodstock | TowneLaker

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TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to help 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 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 900 are placed in racks around the community. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2020. TowneLaker 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 Volume 25, Issue 7

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TOWNELAKER | 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. 8

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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.

Members of Troop 625 helped Devren Ambrose complete the food pantries.

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. 10

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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

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Celebrations!

Evan Alexander Stegall

Nov. 10 Happy 9th birthday! We love you so much and hope you have the best birthday! Love, Mama, Austin, Nana, Dad, Brandy and Jacob.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com December deadline is Nov. 10. Please specify TowneLaker.

Kelvin

You have brought such joy to our lives. Happy 6th birthday! Love, Mommy, TeeTee, Nana and Papa.

Happy Birthday Madison! I love you so much! From, Makenzie.

JJ McCloskey

Nov. 9 Happy 3rd birthday to our wild and crazy boy! You are so loved! You’re our “Big Fella!” Mom, Dad and Sissy. 12

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Molly

Happy 17th birthday to Molly!

Chansia

Happy 15th birthday! Love, your family and friends!

Sawyer Elliott Reese

Turned 2 on Oct. 16. Happy birthday, Sawyer! Being 2 will be even more fun than being 1. We love you baby brother. Love, Mom, Dad and Emerson.

TOWNELAKER | 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. TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | 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. 16

TOWNELAKER | 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.papaspantry.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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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. Her 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. After the surgery last month, Joy was released after a few days and recovered at home. Maggie continued her stay in the hospital while doctors monitored her for organ rejection. “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. TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | 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. TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | 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!” TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Army veteran and Team River Runner volunteer David Sapp kayaking through Blackberry Falls on the Cartecay River in Ellijay.

A Rush to Recovery BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

“I compare whitewater kayaking to airborne operations I did while in the Army,” said David Sapp, a wounded veteran. “Despite taking precautions when I paddle whitewater, it still engages me with a thrilling, heartstopping adrenaline rush that easily relates to jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft.” While serving in Iraq in 2006, Sapp sustained three bullet wounds, which permanently impaired his physical abilities. His injuries resulted in a traumatic brain injury, a blind left eye, a shattered humerus with no range of motion in his right shoulder, and a shattered right femur that was replaced with a metal rod. “Even though I thought I was incapable of doing anything of this nature, it was made possible by

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

volunteers at Team River Runner,” Sapp said. “Since having this training as a participant, I now give back as a volunteer. In April 2019, I became president of Team River RunnerAtlanta (TRR).” The main idea behind TRR is that healing is never done alone. More than an adaptive kayaking program, TRR provides military veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges through adventure. The nonprofit gives hope and strength to the brave veterans who give much, yet ask for so little, and allows them to spend time on the restorative waters of the river. Participants start training in a swimming pool. “Cherokee Recreation and Parks gives TRR-Atlanta pool access at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center twice a month during cooler

months,” said Michael Hurndon, a 30-year Army veteran and certified kayak instructor with TRR. “We get the veterans familiar with basics, security and safety, while practicing how to roll the kayak back up after a flip.” All equipment and instruction is free for veterans. TRR-Atlanta serves the communities of North Georgia, and for whitewater thrills often frequents its home river, the Cartecay, in Ellijay. This river is great for beginning to advanced kayakers, with whitewater rapids classified from skill level I-V (noneexpert). Dennis Walters, a Marine veteran and spinal cord injury survivor, said, “Anything is possible, if you put your mind to it. I heard a lot of ‘Nos’ when I first tried to conquer adaptive kayaking, but Laura Dillon (of TRR-Chattanooga) believed in me and bought me my first boat. I then connected with Michael Hurndon of TRR-Atlanta, who trained me to roll my kayak back up, using my own special technique. On the water, no one knows I’m wheelchair bound on land. I blend in, and am thrilled by the rush of the river.” Founded by Joe Mornini and a group of fellow kayakers in the Washington, D.C., area, TRR carries the belief that every wounded and disabled service veteran deserves the chance to embrace new challenges. “I was not a veteran myself, but my father served in World War II in the Pacific theater,” said Mornini, executive director of TRR. “I spent 40 years teaching at-risk kids. After living through 9/11, I wanted to give back to those who sacrifice much. We launched our first kayaker at the Walter Reed Medical Center in September of 2004.” Ever since that first kayak hit the water, Joe Mornini’s goal remains “butts in boats.” Headquartered in Maryland, TRR has grown exponentially the past 16 years, and offers weekly paddling sessions at its more than 65 chapters nationwide, as well as biathlons, and a

host of other activities and events. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biathlon was held virtually. As TRR has evolved, an increased emphasis has been placed on the development of leadership skills for all of the participants. These programs teach veterans the necessary fundamentals and skills to become leaders in their respective chapters. Another facet of the organization is its Outtasight Series, where disabled veterans teach blind veterans to kayak, increasing camaraderie. They also reach out to the community by teaching visually impaired children to kayak. Veterans interested in programs offered by Team River Runner should email trratlanta@teamriverrunner.org. For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit www.teamriverrunner.org or call 706-974-4832.

Dennis Walters, a Marine veteran, transfers from his wheelchair to a kayak.

Susan Schulz is a wife, mom, writer and mentor who lives and plays along the Etowah River in Canton. She loves serving at Woodstock City Church. Connect with her at www.susanbrowningschulz.com.

TOWNELAKER | 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.

People shopping and chatting, enjoying the weather. 28

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Major and Baker Heath.

Olga Tsahacas and Gino.

Marisa and Preston Vitanza.

Gwyneth and Chris Grole. TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Bags & Brews

Nov. 7. Registration at 1 p.m., games start at 2 p.m. Burnt Hickory Brewery 2260 Moon Station Court NW # 210, Kennesaw

Designer Purse & Mancave Bingo

Dec. 11. 6 p.m. His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock

“This was a great opportunity for the Rotary Club of Cherokee County to join forces with the other Area 16 clubs to do some good for our community,” said Carol Gage, president of the Rotary Club of Cherokee County.

Service With a Purpose is the Heart of Rotary

rescheduled multiple times due to state requirements, but the new date is Dec. 11. We appreciate our Service comes from the heart, and Rotarians across dedicated supporters, sponsors and venue managers, Area 16 partnered with nonprofits to provide more who have stuck with us through the date changes. than 20,000 pounds of food recently. Even sooner than bingo is our first The Truck of Love service project, Bags & Brews cornhole tournament which included the Rotary Clubs of to be held in conjunction with the Towne Lake, Canton, Woodstock, Rotary Club of Cherokee County. Cherokee County and Jasper, delivered Bags & Brews will take place Nov. 7 fresh produce to residents in need in at Burnt Hickory Brewery. The two Cherokee and Pickens counties. Rotary Clubs will equally split the Rotary’s mission is Service Above Self. proceeds for their respective club Any Rotarian can share their Rotary foundation accounts. story, but you’ll find a common theme The Rotary Club foundations are – service and friendship. People join 501c3 nonprofits, and sponsorships Rotary for different reasons, but longand donations are tax-deductible term commitment to a club is centered (always contact your tax professional Volunteers unloaded 24 pallets (almost 1,700 around members feeling welcome and for tax advice). Learn more about boxes) of fresh produce from a tractor-trailer finding their place and purpose. how to sponsor or participate in these and loaded it for area nonprofits. The Rotary Club of Towne Lake events at RotarySignUp.com and launched a member spotlight social media campaign, and learn more about the Rotary Club of Towne Lake at member responses show they found a connection and a TowneLakeRotary.org. purpose in their service to the club and community. Service projects can’t be done without fundraising, something COVID-19 has curtailed. The Rotary Club of Towne Lake is staying committed to its purpose Erika Neldner is the public image chair for the while maintaining safety. Our biggest fundraiser, Rotary Club of Towne Lake. Designer Purse & Mancave Bingo, had to be BY ERIKA NELDNER

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Nonprofit Serves Those Committed to Recovery BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

Many people know someone dealing with abuse of alcohol or drugs (legal and/or prescription), or someone who has died from an overdose.

Here are some staggering statistics. • Substance abuse overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., surpassing automobile accidents by 250%, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Without immediate recovery support, an average of 90% of users will relapse within the first three months.

Preventing a relapse is the key to recovery. A person’s recovery efforts should not stop when he or she leaves a detoxification or residential program. Too many times, the person returns to their former friends and picks up bad habits. The Recovery Organization of Cherokee County (ROCC) has opened to help people in recovery. The ROCC is Cherokee’s Recovery Community Organization (RCO), extending from a national program that began as a result of the opioid crisis. Every RCO operates differently, depending on each community’s needs. The ROCC offers peer-led support. Although it is a nonclinical program, certified counselors who are celebrating their own recovery are available. They can relate to what someone may be

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

going through when there are certain days or triggers that drive the urge to reuse. A wide variety of programs are available at the ROCC, and many are still to be implemented. There is help for those who are looking for a job. Through partnership with Encompass Ministries, food assistance and other life-skills education components are offered. Recovery-specific classes and meetings are in place. There is talk of yoga, cooking and art classes, and even game nights, with pingpong and foosball, coming soon. All in all, the ROCC is meant to be a place where people can come, even if it is just to hang out with others in recovery, in a drug-free zone. Life after addiction can be amazing and fulfilling! Recovery is an ongoing process. The ROCC’s ultimate goal is to save lives, by offering tools and support for men and women to succeed. These services are free to the community. If you are in recovery, or just thinking about starting that process, stop by the ROCC at 1558 Marietta Highway, Suite 220, in Canton. www.betherocc.org.

Lynne Saunders is the founder and executive director of Encompass Ministries (Papa’s Pantry) and founding board member of the ROCC. She enjoys her family and two dogs!

POWERFUL EXPERTISE. MEANINGFUL RELIEF. At Cherokee Lung and Sleep Specialists, we focus our expertise on leading you to a more restful and refreshing daily life. It starts by working with you to pinpoint your breathing or sleep problems and developing a plan to address them. Our team of board-certified specialists is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities for a wide range of pulmonary and sleep disorders. Our experience and evidence-based approach has helped thousands of Georgians find meaningful relief. Together, we’ll help you breathe easier and sleep better. Visit cherokeelungandsleep.com to learn more.

Our OurLocations Locations Kennesaw

Some of the conditions our pulmonary and sleep specialists treat include: • Emphysema • Asthma • Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Sleep Apnea • Narcolepsy • Insomnia

East Ellijay

611 Pine Mountain Road Suite 102 Kennesaw, GA 30152 678-354-9821

433 Highland Parkway Suite 203 East Ellijay, GA 30540 678-493-2527

Woodstock

Canton

900 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 206 Woodstock, GA 30189 770-852-7740

460 Northside Cherokee Blvd Suite 130 Canton, GA 30115 678-493-2527

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

hen you shop at The Butcher and A Baker, owner Sandy Kluger guarantees you’ll walk out with a bag full of the freshest foods around, a smile on your face, and new friends. On busier days, Sandy cranks up the music and declares an impromptu dance-off. Or she asks everyone in line to introduce themselves to each other, or compete in a best joke contest. “We have fun here,” she said. “I’m very proud of what we’ve done. My team is the most important part of the business. I couldn’t do it without them.” The neighborly vibe is the perfect backdrop for what Sandy calls the most important element of business: excellent customer service. “We’re here for our

Always fresh sushi-grade Ahi tuna.

Garlic & herb compound butter, housemade sausage, beef kebabs and bacon wrapped chicken mignon. Assortment of mini cupcakes.

PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL PEYTON

Fresh and Fun at the Local Butcher Shop

Owner Sandy Kluger decorates a red velvet cake.

customers, whether it’s coaching them through the cooking process or offering ideas for flavor profiles and pairings.”

Meet the Team

The butcher, Stephan Innocenzi, has 40 years of experience and is quick to share grilling and meat-smoking tips. Long-time customer Rick Moore became a business partner in April, helping with improvements and watching the business end of things. Kitchen manager Karen Bartlet, who makes the prepared meals, adds homemade flair to the offerings, which include chicken francaise and marsala; pot roast made with filet mignon; lasagna; and beef stroganoff. Sides include loaded potatoes, mac ’n’ cheese, grilled veggies and more. Just warm and serve. At the store, Sandy and her daughter, Sam Taylor, create what she declares are “one-of-a-kind, made-from-scratch” baked goods. Sandy also takes a role in all of the food operation, but mostly loves talking with customers and coaching her team.

Fresh Ingredients

“Everything we do here is fresh,” Sandy said. “Even the Ahi tuna salad comes from fresh Ahi, not a can. All fish is fresh, and all dishes feature homemade sauces. We never use MSG or high fructose corn syrup. Nothing comes out of a can or box except maybe pasta, because, who has time for that, right?” All sausages are made onsite, with no additives or preservatives. The

ground beef is ground in-house with beef tenderloin, no fillers. Steaks are angus-certified, hand-cut and as fresh as possible. New to the store is the Butcher Boutique, which offers a selection of spices, rubs, dressings and sauces, that are made in-house, and compound butters. T-shirts and jackets are also for sale, alongside products from local vendors, such as ALMA Coffee.

For the Holiday Table

Sandy and her team are working to make sure no one has to do more than bake the Thanksgiving turkey this year. Bring in your favorite casserole dish, and she’ll fill it for you. Orders will be accepted beginning two weeks before Thanksgiving. Options cover the holiday meal, from beginning to end. Appetizers: cranberry brie, bruschetta, charcuterie boards, and the favorite buffalo and seven layer dips. Main dish: Turkey, prime rib and tenderloin, trimmed and tied. Sides: Roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted veggies, smoked gouda and prosciutto mashed potatoes, green beans and a variety of casseroles. Fresh pies: Honey bourbon apple, pecan, pumpkin, as well as gluten-free chocolate silk. Thanksgiving and Christmas are perfect times to adopt The Butcher and a Baker mission statement: “We all eat. And it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.”

The Butcher and a Baker |1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 140 770-517-2225 | www.thebutcherandabaker.com TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Sponsored Content

What a Car Wants BY DANNY BRANOM

If your vehicle could talk, it might be trying to tell you a few things.

“Wash my paint often.”

Your car needs a bath on a regular basis. How often depends on where you drive every day. For most of us, once a week is sufficient. Washing your vehicle on a regular basis helps remove road grime and airborne contaminants (commonly known as acid rain), which is harmful to your vehicle's paint finish. A regular exterior washing of your vehicle and an application of a paint and glass protectant will not only keep your vehicle looking great, but help maintain its market value.

“Clean me on the inside, too.”

Your vehicle's interior also needs regular care. Depending on the material (cloth, leather or man-made materials) having it cleaned will help maintain its appearance and reduce wear areas. Dirt is abrasive and needs to be removed on a regular basis. Don’t forget about the carpet. Adding floor mats of any type will significantly reduce unwanted wear spots and ugly stains. Rubber floor mats are an excellent idea, and act as a shield for your carpets if you find yourself having to walk in our Georgia clay on a regular basis, especially after the rain!

“Don’t forget about my lights.”

Most exterior lights on vehicles today are made with a form of plastic. Exposure to our strong southern UV sunlight, day after day, discolors the plastic. The discoloration reduces the lights’ ability to illuminate the road. To avoid this, use a UV protectant on your headlights, much like you would put sunscreen on yourself when you are outside for extended periods of time.

“Make my tires and wheels sparkle”

This may sound over the top, but brake dust is very damaging to your wheels finish. If you look at brake dust composition under a microscope, you will see sharp and jagged edges. That is why it sticks to your wheels and requires a little extra effort to remove it. A word of caution, if you clean your vehicle’s wheels yourself, be aware that some manufacturers use a solvent in its ingredients, and in most cases it will harm the finish on your wheels. Some vehicle owners take their vehicle to one of the several car wash centers in Towne Lake and others choose to do it the old fashion way − by hand in the driveway. No matter your style, just do it.

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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 does not cover some costs that many 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

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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.

Woodstock - Towne Lake 145 Towne Lake Pkwy Suite 201

(770) 592-5554

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TOWNELAKER | 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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(770) 345-4155

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TOWNELAKER | 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.

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. Continued on Page 42

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Around & About DECEMBER

Submission deadline to receive a call from Santa. Email, mail or hand deliver the request form to the recreation center, 7545 Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188. Santa and the elves make calls between 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Fill out an online form at www.PlayCherokee.org.

IN WDSTK INFluence

www.inwdstk.org

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

Mastermind

The quarterly learning event provides information and an opportunity for sharing ideas. Meets at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St. RSVP required.

YPOW AM

Young Professionals of Woodstock meets 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at The Circuit, at One Innovation Way. Reservations required to maintain social distancing. YPOW PM meets at the amphitheater.

Children gather around the Grinch during a previous year's event.

With the Grinch at the Cherokee County 19 Swim Aquatic Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Decorate a Christmas tree with underwater lights, get crafty with elves, and take pictures with the Grinch. $10 per child. www.crpa.net.

vigil at the homeless veteran statue 21 inA candlelight the Cherokee County Veterans Park is scheduled

for sundown, 5:30 p.m., to commemorate the plight of more than 50,000 U.S. veterans who are homeless on any given night. To help, please contact Jim Lindenmayer at jlindenmayer80@gmail.com or 678-983-7590.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

FRESH START CHEROKEE @ THE CIRCUIT 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600 www.freshstartcherokee.com. www.circuitwoodstock.com/events

1 Million Cups Cherokee (1MC)

Held in person, and on Facebook Live. The free, biweekly coffee gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level. www.1millioncups.com/Cherokee.

Learning Community

Book study meets the second Thursday of the month at the Circuit at 10:30 a.m.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT • The business.

Shonna Sherrill is a local realtor with Atlanta Communities, serving Woodstock and the surrounding areas. She is a native Georgian from neighboring Cobb County, and has been selling real estate for the past 15 years. She continues to build her business on lasting relationships with homebuyers and sellers, and always enjoys connecting with people.

Shonna Sherrill is seen with her team (from left): Natasha Roosekrans, Kristin Rollins, Rachel Lunger, Sherrill, Lisa Taglieber and Chante Jackson.

Shonna Sherrill Properties

9860 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30188 Direct: 678-634-5581

Office: 770-240-2005 www.ShonnaSherrill.com www.facebook.com/shonnasherrillproperties

• The difference.

Shonna and her team value relationships over transactions, and her team members’ heart to serve their clients is what makes them unique. They understand that the buying and selling process, as well as moving in general, can be extremely stressful, so their goal is to create a client experience that makes it as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Their goal is to guide clients through the real estate process with confidence, care and commitment.

• Customers are talking.

“Shonna was exceptional at helping us sell our home. I am convinced that her suggestions on necessary repairs and staging made all the difference. Shonna handled challenges and unexpected issues with style, tenacity, and diligence. We were well informed at all times, and were confident she was truly working with our best interest in mind. She was honest, transparent and patient. She was our prayer partner, adviser, consultant and advocate. We consider her family! I would recommend Shonna to anyone.” - Robin H.

TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | 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 TOWNELAKER | November 2020

A complete kitchen remodel can be costly, but gives a high return on investment.

Kitchen Reno

A close look at the details that can affect your costs, timeline. BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Kitchen remodels have one of the highest returns on investment of all home improvement projects. A full gut and redo also is one of the most expensive. A kitchen makeover can be as easy and affordable as painting existing cabinets, updating cabinet hardware (knobs and pulls), adding new flooring, countertops and a custom backsplash. Or, it can be as extensive as a complete remodel with a new design, cabinets, appliances, etc. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; truly a new kitchen! 46

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Remodeling magazine does an extensive survey every year of recent kitchen remodels in Atlanta. In 2019, a minor kitchen remodel averaged $23,118. A major kitchen remodel was $68,090 while an upscale kitchen renovation averaged $138,765. These are all-inclusive prices, including new appliances, countertops, sink and faucet, flooring and paint. The distinction between a minor and major kitchen remodel primarily is what is done with the cabinets. A major kitchen remodel includes new cabinets while a minor one does not include changing the cabinet

boxes, only refinishing or painting the existing cabinets. One of the biggest cost drivers for a kitchen remodel is structural issues. Changing the footprint of your kitchen, in any way, will bump up your budget. Moving the kitchen or building an addition involves major construction as well as new electrical, plumbing and flooring. Opening up to another room could require structural work and unforeseen costs if load-bearing walls are involved. Even relocating the sink or range requires moving the plumbing or gas lines. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure where to begin, start by putting together a detailed wish list indicating your goals for remodeling. Do you want more space? More storage? More style? A builtin dog bed? Organize it by priority, from the "must-haves" to the "in our dreams." Use websites and apps such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz to view and collect pictures of rooms, products, materials, and architectural details that appeal to you. Visit model homes and vendor showrooms and take pictures. Make notes about what you like about friends' kitchens (and hate about your own) and general concepts translated from other areas of your life. For example, glass-front cabinets and open shelving are very popular, but if you are not a cleaning fanatic you may be happier with solid doors that conceal clutter. It can take several months to complete a kitchen demo and renovation. Custom cabinets usually take around four to six weeks for delivery. The extent of the job, the contractor's workload and the availability of materials also have an effect. Once the materials have been delivered, installation can often be completed in as little as two to four weeks. Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

TOWNELAKER | 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. 48

TOWNELAKER | 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.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

5500 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, GA (inside Woodstock Market)

770-861-1592 www.kidspartyboutique.com On Facebook, Instagram

• The business.

“Love, love, love Becca B! My great granddaughter, Angela, just participated in Becca B's Model Call. She loved her gorgeous dress and bathing suit! The quality and price were terrific and LaDonna was extremely friendly and personable. We shall return!” -Jeanie W. “We love Becca B Boutique because children are truly at the heart of this boutique, and everyone needs to feel like a princess sometimes!” -Erika B.

Becca B - A Kids Party Boutique is anything but quaint. When you step into Becca B, you'll instantly feel like you've entered the Willy Wonka of all things fun. Becca B's whimsical style delights all ages. From comfortable, stylish clothing, boutique bows, toys, games, gifts and much more, Becca B is a great place to find just the right gift for every child on your list. The company prides itself on offering unique items, many of which come from small entrepreneurs and family businesses across the country. When you support Becca B, you're helping small businesses.

• The difference.

Becca B offers all things FUN: fun and unique birthday parties; fun events; fun craft classes and fun products. The owners, LaDonna, Rebecca and Bethany Hale, opened the business to meet a need they saw for more children's specialty stores in the area. Becca B gives personalized customer service and pays attention to every detail to ensure a happy shopping experience. With Becca B, you're served by the owners who care about their relationship with you.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Preventing Preterm Births When Possible BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

November is National Prematurity Awareness Month and provides an opportunity to reflect on the nearly 400,000 babies born preterm each year in the United States, as well as ways to prevent it. Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, occurs in roughly 12% of pregnancies in the United States. However, since medical science has improved drastically through the years, many of these early deliveries can be avoided with proper prenatal care. The arrival of a baby born before 37 weeks is regarded as preterm. The earlier the delivery, the more the infant’s chance of survival declines. However, babies born as early as 23 weeks, and weighing just 1 pound, 1 ounce, have survived. While a baby is growing in utero, so are his or her organs, including the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, etc. Bones, muscles, nerves and tissue also are forming. Senses are becoming more acute with each day spent safely in utero. Full gestational time for everything to develop and function properly is vital before a child can be exposed to the world outside the womb. An underdeveloped fetus faces many health challenges, at birth and later in life. The cause of premature birth is unknown in many cases. Often, perfectly healthy women whose pregnancies progress without any problems go into early labor for no known reason. We do know that certain risk factors can make women more susceptible to premature labor and birth.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

These risk factors include obesity or being underweight, vaginal infections, carrying multiple babies, abuse of alcohol, smoking, high blood pressure, eating disorders, pre-eclampsia, back-to-back pregnancies, pregnancies before the age of 17 or after 35, among others. Whether or not you are at risk, there are steps you can take to make pregnancy easier and safer for you and your baby. • Try to get to, or maintain, a healthy weight before getting pregnant. • Provide your doctor with a full, honest medical history. • Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking social and illegal drugs. • Wait at least 18 months between pregnancies. • Decrease any major stressors in your life. • Discuss any possible vaccinations you may need before becoming pregnant.

Not all premature births can be foreseen or prevented, so it is important to receive prenatal care throughout pregnancy. Choose an experienced and knowledgeable OB/GYN whom you can trust. Together, you will do all you can to deliver a healthy baby.

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

Rates Are Falling. Savings Are Soaring! Rake in a great auto loan rate at Credit Union of Georgia.

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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

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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 52

TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners • 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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

• Approved an agreement with Perimeter Office

Products for copy and specialty papers. The threeyear 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM

Natural Wonders

by Ann Litrel

Thanksgiving is the favorite holiday at our house — a jumble of feasting, friends and family, with no two years quite the same. But, 2020 brings an unwelcome change. My second son, Joseph, began work this year in Connecticut, where travel restrictions and quarantine are strict. My husband and I haven’t seen him since February, and, no doubt, he won’t be the only dear one we miss seeing this November. If your Thanksgiving plans, like mine, seem diminished, 2020 might be a rare opportunity for a big helping of adventure. The ingredients are a trio of natural wonders in Georgia, from a bucket list I’m painting as part of my project, “35 Georgia Natural Wonders.” They won’t make up for missing loved ones, but they will make for an uplifting feast for the spirit.

Ann Litrel is an artist and certified Master Naturalist. She instructs nature journal workshops and paints in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Ann kayaks among the ancient cypress trees at Ebenezer Creek.

Island Above the Clouds Where: Brasstown Bald When to go: early November How long: day-trip How far: 105 miles one way

Tantalized by sunrise images of Georgia’s highest mountain, I made the trek north one morning last November. Arriving at the parking lot hours before the 9 a.m. start of bus service to the peak, I scrambled up the shadowy half-mile trail to the top. The observation deck felt like a ship floating atop a sea of rolling clouds. As the sun rose and washed the sky pink, the peaks of surrounding mountains emerged one by one, like islands in a billowing ocean. I lingered, entranced, until the clouds burned away, revealing the mountain valley far below.

House-Size Boulders

Where: Rocktown When to go: Thanksgiving Week How long: half-day trip How far: 85 miles one way Last Thanksgiving, my college-age niece Megan flew in from California for the family celebration, and we set aside a day for adventure. Rocktown is a strange geological phenomenon in northwest Georgia, at Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Huge rocks lie strewn on the side of the mountain, house-sized boulders with crazy contours, making them easily climbable. Megan and I clambered up 50 feet to look over treetops and acres of rocks, scattered like sleeping giants down the mountain. Before we returned home, we stopped to eat at one of my all-time favorite spots, Pigeon Mountain Grill, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. And, we got home by early afternoon — with plenty of time to spare for Megan to cram in a half day of study.

Ancient Cypress in the Swamp Where: Ebenezer Creek When to go: mid-November How long: day-trip or overnight How far: 280 miles one way

I heard about thousand-year-old cypress trees growing in Georgia’s coastal blackwater swamps, and booked a kayak tour of Ebenezer Creek with Savannah Canoe and Kayak. Setting off at 8 a.m., I was able to meet my guide, a knowledgeable young woman named Cassandra, just after lunch at the boat launch. Over the next four hours, Cassandra took us deep into the heart of the swamp. We paddled among hulking trunks of primeval cypress trees, past ranks of tall tupelos standing silent, like colossal sentries in the still black waters. At sunset, we left, as the fall cypress flamed orange in the sun’s last rays.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Gabe Harrison’s boat was the parade’s overall winner last year.

Lights on the Lake

Avid User of Allatoona Helps Bring Back Christmas Boat Parade BY LINDA HARTSFIELD

Back in the mid-1980s and early ’90s, a Christmas boat parade was held on Lake Allatoona. For some reason, it ceased, but, four years ago, Dave Matthews, an avid lake user, and now a Lake Allatoona Association (LAA) board member, put the word out to several of his boating friends, and the result was a new Lights on the Lake Christmas boat parade. Not only do boaters enjoy decorating and riding in the parade, but the shoreline viewers enjoy it immensely. The first Saturday in December is the date set annually for the parade – an easy way for the participants and the viewers of the parade to remember from year to year. While 2020 has been an unusual year, to say the least, the LAA (a nonprofit organization) wants this year’s event to be the best yet. 58

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

With social distancing being an important issue these days, boat operators can choose who they want to ride with them on their boats. Boats will be traveling so far apart that social distancing should not be a problem. The fourth annual Lights on the Lake Christmas boat parade will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 5. Each year, the LAA donates the parade proceeds to a children’s nonprofit organization from one of the three counties (Bartow, Cherokee and Cobb) in which the lake is situated. The 2019 recipient was the Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter in Bartow County. This year, the Children’s Haven in Canton will receive the proceeds; the goal is to raise $10,000. There will be a prize awarded to the most festively decorated boat in four categories: houseboats, cabin cruisers, pontoons and other. The registration fee is $50 for each boat. Donors of $50 receive a

T-shirt. Shirts can be purchased for $20. Sponsorship is another way to support the effort. Details are available at http://Christmas-Reg-fikket.com. The parade can be seen from one of the following viewing areas: Bartow County/Gatewood Park on Bartow Beach Road in Cartersville, and Cooper Branch No. 1 Boat Ramp at Ga. Highway Spur 20, Cartersville. The mission of LAA is to bring together lake users, local businesses and government toward improvements in lake water quality, levels and safety for its recreational users. Our goal is to be the voice of Lake Allatoona. www.lakeallatoonaassoc.com.

Linda Hartsfield, an LAA board member, has been retired three years from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after more than 41 years of service.

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2020 Allat Cleanup Is BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

Sweetwater Campground was one of the cleanup areas in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event.

Volunteers followed COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

The 35th annual Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup (GLAC) took place Oct. 3. The Lake Allatoona Association (LAA) did a great job of taking precautions, due to the pandemic, so this annual event could take place. The GLAC committee encouraged people to social distance and to wear masks when practical. The traditional post-cleanup picnic was canceled, but LAA and the committee were able to supply participants with gaiters that had the GLAC logo to wear during the event. Despite current COVID-19 conditions, more than 1,550 people registered for the cleanup. Not bad for this one-day National Public Lands Day event. Georgia Power was unable to participate this year, and several groups, including corps volunteers, stepped up to

oona Lake s a Success

help pick up the post-cleanup trash bags that had been filled earlier that day. In all, more than 5 tons of trash, debris and tires were picked up by GLAC participants and volunteers. A noteworthy effort was put forth by a group of college students in the Cherokee Mills/Little River area that gathered 80 large bags of trash. Thanks to all the sponsors, partners and volunteers who make this the top lake cleanup in the nation each year. The event is scheduled again for next fall. Visit the Lake Allatoona Association’s cleanup page on Facebook for more information. See you next year! Christopher Purvis is the lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.

More than 5 tons of trash was collected by volunteers.

Chattahoochee Tech volunteers at the Great Lake Allatoona Clean Up included (from left): student Tais Pereira-Aquino, along with her husband and son, and student Jessmaine Starks, instructor Stephen Anderson and student Jacques Gody.

Chatt Tech Students Lend a Helping Hand A group of Chattahoochee Tech Environmental Technology students and their instructor participated in the recent Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup. The Chatt Tech volunteers concentrated their cleanup efforts along the shoreline at the Clark Creek Boat Ramp in Acworth, which is located near the college’s North Metro Campus. Led by Chattahoochee Tech environmental technology program instructor Stephen Anderson, the group filled 20 bags with trash and collected two discarded tires that will be disposed of properly. “We appreciate these students taking time out of their Saturday to participate in this event and help clean up a portion of the environment here in the community,” Anderson said. “It was surprising to see so much trash out here that needed to be picked up,” said Chatt Tech student Jessmaine Starks. “It was a lot of fun to participate, and I feel good about helping.” Students in the environmental technology program at Chattahoochee Tech can earn an associate of applied science degree, which offers a water-quality specialization. The college also offers technical certificates of credit for environmental field technician and water quality technician.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Blazing a New Trail for a Cure

When Gloria Avillar realized the Susan G. Komen 3-Day was canceled this year, she and her daughter Maddie got busy creating their own 60-mile route through Cherokee and Cobb counties, and invited teammates from past events to join them. Altogether, about 52 people participated, she said, with most being walkers, and some “walker stalkers (driving the route, meeting the walkers with snacks and drinks, taking our jackets when it got warmer, providing support and encouragement).” Read about her motivations and their journey, complete with daily maps, at www.foot-steps.wixsite.com/footstepsforthecure. We asked her and her teammates to share photo highlights from the event.

Sunday, Oct. 4: Stopping to pose with the dinosaur outside Animal Atlanta on Bells Ferry Road were, from left: Katie Swick; Jen DeMichele; Julie Holubetz; Gwen Worley; BB Boone; Mike Wingo; Cheryl Thorsten; Bernita Miller; Judi Hillis; Tracie Giles; Gloria Avillar; Veronica Miller; Shelby Stafford; Kelly Gamboa; Emily Sims; June LaCava; Patty Balmes; Beth Berg and Kelly Butterworth.

Judi Hillis is a cancer survivor who only planned to walk a little bit on Friday, but ended up walking all three days.

“I walked with Gloria and the rest of the Footsteps for the Cure group this past weekend. This would have been my 12th year to walk with the Susan G. Komen 3-day. Saturday (Oct. 3) was mine and my husband’s 22nd wedding anniversary, so he walked with me on Saturday.”

- Jeff and Phyllis Miller Finishing the walk at Reformation Brewery, were, from left: Bernita Miller; Kelly Butterworth, Veronica Miller, Emily Sims; Katie Swick; Gloria Avillar; Julie Holubetz; Jen DeMichele; Tracie Giles; BB Boone; Jen Barber; Judi Hillis; Mike Wingo; Beth Berg; Gwen Worley; Dan Sinclair; Patty Balms; Allison Bates; Kristy Gassett; Beverly Wilkinson and Kelly Gamboa.

TOWNELAKER | 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

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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Towne Lake Dining Cancun Mexican Grill

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

Cheeseburger Bobby’s

American 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200 www.cheeseburgerbobbys.com

China Fun

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

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

El Ranchero

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

Family Tradition

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

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

Izumi Asian Bistro

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

JD’s Bar-B-Que

Barbeque 6426 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 160 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Johnny’s Pizza

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494 www.johnnyspizza.com

Kani House

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

Keegan's Irish Pub

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

KPOP BBQ and Bar Korean BBQ 1105 Parkside Lane 770-485-3055

La Parrilla

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

LongHorn

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

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

Mellow Mushroom

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

NaNa Thai Eatery

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

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

Panera Bread

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

Peking & Tokyo

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

Song’s Garden

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

Tavern at Towne Lake

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

The Place

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

Tuscany

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

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

WOW Pho & Grill

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

VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON INFORMATION SESSIONS

Primary and Respite November 18th 6:30 p.m. RSVP WITH SARAH AT SCOPPIANO@GOSHENVALLEY.ORG OR CALL/TEXT 770-345-9535 FIND MORE INFORMATION AT

GOSHENVALLEY.ORG/HOMES

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Adam Dobson working on the Coors Light Chophouse project at Truist Park.

One Welder's Unlikely Journey to Teaching BY RYAN BLYTHE

At 25 years old, Waleska native Adam Dobson recently became a welding instructor, joining Will Kennemore, a Kennesaw Mountain High School graduate, as the second Georgia Trade School alumnus to teach at Smyrna’s Fortis College. The son of a firefighter, Dobson has worked on some impressive projects during his seven-year welding career. Growing up in a small town, with only a flashing red light at the four-way stop, Dobson graduated from Cherokee High School in 2013. He was not interested in attending college, but knew his high school jobs at Subway and Bojangles were not going to lead to a career. With a great grandfather who was a welder, Dobson tried welding, and found himself to be a fast learner. He studied welding and fabrication at Chattahoochee Technical College and worked at a local manufacturer before enrolling at Georgia Trade School (GTS). Although admittedly skeptical about formal education, Dobson entered GTS in 2014, and graduated in 2015 with 66

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

certifications in gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding and shielded metal arc welding. He found, for the first time, that print reading classes can be fun and interactive. The school’s model of 83% hands-on learning was also very attractive to Dobson. While the classroom enhances skills and marketability, he learned that it was the laboratory experience of welding daily for six hours that was critical to learning this ancient trade. He was one of about two dozen GTS graduates who worked on Mercedes Benz Stadium. He was assigned to work on the personal suite of Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner and Home Depot co-founder, which included a handrail coated with 24-karat gold. Dobson’s field experience also has taken him to Nashville, Tennessee, one of the top cities for millennials and Generation Z. Working for a Carvana dealership, he helped build a car vending machine, alongside German engineers. His next assignment sent him to downtown San Antonio, Texas, for a three-month ironwork contract, which included walking beams over the famous River Walk.

However, Dobson has left his most indelible mark here in Cobb County, with his work at Truist Park, specifically the Coors Light Chophouse overlooking the field. This popular section at the ballpark was modeled after the original chophouse at Turner Field. Brilliantly, the Braves built in table seating and barheight chairs with can coolers to keep your adult beverage cold in the Georgia heat. Dobson helped build the prototypes for the can coolers, and Braves fans from all over the Southeast remain grateful. During the pandemic, he was called on again to work at Truist Park, because of his previous experience at the facility. The ballpark uses aluminum, so Dobson’s familiarity was important to fix the handrails in the outfield safely. His work in Cobb County also has included time with Mills Specialty Metals, which the Cobb Chamber has named a Top 25 Small Business of the Year multiple times. For someone who once disliked school, Dobson is thriving in his new position as a teacher. He credits his success to learning from the veteran welders in the field, and taking those tips and tricks seriously. He wants to share his experiences, and support students who are just as passionate about the profession. Those are the students who push him to teach at a high level, so that they become what those in the industry call “a jam up welder,” the equivalent of honors students in the academic world. At the end of the day, Dobson believes you must learn how to have fun in your job, realizing it will be hot, and often stressful, especially when you are working long days facing deadlines. Listen to those with more experience, accept that you are new, and that you do not know how to do everything. Be sure to laugh and smile, but, most importantly, be safe. Sage advice from a guy who in five years went from a sandwich artist to working on multibillion-dollar construction projects.

Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which, for the fifth consecutive year, was named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year.

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.

Get Hands-On Training Horticulture

Environmental Technology

Horticulture and Environmental Technology Programs are offered at the North Metro Campus in Acworth.

ChattahoocheeTech.edu I 770-528-4545 A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.

TOWNELAKER | 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. 68

TOWNELAKER | 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. TOWNELAKER | November 2020

MOD Squad

Elementary, university students team up to conquer fears, insecurities. BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy fifth-grader Charles Croft already is looking ahead to the challenges of middle school. He’s a little nervous, but he knows he will succeed, thanks to a program that helped increase his selfconfidence over the past year. The school’s MOD (Men of Distinction) Squad pairs select fourth- and fifth-grade boys with a mentor from the football team of neighboring Reinhardt University. The athletes act as “big brothers” who listen, advise, tutor and serve as role models for the younger boys. “My mentor gave me good advice 70

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when I needed it,” Charles said of last school year’s experience. “I can’t wait to ask him about how to deal with being a sixth-grader next year. I’ll be like the kindergartener of Teasley, and that makes me nervous. Having a mentor helps with stuff like that.” The partnership earned the Reinhardt Eagles the school’s Partner of the Year title, the Cherokee County School District 2020 Partner of the Year Award, and the Georgia School Boards Association’s Partnership Commendation. Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower recently honored the team and Head Coach James Miller at a ceremony attended by Principal Abby May, teachers who

led the program, and many Eagles players. During the ceremony, they watched a thank-you video featuring many of the 40 students who have benefited from the program. “I’m so impressed by the positive impact that Reinhardt students, through their volunteerism, are having on our students and our community as a whole,” Hightower said. The program’s initial goal was to improve students’ self-esteem and academic achievement, and build a sense of community, but the success has been far greater. “It has been an incredible transformation,” May said. One of the most touching moments was seeing how, when a student was placed in foster care, his Reinhardt mentor stepped up his support in response. “He showed him he wasn’t alone. He never failed to keep in touch with him during this trying time.” Stacey Williams’ son Brendan, a fifth-grader, joined the squad last year. As a middle child who also is small for his age, having a football player as a buddy meant a lot, she said. “The MOD Squad gave him a sense of belonging that he has not had in quite some time,” she said. “I am truly thankful.” The athletes grow from the experience as well, May said, noting that they have told her how being a role model to the boys influences them to be better men. “This partnership is about relationships and building a culture of support for two groups of students who truly needed each other,” she said. Eagle defensive end JT Graydon said serving as a mentor has been lifechanging. “As much as I meant to them, they meant a lot to me. They helped save my life and they don’t even know it,” he said. “They may be too young to understand how, but one day I’ll explain it to them. Love these kids.” Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children.

School News JV Volleyball Ends Season On a High Note The Etowah High School junior varsity volleyball team ended a successful season with its final game Oct. 6. The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments include an overall record of 21-5, first place in the JV division of the Rally High Tournament held at LakePoint Sports, and second place in the Cherokee County Championship. Pictured are, front row from left: Savannah Dwyer, Alexa Thaggard, Daniella Villanueva, Hannelore Harman, Gaby Rodriguez and Kinsley Lowery; back row: Coach Jessica Bougard, Reese Patterson, Lindsey Porter, Sydney Johnson, Bella Pacini, Katie Thompson, Reagan Kadlub and Coach Lindsey Alexander.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

School News New Etowah Sport Off to a Strong Start

Etowah High School’s JROTC Raider team is setting an extremely high bar in only its second season. On Oct. 3, it finished first in the team run at Osborne High School against 13 other teams. Raider is one of the 10 sports and clubs offered as a part of the Junior ROTC program at Etowah and is the school’s elite physical fitness team. With 54 members, it is the fastest growing team in Etowah’s elective classes, and is open to all students in the program. Raiders are trained to run long distances, scale 8-foot walls, flip 600-pound tires, complete obstacle courses, and build bridges with ropes in an effort to cross rivers in two minutes or less. This is all done in one competition that continues for the majority of the day. “Raider is about leadership, teamwork and problem solving,” said head coach and instructor Steve Bergey. “To watch these teams compete and to develop these students into the best versions of themselves is awfully gratifying. They’re almost superhuman.” Although conditioning begins in early summer, the competitive season runs from the second half of August to the first weekend of November. Etowah’s team finished last season ranked as the No. 13 team in the nation, and is training to improve on that standing. Both boys and girls take part and compete within their own divisions as well as in a mixed division. As the popularity in the sport grows, Etowah’s Raiders are preparing for the future. They plan to host a Raider sports camp next summer, and the school is taking steps to host a competition at the beginning of next year.

Jenisha Stevens crosses a river on a rope. 72

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From left: Spencer Evans, Avery Cook, Caden Kolowich, Tyrus Clements and Bailey Villhauer use teamwork to flip a tire at a competition last season.

The Raider Team (in black T-shirts and shorts) took first place in the team run against 13 schools.

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."

Chatt Tech Implements Program in Dental Assisting

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAIGE BRIGMAN, ONE LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY.

Logan Haverkos competes as part of the Etowah Raider team.

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 Chattahoochee Tech welcomed its first class of dental assisting 2024, our dental students this semester. assisting students are in an optimal position to enter the job market,” said Chattahoochee Tech Dental Assisting 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. “Our students have the newest equipment on the market for quality assurance in equipment maintenance and lab skills,” Peets said. “We are fortunate to have state-of-the art equipment that allows our students to be progressive when they enter the workforce.” 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. TOWNELAKER | 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. 74

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

CANNED MEATS PASTA SAUCE · BEANS CORN · GREEN BEANS CONDENSED SOUP CHUNKY SOUP · CHILI CANNED PASTA · MAC & CHEESE · BEEF STEW Our urgent food supply is disappearing quickly! Can you donate today?

MARIETTA · 1280 Field Pkwy CANTON · 111 Brown Ind. Pkwy

www.mustministries.org

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Downtown Woodstock Dining Canyons

J Christopher’s

Salt Factory Pub

Century House Tavern

J Miller’s Smokehouse

Semper Fi Bar and Grille

American 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 www.canyonsfresh.com Modern American 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 www.centuryhousetavern.com

Copper Coin Coffee

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches 150 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-8295 www.jmillerssmokehouse.com

American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com

MadLife Studios

Freight Kitchen & Tap

Partners II Pizza

Southern 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 www.freightkitchen.com

Gyro Aegean Grill

Greek/Mediterranean 180 Towne Lake Parkway 770-485-5236 https://gyroageangrill.com/

Habanero’s Taqueria

Mexican 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 www.habanerostaqueria.com

Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 www.icemartinibar.com

Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 www.ippspastaria.com

Diner 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 www.jchristophers.com

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Southern 8722 Main St. www.madlifestageandstudios.com

Pizza 8600 Main St. 678-224-6907 www.partnerspizza.com/woodstock-ga

Pure Taqueria

Mexican 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 www.puretaqueria.com/woodstock

Prime 120

Steakhouse 120 Chambers St. 770-800-8049 www.prime120steakhouse.com

Reel Seafood

Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 www.reel-seafood.com

Rootstock

Wine bar & Tapas 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstocknow.com

Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 www.saltfactorypub.com/woodstock American 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 www.semperfibarandgrille.com

Tea Leaves & Thyme

English Tea room 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 www.tealeavesandthyme.com

The Daily Draft Tap Room and Bar American 8594 Main St. 770-783-2799 thedailydraft.net

Truck & Tap

Variety of Food trucks 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 www.truckandtap.com

Vingenzo’s

Italian 105 E. Main St. 770-924-9133 www.vingenzos.com

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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 TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to the winners of the September, "Trains and/or Trolleys" competition.

Color Print

1st Donald Newton "The TR Midnight Express"

2nd Ron Sieberling "Feeling Good" 80

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3rd Eillene Kirk "Side-lined"

Monochromatic

1st Ron Sieberling "Big Wheels"

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. Please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net for more information. TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Towne Lake Area Clubs & Organizations

CHARITABLE

Ahimsa House helps domestic violence victims 24-hours a day get their pets to safety. 404-452-6248. www.ahimsahouse.org.

Anna Crawford Children’s Center, dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through prevention and intervention services. 678-504-6388. www.cherokeechildadvocates.org. Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness, helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560. CASA for Children has programs to increase safety and improve educational, social and emotional functioning of children impacted by abuse. 770-345-3274. www.casacherokee.org. CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations, sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. 770-592-8072. Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 770-479-1703. Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org. Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Bill Queen, 404-441-3508. www.cherokeefca.org. Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115. admin@cchumanesociety.org. www.cchumanesociety.org. Cherokee FOCUS works to improve lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. 770-345-5483. www.cherokeefocus.org. Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. 770-345-5312. 770-345-5320. www.cherokeega.com/senior-services. Cherokee Young Life for high school students, meets Monday nights at Bradshaw Farm clubhouse, 7853 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 104, Woodstock 30188. 678 653-5707. www.cherokeecounty.younglife.org. Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. 678-640-3512. www.communityveterinarycare.com. Companion Animal Connection 678-493-9847. www.adoptapet.com. Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.

Green Shelters America animal rescue group. 770-712-4077. GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com. www.GreenSheltersAmerica.com. Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia, 770-587-9697. www.habitat-ncg.org.

HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. 678-391-5950. www.hqmg.org. HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 770-924-0864. info@hopectr.com. www.hopectr.com. HOPE Center — Seeds Thrift Store offers men, women & children’s clothing, furniture & other home goods. 770-517-4450. www.seedsthriftstore.com. Life Connection Ministries provides humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com. Matthew E. Russell Foundation establishes literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org. MUST Ministries provides groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org. National Alliance for Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org. Never Alone provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. 770-592-1227. www.nextstepministries.net. The North Georgia Angel House Girls Home, residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn selfsufficiency. 770-479-9555. www.angelhousega.com. North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. 706-253-6303. www.ngapregnancy.org. Papa’s Pantry, a year-round food ministry that includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. 770-591-4730. www.papaspantry.org.

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

SUPPORT

AA Meetings Canton: 9:30 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Mondays at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. 11 a.m. Saturdays at Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road.Woodstock. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html. Abortion Recovery Helping those who have been impacted by abortion. 678-223-3519. Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton: 8 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays Al-Anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2208, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. American Heart Assoc. - Cherokee Div. 678-385-2013. American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695. A-Typical Parkinson’s Education and Support Group Meets 6:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Ball Ground UMC, 3045 Canton Hwy. in Ball Ground. Contact Norma Schmidt at 770-366-9585. Caregivers Alzheimers Spousal Support Group Meets: 12:30 p.m. first Tuesday of every month for lunch at Benton House of Woodstock, 3385 Trickum Road. 678-494-4500. woodstockinfo@bentonhouse.com. Celebrate Recovery, Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. 770-366-7515. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644. www.sixesumc.org. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House, 678-459-2347. www.MinistryHouse.org. Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660. www.celebraterecovery.com. Cherokee County Support Group for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs. 404-402-0571, 770-337-0294, jhmom88@comcast.net or christystephenson@msn.com.

Feed My Lambs, Inc. provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. 770-795-9348. office@feedmylambs.net. www.feedmylambs.net.

Pet Buddies Food Pantry provides pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs to families in need. 678-310-9858. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org.

Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org.

Safe Kids Cherokee County offers free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808. www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org.

Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. 770-842-8893. www.funds4furryfriends.com.

SmileUp! Charitable Foundation works to get children involved in volunteering with local charities that help children. www.smileupfoundation.org.

Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats. 770-704-PAWS (7297). www.theanimalproject.org.

SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Offers mission trips. 770-516-1108. www.servone.org.

Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org. Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock. www.cherokeeministers.org. Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock. 770-793-7818.

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

Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors through small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. 727-251-7690. info@gracevalleyministries.org. www.gracevalleyministries.org.

Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618. www.goshenvalley.org

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Georgia Canines for Independence. 404-824-4637. gcidogs@aol.com. www.gcidogs.org.

Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). 770-919-9275. Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta chapter for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com. La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church. 678-315-7686. 770-517-0191.

Male Veteran Support Group

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

BUSINESS

American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter. Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont. 678-493-3618. Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-345-8687. Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Meets: Various times during the year. Schedule at www.cherokeechamber.com. 770-345-0400. Gini@CherokeeChamber.com. Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: virtually noon-1:15 p.m. every Wednesday. Meeting details are on their website. www.cherokeetoastmasters.com. Downtown Woodstock PowerCore Team Meets: 7-8:30 a.m. Fridays at Freight Kitchen & Tap Phone: 770-241-0373 www.powercore.net The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. 678-789-6158. www.xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/. Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 678-389-3887. www.tlba.org. Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first Wednesday of the month at Tavern at Towne Lake. info@womenofwoodstock.com. www.womenofwoodstock.com.

VETERANS SERVICE

American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 678-662-2366. Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program Contact Jim Lindenmayer at Jlindenmayer80@gmail. com or 678-983-7590, or Mike Satterly at 404-680-2412. Cherokee Veterans Community Support Groups for males and females meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of the month at First Baptist Church Woodstock. www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org. 678-494-2680. veteransministry@fbcw.net. Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 404-663-4663.

CIVIC & COUNTY

AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Lunch is $15. 770-926-1944. Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at Canton Police Department 151 Elizabeth St., third floor training room. www.saltcherokee.com. Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288. www.rockbarn.org. Citizen Oversight and Education 678-520-2236. citizenoversighteducation@yahoo.com. Firestorm Robotics FIRST Robotics Competition Team for High School Students in Etowah, Woodstock and River Ridge. Meets: 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays at Cherokee Makerspace, 6436 Hwy 92 Ste 100 Acworth. 678-247-1972. www.firestormrobotics.org. Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. 770-345-8687. Kiwanis Club of Greater Cherokee Meets: 8 a.m. first Monday, at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2107, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 678-468-9900. www.greatercherokeekiwanis.org. Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy. 20. 770-393-1766. Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com. www.pilotinternational.com. Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 770-480-4179.

Cherokee County Republican Party P.O. Box 1267, Woodstock 678-721-1969. www.cherokeecountygop.com. Contact us to verify meetings, time and locations. Follow us on Facebook and twitter. Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton. 770-592-7811. jkconkey@gmail.com. Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at Chick-fil-A, 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall. 770-294-0922. Republican Women of Cherokee County 678-520-2236. www.rwccga.com.

RECREATION & HOBBIES

Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events, outings. rrkelly@bellsouth.net. Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com. Cherokee Community Chorale 678-439-8625. www.cherokeechorale.org. Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton. 770-704-6244. www.CherokeeArts.org. Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803. www.caes.uga.edu/extension/ cherokee/mastergardeners. Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org.

Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock. www.townelakerotary.com.

Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com.

Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 678-428-6514.

Cherokee Music Teachers Association 770-720-1701. www.cherokeemta.org.

Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991. www.serviceleague.net. South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-926-3522. Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-715-3375. www.townelakeoptimists.com. Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. 770-926-8336. Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club www.woodstockjwc.org. Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at The Arbor at Bridgemill, 700 Freedom Blvd, Canton. 770-906-2958.

Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org.

Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187. www.csaimpact.com. Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com. Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. www.christianauthorsguild.org. Firestorm Robotics Meets Wednesdays and Saturdays at Cherokee Makerspace, 6436 Highway 92, Suite 100, Acworth. 678-247-1972. firestormrobotics.org. Girl Scouts Atlanta Sherry Saunders, ssaunders@gsgatl.org 404-293-3511. www.girlscoutsatl.org.

Woodstock Preservation Group 770-924-0406. http://preservationwoodstock.com/.

Kingdom Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat.

POLITICAL

Les Marmitons, for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org.

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

Neighbors and Newcomers of Towne Lake (NNTL) is a social club for residents of 30189 area code. 770-855-9623. www.nntlclub.com. Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com. William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. TOWNELAKER | November 2020

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Advertisers November 2020

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 770-591-9500 www.townelakevets.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.debranski.com Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com

For advertising rates and information Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Towne Lake Business Association www.tlba.org CHIROPRACTIC Ribley Family Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

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

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

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

Chloe's Auto Repair 770-575-8800 www.chloesautorepair.com

Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.bairdfamilydentistry.com

Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail 9 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY SALON, SPA, NAILS A New You Skin & Body Clinic 678-739-0400 www.anewyouclinic.com

Main Street Nail Studio 770-928-2662

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

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

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

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

Dentistry for Woodstock 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 49 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554 and 770-345-4155 www.smiledoctors.com

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

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

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

Becca B, A Kids Party Boutique 770-861-1592 www.kidspartyboutique.com

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

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

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

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

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

Skye Mendelson CPA 770-369-3532 www.skyemendelson.com

FITNESS

Towne Lake Family Dentistry Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.townelakefamilydentistry.com EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS INWDSTK www.inwdstk.org

DENTAL

Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

Piano Lessons by Laurel Harrell 404-323-4066

ENTERTAINMENT

CREDIT UNION

AUTOMOTIVE

Christian Brothers Automotive 678-841-8764 www.cbac.com/townelake

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

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

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

FUNERAL SERVICES Poole Funeral Home 678-932-2097 www.poolefuneralhome.net Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR Best Friends Flooring 678-814-9426 www.bestfriendsflooring.com Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

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ckb Kitchen|Bath|More 770-485-0911 www.ckbpros.com

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

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

Dr. Fix-it 770-974-2390

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

Foundation Business Enterprises Inside front 678-919-1991 www.fbellc.net Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490 www.thhmga.com

Integral Solutions of Georgia 404-330-2375 or 770-885-3498 www.isgpaint.com

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 [675-8651] www.mrjunk1.com

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

Scrappy’s Junk Removal 678-330-9282 www.scrappysjunkremoval.com

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

OPTOMETRY

CFM Electrical Services 678-614-9661

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

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

Clear Summit Realty Ken Jones, 770-842-4531 Ryan Jones, 678-327-9326 www.clearsummitrealty.com

Gordon Mosley, Harry Norman Realtors C: 404-667-3221, O: 404-495-8331 www.gordonsellsatl.com

Abigail Peyton Photography www.apeytonphotography.com

Brittany Weir Photography 678-514-9267

Residential Funding Consultants, Joshua Dean Cover, 44, 45, 57 470-303-0087 www.residentialfundingconsultants.com/ joshua-dean

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

Pearle Vision 770-790-0000 www.pearlevision.com PHOTOGRAPHY

Teena Coogle Photography 78 678-982-2719, www.picswithsanta.net www.teenacooglephotography.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists Canton, East Ellijay: 678-493-2527 Kennesaw: 678-354-9821 Woodstock: 770-852-7740 www.cherokeelungandsleep.com North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com

Ursula and Assoc., Keller Williams Back Cvr office: 678-569-4044, broker: 678-494-0644 www.townelakeexperts.com Sarah Terrell/Remax Town & Country 770-928-6525 www.realestateagent.net

RESTAURANTS/CATERING JD's Bar-B-Que 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com

Inside front

RETAILERS

Optimal Performance Medicine 9 678-250-0700 www.optimalperformancemedicine.com Plastic Surgery Center of the South 36 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Towne Lake Pediatric Speech Therapy 850-228-8139

Crawford Collections 706-946-0772 www.crawfordcollections.com

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

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

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

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

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

MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

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

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

VEHICLE SALES

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

Atlanta Communities, Shonna Sherrill 5, 43 c: 678-634-5581 o: 770-240-2005 www.shonnasherrill.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Honda Minibikes 770-617-0244

TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | November 2020

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