TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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December 2013
Volume 19, Issue 8
73
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50 & 51 On the Cover Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC. Dr. Emily Chen, DDS Photo by Kim Bates.
A digital version of the magazine, along with information on how to contact us, submit a story or photo, or advertise is available at www.townelaker.com.
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Helping Hands
See how you can help our local charities help others.
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Tournament of Roses
Nominate a couple who has been married a long, long time.
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Meet George McClure
Ann Litrel introduces us to a key player at the Cherokee County airport.
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Etowah vs. Woodstock
Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Annual Gridiron rivalry.
Community Information. . . . 92
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And the Winner Is ....
Read about the winners of the first Woodstock Scavenger Hunt.
In Every Issue Around Towne. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Community News. . . . . . . . . . .8 Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Everyday Angels. . . . . . . . . . . 26 Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Elected Officials. . . . . . . . . . . 88 School Information . . . . . . . . 89
Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . 94 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Contributing Writers
Patty Ponder is the Market Director for TowneLaker. For advertising she can be reached at (770) 615-3322 or AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com. 2
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
Don Akridge..............................................16 Betty Anderson.........................................38 Michael Caldwell......................................18 Caron & Alberto Catalรกn...........................22 Jenna Clover.............................................80 Chicka Elloy...............................................40 G. Lora Grooms.........................................79 Dr. Scott Harden.......................................44 Dr. Amy Hardin.........................................47 Kristina Havens.........................................77 David Hecklemoser...................................39 Robyn Hohensee......................................29 Sheila & Kurt Johnson...............................20 Kara Kiefer................................................28
Ann Litrel..................................................34 Dr. Mike Litrel...........................................24 Dee Locklin...............................................32 O. Julius Quarcoo......................................49 Bill Ratliff..................................................68 Julian Reid................................................42 Doug Rohan..............................................15 Lynne Saunders........................................36 Dr. Doug Thrasher.....................................66 Jodi Tiberio...............................................74 Tim Timmons............................................37 Dr. Van Tran..............................................46 WellStar....................................................48
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Community
AROUND TOWNE BY KARA KIEFER
The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake
What’s Coming? A new seafood restaurant, Reel Seafood, is coming to downtown Woodstock. The eatery will be located on Main Street in the former location of the Woodstock Art and Glass shop, 8670 Main St. Further information regarding opening and menu could not be secured by press time. Kara is the Editor of TowneLaker magazine. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and their two sons Brandon and Garrett. Feel free to send your comments or questions to editor@townelaker.com.
Gameday Grill, located at 2990 Eagle Drive in the former location of Summit’s, is scheduled to open this month. The owners describe the restaurant as very family oriented with plenty of televisions to watch your favorite team.
Starting in January, our readers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite business in our annual Readers’ Choice survey. The survey will be completely online, and instructions can be found in our January issue. Winners will be announced in our March issue.
What’s New? U Fine Consignment Shop opened at 12195 Hwy. 92, Suite 116. The shop is a high-end consignment shop offering brands such as Jimmy Choo, Prada, St. John and Versace. For more information, call (770) 924-0025. Massage Envy Spa opened at 134 Woodstock Square Ave. in the Super Target shopping center. For more information, please call (770) 928-0800 or visit www.massageenvy.com. Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates announced its new Woodstock location. The office is led by Dr. Grant Wolfe (right), who has extensive experience in a wide variety of surgical procedures. The office is located at the Northside-Cherokee Towne Lake Medical Campus, 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412. For more information, call (770) 924-9656 or visit www.ncsurgicalassociates. com.
Bella Donnas, a new gift, accessory and home décor store that specializes in second-hand items, opened at 105 Hartwood Drive, Suite A (off Bells Ferry Road). The store is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For more information, call (770) 928-8088. Halo Day Spa opened at 200 Parkbrooke Drive, adjacent to Atlanta Lady Fitness. This combination spa and hair salon features a wide array of unique services, including sports massage and image facials. Now through the holidays, the spa is offering 50 percent off introductory massage and aesthetic treatments. Call (770) 592-9933 for more information or find Halo Day Spa on Facebook.
What’s Changed? THREADS recently changed its name to Brooklynn’s. The store is located at 500 Chambers St. To read more about the boutique, please see page 72.
What’s Moving? Rebound Physical Therapy recently moved to 980 Woodstock Pkwy. (second floor). The practice also added a new therapist, Lauren Perry DPT (right). For more information, call (678) 445- 9799. The Bridal Exchange will be moving from its current location on Chambers Street in downtown Woodstock to Canton. The store now will be located at 10511 Bells Ferry Road.
CONTEST CORNER Sponsored by Papa P’s Mexican/Irish restaurant Congratulations to Lucy Meyer, (right). She was the first to find our hidden picture on page 55 of the November issue. Congratulations to Lita Hovis. She was the first to spot the phrase “Reupholstery services” on page 52 of the November issue. They both won gift certificates to Papa P’s Mexican/Irish restaurant.
December Finds: If you know the answer to the contest question or find the hidden picture, be the first to e-mail editor@townelaker. com. Please provide your name, contact phone number or email address.
Find the hidden picture: Be the first to find the phrase: “My Christmas Wish List”
Contest rules: A winner is eligible once every 12 months.
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TOWNELAKER | December 2013
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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COMMUNITY BOARD
Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.
The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders, from different walks of life. Our Board assists us in many ways including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback.
Ann Litrel — Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons in Towne Lake. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com Dr. Doug Thrasher — Doug is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He has lived in the Towne Lake area and served at Hillside for six years. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Eagle Watch, and they have two married children and five precious grandchildren. Doug can be reached at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org. Colin Morris — Colin is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to three children whom she describes as “two ninja sons and one dog-loving daughter.” She and her husband have lived in Woodstock for the past 13 years, and she grew up in Marietta.
G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds. Gay can be reached at director@elmstreetarts.org Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.
Market Director Patty Ponder AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com, (770) 615-3322 Executive Editor Kara Kiefer editor@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3309 Art Director Michelle McCulloch art@townelaker.com (770) 615-3307
TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 14,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,300 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2013. TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by Trustworkz Inc. Publisher’s Website www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 19, Issue 8
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TOWNELAKER | December 2013
For 17 years, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.
Candi Hannigan Title Editor Sixes Living
Kara Kiefer Executive Editor TowneLaker & Around Woodstock
Patty Ponder Market Director TowneLaker & Sixes Living
Charlice Byrd Market Manager Around Woodstock
Michelle McCulloch Art Director
Denise Griffin Controller
Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Etowah Graduate Named Miss USA Petite 2013 Melanie Newman, a 2009 graduate of Etowah High School, was crowned Miss USA Petite 2013. A recent Troy University graduate, Melanie represented the state of Alabama as Miss Alabama Petite 2013 and competed in swimsuit, evening gown and personal interview. Melanie will go on to represent the U.S. at Miss Universal Petite 2014. Miss USA Petite strives to create leaders, build character and develop a sense of care toward the external and internal image of each woman. Melanie is the daughter of Susan and Michael Newman.
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TOWNELAKER | December 2013
City of Holly Springs Second Annual Tree of Hope The City of Holly Springs is joining together again with the Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council to light its second annual Tree of Hope on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting will be held at the Holly Springs Community Center, the Historic Train Depot. The Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council is a local nonprofit that assists Cherokee County Senior Services. The council is currently accepting donations for the tree. The Tree of Hope will be decorated with ornaments from contributions “In honor of” or “In memory of.” Contributions begin at $10. These contributions will help seniors in Cherokee County with utility bills, prescriptions, doctor’s visits and much more. All contributions received by Monday, Dec. 2 will be recognized at the treelighting ceremony. There will be light refreshments and entertainment.
Accounting & Tax Services 3 Business Accounting 3 Bookkeeping 3 Payroll Services 3 Outsourced CFO 3 Personal Tax Returns 3 Business Tax Returns Jeffrey L. Jackson
Over 26 years ce! experien
Serving the Cherokee & Cobb County Areas
Call today to schedule your appointment.
(678) 919-1250
www.jjacksoncpa.com • info@jjacksoncpa.com
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Local Girl Helping Heroes for the Holiday Nine-year-old Tressie Polk is the current Miss Lake Lanier Princess, which is affiliated with Miss Georgia through the Miss America Organization. Tressie enjoys doing community service work, and has been awarded four Presidential Gold Community Service Awards. One of her latest projects, Holiday for Heroes, will provide a Christmas meal on Christmas Day to police officers on duty in Cherokee County. She, along with others, will be delivering the meals. She is seeking help for food donations and delivery assistance. To help Tressie with her cause, email her at tcp9204@gmail.com.
Cherokee Squares Holding Open House and Free Class The Cherokee Squares Square Dance Club is holding an open house and a free class at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 7 for anyone interested in learning to square dance. The Squares meet at the Jaycees Hall, 216 Rope Mill Road on the second and fourth Friday nights.
Reindeer Run to Benefit Children and a Local School The Service League of Cherokee County is sponsoring the 11th annual Run for the Children 5K and 1-mile fun run, also known as the Reindeer Run. The run will start at 8 a.m. on Dec. 7 in downtown Canton, starting at the gazebo in Cannon Park. All proceeds will benefit children in need in Cherokee County. A $1,000 cash prize provided by Cherokee Bank and Northside Pharmacy & Medical Supply will be awarded to the school in Cherokee County with the most race participants. Anyone can register as a school affiliate to help a school win the award! To register or for more information, please email runforthechildren@yahoo.com or visit www.serviceleague.net or www.active.com (keyword: Reindeer Run).
MOMS Club Decorates for Meals on Wheels The MOMS Club of Woodstock-Towne Lake decorated placemats for Meals on Wheels. The kids used a variety of materials to help brighten a senior’s day when he or she receives a meal. The group also donated extra Halloween candy to our service men and women overseas.
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TOWNELAKER | December 2013
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE IS WORKING TO KEEP CHEROKEE GREAT. BECAUSE, IT’S OUR HOME,TOO. Northside Hospital-Cherokee has served the residents of this county for many years. And our commitment to bring you the very best possible care goes well beyond our walls.
BEING NEIGHBORS Most of the people who work at Northside Hospital-Cherokee live in Cherokee. They’re not just your doctors or nurses, they’re your neighbors.
INVESTING
VOLUNTEERING
We’ve invested more than $100 million to bring the best the medical world has to offer right here to Cherokee.
Our employees and physicians have volunteered more than 10,000 hours to Cherokee County schools and organizations.
CONTRIBUTING We contribute to Cherokee County schools and support local venues and community activity centers.
Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Local Rivers Benefit From Clean-Up Events
Local Scout Troop Participates in Service Day
There were two successful Rivers Alive clean-up events in Cherokee County. The stream banks and surrounding area of Little River and the Etowah River are cleaner and healthier due to the efforts of the volunteers in Cherokee County. In Olde Rope Mill Park, volunteers removed 39 bags of trash, as well as larger items. Boling Park volunteers collected 70 bags of trash, as well as larger items that included three pairs of snow skis, three tents, a box spring, an office chair, a sofa, two cribs, a car door and two tires. Concurrent with the clean-up events were Drug Take Back Day events hosted by the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad. Seven pounds of old, unused medications were collected for proper disposal.
Girl Scout Troop 2353 participated in the Great Day of Community Service by helping distribute pine straw at Hillside United Methodist Church. Pictured with the girls is Troop leader Claire Black.
Chris Hill, Atlanta Outdoor Club member, of Woodstock, was one of five people in kayaks who brought back trash collected from Little River.
Parents’ Night Out for Relay for Life The Woodstock High and Middle schools’ Relay for Life teams will be offering a night of babysitting on Friday, Dec. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. The babysitting service will be available for children ages 3-9 (must be potty-trained) and will include activities and dinner. The cost will be $20 per child and $10 for each additional sibling, paid in cash only at the door. All children will be supervised by middle and high school students and adults. Children may arrive any time after 5 p.m. and must be picked up by 9 p.m. Check-in and pick-up will be at the main entrance to Woodstock High School. Proceeds will benefit Cherokee County Relay for Life. Reservations by email are requested by Dec. 10 but not required. Each child must have a completed reservation form, which will be available on the high school and middle school websites. For more information, please email Robin White at robin.white@cherokee.k12.ga.us or Jennifer Carpenter at jennifer.carpenter@cherokee.k12.ga.us. 12
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
“Make a Difference Day” Receives Proclamation The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Oct. 26 the first “Cherokee County Make A Difference Day.” Receiving the proclamation are (left to right) Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather, Laura Mikszan of Envision Health Studio, Cherokee County Post 3 Commissioner Brian Poole, Cherokee County Manager Jerry Cooper and Woodstock High School senior Lindsay Rhino. Lindsay’s senior project included a “Make A Difference Day” flash mob—which took place at Envision Health Studio in Woodstock—to kick off volunteer awareness.
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Community
Happy Birthday! Haden Graaff Age 8 on December 4 I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.Love, Daddy, Mama, Cj and P
Caleb Graaff Age 5 on December 3 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works We love you! Love, Daddy, Mama, Hiyah and P
Lauren Talele Age 14 on December 5 We love you! Mom, Dad and Scamp
Jalia McAllister Age 8 on December 3 Happy Birthday! Mommy, Daddy, Michael, Jianni, Nathale, ShaNae, Grandma and Uncle Lavell love you. You are the best!
Keiko Bruno Age 1 on December 14 Happy Birthday to our precious baby!
Stephen Brody Age 1 on November 27 We Love You! Hugs Mom, Dad, Caitlin and John
Savannah Bray Age 12 on December 27 Happy Birthday Savannah! Love Mom, Dad, Simmie, Sierra and Sydney
Latresse Bray Age 50 on October 7 Happy Birthday Mom! Love Sammie, Simmie, Sierra, Savannah and Sydney
Sierra Bray Age 16 on December 20 Happy Birthday Sierra! Love Mom, Dad, Simmie, Savannah and Sydney
Elizabeth Hugenberg Age 14 on December 11 Daughter of Missy and Adam Sister of Rachel
Celebrations Birth Madison Janette born October 29, 7lbs, 3 oz Proud brothers Brandon and Braden and parents Lori and Gary Bane.
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TOWNELAKER | December 2013
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com. January deadline is December 5.
What is MedPay? And Should I Buy it? BY DOUGLAS B. ROHAN, ESQ. ROHAN LAW, PC
When shopping for automobile insurance, one of the options you will encounter is something called “MedPay” or Medical Payments insurance. I would strongly encourage you to obtain this insurance for several reasons that we will discuss below. First, let’s talk about what “MedPay” is and why it is so important to you. MedPay is very different from health insurance and is obtained as part of your automobile Doug Rohan is a biinsurance policy. As we lingual attorney and discussed previously, mandatory owner of Rohan Law, PC specializing in auto minimum insurance policies accidents, workplace require you to secure at least injuries and criminal $25,000 in coverage for bodily defense. You can injuries to the accident victim in email him at doug@ the event you are responsible for rohanlawpc.com. the accident. I would offer that if you pay for $25,000 to cover someone else’s medical bills, it would make sense to obtain at least that much coverage for yourself. Coverage can begin as low as $1,000 and goes up as high as $50,000. So why is MedPay such a big deal? It Is Easy to Use: If you are in an accident that is serious enough to cause injuries, you want to deal with as few headaches as possible. If you have MedPay insurance, the medical bills are submitted to the auto insurance company, and it pays the bills right away. You never have to worry about endless copies of bills arriving in your mail every 30 days while you are busy recuperating or while your case may be pending in court. Even more important, this coverage is in place regardless of who is at fault. Therefore, you don’t have to spend anxious months worrying whether or not bills will be covered depending on who the court determines is at fault. Whether you caused the accident or you were the victim, MedPay steps in immediately and covers the cost of the bills. It even applies to passengers inside the covered automobile. It Protects The Credit Rating That You Have Worked Hard to Establish: If you do have unpaid medical bills, you run the risk that they will be turned over to collection. No matter how many letters you write to the collection agencies or the credit agencies, you still run the risk that the unpaid bills will lower your credit score. By having the medical providers reimbursed in a timely fashion, there is no worry about the liability falling on you. This is especially crucial if you are missing time from work as a result of your injuries.
“You never have to worry about endless copies of bills arriving in your mail every 30 days while you are busy recuperating or while your case may be pending in court. Even more important, this coverage is in place regardless of who is at fault.”
Freedom to Choose: If you are injured in an accident, chances are that it is a soft tissue injury, such as whiplash. Most injuries do not require an orthopedist. Instead, a few visits to a chiropractor or therapist will go a long way toward ensuring that you are healed. If you utilize your health insurance, you will typically have to go through your primary care physician to get a referral to a treating therapist. Further, most health insurance companies won’t cover chiropractic treatment. You become captive to your health insurance guidelines, rather than simply seeking treatment at the location of your choosing for the complaints and symptoms you feel. It Can Supplement the Policy Limits: If your health insurance pays for your medical bills, then once you recover in settlement or trial, you have to reimburse the medical insurance company for the money it spent treating you. If you are already dealing with a situation where the policy limits don’t quite make you whole, you don’t want to turn around and take more money out of your pocket to reimburse the health insurance providers. You can specify your policy as “non-reimbursable” MedPay coverage, and the MedPay will not require reimbursement once the case has been settled. Effectively, this can turn a $100,000 policy limits case into a $125,000 recovery on your part, if the at-fault party had $100,000 limits and you had a $25,000 nonreimbursable MedPay policy. I understand that you can’t simply buy every type of insurance out there, but you should at least be aware of what your options are, and more importantly how those policies may apply to you and your family’s individual situation. MedPay can be a very useful tool for you (and your attorney) in managing the costs and consequences of a major automobile accident. I would strongly recommend talking with your insurance agent about purchasing MedPay for all your policies.
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Community
Why Don’t All Affluent People Become Wealthy? Perception, hesitation and poor decisions are factors. BY DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
Why do some people let their potential for lifetime wealth slip away? Some people are better off economically at 30 or 40 than they are at 50 or 60. In some cases, fate deals them a bad hand. In other cases, bad decisions and inaction are to blame. They buy depreciating assets, instead of allowing assets to appreciate. In 2012, a Federal Don Akridge is President Reserve Survey of Consumer of Citadel CPA, Financial Finances noted that only 52 Planning & Investment percent of American households Services founded in earn more money than they 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain spend. They rack up debt and Road between I-575 live on margin. What are they & I-75 in Kennesaw. spending so much on? It isn’t Phone 770-952-6707. just consumer staples – it’s not unusual for a family to “keep up with the Joneses” and buy the latest nonessential items. Contrary to the bumper sticker, he who dies with the most toys does not necessarily win, and he may leave a pile of debt and little savings behind. Today’s hottest cars, clothes, flatscreens, phones and tablets may be tomorrow’s discards. They never contribute to an IRA or qualified retirement plan. Workplace retirement plans and IRAs still provide a tremendous opportunity to save and invest. The plans are tax-deferred, which contributes to greater compounding of the assets within them. With a Roth IRA, qualified withdrawals are tax-free for the original owner. They never build up an emergency fund. Financial challenges will arise, and a rainy-day fund can help meet those challenges. Even the wealthy need cash reserves. Striving to save for that rainy day also helps to promote good lifelong saving habits. They never seek to own Who gets rich by renting? Ownership of real property or a business comes with its headaches, but it may also leave a middle-class or workingclass individual much wealthier over time. They invest without a strategy. Chasing the return at any cost, impulsive stock picking and market timing – these are behaviors that may lead to frustration instead of financial freedom. Clichés become clichés because they are true, and the financial cliché of “get rich slowly” has proved true for many. Instant wealth seldom comes from picking a hot stock or fund; indeed, that wealth may be fleeting. These truths don’t stop people from “putting it all on black” – hazardously 16
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
“In 2012, a Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances noted that only 52 percent of American households earn more money than they spend.” assigning an excessive portion of their assets to one investment or market sector. They accept a forever-middle-class mindset. Some people define themselves as middle class and accept that definition all their lives. The danger is that this can amount to a kind of psychological barrier, a sense that this is it, and that getting rich is for others. With all the dire articles out there about the diminishing middle class in America, the fact is that upward mobility is much more common here than in many other nations. Yet in this land of opportunity, people have some intriguing perceptions about the middle class. Last year, the Pew Research Center conducted a poll of 2,508 American adults which had some interesting results. Only 48 percent of those earning at least $100,000 identified as upper class or upper-middle class. Amazingly, six percent of respondents at that income level actually felt that they were lower class or at least lower-middle class. Additionally, 18 percent of those with incomes from $50,000-99,000 identified themselves as lower class or lower-middle class, though 65 percent (correctly) believed they were middle class. The poll also asked how much money a family of four would need to live a middle-class lifestyle. Answers to that question varied by income bracket: while the median response across the poll was a reasonable $70,000, respondents with family incomes of at least $100,000 gave a median response of $100,000, while families earning less than $30,000 said $40,000 would do. Behavior and belief may count as much as effort. It takes some initiative to create lifetime wealth from present-day affluence, but a person’s outlook on money (and view of the purpose of money) can influence that effort – for better or worse.
Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Created by 1st Global or Peter Montoya, Inc. for use by our financial advisors.
Ribbon Cuttings Dismero
Ivy Manor
Camp Bow Wow
Georgia All Star Gymnastics
B.loved
Bend Your Knees
Ice Martini Bar
Mike Perry Allstate
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Community
Where is Georgia’s Money Spent? BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL CALDWELL
Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which covers Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at (678) 523-8570 or email him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com.
My column last month was devoted to the differences in the budgeting process between the federal government and the state of Georgia. After reading it, many of you contacted me to ask questions about what Georgia’s budget contains. No different than discovering a family’s priorities by examining the checkbook, one can decipher what is most important to our government by examining the allotments in the budget. This month, with the help of data compiled by Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones’ office, I’d like to provide you with a brief overview and breakdown of Georgia’s FY2014 budget.
01 Department of Education 02 Department of Community Health 03 Board of Regents, University System 04 Department of Corrections 05 Bond Payments
43%
$7.4 billion
14%
$2.4 billion
11%
$1.9 billion
7% 5%
$1.1 billion $1.0 billion
These first five line items comprise 80 percent of the state budget at a total of $13.8 billion.
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TOWNELAKER | December 2013
These next eight allocations comprise an additional 16 percent of the state budget at $2.9 billion and totaling with the first five to encompass 96 percent of Georgia’s budget. These 13 line items constitute $16.7 billion in state spending. 06 Department of Behavioral Health 07 Department of Human Services 08 Technical College System 09 Department of Juvenile Justice 10 Department of Public Health 11 Department of Revenue 12 Judicial Branch (six agencies) 13 Department of Public Safety
5%
$946 million
3%
$481 million
2%
$306 million
2%
$302 million
1%
$208 million
1%
$174 million
1%
$170 million
1%
$119 million
Remaining 28 agencies
4%
$736 Million
You read that correctly. Our state’s budget is generally spread over 41 allocations: five of which consume 80 percent of total spending, 13 of which comprise 96 percent of total spending with the remaining 28 agencies utilizing only 4 percent of Georgia’s expenses. Additionally, these numbers do not include the $2.4 billion that is constitutionally allocated through dedicated funding sources. For instance, spending on scholarships via the HOPE Scholarship Program from the lottery fund is not included in this data. These numbers give us some very interesting insight into Georgia’s priorities. As I look over our state’s 13 largest expenses, I see four major categories. (1) We spend more than $9.6 billion dollars on education when including higher education and the technical college system. This constitutionally stated “primary obligation” makes up 56 percent of our budget. (2) After education, the state spends more than $4 billion on health care related obligations at 23 percent of total spending. (3) Third in line for spending priorities from the state is public safety and law enforcement. This totals 11 percent of the budget at nearly $1.7 billion. (4) Finally, the lion’s share of Georgia’s budget finishes with spending required to maintain a balanced budget. This priority is spread between spending on the Department of Revenue and bond payments to keep Georgia’s debt current. If you have any concerns about Georgia’s budget or any other issue feel free to reach out to me or join me at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings for my Weekly Coffee with District 20 at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock.
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Community
Top Five Buyer Turn Offs BY SHEILA & KURT JOHNSON
Yes, it is a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean that you can expect buyers to make offers, no matter how your home is presented. To get your home sold for the most money and in the shortest timeframe you need to be mindful of what will most likely turn off prospective buyers. Below is a list of the top five buyer turn offs that you need to know. Kurt and Sheila Johnson are Licensed Realtors with Keller Williams Realty Partners and have served Cherokee County for over 10 years. Visit them online at www.KurtandSheila.com or call (404) 954-2486.
1. Price - With plenty of information available online about the details of recent sales, it’s much easier for prospective buyers to have a good sense for the value of your home and know if it is priced correctly. We have seen listings go from no showings to six showings per week with only a $5,000 price reduction. In a seller’s market, buyers are less inclined to assume they can get a home at a discount. Buyers may shy away from homes that are only slightly overpriced
2. Poor first impression online - Almost 80 percent of homebuyers nationally, in 2012, bought a home that was found online. The first impression of a property in this market is usually made online. Professional staging and photography are more important than ever to compel buyers to call their agents for a showing of your property.
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3. Poor curb appeal - If you have a strong first impression online, the next hurdle to clear is the buyer’s first impression at the property. We have worked with plenty of buyers who could not shake a negative initial impression of the outside of a home, regardless of how nice the interior might have been. The condition of a home’s exterior is very important because the buyer is anticipating the first impression of their friends and family members. You only have one chance to make a great first impression. 4. Pet, mildew and smoke odors - Have you ever noticed how your home smells after you have been on vacation? That smell is an amplified version of what buyers will smell when they view your property. We all grow accustomed to how our homes smell over time, and sometimes it takes an objective third party to call our attention to it. Don’t be offended if your agent mentions it. Solve it. 5. Dirt and clutter - This turnoff is the most affordable to address with good old elbow grease and advice from a professional home stager. We provide our clients with an initial consultation with a stager, and the results have been astounding. With advice on what to eliminate and just a few refinements using furnishings and decorations the client already has, a room can be transformed to look larger and more inviting. Failure to have your home as clean as you can get it can cost you unnecessary days on the market and a lower selling price. You can avoid these common turn offs and many others with a little effort on your part in combination the advice and guidance of your realtor and their home stager.
DECEMBER EVENT & HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS CALENDAR Dec. 1
Chanukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting Time: 5 p.m. Location: Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta, Ridgewalk Pkwy and I-575 Information: The Menorah will be made of Legos, and the public is invited to help construct starting at 4 p.m.
Dec. 1 – 29
WinterFest Times: 10 a.m. –2 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays 10 a.m –5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Location: Tanglewood Farm, 171 Tanglewood Drive, North Alpharetta/Canton Information: Visit with more than 150 friendly miniature farm animals including donkeys, horses, cows, sheep, pigs and more. $10 per person. (770) 667-MINI (6464) or www.tanglewoodfarmminis.com.
Dec. 6-8
The Promise — Creation to the Resurrection Times: 7 p.m. Friday 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Hwy. 92 Information: For tickets, visit www.christmasatwoodstock.com
Dec. 7
Breakfast with Santa Time: 9–11 a.m. Location: Bascomb UMC, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road Information: Open to the public. Donations accepted. Craft Fair Time: 9 a.m. –3 p.m. Location: Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Road Information: Arts and crafts, food and more. Admission is free. To become a vendor or for further information, email kimhowe82@gmail.com. We Three Spies Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Hwy. 92 Information: Presented by the children’s choir. Pet Photos with Santa Time: 2–4 p.m. Location: Animal Atlanta, 6449 Bells Ferry Road
Information: Photos $5 with portion of proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish Foundation. www.AnimalAtlanta.com.
Dec. 7 - 8
Cherokee Chorale Christmas Concert Time: 4 p.m. Saturday 3 p.m. Sunday Location: Canton First UMC, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton Information: Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for students and available from any Chorale member or at FoxTale Book Shoppe. www.cherokeechorale.org or (678) 439-8625.
Dec. 8
Season of Wonders: Celebrating the Miracle of Christmas Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Bascomb UMC, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road Information: Dinner available before the performance from 4:45–6 p.m. and will be $8 for adults, $5 children.
Dec. 14
Big Chicken Chorus Times: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Location: Jennie T. Anderson Theater, Cobb Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Pkwy., Marietta Information: $25 adults, $20 seniors 60 and older, $10 students ages 6-21 and free for ages younger than 6. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.bigchickenchorus.org/ xmas2013.html or by calling (770) 530-2878. Live Nativity Time: 4–6 p.m. Location: Church of the Messiah, 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton Information: Free. A re-enactment of the birth of Jesus with live animals. Event also will include caroling, craft vendors and a bake sale. Call (770) 479-5280.
Dec. 20-21
“The Nutcracker” Times: 7:30 p.m. Friday 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Location: Falany Performing Arts Center on the Reinhardt University campus. Information: Presented by the Cherokee Ballet Theatre. Tickets available at the Woodstock School of Ballet by calling (770) 928-3966. TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Lifestyle
Recipe Corner BY CARON AND ALBERTO CATALÁN
Butternut Squash Bisque
There is nothing like a delicious soup to warm you up on a cold day. I remember having soup most days in autumn and winter as a child. I would come home from school to a pot on the stove simmering away. Usually, the soup was some kind of chicken and vegetable mix. I never saw a butternut squash (or really any kind of squash) until I came to the States from Ireland. The only squash I knew was “orange squash,” a concentrated orange-colored syrup. Water was added to make a drink. The following soup was so popular this fall in Papa P’s that we served it for weeks. Here is the recipe. Enjoy! —Caron and Alberto
Caron and Alberto Catalán are the owners and managers of Papa P’s – Mexican with an Irish side, located in the Towne Lake Kroger shopping center. They have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. They have four children, Conor, Ciara, Derek and Fiona. Visit them online at www.papa-ps.com or call (770) 592-3100.
ingredients
preparation
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1 tbsp butter ½ yellow onion, chopped 1 shallot, chopped 1 green apple, peeled, cored
and chopped 2 lbs butternut squash Olive oil for drizzling 1.5 quarts chicken stock
½ cup half and half One sprig of thyme and rosemary Salt and pepper to taste
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut squash in half lengthwise, take out seeds. Place cut side up on cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for one hour. If not tender, continue to cook in 10 minute intervals. When cooked, scoop out fleshy part and set aside. In a large soup pot, melt butter and sauté the onions and shallot until softened (five minutes), add apples and cook for three minutes. Add cooked squash, chicken stock and rosemary. Bring to a high simmer, add thyme. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, puree the soup until smooth and stir in half and half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Lifestyle
Sophomore Slump BY MIKE LITREL, MD
I remember the first time I held a scalpel over a patient’s body. The razor’s edge gleamed against the soft skin. I was a newly minted doctor, just beginning fouryear OB/GYN training at Emory University in Atlanta. Heart pounding, I made my first incision under the watchful eye of a senior surgeon. An hour later we were done: the patient and I both survived. Dr. Mike Litrel has authored Twenty years have passed hundreds of articles and since that day, and I know two books on the faithhealth connection. He is now it was not just lessons in a board certified OB/GYN anatomy and physiology that and specialist in pelvic made that first operation a reconstructive surgery success. My most important at Cherokee Women’s lesson occurred well before Health Specialists in Roswell and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel medical school. can be reached at www. It was the year I almost cherokeewomenshealth.com flunked out of college. I had dreamed of becoming a doctor since I was seven years old. My family was on vacation in rural Vermont when I gashed my leg playing outside. I looked at the deep wound, and I began to cry in terror as I watched the blood pouring out, the yellow fat and red muscle showing through my torn skin. An hour later, I was still crying when an elderly stranger in a long white coat entered the hospital exam room. With a confident smile, he told me I was going to be okay. I watched in trembling hope as he sutured my wound closed. Twenty minutes later, he was done. The white-coated doctor was a hero. Before falling asleep that night, I looked at the stitches once again, and in that moment, I knew I wanted to be a doctor, too. I wanted to wear the white coat and take care of frightened strangers in need. But fewer than a dozen years later, I was ready to give up on the dream. I was a struggling college sophomore, completely unprepared for how difficult premedical studies would be. Or how boring! What do calculus and linear algebra
“All that studying during college never quite made sense until I held that first scalpel and experienced firsthand the intense concentration I was required to summon to perform a surgery.” have to do with being a doctor? How do you learn to suture by studying physics and organic chemistry? I wanted to be watching TV, hanging with friends, not agonizing in the library over mind-blowing stacks of textbooks. I wanted to quit. Looking for a way out, I reached my heart out in prayer: God, help me understand the consequences if I quit my dream. The answer came. You will hate yourself the rest of your life. Given no choice, I worked harder. All that studying during college never quite made sense until I held that first scalpel and experienced firsthand the intense concentration I was required to summon to perform a surgery. Without those countless hours and years in the library, I would never have gained the skill. I am blessed today to care for strangers in need. I enjoy my time in the operating room, and I know I make a difference for my patients. But I also know that most human suffering is not cured by surgery or medication. God places in our hearts a dream of who we are and who we can become. Holding on to this dream is far more important to our health than seeing a doctor, no matter how much it hurts, and never letting go.
©Copyright 2013 24
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Lifestyle
EVERYDAY
Two years have passed since we featured the story of Tyler (Ty) Rolison, who was a 17-yearold Etowah High School junior when he was in a near fatal car accident If you would like to make during Christmas break. a donation, please visit Ty was returning from his www.townelaker.com/ grandmother’s house in everydayangels to donate via Newnan when a car that Paypal or send your donations swerved into his lane to: Everyday Angels, 2449 caused him to lose control Towne Lake Parkway, and flip five times off the Woodstock GA, 30189. One interstate. Ty was airlifted hundred percent of your to Atlanta Medical Center, funds will go to the family you where they discovered specify. Also, if you know of he had a broken neck and a special need within your spinal cord injury. He community that you would spent the next six months like to share, please send an at Shepherd Spinal Center, e-mail to aaeverydayangels@ where he now continues gmail.com for consideration outpatient therapy. and qualification. As soon as word spread of the accident, our community responded, as we do so well. Pam, Ty’s single mom, recalls, “We received encouragement and support from churches, friends, schools and strangers. I was completely overwhelmed and scared right after his accident. I could not believe all who stepped up to assist us.” They especially want to thank Jersey’s Bar & Grill, Play N Trade and the Game Truck for their fundraising efforts as well as Ty’s classmates, football team, booster clubs, coaches, and administration at Etowah. Today, Tyler is a quadriplegic. His spinal injury is considered “incomplete,” which means only part of the spinal cord is damaged, and gives them hope Tyler will walk again. When Ty was released from Shepherd, he and his mom moved into a home belonging to Pam’s dad. They built a wheelchair ramp and Ty’s room is the entire main level. “It works well, and we are grateful,” Pam said. “However Ty only has a half bath and doesn’t have a closet. I take Ty to Shepherd two times a week to shower; not ideal, but it works fine.” Shortly after Ty’s accident, Pam lost her administrative job which was devastating at the time. Pam has been Ty’s full-time nurse 26
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
and plans to return to school to become an RN. She recently began working three days a week at Shepherd as a nurse tech and uses her personal journey to encourage and inspire other parents in a similar situation. Ty was able to graduate on time with the class of 2013, thanks to assistance from Etowah’s administration, including Susan Dyer, Coach Howard, Heather Boyle, Ms. Haier, Mr. Coker, Ms. Holman, Terry Samms, and Mr. Ball. He is taking college courses and plans to study psychology in hopes of helping others emotionally. Prior to his accident, Ty had begun to enjoy photography and is hopeful he can resume that hobby in the near future. “We have learned to set short- term goals and rely on a rigid routine,” Pam said. “I have learned that you really cannot plan anything for certain after a catastrophic accident. I am proud of Tyler and his hard work and spirit. He amazes me. We continue to live by the verse that has gotten us through this far, ‘Not my will but yours be done. Luke 42:22’”
Ty has a renewed respect for EVERYTHING, especially his mom. “I also have a stronger faith in God,” Ty said. “My mom says I am funnier than I used to be, and I guess I get in less trouble than a lot of high school and college kids out there now,” he joked. There are good and bad days along with physical and emotional setbacks. Ty and Pam take life day to day, thankful for their second chance, and they appreciate all the things they used to take for granted. When asked if they had Christmas wishes, aside from Ty’s miraculous healing, Ty’s mom humbly responded (in case Santa is reading this): “If we had to prioritize, it would be to have a handicap equipped bathroom with shower, hardwood floors on the ground level or an overhead Hoyer lift. For Ty, a touch screen camera, to resume his love of photography and a quad controller for the Xbox so he could have some interactions with his friends near and far by playing games with them.” Getting to know Ty and Pamhas truly been a blessing for Everyday Angels. Witnessing first hand God’s love through this community reminds us why we love living here! We wish everyone a Christmas season filled with love, joy, peace and safety in your travels!
Feature
Helping Hands A lot of our friends and neighbors struggle financially every day. Fortunately, there are many charitable organizations in our area equipped to help those in need. And while these charities always need the community’s assistance, that need increases during the holiday season because more residents are seeking help. For December, we have compiled a list of local charitable organizations and their specific needs. Papa’s Pantry Papa’s Pantry’s mission is to help families in need gain financial stability. There are opportunities to help the children in these struggling families are available through the program “Papa Noel.” The food ministry needs funds to purchase meat, milk and produce, especially now through Christmas. Donated turkeys and hams are accepted; please call for details. An updated list of requested non-perishable items and household items is available on the website, www.papaspantry.org. Donations can be mailed to Papa’s Pantry, 6551 Commerce Pkwy., Ste. 200, Woodstock, GA 30189 or made safely online on its website www.papaspantry.org. Toys for Tots Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be brought to any Cherokee County fire station. Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 and is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. www.toysfortots.org. Forever Fed The mobile feeding ministry is collecting gently used clean coats, children’s winter clothing and new socks. Also sought are non-perishable foods for Forever Fed’s backpack grocery program and other events. For drop-off locations, email info@foreverfed.org or call (678) 883-3314. www.foreverfed.org.
Cherokee Youth Works Gift Connection The wish list at Cherokee FOCUS centers around education. Donors can give a gift of education to cover costs of testing, college entrance fees, interview clothing, transportation, childcare, etc. (770) 345-5483. www.CherokeeFocus.org. Cherokee County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)— DFCS is holding a Secret Santa program and is in need of gift sponsors for more than 200 children in foster care. It also is accepting monetary donations to the yearround Secret Santa Fund. To help with either program, call (678) 427- 9393 or visit www. cherokeesanta.com. The Baby & More Thrift Store The store is accepting donations of new toys for its Christmas Toy Closet that serves its clients. Please bring all donations to The Baby & More Thrift Store, 295 Molly Lane in Woodstock, off Hwy. 92 near Lowe’s. www.babyandmorethriftstore.com. Adopt-A-Senior The Cherokee County Volunteering Aging Council has 250 seniors who need to be “adopted.” These seniors currently receive services through Meals on Wheels, Congregate Meal or Homemaker Programs. Participants are asked to put together a gift bag that will include a full-size, cozy blanket, a one-size-fitsall scarf, toboggan or hat and gloves. Sign ups are being taken through December 6. For more information, contact Frankie Saunders, Cherokee Parks and Recreation Agency Coordinator, at (770) 924-7768 or email fsanders@cherokeega.com.
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Lifestyle
Empty “Nest”ination: Historic Banning Mills BY KARA KIEFER
My husband and I are not officially empty nesters… yet. But, because my son is often not around due to his busy senior year schedule, we have been able to indulge in empty nest practice rounds. Our destinations range from day trips in and around the Atlanta area to weekend getaways. We are adventurous souls and are always on the lookout for new experiences, like our most recent Kara Kiefer is the editor trip to Historic Banning Mills. of the Townelaker. She Approximately one hour lives in Towne Lake southwest of Woodstock, in Carroll with her husband Mike County, is Banning Mills. As the and sons Brandon and name suggests, the area’s rich Garrett. history includes the location of several mills including textile, wood pulp, paper, grist and saw all along Snake Creek. The mills were located in one of the first towns in Georgia to produce its own electricity, and people would travel from Atlanta via horse and buggy just to watch the lights come on at Banning. The history is quite interesting and worth the read. The main attraction at Banning Mills is the zip line tours, which was the biggest draw for us. But once we discovered how much there is to do, we decided to take advantage of one of the many getaway packages offered by the resort and stay the night. There are six levels of zip line tours that range in time from one to one and a half hours to two full days. We signed up for level four, a four- to five-hour adventure that included the longest zip wire course (according to the
View from 30 stories above ground
Flying super hero style Flight of the Falcon zip line 28
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
The abandoned paper mill
“Guinness Book of World Records”) and largest zip line canopy tour in the world, the Screaming Eagle. All levels of tours are combined, which means if you’re in one of the higher levels, you will experience all the lower levels as well. By the time we completed level two, we had experienced 21 zip lines, gone over the Lost Gorge three times and crossed 12 suspension or sky bridges. Several members of our group stopped after level two, which left four of us remaining for the rest of the level four tour. This tour definitely fulfilled our need to be challenged. We traversed sky bridges back and forth over the gorge at heights of more than 100 feet. The most challenging bridge was the Sky Trek Bridge, 600 feet long and 190 feet over the gorge. At times, crossing on these bridges was unnerving, but the destination at the end more than made up for any momentary anxiety. Our final zip of the day involved walking up 30 stories of stairs, and once we got to the top, we enjoyed the longest and fastest ride of the day. For the ultimate thrill seeker, Banning Mills offers Flight of the Falcon, which straps you in a harness “Superman” style (face down), and Power Free Fall. Further details about both can be found on the website, www. historicbanningmills.com. After zip lining, we completed our day of adventure by hiking along Snake Creek to the abandoned paper mill. Upon returning to our room, we relaxed with a glass of wine on the back deck that overlooked the creek. Dining in the lodge is an option for guests; we took advantage of it and thoroughly enjoyed the gourmet meal. The next day, we enjoyed breakfast in the lodge before heading home. Zip lining tours are available year round, but if zip lining is not in your comfort zone, there are plenty of other activities at Banning Mills to enjoy, including horseback riding, spa services, hiking, puttputt golf, kayaking, a bird of prey show, a pool and much Sky bridge over Snake Creek more. Gift cards are available so you can give the gift of adventure this holiday season. For TowneLaker readers, Banning Mills is offering a buy one get one free option for a level one zip line tour. Mention code “205” when making your reservation. This deal is good through Dec. 22, 2013 and must be used before Jan. 14, 2014. Visit www.historicbanningmills.com for complete information on activities and getaway packages.
The Joy of Christmas BY ROBYN HOHENSEE
Ah, it’s that time of year again. Christmas carols are playing on the radio, neighbors are stringing bright and twinkling lights on their houses, and Santa Claus can be seen everywhere you go. I look forward to the comforting feelgood traditions that each Christmas season brings. This year will be extra special Robyn Hohensee has resided as our family celebrates the in Towne Lake with her husband Todd for 17 years. season with our year-old She is currently working on a grandson Lyndon. There children’s book and an adult is nothing as delightful as fiction novel. experiencing Christmas Feel free to contact her at through a child’s innocent Robyn561@yahoo.com. and fresh eyes. I remember how thrilling Christmas was for me as a child. Thinking of how special it will be for Lyndon got me remembering how magical it was anticipating the arrival of Santa and his reindeer when I was a child. The year is 1966, and my little brother Mike and I had our noses pressed against the frost-covered living room window. Snow was falling gently on the majestic Utah mountains, and we both were snuggled in our cozy winter pj’s. We were holding hands tightly as we looked hopefully into the night sky. We were watching for Santa and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. We knew he got our letter asking him to bring our favorite toys to put under the Christmas tree. Mom patiently tried to nudge us to bed. “It’s time for bed. Santa will not bring you your toys if you are
still awake. Remember, he knows if you have been good or bad!” We did not want to make Santa mad at us, but we wanted to see him and Rudolph. I knew that he would understand because he is a very nice man. “Mommy, Santa won’t be mad. He is a very nice man.” Mom would smile and say, “Okay, you can stay up a while longer.” Just as she said that, Mike pointed with his tiny little finger at the window and cried out, “I see Wudolph’s wed nose!” Beside myself with amazement, I looked out into the night sky and saw a red light soaring over our house! “Santa is coming!” I cried out. Mom chuckled, “Santa will not deliver your toys until you get into bed and go to sleep.” Mike and I climbed into our beds. We couldn’t wait to open our presents in the morning. As I drifted off to sleep, I heard Santa’s sleigh bells sing through the night air. I slept peacefully and fully content. Yes, this Christmas will indeed be special to my family. Despite the ridiculous hectic pace of the season, it always is a time I look back on and smile. With a little one in the family, I will not only smile when I look back, but also giggle. And yes, I still believe in Santa.
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Lifestyle
TLBA SPOTLIGHT Stunning Ladies, LLC What do you carry for self-defense? That’s what Tammy Jensen, owneroperator of Stunning Ladies, LLC, wants to know. One in three women will be assaulted in their lifetime. Unfortunately, many women don’t think about self-defense until it is too late. Stunning Ladies provides a variety of defensive weapons for every situation. Among the many products offered at stunningladiesllc.com are stun guns, MACE, keychain weapons, steel batons and bedside holsters for firearms. Tammy became a staunch advocate of women’s self-defense after surviving an attack herself. Although she chose to move beyond the nightmare, Tammy never forgot the feeling of helplessness she experienced when it happened. “I never want anyone else to go through what I did,” she said. “Stunning Ladies came out of that resolve.” Licensed to carry a firearm, Tammy is a member of the NRA (National Rifle Association), Georgia Carry and The Well-Armed Woman. Additionally she is deeply involved in her community. The mother of two has lived in the Woodstock area since 1995. As the holiday season is fast upon us, stunningladiesllc.com is a great place to shop for a gift that tells your wife, daughter, sister or friend next door that you care for their safety. Self-defense is the gift that says… Don’t be a victim. Be victorious! For more information contact Tammy at (770) 262-0919 or stunningladiesllc.com.
TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION As another year comes to a close, the Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA) would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! We are grateful for all the support we receive from everyone in the Towne Lake area community. Join us on Tuesday, December 10, for the TLBA’s annual Holiday Gala at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills from 6:30 — 9 p.m. All members, their guests and anyone wishing to meet and network with others in the Towne Lake area business community are welcome. A sampling of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, entree items and soft drinks will be provided by the TLBA, free of charge. The topic of our November Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop was “Tax Planning for Your Business.” We want to thank our speaker, John Drawdy of Paragon Accounting & Tax Solutions, LLC, for leading the workshop. Please join us at our next Lunch ‘N’ Workshop.
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Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop Tuesday, January 21, 12:15 — 2 p.m. Please visit www.tlba.org for more information. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events at (770) 615-3350. Thank you for supporting our community by “ Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” . Visit us at tlba.org.
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Lifestyle
G-Daddy’s Problems BY DEE LOCKLIN
As the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the preceding months and all that my family experienced. This year has been like most others, filled with small and large moments that brought both joy and humility. I imagine your year was similar. Because as friends and neighbors, the details of our lives differ in infinite ways but we are connected by the commonalities of living. Dee Locklin is retired I will always remember 2013 from Georgia State as the year we lost my wonderful University. She lives father-in-law, John Locklin, Sr. in Towne Lake with Known by all as G-Daddy, he was husband Lewis and son Taylor in a a devoted husband of 64 years cluttered home filled and the loving patriarch to three with love and lots children, seven grandchildren, of dust bunnies. and four great-grandchildren. Contact Dee at His fifth great-grandchild is due dlocklin89@gmail.com to arrive this month. Clearly, he lives on. G-Daddy was born legally blind but his low vision did not slow him down. He earned his Master’s degree and retired in the late 1980’s following a successful career working with people with disabilities. As a retiree, G-Daddy pursued varied interests, including furniture restoration and baking the best sourdough bread in all of Alabama. But G’s favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren. All the kids, with the exception of our Taylor, lived in the same town as G-Daddy and G-Mama. Their home was filled for years with the sound of happy, squealing children.
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“I will always remember 2013 as the year we lost my wonderful father-inlaw, John Locklin, Sr.” With his gruff but gentle style, G-Daddy was idolized by his grandkids. And at his memorial service, each of the grands recounted their favorite memories of G and the impact he had on their lives. Our Taylor visited G-Daddy and G-Mama each summer during his youth. He loved climbing trees and getting into mischief with his cousins, and being doted upon by his grandparents. During one such visit, when Taylor was about four years old, his grandmother observed Taylor staring intently at G-Daddy when they were both seated at the kitchen table. Finally, Taylor remarked, “G-Daddy, you have so many pwoblems.” G-Daddy replied, “What do you mean, Taylor! I don’t have any problems.” To which Taylor emphatically responded, “Oh yes you do! And they’re all connected to your head. You are Seeless, Hearless, Toothless, and you have a Bald Head and a Crooked Nose.” Well my balding, dentured, hard-of-hearing father-in-law thought this was a pretty astute assessment from his youngest grandchild, and years later the anecdote joined a long list of stories recounted about G-Daddy as the family gathered to celebrate his life and legacy. As a family of faith, we rejoice knowing that G-Daddy has gone to a place where all his problems – if they were ever that – are gone. We will think of this kind man and do our best to bring honor to his name as we face our own joys and humbling situations that await us in the coming year.
Roses
We are looking for the couple married the longest in Towne Lake for our
Tournament of
Contest
Winners will be featured in the February issue of TowneLaker. If you or someone you know is a contender in the Tournament of Roses Contest, send us your nomination, including the names of the couple and their wedding date, including year. Please include your name, address and phone number, as well as a phone number for the couple you are nominating. Nominations may be submitted by e-mail to editor@ townelaker.com, faxed to (770) 516-4809 or mailed to TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30189. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 10.
Last years’ winners Lois and Ray Bell married 61 years at the time!
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Lifestyle Ann Litrel
The Mile-High View BY ANN LITREL
Pilot and Developer George McClure Looks At the Teamwork That Built a Regional Airport George McClure is a former chairman of the Cherokee County Airport Authority and has served on the Authority board since the mid 1980s. As one of the original developers of Towne Lake and as a Cherokee County native, he has seen the airport runway grow from 3,400 feet to its current 5,000 feet, accommodating the aviation community and a growing number of corporate jets. The Cherokee County Airport is located on Airport Drive at 575 and Exit 24. This story is part of a series featuring local leaders and visionaries, some behind the scenes, who have had an impact on the community. For more on this story and the accompanying art, visit www.annlitrel.com. “I drag-raced on the runway as a teenager. I knew it was here, you see.” George McClure smiles as he shares this rare snapshot from his past. He’s seated in the second-story conference room at Cherokee County’s regional airport terminal. Wall-to-wall windows showcase a spectacular view of the runway under blue October skies. McClure shifts often in his chair, his tall form constantly in motion. I ask him to talk about his connection to the airport. But he is not interested in telling his personal story. He has shown up with a thick file of notes: he wants to make sure we recognize the many people who built the airport and how it’s grown. “This airport is here because of a whole team of people,” he says. “It was the Canton Jaycees that got it built, in 1966. Norman Sosebee was part of that group.” He looks through his file for the names. “Also Bud Chambers, Lee Winn and N.J. Wilbanks – Wilbanks’ dad actually gave some of the land. They built the first hangar and the runway. In 1968 the Airport Authority Board was created - Norman Sosebee served on the board for forty years.” Knowing McClure is a County native, I ask if he became interested in flying when he saw the airport being built. He smiles and mentions his drag-racing on the runway as a teen. He also confides that he and a buddy dreamed of owning a plane. “Flying was always on my bucket list.” He leapfrogs over large chunks of his past to get back to the airport story. “But I went to school and studied accounting. I worked in the corporate world for a while, and I rose to the VP position. When I left, I got into building as a developer. In the mid-1980s, I was doing a project off Bells Ferry Rd. That’s when Gene Hobgood – the County Chairman - re-activated the Airport Authority Board. The airport hadn’t changed too much since the 60s. “I was a pilot by that time, so I knew the aviation side.” McClure glosses over this to focus on the players. “I 34
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“This airport is here because of a whole team of people...” understood how to do big projects and how to push dirt. Gene asked Don Stevens and me to serve on the board. Don’s also a developer. Also Bill Johnson, an Atlanta commercial developer, and Homer Gold – ‘Nugget,’ a Canton physician. He was the Chairman then. I was Chairman for years after that, and Don Stevens is the current one. “We’ve all played a part, you see.” He looks at me to emphasize the point. “But it was Bill Johnson who had the vision. I want to say that.” “Bill had the idea of putting together a business plan. We had been getting funding from the FAA in small doses, $100,000 here, $200,000 there. Bill had us go to the FAA with a business plan for a 5,000 foot runway and this new terminal. The County would put up half the money if the FAA would put up the other half.” “It was a paradigm shift from how we were operating.” I ask if this work on the airport has been a paid position. “No,” he says emphatically. “The airport authority is prohibited from making money. It’s part of the charter. “I like the jazz of doing it - it’s the challenge. And the airport helps the whole community. It brings in business. The thing I’m proudest of is that we’ve had 100 percent support of every elected official since we started. We’re 100 percent transparent. I’m very proud of that.” I asked him if there is a connection between flying and the other things he’s done in his life. “Flying is real helpful when you’re a developer. Flying gives you the mile-high view - you get a whole different perspective at 5,000 feet It’s the perspective McClure seems to keep, no matter his elevation.
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Lifestyle
Job Seeker’s December Dynamics BY LYNNE SAUNDERS
Great, we are in the middle of the holidays. What emphasis did you read into this first sentence? Was your response one of true joy and enthusiasm because of the hustle and bustle this season brings, or was the tone in your “Great” an agitated “Grrr-ate.” If you are looking for a job during this time, the added financial pressures may not be welcome or exciting. A lack of finances can make this an unhappy—or fearful—season. Lynne is the director of I encourage you to do all you can Papa’s Pantry and the MastersTrainingCenter. to push out negative thoughts com, and she is an or myths that no one hires in author. She can be December. Every year, I find this is reached at (770) 591the No. 1 cause for giving up the job 4730 or visit www. search until January. papaspantry.org. Certainly, not all companies are hiring at the end of the year. However, there are many companies that are making preparations for a strong new year. Starting off with a fully staffed department or company can yield an optimistic year. This is not the time to put your job search on the shelf. When you discover job postings that seek your qualifications, be sure to act quickly and strategically. If someone is advertising for jobs during December, then it is highly likely he or she intends to interview and make hiring decisions this month Do keep an eye on the calendar. Most everyone is dealing with a more hectic schedule, even those who are doing the
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“While it is safe to say you may not get as many interviews toward the end of the month, you can still be productive for a strong start in January.” hiring. The various holidays will affect work and vacation days. Cherokee County Schools are out for winter break from Monday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 5. Many people leave town as soon as the kids are out of school. While it is safe to say you may not get as many interviews toward the end of the month, you can still be productive for a strong start in January. Continue to search for job postings on the Internet (my favorite site is www.indeed.com), customize your résumé to target the specific needs as advertised for each company you apply to, and reinforce your relationships with your “sphere of influence”—those who can help in your search. Use the holiday as an opportunity to send meaningful notes or cards to people you choose to be a reference for you. References should be people who are happy to “cheerlead” on your behalf. They should know first hand your outstanding work ethic and ability to make good decisions. You should also include people you know, and who know others with their own strong list of contacts. For this second group, try to meet for coffee and ask for their help. Be positive. Convey your excitement about the next chapter of your life! “Keep Making Progress!”
Reinvent Yourself BY TIM TIMMONS
Some women have bad hair days; others have bad hair years. Although most women go through various incarnations in life — daughter, mother, career woman, retiree — and sometimes carry the same hairstyle from season to season, year after year. To determine if you’re ready for a change, ask yourself these questions: Am I still a part of the Bon Jovi Big-Hair Brigade? Is my signature style incorporating a Tim Timmons is the owner Jheri curl? A Mullet? The Mall of Salon Gloss. Tim has been a hairstylist for 13 Claw? Did the world keep turning, years and has extensive but you stopped turning heads industry experience. when Jennifer Aniston ditched her Tim can be reached at “Rachel” and you held on to each (678) 483-8900. flip for dear life? If your answer is yes, it’s official: you’re in a hair rut. If you’ve been rocking the same look that you had in high school, or you’re finally ready to take the plunge into the 21st century, the new year is the
perfect time to try a fresh cut or color. Just look to the stars for inspiration. Here are a few trendy updates to help you start 2014 looking like a whole new gorgeous you. For short hair, try a polished pixie like Anne Hathaway’s or Rihanna’s. Bang-like pieces that fall over the forehead help soften this look and make it ultra-feminine and flattering. For medium hair lengths, look to the new, softer bob, which hits somewhere between the jaw and the shoulders. The look, as seen on Kelly Rippa, Sandra Bullock and Ciara, is all about flowing texture and movement. For longer hairstyles, you might find that blunt-cut ends make long hair look healthy and full. Try a style - like Katie Holmes’ or Kate Middleton’s - that incorporates a few thick, face-framing pieces with lengths that aren’t too shaggy or layered. If you’re still resistant to change, remember that a subtle transformation can yield as much impact as a total makeover— or at least warm you up for more dramatic changes in the future. Start with baby steps, such as face-framing highlights and soft, eye-grazing bangs. Change is always fun, but that doesn’t mean you need a complete overhaul just to get a new look. Update your cut and color just enough that you (and others) notice the difference, but not so much that you don’t recognize yourself.
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Lifestyle
Keeping It Simple Saves Money, Creates Memories BY BETTY ANDERSON
We are well into the holiday season and probably in a frenzy with decorating our homes, holiday shopping, entertaining and family gatherings. In an effort to make the season enjoyable, there is still time to keep it simple. The challenges of the last few years have made us more cognizant of budgets, downsizing, repurposing, minimizing and Betty Anderson is owner/ looking for more cost conscious designer of Interiors at ways to spend our money. Fun Finds and Fun Finds Here are a few ways to do the and Designs Home Decor Consignment in Canton, same with Christmas. Georgia. For Interiors If you haven’t gotten around at Fun Finds, call (678) to purchasing your tree yet, 880-9146 or email Betty@ consider a small one. You can interiors2751.com. For Fun fill the tree quickly by adding Finds and Designs, call (770) 704-0448 or email Info@ a garland of inexpensive funfindsanddesigns.com wide mesh ribbon. Add your cherished family ornaments, or pick one bold-color ornament, creating an eye-catching look that saves time and money. For the mantel, pick fresh greens out of your yard (magnolia, evergreen limbs, holly sprigs), add fresh fruit (apples/oranges) and an array of battery operated candles in different shapes to illuminate the display. For you grandparents out there who would rather decorate sparsely, choose your favorite fun-time pictures with your grandkids, mount them on small balsa wood frames and hang them with ribbon on a makeshift tree created with branches. It’s fun picking out those perfect pictures and the grandkids love to look and remember your great times together. When you combine family and Mother Nature, you are bound to produce something wonderful and memorable. Most of all, have fun, be creative and give yourself time to love the season and the people who mean the most. Keep it simple and enjoy a very happy holiday! 38
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Wines of Portugal BY DAVID HECKELMOSER
The first wine that often comes to mind when mentioning Portugal is port, a rich, heavy and fortified wine that is up to 20 percent alcohol. Portugal has a broad range of unique traditional wines, from sparkling Espumante to big dry reds and sweet fortified wines, and we can’t forget the white wines either. Espumantes: (pronounced Esh-pu-man-tay): These sparkling wines are sometimes hard to find, David Heckelmoser is a Towne Lake resident wine but if you are able to find one, it’s enthusiast, member of worth a try. They can also be made the Guild of Sommeliers, anywhere in the country. What Certified Specialist of should you pair with your delicious Wine (CSW) and is Wine Espumante? The most famous dish Spirits Education Trust certified (WSET). Contact commonly paired with Portuguese David at heck4773@ sparkling wine is “Leitao da bellsouth.net. Bairrada,” roasted suckling pig. Espumante can be paired with a variety of dishes, ranging from light white fish to a simple aperitif. Look for a bottle of NV Luis Pato Maria Gomes Espumante Maria Gomes. Vinho Verde: (“green wine,” and means “young wine”). This white wine is typically consumed in the summer, but can be enjoyed year round. These wines can be found for less than $15 a bottle. This is a perfect seafood wine, whatever the weather is outside. They are also perfect with salads (balancing the acidity of the dressing). Try them also with Thai food. All of these are wines that should be consumed young from the current vintage.
Douro: Immediately south of Vinho Verde is the mountainous region of the Douro. It takes its name from the Douro River, which flows east to west from the Spanish border to Oporto, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Douro’s red wines are typically made from the same grape varieties as Port. Douro is the birthplace of port and produces some great dry, robust red wine. These robust reds are a great food match with game meats, and meats cooked in a stew. These are beautiful wines at a great price. You should be able to find these wines for less than $20 a bottle. Let’s not forget about port! Port wine is divided into three categories, white, tawny and ruby. 1. White ports come in various levels of sweetness. Seco (dry) is actually sweet, and Doce is a drink for the serious sweet tooth. White Ports can be drunk as an aperitif, sometimes mixed with tonic, on ice or in cocktails. 2. Tawnies are amber-colored to brown, and nutty-driedfruit-figgy in flavor. Aged Tawnies are best served chilled, summer or winter. They might be an aperitif, or drunk at the end of the meal, perhaps with walnuts. They are the best of all ports for Stilton blue cheese. 3. Ruby ports are slightly sweeter and fruitier than Tawny. Ruby is best drunk at cool room temperature, and is good with certain cheeses, Queijo Serra da Estrela, Queijo de Azeitão and cheddar. They are also a good match with bitter chocolate or coffee desserts. Remember to look up these lovely wines from Portugal, and until next time, cheers!
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Lifestyle
Learned Helplessness BY CHICKA ELLOY
Earlier this week, I was apathetically throwing my hands up in despair. I was playing the victim, quitting, frustrated and blaming the workday ahead of me for my inability to conquer the tasks I had to do at that moment. Blah. Once I regrouped and got out of bed, I called myself out with the term I use with my students and self parenting classes: Learned Helplessness: A psychological condition that Chicka Elloy lives in causes a person to feel completely Woodstock with his wife and two sweet caramel powerless to change his or her daughters. He writes circumstances for the better. A for USA Today Education mechanism some people (like and was voted #1 Daddy myself on occasion) employ Blogger by Parents.com to survive difficult or on a Contact him through www. thefrequentflyerfather.com. more extreme scale, abusive circumstances. As a parent and a professional educator, I am constantly seeing other parents who try to save their children from circumstances. This may seem like short-term gain for the immediate protection, but I see it as long-term pain because we are training children to be helpless decision makers. So with some great discussions with my spunky neighbors on the topic, here are some alternative ways to re-train and re-phrase your adult parenting language for your children’s behaviors. Instead of: • “Let me take that for you,” allow your children to ask you to help before you save them - you negative hero, you.
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• “Let me ask mom to see if I can fix it for you.” - Whose relationship is this? Yours or the child’s? • “Don’t do that hun, you may hurt yourself” Is it a safety or health issue? Can they decide the degree of difficulty? • “I’ll let it go this time.” Every time you let it go, you show that you will bail them out, and they won’t have to live with the consequences of their actions. • “I just picked up your...” Let children handle things, pick up toys or clean their room. Experience is messy. Let them learn from experience. • “It started to rain outside, so I brought in your...” If you do this once, okay. If you do it twice, you have set up an expectation. If you do it three times, congratulations, you now have a new job. Other parental coaching language I am conscious about using: • “What possibilities do you see?” Promotes possibility thinking and helps children see a variety of alternatives. • “What have you thought of so far?” Lets children know you see them as problem solvers and promotes a search for solutions. • “You are old enough. Come on, I’ll show you how.” Your job is to teach your children how to do things. Their job is to do it. • “Take a risk and see if you can do it.” This way of speaking makes you dispensable rather than indispensable. • “Ask me if you need any help.” If you help before they ask, they won’t learn how to ask. My favorite suggestion that can be implemented in any behavior: “Teach me how you did that!” While in college, I learned that you will never know something until you can teach it. Not only are you re-enforcing the behavior, but you are empowering them to embody the skills through educating you. If a Dad is in, Everyone wins!
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Lifestyle
What if…You Started a Business in 2014? BY JULIAN REID
Last January, my Fortune 200 employer “facilitated” my career change. Frankly, better motivation for people to start new businesses is because they want more control over their lifestyle and financial destiny. Nevertheless ... The first step for anyone considering owning a business is to understand that running a business is not the same as self-employment of your talent. Next, a fundamental decision Julian Reid has a chemical needs to be addressed: Start an engineering degree from independent business, or invest in Georgia Tech, a U.S. Chamber certification in a franchise model? Organization Management Let’s start by reviewing what and several professional franchise opportunities provide coaching and sales franchisees. With a franchise, certifications. Contact him there are three pillars: at (770) 521-0698 or jreid@ esourcecoach.com. ◦ Brand Name. Franchisees get a brand name. That name tends to conjure up images or perceptions about quality and service that consumers already have about that particular brand.
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◦ Operating System. Franchise investors get a proven operating system, which is the value of what franchising has accomplished: An institutionalized customer experience that is repeatable and duplicable. This track record mitigates risk for business owners, and their customers. ◦ Ongoing Support. Franchising provides training, education, owner fellowship, and ongoing support for performance enhancement. The franchisees are in business for themselves, but not by themselves. Now, contrast a franchise opportunity with an independent business. An independent business person does not start with an established brand name, proven operating system, training, or support. Independent business people essentially create those three components themselves, and are then challenged with startup marketing and sales. The kind of person who starts an independent business from scratch and the kind of person who invests in a franchise are typically different people. The person who invests in a franchise has the passion to control his own destiny, but wants a track to run on. This person wants to run a business, not invent one. He has no tolerance for the hassles, trials, and expensive errors common to independent startups. In contrast, the independent business owner wants to create with a blank slate, invent new systems, continued on page 82
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Health & Wellness
Should Parents Accompany Their Children During Dental Treatment? BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN
Here is a typical scenario with a child’s dental visit. An eightyear-old boy needs two fillings, and he’s slightly anxious because he has never had a cavity filled. The boy’s mother goes into the treatment room with the intent of being present for the entire visit. Her goal is to console and protect him. The mother tells her son that he will get a shot and feel a big pinch, because she Dr. Scott Harden is a believes telling him is helpful. dentist at Fountain Mom reaches over and holds her View Family Dentistry son’s hand as soon as the doctor and has served the walks into the room, implying a Woodstock area for more than 21 years. problem. As the dentist explains He is a dental advisor the procedure to his young for two national patient, the mom restates his dental research comments to her son, trying companies. You can reach Dr. Harden at to better explain his meaning. (770) 926-0000 or visit The child becomes distracted as FountainViewSmiles.com. both the dentist and his mother provide information. The child’s anxiety increases and often results in an unfavorable dental appointment. Learning to successfully interact with others is one of the most important aspects of a child’s development, and includes a child’s visit the dentist. The child must learn to listen to the dentist to understand the value of the dental procedure and how to cope with the treatment. The parent often wants to be present in the treatment room to monitor the dentist and ensure the child’s safety. While this is understandable, the parent’s presence undermines the dentist’s authority. The child may be scared and instinctively turns to the parent for protection instead of trusting the dentist. The parent’s presence further elevates the child’s emotional level and doesn’t allow the child to learn to gain enough strength to get through the appointment. In today’s technological society, a child’s social development is hindered by less face-to-face conversation because of cell phones, texting and social media. “Children, today, don’t know how to handle conflict face-to-face because of their involvement in technology that begins very 44
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“Parents who are not comfortable leaving their child in the dental treatment room can wait out of sight in the hall, which will allow the child to learn independence.” young,” said Melissa Ortega, a child psychologist at New York’s Child Mind Institute. Children and teens between ages 8 and 18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes daily playing video games, going online and watching TV, and most have no household rules governing how much time they are allowed to spend doing these things, according to the 2010 study, “Generation M2 Media in the Lives of 8 to 18 Year Olds,” conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation. When you add time spent eating, sleeping and attending school, little time is left for playing, socializing and enhancing communication skills. While parents always want to protect their children, children can learn from life’s adversities to develop the character they need for the future. Children need to embrace challenging situations, such as going to the dentist, in order to grow personally. Parents who are not comfortable leaving their child in the dental treatment room can wait out of sight in the hall, which will allow the child to learn independence. I have treated thousands of children over several decades. It is evident that children are better patients when the parent stays out of the treatment room. The child is best talked to as an adult so the child will ultimately act like an adult. A show– tell–do method is best implemented to allow the child to understand the procedure. Children generally accept dental care without a problem. It is important that child’s dental care is handled efficiently and very comfortably every time so they have a positive experience. My professional advice to parents is to express your confidence in the dentist to your child and explain only the facts of any upcoming dental procedure. Avoid expressing personal dental anxieties you may have from your past experiences. Dentistry has advanced tremendously in recent years, including the use of computer anesthesia which is painless. With distractions like television and headphones available in the dental chair, children breeze through their dental appointments easier than ever.
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Health & Wellness
Crash at Discover Chiropractic BY VAN TRAN
As I was driving home from the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, I received a disturbing phone call from my office Dr. Van Tran is a board manager stating that an SUV had certified chiropractor with run into our office. Surreal as it Discover Chiropractic. He can be reached at (770) might sound, it is very real and 516-9900. comical at the same time. That was Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, but it seems like it was just yesterday. So what really happened? A middle aged woman who had just recently gotten her driver’s license accidentally stepped on the gas instead of the brake as she was pulling in to park. As a result, her SUV knocked down three windows and crashed
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into the front desk of our office. Fortunately, we were closed that day; otherwise people would have been seriously injured. Other than her pride being hurt a little bit, the driver is doing well. The damages, however, were quite severe. It took nearly three weeks to repair our entire front office and replace all the carpet due to shattered glass. The one good thing out of this horrific incident is that we now have a beautiful office that is very pleasing to the eyes. The joke among patients is that we are now known as “the drive thru chiropractor.” It’s times like these that make us all realize how blessed we are. The support from our patients was amazing. It is so nice to be back home in Towne Lake.
Health & Wellness
Dr. Google or Dr. Hardin? BY DR. AMY HARDIN
Almost every day, I have a parent who comes into the office who has looked up her child’s symptoms on the Internet and is now terrified that her child has some horrible disease. Luckily, since kids really tend to be healthy people (a tough concept to believe in the winter, I know), the parent is almost always wrong. After hearing a child’s history, examining him or her and coming up with the proper Amy Hardin is a diagnosis and treatment, I get pediatrician in Towne Lake a good opportunity to discuss at Northside Pediatrics. Check out Northside why it’s a good idea NOT to use Pediatrics’ new website at Dr. Google to figure out the www.northsidepediatrics. diagnosis of her child (or her own com and follow them on diagnoses!). Facebook at Northside In today’s connected society, Pediatrics! there are a lot of websites that discuss symptoms, diagnose you and your kids and discuss treatments. According to the Pew Internet Research Institute, at least one third of adults have used the Internet to diagnose an illness. Women are more likely than men to self-diagnose, and 77 percent of people use a search engine such as Google instead of going to a medical website as a first step. And more than a third end up not seeing a doctor after their self-diagnosis. Guess how many are correct in their self-diagnosis? Only 41 percent. Nothing can beat your pediatrician’s hands on, in person, assessment and exam. One of my professors at Emory told me that a good pediatrician can walk into a room and decide who is really sick and who is not. I’ve had a couple of kids trick me
“Women are more likely than men to self-diagnose, and 77 percent of people use a search engine such as Google instead of going to a medical website as a first step. And more than a third end up not seeing a doctor after their self-diagnosis. ” in the past on that alone, but combined with a patient’s history and a good exam, physicians are usually right on the money when it comes to knowing who needs to go to the ER or be admitted. A physician also will know who has a viral rash and not meningitis or leukemia like the Internet said. If after reading all the above you still want to look up symptoms on the Internet before visiting your pediatrician, make sure you look at good pediatric-based sites. The American Academy of Pediatrics parent website, www.healthychildren.org, not only has information about diseases, but also about child development, nutrition and mental health. Another good site is the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta website, www.choa.org. The Nemour’s clinic also has a great website at www.kidshealth.org. Finally, if it’s after hours and you’re not sure if your child needs to be seen, CHOA runs a nurse advice line that can walk you through a series of questions about your child’s symptoms at (404) 250KIDS (5497), and can answer the question of whether you can wait until morning or go immediately to an urgent care center. Don’t let Dr. Google scare you. Let the group that knows you and your kids the best figure out what the problem is and come up with the right answers in treatment. Plus, we have free stickers and bubbles after the visit is complete!
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Health & Wellness
Tips For a Healthy Holiday Season BY WELLSTAR
The holidays are an exciting time of the year, but it’s important to keep your health in mind. Follow these easy tips to have a healthy holiday season. Don’t overload on treats If you are going to eat sweets or foods that contain high contents of fat or carbohydrates, eat in moderation. Also, try eating a healthy dinner before going to a holiday party to curb cravings. Drink more water If you do decide to indulge in rich holiday meals, drink extra water to flush out the excess sodium that you consume. Update your wish list Add health-related items to your wish list, such as: • A pedometer to motivate you to walk more • Workout clothes • A cookbook with healthy recipes
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• A gourmet tea kit • A smoothie maker Manage stress Holiday spending can be extremely stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Try to remember that it’s the thought that counts, not how much you spend on gifts. Stay active Don’t let the holidays be an excuse for you to get behind on exercising. If you are busy with shopping and holiday festivities, at least take time for a short walk, or try running up and down the stairs. You don’t have to wait until the New Year to start an exercise regimen. Make an appointment with your physician Let the holidays be a reminder to make an appointment with your doctor for a yearly check-up and to update your vaccinations. Making it a yearly habit will help prevent diseases and problems with your health.
Compounded Pain Creams – An Alternative for Pain Relief BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO
Taking prescription oral pain medications at the first sign of migraine headache, backache, arthritis or ankle sprain is normally effective at providing relief. This, however, can create unintended consequences such as kidney and gastrointestinal problems, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation and even in some cases addiction to the drug that is supposed to give you relief. For other people, O. Julius Quarcoo is a taking oral pain medications can pharmacist with 21 years of experience. He is the be unsafe because of existing owner of Towne Lake Family health conditions such as stomach Pharmacy, an independent, ulcers or kidney and liver disease. pharmacy located in Many accept these conditions as Woodstock. The pharmacy part of life and live with chronic offers compounding as well as regular prescriptions. pain, but better solutions can (770) 635-7697. be found through compounded townelakepharmacy@ topical pain creams. yahoo.com. Many people wonder what compounding is all about. It is simply the art and science of preparing customized medications for a patient when there is no commercial equivalent. In other words, they are tailor made for an individual’s specific health needs. Prescription compounded pain creams and sprays are safer and very effective alternatives to oral pain medications because they are applied directly to the source of the pain. This allows for minimal (systemic) absorption of the medication, and therefore minimizes the side effects. Prescription pain creams and gels are normally customized for
Prescription compounded pain creams and sprays are safer and very effective alternatives to oral pain medications because they are applied directly to the source of the pain. an individual’s pain type and are designed to contain multiple ingredients that target various pain sensors called receptors. For example, a patient with an ankle sprain could be prescribed large doses of various oral pain medications to help relieve inflammation, acute pain and relax tense muscles. Compounded pain creams or sprays can be formulated for the ankle sprain using just a fraction of the oral dose but still provide effective relief, while also sparing the rest of the patient’s vital organs from side effects. These compounds are prepared with a scentless hypoallergenic base cream applied two to three times per day. By working with a compounding pharmacist, your health care provider can prescribe a pain cream or spray tailored specifically for your exact pain type. Contact you health care provider or local compounding pharmacy for more information.
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Feature
Making the Most of Your Smile Today and Tomorrow Advanced Dental Restorations Dr. Emily Chen 1505 Stone Bridge Pkwy., Ste. 220, Woodstock (678) 810-0881 Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dr. Chen consulting with a patient.
Practice coordinator Krissy Carter. 50
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“I never saw my dad smile until my wedding day. Thank you for giving me this memory that will last forever.” These are the words of the daughter of one of Dr. Chen’s patients, which led her to developing her motto, “Live Your Life Smiling.” Dr. Emily Chen always had an interest in the health and science field but did not decide on the direction to take until she sat in her dentist’s chair one day. Dr. Chen saw how her dentist could change his patients’ lives with his care for their teeth. She saw how he built relationships with his patients and earned their trust. After shadowing her dentist, it became clear to Dr. Chen that dentistry was the path she should pursue. She knew that dentistry would fulfill her desire to be in the health professional field and develop relationships with patients while truly making a difference in their lives. She realized that what she wanted was to help people achieve their goals of a beautiful, healthy, and confident smile. While studying to become a dentist, Dr. Chen would ask the most difficult questions of the faculty, trying to find the best possible solutions for patients. “I often would get the response, ‘That’s a really good question. But you need to ask a prosthodontist.’” A prosthodontist is a dentist who has undergone three additional years of training and education following dental school. Dr. Chen was approached by two prosthodontic faculty members in her second year of dental school, each of whom encouraged her to pursue a career as a prosthodontist. Rather than continuing to ask questions of prosthodontists, she decided to further her education and become one. As a
prosthodontist, Dr. Chen focuses on missing or severely worn teeth and any issue with the structure of the mouth. Dr. Chen’s credentials are impressive. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology from Washington University in St. Louis. She then obtained her Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Dentistry. She also earned her certificate in Prosthodontics from the College of Dentistry’s Department of Restorative Dentistry. Upon completing her training, she became an Instructor in the Oral Rehabilitation Department at the Medical College of Georgia/Georgia Regents University. She was promoted to Assistant Professor and also maintained a successful faculty practice. After years of teaching and practicing dentistry, she practiced as an associate at various dental offices before opening her own practice in May 2013. Recently, Dr. Chen was chosen out of more than 300 applicants to be a spokesperson for the American College of Prosthodontists— which is an incredible honor and opportunity. Dr. Chen focuses on the comprehensive oral care of each patient. “Patients can expect me to spend at least an hour with them. I will ask about both their dental and physical health because the two are connected. I will perform a series of screenings including oral cancer and examine each tooth individually. My exams are very in depth and look at the whole person.” Until Dr. Chen opened her office, patients who needed the expertise of a prosthodontist had to travel outside of
Towne Lake. Not anymore. Dr. Chen’s expertise is invaluable not only to her patients, but as a resource for other dental professionals. “If a prosthetic is deemed necessary, each patient can be assured it will be customized in fit and appearance. We fit the prosthetic to the patient, not the other way around,” she said. All prosthetic teeth are custom colored to match surrounding teeth, and an in-house lab may mean less wait time for the patient. Dr. Chen handles all types of cases, from the simple to a complete mouth restoration. Dr. Chen pays meticulous attention to detail with a caring and compassionate spirit, so patients feel comfortable and completely cared for. Practice Coordinator Krissy Carter said, “Dr. Chen does whatever she needs to do to put her patients at ease. She is good at dealing with complex cases, and many patients have commented that they have never had an experience like the one they had with Dr. Chen.” Just like her career choice, Dr. Chen was very deliberate and thoughtful when it came time to set up her own practice. “Our main focus is patient comfort and the end result of the treatment plan, all within a state-of-the-art office,” she said. When patients first enter the office, they may think they are in the wrong place. Nothing about the office says “dental.” In fact, unlike many dental or medical offices, there won’t be a lot of patients in the waiting room, and that’s deliberate. Dr. Chen’s philosophy of “low volume, high quality” assures that each patient receives the utmost
in personalized care and treatment. If a patient does have to wait, he or she will enjoy sitting on the well-appointed leather sofa while listening to the soothing sounds of a small waterfall and soft music. And undoubtedly, he or she will probably notice the many orchids placed throughout the office. “Orchids are one of nature’s most symmetrical and beautiful flowers. Everything I create for a patient is designed to be
Dr. Chen working at the in-house lab.
symmetrical and proportional which enhances the beauty of the final product. Thus, the orchid, a symbol of beauty and perfection is the perfect representation of my practice,” said Dr. Chen. Patients are escorted to an operatory (dentist’s working space), where they settle into a comfortable, reclined chair. Dr. Chen takes pride in her office and meticulously spent hours researching and designing the office specifically with her patients’ needs and comforts in mind. “Our chairs are special ordered and designed with patient comfort
in mind. A lot of my patients drive a significant distance to see me; some even fly in, so to have a comfortable treatment chair is essential.” Each operatory has large windows with beautiful views from the chair. Dr. Chen explained that even the lighting is special. “We installed color-corrected lighting which mimics outdoor lighting.” Details to the aesthetics are important to patient comfort, but attention to equipment is essential for patient care. This is why, in additional to standard in-office sterilization procedures, Dr. Chen’s instruments are all subject to an additional sterilization procedure that is independently verified by an offsite lab. All instruments are sterilized to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. For some patients, bite wing X-rays can be uncomfortable. “For patients with sensitivity and/or gag reflex to traditional bite wing X-rays, our panoramic machine allows us to do external bite wing X-rays, eliminating any patient discomfort,” explained Dr. Chen. Towne Lake residents are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Chen’s knowledge and expertise in their own backyard, but also to have a caring, approachable medical professional who believes in taking her time and treating each patient as the individual he or she is. She accepts all major dental insurance plans, and her office will happily file insurance claims for patients. Payment plans are available, as is access to a third party financing company. New patients are being accepted. TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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School & Sports
Etowah vs Woodstock As a high school football player, every Friday night is special —the fans, the excitement and hopefully, the thrill of victory. But one game in particular every year generates more interest, enthusiasm and smack talk: the home “towne” rivalry of the Etowah Eagles verses the Woodstock Wolverines. This year, the grudge match took place at Etowah, with home and away stands packed to capacity. The game remained close throughout, but in the end, Etowah prevailed with a final score of 35 – 28.
Etowah photos courtesy of Marguerite White 54
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Woodstock photos courtesy of Skip Daugherty TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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School & Sports
INSIDE THE MIND OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT Each month, students in Joe Lemmo’s seventh grade Language Arts class at E.T. Booth Middle School will be sharing thoughts on topics important to them. This month’s topic is, How can parents become more “cool”?
Many parents want to be cool. But what is cool? Is it a hypothetical idea, a style of life, a subculture? The reason it’s hard for parents to be cool is because there are so many definitions for cool. However, now I will give you what middle school students think is cool. For middle school students, current styles or trends are cool. Denis Engage in current trends once and Selitskiy a while and teens will think you are cool! Try not to embarrass your children with their childhood stories. Teens just left that era of their lives and never want to return. Finally, teens want more freedom, so more lax bedtimes and lower limits on computer time would help! The last rule is that there are no rules! What I mean is that you should get to know your child, so you can find out what they think is cool! Now that will make you cool!
McKenna Riddle
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Your parents never want you to grow up! They want you to stay little forever. Therefore, they might treat you like a baby sometimes. Most teens want their parents to treat them like adults, not babies. We want to be independent, and some parents want to help you with everything, which, in the eyes of a teen, makes them uncool. Teens also think their parents are embarrassing. Sure, when we were little it used to be funny, but now it’s embarrassing. Stop embarrassing us, and we’ll think you’re cool! I also think that parents don’t realize what cool means these days. Cool means hanging out with friends, not having family time all day. I personally believe if parents follow my suggestions, they will be considered cool. And if you’re already cool, maybe you just might become “really” cool!
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Jack Porubiansky
Most kids think that parents are uncool. I totally agree with that one hundred percent! There are many things that make a parent uncool. The biggest one is that they always give us punishments. They are always strict and mean, but many of my friends’ parents are always nice to me. Parents can get out of the “uncool” zone by being more relaxed. Let us kids have fun and enjoy our childhood. When we ask to eat some snacks or candy let us eat it! Of course, when your kid eats too much candy, you need to limit them. And finally, if you want to be cool, let us go outside and play whenever we want! That’s my advice!
Teens will sometimes think or call their parents un-cool, but what does uncool mean? We all know that “un” means not, but what is the real definition of cool? I typed “define cool” into the Google app on my phone and a lot of definitions popped up. Some of the definitions were Trey “Excellent, used to express appliance Lewis or agreement, etc.” But one that stood out was “fashionably attractive or impressive.” That means that for your kids to stop calling you uncool, you have to be impressive. So the real question is how do you be impressive? To be impressive your child needs to like you. They would want you to be around and to be okay with what they are doing, unless it is inappropriate or they are harming themselves or someone else. And also, do NOT under any circumstances make them feel embarrassed around friends or others. If you follow my advice, you will surely enter the cool zone!
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School & Sports
Bascomb Teacher wins iPad Liberty Mutual in Woodstock, an auto and homeowners insurance company that partners with Cherokee County School District (CCSD) schools, recently held a drawing for an iPad that was open to employees at 28 CCSD schools. Bascomb Elementary School third-grade teacher Judy Eason won the drawing and was presented with her prize by Liberty Mutual agent Eric Hodges.
Bascomb Students Clean Up Campus Bascomb Elementary School first-graders in Jodi Kosten’s class care for their environment by holding a campus cleanup every month. Students in the class are: Alexa Velilla, Alexis Findlay, Aubrey Wertz, Cayden Cotton, Cooper Price, Damium Santiago, Danielle Walsh, Elizabeth McNeely, Ericka Hernandez, Evan Hall, Hudson Turner, Jackson Rose, James Petrey, Jordan Armstrong, Joshua Mauriello, Katherine Clark, Katherine Coppola, Lily Hollon, Luke Limbocker, Natalie Cardin, Nathan Woodall, Satyajit Prabhuram and Sean Hall.
Etowah Student Selected for U.S. Program Etowah High School senior Alex C. Johnson has been selected as the Cherokee County School District nominee for the United States Senate Youth Program. Two students will be selected from the pool of school district nominees to represent the State of Georgia at the national event. The program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Principal Keith Ball and Alex C. Johnson. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, and will participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Alex is Etowah High School’s Student Delegate to the Cherokee County School Board.
Etowah to Hold Soccer 5K The seventh annual Etowah Soccer Wonderful Winter 5K/Fun Run will be held at 8 a.m. Feb. 1, 2014. The start and finish will be at the Etowah stadium, and the 5K’s course will be contained on campus. Registration is $25 and everyone who registers by Jan. 20 is guaranteed a T-shirt. The event will benefit the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs at Etowah. For more information or to download a registration form, visit www.etowahsoccer.com. Sponsorships are available by calling Susan Moore at (770) 8656262 or emailing her at smsgrad@gmail.com. 60
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School & Sports
Clark Creek Student Wins Poster Contest
Veterans Deploy to Cherokee Charter
Clark Creek Elementary School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Academy third-grader Destiny Kandie is the third-grade school-wide winner for the Farm City Week poster contest sponsored by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau. For the contest, children illustrated how they think farmers and businesses should work together.
Members of the American armed forces, past and present, visited Cherokee Charter Academy to share their military experiences and life lessons with students. The event was part of CCA’s STRIVE (Students Taking Responsibility for Important Values of Excellence) 65 Character Education program. Army Staff Ser-geant Naron Bryan, who recently returned from Special Forces deployment to Afghanistan, told Ms. Dudley’s second grade class, “You always need to be willing to better yourself and learn.”
Destiny Kandie with her award-winning poster.
Etowah Football Player Receives Recognition Preston White, a senior at Etowah High School, recently was honored for his play as lineman for the Eagles football team. After the game against Woodstock, Preston was named Gridiron Co-Defensive Player of the Game and Cherokee Tribune Athlete of the Week. He also was named Lineman of the Week by the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. Preston is the son of Marguerite and Rufus White. 62
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Cherokee Christian Soccer Finish Second in Tournament Congratulations to Cherokee Christian Schools Middle School boys’ soccer team! The team finished second in the North Atlanta Metro League tournament. The team was led by Coach McCann and Coach Peacock.
Front row (left to right): Andrew Peacock, Joseph Bradford, Christian Thomassy, Daniel Ergle, Brian Bach, Drew DeCarvahlo, Jonah Grant and John Biddiscombe. Back row: Coach Ben Peacock, Vicente Manzo, Jake Smith, Juan Aguirre, Eli Conley, Josh Mickle, Caleb Aste and Coach Andy McCann.
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Cherokee Photography Club
Transportation
Read Between the Lines — Ashti Bhatti
Classic Lines — David Ferguson
David Ferguson — Need a Lift?
Eillene Kirk — Show Horse
Brenda Rehrig — Speeding Red Ducati
Kerry Penn — Union Pacific 844 64
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Dean Kelley — Sunday Afternoon Stroll
Rudy Coopman —Delta Queen
Allen Quandee — Travel Tip 101
Ashi Bhatti — Curved Road
Club info: The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at (770) 617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net.
Allen Quandee — Showing the Way TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Faith
My Christmas Wish List BY DR. DOUG THRASHER
Dr. Doug Thrasher is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the TowneLaker’s Community Board. You may contact him at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org.
I remember as a child when we would get the Sears Christmas Wish Book in the mail. I have four brothers and sisters, and each of us would be scheduled to have a turn looking through the Wish Book and picking out things that we wanted for Christmas. We didn’t get it all, but it was always fun to wish! As I’ve gotten older, I find that Christmas for me is not so much wishing for gifts. Don’t get me wrong, I like presents and would especially love for anyone to give me a driver that would add 30 yards to my tee shot. (That’s true wishful thinking!) But things are not what I want for Christmas. Let me share with you my wish list this year.
• I wish for peace. Our world needs for the angel’s words to be fulfilled, “Peace on earth.” Imagine a world where peace reigned. • I wish for the hungry to have food. • I wish for everyone to have housing of some sort where he or she can sleep in a bed every night. • I wish for marriages to be strong and loving and lasting. I’ve seen too much divorce in my life. It breaks my heart.
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• I wish for children to be healthy and safe. • I wish for our country to turn to Christ. Heaven knows we’ve got problems in our land. I can’t help but believe that if we humbled ourselves and repented and turned to God that he would heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). • I wish everyone would know Christ as Savior. • I wish all churches would be filled with worshippers every Sunday and not just on Christmas Eve and Easter. And I wish you a blessed Christmas. You have heard the phrase, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” But I think it’s wrong. YOU are the reason for the season. God sent Jesus into the world to be born in a manger because God loves you. May God bless you throughout Christmas time and may Christ be born anew in your heart this year. Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 8 Children’s Choir Christmas Concert, 9:25 a.m., Celebration Hall Friday, y December 13 and Sunday, December 15 Music Ministry Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. (Friday); 6:00 p.m. (Sunday) in the Sanctuary Christmas Eve Traditional Worship with communion: 11:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., Sanctuaryy Traditional Worship: 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00 p.m., Sanctuaryy Family Worship: 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., Celebration Hall Contemporary Worship: 7:00 p.m., Celebration Hall Sunday, y December 29 Traditional Worship: 11:00 a.m., Sanctuaryy Contemporary Worship: 11:00 a.m., Celebration Hall
www.hillsideumc.org 4474 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 770-924-4777
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Faith
Marriage Moments BY BILL RATLIFF
A question occurs to me every Christmas: “Why did God choose Mary and Joseph to raise His son Jesus, the promised Messiah?” They seemed like unlikely candidates. First, they were untried and untested not only as parents but as a married couple. As you remember, Mary was a virgin and was impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Joseph became the stepfather of Jesus. Bill Ratliff is the Senior He honored his commitment to Pastor at Towne Lake Mary by listening to God’s voice Community Church. He can be reached at (678) even though he was not the birth 445-8766 or bratliff@ father of Jesus. He protected his tlcchurch.com family by moving them out of harm’s way and settled in a little town called Nazareth. Joseph made the decision even under adverse circumstances to be a loyal husband and a faithful father. He is certainly one of the most underrated men in the Bible. Mary honored her commitment to God by obeying Him and following His plan all the way from the birth of Jesus, to His death on the cross, to His resurrection to the founding of His church at Pentecost. She was a great wife and a terrific mother. Neither she nor her husband was anything
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“Make plans to take your mate to a place where there is snow. You might find this in North Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina or West Virginia.” special in the world’s eyes, but in God’s eyes they were both precious. Not unlike couples today, Mary and Joseph were faced with many surprises and challenges in their life together. They faced them with grace and courage. Mary and Joseph put God first in their lives. Have you put God first in your life? After hearing God’s very challenging and unusual plan for her life and that of her family, Mary states in Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it happen to me as you have said.” Date Your Mate Make plans to take your mate to a place where there is snow. You might find this in North Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina or West Virginia. Take gloves with you. Have an all-out snowball fight. The goal here is not to win, but to lose yourself in the moment. Enjoy playing together in the snow. Make snow angels, look up at the sky and thank God for how good it is to be on this earth together.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES Woodstock Christian Church
Date: Time: Location: Website:
Dec. 24 6:30 p.m. candlelight service 7700 Hwy. 92 www.woodstockchristian.org
First Baptist Church of Woodstock Date: Time: Location: Website:
Dec. 24 3 & 5 p.m. 11905 Hwy. 92 www.fbcw.org
Location: 132 Medical Pkwy. Website: www.woodstockchristian.org
Hillside UMC
Date: Times: Location: Website:
Dec. 24 11 a.m., 3, 5, 7 and 10:30 p.m. (traditional) 3 & 5 p.m. (family) 7 p.m. (contemporary) 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. www.hillsideumc.org
Sixes UMC
New Victoria Baptist Church
Date: Times: Location: Website:
Towne Lake Community Church
Bascomb UMC
Date: Time: Location: Website: Date: Time:
Dec. 24 6 p.m. 6659 Bells Ferry Rd. www.newvicbaptist.org
Dec. 24 6 p.m. candlelight service
Date: Time: Location: Website:
Dec. 24 5 p.m. (family) 7 & 11 p.m. (candle/carol service) 8385 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton www.sixesumc.org
Dec. 24 5 p.m. (family) 11 p.m. (candlelight) 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Rd. www.bascombumc.org
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D O W N T O W N W O O D S T O C K
Spotlight PAINTING BY KRISTINA LAURENDI HAVENS
Happy Holidays TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Downtown Woodstock
brooklynn’s: fashion forward clothing and accessories
Open: Mon. – Thurs.10 a.m. – 8 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. • Sun. 12 – 6 p.m. In 2012, Jodi Tiberio opened THREADS in downtown Woodstock. The fashion-forward boutique catered to customers who sought the latest trends in clothing and accessories. Having a keen sense of business and what was needed in downtown Woodstock, she expected THREADS to be a success. She just didn’t realize how big of a success it was going to be. “When we launched our Facebook page, it immediately blew up with customers from all over the country wanting the merchandise we featured on the site. This created the need for an e-commerce website,” Jodi said. The website became an instant success, but in the back of Jodi’s mind, she knew there was one thing standing in the way of her further expanding her store—the name. She wanted a name that capitalized on the momentum she was experiencing. After months of research into a name that she felt represented the store, she arrived at Brooklynn’s. “My staff and I all really liked the name and felt it fit the hip and trendy vibe of the store. We feel this name can be parlayed into a universal brand for us with unlimited possibilities,” she said. The name may have changed, but Brooklynn’s remains a destination for all shoppers who desire trendy clothing and accessories that are “in” right now with styles seen in the latest fashion magazines.
The store features high-end denim such as MissMe, Silver and Cello; however, the price points throughout the store are extremely reasonable. Customers can find tops as low as $10, and one of the store’s most popular specials is the $10 shoe offer. Specials always are listed on Facebook and sent to email subscribers. As any fashionista knows, accessories make the outfit, and there’s no shortage of them at Brooklynn’s. There is fashion jewelry, which is always Buy Two Get One Free, all the newest styles in scarves at the lowest prices and belts. According to Jodi, one of the biggest sellers is the Southern Charm necklaces. “Customers can create their own unique necklace with a variety of charms, all of which are reasonably priced.” And while you’re shopping for yourself, you might as well pick up a few holiday gifts for friends and family. One of the top brands the store carries is Natural Life, which includes charms, pillows, mugs and more, all at great price points. Other popular items are the humorous coasters, collegiate items, Ribbon Wick candles, among other products. Jodi is thrilled with the success of Brooklynn’s and will continue to bring the latest in fashion trends to the shoppers of downtown Woodstock. Stop in and see for yourself or visit www.brooklynns.com where all online orders can be picked up at the store the next day.
500 Chambers St., Woodstock • (770) 485-0744 • www.brooklynns.com 72
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Summit Chix Win Scavenger Hunt Team “Summit Chix” won the first Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt. The team is comprised of Christina Smith, Allison Chandler and Kat Lambert. Team “Summit Chix” won a $100 Downtown Dollars Gift Certificate as well as gift certificates donated by Downtown Merchants. The Woodstock Visitors Center would like to thank Salon & Spa Venessa, The Wright Stuff Collectables, Canyons Burger Company, Salon Bastille, Dismero Redline, Natural Strides, and Brooklynn’s for donating prizes that were awarded to the top three finishing teams in the scavenger hunt
Left to right: Christina Smith and Kat Lambert
The scavenger hunt took participants on a journey through Woodstock. The week long event consisted of 100 challenges where participants took creative photos of various things around Woodstock Teams that took part in the scavenger hunt turned in receipts for purchases made in Downtown Woodstock during the time frame of the scavenger hunt to earn bonus points. These teams spent a total of $1,512 at downtown businesses during the scavenger hunt The next Discover Woodstock Scavenger Hunt will take place in Spring 2014, exact date to be announced later.
Kat Lambert, Christina Smith and Allison Chandler Left to right: Allison Chandler and Kat Lambert
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8516 main street downtown woodstock 770.591.2079 www.salonvenessa.com TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Downtown Woodstock
Samantha’s Time BY JODI TIBERIO
Samantha Spennato grew up in Towne Lake. As a young person, she is excited about the growth Jodi Tiberio owns Branch in Woodstock, especially the Boutique for women in Towne Lake and new restaurants and shops. As a Brooklynn’s boutique teacher at a conservative school for men and women in in Roswell, Samantha has to keep Downtown Woodstock. her wardrobe simple. That puts Contact Jodi at info@ spending money on the “cute stuff” shopthreads.net. on the backburner sometimes! I had Jona, one of our clothing stylists, set up an appointment with Samantha. They had a great time trying on different outfits. Samantha brought her favorite pair of boots, so Jona really wanted to put together an outfit to go with them. They decided on one of our most popular dresses, a rust-colored baby doll dress that can be accessorized in so many ways. With a necklace, a scarf or a belt, this dress can take on many looks. The three-quarter length sleeve makes it great for many seasons. Our favorite accessory this season is boot socks. With boots still being the number one choice in winter footwear, boot socks are fun accessories that add a layer of color and texture to an outfit. Wear them with a dress, over leggings or over jeans. With Samantha fully accessorized, it was time for her hair appointment. She really wanted to make some changes with her hair, updating it while keeping her hair long. She visited Salon Gloss Master Stylist, Cora Bass for her hair and makeup makeover. During her consultation, Samantha said that she was a recent graduate looking for something a little more polished and professional. She also said that she didn’t take a lot of time for herself and wasn’t very high maintenance. Although Samantha was accustomed to being a blonde, Cora explained how a deeper, richer, multi- tonal hair color would work in harmony with her complexion and would require fewer visits to the salon. Cora performed a color correction on Samantha’s overly processed blonde ends. She chose warm medium golden brown with hints of soft mahogany and finished her color with just a few highlights to accent her face. Cora strategically layered Samantha’s hair to give it the bounce and shape that she was looking for. Make-up artist Will Clemons finished the transformation with a make-up application to enhance Samantha’s new hair color and showed Samantha a few simple techniques to repeat the look at home. Samantha looks gorgeous! Her new hairstyle and clothes give her a more sophisticated look while still being young and flirty. She can add a denim jacket to this ensemble and be ready for a cool day or evening! 74
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Downtown Woodstock
faces and places KidFest 2013
Woodstock Art & Wine Festival 2013
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Kristina Laurendi Havens is the owner of Studio 81, portrait and Fine Art, which shares a beautiful studio space in downtown Woodstock with Ann Litrel Art. Kristina offers painting classes for all levels and holds an open weekly Figure Drawing studio. For more information, please contact her at 81artist@comcast.net.
Everyday Scenes of Woodstock Up for Auction BY KRISTINA LAURENDI HAVENS
Local Artist Kristina Laurendi Havens has spent over 18 months creating a series of paintings depicting everyday scenes around Main Street in Woodstock. As she heads out for lunch or to the yoga studio, joins in at city events in the park, or takes her family to Friday Nite Live, Kristina always has her camera or cell phone ready to capture the crowd enjoying everything downtown Woodstock has to offer. The Woodstock Series of paintings consists of more than 30 pieces, with many more still to be painted. Kristina has paired with the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village and will be auctioning off the individual paintings to benefit the next phase of development for the theater and arts center in downtown. If you are interested in participating in the auction or following the series of paintings on-line, follow Kristina on facebook at facebook.com/Krystyna81 or e-mail to join her mailing list at81artist@comcast.net. Please join Kristina, her studio partner Ann Litrel, and local artist and teacher from Elm Street Debbie Tidwell at Ann Litrel Art/Studio 81 for Friday Nite Live on December 6 from 6-9. The studio is located at 8594 Main Street above Outspokin’ Bicycles and will also be open December 7 - 8 for the North Georgia Art Ramble.
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Downtown Woodstock
December CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 6
Dec. 8, 15 & 22
Friday Nite Live — Christmas on Main Time: 6 – 9 p.m. Location: Downtown Woodstock Information: Do some early shopping and enjoy the festivity of the season. Santa will be there!
“Little Drummer Boy” Time: 2 p.m. Location: City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main St. Information: Tickets $10 online or $12 at the door. www.elmstreetarts.org or call (678) 494-4251.
Dec. 7 – 16
Dec. 14
North Pole Mailbox Location: The Park at City Center gazebo Information: Children can drop off their letters to Santa, and they will receive a personalized letter from Santa just before Christmas. Be sure to include the child’s name and address on the letter to Santa.
Santa Visit Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Location: Visitors Center, 8588 Main St. Information: Bring your own camera for pictures with Santa. Call (770) 924-0406
Dec. 7
A Christmas Carol Times: Dec. 14, 2 p.m. (free performance) Dec. 20, 21 & 23, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 2 p.m. Location: City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main St. Information: All shows except December 14 are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors/students and $10 for children 3-12 if purchased online. At the door, $15, $13 and $12. www.elmstreetarts.org or call (678) 494-4251.
Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights Time: Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree in the park, Christmas carols, treats and activities for children. Location: Main Street and the Park at City Center
Dec. 7 & 21
Latimer Hall Craft Show Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: 103 Towne Lake Pkwy. Information: www.facebook.com/ LatimerHallArtsAndCraftShow
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Dec. 14, 20, 21, 23 & 24
Dec. 24
Snow in Woodstock! Time: 4 – 6 p.m. Location: Park at City Center Information: Sponsored by Momentum Church. There will be snow, music, hot cocoa, marshmallow roasting, sled riding and an appearance by Santa! www.ChristmasinWoodstock.com or www.MomentumChurch.tv.
Experience Elm Street Year Long Giving BY G. LORA GROOMS
Now is the time when we start making Christmas lists of what we are giving our children, grandchildren, spouses, friends, relatives, co-workers, bosses, teachers, etc. And that’s not the end of it. No doubt, we are also being asked what we want to receive from those who care about us. For my family, one thing is always certain: everyone gets new pajamas from me - including the grandchildren. It’s a tradition G. Lora Grooms is the passed down from my parents, and director for the Elm Street I’m sure many of you do the same. Cultural Arts Village. Colorful new pjs for all, so everyone She has been teaching, looks nice when the cameras start writing, directing and going off on Christmas morning. performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. You can (My dad worked for Kodak so there reach her at director@ were always lots of pictures and elmstreetarts.org Super 8 film footage!) My dad often tells me when he was growing up in the 1920-30s, there would be a great deal of concern during the holidays about the people who were not going to have a nice dinner unless the community did something. Even as a young child he would think, “But what happens to these hungry people the rest of the year? Why aren’t we worried about feeding them all the time?” Indeed. Why aren’t we? What is it about the holidays that make us suddenly think about helping others, donating to good causes and showing up at nursing homes with holiday entertainment? What do we think goes on the rest of the year? In Cherokee County, there are many families who don’t know where their next decent meal is coming from on a daily basis. They might have food, but often it is of poor quality and small quantity. Thank goodness for Papa’s Pantry, MUST Ministries, Families of Cherokee United in Service (FOCUS), and many other organizations and churches that serve the community year-round. We are also helping by collecting canned goods for Papa’s Pantry. We have a collection basket in our lobby, and we encourage theatre patrons to donate canned goods each time they attend a performance at Elm Street. At 2 p.m. on Dec. 14, we will present a special live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol- free to the community - as a thank you for the support we receive all year long. We ask attendees to bring canned goods donations to serve as a “ticket” to see the performance. We hope to see many of you there on the 14th so we can call Papa’s Pantry officials and tell them they need to bring a big truck to take it all away! Wouldn’t it be great if there was so much food all year long Papa’s had to bring a big truck to Elm Street every month? TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Downtown Woodstock
Shop Local for the Holidays BY JENNA CLOVER
It’s that time of year again. Time to start the search for holiday gifts for friends, family and loved ones. Whether you’re shopping for the outdoorsman, the fashionista or the foodie, remember this season you can find a gift for anyone in downtown Woodstock. Our downtown merchants have an incredibly diverse selection of unique treasures for everyone. Jenna Clover is a Tourism You can find relaxing spa Information Assistant packages, creative repurposed at the Woodstock antiques, and even beautiful Visitors Center. Native American jewelry. If you’re stumped for a gift idea, you can purchase Downtown Dollars, a gift certificate that’s accepted at 37 businesses downtown. You can buy the certificates at the Woodstock Visitors Center,
which has a wide selection of Woodstock and Cherokee County-themed merchandise. The center is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Sat., in Dean’s Store at 8588 Main St. Shopping locally, helps you avoid crowds and chaos while spending your money locally. You will get to enjoy the holiday lights, décor and the festive environment of our downtown area. You will even be supporting the environment by giving your car a break through not traveling as far and strolling from store to store by foot. Plan your holiday shopping around events like Christmas on Main, our last Friday Night Live of the year that’s planned for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 6. Santa will be at the Woodstock Visitors Center during Friday Night Live, and again 1 – 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Bring your own camera for free Santa photos. Don’t forget to be here for our Christmas Jubilee Parade on Dec. 7. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and is one downtown tradition you don’t want to miss. Remember to enjoy lunch or dinner at one of our great restaurants while checking items off your holiday shopping list. Support your local merchants - shop and dine in downtown Woodstock!
On the last Friday January -October, Main Street members and community guests visit The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, at 8 A.M. for a networking breakfast meeting. Local sponsors provide insights into their business and organization, and community programs and projects are briefed. Members and guests enjoy light breakfast fare and community networking before and after the meeting. They are currently conducting our annual membership drive. Please check out mainstreetwoodstock.org for more information. December Morning Buzz will be at Woodstock Elementary School with breakfast and entertainment. It will be December 6 beginning at 8 a.m. Christmas Jubilee Parade December 7 at 5:30 p,m. Friday Night Live will be December 6 Christmas on Main St. Santa will also be at the Visitors Center that night. December 14 Santa will be at The Visitors Center from 1 - 2 p.m. Welcome New Members Envision Health Studio – Laura Mikszan South Cherokee.Com – Osa Marten
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Find out What’s happening Downtown by downloading the Visit Woodstock App
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JSL Tour of Homes Raises Money for Local Charities The women of the Junior Service League of Woodstock were at it again in full force this November for their 17th annual Holiday Tour of Homes. This was their most successful year yet! People came out in scores to get inspired for their own holiday festivities, and ‘tis definitely the season for giving! Thanks to all of the tour-goers, designers and sponsors, the beneficiaries of this year’s tour, Papa’s Pantry, Georgia Canines for Independence, Cherokee Focus, and Bethesda Community Clinic will continue to fill hearts with cheer this holiday season! There were five homes this year, spanning from downtown Woodstock to Bridgemill in Canton, and the people coming and going from every house were simply in awe of the designers’ hard work. Designing Women, Interiors at Fun Finds, Lori North Interiors, Linden and Red Key Interior Designs all did a fabulous job of spreading holiday cheer in the chicest way possible! Speaking of the season for giving, the Junior Service League of Woodstock would like to give a huge thank you to Well Star, the tour sponsor, for making this year such a success! The weekend long event was a perfect way to kick off another wonderful holiday season!
What if…You Started a Business in 2014? continued from page 42
and defines the details of how the business is going to work. This owner has the time and resources to weather the trailblazing venture. Predictably, an independent business owner is on the extreme high-risk/high reward end of the risk-reward spectrum when compared to franchise owners. A new year is a great time for a new beginning. 2013 was mine. Is 2014 yours?
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Photos by Geurin Bailey Photography.
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA COMMUNITY OF FAITH Baptist
Jewish
Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner
Chabad Jewish Center 14255 Wade Green Rd NW, Ste 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144, (678) 460-7702 Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat monthly at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat monthly at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWoodstock.com, www.Facebook.com/ JewishCenter
Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock, (770) 710-1068 Pastor: Elder Larry White www.crossroadspbc.org First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Alive Groups & Worship Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship Service: 6 p.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Mike Maxwell
Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green Street Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, (770) 973-3533 www.Kolemeth.net
New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 11 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana/Youth: 6:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: John Harris www.newvicbaptist.org
Messianic Jewish
South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert
Lutheran
Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 9 a.m. (family service) & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler
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Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life Ministries” 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (678) 936-4125 Saturday Hebrew Literacy & Bible Study: 10 a.m. Saturday Shabbat Service: 11 a.m. Rabbi: Gary Maxted
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.gslutheran.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien
Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org
Presbyterian Christ Covenant Presbyterian of Woodstock (PCA) Meets in the Rec Center of Cherokee County’s South Annex, 7545 Main Street; Bldg. 200, Woodstock Pastor: Ted Lester www.cc-pca.org Geneva Orthodox
Presbyterian Church Meets in Kings Academy Church Building 471 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, (770) 833-3797 Sunday Services: 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m., Sunday School: 11:30 a.m. Pastor: Matthew Holst www.genevaopc.org Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Don Esa
Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Larry Niese www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com
United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Harden Hopper www.bascombumc.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Chris Bryant www.coahumc.org Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:25 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m
Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org
(678) 463-6330, catalystonline.tv Sunday Services: 11 a.m.
Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street, (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org
Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson
Little River United Methodist Church 12455 Highway 92, (770) 926-2495 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Bill Coady www.littleriverumc.info Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Joe McKechnie www.sixesumc.org Woodstock United Methodist Church 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 516-0371 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude T. Herbert
Unitarian Universalist Emerson U U Congregation 2799 Holly Springs Road, Marietta, Georgia 30062 (770) 578-1533 Services: 9 & 11:30 a.m. August – May www.emersonuu.org Rev. Jeff Jones
Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Awakening Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140 next to Folks Restaurant, (770) 924-4150 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.awakeningwoodstock.com Lead Pastor: Jeff Whitmire Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church 230 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, (770) 517-2977 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Mat Garcia www.bridgepointechurch.org Catalyst Church 9872 Main Street, Woodstock
Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com
Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker www.prayerandpraise.org
Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org
Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Gene Prince www.rezwoodstock.org
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, (678) 494-2100 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. www.sgcatlanta.org
Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. Auxiliary Meeting: 10:20 a.m. Bishop Phil Karski Woodstock Ward Sacrament Meeting: 11 a.m. Bishop Jonathan Ensign Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle Church 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock, (770) 928-7478 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Pastor: A.D. Hinton www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, (770) 405-2500 Party on Sunday: 10 a.m. www.hishandschurch.com Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth, (404) 663-1828 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5 (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton (404) 579-0885
Sunnyside Church of God 2510 East Cherokee Drive, (770)-693-1018 Sunday service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Lance Turner www.sunnysidecog.com The Church at Acworth 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Jason Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway, (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m. Sr. Pastor: William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Watermarke Church Meeting at Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton, (678) 880-9092 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m., 5 p.m. www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Aprenda Ingles Gratis (Free ESL): Lunes 7 — 9 p.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Lewis Stark www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: 7745 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: Laury Beesley, (678) 642-3110 www.CherokeeToastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 8.30 a.m. Location: J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Monday morning at 7:30 am Location: IHOP 8979 Hwy 92 www.meetup.com/No-Fee-Referral-NetworkWoodstock North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. Location: J. Christophers, 315 Chambers Street Contact: (770) 592-5990
Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Tuscany, 250 Cinema Way Contact: WCBusinessAssoc@aol.com
Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hr, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 www.ahimsahouse.org Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika.org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Location: 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115 admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS. Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com
The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Contact: Edeline Dryden (678) 789-6158 www.thejoyofconnecting.com
Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net
Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280
Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter, (770) 842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com
Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & Third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com
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Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: (770) 345-1024 Website: www.habitat-ncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com
Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: (770) 218-1997 www.hospiceadvantage.com iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 www.iCORorphans.com MUST Ministries Contact: Kendall Jones, (770) 479-5397
Next Step Ministries provides day programs Monday through Saturday for special needs kids, teens, and young adults. Contact: (770) 592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org
Civic Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50+ Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944 American Legion Post 316 Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366 Junior Service League of Woodstock Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Tuscany Contact: 24 hour info line: (770) 592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766, Lynda @edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meeting: Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch) Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@southernco.com Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522
Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: Charlice Byrd, (404) 557-2218 Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (404) 690-4452 Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958 Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: lodge.info@woodstocklodge246.org Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158
www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee County Arts Center Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group www.TCCSAG.org Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey Website: www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com
Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663
Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197
Political Organizations
Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Contact: Ellen Kayton, (678) 494-6005 www.nntl.org
Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Second Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Holly Springs Train Depot www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: Second Saturday at 9 a.m. Location: Winchesters Woodfire Grill Contact: (678) 809-1411 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli (770)592-6545 Republican Women of Cherokee County Meeting: www.rwccga.com Contact: (678) 520-2236
Recreation & Hobbies Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: Studio 101, 101 Emma Lane, www.artsalliancega.org Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road
Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization. Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com
Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131 Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551
Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casaforchildren.org Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee County Lupus Support Group Meeting: 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: New Light Church Hall Contact: Pam Bennett, (404) 975-7580 C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org Georgia Canines for Independence www.gcidogs.org Contact: (404) 824-4637 GRANDparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7p.m. Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30188-30189 https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Location: Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: (770) 924-4777 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711.
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: (404) 843-1880
Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899
Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com
Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors Meeting: First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589
CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers.
Towne Lake Area Moms Group www.TowneLakeArea.com
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Reference
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)
100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://chambliss.senate.gov
Senator Johnny Isakson (R)
1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Tom Price (R) District 6
85-C Mill St., Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075 http://tom.house.gov
Rep. Rob Woodall (R) District 7
75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 http://woodall.house.gov
Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R) District 11
100 North Street Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114 http://gingrey.house.gov
State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)
203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov
Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 14 barry@barryloudermilk.com
Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov Sen. Jack Murphy (R) District 27
e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461 (202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999
(404) 652-7003 (404) 656-0034 (404) 463-1378 (770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602
(678) 576-2644
Rep. Calvin Hill (R) District 22 calvin.hill@house.ga.gov
State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr.
Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris
(404) 463-7778
(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6431 (678) 493-6431
(678) 493-6160
Juvenile Court:
88
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
Commissioners: L.R. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman
lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Harry Johnston (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com bpoole@cherokeega.com
Jason Nelms (R) District 4 Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
(770) 735-8055 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4100 fax: (678) 493-4228
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little
(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420
2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 155 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo
(770) 924-4099 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Kelly Marlow (R) District 1 Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 Michael Geist (R) District 3
Probate Court:
Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker
(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6001
(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236 (770) 721-6298 x4369 (770) 893-2970 (404) 462-4950
michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Judge Keith Wood (R)
1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114
patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Magistrate Court: Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds
www.cherokeega.com
kelly.marlow@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Cherokee County Courts Superior Court: Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners
jnelms@cherokeega.com (202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 345-2931
Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21
(678) 493-6511
Brian Poole (R) District 3 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005
(678) 523-8570
scot@turnerforhouse.com
(770) 479-1488
hjohnston@cherokeega.com (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990
Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20
michael@CaldwellforHouse.com
District Attorney Shannon Wallace Clerk of Courts Patty Baker
(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280
Janet Read (R) Chair
(770) 516-1444
janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rick Steiner (R) District 4
(770) 721-4398, x4370
rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rob Usher (R) District 5
(770) 928-0341
rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Robert Wofford (R) District 6 (Vice-Chair) robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
e-mail: dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com
(770) 345-6256
(770) 592-6017
Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association
(Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) Douglas Properties (770) 926-3086 117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188
SCHOOL INFORMATION Public Schools Ace 3921 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs (770) 345-2005 Principal: Mr. Richard Landolt www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ aceacademy Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway, Woodstock (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ carmel-es Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton (678) 385-7322 Principal: Dr. Scott O’Prey cherokeecharter.org E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive, Woodstock (770) 924-6260 Principal: Ms. Joey Moss www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road, Acworth (770) 974-6682 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive, Woodstock (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Dr. Curt Ashley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris
Woodstock Elementary School 230 Rope Mil Road, Woodstock (770) 926-6969 Principal: Kim Montalbano www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-es Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, (770) 592-3500 Principal: Dr. Paul Weir www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-hs Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms
Private Schools Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org High School Principal: Rod Kirby Middle School Principal: Hal Scripka Elementary School: Robert Lester Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92, Acworth (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org Holdheide Education K-3 5234 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Principal: Tammy Dorsten
(770) 516-2292, www.MyGiftedKids.org Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd., Woodstock (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org
Home School Compass Prep Academy Director: Laura George www.compassprep.org info@compassprep.org (404) 643-9424 Homeschool Community Classical Conversations Woodstock Director: Cari Lingerfelt carinwoody@bellsouth.net
Cherokee County School District 2013-2014 Calendar at a Glance
December 23 - January 3 Holiday Break January 20 No School February 17-21 Winter Break March 31 - April 4 Spring Break Cafeteria account information: www.mypaymentsplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12.ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN OCTOBER Towne Lake Sales for October 2013 List Price $ 164,900.00 $ 120,000.00 $ 134,900.00 $ 154,000.00 $ 170,000.00 $ 175,000.00 $ 100,000.00 $ 205,000.00 $ 250,000.00 $ 154,988.00 $ 179,900.00 $ 279,900.00 $ 275,000.00 $ 279,900.00 $ 160,000.00 $ 187,500.00 $ 209,900.00 $ 325,000.00 $ 449,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $ 179,900.00 $ 107,000.00 $ 165,000.00 $ 165,000.00 $ 149,900.00 $ 70,000.00 $ 114,900.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 255,450.00 $ 177,500.00 $ 154,900.00 $ 179,900.00 $ 329,900.00 $ 285,000.00 $ 164,900.00 $ 165,900.00 $ 325,000.00 $ 434,900.00 $ 325,000.00 $ 675,000.00 $ 124,900.00 $ 124,900.00 $ 254,900.00 $ 165,500.00 $ 299,000.00 $ 449,000.00 $ 342,162.00 $ 159,900.00 $ 175,000.00 $ 229,900.00
$ 220,302.00
Address
Subdivision
1426 Reed LN Alatoona Downs 1512 Sandpiper DR Allatoona Downs 1776 Cumberland TRCE Allatoona Pass 254 Ascott LN Belmont Trace 231 Bennett Farms TRL Bennett Farms 263 Bennett Farms TRL Bennett Farms 1133 BRITLEY PARK LN Britley Park 544 Keeneland AVE Brookshire 305 Gainesway TRL Brookshire 2926 Cedar Mill DR Cedar Mill Crossing 3004 Lexington AVE Centennial Place 7063 Hunters RDG Deer Run 117 Piedmont LN Deer Run West 112 Piedmont LN Deer Run West 1607 Eagle DR Eagle View 676 Wedgewood DR Eagle Watch 304 Valley Green CT Eagle Watch 408 Misty Ridge WAY Eagle Watch 1053 Fairway Valley DR Eagle Watch 411 Etowah Valley WAY Etowah Valley Estates 406 Etowah Valley WAY Etowah Valley Estates 148 HARTWOOD DR Glendale Forest 435 Hearthstone WAY Hearthstone See all the photos and details of these sold listings at 1494 Heritage WAY Heritage Place 405 REVERE CT Independence Walk 6658 Kellogg DR Kellogg Creek 730 Kipling TRL Kingsridge Estates 412 Walnut DR Magnolia Walk 104 Meridian DR Meridian At Ridgewalk 401 Thaxton LN Montclair At Ridgewalk 901 Rose Creek TRL Rose Creek 101 Sable Trace LN Sable Trace 592 Fairway DR The Fairways 2616 Gladstone TER The Fairways at Towne Lake 1517 Towne Harbor LN Towne Harbor 1324 Towne Harbor TRL Towne Harbor 1120 Towne Lake HLS E Towne Lake Hills East 642 Goldpoint TRCE Towne Lake Hills East 2015 Towne Lake HLS W Towne Lake Hills West 416 Cottonwood DR Victoria Cottages 604 Victoria LN Victoria Station 1334 Yorkshire LN Village at Cobblestone 2004 Cresthaven WALK Wellesley 5214 Cross Ridge CIR Willow Creek 121 Hubbard RD Woodstock Downtown 204 McAfee ST Woodstock Downtown 354 Spotted Ridge CIR Woodstock Knoll 5025 Wesleyan DR Wyngate 7139 Big Woods DR Wyngate 7019 Surrey DR Wyngate
AVERAGES IN OCT 2013
Days on Market 3 2 1985 48 3 2 1988 15 3 2 1983 5 4 2 2006 55 4 2 1995 27 3 2 1997 71 2 2 1995 9 4 2 2002 5 4 2 2001 10 3 2 1988 20 4 2 1994 108 4 2 1997 18 5 2 1998 2 4 2 1998 81 4 2 1998 13 3 2.5 1990 50 3 2.5 1993 22 5 2 1995 72 6 2 2002 18 3 2.5 1993 45 3 2.5 1993 33 3 2.5 1993 80 4 2.5 2002 92 http://TLOct2013.HomeSalesData.info 3 2.5 1986 6 3 2.5 1985 10 3 2.5 1976 21 3 2.5 1973 3 3 2.5 1986 30 3 2.5 2013 169 2 2.5 2004 32 3 2.5 1992 2 5 2.5 2007 7 5 2.5 1998 2 4 2.5 1992 86 4 2.5. 1992 23 3 3 1990 12 5 3 1996 12 6 3 1996 1 5 3 1993 13 3 3 2001 40 3 3.5 1984 15 2 3.5 1993 88 4 3.5 1993 113 3 4 1994 126 2 4.5 2005 27 4 4 2011 23 4 4.5 2013 72 4 4.5 1993 37 3 5 1994 5 4 5.5 1992 120 Beds
Baths
Yr Built
Higher interest rates and economic uncertainty are curbing demand slightly. As a result, the market is slowly moving in the direction of a more balanced seller/buyer market. Get your home on the market now while the supply is still low!
39.88
Sales Price $ 165,900.00 $ 125,750.00 $ 134,900.00 $ 154,200.00 $ 167,000.00 $ 173,000.00 $ 101,500.00 $ 205,000.00 $ 244,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $ 168,000.00 $ 268,000.00 $ 273,000.00 $ 277,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $ 178,000.00 $ 207,000.00 $ 315,000.00 $ 449,000.00 $ 145,000.00 $ 170,000.00 $ 100,000.00 $ 167,000.00
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
87.00 70.00 101.00 70.00 86.00 96.00 No data 81.00 84.00 58.00 82.00 101.00 67.00 62.00 84.00 72.00 107.00 96.00 126.00 65.00 94.00 65.00 69.00
$ 165,000.00 $ 145,000.00 $ 76,100.00 $ 122,500.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 251,077.00 $ 170,250.00 $ 152,000.00 $ 178,000.00 $ 336,000.00 $ 285,000.00 $ 162,000.00 $ 160,000.00 $ 325,000.00 $ 429,000.00 $ 320,000.00 $ 625,000.00 $ 124,900.00 $ 113,000.00 $ 260,000.00 $ 159,400.00 $ 289,500.00 $ 422,350.00 $ 328,875.00 $ 152,000.00 $ 178,000.00 $ 226,000.00
$ $ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
99.00 59.00 54.00 89.00 70.00 116.00 No data 73.00 55.00 82.00 65.00 91.00 91.00 78.00 165.00 98.00 147.00 62.00 No data 98.00 70.00 135.00 143.00 126.00 73.00 82.00 65.00
$ 215,684.04
$
87.43
Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheila.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by Townelaker)
90
$$/sq ft
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
CLASSIFIEDS
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CLEANING SERVICES
FOR RENT
All Together Clean 13 years experience in Towne Lake area. Owner run and operated, no teams! Call Mary at 770-294-0303.
Small basement apartment utilities included. 5 minute walk to the lake $500 770-516-6633.
The Dynamic Clean Team. Let us put a *SPARKLE* in your home! Weekly or Bi-weekly cleaning. Also move-in and move-outs! 10% off 1st service. 15 years experience, references available. CALL TODAY Melissa Jones, (404) 414-7743.
FOR SALE
www.townelaker.com
Exercise Bike. Recumbant. Great for person who has trouble walking. Like new. $250.00 770-924-0547. Scan this QR code and flip through the magazine
SERVICES
Penny Clean “One Woman Show” moving and deep cleaning available on weekends. Over 25 years experience, reasonable rates. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. (678) 494-3602.
Towne Lake Mom looking to help you run your errands. Please call Karen. 770-833-0709 to inquire.
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Reference
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County Government:
(770) 345-0400
Animal Shelter Business Licenses Clean & Beautiful Commission Commissioners Courthouse Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation
(770) 345-7270 (770) 721-7810 (770) 517-7650 (678) 493-6000 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6077 (770) 479-0418 (770) 479-9011 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6101 (770) 345-5312 (678) 493-6120
License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration
(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (770) 479-0407
Taxes:
Children/Family:
Anna Crawford Children’s Center Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry
Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)
(770) 345-8100 (770) 720-7712 (770) 479-1804 (770) 345-5483 (770) 720-3581 (770) 720-3610 (770) 924-0864 (770) 479-5397 (770) 591-4730 (678) 413-8400
Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)
(770) 926-7155
Georgia State Patrol
(770) 205-5400
Health Department
(770) 345-7371
Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee
Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:
Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center
Libraries:
Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock
Non-Emergency 911
92
BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (770) 924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. (770) 926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264
Pets:
Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org
Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com
(800) 275-8777
Recycling Center
(770) 516-4195
Sheriff’s Department
(678) 493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm
Utilities:
Hospitals:
Parks and Recreation:
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100 (770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org (770) 591-1491 (770) 479-3090 (770) 926-5859
(770) 479-3117
Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com A T & T (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com
Urgent Care Facility
Wellstar Urgent Care
Woodstock, City of:
(678) 494-2500
(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,
ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6030
TOWNELAKER DISTRIBUTION MAP Our purpose: At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity; sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride; developing safety nets for those in need; and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine.
Sincerely, Your Friends at TowneLaker
TowneLaker Distribution Map
Circulation: 16,000
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
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Reference
ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY
Support Local Business Owners and this Magazine Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in the TowneLaker
For advertising rates and information please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322 • patty@townelaker.com
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Burns & Speights, PC 181 E. Main St., Canton (770) 956-1400, www.bsgalaw.com
52
Debranski & Associates, LLC (770) 926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge
13
CLEANING SERVICES
Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 81 (678) 445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 200 Kathleen J. McGillick, Family Law Attorney 31 (770) 591-5956, www.kathleenmcgillick.com Merino & Associates (770) 874-4600
Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 36 1000 Wyngate Pkwy., Ste. 200, Woodstock (770) 592-1877, www.townelakechiro.com
Back Cover
Rohan Law, PC (404) 923-0446, www.rohhanlawpc.com
68
AUTOMOTIVE
Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991
59
Rejoice Maids (678) 905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com
81
CHURCHES Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock www.hillsideumc.org
67
3
Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 591-3630
31
Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500 1930 Eagle Dr., Woodstock
47
(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric)
Towne Lake’s Carwash & Detail www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com 1490 Towne Lake Pkwy.
56
Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC Cover, 50, 51 (678) 810-0881, BringBackSmiles@gmail.com 1505 Stone Bridge Pkwy., Ste. 220, Woodstock
Citadel Professional Services, LLC (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Dr., Suite 440, Kennesaw Gateway Funding Brian Duncan, (404) 860-1300
56
Back cover
Hill & Hill Financial, LLC (770) 672-0402 406 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA, LLC (678) 919-1250, www.jjacksoncpa.com Renasant Bank (678) 388-5709, renasantbank.com
25
9 19
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Towne Lake Business Association
30
Woodstock Morning Buzz
80
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Court Appointed Special Advocates www.casacherokee.org
42
JSL Tour of Homes
82
Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org
23
CHIROPRACTIC Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation (770) 516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy.
94
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
DENTAL
Fountain View Dentistry 45 (770) 926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 200, Suite A
BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES
53
Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Dr. Suite 200-C
53
S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 48 (770) 924-8848 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 100, Ste. 100 Spillane Orthodontics (770) 928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Pkwy. 575, Suite 200, Woodstock
39
Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 42 (770) 517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Pkwy. Towne Lake Family Dentist Inside Back Cover (770) 591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy, Building 200, Suite 100 Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 41 (678) 224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 201
61
Music Together (678) 613-2048, www.musictogether.com
43
Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044 6689 Bells Ferry Rd.
59
Towne Lake Community Church Preschool (678) 445-8766 ext.203 preschool@tlcchurch.com
7
HEALTH & BEAUTY
COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 749-7200, www.ccrguys.com 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock
Holdheide Academy & Prep (770) 516-2292, www.MyGiftedKids.org 5234 Hwy. 5, Woodstock, 30188
73
EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION / COACHING Bascomb UMC Preschool (770) 926-0397 2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd.
19
Furtah Preparatory School (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org 5496 Hwy. 92, Acworth
40
Azure Salon & Spa (770) 345-8280 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 110, Canton
35
Bon Vivant Salon (770) 516-9100
41
Massage Envy (770) 928-0800 134 Woodstock Square Ave., Woodstock
70
Perfect Touch Nail & Spa (678) 445-0011 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy.
5
Salon & Spa Venéssa (770) 591-2079, salonvenessa.com 8516 Main St.
73
Salon Gloss (678) 483-8900, www.SalonGloss.biz 220 Chambers St.
75
The Sundance Massage Center (678) 591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com
59
HOME IMPROVEMENT/REPAIR & SERVICE Bryan Plumbing Services (770) 826-5277
5
Coleman Home Services (770) 294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com
13
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. (770) 974-2390
43
Exact Comfort Air Cond. & Heating, Inc. (770) 912-0552 www.exactcomfort.com
29
Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428
43
Handy Handyman, The (404) 316-1490
61
Mr. Junk (678) Mr-Junk1
35
Nelson Exteriors (678) 283-8171
56
Pike’s Professional Painting (770) 516-0045
31
Plumbing Doctor, The (770) 516-9000
33
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 3 (770) 720-7733, www.cherokeewomenshealth.com
Precision Painting (678) 234-9668
33
Uptronix (770) 928-0260, www.uptronix.com
70
Georgia Neurobehavioral Associates (770) 213-3594 140 E. Marietta St., Suite 301, Canton
HOME INTERIORS Creative Interiors & Consignments (678) 402-8386 1428 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 100
41
Fun Finds & Designs 38 (770) 704-0448, www.FunFindsandDesigns.com 2765 Marietta Hwy., Canton Georgia Floors 66 (770) 516-3227 1105 Parkside Lane Suite 1338, Woodstock Interiors at Fun Finds 38 (678) 880-9146, www.InteriorsatFunFinds.com 2751 Marietta Hwy., Canton
INSURANCE The Clarke Agency (Farmers Insurance) 37 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 105 (678) 400-6725, mclarke@farmersagent.com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE McLellan Excavation & Landscaping (404) 520-0710 www.excavationandlandscaping.com
31
OverStreet Lawn Care (770) 861-7272
35
RPM Landscape & Pavers (770) 597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com
52
PEST CONTROL Pied Piper Pest Control (770) 592-9814
43
Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 48 (770) 485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Dr. Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com
11
Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (770) 928-0016
63
Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann St., Ste. 150, Marietta
32
Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD (770) 592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com
37
Rebound Physical Therapy (678) 445-9799
69
Shefa Urgent Care & Wellness 63 (678) 245-6244 2000 Village Professional Dr. Suite 200, Canton Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 110
Animal Atlanta (770) 591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Rd.
59
Animal Hospital of Towne Lake (770) 591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle
20
Wellstar (770) 956-STAR, wellstar.org/doctors
1
Woodstock Physical Therapy (770) 516-9191, www.woodstockpt.com 1816 Eagle Drie, Bldg. 100 Ste.C
49
PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com
70
Skip Daugherty Photography (770) 329-5807 www.skipdaughertyphotograpy.com
46
5
Dream Key of Palmer House Properties & Associates 121 E. Main St, Suite 202, Canton (770) 704-0404, (404) 876-4901 www.dreamkeygroup.com Peggy Davis, (770) 318-4369 Lindsay Tubbs, (678) 525-6455
Cherokee County Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 1015 Univeter Rd., Canton
83
Keller Williams, Kurt & Sheila Johnson (404) 954-2486 www.kurtandsheila.com
South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital (770) 924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp St.
41
Prudential Georgia Realty The Tomlinson Team (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953
25
The Village at Towne Lake Patti Bachtel, (404) 483-1814
Elm St. Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251
79
Escalade Indoor Rock Climbing Gym (770) 794-1575, www.escaladegym.com 3694 Kennesaw S. Industrial Dr, Kennesaw
8
Etowah Eagles Football
61
Etowah Tip-Off Club
67
Taste of Etowah
67
Woodstock Wolverines
57
Butchers Block (770) 517-2225 1025 Rose Creek Dr.
52
Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills (770) 926-6097 1003 Towne Lake Hills East
57
Hacienda Vieja 290 Molly Lane, Woodstock (770) 517-7958
Inside Front
Jump Kitchen & Saloon 25 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock (678) 388-7717, www.jumpkitchensaloon.com www.facebook.com/JumpRestaurants Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com
7
Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 110 (678) 324-1910
9
RETAILERS Branch Boutique (770) 517-1505 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy.
5
23
Brooklynn’s (770) 485-0744 500 Chambers St., Woodstock
57
Diamonds R Forever 23 4200 Wade Green Rd., Ste. 212, Kennesaw (770) 422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net
72
Gifted Ferret, The 63 (770) 693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr. Ste. 400
Back Cover
37
Skyline Properties Group 53 (678) 978-1858, www.skylinepropetiesga.com
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C
35
Capital Property Management (678) 766-1397, www.CapitalRents.com
Atlanta Lady Fitness for Her Inside Front (770) 592-9933, www.ATLLADY.com 200 Parkbrooke Dr., Woodstock
RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES
Bark Station 240 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock (770) 517-9907, www.bark-station.com
19
RECREATION AND FITNESS
13
Latimer Hall Arts & Craft Show 103 Towne Lake Pkwy. www.MainStreetCraftShow.com
81
Rudi Fine Jewelry 9 (678) 445-2626, rudifinejewelry@yahoo.com 6790 Hwy. 92, Acworth
We would like to thank our advertisers for making this publication possible!
TOWNELAKER | December 2013
95
COUPONS & SPECIAL OFFERS! These local businesses have special offers just for you!
Animal Atlanta Atlanta Lady Fitness for Her Aspen Falls Auto Spa Bark Station
59 Inside Front
Papa P’s Mexican Irish Restaurant
35 7
31
Park View Montessori School
59
5
Perfect Touch Nail and Spa
5
Bon Vivant Salon
41
Butchers Block
52
Carpet Dry Tech
59
Christian Brothers Automotive
47
Coleman Home Services
13
Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
53
Exact Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating
29
Georgia Floors
66
Hacienda Vieja
Overstreet Lawn Care
Inside Front
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
32
Rejoice Maids
81
Rudi Fine Jewelry Shefa Wellness Center Small Cakes
9 63 9
Spillane Orthodontics
39
The Plumbing Doctor
33
The Sundance Massage Center
59
Hammock’s Heating & Air
43
Towne Lake Family Dentistry
Inside Back
Massage Envy
70
Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail
Mr. Junk
35
WellStar 1
Nelson Exteriors
41
Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock
56
41
Remember to Shop Local this Holiday Season! 96
TOWNELAKER | December 2013