11-22 Townelaker webfinal.pdf

A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY FOR ALL SEASONS

St.George Village, Roswell’s premier senior living community, is truly a community for all seasons…even a season of life that is uncertain.

Our community, with its spectacular outdoor campus and constantly evolving activities schedule, encourages and inspires our residents to be healthy, happy and thrive in every season of life. Plus, our nonprofit status as a LifePlan community provides an additional layer of security with its protection of financial assets and guaranteed access to a continuum of care, if ever needed.

Learn more about all of the aspects that make St. George Village a retirement community for all seasons, even in times of uncertainty. Call 678-987-0409 for information and to schedule a tour of the community.

Around Towne

Letter From the Content Editor

My family usually starts putting up Christmas decorations the week of Thanksgiving. But, this year, we decided to put our decorations up on Sept. 23, bypassing Halloween and Thanksgiving. I’m joking, but that is when I first noticed the garden section in Walmart had been completely transformed with Christmas trees and decorations. As content editor, I work on planning and editing articles, as well as compiling events for the calendars, a few months in advance — but September? — that’s still too early for me to be in the Christmas spirit!

Even if Christmas wasn’t getting earlier and earlier each year, Thanksgiving has looked different for me (and my husband) the past few years. The pandemic certainly disrupted many family gatherings — including our wedding! — but getting married has brought our Thanksgiving events to a total of four. Sure, most of us wear stretchy pants each year, but we go from one parents’ house to another for back-to-back meals on Thanksgiving Day, as well as get together with 30-plus people on my mom and dad’s sides the weekends before and after. Skinny jeans are NOT an option … I’ve never doubted that my husband loves me. Going to three of my family’s Thanksgiving gatherings (and the same at Christmas) says it all. Yes, I know. It sounds like a lot. But, I’m a Cherokee County native, and 90% of my family lives in a 40-mile radius, so it’s not as crazy as it seems.

This year, on the other side of the pandemic, I’ll be shaking things up again in Lima, Peru, with my husband and his family on Thanksgiving. I’m excited to see the city his mom was born in, and I’m looking forward to celebrating and making new memories, even if we aren’t eating turkey and dressing. To read about our city and county leaders’ Thanksgiving traditions, flip to Pages 30-31.

We may not make it to all four Thanksgiving gatherings this year, but I’m sure we’ll squeeze in at least two. I’m thankful to have grown up with my family so close by. My grandparents passed away before I started kindergarten, but my aunts and uncles filled a huge role in my life growing up. Family is important, no matter what form it comes. On Pages 56-57, meet Kaitlin Morgan and Skyler Mize, a couple who adopted a pair of siblings from the Cherokee County foster care system.

I’m also thankful for each of my family members who served our country, as well as all of the veterans in our community and the organizations that serve them (Page 14). If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to nonprofits serving our families and neighbors in need this season, turn to Pages 20-23, for a list of ways to lend a helping hand.

No matter where you are, or how you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Bridal

Do you want to take part in an online poll to find the best wedding service providers in Northwest Georgia? Get ready to say, I do! Our poll is open through Nov. 15 at www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com. Results will be posted Jan. 1 and will be included in the January TowneLaker.

Kudos!

Mayor Michael Caldwell, co-founder and managing partner at Black Airplane; Kyle Bennett, tourism manager for the city of Woodstock and Visit Woodstock GA; and Marcie Smith, executive director of The Children's Haven, have been named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40 class of 2022.

What’s New

D’Floridian Cuban Cuisine and Bar has opened at 6242 Old Highway 5, Suite A3. www.dfloridian.com.

The Butchers Block is back at 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 140. The original owner, Kellie Block, and previous owner, Mike Puchner, have joined together to reopen the shop. https://thebutchersblock.net.

What’s Coming

City Barbecue, a national chain based in Ohio, has submitted plans to the city of Woodstock to open a location along Highway 92, near the intersection of Fitchburg Drive.

At press time, the opening date for the Cherokee County History Center at 221 E. Marietta St., in Canton, was Nov. 5. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. The center will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. https://historycherokee.org.

Every fall since 2011, Towne Lake resident Eric Siegel has hosted a free open house for his large O-Scale model railroad. This year's event is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19 at 640 Overhill Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189. www.youtube.com/ericstrains. 404-400-2993.

Forgive Our Error

In a story we ran in October about the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services honoring the legacy of Justin and Amber Hicks, who were tragically killed, their son Jacob Hicks was found unharmed.

IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting

Lee | Wrangler Outlet

915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite 220, Woodstock Located in the Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta.

Jessica Forrester is the content editor of TowneLaker, Around Woodstock and Around Canton magazines. She grew up in Cherokee County and graduated from Sequoyah High School.

Jessica Forrester

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

President Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Managing Editor Donna Harris 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Content Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Graphic Designer Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith 770-615-3324 michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 16,400 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 15,800 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 600 are placed in racks in the community.

TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month.

Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: TowneLaker, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock GA 30189.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, writers and other submissions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor/publisher. And the publisher makes no claims to the validity of any opinions expressed by charitable, business or civic organizations mentioned, or statements made within the editorial content. The cover and inside related article, and other editorial-type submissions labeled SPONSORED CONTENT, are paid content. The publisher neither guarantees nor supports any product or

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Struggling Mom Gets Free Car

A mother of five who was struggling to get to and from work is now the proud owner of a refurbished 2009 Chrysler 300. Chris Bundrick, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive in Towne Lake, partnered with Together for Families to give Jevon Wheeler the car.

Together for Families is an organization that helps those grappling with basic needs like housing, food or transportation. The group receives donated cars that can be refurbished and given back to people needing transportation.

Bundrick and employees of the automotive shop, along with representatives of the nonprofit, held a small ceremony recently, when they presented Wheeler with the keys.

Chamber Announces Latest Leadership Grads

The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce recently graduated its 33rd Leadership Academy class. With the completion of this year's class, the alumni count is more than 690 graduates.

Two members of the Class of 2022 were chosen by their peers to receive special recognition. The Cristal Stancil Leadership Award honoree, Jennifer Reynolds with the Cherokee County School District, was chosen as the group's outstanding leader. The Bob Frongillo “Magic Spark Plug” Award was given to Jud Waites with Waites Law Firm, for his high-spirited attitude and best all-around member.

The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce, is to promote business and the community while expanding the economy and enhancing the quality of life.

Here’s a Way to Honor Our Veterans

Wreaths Across America is looking for volunteers to help place 22,000 wreaths on the graves at the Georgia National Cemetery (GNC) on Dec. 17. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for families, Scout troops or JROTC groups from area high schools.

Cherokee County resident Sally Curtis, an annual supporter of the program, tells why involvement in this program is personal.

"My father is resting peacefully at GNC. Even before he passed, I loved the idea of placing wreaths on the gravesites of our service men and women,” she said. “Little did I know then how much it would mean to me personally when my father received his own wreath. It's such a comfort knowing that others respect the brave men and women who served our country. Our heroes deserve no less."

Russ Seltenright asks that prospective volunteers contact him as soon as possible, to ensure proper training for the event. He can be reached at 678-852-4591 or salty31@hotmail.com.

Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2022 include, front row, from left: Shawn Schumacher, Cherokee Recreation & Parks; Ashley Witcher, UGA Extension-Cherokee County; Susan Treadaway, Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office; Donna Sanders, city of Holly Springs; Marcie Smith, The Children’s Haven, Inc.; Amanda Sutter, Cherokee Office of Economic Development; Emily Mack, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Brooke Schmidt, city of Canton; Tori O’Bryant, Northside Primary Care Associates; Geri Lanning, J Thompson Ross Investments; Mark Hand, city of Woodstock. Second row, from left: Melissa Grubbs, Universal Alloy Corporation; Ryan Sarks, Cherokee County Water & Sewerage Authority; Charlie Lanz, Calco Engineering, LLC; Jennifer Reynolds, Cherokee County School District; Mindy Nobis, city of Woodstock; Chris Saxon, Cherokee County School District. Back row, from left: Rajpal Sagoo, MDD Holdings; Ashton Banks, The Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation; Jud Waites, Waites Law Firm, and Chris Luly, city of Ball Ground.

Chris Bundrick, the shop’s owner, is standing next to the car’s recipient, Jevon Wheeler. Behind them are a mix of mechanics and Together for Families volunteers wearing pink shirts.

‘The Best Day of My Life’

Meeting Dansby Swanson

The day I met Dansby Swanson was the best day of my life. When I entered Truist Park for the tour, I saw the coolest Lego figurine of a tomahawk. Then, we explored the stadium, and it was awesome to see. My favorite part was Chipper’s Corner. After the tour, we got to sit behind home plate, and that’s when Dansby Swanson came out! I got to ask him, “What is it like to play under the big lights?” When I got to go into the dugout with him, it was the greatest day of my life! I asked him to sign my Swanson jersey, and he said, “I have never signed a jersey before.” I thought it was so cool I have the first jersey he has ever signed! After we all got to sit with him individually, he let us sit in the dugout and talk baseball with him. He told us to “play hard, play to win and love the game.” That day was a day I will never forget, and I will always remember what he told us, especially that we can tell everyone he is our friend! Dansby Swanson is really easy to talk to, and he is a role model to me, because I want to play shortstop just like him.

— Parker Grantham

Mom’s Point of View

Parker Grantham, 11, was nominated by Hobgood Park for the WellStar Positive Athlete of the Year Award recently and was chosen to participate in a tour of Truist Park and a meeting with Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson. The tour took place on Sept. 16 and ended with Parker meeting the star player just a few hours before the Braves faced the Philadelphia Phillies. Parker attends Dean Rusk Middle School, and was one of eight young people chosen from Cherokee and Cobb youth leagues to meet Swanson.

From a parent’s perspective, watching my son be able to meet and talk to one of his idols was an incredible experience. I loved watching his face light up and beam with joy. I could see the awe in his eyes. Dansby Swanson talked to the boys like they were truly his friends; because of this, I don’t think Parker realized how big of a deal it was to be able to sit down and talk with him. For a player of his caliber to take time out of his day, especially hours before a game, it showed how kind of a person Dansby is. He was so humble and gave all of the boys such great baseball advice. I am sure they will all carry what he told them with them through their many years of playing baseball. Parker continues to talk about his day at Truist Park and meeting Dansby Swanson, and says it was the best day of his entire life.

— Morgan Grantham

11-Year-Old Describes a Day With His Friend Dansby Swanson

Local Couple United in Air Force

Thompsons Boast Nearly 50 Years of Combined Service

BY MARGARET MILLER

Nov. 11 is a national holiday designed to honor the veterans who have and are so tirelessly serving our country. “Thank you for your service,” is an expression one hears often.

There is a local couple, retired Air Force Senior Master Sgts. (E8) Tommy and Robernetta Thompson of Canton, who say the opposite: “Thank you for allowing us to serve. It is such an honor to have the opportunity to protect our families and our country.” They agreed that if our country needed them today, they would reenlist.

The two have more than 24 years of service each in the Air Force. Tommy, a native of Pittsburg, Texas, followed in his older brother’s footsteps by enlisting in the Air Force after high school. During his tenure, he served in the Vietnam War and completed three tours in Saudi Arabia, supporting Desert Storm/Desert Shield. His job was that of crew chief of several B-52 aircraft models. Later, he became

maintenance manager on RC-135, KC-135, EC-135 and U-2 aircrafts. Robernetta’s first attempt to join the armed forces failed because she was too small, but once she gained the pounds, she enlisted in the Air Force and was off to a successful career. First, this Chattanooga, Tennessee, native was assigned to vehicle operations. From there, she went into training administration. She also served in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm/Desert Shield and at different bases around the world.

Tommy and Robernetta first met in England at Mildenhall Air Force Base. Later, they met again when they were assigned to Osan Air Force Base in Korea. They were married in July 1994, creating a blended family.

Now, they are enjoying retirement. “We spend our time playing games, watching TV, cruising, traveling, enjoying the grandkids and looking forward to the next day.” Tommy added: “The military allowed us to see the world, and we would like to continue that journey.”

Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.

Tommy and Robernetta Thompson get ready for dinner on a cruise.

Tommy and Robernetta in their Air Force uniforms.

Support for

eterans

in Cherokee County

The Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program is a 501(c)(19) nonprofit and part of the American Legion in Cherokee County, Georgia. The focus is assisting homeless veterans in our community who need help with food, limited housing, clothing, claims, home of record and other support. Visit the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program Facebook page or email Jim Lindenmayer at jlindenmayer80@gmail.com.

The Cherokee Veterans Community is a military ministry at First Baptist Church Woodstock, serving all branches of the military community in and around Cherokee County. www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org. veteransministry@fbcw.net.

American Legion Post 45 in Canton and Post 316 in Woodstock are part of the largest veteran support group in the United States, with posts in 14,000 communities around the country and 2.4 million members. www. galegion45.org, www.alpost316ga.org.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5262 in Canton is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans, military, their families and our community. www.facebook.com/ VFWPost5262.

Cherokee County Suicide Coalition: Veteran Suicide Awareness is working to prevent deaths by suicide in Cherokee County by bringing awareness and education to the community. Visit https://bit.ly/3Bn2jnn or the Cherokee County Suicide Prevention Facebook page.

Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 of Woodstock is for veterans of the Marine Corps to meet, maintain camaraderie and perform community service. The Woodstock chapter serves Marines, their families and the children of our community. www.facebook.com/ MCLWoodstock.

VETERANS DAY EVENTS

Nov. 11

Veterans Day Candlelight Ceremony honors veterans at The Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock at 7 p.m. A coffee and cookie social will follow. www.woodstockparksandrec.com.

A Veterans Day Luncheon, presented by the Rotary Club of North Cobb, will be held at the Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw, noon-2 p.m. https://bit.ly/3fPlaRX.

The city of Acworth is honoring veterans by hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony Stop by the Veterans Memorial at Patriot's Point at Cauble Park at 2 p.m. https://bit.ly/3RK5QDH.

Chapter 1030 of the Vietnam Veterans of America will hold the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Cumming Veterans War Memorial, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The event will feature a traveling replica of the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery. https://bit.ly/3MimV6B.

Nov. 12

Cherokee Veterans Community will hold a free Veteran Appreciation Breakfast, 9-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Woodstock. All military members, past and present, as well as spouses and children, are welcome. Register at www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org/events by Nov. 6.

The eighth annual Veterans Memorial 5K, presented by American Legion Post 29, is open to runners and walkers of all ages, and is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible and pet-friendly. The 5K begins in Marietta Square, 7:30 a.m. https://bit.ly/3fQRDHH.

The Georgia Veterans Day Parade, Observance Ceremony and Festival will be at The Battery Atlanta, beginning at 11 a.m. There will be veterans speaking, a performance from the 116th Army Band, more than 20 exhibits, as well as equipment displays from the National Infantry Museum. The festivities are free and open to the public. For more details, including a parade route map, visit www.georgiaveteransday.org/events-1.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Through Networking

Using this as a plumb line for all that we do, on the advertising and editorial sides of our company, we wanted to let you know what it looks like when the entrepreneurs in our community gather to exchange ideas and information, and develop relationships by supporting and encouraging one another while opening doors to new opportunities.

The Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA) is one of many networking groups in Cherokee County. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month for lunch ‘n’ learn sessions, noon-1:30 p.m., at The Tavern at Towne Lake Hills. Paul Kill of The Piedmont Group is president.

“The TLBA is a professionally driven community that looks to partner with local businesses in Towne Lake, Woodstock and the surrounding Cherokee County communities, to support our local high schools — Etowah, Woodstock and River Ridge — with scholarships for leadership, entrepreneurship and trade skills,” Kill said.

Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) President Kim Dahnke, Executive Editor Candi Hannigan, TLBA President Paul Kill, Rep. Charlice Byrd and ALM Vice President Jennifer Coleman.

Business and nonprofit leaders are part of the TLBA networking group.

Monthly lunch ‘n’ learn sessions are held at The Tavern at Towne Lake Hills.

ShopLOCAL!

AROUNDABOUT LOCAL MEDIA’S MISSION STATEMENT:

Help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.

We know that shopping must be on your mind, now that Black Friday and the Christmas season are upon us; it’s definitely on our radar! To be helpful to our readers and our local merchants, we are bringing a holiday focus to our Shop Local map by making it more prominent in our November and December issues. You’ll find the map of Towne Lake businesses with the following categories: restaurants, retail shops, health/beauty and attractions.

You may want to tear out the map pages to keep handy as you venture out into the community to go shopping. After so many challenges in recent years, now is a perfect time to take advantage of this beautiful fall weather and visit our local retailers. They’ll be happy to see you, and you can leave with the satisfaction that you’ve been a part of contributing to the economic development of our amazing community.

We hope you will share the love, shop local and support our community businesses. Have a blessed holiday season!

Lend a

Helping Hand

Many of our friends and neighbors struggle financially every day, and the holiday season is especially difficult. 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. While you’re at it, consider bringing a basket of homemade goodies, fresh fruit or colorful flowers to show your appreciation for the staff and volunteers at these nonprofits.

Adopt a Senior 2021 www.cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Senior Services is collecting the following gift items for local seniors: a set of new bed sheets, a $25 grocery gift card, a book of stamps and other nonperishable items, such as toiletries, word searches, candy, etc. Please place gifts in a holiday gift bag (no wrapping please). Gift drop-off is 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, through Dec. 2, and special Saturday drop-offs are 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. Gifts may be taken to the Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, in Canton. For more information, call 770-345-3025 or email bmkiser@cherokeega.com.

Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program

https://bit.ly/3lkJMlV

Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program

is looking for candidates for the eighth annual Holiday Adopt a Vet program. The focus is on helping low-income veterans, those in senior living facilities, as well as homeless veterans, this holiday season. If you know of a veteran family in need, or you want to volunteer for this program, contact Jim Lindenmayer at 678-983-7590 or jlindenmayer80@gmail.com.

Items are needed for the program’s annual drives and events, such as 10 bicycles for boys or girls for the Adopt a Vet program. Donors also can drop off gently used winter coats for the annual coat drive, Christmas cards for senior veterans (they do not have to be personalized), toiletries, flashlights with batteries, hand warmers, good gloves, emergency blankets and first-aid kits to American Legion Post 45, 160 McClure St., in Canton. To schedule a donation drop-off, contact Jim Lindenmayer, or call or text Betty Lewis at 770-318-6451.

Cherokee Family Violence Center

www.cfvc.org/donate-now

Cherokee Family Violence Center has a transitional housing complex, with 72 apartments and an emergency shelter that accommodates 12 women and children affected by domestic violence. The Thanksgiving wish list includes weekly meals through the holidays for shelter residents, canned items (like soups, meats, fruits and vegetables) and over-the-counter medications for cold and flu season. Additional donation items wanted include unscented laundry pods, dishwashing pods, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, plastic utensils, new pillows, white linens for twin and full beds, white towel sets (washcloths, bath towels and hand towels) and new undergarments for all ages. Contact 770-479-1804, ext. 101, or volunteers@cfvc.org.

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency

www.playcherokee.org/200/Hugs-in-a-Blanket

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency is collecting items in support of helping seniors in need.

Donations for the Hugs in a Blanket campaign will be taken between Nov. 1 and Dec. 14. Donors can bring a new warm blanket and new slipper socks to the recreation center, during regular business hours, at 7545 Main St., Building 200, in Woodstock. For more information, contact Jessica Hallman at jshallman@cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768.

Cherokee Secret Santa www.cherokeesanta.com

The Secret Santa program of the Department of Family and Children’s Services of 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 375 children in foster care this year. Sponsors can be matched with specific children or collect specialty items needed to service the program. All levels of contributions are accepted. All size donations are appreciated. For more details, call the Secret Santa phone line at 678-235-5519.

Cherokee Thanksgiving www.cherokeethanksgiving.com

The 30th annual event, on Nov. 24, is open to everyone. Organizers are partnering with Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q in Canton to serve more than 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. Visit the website to reserve meals for delivery or pickup on Thanksgiving Day, sign up to volunteer as a meal delivery driver or food prep assistant, or make a monetary donation. Volunteers also are needed beyond Thanksgiving, to help coordinate fundraising, expand the website, organize volunteers and create more awareness for the nonprofit.

The Children’s Haven

www.CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

This nonprofit promotes the health and happiness of children in Cherokee affected by abuse and neglect. The group works to ensure their safety, advocate on their behalf and respond to meet their needs. Holiday needs include Christmas/holiday/winter-themed pajamas (sizes newborn to teen), as well as gift cards for Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy and similar stores. 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.

Encompass Ministries

https://encompassministriesinc.org

Encompass Ministries and its food pantry offer year-round food and stability, as well as lifeskills training assistance. Special holiday needs: donations of turkeys, ham and nonperishable food items. A list of the Top 10 food needs is kept upto-date on the website. Tax-deductible donations also are accepted on the website. For more details, call 770-591-4730.

Forever Fed

www.foreverfed.org

Forever Fed, a mobile food ministry, hosts multiple food pantries a month in outdoor settings. There are many opportunities to partner with the nonprofit in building up our community with compassion: volunteer, donate nonperishable foods, send a financial gift or even hold a food drive. For a complete list of events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.foreverfed.org.

Goshen Valley Foundation

www.goshenvalley.org

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch attempts to provide a memorable Christmas for foster children, with the community’s help. This includes building traditions, talking about the true meaning of Christmas, as well as fulfilling young people's wants and needs through gift giving, teaching them that they are loved. With 42 kids to purchase gifts for, Goshen Valley 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 link to view gifts the boys have requested.

Meals for Woodstock

www.woodstockga.gov/about/outreach.php

Hot cooked meals are provided for free by donations and volunteers, 4-6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Vingenzo's on East Main Street in downtown Woodstock. Other restaurants are encouraged to get involved in the community collaboration by contacting the Woodstock Office of Economic Development. To support the effort with a monetary contribution, visit the website; 100% of funds raised goes to the purchase of food for the program.

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). Additionally, monetary donations for frozen pies are needed. Nonperishable items can be dropped off 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. through Nov. 11, and Christmas toy donations can be dropped off through Dec. 2 (see the list of items needed below). Drop-offs are at MUST’s Canton location at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway. Please call Maurice Speaks at 770-721-2924 or email mspeaks@mustministries.org.

MUST Ministries Christmas toy needs include:

Teen Gifts

• Jewelry and watches

• Adult coloring books and colored pencils

• Headphones/earbuds

• Sports equipment (balls, gloves, bats, skateboards)

• Makeup kits

• Calligraphy sets

• Hair dryers/flat irons

• Cologne/perfume/bath sets

• Purses, wallets and belts

Toys for Ages 0-12

• Educational toys

• Helmets and large bikes

• Ethnic baby and Barbie dolls

• Jackets and scarves

• Legos

• Blankets

• Diapers

• Hats and gloves

• Hot Wheels tracks

Never Alone

www.neveralone.org

The food pantry is seeking partners to help fight hunger in our community. The pantry provides more than 126,100 meals to approximately 800 households each month. Never Alone’s partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank allows it to purchase food at greatly discounted prices. Make 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.

North Georgia Angel House

www.angelhousega.com

The organization has served girls since 2006, by providing shelter, life skills, job readiness services, family support and more, for up to 40 females at a time. Current needs include: MP3 players, earbuds, gift cards for clothing or activities in the area and journals. Visit the website to donate, or shop on Amazon Smile and select North Georgia Angel House Inc. as your charity to support.

Operation Christmas Child

www.samaritanspurse.org

Representatives will be collecting donations of filled shoeboxes Nov. 14-21. Check the website for updates on locations in the area that will be accepting shoeboxes, including Canton First Baptist Church and Ellison & Ellison Co. in Kennesaw, and for directions on donating or filling a virtual shoebox.

SERV International https://servone.org/foodlocal

The nonprofit provides food to local families and to complex regions globally. With the help of volunteers, 800 SERV food boxes are delivered each month to families in need in Cherokee County and the surrounding areas. To sponsor a local family for $35 a month, visit the website. For volunteer opportunities, email info@servone.org.

Volunteers organize food items for SERV Food Local boxes.

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the best way to give thanks for our own blessings is by sharing them with others. This time of year, there are so many ways you can help. Take a look at the many JustServe partners mentioned in the Helping Hands article (Pages 20-22). And, for more opportunities, check out the projects below. As we begin the holiday season, there is no better time than now to support those in need and lift their spirits.

1. Volunteer at MUST Ministries’ Gobble Jog. Get a jump start on burning off all those Thanksgiving calories by participating in the Gobble Jog! You can register to race or, even better, become a volunteer. They need an army of volunteers to make this event a success, and it’s a perfect way to start your Thanksgiving Day (https://bit.ly/3CrbvtU).

2. Donate food to Noonday StoreHouse Ministries. If you would rather support a feast, check out Noonday Storehouse Ministries’ Thanksgiving Food Drive. This amazing network of more than 120 churches in our area seeks to help families in need by providing much-needed food and supplies, to keep them healthy and well (https://bit. ly/3dYXD0D).

3.

Assemble hygiene kits for local families. If you are looking for a different approach, consider assembling kits and dropping them off to YMCA locations. Complete with a special Thanksgiving note, these kits are sure to provide hope and security to families in need (https://bit. ly/3fG1NuN).

You can check out these great projects — and more! — on the JustServe website. Or, for additional ideas, join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers public Facebook group. You truly can make an impact with simple acts of service!

Justserve.org is a free, nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprofit, or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!

Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.

Since 2006, Orlando Quick has lived, worked and served our community, schools and youth sports selflessly. Along with coaching the seventh-grade Etowah Junior Eagles football team, he serves in the PTA, leads school councils and volunteers whenever a need arises. “He means so much to our family and our community. He has a servant heart and never leaves anyone on the sidelines,” said Dayna Kinney, family friend.

In September, Orlando tragically was struck from behind and dragged by a vehicle. “Sept. 25th was a good Sunday. It was a beautiful day and our family woke up, set aside our excuses and went to The Factory Church — our home of worship,” Orlando said. “We watched our youngest son, Dalton, condition at Velocity, a training center in Canton, and then had the coaches over to the house to discuss our strategies before next week’s game. When they left, I still had time to get my daily two-mile walk in — Day 28 of a 66-day challenge I had committed to. I asked Dalton if he wanted to walk with me, and he declined — thankfully. I told my wife, Resa, that I’d be back shortly, but that didn’t happen.”

When Resa noticed Orlando had been gone longer than usual, she decided to call him. “There was no answer. I knew his walking routes, so I asked my son to try calling him as I got in my car. Still no answer. As I approached our subdivision entrance, there was traffic and police cars in the distance. I was unable to enter Rose Creek Drive, so I decided to go the back way to see if I could get closer to the scene. Fearful and frustrated, I called 911 and explained that I could not reach my husband and there was a lot of police and ambulance activity along his walking route. They said that someone would be calling me, and I should accept a call from an unknown number. I finally received a call from an emergency room doctor from Kennestone, who said that they had my husband. He had been hit by a car, and he was in pretty bad shape. When I arrived at the ER, Orlando was in a four-hour surgery, as they tried to save his legs. It wasn’t until 4:30 a.m. that I was able to see him. He was in intensive care,” she said.

“I was just walking on the sidewalk of Rose Creek Drive, outside our subdivision in Towne Lake and, the next thing I knew, I was laying on the street unable to move,” Orlando said. “I felt the presence of the Lord and a voice that said, ‘Do you want to live or do you want to die?’ And I knew that my family needed me, so I remained calm.

“Miraculously, the first person to the scene was a former EMT and current administrator for Kennestone’s EMT training program, Dave Crosby. Did you hear that? The one person who knew what to do to save me happened to be right there at that very moment before medics arrived. He is my angel.”

Orlando remains in the hospital, as surgeons work to reconstruct both of his legs. He will require more surgeries, rehab and extensive physical therapies, but a full recovery is possible. However, it will require a year of hard work and patience.

Orlando and Resa have two sons, Jalin, 20, and Dalton, 12. Orlando is a Realtor for Keller Williams in Woodstock, and Resa works full time for Comcast in human resources. “We are so blessed, but the year ahead will be difficult,” Resa said.

“We live in the most wonderful community. We are grateful for all who have reached out and have supported us and prayed for us — our church, neighborhood, football families, schools and strangers. I don’t know why this happened, but I can’t be mad about it. I am here, and I am thankful for that. I will be back better and stronger than ever. My work here is not done,” Orlando said.

During this season of giving, let us rally around this sweet guy and show him how much our community loves and appreciates him. May he allow us to give back a small portion of all he has given.

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 our community, email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.

Orlando and Resa Quick, with their sons, Jalin and Dalton.

Teams Up With

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

The March of the Toys Parade in downtown Ball Ground has become a Cherokee County tradition. Ten years ago, our local Santa and Mrs. Claus, Tim and Pam Cavender, launched the parade, to join Toys for Tots (TFT) and help children in need.

This holiday season marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve TFT Program. Maj. Bill Hendricks started the charity in Los Angeles in 1947 after a nudge from his wife, Diane. She was the real inspiration, and had a few handcrafted dolls that she asked Bill to deliver to an agency that supported underprivileged children. Bill could not find such an organization.

After Bill’s unsuccessful search, Diane instructed him to start one. Hendricks and the Marines in his reserve unit collected and distributed 5,000 toys in 1947.

Seeing the great success of this first community engagement, the commandant directed all Marine Reserve sites to implement a TFT campaign, transforming the program into a national community action in 1948.

At the time, Hendrick’s civilian job was director of public relations at Warner Bros. Studios. Friends with many celebrities, he asked them to help support the newly created program. As a personal friend and as a favor to Bill, Walt Disney designed the first TFT poster, which included a miniature three-car train. This image was subsequently adopted as the official logo.

Toys For Tots has grown exponentially since. In 1991, The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established at the behest of the Marine Corps to help run and support the program. The foundation raises funds, purchases toys, distributes donations and handles day-to-day operations. To date, 627 million toys have been distributed, supporting 281 million happy children.

Local Support for a National Effort

The ninth annual March of the Toys Parade is Dec. 2. The vendor market will open at 4 p.m. in Ball Ground’s City Park and the parade will begin at 7 p.m. Last year, it was estimated 5,000 people attended the parade.

“I can’t stand the idea of a child going through Christmas without toys,” Tim Cavender said. “The toys we collect are distributed through the TFT branch in Marietta. Besides collecting unwrapped toys for TFT, we celebrate the season with vendors, and lots of superheroes, princesses and ‘Star Wars’ characters, who

Santa Tim and Pam Claus with Lulu Roman, this year’s grand marshal of the parade.

come from all over the Southeast.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus will bring snow with them as they travel down Main Street. After the parade, a meet-and-greet with free photo opportunities will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as all of the children’s favorite cosplayers (participants who wear costumes and accessories to represent a character). The cosplayers will gather in City Park, and Santa will be available on the stage.

“Our 2022 grand marshal is Lulu Roman from the famed TV sitcom, ‘Hee Haw.’ Lulu will be doing a meet and greet prior to the parade, from 4-6 p.m., at Barrel House Coffee on Main Street (275 Gilmer

Ferry Road),” Cavendar said. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the parade for TFT. Collection boxes for toys will be available along Main Street (the parade route) and at City Park. For more information, visit marchofthetoysparade.com or contact Tim Cavender, parade chairman, at tmcavender@ cherokeega.com or 770-735-4263.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.

A Message From the

Itis hard to believe that we’ve already reached November. The past several years have been historic in so many ways, and historic seasons have a way of flying by. As Woodstock makes its way into autumn in earnest, we’ll join the nation this month in pausing to give thanks. It’s a tradition so ingrained in American culture that we often take our “intentional pause for gratitude” completely for granted.

Dedicated days of thanksgiving date back to English tradition, and were marked with religious services, thanks to God and celebration of bountiful harvests. Here, in North America, the tradition dates back to the early 1600s in Plymouth, Massachusetts. More than a century later, Gen. George Washington, during his service as commander in chief of the Continental Army, frequently declared days of thanksgiving among the troops. He continued his commitment to the practice in office as our first president, by issuing a proclamation declaring the first national day of Thanksgiving in 1789. The tradition remained sporadic after Washington’s tenure came to a close, until President Abraham Lincoln established it as a national holiday during the Civil War.

Our country has marked a day every year since then as a day to pause and remember the blessings of providence for America, and in each of our lives. We join with family and friends. We eat foods indigenous to our continent (turkey, corn, potatoes).

We share stories, and we join together for one day celebrating one unified national identity.

Thanksgiving Day permeates the month of November, and it serves as a great reminder of the inherent blessings that come with being an American, while also uniting us with previous generations who endured struggle and hardship to ensure we were able to inherit this great American experiment. As we pause this year, I am calling on each of you in Woodstock to remember the great heritage that we each claim as Americans. As our Declaration of Independence tells us, “with a firm reliance on divine providence,” our forefathers pledged to one another their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Our Constitution tells us that they did so in order to “secure the blessings of liberty to … our posterity.”

We must, during this time of thanks — and every day forward — remember that far more unites us than divides us. The founders’ commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all remains the calling of our time. It is up to each of us to secure it for the next generation. My family and I remain forever thankful for each of you, and for the honor of serving this incredible city. Thank you, and happy Thanksgiving!

— Mayor Michael Caldwell

Michael Caldwell is the 31st mayor of Woodstock, a retired state legislator, member of the Georgia Technology Authority, partner at Black Airplane, husband to Katie, and father to Oliver, Elizabeth and Charlotte.

SHARING

TRADITIONS

“Some of my most favorite Thanksgiving memories come from our children’s school celebrations. Our oldest, who now is in middle school, played a turkey in his kindergarten pageant. When he saw all of us in the audience, he could not hide his excitement. As he pointed, stood up, laughed and grinned at us through the song, I’m sure I heard a man behind us laugh and say: “There’s a ham in the turkeys!”

“For me, Thanksgiving means family, shopping and quality time with loved ones. When I was growing up, our large gatherings included extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins). While the adults cooked, the cousins played outside. Such fun memories! After I got married, the tradition changed little except for alternating years between my husband’s family and mine. Another tradition that started when I was a child but has continued into adulthood is Black Friday shopping, something I now enjoy with my daughter. This year, I’m especially looking forward to Thanksgiving, because it will be the first time my daughter, who is a freshman at University of California, Berkeley, comes back home for a visit. We’re all looking forward to a long weekend of enjoying time with her!”

— Shannon Wallace, district attorney of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit

— Barbara Jacoby, Cherokee County School District’s chief communications officer

“I was born on Thanksgiving Day, and my mother has made me a pumpkin pie for my birthday for the last 50 years.”

— Jamey Snyder, Woodstock’s recreation operations manager

The Wallace family enjoys time with cousins and grandparents.

Barbara’s son, J. Henry Jacoby, in kindergarten.

“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition and memory is cooking Thanksgiving dinner with my mom and grandmother. Whether we are all together in Georgia or at my mom’s house, in my hometown of Tampa, Florida, the three of us will be in the kitchen the night before and the morning of Thanksgiving making our family favorites. In addition to the turkey, ham and sides, the showstopper always is my grandmother's cornbread dressing. She passed down the recipe to me, but it always is better when we make it together.”

— Tina Farmer, Cherokee County School District’s executive director of school nutrition and procurement services

“Each year, we go to my parents’ house in Jasper for Thanksgiving dinner. My nieces are in charge of baking desserts, and I look forward to what they bake each year. Their creativity always tops the previous year. Last year, we had chocolate cupcakes that looked like little turkeys. It was very cute. As my son grows older and his desire is constantly to be where his cousins are, I have no doubt we will find William in the kitchen baking with them this year. And, I can’t wait to see what they all create together.”

— Brittany Page, Woodstock Police Department’s crime analyst and public information officer

“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! We always put up our Christmas Tree the day after, so after we eat (we're from Louisiana, so we usually switch it up with a gumbo instead of a traditional meal), boxes and boxes of decorations start making their way to the living room. We're also pretty competitive, so Thanksgiving also marks the start of the holiday competitions. I'm determined to win the gingerbread house making contest this year! Last year was a super special Thanksgiving because my mom graduated with her master's degree. She's always been my therapist, but now she can be everyone else's, too! The Cherokee County History Center will be open this year, so I'm looking forward to showing my family around the museum and making a new tradition.”

Harvee White with her mother, Tonya, and her siblings, Chelsea and Dillain.

— Harvee White, History Cherokee’s education manager

Tina Farmer with her mom and grandmother in the kitchen Thanksgiving morning.

Brittany’s son, William Page, with her nieces, Tatum, Kaitlyn and Jocelyn Bleisath.

Georgia Eye Partners Focusing on Personalized Care

The combination of personalized care, advanced technology, and board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians adds up to the reason the professionals at Georgia Eye Partners feel they excel in eye care.

Georgia Eye Partners is a specialty practice that includes ophthalmologists and optometrists dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality medical and surgical eye care. The 26 physicians and 175-plus support staff provide services ranging from medical eye care to complex surgical treatment for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, corneal and retinal disease. LASIK and other vision correction surgeries are offered, as well as eyelid, mid-face and laser aesthetic procedures through a subsidiary, OPAL Aesthetics.

After opening in 1999 with two locations, Georgia Eye Partners has grown to seven clinics and two private surgery centers. The Woodstock office, staffed with four physicians and 10 support staff, opened in 2014 after establishing strong clinical relationships with other physicians and patients in Cherokee County. The office expanded to its current location in 2019 with more than double the clinical space and upgraded capabilities.

A personal approach with each patient is the first step on the road to better eye health.

Welcoming Videos

Each surgeon has filmed a series of introductory videos available to patients before they arrive for their appointment, or to view while at the office, offering explanations of different eye conditions and descriptions of what to expect from surgical procedures. Bolstered by this calming and educational introduction, patients should feel more informed and confident as they seek the help of Georgia Eye Partners physicians.

Advanced Technology

Dr. Evan D. Schoenberg gives a few examples of how Georgia Eye Partners surgeons deliver consistent, best-inclass results by combining training and experience with advanced technologies.

“Our cataract surgeons use the latest generation of intraocular lenses, including

The Georgia Eye Partners staff with doctors seated on couch, from left: Dr. Evan D. Schoenberg, Dr. Parul Khator, Dr. Amber Zaunbrecher and Dr. Gagan Sawhney.

Panoptix trifocal and Vivity extended depth of focus, to maximize glasses independence. They couple this with femtosecond laser to automate steps of the surgery traditionally performed by hand, ORA intraoperative wavefront aberrometry to refine lens power selection, and the Argos cataract planning suite for accurate measurements and refined surgical planning.

“In the refractive surgery suite, our surgeons’ Wavelight EX500 excimer laser offers the fastest, most reliable treatment times of any system in the United States and supports Contoura vision, the LASIK treatment with the highest likelihood of superhuman results.

“Our glaucoma team boasts expertise in modern, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (‘MIGS’) which can help control this blinding disease, including being ahead of the public release curve by participating in clinical trials via the research arm of our practice. Finally, our OPAL aesthetics team’s HALO laser skin treatment allows dramatic results for a wide variety of skin issues for virtually all skin types. ”

A summa cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a minor in computer science, Dr. Schoenberg earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at Emory University. He completed a medical internship and ophthalmology residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he served as chief resident. Following residency, he completed a fellowship in corneal transplantation, refractive surgery, and external ophthalmic disease at the prestigious Price Vision Group in Indianapolis.

Dr. Parul Khator specializes in the diagnosis, management and treatment of cataracts and glaucoma. She completed the ophthalmology residency training program at Emory University Hospital, and her fellowship training in glaucoma at Wills Eye Institute; while there, she developed an interest in clinical glaucoma research.

for glaucoma, management of coexisting cataracts and glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy, and glaucoma drainage device implantation. He is trained in all disciplines of comprehensive ophthalmology.

Dr. Sawhney was one of the first glaucoma surgeons in Atlanta to incorporate minimally invasive glaucoma surgery into his glaucoma-surgical practice. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, and completed his ophthalmology residency and glaucoma fellowship at Emory Eye Center. He was awarded in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Highly Trained Physicians

Four physicians and their 10 on-site support staff work in the

Dr. Evan D. Schoenberg, Director of Refractive Surgery, specializes in cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, EVO ICLTM, and lens exchange, advanced corneal transplantation, corneal crosslinking, and management of complex corneal disease. He was named one of America’s Top 100 ophthalmologists by Newsweek in 2021 and a Top Doctor by Atlanta Magazine and Castle Connolly.

Dr. Khator manages the full spectrum of glaucoma, from early to advanced disease, performing laser and incisional therapy. She is a refractive cataract surgeon who performs laser-assisted cataract surgery and spends time with her patients, helping them navigate the landscape of cataract surgical options. She was awarded in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Dr. Gagan Sawhney specializes in cataract surgery and the medical and surgical management of glaucoma from early to advanced disease. His clinical expertise includes evaluation of patients suspicious for glaucoma, laser surgery

Dr. Amber Zaunbrecher is an optometrist with experience in ocular disease, pediatric and family care, multifocal lenses, cerebral palsy vision issues, geriatric optometry, oculoplastic procedures and retinal disorder management.

She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia and completed her professional education at the University of Alabama School of Optometry. Her clinical experience consisted of three fourth-year externships at the Alabama Ophthalmology Associates and Retinal Consultants of Alabama, the Birmingham VA Medical Center and the Roswell Eye Clinic in Atlanta. She also completed a fourth-year internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Eye Care.

PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

Patient education is a priority.

Sonya greets a patient at the front desk.

A Berry Good Garden for Winter Birds

BY KAREN GARLAND

The only thing better than a beautiful landscape is one that naturally attracts local wildlife, especially birds. Yet, with winter looming, you might be feeling down, as you observe many of your favorite species heading south. Don’t fret. Others, in search of a steady and varied food supply, will take their place.

Most gardeners select trees and shrubs for their showy blossoms, fall color or attractive form. However, additional considerations can provide an invitation to your garden for winter visitors. Foraging birds require a regular diet full of sugars and fats to thrive during chilly months. Including trees and shrubs that hold onto their fruit throughout the winter provides a significant food source, ensuring regular visits. A bonus is the birds will reward you by adding song, color and flight to your landscape.

Shrubs are a vital component of effective birdscaping, which is all about choosing and planting the type of plants that will attract different birds to your garden. But, which ones are best for our feathered friends in winter? Hundreds of birds find shrubs useful, and they make the landscaping as inviting as possible. Consider natural diversity in fruit availability throughout the season, since some berry-producing shrubs fruit earlier, and others persist deeper into the winter months, when food is exceedingly scarce.

It is commonly thought that bird feeders should suffice for your winter visitors. While they are a great addition, they are only part of the solution. Native trees and shrubs provide things that these feeding stations cannot. Some species, such as cedar waxwings, cannot eat seeds. And, berries provide high levels of beneficial fats needed for winter survival. Providing a variety of trees, shrubs and vines with natural food sources and shelter can double the number of bird species that visit your yard.

This winter, if you already have fruit-bearing shrubs, pull out your binoculars and enjoy your feathered guests who have an appetite for berries. If not, check your favorite plant catalog or visit a nursery, since spring is a great time to start birdscaping your yard. Adding a couple of berry-producing natives is a significant first step in feeding birds naturally. Here are eight native plant options:

1. American beautyberry bears tiny spring flowers that produce clusters of magenta, purple or white fruits that remain on the spreading understory shrub after the leaves drop. The fruits become a good food source for many birds, including mockingbirds, robins, towhees, catbirds and brown thrashers.

2. Mountain ash is a small, deciduous tree with leaves that turn bright golden orange on red leaf stalks in the fall. The small, white flowers in spring are held in flat-topped bundles and are followed by broad clusters of bright, coralred berries.

3.

Red chokeberry is a multi-stemmed shrub with four-season interest. In spring, flat-topped clusters of white flowers with red anthers appear. They give way to dark green, glossy leaves that turn a rich, orange-red in fall. Also appearing in fall are the bright red, pear-shaped berries that remain throughout winter.

4.

Sparkleberry is a large, deciduous shrub that produces small, white, urn-shaped flowers. Once pollinated, the flowers produce small berries, which turn from green to a shiny black, like blueberries. The fruit attracts a wide range of birds, including brown thrashers, tufted titmice, mockingbirds and American robins.

5.

Spicebush is a deciduous shrub with clusters of tiny, aromatic flowers blooming along the branches in early spring, before the foliage emerges. Its leaves turn a colorful golden yellow in fall.

6.

Strawberry bush, or hearts-a-bustin’, has leaves that turn to various shades of yellow, orange and red before they drop in winter. The bright red fruit matures in early autumn, and is enjoyed by thrushes, eastern bluebirds, warblers, mockingbirds and wild turkeys.

7.

Viburnum bears dark green, ruffled foliage that turns bright yellow to red in fall. Creamy white, flat-topped umbels (flower clusters) give way to large clusters of showy blue-black berries that will be enjoyed by robins, bluebirds, thrushes, vireos, kingbirds, juncos, cardinals and warblers.

8.

Winterberry is a dense, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with dark green foliage throughout the season. A variety of birds love the vibrant red fruits of this common holly, especially in late winter, when food is scarce.

A master gardener for more than 20 years, Karen Garland is a national award recipient and educator in the Cherokee County School District.

Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia). Photo by Marcia Winchester.

Giving Thanks for Cherokee County

BY HARRY JOHNSTON

We truly are blessed in Cherokee County. Starting with God-given blessings, our geography is gorgeous, with rolling hills in the south growing to mountains in the north. We have abundant rainfall that supports beautiful natural forests, and a reliable water source in the Etowah River, from which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was able to create Lake Allatoona. Our weather is just about perfect, with four distinct seasons. Three are fantastic; the fourth is mild and short, a taste of winter that makes us appreciate the other three.

In real estate, location is everything. Ours is our greatest asset, literally where the metro meets the mountains. We’re right in the shadow of a big and thriving city, close enough to take advantage of all those economic benefits, yet far enough away to enjoy a safe and comfortable small-town, and even rural, lifestyle. Of course, that attractiveness threatens its existence.

Over the last 30-plus years, we’ve become increasingly protective of our precious lifestyle. The protection hasn’t been perfect. The short-term economic benefits of growth are a powerful force. We only gained a consistent responsiblegrowth majority on the county’s Board of Commissioners about 15 years ago. The tools available to manage growth have natural and legal limits. City leadership understandably continues to want their cities to grow. But, the county started working on it earlier in our growth cycle and has managed it better than other fast-growth counties, like Gwinnett, Clayton, Henry, Douglas and Forsyth. I am thankful we’ve been able to cut our growth rate in half and put ourselves in the position to remain a rare jewel, retaining our great lifestyle as we continue to grow moderately.

We also enjoy the best “value proposition” of excellent

county services and low taxes. The property tax rates controlled by the Board of Commissioners are the 29th lowest of 159 counties in Georgia, and our sales tax rates are in the lowest four. Combined, we have the second lowest overall tax rates in the state.

We enjoy some of the best public safety and other services in the state, and even the nation. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office achieved advanced national accreditation with honors, putting it among a handful of the nation’s most elite agencies. Every three years since its initial accreditation in 1996, the Sheriff’s Office has been re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Our fire service has come from being mostly volunteers, just 24 years ago, to one of the state’s best today, especially in the critical area of training. Our E-911 Center and Marshal’s Office are nationally accredited models that others follow.

There’s always work to do on roads. But, except for some state highways that now are being addressed, our road team has kept up with the growth admirably. Our school system, managed separately by the Board of Education, is one of the state’s best.

There are a lot of great places in the world to visit, but truly none better to come home to than Cherokee County. I’m so thankful for what we have here, and that I get to be part of it.

Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He’s a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner. Email him at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.

Love With Recipes to Fall

Ponche Mexicano de Mi Abuela

BY TRACY GARCIA, 7 TEQUILAS

Ponche is a traditional Mexican hot drink, made in most Hispanic countries. It has been passed down from generation to generation, and I got this holiday recipe from my mom. Ponche is mostly served in October through February, for all festivities.

Some of these ingredients are not easy to find; try your local Latino store for the best outcome. Fresh ingredients always are preferred, but for hard-to-find ingredients like sugar cane sticks, tejocotes and guava, frozen or canned ingredients are just as tasty. Don’t stress yourself out; it will be delicious either way.

Ingredients

• 4 liters distilled water

• 1 large piloncillo cone (also known as penole)

• 3 sugar canes

• 3-4 cinnamon sticks

• 12 tejocotes (stone fruit)

• 12 guavas

• 2 apples

• 2 pears

• ¾ cup of chopped prunes

• ½ cup raisins

• 1 cup hibiscus flowers

Directions

Clean produce thoroughly. Chop your apples, pears and prunes. Put fruit to the side. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add piloncillo, cinnamon sticks and sugar canes. Let it boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the piloncillo has dissolved.

BY JANIS FORRESTER

Add all fresh or frozen fruit: guavas, apples, tejocotes and pears. If you have canned guavas and/or tejocotes, add them after 20 minutes, or after your fresh fruit has tenderized. Place a lid on your pot, set heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes.

Add raisins, prunes and hibiscus flowers. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, and turn off heat. Remove pot from stove. Let sit for 20 minutes. (If you leave the hibiscus flowers simmering for too long, it will make the punch sour.)

If you prefer your ponche cold, let it sit out for 2 hours so the fruit reaches 70 degrees fahrenheit. Pour into a pitcher with a lid, and refrigerate for 4 hours for the coolest fruit punch.

Note: For a citrus flavor, add 1 large orange, sliced in fourths, and 6 peeled tamarindos when you add fruit to the pot. Serve with fruit in the cup for added flavor and a yummy snack.

7 Tequilas 21-plus Tip: Whether you drink it hot or cold, add a shot of cinnamon rum or tequila to your cup for a delicious cocktail.

BY JOY OWEN

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, melted

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic salt

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 60-80 small mushrooms (about 3 packages)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wash and remove stems from mushrooms. Reserve ½ cup of stems, finely chopped. Dip caps in melted butter and place on a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan, mushroom stems, garlic salt and cream cheese. Blend well. Fill the caps with the mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. Serves 20-25 people.

Reeves House Pumpkin Spice Syrup

BY WOODSTOCK ARTS

Ingredients

• 1½ cups dark brown sugar

• 3 cups granulated sugar

• 4½ cups water

Directions

•

•

•

•

In a large pot, combine dark brown sugar, granulated sugar and water. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger and ground cloves. Bring water and sugars to a boil, and stir until the sugars are fully dissolved. Add your bowl of pumpkin and spices to the pot. Stir to combine, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring constantly, and don’t let it boil! Once the syrup has thickened, turn off the heat, and let it rest on the burner while it cools for 25 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, and transfer to the bottle of your choice.

A Wild Thanksgiving

Table Bouquets From a Habitat Yard

AND TEXT BY ANN LITREL

It’s Thanksgiving morning. The linens are ironed, the table is set, the turkey is roasting, and the sweet potatoes and dressing are ready to pop into the oven.

And, it’s time for my favorite Thanksgiving ritual: gathering wild plants from my yard for the table arrangements.

But, it’s November! What possibly could be growing outside to use in a flower arrangement?

Mine is one of more than 250 yards in Towne Lake that are certified as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. This means there are beautiful berries, dried grasses, seedheads and gorgeous fall-colored leaves everywhere.

Each year, these items make up the foundation of my Thanksgiving table flower arrangements. To finish, I simply add flowers from two grocery store bouquets for color.

Even if you don’t have a habitat yard, you might be surprised by what you will find outside, once you look. Your landscape plants, the wild trees

and plants along the edges of your yard, or on neighborhood walks … in Towne Lake, nature offers beauty everywhere.

If you’d like to make a foraged table arrangement, you’ll need a tall flower vase or two — the kind used on banquet tables to keep flowers above eye level, so people can see one another and talk. I got my two 30-inch brass vases at an estate sale, but you can find great options on Amazon by searching for “tall table vases for banquet.” I recommend 24 to 30 inches tall.

The drawings, bottom left, show my “formula” for making beautiful Thanksgiving arrangements. Follow the steps below, and rotate the vases as you add elements, so your arrangements will look good from every side.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Tall dry grasses and seedheads, 3 to 4 feet tall, create height.

Twigs with leaves and berries make beautiful sculptural lines.

Three fern fronds form a pleasing triangular base.

Flowers from two grocery store bouquets fill in the color.

Most of all, enjoy taking a break from the kitchen to make these — an hour of quiet beauty in the midst of the holiday rush.

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.

Ann enjoys a shared activity with her sister, Jane, and her niece, Megan.

Be Thankful, God’s Greatness Is in You

BY THE REV. JOSEPH N. COUSIN SR.

Throughout November, we are encouraged to think of all the ways we must be thankful to God, because he continues to be good to us all. And, as we thank God this season, let us not forget to thank him for the greatness he has placed in each of us. If you did not know it, you’ve got greatness in you!

In Philippians 1:6, we find Paul writing to the Philippians, giving certainty that God began and will complete the good work in each of them:

“And, I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue the work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

I want to encourage everyone to be thankful for the greatness that God has placed in you.

God initiates greatness in each of us.

We must realize that God has begun a good work in each of us, thus initiating greatness in our lives. With this in mind, we must not only be thankful, but we also must live in a manner that is reflective of God’s greatness in us. And, each day, we must ask ourselves this question: What am I doing to reflect God’s greatness in my life, and how am I showing my gratitude for God initiating greatness in me?

God continues greatness in us.

God not only initiated greatness in us, but he continues the greatness in us, as well. Paul calls the continuation of this greatness good work, and God carries this on in our lives. Our greatness is exemplified by how we live our lives, and how we inspire and encourage others to tap into the greatness that God has placed in them.

God completes greatness in us .

The word “complete” has multiple definitions. One definition is “to be finished,” but another definition is “to be made whole.” And, I believe that, as God continues the greatness within us, he also completes our greatness by making us whole. How does God make us whole? We are whole through Christ Jesus! As we spread the joy of Jesus to the world, God completes and fulfills the great work within us all.

Never forget, God has instilled greatness in you. Don’t ever doubt it, disbelieve it or disregard it — we all have greatness in us, given by God — and we must forever be thankful for God’s greatness in us.

The Rev. Joseph N. Cousin Sr. is pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Woodstock and the founding president of the Cherokee County NAACP.

Outdoor Decor for Fall Holiday Parties

BY DONNA BROADUS

I love having friends and family over to my home to entertain, but I especially love to do so during the fall/Thanksgiving season. My home isn’t that large (even though I remodeled my kitchen last year to make it more open), so I have learned to take the entertaining outdoors, to keep from having everyone on top of each other.

I always set up a dessert and drinks table outside. I have a covered pergola, with a large table and chairs, but I usually set my dessert and drinks area out in the open, on an old wooden table, folding table or on my potting bench, so it is easy for everyone to access.

To make a simple outdoor serving table, set up a table or

two. (I like to add a tablecloth and runner to make it more interesting.) There are so many things in nature you can use to decorate the area. Fall is one of the best times to use tree branches, dried flowers, pine cones, pumpkins, gourds and fruit.

I also like to incorporate clay pots and other garden items. Lighting is important, so I always add fairy lights (very small string lights) and battery-operated candles to my table settings. Party lights strung above the table(s) also are a nice touch.

For the drinks, set out some buckets filled with ice and/or an ice chest for canned and bottled drinks. Next, set up an area for wine and mixed drinks. I like to put iced tea in a huge glass drink container and set it up on a clay pot that has been turned upside down for easy access. Don’t forget coffee, hot chocolate or apple cider. (These can be made ahead and kept in containers that will keep them hot, in case you don’t have an electrical outlet available.)

For the desserts, make sure you don’t put those out until you are ready to eat. Your cake and pie plates should have covers, preferably those that can be used as part of your table decor. In lieu of desserts, you also can make a charcuterie table with cheeses, crackers, meats and fruit.

Invest in an outdoor heater, as well, to help when the temperature starts to drop and lengthen your outdoor entertaining period. I have a large fire pit in my yard that my family enjoys, but you can purchase a small fire pit for less than $100 at many home improvement stores. Even if you live in an apartment or townhome and don’t have a yard, you can set up a table on the balcony or patio to give you extra space for entertaining.

Have a blessed holiday season!

Donna Broadus is a 28-year resident of Woodstock and the owner of Broadus Realty Group. She posts designing/staging tips on Instagram and Facebook. broadusrealtygrup.com.

Shoppers were able to browse the tents of 150 vendors and concession stands.

A photogenic fall backdrop for family photos.

Among the many volunteers were members of Reinhardt University’s

More than 25,000 patrons attended the 38th annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival. The two-day event featured 150 vendors, concessions, live entertainment and a children’s area. Held by the Service League of Cherokee County, the event’s proceeds help change the lives of children in need in our community. For information about next year’s event, visit https://serviceleague.net/fundraisers/riverfest.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SERVICE LEAGUE OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

Members of Cherokee County’s Fire and Emergency Services were on standby.

Rob’s Rescues

These animals are at Cobb County Animal Services, waiting for homes.

I interviewed Tori Reibel, education and communications coordinator of Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR), an organization dedicated to caring for orphaned and injured black bear cubs. www.appalachianbearrescue.org. This interview is the first of two parts.

How did ABR start?

ABR started in 1996, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), after a hard mast failure, in which there were no acorns, and bears were starving. The National Park Service, Wildlife Services and volunteers came together, and ABR grew from that. We have helped more than 360 bears to date – cubs and bears under 2 years old, per our permit. Currently, we have 13 at the rescue.

What was the first bear you rescued?

Zero Bear in 1996. He was a yearling that was starving and injured. He was successfully released back into the GSMNP.

How do you tell the difference between bears?

In our part of the world, we only have black bears. Physically, black bears also can be brown. The best way to differentiate between black bears and grizzlies is grizzly claws are longer and straight (to shovel and dig). Black bear claws are 1 to 2 inches long and are curved for climbing. Grizzly bears also have a very muscular hump on their shoulders.

How do you find the bears that come to ABR?

This dog’s name is Becca. She is quite a hyper 11-month-old stray. She is a very loving and friendly dog. Becca would be a great dog for a family, with some training.

Mostly from calls from the public. People out hiking sometimes report cubs by themselves. Mom might be close by, so we monitor the situation for 24 to 48 hours before we deem help necessary. Mother bears are sometimes hit by cars, and the police will call us to help cubs on the roadway. We also take bears in from surrounding states that need help.

What is the usual age range of bears you help?

The typical age range is 3 weeks to 2 years. In hard mast failure years, a lot will be yearlings fending for themselves for the first time. If the food mast is good, we usually get more cubs.

What types of problems are bears facing?

In some cases, mother bears are poached, and we get lots of orphaned or abandoned bears. Most often, we deal with malnutrition and parasites, as well as injuries as a result of being hit by a car. One bear recently needed a blood transfusion. We worked with the University of Tennessee Vet College, and a bear from the Knoxville Zoo gave blood needed for the injured bear’s transfusion. We named him Summit.

Humans and trash create a huge problem for bears. Mother bears often will have to be euthanized because they get into trash and get aggressive. Her cubs then come to ABR.

Have you always wanted to help bears?

My dad works for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and I grew up loving wildlife. I enjoy outreach and educating people about wildlife, and I do a lot of ABR interviews. I also host educational programs about bears and coexistence.

What is an interesting thing about bears?

This cat’s name is Callie. She is 8 years old. She is a domestic short-haired cat and is super sweet. She is an ownersurrender, which doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I guess people have their reasons. Anyone would love this cat.

Bears have a really good sense of smell. Bears often are portrayed as slow moving foragers, but they are very quick and can run at speeds of about 35 mph. They are fast climbers, too.

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

Appalachian Bear Rescue facility.

Wonderings of th e

WANDERER

Languages Live On

The Maskoki and the Aniyunwiya People

BY THE WANDERER

Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. Words are interesting, in that they far outlive the voices that first spoke them; they manage to survive centuries — even millennia — though their meanings often are lost or changed.

For instance, at age 41, my sixth great grandfather, Hans Jerg Hag, arrived at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, aboard a ship called the Hampshire, from Rotterdam, on Sept. 7, 1748. The letter “g” at the end of a surname in German is pronounced as a “k,” and it comes as no surprise that, while he signed his name plainly enough, upon speaking it, the registrar recorded it as Hawk rather than Hag. And, when his son Konrad Hag was born, in what was to become Pennsylvania (literally, Penn’s Woods), it was recorded as Conrad Hawk. The family has been Hawk ever since. Bluntly, the English settlers decided what the German emigres were to be called. Anyone familiar with history knows better than to think of someone as European; there are French and English and German, but they speak different languages, are culturally distinct, and have fought against one another many times.

The same is true in North America; the term Native American is all but meaningless. There were hundreds of culturally distinct peoples encompassed by such a definition, and they warred with one another far more often than living in peace. But, is there anything left of these people in our county? There is — their words have outlived them. In some cases, the spellings have been changed, but the words remain.

The first descendants of the moundbuilding cultures in Cherokee County were the Creeks. It’s worth noting that Creek is the name used by their enemies;

they called themselves Maskoki, which we today refer to as Muscogee. A confederacy of several tribes in the Southeastern U.S., it is to them that we owe the names of the oldest features in our state — the rivers that served as the interstate highways of their day, such as the Chattahoochie (painted rock) and Etowah (town).

An entirely different people, the Aniyunwiya, who in their later writings called themselves Tsalagi, were being pushed from the Carolinas into Georgia by the incursion of Europeans. The Creeks referred to them as Cherokee, meaning the people who speak a different language. The Cherokee, likewise, had no choice but to begin invading Creek lands, ultimately leading to the Battle of Taliwa, which was fought near modern day Ball Ground in 1755. There, a band of 500 Cherokee warriors overwhelmed a much larger Creek contingent. The Creeks retreated to south of the Chattahoochee, and never came back.

By the time European settlers began mingling among the native population,

it was the Cherokee that lived here, and many of their village names survive in Georgia today, including Oconee (the place of springs), Dalonige or Dahlonega (yellow) and Sutali or Sutallee (sixth or six). Additionally, the city of Waleska was named by Lewis Reinhardt in honor of the daughter of a Cherokee chief, Warluskie.

The voices of the Creeks and Cherokee may have gone silent in our county a century ago, but many of the words spoken by those voices remain here to this day.

• https://bit.ly/3UPmO64

• https://bit.ly/3SkA1m0

• https://bit.ly/3So748z

• https://bit.ly/3RjJmZR

• https://bit.ly/3Ch8HiM

• https://bit.ly/3ULdMak

• https://bit.ly/3fvkDop

The Wanderer has been a resident of Cherokee County for nearly 20 years, and constantly is learning about his community on daily walks, which totaled a little more than 1,800 miles in 2021. Send questions or comments to wanderingga@gmail.com.

A Cherokee fish weir (an obstruction placed in rivers to direct the passage of, or trap, fish) is located on the Etowah near Cherokee High School in Canton. Photo courtesy of Laine Kirby Wood.

Do ESGs Threaten Economic Growth?

BY CHARLICE BYRD

ESG is an acronym for environmental, social and governance standards that companies are increasingly adopting, to expand their goals from making money to accomplish social and environmental goals, such as having climate-friendly and sustainable practices. I am looking for ways to address ESGs at the state level to protect Georgians. In the meantime, we could all benefit from researching and raising awareness about the standards.

ESGs are a social credit scoring system designed to measure compliance on environmental and social issues; they have come into vogue in today’s cultural awakening (https://bit.ly/3V4zk1X). The ESG platform scores according to metrics, including purchase history, charitable contributions, travel, energy use, etc. The purpose of the grading system is so that lenders will use the scores to choose whom they extend credit to.

In other words, businesses that do not comply will have a tough time doing business. With banks and governments holding so much power in the private sector, this is economic survival for businesses and their owners, according to an article in the National Review. (https://bit.ly/3fSxq4o).

So, why should we care about ESGs in Cherokee County? ESG compliance will drive up costs of consumer

products. According to econlib.org, the costs of food and energy will continue to grow if this issue is not addressed (https://bit.ly/3CGu90V).

The idea, with origins in the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Economic Forum, could impact small business owners and individuals in Georgia, as well. How? The large corporations targeted by ESGs are graded on who they buy from and to whom they sell. If a manufacturing company takes on a supplier with a low score, then the manufacturing company’s rating goes down, and their profits follow. As the compliance costs of ESGs trickle down to individual consumers, so will the pressure on our individual behavior patterns.

Additionally, many companies who score ESGs do not have consistent standards, and, according to a Wall Street Journal report, serve to profit by helping their clients score higher (https://on.wsj.com/3RI7qFR).

Rep. Charlice Byrd represents Georgia House District 20. If you have any feedback, call 404-557-2218, email charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov or engage on Facebook.

Jaycen C.

6 on Nov.

9

Wyatt Ford Barton

School

Students Win Entrepreneur Award

In October, Carmel Elementary School third-grader Ella Richmond and fourth-grader Elizabeth McCloskey (The Strawberry Sisters) received the 2022 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award, as well as bicycles and $50, presented by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. The award recognized the outstanding business plan they created for the Chamber’s Lemonade Day Cherokee County summer entrepreneurship program.

Through the program, students in grades 3-5 were invited to learn about business by creating a lemonade stand – from the business plan to the competition’s sales event. For more information, visit https://lemonadeday.org/cherokee-county.

Teacher Spotlight:

Samuel ‘Jay’ Hunter

BY MILAN YADAV

Samuel “Jay” Hunter is a computer science teacher at Woodstock High School (WHS), working to expand the school’s computer science program. He has been teaching for four years, and he is a dynamic individual whose life of service and innovation has proven to be of great benefit to all around him.

His roots began in Georgia. While studying to become a biomedical engineer at Georgia Tech, he was faced with the news of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Inspired to make a change, he joined the Army shortly thereafter. After spending 13 years in the armed forces and enduring multiple surgeries, he decided to transition into education.

Mr. Hunter received his bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University, and he delved into the Cherokee County School District soon after. As a student-teacher at WHS for a year, he fell in love with the Woodstock community and its alluring atmosphere. He utilized his skill set from the Army and National Security Agency to pursue computer science and machine learning. He sought to expand students’ knowledge base of the booming computer science industry and to promote students to take similar courses at WHS.

Elizabeth McCloskey, left, and Ella Richmond celebrate winning the 2022 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Joining them are, from left: Sarah Gaither of First Horizon Bank, Chamber Chairman Brian Stevens and Chairman-elect Trey Ragsdale.

Etowah Graduate Receives Grant

After graduating from Etowah High School in 2017, Sydney Miracle earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Georgia. Miracle now is working toward a master’s degree in biomechanics at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Recently, she received a NASA Space Grant Fellowship, which awards funds to develop research infrastructure and enhance the quality of aerospace research and education.

As a graduate assistant, she is working on her thesis and clinical research while studying. Upon graduation, she plans to work in the science health care/ engineering industry.

Through his computer science class, programs such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are available to students to get an official certification. This is something Mr. Hunter holds dearly, as this certification allows students to engage in computer science fields and jobs more easily in their college careers and beyond. His entire course curriculum is made and taught by him.

Recently, Mr. Hunter took some data science courses online in order to gain more insight on how to teach to his fullest capabilities. In the future, he plans on obtaining a master’s degree in information technology and a doctorate in computer science education. He also is seeking to expand the computer science program at WHS by implementing new subclasses, such as cloud computing, and new certification programs i.e., Google Cloud. This will expectantly lead students into pursuing fields in game design, machine learning, computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software engineering, programming and development.

Aside from the classroom, Mr. Hunter incorporates the outdoors heavily in his life. From mountain biking to trekking Mount Rainier, he thoroughly enjoys being immersed in nature and traveling. He is the volunteer coach for soccer at WHS, and he believes worldly experiences allow oneself to gain respect for other cultures.

Sydney Miracle.

Milan Yadav is a senior at Woodstock High School and has a passion for law and political science. He enjoys spotlighting staff members and sports at his school.

Photo by John and Cyndee Perry.

Photo by Curt Gould.

Photo by Curt Gould.

Photo by Curt Gould.

Great Lake Allatoona Clean Up

The 1,586 people registered for the 37th Great Lake Allatoona Clean Up (GLAC) enjoyed nearly perfect weather after forecasted rains from Hurricane Ian missed the area. Notable groups include 40 volunteers at Pine Acres Resort, who picked up 40 bags of trash, 16 tires and several large pieces of styrofoam, and nearly 100 participants at YMCA Camp High Harbor. Following the event, picnics were held for volunteers at Galt’s Ferry and Riverside day-use areas. https://lakeallatoonaassoc.com/ great-lake-clean-up.

Photo by Curt Gould.

Photo by Allatoona Lake Lead Ranger Chris Purvis.

Preemie Mom Gives Birth to Preemie Babies

BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

Prematurity Awareness Month is observed in November, to raise awareness of preterm birth, which occurs in roughly 12% of women in the United States. Any birth before 37 weeks is considered premature. It’s important to see your doctor as soon as you are pregnant, and at scheduled times throughout your pregnancy. The earlier the delivery, the higher the risk for the baby. Though, now, with modern information and technology, babies born as early as 23 weeks have been saved.

Krystina’s Story

Krystina was all too familiar with premature birth. Two of her grandparents, multiple family members, her mom and Krystina herself were born prematurely.

Krystina was born seven weeks early, and her mom almost died in the process. Krystina weighed in at only 3 pounds, 3 ounces and spent a couple of months in the neonatal intensive care unit. At 11 months old, Krystina weighed only 11 pounds. Now, more than 30 years later, Krystina is a healthy adult who has had two preemies of her own.

Her son was born four weeks early. Her daughter’s birth happened even earlier. Krystina had a textbook pregnancy with her son, up until the last trimester when she developed high blood pressure. Because of this, during her pregnancy with her daughter, she began monitoring her blood pressure at home.

Once again, all was fine — until the third trimester when her blood pressure started rising again.

One morning, Krystina’s blood pressure was much higher than usual. She called her doctor, who told her to go to the hospital. Once there, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy that can be very dangerous; high blood pressure is one of the signs. After being admitted, her blood pressure stayed elevated, so the decision was made to deliver her baby.

Her daughter was born seven weeks early and weighed only 3 pounds, 8 ounces. She spent the next 13 days in the NICU. Overall, though, she was strong and doing well. Krystina was released after two days. Going home without her baby was one of the hardest things she has ever done.

“My doctors played such a crucial role in making sure my babies were fine. They were fantastic,” she said.

Krystina and her husband are so grateful that their preemies are doing so well. Those babies, and Krystina, are great examples of how premature babies can go on to live happy, healthy lives.

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC has seven OB-GYNs and five advanced practice providers, with offices in Canton and Woodstock.

in

Building a Forever

Kaitlin Morgan and Skyler Mize moved to Cherokee County in 2011. They began the adoption process with the Cherokee County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in 2017. This month marks the one-year anniversary of the adoption being finalized.

Kaitlin and Skyler with Aiden and Sahara.

BY KAITLIN MORGAN

With November being National Adoption Month, Skyler and I are so excited to be able to share our story. We got married in October 2016, and we always knew adoption was going to be how we started our family. I grew up in Florida, and Skyler grew up in South Dakota. Prior to moving to the Hickory Flat area, we lived in downtown Woodstock. We settled on Cherokee County because of the amazing school system and family culture.

Our adoption journey started while we were traveling to Portugal, waiting in an airport terminal for a delayed flight. I came across an online catalog of all the children in Georgia who needed forever families. After looking into several options, adopting through the Cherokee County foster care system seemed like the best fit for us.

As soon as we landed back home, we attended an informational session at the DFCS office, led by Sylvia Freeman. That session led into our home study, which consisted of eight weeks of classes, as well as a ton of paperwork, a few home visits and a CPR and first-aid class. Fast forward two years, and we received Aiden and Sahara’s biography as a match. (Matches are determined by your home study and how you fill out your paperwork.) Aiden was 6 and Sahara was 5 at the time, and they are biological siblings.

We spent many weekends getting to know them, and we started to plan a move-in date. Then, the pandemic hit. We were told our kiddos were moving in sooner than expected. In March 2020, Aiden and Sahara moved in, the same week schools went virtual. We were new parents trying to conquer the world of digital learning, as well as getting to know Aiden and Sahara, who had previously spent three years in foster care. We were in survival mode the first week, but then we settled into a routine.

One of the best parts of becoming parents has been showing Aiden and Sahara all of their “firsts.” First time at the beach, first time skiing, first time on a plane, at a theme park, even their first time at a restaurant. With two kids, traveling looks different these days, but our trips are even more special sharing them with Aiden and Sahara.

Our adoption was finalized via a Zoom meeting in November 2021. And although we considered Aiden and Sahara ours long before that, it was a very exciting day. The kids couldn’t stop telling everyone their new last name and how they were officially adopted. It brought tears to our eyes.

From the time they first moved in to now, one of the biggest personality changes in Aiden and Sahara is their confidence. They know who they are and understand this is their forever home. Their confidence is undeniable.

I encourage all who have a heart for adoption to consider adopting in our community through the foster care system.

Foster Care, Adoption Resources and Support

• Cherokee County DFCS. https://dfcs. georgia.gov/locations/cherokee-county. To attend an information session, complete an inquiry form at https://fostergeorgia.com.

• Wednesday’s Child — Georgia is a media campaign that helps children in foster care find permanent, loving and safe adoptive homes. https://wednesdayschild. dhs.ga.gov.

• Georgia’s adoption photo-listing website, It’s My Turn Now Georgia, features children who are looking for forever families. https://itsmyturnnow.dhs.ga.gov/ WebForms/Home.aspx.

• The Goshen Valley Foundation partners with families who are interested in becoming primary caregivers or respite caregivers, to ensure siblings in foster care are not separated. https://goshenvalley.org.

• The Foster Care Support Foundation, based in Roswell, serves all Georgia counties. www.fostercares.org/take-action.

• The Children’s Haven programs, including Chin Up, a site-based mentoring program, and the Caregiver's Closet, help build happy, healthy children. https://cherokeechildrenshaven.org.

Kaitlin Morgan is a master hairstylist who specializes in blondes and extensions at Volume Hair and Lash Co. in Canton. She is an adoption advocate and mom of two.

HomeAiden and Sahara celebrate the day their adoption was finalized.

Around & AboutAround & About

NOVEMBER

04

The seventh annual Glowball Golf Tournament will be at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club, 5-11 p.m. There will be a raffle event and an auction. Proceeds will benefit Cherokee County charities, including Never Alone, Goshen Valley and more. https://rotaryglowball7.eventbrite.com.

05

New date! The ninth annual Run, Walk or Roll 5K starts at 8 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Woodstock. Register at www.runwalkorroll.com.

The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market is 8:30 a.m.-noon, Saturdays through Dec. 17. The market is located downtown, on Market Street and in Reformation Brewery’s backyard. Details available at www.visitwoodstockga.com.

The inaugural Never Alone Lantern Festival will be held at Etowah River Park in Canton. There will be a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, spin art and more, culminating with an organized lantern parade at dusk. https://bit.ly/3B5jRFJ.

10 An Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 11 a.m., at Little River Methodist Church in Woodstock. Wheelchair-accessible. 770-926-2495.

12

The Dirty Duathlon and Trail Run will be at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock. Packet pickup begins at 7 a.m., and the race brief is at 8:30 a.m. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Nov. 10. https://mountaingoatadventures.com/ropemill.

12

Lights on the Lake is back at Allatoona Lake, beginning at the Atlanta Yacht Club, 6 p.m. The sixth annual boat parade benefits Bartow Advocates for Children, and can be viewed from Gatewood Park/ Bartow Beach or Cooper Branch No. 1 Boat Ramp. www.lakeallatoonaassoc.com.

Shop small at Hillside United Methodist Church’s Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., in the church celebration hall. www.hillsideumc.org/ women.

The Caffeine and Gasoline Cruise In is the second Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., in the Riverstone Walmart parking lot. https://bit.ly/3uuYZVR.

13

Shop locally made goods at Maker’s Mash, a pop-up shop featuring local artisans, the second Sunday of the month, 1-6 p.m., at Reformation Brewery in Woodstock. https://visitwoodstockga.com/events.

17

The Holiday Preview Sip and Shop will be in downtown Woodstock, 5-9 p.m. Your favorite shops will have special deals and provide light bites and festive beverages. Tickets are $10 per person. At the start of the event, pick up your tote bag at the Woodstock Visitors Center. https://bit.ly/3CbTzlH.

19 Join Woodstock’s Recycling and Paper Shredding Event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Woodstock Elementary School parking lot. Visit www. woodstockparksandrec.com for a list of accepted items.

The Holiday Lights 5K, benefitting SERV International, will be at Cherokee Veterans Park, 6 p.m. There also is a virtual race option. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/3eeYY3o.

25-26

Save the date for the annual Christmas at The Mill celebration at The Mill on Etowah in Canton. There will be kidfriendly activities and live music. www.etowahmill.com.

26

The fourth annual LoveLikeReed 5K begins at 2 p.m. in Etowah River Park in Canton. https://bit.ly/3TTR8wd.

DECEMBER

02

The annual March of the Toys Parade begins in downtown Ball Ground, 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots campaign. Visit www.marchofthetoysparade.com or the March of the Toys Parade Facebook page for more details.

The 2020 Lights on the Lake boat parade winner in the cabin cruiser category.

03

Timothy Lutheran Church youth are holding the annual Christmas Craft Fair at 556 Arnold Mill Road, in Woodstock, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop local arts, crafts and more. For more information, call 770-928-2812 or email timothycraftfair@gmail.com.

Cherokee County Homeless Veterans’ Breakfast With Santa is set for 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the American Legion Post, 160 McClure St., in Canton. The breakfast is free, and all veterans are welcome to share the holiday cheer with other veterans and their families.

The 26th annual city of Woodstock Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights starts at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Road, 5:30 p.m., and travels down Main Street to Sam’s Club on Highway 92. After the parade, walk over to the Park at City Center to visit Santa, participate in kids activities, check out holiday and food vendors, and more, 6:30-9:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/3imwC66.

10 The Service League of Cherokee County will hold the 19th annual Reindeer Run for the Children 5K and 1-mile Fun Run at Etowah River Park. To register or volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/3ymlLkO. For more information, email serviceleaguerunforthechildren@gmail.com.

14 Little River Methodist Church in Woodstock is holding Dinner With Santa at 6 p.m. The event is free for children kindergarten-aged through 12 years old, and includes candy, goody bags and games with Santa.

17 Join the Wreaths Across America Ceremony and lay wreaths at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. Families with loved ones at GNC will place wreaths, 9-11 a.m. A public memorial ceremony will follow, and volunteers will place the remaining wreaths, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ganationalcemetery.org.

ART AND THEATER

Cherokee County School District https://bit.ly/3CeUdPf. Contact the school front office for information. Performances are at 7 p.m..

Nov. 4-5

“Sense and Sensibility” (one act). Creekview High School. Tickets are $5.

Nov. 11-12

“Game of Tiaras.” Cherokee High School. Tickets are $7.

Nov. 17-18

“Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Performed by Academy Street Theatre Group at Cherokee High School. Tickets are $5.

Dec 2

“Charlie Brown Christmas.” Cherokee High School. Bring a canned good for admission.

Woodstock Arts www.woodstockarts.org

Through Dec. 2

“Small Town: Small Works,” is back at the Reeves House, featuring artworks 15 inches or smaller, by artists who live in a 15-mile radius of Woodstock.

Nov. 4

The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe is ready to get its audiences rolling down the aisles with laughter. Recommended for ages 10-plus (content).

Nov. 5

The Lasting Laugh is a comedy series that brings in Atlanta-based comedians monthly, with Jessica It's All Good as the host. Recommended for ages 12-plus (content).

Nov. 11-20

“Charlotte’s Web” is a family favorite, and all the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, Fern, Templeton and Charlotte. Recommended for all ages.

Nov. 18

Beginning at 6 p.m. at the Reeves House, local artists will create a piece of art on the spot that will be raffled off at the end of the night.

Nov. 26

On the last Friday of each month, sit under the stars and enjoy live music at Jazz Night. Tables and chairs are provided; the outdoor bar will be stocked, and music will be playing, 6-9 p.m., on the back porch at the Reeves House.

Dec. 2-24

“A Christmas Carol,” a spectacular musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ best-known story, breathes new life into the classic tale. Music and lyrics by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. Recommended for all ages.

A

straightens

of a balsam wreath.

@ the Library

Sequoyah Regional Library System

What’s Happening at Your Library?

BY JOHN RODGERS

Did you know that between July 2021 and June 2022, more than 1 million items were checked out from the Sequoyah Regional Library System? It's no small feat, and it’s all thanks to our incredible community — including readers like you! — for continuing to support the local public libraries year-round.

That number comes from the SRLS 2021-2022 Annual Report, which highlights important library milestones and success stories from the past year. Next time you visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org, take a peek at the Annual Report booklet to see heartwarming tales of the impact of public libraries, a breakdown of how much money you save by using your library and more. So, if you’re one of the 114,520 community members with a SRLS library card, or one of the hundreds of thousands of visitors welcomed through our doors, give yourself a pat on the book!

With a library card, readers can experience their library even from home by enjoying e-books and audiobooks for all ages, via services like eRead Kids and OverDrive/ Libby, as well as popular digital magazines, with Flipster. If you’re looking for a place to start, the eBook and audiobook versions of “A Snake Falls to Earth” by Darcie Little Badger will be available to anyone with a library card, Nov. 2-16, without any limits (in other words, no

holds or wait lists!) as part of the Big Library Read. To check the status of a library card, set up a PIN or ask about checking out titles online, contact your library by phone, social media or on the SRLS website. To check out digital books and more, visit sequoyah.overdrive.com. You won’t want to miss the SRLS programming lineup this month, which includes tabletop gaming, cybersecurity tips for teens and small business owners, a local author market, 3D printing and more. With Veterans Day just around the corner, SRLS is once again participating in Operation Gratitude, to thank our military service men and women for their service. Between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15, visit your local library to create or drop off letters for our troops to be included in care packages. Can’t find the right words? Consider drawing a picture instead! All materials for writing and drawing are provided; all you need to bring is some spirit and good will. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we’ll see you soon at the library!

John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System.

Young readers and their families gather at the Woodstock Arts Event Green to enjoy a storytime in the park.

The Green Connecting Arts and Community

BY LIBBY WILLIAMS

Green spaces always have been a vital part of city planning. If you look at huge urban centers, like New York City, parks are built deliberately. Central Park was built so that if you are walking its paths, you can’t see the city skyline. It’s an escape inside the city to commune with nature and, more important, the community.

Comparing the Woodstock Arts Event Green to Central Park is like comparing a country mouse to a city mouse, but the core concept is the same. Our Event Green is a centrally located green space, which creates an opportunity for community gathering. As we near the end of 2022 and push forward into the new year, we are excited to continue to build our Event Green programming to help foster growth for Woodstock.

Starting this winter, the Green’s lineup will grow with a couple of new festivals. We are so excited to bring a classic Christmas Market to Woodstock on Dec. 4. It will be a great family-friendly way to celebrate the start of the holiday season. In March, the inaugural Woodstock Arts Film Festival is coming to the Green. We will host a 48-hour festival, during which contestants will write, film and edit an entire film in — you guessed it! — 48 hours. We will screen the top films and host an award ceremony on our beautiful LED screen, which made its debut this summer.

The addition of the screen has allowed us to branch out with new adventures. Free movie nights will continue all year long, with two Christmas classics in December. Join us for “A Christmas Story” on Dec. 10 and “The Polar Express” on Dec. 18. During the warmer months next year, video game tournaments, alongside our sponsor, Blue Ghost Arcade, will be a blast. We have numerous fun games lined up; stay tuned! And, the Lantern Series concerts will return in full force in the spring, starting with the Huntertones — back by popular demand!

All of this programming, new and returning, is meant to engage the community with the arts. And, when we have a venue smack dab in the middle of the community, we aren’t going to let that go to waste!

Libby Williams is the marketing manager for Woodstock Arts. Connect with us on social media, @woodstockgaarts, to always be the first to know about upcoming events!

ACCOUNTING & TAXES

Denson Pepper, CPA 41 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES

Cherokee County Animal Shelter 51 www.cherokeega-animals.org

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

Debranski & Associates, LLC 9 770-926-1957, ext. 306 www.debranski.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 51 770-926-3898

BEAUTY

Lissthetics Clinical Skincare 9 309-750-0997 www.lissthetics-skincare.com

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Towne Lake Business Association 47 www.tlba.org

CHIROPRACTIC

Nesnick Total Health 35 770-516-2323 www.nesnicktotalhealth.com

Ribley Family Chiropractic 40 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 51 770-592-1877 www.townelakechiro.com

C REDIT UNIONS

Credit Union of Georgia 25 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org

LGE Credit Union 13 www.lgeccu.org

This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the TowneLaker magazine!

DENTAL

Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 25 770-517-0444 www.bairdfamilydentistry.com

Dentistry for Woodstock 11 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com

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

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 15 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com

EDUCATION

Chattahoochee Tech 7 www.chattahoocheetech.edu

EVENTS/ENTER TAINMENT

Cherokee Theatre Company 43 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org

Dashing through the Square 17 www.raceroster.com

GobbleJog 47 www.gobblejog.org

KSU Arts 29 www.artsksu.com

Reindeer Run for the Children 17 www.serviceleague.net

The Nutcracker 41 www.dancecentresouth.com/ nutcracker

Woodstock Arts 61 678-494-4251 www.woodstockarts.org

Wreaths Across America Ceremony 23 www.ganationalcemetery.org

FITNESS/HEALTH

R2 Total Fitness 9 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

FUNERAL HOMES

Woodstock Funeral Home 5 and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

Bryan Plumbing Services 5 770-826-5277

Coleman Home Services 7 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 64 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com

Dr. Fahrenheit HVAC 7 770-926-6773 www.drfahrenheithvac.com

Eastridge Plumbing 9 770-516-2977 www.eastridgeplumbing.com

Pike’s Professional Painting 15 770-516-0045

Scrappy's Junk Removal 15 678-330-9282 www.scrappysjunkremoval.com

Towne Plumber 7 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com

INSURANCE

Alfa Insurance 37 Jeff Beachler, 770-558-1612 www.alfainsurance.com

LANDSCAPING

RPM Landscape & Pavers 25 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

Georgia Eye Partners Cover, 32-33 404-531-9988 www.gaeyepartners.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Red Baryl Portraits 54 815-540-0936

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Northside Hospital Cherokee Inside front www.builttobeatcancer.com

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

Atlanta Communities, Shonna Sherrill 5 C: 678-634-5581 O: 770-240-2005 www.shonnasherrill.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Tomlinson Team 39 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 48 Woodstock/South Cherokee office 770-517-2150 www.woodstock.bhhsgeorgia.com

Broadus Realty Group 1 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com

Keller Williams, Ursula & Assoc. Back Cover Direct: 678-569-4044 Broker: 678-494-0644 www.townelakeexperts.com

Prosperity Home Mortgage 39 404-895-0641 www.lisaeifert.phmloans.com

RE/MAX Town & Country 11 Sarah Terrell 770-928-6525 www.realestateagent.net

RESTAURANTS

Gyro Aegean Grill 15 770-485-5236 www.gyroaegeangrillga.com

SHOPPING/RETAILERS

Cotton Mill Exchange 5 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net Southern Sky Home 11 404-909-2526 www.southernskyoutlet.com

Southern Sky Home Outlet 37 404-842-8411 www.southernskyoutlet.com

The Gifted Ferret 18 770-693-5889 www.thegiftedferret.com

Titan Tidings Christmas Gift Show 41

SENIOR SERVICES

Camellia Place 1 770-296-1513 www.camelliaplace.com

St. George Village 3 678-987-0409 www.stgeorgevillage.org

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

Next Step Ministries 47 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

TRANSPORTATION

Royal Treatment Transport 45 470-810-3353 www.royaltreatmenttransportllc.com

Tips on Preparing

Winter

Prevent bursting pipes by draining and turning off all outdoor faucets.

Don’t forget to clean those

leaves can easily clog gutters and keep them

drafts. Small

in cold