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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
1
December 2014
Volume 2, Issue 9
14 A Festive Calendar
Offerings range from parades and Santas to financial workshops.
16 Home for the Holidays
A few decorative finds to share with family and friends.
18 Sharing Christmas Joy
29
52
Ideas for acts of kindness for neighbors and strangers.
29 SORBA Season Finale
Duathlon participants enjoyed a warm day at Rope Mill Park.
43 Holiday Hazards
Keep your pets safe from wellmeaning houseguests.
50 LoveLoud Volunteers Rally
A little love goes a long way in helping neighbors in need.
52 Touring the Nation
Ms. Wheelchair USA Yvette Pegues embarks on a new venture.
50 In Every Issue
Contributing Writers Chantel Adams Don Akridge Patti Brady Dr. Angelina Cain Caron & Alberto Catalan Linda “GG� Gibson Meghan Griffin G. Lora Grooms Dr. Scott Harden Jenna Hill Dan Jape Leisa Jennings Kurt & Sheila Johnson Mark Kissel Ann Litrel Dr. Mike Litrel
16 37 54 47 38 39 25 56 44 17 40 43 30 24 55 34
Rob Macmillan
31
Around Sixes
Rev. Joe McKechnie
51
Community News
Matt Neal
20
Birthdays
12
Yvette Pegues
52
Lisa Randall
29
Community Calendar
14
Lynne Saunders
24
Everyday Angels
36
Susan Schulz
18
School News
48
David Silverman
38
Faith
50
Jodi Tiberio
26
Parking Map
53
Scot Turner
28
Dr. Mark B. Van Deusen 47
4 8
Woodstock Dining Guide 57 Recent Home Sales
59
Lynne Watts
15
Greenprints Trail Map
63
Jamie Williams
22
Classifieds
69
Contact us and view the magazine online at
wwwSixesLivingMagazine.com
32 & 33 On the Cover Compass Prep Academy. Photo by Kim Bates. 2
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Join the Sixes Living magazine fan page
www.facebook.com/SixesLivingMagazine
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Patty Ponder, ALM President and Marketing & Advertising Sales. Contact her at (770) 615-3322 or Patty@aroundaboutmagazines.com.
Christmas Open House December 6th from 6-10pm
Best Gift Boutique in North Atlanta Your Christmas Headquarters
Giſted Ferret Wine Giſts Gourmet
The
www.thegiftedferret.com 770-693-5889 1910 Eagle Dr. Suite 400 Towne Lake - Woodstock
Christmas Light Show Nightly 6pm - Midnight Tune to 92.5FM November 28th - December 31st
Letters To Santa Drop Off Your Letters To Santa At Our Woodstock Secret Santa Workshop Mailbox Santa Will Reply To All Letters With Return Addresses Locally Owned - Support Small Business Open 7 Days A Week
Always get your 13th Bottle Free* *Up to 19.95, restrictions apply
Join Us Saturdays from 6-8pm for Free Wine Tastings SIXES LIVING | December 2014
3
Community
AROUND SIXES
People Places and Pleasures that make Sixes/Holly Springs
The , The The
What’s New
Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodstock, TowneLaker and Sixes Living magazines. She has lived in Cherokee County for 25 years. Send your comments or questions to candi@ aroundaboutmagazines.com
Anchored Films has opened in Holly Springs, a company started by Jimmy Vann who plans to use his decade of working in video production for an Atlanta-based production company and his passion for video storytelling to bring a concept or vision to life through corporate video products, training videos and wedding videography. He also wants to offer churches a creative and affordable video profile to share their message. www.anchoredfilms.net.
What’s Coming
The new Applebee’s at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is planning a Dec. 15 opening, according to the latest statement on the restaurant’s Facebook page available before press time. The address is 901 Ridgewalk Parkway, and hours of operation will be 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. FridaySaturday, and 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday. Dunkin Donuts will be opening on Riverstone Boulevard in Canton, near the intersection of Reinhardt College Parkway in the building formerly occupied by a Chinese restaurant. No opening date was available at press time.
What’s Moved Studio 121 at Community of Hope has moved from downtown Canton to a new studio in Ball Ground, at 1600 Howell Bridge Rd. Studio 121 is an art studio and gallery for local artists, and is the home for Art of Living Coalition, an effort to bring healing to the elderly and sick individuals through art and music. This faith-based ministry also serves as a venue for gatherings, such as boy or girl scouts, civic organizations, homeschoolers, church groups, day retreats and weddings. (770) 479-6961. www.thestudio121.com.
In the Works The community development department of the city of Woodstock received an application for 8722 Main St., to construct a restaurant/recording studio/live music hall. The application will be on the agenda of the January 2015 Planning Commission meeting. 4
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
What’s Changed Chad Atkinson has joined Hennsler Financial as an insurance specialist. The Cherokee County resident is active in the Cherokee Chamber of commerce, on the board of directors for Cherokee FOCUS and Give a Kid a Chance, and helps numerous nonprofits in the county. Atkinson is a U.S. Navy veteran and earned a bachelor of business administration in finance from Kennesaw State University. catkinson@henssler.com.
Chanukah Celebration The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta will host a menorah lighting that begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 16 with an ice carving of a menorah and a performance by the Atlanta Jewish Male Choir. “One of the beautiful things is taking ice and lighting fire on it. It’s the message of life, to find even the coldest things that are frozen and don’t want to change, and melt that ice with the flame of spirituality,” said Rabbi Zalman Charytan of Chabad Jewish Center, which serves Cherokee and Cobb residents and Kennesaw State University students. www.jewishwoodstock.org.
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings Rosie Posie, a children’s boutique at 240 E Main St., Canton. Provident Village at Canton, a senior living community on Reinhardt College Parkway & Highway 140. Canton Heights Dental, 327 Heights Place, Canton. www.CantonHeightsDental.com. Okinawa Steak & Sushi, 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Suite 120, Canton 30114. www.okinawavolcano.com. Stout’s Growlers, 188 North St., Canton. Edible Arrangements, 810 Cumming Hwy., Suite 1300, Canton. Amedisys Northwest Home Health, 111 Mountain Vista Blvd., Suite 145, Canton.
Letters to Santa!
It’s time to drop off your letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox! The mailbox is in the gazebo at The Park at City Center (101 Arnold Mill Road) until Dec. 18. Kids who send a letter will get a personalized letter back from Santa just before Christmas.
Scott V. Merritt, DMD Member: GDA, ADA, AGD, AACD
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3682 Sixes Road, Canton, GA 30114 bridgemilldentistry.com • (770) 704-1812 SIXES LIVING | December 2014
5
Community Board
Sixes Living Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.
The Sixes Living Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders who assist us as contributors to the magazine, judges for the annual Trailblazer award, and advisors who offer valuable feedback. Pat Gold moved to Canton 33 years ago when she married Dr. Homer (Nugget) Gold. After 18 years with Delta Airlines and another 12 working for the Cherokee County School District, Pat began volunteering. She serves on the boards of the Cherokee County Arts Center, the Canton Main Street Program, Canton Tourism, Inc., and chairs the Canton Planning Commission. Pat and her husband have four children and four grandchildren. Pharmacist Dale Coker owns Cherokee Custom Script Pharmacy in Holly Springs and lives in Woodstock with wife Susan. The University of Georgia graduate is vice president of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. His community involvement has included Cherokee County Habitat for Humanity, youth league coaching and church leadership. Dale’s latest achievement is co-inventing the patented TopiCLICK, a topical metered dosing device. Cindy Crews is a longtime Cherokee County educator. She joined the Sixes community as assistant principal of Sixes Elementary School in 2011 and is now principal. Cindy and her husband, Andy, have lived in Woodstock for 20 years, and they have two young adult daughters. Her motto: Children are the future of the human race; teach them well. Dr. Joe McKechnie senior pastor of Sixes United Methodist Church, grew up in Cobb County. After earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Georgia, Joe spent six years as a television sportscaster. He has a master’s degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Southern Methodist University. Joe and wife Catherine have two children, David, 7, and Grace Ann, 4. Sonia Carruthers is the executive director and CEO of Cherokee FOCUS and the Cherokee Youth Works program, based in Holly Springs. The Cherokee County native grew up in Canton and has lived in Woodstock with her son and daughter for the past 17 years. She is very active in the community and currently serves with local and regional organizations to strengthen families and children. Chantel Adams is founder of The Princess Generation, an organization raising a generation of young women focused on serving others. Chantel, who has a biology degree from the University of Evansville, serves on Highland Rivers Health community service board and volunteers with the Cherokee County Juvenile Court. She and husband Gavin have lived in Canton for five years and have four children, ages 14, 12, 9, and 5. 6
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
ALM President, Marketing & Advertising Sales Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3322 Marketing Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3309 Assistant Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3307 Graphic Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Sixes Living, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to build a sense of community and pride in the Sixes, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat areas by sharing positive stories and timely information. A total of 16,250 free copies are distributed monthly; 14,890 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 1,360 placed in racks around the community. Many readers catch the latest edition online each month. Sixes Living welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of each month. Yearly subscriptions are available for $24. Send a check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Sixes Living 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 2014. Sixes Living 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: (770) 615-3322 Website: www.sixeslivingmagazine.com Powered by TrustWorkz Inc. Volume 2, Issue 9
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Honor Guard in Canton The Canton Police Department recently formed a five-member Honor Guard that can serve during memorial services for armed service members, government officials, first responders and police families. The guard also can function as a color guard and perform opening ceremonies by carrying out and posting the colors at parades and other functions. Members of the guard are Ofc. Christian Cruz, Cpl. Ken Furman, Ofc. John Weissgerber, Ofc. Dara Humphries and Ofc. James McPherson, who serve under the command of Lt. Michael Hales. The police department recently received a donation of external vest carriers for each officer in the department. The vests, donated by Sosebee Funeral Home owner Casey Guyton, can be worn over regular uniform shirts for greater comfort and ease of use. Photo Courtesy of Stan Oliver Guyton was given a Community Policing Partnership Award from Canton Police Chief Robert C. Merchant Jr., in appreciation for the donation. “In all my years in law enforcement, I have never seen such an act of generosity,” said Merchant. “Our officers are very appreciative of Mr. Guyton’s support and willingness to provide them with this uniform option.”
AARP Members Donate Food Members of the Woodstock chapter of AARP donated 15 boxes of canned goods to the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church. Each year members take a collection for the pantry, and this year Featherstone’s Restaurant contributed to the collection. The group meets at 11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Towne Lake Hills golf club restaurant. For more info, contact Rich Sanford at (770) Rich and Marge Sanford make the food delivery. 926-1944.
Northside Hospital Expands Pediatric Imaging Services Northside Hospital has added pediatric sedation for MRI and CT imaging at the Northside/Cherokee Towne Lake Imaging Center in Woodstock. Dr. Tanya Fields and Dr. Kavitha Bareddy lead the center’s pediatric team alongside PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)-certified sedation nurses. After each exam, Northside’s PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications Systems) allows the radiologist and the child’s referring physician to view images simultaneously from their own offices and computers. This enables them to directly discuss each child’s case and determine an accurate diagnosis much faster. Both parents and referring physicians are always kept in the information loop and results are typically available in less than 24 hours. Northside/Cherokee Towne Lake Imaging and the Northside Cherokee/Towne Lake Medical Campus are located at 900 Towne Lake Parkway. www.northside.com.
And the Winners Are …. The scarecrow invasions of downtown Canton and Woodstock are over now, and the streets look a lot like Christmas. But we can’t let the season pass without sharing photos of the very creative winners. Canton Winners (pictured): First: Aamco at Knox Bridge Second: SpaCrow from Practically Perfect Day Spa Third: Cherokee Sports Hall of Fame Woodstock Winners: First: A New You Skin & Body Clinic Second: Arnold Mill Elementary School Garden Club Third: Thomas Eye Group 8
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
First Place: Aamco at Knox Bridge
Second Place: SpaCrow from Practically Perfect Day Spa
Third Place: Cherokee Sports Hall of Fame
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Next Steps Moves to New Location
Educators Honored for Military Service The Gamma Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in Cherokee County honored teachers who are also veterans at the meeting held on Veterans Day. Honorees were Brenda Guyer of Creekview High School, Beverly Murphy of Teasley Middle School, Jessica Carter of R.M. Moore, Kathy Ford of Hasty Fine Arts Academy, Susan Costa and Julie Ziemecki of Carmel Elementary, and Judy Bonnell of Woodstock High School. Delta Kappa Gamma’s mission is to promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Fundraiser Supports Community Charities The BridgeMill-Sixes Service League’s Golf FORE Charity fundraiser netted $21,400 that will be used to help children and families in need in Cherokee County. This year’s event involved 49 sponsors and 91 players. For a complete list of charities, visit www.bssl.org.
A Quiet Year Before the 15th Celebration Run for Erin supporters gathered at Hobgood Park on Oct. 18 for a modified version of the annual fundraising event for the National MPS Society. Close to $2,000 was raised in honor of Erin Peters, who suffers from MPS III, a life-threatening, debilitating disease. Due to extenuating circumstances (the death of Erin’s grandmother), the 15th annual event was postponed to either the last Saturday of September or the first Saturday of October in 2015.
From left: Stacy and Tom Peters (Erin’s parents), Erin’s sister Kelly on Facetime on the phone, Erin Peters, Jim Murphy (Erin’s grandfather) and Ben Peters (Erin’s brother). 10
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Next Steps Ministries, a nonprofit that helps individuals with special needs and disabilities and their families in a loving and safe Christian environment, has moved to a new location on Turner Road off North Arnold Mill Road. The ministry offers a variety of programs that includes therapeutic day care, job skills, Saturday respite and school break and summer camps for schoolage clients. The new 2.3-acre site offers wide open spaces, two kitchens, a sensory room, better flooring and bathrooms for mobility needs. The job skills program has expanded, and a washer and dryer have been added for training purposes. The new facility will accommodate more clients, especially in the summer, when there are waiting lists. The land will give ministry leaders a chance to expand the building as needed. For more information, call (770) 592-1227 or visit www.nextstepministries.net
Children’s Center Has New Resource Development Director The Anna Crawford Children’s Center, a program of the Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc., has named Tabatha Martin as the new resource development director. Her focus will be to generate funding, garner community support and increase awareness for the center. She will work with community leaders and partners to achieve ongoing Tabatha Martin funding strategies that will allow the nonprofit organization to continue to expand the treatment and preventative services for child abuse victims and their families. Tabatha has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Reinhardt University and a background in marketing, event planning, and customer relations. Tabatha can be reached at (678) 504-6388 ext. 113 or tmartin@cherokeechildadvocates.org. www.cherokeechildadvocates.org.
Swim Coach Earns Special Honor Stingrays swim coach Kim Seaman has been named Coach of the Month for USA Swimming’s “Women in Coaching” publication. Coach Kim is the Stingrays LAPS Program Director for the 12 and under age group. “I believe our Kim Seaman LAPS program is so valuable for this generation of youth as we seek to encourage health, fitness, and a love for sport in general through the avenue of swimming,” she said. www.stingraysswimming.com
WE’RE CHEROKEE’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WITH AN EMPHASIS ON “COMMUNITY. ” Northside Hospital-Cherokee offers more than the latest medical treatments. Since becoming part of Cherokee County in 1997, we’ve been a devoted member of the community. We contribute to Partners in Education in Cherokee County schools and our physicians and staff have donated more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work to local organizations. In all, we’ve invested millions in local community centers, academic institutions and charity organizations in Cherokee County. We will continue to invest in and support Cherokee. Because it’s our home, too.
Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Community
Happy Birthday!
Amanda Jo Marshall Age 18 on Dec. 18 We’re lucky you’re our daughter And we hope you’ll always know That we love you and we’re proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad and Joseph
Reid Andrew Dunn, Age 3 on Dec. 25 Addison Grace Dunn, Age 2 on Dec. 3 You have brought us so much happiness! We love you both so much! Love, Mommy and Daddy
Gracie Lyric Mayo, born Dec. 8, 2008. Bethanie Starr Mayo born Dec. 15, 2009. Happy birthday girls. We love you so much! Love Gamma and Grampa.
Noah Alexander Simko Age 2 on Dec. 2 Happy Birthday to our amazing little guy! Mommy and Daddy love you!
Austin Tobias Wheeler Riddle Age 5 on Dec. 15 Happy Birthday, Austin! Your family loves you so much!! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Allison and Evan
Alex Hopkins Age 3 on Nov. 5 Happy Birthday little man and thank you for being such a blessing! Love, Daddy, Mommy, and Audrey
Celebrations! Birth
Miranda Marion Abell Born Sept. 13, 2014 4 pounds, 1 ounce and 17 inches long Parents: Franklin and Penny Siblings: McKenna, Ryan & Melanie Stephen and Tonya Welch celebrating their ninth anniversary on Dec. 21
Nina and John Frankle Celebrating their 50th anniversary on Dec. 26
Wedding, birthday and anniversary announcements are free! E-mail to: Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com. January deadline is Dec. 10.
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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Feature
Holiday Highlights 14 - A Festive Calendar 16 - A Home That Says Welcome 15 - Light Up Your Christmas 21 - Helping Hands “Santa At Rest” painting courtesy of Ann Litrel, annlitrel.com
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Feature
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Dec. 6
12th annual Reindeer Run: 8 a.m. fun run followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Races begin and end at the gazebo in Cannon Park. Sponsored by the Service League of Cherokee County; proceeds benefit needy children in Cherokee County. A $1,000 cash prize will be awarded to the school with the most race participants. Anyone can register as a school affiliate to help a school win the award. Santa will pose for photos after the race. Registration fee is $30. For more details email runforthechildren@yahoo. com. To register, visit www.serviceleague.net or www.active.com (keyword Reindeer Run). Canton Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Canton Optimists Club, begins at 6 p.m. A day filled with festivities begins at noon and includes music, vendors and holiday fun. www.canton-georgia.com. All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast with Santa: Bring the kids, friends and family members and let the River Ridge High School baseball players serve you pancakes and get a picture of the kids with Santa from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the cafeteria at River Ridge High School (parking and entrance on the back side of the school). $5 tickets available at the door. www. riverridgebaseball.org. The Woodstock Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Woodstock Elementary School, with a gathering at the Park at City Center after the parade. www.woodstockga.gov.
Dec. 7
Jesus is Christmas Cantata: 6.p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth. For more info, visit www.hbcacworth.org. Motorcycle ride to benefit Child Protective Services: Leave at 12:30 p.m. from the Kroger in Macedonia on Highway 20 with a police escort. Ride ends at the Moose Lodge in Holly Springs. Riders are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in protective services.
Dec. 11-21
2014 Holiday Lights of Hope: Opens 6 p.m. nightly at Hobgood Park in Woodstock. Admission is $10. Children ages 14 and younger are free. Features light displays, children’s play area, shopping, concessions and a chance to visit Santa. Proceeds benefit the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. www.cherokeechildadvocates.org.
Dec. 11, 17
CASA Volunteer Advocate Orientation: 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 17, CASA Training Room, 100 North Street, Suite G-12, Canton.
Dec. 12
Visit with Santa 5-8 p.m. at Salon 3:16, 97 Grove Park Lane, Woodstock. Get a free photo of your child with Santa. Details: call (770) 485-9791.
Dec. 13
Canes & Cocoa: Pre-register by Dec. 5 for this fun event at the playground at J.J. Biello Park. The cost is $5 per child and children receive a special holiday bag and are sent by age groups to hunt for candy on the field, small playground and large playground. After the hunt, families can enjoy hot cocoa and holiday snacks in the pavilion and “sleigh” rides on a tractor. You never know what special guests may appear! Maybe the Grinch? Santa’s helpers? Santa? Check-in is at 9:30 a.m. Candy hunt starts at 10 a.m.
Dec. 20
S’mores with Santa: 7-9 p.m., Sunnyside Church of God, 2510 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock. Family night of fun. Bring your kids, camera, lawn chairs, enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores, and sing Christmas carols around the campfire.
Dec. 21
Build a gingerbread house with Santa: 6-9 p.m., Sunnyside Church of God, 2510 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock. Bring a camera for a photo with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and more.
Dec. 24 The Mystery of the Manger: 6:30 p.m. at Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock. The children’s choir will perform a free musical exploring the truth of the Gospel and the good news of God’s love. www.woodstockchristian.org.
Christmas Eve service at the Elm Street event green, next to the Walton apartments, will begin at 5 p.m. The 30-minute service will include candlelight, familiar tunes, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate. www. sojournwoodstock.com.
Holly Springs Christmas Parade begins at 1:30 p.m., winding through downtown Holly Springs on Holly Springs Parkway and ending at the Train Depot. After the parade, visit with Santa and receive a complimentary photo. Outside the Depot enjoy entertainment, hot cocoa and treats and participate in a children’s craft. www.hollyspringsga.us.
Dec. 24
Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m. in the fellowship hall at Bascomb United Methodist Church , 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. A Christmas Cantata will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the sanctuary.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 6:30 p.m., Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock. www.woodstockchristian.org.
Appalachian Bicycle/Toy Give-away: 10 a.m.-noon Sunnyside Church of God, 2510 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock. Dec. 6 is the deadline for donations of bicycles brought to Sunnyside to be delivered to residents of Oceania, W.V., one of the poorest counties in that state. Swim With the Grinch at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1-5 p.m. Register in advance to swim and take a photo with the Grinch. Each child receives a Christmas treat. Cost is $7 per child. www.crpa.net. 14
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Christmas in Woodstock sponsored downtown by Momentum Church. 4-6 p.m. featuring snow with sledding, cocoa, roasted marshmallows, live music, Santa and photo opportunities. www.christmasinwoodstock.com.
Jan. 17
Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast: 9-11 a.m. at the NorthsideCherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The winner of the annual Unity Award will be announced during the breakfast. The honor was established in 1999 by the Rev. Carl A. Moore, Sr., pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Woodstock, to recognize the contributions of an individual who has made a positive impact on the community by fostering harmonious racial and cultural relations.
Destinations: Holiday Nights, Magical Lights BY LYNNE WATTS
One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is the holiday lights. When my children were little, we would load them up in the car and spend hours driving around looking for neighborhoods that went all out in a magical fantasy display. We would even vote for the tackiest lighting display, as well as the most awe-inspiring one. Many venues today vie for your Lynne Watts is an author, attention with holiday lights that speaker, coach, mom and will amaze and astonish you with counselor for Cherokee their creative brilliance. Venture County schools. Follow her at http://acalledwoman.com/, over to Centennial Olympic http://lynnewatts.com and Park’s Holiday in Lights, a yearly http://wyatthewonderdog.com. tradition. Thousands of sparkling lights transform the park into a winter wonderland. You might even brush a snowflake off your shoulder as you ice skate under the stars. www.centennialpark.com Garden Lights, Holiday Nights is the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s fourth annual extravaganza. It features all-new color
schemes and the one-time-only appearance of giant butterflies, a unicorn and frogs from imaginary worlds. You won’t want to miss the orchestral orbs, the glittering galaxy, the radiant rainforest and the model train exhibit. atlantabotanicalgarden.org Travel north to visit Rock City, located on Signal Mountain just six miles outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Enchanted Garden of Lights has more than 30 holiday scenes and a million lights. Children will enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa and a visit with St. Nick and his busy elves. You might even catch his helpers harvesting candy canes and building toys. www.seerockcity.com/events/entry/enchanted-garden-of-lights A longtime traditional light show, Callaway Garden’s Holiday in Lights, opened in 1992 and today boasts more than a dozen lighted scenes, many with music and animation. Ride the shuttle through the lighted forest and stare in amazement at the displays created just for Callaway Gardens by a team of professionals who formerly worked for Disney’s Imagineering department. After the shuttle ride, visit the Christmas Village where you can shop, have your picture taken with Santa or drink a cup of cocoa. www.callawaygardens.com/events/signature/ fantasy-in-lights Closer to home is the Marietta Life Chiropractic College’s continued on page 58
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Feature
A HOME THAT SAYS
Welcome:HOLIDAY EDITION BY CHANTEL ADAMS | CHANLYNNADAMS@GMAIL.COM
If our homes reflect our personalities, then the holiday season of parties and open houses is the perfect opportunity to share who we are with our neighbors and friends. This new storefront on Bells Ferry Road near Towne Lake features handmade wood pieces created by local artists. A variety of holiday themed trees are showcased, but I’m especially partial to the family names crafted from wooden blocks and embellished with twine and burlap. $10/letter. Willow Tree Cottage, 6745 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. I can’t do a holiday themed shopping guide without stopping in to visit a favorite local toy store. Learning Express has an entire section devoted to vintage toys. These oldies but goodies will tickle the fancy of both young and old. Set them out for guests to enjoy. Learning Express, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Raggedy Ann & Andy, $34.99 each. Tin Drum $14.99. Even if you don’t have time to fill your kitchen with the homemade smells of gingerbread and mulled cider, you can purchase one of these Scentsy warmers and wax melts. The soft wax is easily removed, the scent is longlasting and realistic and the price is affordable. Warmers match any decor. Shop early for limited edition, holiday-themed warmers. Plugins start at $20 ,and fullsized warmers at $35. Visit www.wickfreecandles.com to purchase from a local sales rep. At Linden, which is now located on Towne Lake Parkway behind Wendy’s, you’ll find an assortment of curated European finds, handcrafted items by local artisans and stunning natural tablescapes. These hand-painted wooden blocks feature beautiful textures and gold leafing. It’s a delightful surprise on a side table in a guest bedroom or perched on a mantle. Small heart, cross, or angel, $38. 16
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Last Minute Ideas for Shopping and Relaxing BY JENNA HILL
By the time this article comes out, many of you may have already done all of your holiday shopping. For those of us, me included, who wait until the last minute to do their shopping, there is still time! Downtown Woodstock is the perfect place to finish up your last minute shopping. You can find something for everyone at the stores in downtown Woodstock: clothing, art, jewelry, olive oil, home décor, cigars, beer, wine, antiques Jenna Hill is a Tourism and more. Make a full day of your Information Assistant shopping excursion by including lunch at the Woodstock Visitors Center. or dinner at one of the downtown jehill@woodstockga.gov restaurants. If you need a gift for the person who has everything, stop by the Woodstock Visitor’s Center and buy Downtown Dollars, which serve as a gift certificate at many of the stores downtown. While you’re in the Visitor’s Center, check out the new line of merchandise - The Downtown Woodstock Collection. This line offers hoodies, shirts, bumper stickers, water bottles and hats all proudly displaying the Downtown Woodstock logo. Any of these items would make great and unique gifts. If you are finished with shopping and you’re ready to relax, we have some ideas for you. On Dec. 5, you will be able to enjoy the last Friday Night Live of the season - Christmas in Downtown. It’s a perfect chance to have some fun and visit with Santa - he already has sent his RSVP. Another great tradition is the Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. The parade route has changed this year. The new route will start and end at Woodstock Elementary School. It will travel down Rope Mill Road and onto Main Street. The parade will then turn right onto Towne Lake Parkway and turn left on Mill
The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at (770) 592-6056.
New Christmas Jubilee Parade Route
Street and right on Market Street. It will then turn left on Fowler Street and make another left on Main Street. The parade will then travel back to Rope Mill Road and end at Woodstock Elementary. Even though the route has changed, the fun is still the same.
Business Membership Information: $80 investment per year (2 reps) + $30 investment per year for each additional rep Subscription to email newsletter Main Street Woodstock decal Downtown Buzz meeting (monthly) Member appreciation event Access to workshops
Individual and non-profit memberships also available
Directory listing on website Ribbon cutting or groundbreaking Hobnob - a social event (quarterly) SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Random Acts of Christmas Joy BY SUSAN SCHULZ
There is a story about an elderly gentleman who carried a can of oil everywhere he went. If he passed through a squeaking door, he poured his oil on the hinges. If a gate’s latch was difficult to open, he oiled it. Some people called him weird and eccentric, but he pressed on. He refilled his can when it became empty and passed through his days lubricating all the hard places. The old man made life better for those who came after him. Life’s stresses can cause us to creak and moan like those old gates the old man oiled, making the Christmas season a time of trial and challenge instead of joy. May we be as diligent as this oil-pouring man and live with eyes open to the hard places in the lives of others. Let’s apply some oil of the Christmas spirit by going out of our way to be kind, considerate and generous as possible. The following list of random acts of kindness gives us simple, doable ways to make life better for those who come after us. Not sure why it happens, but I have experienced that in the process of spreading Christmas joy, it tends to boomerang right back into our laps. Merry Christmas! Focus—family and close friends: •Tell someone you love and appreciate them—and do it often.
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•Include a note or joke in your loved one’s backpack, briefcase or dresser drawer. •Write a “10 Things I Love About You” list for someone special and e-mail, mail or text it to them. Focus—co-workers and acquaintances •Praise the work or attitude of someone you work with. •Bring a cup of coffee or tea to a colleague. •Share in the not-so-pleasant tasks at work. Focus—neighbors •Organize a community dinner for your block or cul-de-sac. •Help a neighbor with their lawn maintenance. •Send a gas card to someone with a loved one in the hospital for their unexpected trips back and forth. Focus—strangers •Organize a bottled water give-away at a local 5K or any other community event. •Give a free bird feeder and/or fill up the bird feeders at your local nursing home. •Buy the food for the person behind you in the drive-thru line. Focus—everyone •Pick up the trash or pull weeds on your street or entrance to your neighborhood. •Acknowledge every person you encounter—when he or she talks, give them your full attention. •Send a note of appreciation to those who serve you, like your sanitation worker, letter carrier or lawn maintenance team. This is just a start! Be creative and do what you can to make life easier for others - share the joy and love that’s part of the Christmas Spirit this season! The graphic on this page is the list I wrote to my husband.
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Bikes Come From Santa BY MATT NEAL
Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived in Woodstock with his wife since 1999. He has a daughter who turns shoeboxes into dollhouses, a son who fights those stealthy ninjas, and a wife, Diane, who provides patience, compassion and a kick in the pants when needed. mattnealwriter@yahoo.com
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If my kids decide in June that they need new bikes, it’s going to be a long wait. By October I’ve raised the seats as far as they will go. The kids’ knees are awkwardly sticking out like Ichabod Crane’s on his horse, and their friends are getting a good laugh. Why? Because bikes come from Santa. When my kids first see the tree on Christmas morning – stockings filled to overflowing, gifts all around – to them, that’s where a new bicycle should be. My son was so adamant on this point that even when he knew he wasn’t ready for a new bike, he took his own bike from the garage and placed it under the tree on Christmas Eve, just to give that effect on Christmas morning. Every family has certain traditions they go through each year. We may not realize it, but
we are building nostalgia for the next generation. The things we do become their memories and traditions when they have their own families. Because my dad, a model railroad enthusiast, always set up a Christmas village each year, I now feel it’s not Christmas without doing so myself. So my wife and I decided to build our own traditions to pass on to our kids. When I was growing up, we didn’t have much money. We were more likely to be the recipients of charity than the donors. I remember how that felt. That’s why we now try to show our kids how to participate in some way toward helping the needy. Whether it’s buying gifts for underprivileged children, helping out at local churches with community service, or just dropping a handful of change into the pot when we walk past the bell ringer in a Santa hat, serving in small ways helps others and teaches our kids about the true meaning of Christmas. Hopefully, that’s something they will continue. I figure if I’m going to pass some traditions on to the next generation, it might as well be more than that bikes come from Santa.
Helping Hands
Because many of our friends and neighbors struggle financially every day, there are many charities that work hard to help people in need. Here’s a list of local nonprofits that have additional needs for the holidays. To learn about many other ways to help throughout the year, visit www.volunteercherokee.org. Cherokee County Senior Services www.cherokeega.com Volunteers are asked to “adopt” a senior who is currently receiving services through Cherokee County Senior Services and provide him or her with a robe, gown or pajamas, grocery store gift card and a book of stamps. Sizes and gender information will be assigned when volunteers register. Deadline to receive gift packages is Dec. 12. Sponsored by the Volunteer Aging Council and the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. To participate, call Frankie Sanders at (770) 924-7768 or email fsanders@ cherokeega.com. Cherokee Family Violence Center www.cfvc.org Items are needed year-round for the emergency shelter. A few special toys have been added to the list: lapadoodle lap desks for children and Crayola Color Wonders. The center has a transitional housing complex with 72 apartments and emergency shelter that accommodates 12 women and children. Officials are asking for donations of hygiene and paper products, cleaning supplies, batteries and over-the-counter medications for adults and children, feminine products, band-aids, new pajamas and underwear for women and children, and other baby supplies. For delivery details, call (770) 479-4641 or email wendy@cfvc.org. Cherokee FOCUS www.cherokeefocus.org The agency, which works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives, has a wish list that focuses on education. Donors can give a gift to cover the cost of GED testing, college entrance fees, interview clothing, transportation, childcare, etc. (770) 345-5483. Feed My Lambs www.feedmylambs.net The nonprofit, which offers free Christian preschools - including a location in Canton - holds Happy Birthday Jesus parties each year for the young students. Individuals or groups can sponsor a child: $10 gets a Happy Birthday Jesus shirt, $25 gets the child a shirt, gift bag, balloon, cake and drink. Groups may be interested in sponsoring a party by providing a portion of party needs (new unwrapped gifts, cupcakes, drinks or T-shirts) or show up to volunteer at the party. For more details, call Maggie Bridges at (770) 795-9349. Forever Fed www.foreverfed.org The mobile food ministry needs non-perishable food donations for the Food4U/Cans 4 Kids food boxes that are distributed to children at risk of food insecurity in Cherokee County. Each box contains seven meals and seven snacks for one child. For details, call (678) 883-3314 or email susan@foreverfed.org. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch www.goshenvalley.org Christmas is a time when Goshen Valley Boys Ranch can use extra help feeding the young men who live on the Waleska ranch. “Frozen casseroles are a huge blessing for our house parents who are having to prepare three meals a day when the boys are out of school,” said Zach Blend, residential director. Individuals or small groups are encouraged to donate frozen meals, deliver them in person and take a tour of Goshen Valley. Another holiday need is hooded sweatshirts and warm jackets in sizes from youth XL to adult XXL. Gift cards help fill last-minute Christmas wish lists. Desserts also are needed for the boys’ Christmas party. For more info, email Zach at zblend@goshenvalley.org or call (770) 796-4618. Healing Hands Youth Ranch www.hhyr.org The ranch has a unique wish list. Founder Jennifer Simonis is asking for donations of hay and gift certificates to Tractor Supply to help the animals during winter months. She also needs scarves, hats, gloves and boots for the at-risk children who come to the ranch to work with the rescue horses.
The program pairs the children and horses in a safe, peaceful environment to facilitate hope and healing. (770) 633-4451. Hope Center www.hopectr.com The pregnancy diagnosis and support center is asking for donations of new toys for the Christmas toy closet. Bring donations through Dec. 15 to The Baby & More Thrift Store, 295 Molly Lane, Woodstock. (770) 5174450. www.babyandmorethriftstore.com MUST Ministries - Cherokee www.mustministries.org A Christmas Toy Shop will be open for MUST clients 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 11, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 12, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Dec. 16-17, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 19-20, Dec. 22. Secret Santa Shop will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 13. Appointments can be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 for folks who missed the other shopping opportunities. The toy shop will be held at New Life Church, 154 Lakeside Dr., Canton. To register to receive toys, or get details on making donations, contact Ranettia Beasey at (770) 576-0359 or cherokeeholiday@mustministries.org. Never Alone www.neveralone.org The Woodstock nonprofit, which helps area residents in need by distributing food, clothing and home repair, is providing Christmas hams and meal boxes. Cost to sponsor a family is $25. Make a tax-deductible donation online or mail a check, payable to Never Alone, to P.O. Box 1904, Woodstock, GA 30188. North Georgia Pregnancy Center www.ngapregnancy.org The center, which serves Cherokee, Bartow, Pickens and Gilmer counties, helps young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. Donations are being taken for a Baby Bottle Boomerang program, where individuals or groups are asked to pick up a baby bottle from the center and return it filled with money. Baby furniture, diapers, wipes, toys, blankets and clothing are always needed. For details, (706) 253-6303. Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org The Papa Noel program gives local families a chance to sponsor a child or another family for Christmas. The pantry also is accepting donations for holiday meals, including turkeys, hams, produce and non-perishable food items. A list of seasonal needs is kept up-to-date on the website. Papa’s Pantry is a food and stability training organization for Cherokee residents. For details, call (770) 591-4730. Secret Santa www.cherokeesanta.com The Secret Santa program of the Department of Family and Children’s Services for Cherokee County offers a way for individuals, businesses or larger groups such as Sunday school classes or scout troops to help the more than 350 children in foster care this year. Sponsors can donate as much or as little as they can. All size donations are appreciated. For more details, call the Secret Santa phone line at (678) 427-9393 or email cherokeesanta@yahoo.com SERV International www.servone.org SERV operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and distributes meals worldwide. Holiday needs include making sure each of the 40 orphans has a sponsor. Another holiday goal is to feed 100,000 people through SERV 1, Feed 1, before Christmas. The program can feed an individual for a day for a nickel. A $5 donation feeds 100, and $50 feeds 1,000, locally and globally. For details, call (770) 516-1108. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Reducing Financial Stress During the Holidays BY JAMIE WILLIAMS
I love Christmas, but I have never enjoyed the financial stress that comes with this special holiday. It breaks my heart to hear results from a poll like the one NBC News conducted just two years ago. They reported that 45 percent of those surveyed felt the holiday season brings so much financial pressure, they would prefer to skip it altogether. Almost half said their level of stress related to holiday expenses is high or Jamie Williams is a wife, extremely high. The same poll mom of two teenage girls and founder of Five Talents revealed 59 percent would carry Wealth Management, Inc. added holiday debt into the new Her goal is always to help year. The good news is it does her family and her clients not have to be this way. wisely use what God has Dave Ramsey says it well entrusted to them. “If you want to have a Merry Different Christmas, it has to start with a plan. You just can’t wander into the holiday season without an idea of how you’ll be spending your hard-earned dollars.” He has a new tool available at mychristmasbudget.com. I can testify firsthand that this budgeting tool is easy to use because I used it to create my own Christmas budget. I particularly liked the ability to incorporate charitable giving and designate line items for decorations, parties and more. I am prone to impulse buying thanks to lavish department store Christmas displays, but I know if I have a written budget I am far more likely to be successful. Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University in California, did a study on goal-setting with 267 participants. She found that participants are 42 percent more likely to achieve their goals if they’re simply written down. So what are you
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waiting for? Christmas is just around the corner. Let’s start writing - and while we’re at it, let’s get creative about how to save money. Some of my friends operate on extremely tight household budgets. It is amazing to see how they tackle this special season proactively and keep their limited budgets in check. They buy only what they can afford. When their children want expensive gifts like a camera or American Girl doll, they get busy finding the best available “like new” version of the item for quarters on the dollar. They strategize with grandparents and aunts and uncles, who sometimes combine resources to purchase a special item for a child. They also make use of a new, old trend called layaway. It really is all about perspective. Once we remind ourselves what Christmas should be about – celebrating a loving Savior, family, health, time together (and let’s not forget gratitude and giving), we realize what really matters. I think my favorite holiday memory was the year we enjoyed an old-fashioned themed Christmas with our children. We strung popcorn with needles and thread like when I was little, we wrapped our gifts in newspaper, we joyfully shopped at the dollar stores for gifts to fit in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, we read the Christmas Story (always), and we set firm spending limits. We stayed on budget and avoided Christmas debt. From our home to yours, we would like to truly wish you a Merry Different Christmas!
“I am prone to impulse buying thanks to lavish department store Christmas displays, but I know if I have a written budget I am far more likely to be successful.”
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Don’t Put Job Search on Hold During Holidays BY LYNNE SAUNDERS
Cooler temperatures and changing weather are ushering in the holidays at a fast pace. There’s no doubt your to-do list and event calendar are already growing. If you have been looking for a job recently, it is easy to allow holiday tasks to crowd your schedule and reduce your momentum. Many job seekers take a break from looking for work during this time of year, Lynne is an author assuming that most hiring will and the director of begin again in January. While Papa’s Pantry and the this may be true for some MastersTrainingCenter. com. She can be reached companies, it certainly is not at (770) 591-4730 or visit true for most. Businesses www.papaspantry.org. need qualified and productive employees to achieve their financial goals. They cannot afford to put their hiring needs on hold for months at a time. Staying on track with committed focus is the challenge this month. An important part of employment training for job seekers is time management. For people who need an income, their job is to get a job. It is important to schedule work hours to perform job-seeking tasks. Utilizing a weekly calendar to prioritize and manage necessary tasks is often the missing link to achieving success. Schedule your daily start time, lunch time and quitting time. This not only allows for productive hours, but it also paves the way for guilt-free time off that can be used for personal tasks. What sets you apart from others who may be qualified for the job you seek? It may simply be that you are the one diligently going through the detailed process, from identifying continued on page 58
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Cell Phone or Digital Device? BY MARK KISSEL
The term “cell phone” is misleading, as today’s “smartphone” is a minicomputer with immense capacity capable of storing personal information, millions of pages of text, thousands of pictures or hundreds of videos. The device could just as easily be considered a camera, video camera, library, diary, address/phone book, calendar or road map. As we enter the holiday season, Chief of Police Mark please consider the consequences Kissel has served the Cherokee County School if you leave your phone in your District since 1999 and car, leave it unattended as you has more than 35 years shop for that special gift, or of law enforcement give it to your child to play with experience. while you shop. All three of these potential occurrences will happen to someone, and the criminal element is looking for that opportunity! The sum of your personal and private life is likely stored in your digital device, and within minutes after being stolen, the thief knows where you live and may even have accessed credit card information stored in Key Ring or a similar application. It’s also likely that you have an application for your favorite airline that holds your frequent flyer number and your passport number to make it easier when booking a flight. It is no exaggeration to say that as many as 90 percent of adults who own a cell phone keep a digital record of their life stored in their phone, and, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the average smartphone user has installed 33 applications. Making matters worse, many of the users have no idea if the information is stored in the device or is “in the cloud.” As an adult, it can be difficult to protect your privacy. More importantly, as you shop to buy your child their own smartphone, consider what steps you will take to ensure the information stored in your child’s phone will be protected.
“The sum of your personal and private life is likely stored in your digital device, and within minutes after being stolen, the thief knows where you live and may even have accessed credit card information.”
Canton
Oysters, Ham, Potatoes, Oh My! BY MEGHAN GRIFFIN
I have a love affair with food. I love to grow it, cook it, sauté it, flambé it (I don’t do that too often, I like my eyebrows), grill it, roast it. I am with all food as Private Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue is with shrimp. I could talk recipes with you all day. Seriously, all day. I joined Pinterest recently (under duress, I tell you!). I had refused to let it suck me in before, but I had no idea how to throw a Meghan Griffin is Canton’s baby shower and needed wisdom, Main Street Director. She advice, projects, and recipes. I was raised in a military family and grew up all over also apparently needed to feel the United States, mostly completely overwhelmed; diaper in Kodiak, Alaska. She has reindeer with a Santa sleigh of happily called Canton home baby clothes- come on, man. Ain’t for the last 10 years. nobody got time for that. However, the best things on Pinterest are the recipes! So far I have made a pizza wreath, pimento cheese pinwheels, a crab Rangoon dip… I’m going to need bigger pants. I’ve been doing some more research about different dishes
Canton Historic Downtown Loop
What goes around comes around
Winter 2014 Nights of Holiday Lights First Friday December 5, 2014 6-9pm Cannon Park Santa will be joining us at this holiday event!
Christmas Parade Presented by the Canton Optimist Club Saturday, December 6 6:00pm Historic Downtown Loop Canton Main Street Program, Meghan Griffin 770.704.1548
to incorporate this holiday season. We have several traditions already including oyster casserole and cornbread dressing, but I’d like to expand our culinary horizon. If you’d like to expand your culinary horizon with oyster casserole, here is Mom’s simple (but delicious) recipe. 1 pt. oysters 1/2 lb. saltine crackers Butter Salt and pepper to taste Crumble enough crackers to cover the bottom of a two quart baking dish. Drain oysters. Cover bottom of dish with buttered crumbs, salt and pepper. Cover crackers with oysters. Cover oysters L-R- Liza Griffin, Lauren Griffin, Robert with crumbled crackers and Griffin, Meghan Griffin dot with butter. Add enough Christmas circa 1999 in Kodiak, Alaska. milk to come up to top layer of crackers; but do not cover. Bake at 350 degrees about 45 minutes. However you celebrate the season, the Canton Main Street folks want to wish you the happiest of holidays. See you next year!
CANTON SPOTLIGHT Stout’s Growlers Motivated by friends and fellow business owners, four friends were inspired to share their love of beer with downtown Canton. Stout’s Growlers is the result of their inspiration and offers a unique craft beer experience to their patrons. The phrase “craft beers” is used to distinguish small local brewers from larger multinational beer companies. Located at 188 North St., Canton’s premiere growler shop provides a wide selection of quality craft beers to go. Shop hours are noon-8 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday– Saturday and 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday. To place online orders for pick up, go to https://squareup.com/ market/stoutsgrowlers. For more info, call (678) 899-6684 or visit the website at www. stoutsgrowlers.com. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Community
A New Look For College-Bound Student BY JODI TIBERIO
Emily Hart is a new employee at Brooklynn’s. She is a recent graduate, a motivated gogetter, and will soon be attending college where she plans to study film production. Emily had a cute style already, but as she is about to go to college, she seemed ready to step into a look that fit her goals and personality. She had never owned a pair of designer jeans, so we started there. The new Miss Me skinny jeans are super cute, and this pair is not as flashy as some others. We paired them with this season’s bootie. Rolled-up jeans with a short boot can be casual or dressy, depending on the boot. These jeans still look great with your favorite riding boots, which are still very popular and on-trend. The best way to get a put-together look is layering pieces; this cardigan is one of my faves. I love the earth tones with the turquoise accents. It is soft and comfy but chic and stylish. Cardigans with tribal patterns, stripes and solids are a staple in any wardrobe, but the styles this season are the best we have seen in years. There are lots of options for the foundation top to wear under the cardigan, but we chose this adorable faux suede rust tank with laser cut lace detailing. Next we added accessories for the finishing touch. Accessories can make the outfit, but young people often leave them out because of budget restrictions. We hooked Emily up with a new watch — one that has a Michael Kors look at a fraction of the cost — that will go with everything. The watches are great gift items. We chose a bangle stack of bracelets from Bourbon and Boweties, our hottest sellers at Branches, and made in the South in all your favorite colors and stones. We added a turquoise agate necklace from Brooklynn’s to complete the look. After a thorough consultation with Tim Timmons, Emily made it clear that she wanted to maintain the length of her hair but was open to layers. Tim added layers to Emily’s length to create bounce and shape and finished the haircut with a strong bang designed to Jodi Tiberio owns Branches Boutique for women in Towne Lake as well as a second Branches location and Brooklynn’s boutique in Downtown Woodstock. Contact Jodi at jodi@jodi. tiberioretail.com.
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beautifully frame her eyes. Her hair color was changed to a rich chocolate brown shade that complements her skin tone and works with the fall color trends. Emily’s makeup was completed by hairstylist and makeup artist Will Clemons. Will picked tones that would work best with Emily’s new hair color and shared tips with her on how to to complete her look at home. I really love Emily’s new bangs. Her hair color is so much richer and the new outfit picks all the tones in her hair and makeup. I know Emily had a great time doing this and I am glad we could help a young woman reach her for her goals.
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Community
Issues For the Coming Legislative Session BY SCOT TURNER
I would like to begin by saying thank you. The job of state House representative is a tremendous honor that I take very seriously. I have not lost sight of the fact that the seat I occupy under the gold dome belongs to you and that I only have the opportunity to serve because you allow it. With the election season now (finally) over, it is time to get down to the business you have elected all of us to do. I would like to preview some of Scot Turner, an IT the issues that we will be tackling in professional, lives in the coming legislative session. the Sixes community Number one is the budget. The with his wife and two only constitutionally required job the children and is the State House Representative for Legislature has is to create the budget District 21. You can reach that will govern all state spending for him on his cell phone the next fiscal year. At this point, it at (678) 576-2644 or looks like revenues will be up again, follow him on Facebook while taxes at the state level have at www.facebook.com/ turnerforhouse. remained the same. This is due in large part to new jobs being created in our state. We are required to balance the budget and will once again spend only the dollars that are brought in. With revenue continuing to increase, I will be fighting for some form of tax relief so that a good portion of the increased revenue can be returned to you, the taxpayer. Number two will be medical cannabis oil. The Legislature’s failure to create a provision for this medicine has left many Georgia families with the tough decision to relocate to other states to gain access, or stay in Georgia and watch their children continue to suffer from intractable seizure disorders. I will be fighting for these families’ ability to make their own healthcare decisions and get the state out of the way of the patient/doctor relationship.
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Number three will be ethics reform. We will continue to see legislative action to reform a broken ethics commission. My favorite proposal involves allowing for all three branches of government to appoint representatives to the commission. Under this model, when ethics hearings are held, the branch subject to the hearing will have their representatives mandatorily recused. Number four will be real tax reform. I am a supporter of the fair tax and will continue to push for the elimination of the state income tax in favor of a consumption-based tax. Number five will be establishing some measure for families with autistic children to gain access to therapies to help these children grow into productive adults. The benefits to our education system as well as the long-term benefits to society will be meaningful to all taxpayers. With one in 68 children now diagnosed with some form of autism, we can no longer afford to wait to deal with this growing crisis. Number six will be placing some form of checks and balances on the amount of federal spending in our state that occurs without approval of the General Assembly. The federal government is spending our children’s money at this point, and something must be done to rein it in. It is why I have proposed the Fiscal Accountability Act, which would vet every federal dollar spent in our state to ensure these programs are good for Georgia. Number seven will be election reform. I know I am not the only one that feels like the last year has been hard on all of us with our protracted election cycle. It is time to look at major reforms that will allow us to reduce the cost of our elections and shorten the time we are in campaign mode. Whatever we end up proposing, I will be fighting to make sure our voting machines offer a paper receipt that can be used to verify election results in the event of a recount. These are just a few of the issues we will tackle beginning on the second Monday in January. If there is something you would like to see addressed, please feel free to contact me so we can begin working on it.
Duathlon a Successful Farewell to 2014 BY LISA RANDALL
Each year Rope Mill Park in Woodstock hosts the SORBA Woodstock season finale: an offroad duathlon and 5K trail run. The 2014 edition was blessed with dry weather and warm temperatures leading up to the race, so participation was at a record high. Participants chose to enter the duathlon—a 6-mile mountain bike ride, a 3.3-mile Lisa Randall is a mom, run, and then a second 6-mile small business owner and athlete from Canton. She bike or a is owner of Mountain trail run Goat Adventures, LLC, slightly which organizes local trail longer running and mountain than a bike events. traditional 5K. Some participants were up to the ultimate challenge, running the 5K and then participating in the duathlon as part of a team. More than 280 competitors participated, and many walked away with glory and their share of $10,000 worth of merchandise and prizes, provided by several generous event sponsors.
This event and three others hosted in 2014 at either Rope Mill Park or Blankets Creek have helped raise $14,000 this year for SORBA Woodstock, which will use part of the money to help pay for constructing a new mountain bike trail at Rope Mill Park. SORBA Woodstock has been very fortunate to have tremendous community support through sponsorships and trail volunteers. If you are a business owner with a passion for supporting the trails you enjoy, please consider becoming an event sponsor or volunteering your time to help work on the trails. Those interested in sponsorship or volunteer opportunities can contact lisa@ mountaingoat adventures. com for more details.
Winners are: in first place Avery Glass of Canton and Christopher Oswald of Johns Creek; in second place, Dale Serge and Shane Schreihart; in third place, Max McAllister of Woodstock and Steven Davis. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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The Cost of Homeownership Is Still Improving BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON
The cost of homeownership fluctuates mainly because of home prices and interest rates. Despite the fact that home prices have risen 13 percent, the cost of home ownership is down from a year ago. This decrease in cost of home ownership is tied to the 11 percent drop in interest rates (from 4.5 to 4.0 percent). This equates to a $70.25 per month drop in the Kurt and Sheila are top principal and interest portion of Keller Williams agents and Homevestors (We Buy Ugly the payment on a $300,000 home Houses) franchisees. Call bought in 2013 versus 2014 (using Kurt for more information a 30-year fixed mortgage with 20 about IRA investing and percent down payment). lending opportunities. It’s still not too late to take (404) 954-2486 advantage of the 2008-2011 housing crash. Existing home prices are still below their historic highs and remain very competitive with the costs of building a new home; but this window is closing. Interest rates are no longer being held artificially low by the Federal Reserve’s $45 billion per month purchases of mortgage-backed securities. This quantitative easing ended in October and rates are already headed up. This could have
a huge impact on home affordability and ultimately on home sales in the higher price points. Homeowners looking to purchase now are probably curious about down payment requirements and closing costs. Most homes for sale in Cherokee County under $300,000 qualify for down payment assistance. A buyer with a household income of less than $79,500 can still buy a home, with no down payment money of their own, using the available $5,000 down payment assistance from the Department of Community Affairs. For home buyers with money to put down, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will insure loans of up to $320,850 that require only a 3.5 percent down payment. An FHA loan works on almost any home that will pass an FHA inspection. When using an FHA loan to buy a HUD home (a home that had a foreclosed FHA loan), the down payment is only $100. The buyer’s agent can likely negotiate that the seller pays the closing costs on behalf of the buyer. Seminars for first-time home buyers are offered by HUD and local real estate brokers. There is no time like the present to learn more about the home buying process and get started. If you are considering selling, don’t delay. As the market adjusts to the end of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing, rising rates may impact demand and ultimately prices. Call your Realtor today for a comparative market analysis of your home’s value.
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Rob’s Rescues This dog is Choco. He is black and three years old. He doesn’t play fetch. He likes to be fed, he does not like to sit, but he loves hugs. He does not like pictures. He is a Lab mixed with a Greyhound which are the fastest dogs on earth. Choco has been at the shelter a long time. When I first saw him in October he had bad cuts on his face. This was because someone tied him up outside the shelter during the night with a muzzle over his face. This cat is called Timmy. He has black rings on his tail. He has blue eyes. He is not a scaredy cat. He is about 3 years old. Here I am with Frankie and his dog. He works at He is a Domestic Bridgemill Animal Hospital. We did a food drive for Pet Medium hair mix. Buddies Food Pantry and we collected a lot of pet food.
I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. Every month I’m going to tell you about two pets that need homes and give some useful information! These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. robsrescues@gmail.com
overty Not every child in p rld... lives in the Third Wo
M a n y liv e in Y O UR w o rl d . CHILDREN ARE THE YOUNGEST CASUALTIES OF POVERTY. THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ARE HUNGRY. WHY THEY LACK APPROPRIATE SCHOOL CLOTHES. WHY THEY LIVE IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS.
Ways to help NOW
They do know that someone cares. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Feature
Compass Prep Academy
A nontraditional education adapted to each student’s needs Compass Prep Academy Campus: Woodstock Church of the Nazarene • 874 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 • 404.643.9424 info@compassprep.org • www.compassprep.org • Fully Accredited through GAC (Georgia Accrediting Commission) Is your student struggling in school? Is he or she bored, frustrated, bullied, discouraged, not living up to his or her potential? Or perhaps your student wants a school schedule that allows time and freedom to pursue his or her passions, whether in athletics, acting, engineering or entrepreneurship. If traditional education has become a burden instead of a blessing, maybe it’s time to consider a fresh start at Compass Prep! A “non-traditional learning community” is how Laura George describes Compass Prep Academy. It’s not homeschooling. It’s not private school. It’s not just for the academically gifted or those who have learning difficulties. With a diverse student population, the only thing that is one-size-fits-all about Compass Prep is the individualized support given to every student. Compass provides a focused, flexible and family-oriented educational system. Laura, the school’s founder, and her group of more than 30 highly qualified staff members, offer a hands-on and experiential program for students in Pre-K through high school. “Our organic approach to academics and philosophy of education allows us to reach a wide variety of kids and help them discover their path and prepare for their journey. We show them how their education fits into real life,” said Laura. “There’s more to education than just textbooks and test scores.” Laura and husband Brent have a bit of experience with school-age kids—they have 11 children and more than a dozen grandchildren. After home educating for 20 years, Laura started Compass Prep in 2004 as an extension of the type of education she offered her own children. She breaks down the Compass philosophy to three areas: focus, flexibility and family. The first question asked of each student is: “What do you love?” Once they know what motivates the student, whether it’s athletics, technology or the arts, Compass Prep can help each child focus on his or her interests along with the academics needed for the next step. Individuals are valued for who they are becoming, not merely for their academic agility. From our youngest students in Pre-K to those who are ready to launch into adulthood, Compass Prep’s focus is on mastery of the basic skills they will need for a confident and capable future. Math, reading and communication skills are the top academic priorities and every student’s personal interests drive the overall learning experience. 32
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“We don’t downplay academics, in fact, we offer a complete college prep program for all, but if the student is not ‘bookish,’ it’s perfectly acceptable. We use their interests and natural aptitudes to get them places. It’s the gasoline in their motor. And instead of stripping them of what they love, we celebrate it. By developing a trust relationship, mentors become their biggest cheerleaders. Deflated students get refilled and set on a course in which they can experience success and a hope for their future.” Laura adds that, “According to Mike Rowe, of the popular show, ‘Dirty Jobs’ and www.mikeroweworks. com, there is a massive deficit of skilled tradesmen in this country. Many opportunities to learn valuable and marketable skills are being passed up for the more widely accepted course of traditional college. However, there are many people with master’s degrees who are ‘overqualified,’ unemployed and upside-down in college loans , and in the current economy, cannot find work in their field of study. By helping students discover and develop their callings, we narrow and refine their focus.” The school’s exceptional
Every student who enrolls becomes a part of a huge family, thriving in the comfortable and welcoming environment that requires no uniforms and feels like home. Students and staff gather for regular Town Hall meetings where problems are solved and policies are made, all with equally weighted votes. Every voice counts and students have real power to create change, develop critical thinking skills and become true leaders. “Compass Prep is a positive and compassionate community, like any healthy family should be,” said Laura. “We have seen kids reach out to each other, forming friendships that would be very unlikely in other settings. Because the staff and teachers treat the kids with respect and acceptance, the students do the same. In the last 10 years, we have seen many successes and are excited to help more students launch into a strong adult life.” photos by Kim Bates
OffRoad program is a prime example of how Compass Prep helps students find their focus, by using the community as a classroom through visits with important people and to interesting places. Every week, middle and high school students meet civic leaders in business and government, and expand their frame of reference through community service opportunities and field studies in manufacturing, medicine, entrepreneurship, law and STEM applications, as well as outdoor education through hiking, fishing, survival skills, kayaking and camping. “Students are receiving a true education (from the Latin word educare, meaning, ‘to lead out’) as we take them out of their small teenage lives into the larger adult world for which they are being prepared.” Similar to a college schedule, classes meet only three days per week (Tuesday-Thursday) and the longer weekends and manageable academic load allows students to maintain steady part-time work and develop hobbies that can turn into marketable skills. Some students need to catch up; others want to jump ahead and take advantage of dual enrollment at local colleges, getting a head start on higher learning while finishing high school. “We help them tailor their academic schedule around their activities. If a student already has a passion, they need time to develop it.” said Laura. “Flexibility is a big part of what makes Compass Prep unique, and allows us to offer something that traditional schools don’t. If a student has a chance to take a week-long trip to Europe or do relief work after a natural disaster, well, that’s life changing. Missing a week of school won’t hurt them a bit. These experiences are just as critical for a well-rounded education as heavy academics.” SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Lifestyle
Rock Bottom BY MIKE LITREL, MD
One patient I’ll never forget from my days of medical residency was a homeless cocaine addict. Beaten and raped by multiple attackers, she’d been found half buried — left for dead — in a parking lot behind a crack house. The police report estimated she had been buried for two days. When I saw her she still had fragments of gravel embedded in her skin. Dr. Mike Litrel has authored I was called in to consult hundreds of articles and when her pregnancy test two books on the faithhealth connection. He is came back positive. She had a board certified OB/GYN stabilized from her injuries, and specialist in pelvic but her eyes were empty like reconstructive surgery something inside her had died. at Cherokee Women’s She submitted to an exam. Health Specialists in Roswell and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel Ironically, the ultrasound can be reached at www. showed a new life – a fetus cherokeewomenshealth.com the size of a fingertip, heart beating rapidly. I took an extra photo for the patient. She looked at it with apathy. As I was leaving the room, I saw she’d dropped it on the floor. I didn’t bother picking it up for her. It had been three years since I’d delivered my first baby as a third year medical student. The moment I delivered my first baby, I knew I wanted to be an obstetrician. The hospital seemed holy ground, a place where people gathered to help to those in need, where new life was born. But since then, I had delivered hundreds of babies and treated
thousands of patients. I’d seen the flood through Grady’s doors — the drug addicts, the HIV positive, the unwed pregnant teens. Little by little, my joy in witnessing the miracle of birth was taken away by my realization that the newborns I was delivering did not have promising futures. Treating patients at Grady was like trying to stop the tide from coming in. No matter how hard you tried, patient after patient continued to wash up on Grady’s
“The moment I delivered my first baby, I knew I wanted to be an obstetrician. The hospital seemed holy ground, a place where people gathered to help to those in need, where new life was born.” shore. And I felt like I was beginning to drown myself. I realized God had left our hospital for places with more promise. It was toward the end of my second year that He sent a lifeboat to save me from my misconceptions. I was seeing patients in the postpartum clinic when a young mother wheeled her baby into my office. Her smile brightened the room. She looked too healthy to lay claim to her medical chart, thick as a telephone book. I flipped to her “footprint” sheet, dated 20 years before, the day she was born. She had been coming to Grady literally her entire life. I waded through the chart until I came to the past year, where a long stay in intensive care accounted for its thickness. Suddenly I realized I knew her. She was the patient – the patient who had been brutalized and buried alive. In continued on page 58
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Lifestyle
EVERYDAY
“Take each day as a new day to do something you couldn’t do yesterday. You can be physically strong but you don’t find out how strong you truly are until that is taken away and all that you have is your mindset. The mind is what allows you to become truly great, successful, stronger, unstoppable, unbeaten.” ~ John Lemoine
John Lemoine, 24, grew up in Woodstock and graduated from Etowah High School in 2008. After graduation, John received a lacrosse scholarship to Tennessee Wesleyan University. Then John made the decision to enter the Air Force Reserves at Dobbins Air Force Base and was training in San Angelo, Texas, to become a firefighter. On July 5, 2014, just three weeks before graduating from tech school, John was involved in a freak diving accident. On his day off, he was horsing around at the lake with his buddies and in an attempt to avoid falling on a small child, John dove backward into shallow water and shattered his sixth cervical vertebra. John drowned and went into cardiac arrest until his firefighter buddies rescued him, saving his life. Today, John is a quadriplegic. Since that July day, John has spent his time in trauma centers, VA hospitals and The Shepherd Center. John’s injury is “Incomplete,” giving him hope of walking again but not without time, hard work and intensive therapy. He has had positive increments of movement after using Lokomat, a robot-assisted walking therapy. Lokomat Therapy has an 80 percent success rate. On Nov. 21, John returned to Woodstock after several months of therapy at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta. His hope is to continue his progress through Shepherd’s Beyond Therapy program for another year of treatment and use of the Lokomat machine. This timeline overreaches insurance and 36
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benefits; use of the Lokomat machine alone costs approximately $100 per hour. His therapy will require nine hours per week. Lori, John’s mom, has taken leave from her job as a nurse to care for John. Their family has had to modify their home to accommodate his new lifestyle. “John is determined to walk again and spends all of his time and energy working hard,” says Lori. “I am proud of his strong determination and will.” The family is most concerned about funding John’s therapy treatments. It is imperative that he continues the course he is on since he is already making progress. Everyday Angels asked John to compile a Christmas list for our readers. His only request was an Xbox controller for quadriplegics. He doesn’t want to be distracted from working as hard as he can to walk again. Everyday Angels would like to ask members of our community to contribute to allow him to continue the Lokomat treatments.
Getting Financially Fit for Retirement at Fifty Things for trailing-edge boomers & Gen Xers to consider. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CPA/PFS, CFP® U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707.
When you turn 50, retirement starts to seem less abstract. In terms of retirement planning, a 50th birthday can act as a wake-up call. It may offer a powerful reminder to trailing-edge baby boomers and Gen Xers, many of whom are wrapping up their second act with inadequate retirement savings for their third. You may find yourself with such a shortfall, and you wouldn’t be exceptional. Your peak earning years may arrive in your 40s or 50s, but so do other responsibilities with big price tags (raising a family, caring for aging parents, building a business). Throw in some “wild cards” like divorce, bankruptcy or health scares, and any fortysomething would be challenged to build significant
wealth—and yet it happens. According to the latest Wells Fargo Middle Class Retirement Study, the median monthly retirement savings contribution by middle-class Americans aged 40-49 is $200. How about middle-class folks in their 50s? It must be more, right? No, the median contribution is even less: $78, working out to $936 per year. (Wells Fargo defined middle-class households as having 2013 income of $50,000-99,999 or investable assets of $25,00099,999.) Just as alarming, 50 percent of the survey respondents in their 50s said they would ramp up their retirement savings efforts “later” to make up for what they weren’t doing now. When
you’re in your 50s, there is no “later;” you have to act now. “Later” equals your 60s and your 60s will likely be when you retire. So what can you do here and now? Whether you’ve saved a great deal for retirement or not, what decisions could possibly strengthen your retirement nest egg? Make those catch-up retirement plan contributions. They may seem inconsequential in the big picture, but when you factor in potential investment returns and the power of compounding, they really aren’t. You can start making catch-up plan contributions in the year in which you turn 50. (You can make your first one while you are 49; it just has to be made within that calendar year.) If you only have a five-figure retirement savings sum at age 50, your retirement savings may double (or more) by age 65 through consistent inflows, compounding and catch-up contributions and decent yields. For 2015, there is a $1,000 catch-up contribution limit for IRAs and a $6,000 catch-up contribution limit for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, most 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan. Explore ways to save even more. Are you self-employed and a sole proprietor? You could create a solo 401(k) or a SEP-IRA. If eligible, you can defer up to $53,000 into those plans for 2015. Also, SIMPLE plans (to which both employers and employees may contribute) have contribution limits of $12,500 next year with a $3,000 catch-up limit. Slim down your debt. Retiring debt-free is a remarkable financial gift that you can give to yourself, and you ought to strive for it. You will always have some consumer debt and you may incur medically-related debts, but paying off the house and avoiding large, new, “bad” debts should be high on your financial to-do list. If accelerating or pre-paying your mortgage payments makes sense, continued on page 58
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Lifestyle
Bread Pudding
FROM REEL SEAFOOD OWNER AND CHEF DAVID SILVERMAN
Mix the following ingredients 1 gallon of brioche, challah or desired soft spongy bread (I dice the bread into 1 inch x 1 inch cubes and measure a full packed gallon) 1/3 lb. dark brown sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract 3 whole eggs 2 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup bourbon In a separate saucepan, heat 3 cups of milk and ⅓ lb. cream cheese, just enough to dissolve the cream cheese. Does not need to boil steadily. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
Photo by Kim Bates
Lightly brush oil or use food spray in desired ceramic dish; ramekins or pot pie dishes will work. Fill container with mixture and place into large pan with enough water bath to go about halfway up the sides of dishes. Bake in a conventional oven on 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes. You can slide a skewer in at an angle to the center to verify doneness. Bread pudding should come out fairly easily or you can serve out of the same dish you cook them in. Scoop salted caramel or your favorite ice cream and drizzle caramel sauce on top. Enjoy!
Apple Blackberry Pie FROM PAPA P’S OWNERS CARON & ALBERTO CATALÁN
3 pounds Granny Smith apples, cored and cut in thin slices 8 ounces blackberries 2/3 cup sugar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon of water (for pie crust) In a bowl, place apples, sugar and cinnamon. Stir to coat apples in sugar and cinnamon. Add blackberries and stir to combine. Cut pastry into two sections, one slightly larger than the other for the bottom of the pie. Roll out on a well-floured surface. Roll big enough to cover the pie dish. Place larger piece of pastry on the bottom of the pie dish and let it drop over the
Pie crust
3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter About ½ cup of ice cold water
Mix flour, salt and sugar in a bowl. Cut butter into small cubes (1/2 inch). Add butter to flour mix. Using your fingers, “squeeze” the butter and the flour together. Continue until the flour and butter are blended well. Slowly add the water and continue to mix with a wooden spoon. Dough should not be too moist. Roll dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator for 30-40 minutes. 38
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
edge of the dish. Use fingers to mold into the dish. Place filling into pie dish, stacking higher in the center. Brush edges of the pie crust with the egg mixture. Place top piece of pastry loosely on top and press edges together. Trim excess pastry. You can go over pressed edges with a fork. Poke a few holes in the top crust for ventilation. Brush the entire pie with remaining egg mixture. If you like you can make a few leaf shapes out of the extra pastry and place in the center of the pie. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place pie on middle rack for 20 minutes. (Place a baking sheet on a rack beneath to catch spills). Lower heat to 350 degrees and continue to bake for an additional 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool.
Photo courtesy of J King Images
Filling
Pork Roast with Sweet Glaze Topping BY LINDA “GG” GIBSON
Pork Roast
Glaze
2 pound pork roast, lean
1 ½ cups water
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
½ teaspoon granulated onion
½ cup onions, chopped
½ teaspoon flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup pineapple juice (use a can of chunk pineapple, reserve the juice)
Pinch of cayenne
A little pinch of cayenne
Combine ingredients and bring to a medium boil. Add half can pineapple chunks.
Wash roast. Season, add onions and butter and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, place roast in pan with 1 ½ cups water. Cover with foil and bake on 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or until tender. Make glaze while roast is in oven. Remove from oven when tender. Saturate with glaze and return to oven for 20 minutes without foil on top. This glaze is sweet with a kick! Tip: You can add a swig of Bourbon to the glaze for a more robust flavor.
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Lifestyle
Drain Cleaner — Friend or Foe? BY DAN JAPE
Are you thinking about using drain cleaner to attack a clog in your home? Turning to an over-thecounter chemical shouldn’t always be your first move; it’s certainly not the best move. To break up certain types of clogs, a drain-cleaning product uses elements that generate a chemical reaction, essentially creating heat and movement inside the pipes to dislodge or eat away at clogs. The problem with these products is that they don’t help Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. He homeowners know the cause of the can be reached at (770) clog. 594-9969 Using a drain cleaner on a serious blockage may make you think that you’ve solved the problem. What you’ve really done, however, is delayed the inevitable: a costlier, messier plumbing fix. The Solution Damages Your Toilet When you pour it into the toilet bowl, the product just sits there. Because toilets are full of water and slow-draining, the liquid starts
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to damage the bowl. The solution generates heat, which can cause the bowl to crack. Worse, the chemical reaction that occurs under water can lead to an explosion. Either way, these two outcomes are much more expensive than one service call to a plumber. A plumber will use a drain snake to get to the clog—wherever it may be—and safely clear out the pipes. The Solution Corrodes Pipes Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your pipes— even the tougher types such as metal. If your home has plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. Use the solution once to break up a clog and you could be safe. Use it repeatedly, however, and you’re asking for trouble. Most pipe materials are unable to withstand repeated use of the chemicals. When Should You Use It? Homeowners should avoid frequent use of the product. You’ll be safe with an occasional use to break up a hairball clogging a shower or sink drain, or suspected soap buildup. Take good care of your plumbing and avoid putting grease and food scraps down the drains. If you do get a clog, it is likely a sign of a more serious problem. Get help from a pro with the right tools to identify and reach clogs, and the experience to detect a serious problem.
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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13 Reinhardt College Parkway Canton, GA 30114 (770) 427-0368 www.nw-ent.com Mon.- Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Patient Care and Technology Are Top Priorities As Cherokee County continues to grow, so does the need for comprehensive medical care. The doctors and medical professionals at Northwest ENT and Allergy Center are providing that care, using a patient-centered approach that allows them to form strong relationships with patients and build customized treatment plans. Reviews on the practice’s website reveal the high level of patient satisfaction with individual doctors as well as the office staff. “All staff members were polite, informative and helpful beyond what I have experienced in other offices,” said one patient. After years of searching, another patient was happy to find “a doctor that took time to get to know my unique situation, as well as provide sufficient time to quell my fears and concerns after years of hearing loss.” Located in a newly remodeled space, the Canton office is one of six metro
MEET THE DOCTORS Dr. Ryan Kauffman is board certified and specializes in allergy, nasal surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, chronic ear surgery and pediatric otolaryngology. He was born and raised in Carrollton, Ga., and received his undergraduate degree from the University of West Georgia. He attended medical school at Vanderbilt University and completed his residency in otolaryngology head and neck surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 42 SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Atlanta locations, including Buckhead, Cartersville, Marietta, Windy Hill and Woodstock. In addition to the six office locations, there is an ambulatory surgery center in Woodstock. Northwest ENT and Allergy Center has eight physicians on staff and all are board certified or board eligible by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Three of these doctors see patients in the Canton office: Dr. Mark Van Deusen, Dr. Avani Ingley and Dr. Ryan Kauffman. Northwest ENT and Allergy Center has the ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients of all ages for a wide range of conditions involving the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. Patients are greeted at the new Canton location with a spacious waiting room and a friendly, professional office staff. Complete care is available through the most up-to-date technology, including diagnostic testing with a licensed audiologist. Northwest ENT provides in-depth evaluation and Dr. Mark Van Deusen grew up in upstate New York. He graduated from Binghamton University summa cum laude and attended medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y. He went on to graduate with honors before heading south to pursue his residency training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Dr. Van Deusen is trained in all aspects of otolaryngology, including treating patients with sinus disease, nasal obstruction and allergies.
management of hearing loss, then determines the specific hearing needs for a patient’s individual lifestyle. Complete allergy testing and treatment also are available at Northwest ENT and Allergy Center. Each physician has specialized training in the medical management of seasonal and year-round allergies. In addition to traditional allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy is offered as an alternative treatment for patients who cannot tolerate injections or make frequent office visits. The comprehensive services provided by Northwest ENT and Allergy Center range from office-based exams to skilled surgical care. With a growing county in need of wide-ranging medical care, Northwest ENT and Allergy Center continues to meet those needs with highly trained and specialized doctors and staff who care about the community they serve.
Dr. Avani Ingley grew up in Vidalia, Ga., and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. She completed her medical studies and residency in otolaryngology at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Ingley has experience in all routine ENT procedures with special interest in pediatric otolaryngology and nasal/sinus surgery. She is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.
Health & Wellness
Keep Pets Safe From Holiday Houseguests BY LEISA JENNINGS
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, but typically it is the most dangerous for our pets. A well-educated owner is likely familiar with common holiday hazards and already takes measures to protect pets from dangers poised by toxic foods and plants, and decor such as electrical wires and treacherous trimmings. Yet we often overlook potential Dr. Leisa Jennings grew up problems that can come in Georgia and graduated from our well-intentioned Summa Cum Laude/First houseguests Honor Graduate from Watch your pet’s behavior the University of Georgia for clues that they are stressed College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences or anxious because of extra in 2001. She remained people in the house. Even in Athens and received friendly pets that love everyone her Doctor of Veterinary can be problematic in certain Medicine in 2006. She has situations. Consider whether a special interest in birds/ avian medicine. She shares your pet is protective of your her home with her husband family, home, food or toys, and Adam and their furry issues that may arise if your children. houseguests bring their pets Establish a clear and strict set of house rules for guests interacting with your pet. Inform guests of these rules, make sure the rules are being followed, and reinforce them if needed. Many rules will be unique to your home and family, though there are a few that should definitely be on your list Don’t offer treats without your approval. Table food, candy, new treats, etc. can cause varying degrees of gastrointestinal upset including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and pain. These symptoms may range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening. A few of the most common foods that are toxic to pets are: chocolate, xylitol, caffeine, alcohol, Macadamia nuts, raisins, grapes, garlic and onions. Remind your guests to keep their medications away from all pets. Ask your guests to be aware of your pet’s location. Pets can be accidentally stepped on, crushed in the couch or recliner, dropped, and hit by cars. It is also easy for your pet to escape and become lost when your home is filled with people and activity. Consider having pets microchipped to increase the likelihood of finding them if they do wander off. Take a little extra time to pet-proof your home. Keep your pet’s eating, exercise, and sleep routine as close to normal as possible. By planning ahead, you will avoid problems and be able to enjoy the holidays and include your pets in your holiday festivities, treating them like the loving family members they are. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Health & Wellness
Choosing the Best Toothbrush: Manual vs. Electric BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN
Dr. Scott Harden is a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry and has served the Woodstock area for more than 21 years. You can reach Dr. Harden at (770) 926-0000 or visit FountainViewSmiles.com.
It can be tough to choose between an electric toothbrush and a good old-fashioned manual toothbrush. Each has its pros and cons, and I’ve learned during my years in clinical dentistry that some patients have more success with electric while others get the best results with the manual variety. It’s literally a case of different strokes for different folks. My recommendation is to use a combination of the two: a manual brush in the morning when you’re in a rush and an electric one at night. Keeping in mind that the purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque from your teeth and tongue and to stimulate the gum tissue, let’s take a closer look at how each method works.
Manual: A Classic Technique for Good Hygiene We have been using this type of toothbrush for years with
“The features of electric toothbrushes can vary. Newer models have pressure sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard and timers to keep you on track for an ideal two-minute brushing session.” good success. The advantages include: • Low cost and availability. Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive and accessible, while the electric versions can be expensive. This is the toothbrush the majority of dentists give away. • Easy to use while traveling. A manual toothbrush isn’t as bulky as its electric counterpart. You’ll be more likely to maintain good dental care habits while traveling with a toothbrush that you can easily bring along. • Less pressure on teeth and gums. Because it’s easier to determine how much pressure you are using when you brush with a manual toothbrush, you’re less likely to cause “toothbrush abrasion,” a condition that can wear away tooth enamel and cause sensitivity and increased risk of tooth decay. Judging the pressure you use when brushing isn’t as easy with an electric toothbrush. • Easy for kids. Even young children can use manual brushes safely and effectively once they learn how. Electric: Recommended in Some Cases An electric toothbrush has clear advantages for people with limited manual dexterity caused by conditions such as arthritis. The motion of an electric toothbrush can help people compensate for inadequate brushing with a manual toothbrush. The larger handles found on powered toothbrushes are also easier to hold. The features of electric toothbrushes can vary. Newer models have pressure sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard and timers to keep you on track for an ideal twominute brushing session. Manufacturers have also developed different functions for the bristles: some rotate together in one direction and then switch and rotate in the opposite direction, a process known as rotating-oscillating. This appears to remove plaque more effectively than manual brushes and electric brushes that spin in only one direction. If you want to try an electronic toothbrush, choose a model with rotating-oscillating bristles. How Often Should You Change to a New Toothbrush? Whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they wear down. Manual brushes need to be replaced every three months or when the bristles are no longer straight and firm.
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Jerry Berland, MD is a pediatric ophthalmologist, chief of ophthalmology for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and was named Top Doctor 2012, 2013, 2014 by Atlanta Magazine and US News and World Report. 46
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
photos by Kim Bates
homas Eye Group physicians and staff are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the practice, signifying a solid history of helping metro Atlanta residents maintain healthy vision. While it’s a chance to celebrate past achievements, it’s also a time of expansion and new opportunities for the practice. “We’ve been in the suburbs of Atlanta for 40 years, and we’re here to stay,” said Dr. Mark Berman from his office in Woodstock, which opened in 2001. “We care about all of the people we’ve come to know over the years, and we will continue to be here to treat them, Mark Berman, MD is a glaucoma specialist and treats patients for general their friends and their ophthalmic care, with an emphasis on family members.” cataract surgery. Thomas Eye Group has won the Consumer’s Choice Award for the past eight years, and each office is equipped with the latest technology to provide the best care. Thomas Eye Group treats patients from birth to the golden years and is one of few practices where several generations of the same family can make concurrent appointments. As a child, Dr. Berman was actually a pediatric patient of Dr. Stephen Levine, co-founder of Thomas Eye Group. “Not many people can say that they practice for a group that treated them when they were young,” he said. “It was my lifelong dream to become a doctor and return here to practice medicine.” Pediatric opthalmologist Dr. Jerry Berland, who treats the younger patients in the practice, said cataracts are not strictly an age-related condition: even babies
can be affected. If the cataract isn’t removed in time, the brain may never learn to see, even if the cataract is removed later in life. “I met one such infant when he was five days old,” says Dr. Berland. “By the time he was a month old, both eyes had the necessary surgery. Eight years later he is excelling in school and enjoying playing football. It was quite an honor when he named me as his ‘hero’ when completing an assignment for school.” Retina specialist Dr. Paul Kaufman is chief of ophthalmology for Northside Hospital. He specializes in vitreoretinal disease, treating diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration with vision-saving treatments that include surgical repair, laser and medical injections. Between the specialties of Drs. Berman Berland, and Kaufman, Paul Kaufman, MD is a retina specialist Thomas Eye Group is able and chief of ophthalmology for to offer comprehensive Northside Hospital. services including cataracts, glaucoma, retina, macular degeneration, pediatric eye care, LASIK, and oculoplastics. Completing the service offering is the Thomas Eye Group Surgery Center allowing patients comfort and convenience for their surgical needs. Also on staff is Dr. Lakhvir Singh, an optometrist specializing in comprehensive eye examinations with an emphasis on contact lens fitting. Thomas Eye Group’s community commitment is evident in the practice’s support of local events like downtown Woodstock’s scarecrow competition, and fundraising efforts such as the Atlanta VisionWalk, North Fulton Hospital’s Power of Pink and the Walk to Stop Diabetes. “We are so grateful for the patients and communities that have entrusted us with their eye care for the past 40 years,” said CEO Rod Roeser. “Reaching this milestone is a credit to the compassionate care and commitment of our doctors and staff.” The Thomas Eye Group Woodstock Office is currently accepting new patients and many medical and vision plans. Call (770) 928-4544 to schedule your appointment.
Thomas Eye Group
149 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 102 Woodstock,GA 30188
Health & Wellness
Routine is Key to Holiday Health
Cochlear Implants—Not Just for Children
BY ANGELINA CAIN, M.D.
BY MARK B. VAN DEUSEN, M.D.
Turkey, stuffing, eggnog—these are a few dishes I love. While many people look forward to holiday treats this time of year, they also dread expanding waistlines. Sugar cookies don’t have to cause this internal battle! I’ll share ideas on maintaining your health while making the most of the season. Most importantly, stick to your routine. The way we eat, sleep and exercise is a result of our Dr. Angelina Cain is the routines, which, if followed, can medical director of bariatric medicine for WellStar save us from unhealthy habits. Comprehensive Bariatric For example, people often Services. She earned her skip lunch to save calories for bachelor’s degree from a holiday party, but our bodies Florida State University don’t work that way. We process and medical degree from the Ross University School calories differently when eating of Medicine in Dominica, is paced throughout the day as West Indies. opposed to processing thousands of calories at once. Instead, follow your routine and eat healthy meals throughout the day. Holiday foods are significantly higher in calories than everyday meals. I don’t recommend forgoing your grandma’s pumpkin pie, but I do recommend filling up on a healthy plate before heading to that holiday party. You’ll have stronger willpower and will approach calorie-packed foods as small snacks rather than meals. Don’t allow exercise to take a backseat to the festivities. Exercise allows us to maintain our weight without starving ourselves. It helps us care for ourselves and prevent disease. I recommend pedometers to stay accountable, despite a full calendar. If you’re counting steps, take that neighborhood walk or do an extra lap around the mall. Stay moving by planning quality time with your family and friends, since that’s what the holidays are really about. Plan a hike, play a pickup game of basketball or take the kids to the playground. Plan fun activities and get away from making eating an all-day event. Finally, if you’re burning the midnight oil more often, you’re producing ghrelin—the hunger hormone—at higher levels. It’s your body’s way of getting more energy from food since it didn’t get energy from sleep. Stick to your sleep routine to help avoid cravings that lead to binge eating. As an Italian who comes from a family of volume pasta eaters, I know the temptation of food well. It is possible and rewarding to maintain a healthy routine with well-balanced nutrition and exercise while enjoying rich foods in small packages. Most importantly, enjoy your family and friends this holiday season!
Many people have seen the heart-warming videos of infants hearing for the first time as a result of a cochlear implant. What not everyone realizes is that cochlear implants are also placed in adults. In infants, implants are typically performed for congenital sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that the child is born with an inability to hear. In adults, cochlear implants are performed Dr. Mark B. Van Deusen enjoys treating patients for acquired sensorineural with sinus disease, nasal hearing loss, which can obstruction and allergies occur from noise exposure, at Northwest ENT and autoimmune disease, Allergy Center. He also infections, or as part of the practices head and neck surgical oncology, otologic normal aging process. surgery, and pediatric Sensorineural hearing loss otolaryngology. He can be is typically due to the loss reached at (770) 427-0368. of small hair cells located in the cochlea in the inner ear. When sound waves hit the eardrum, they are amplified and transmitted to the fluid in the cochlea by the hearing bones. The fluid wave then bends small hair cells within the cochlea. These hair cells are responsible for converting sound energy to electrical energy, which is then carried by the nerves of hearing to the brain. Initially, hearing loss can be improved with hearing aids. If hearing further declines, hearing aids are no longer beneficial, particularly when word understanding becomes more difficult. Simply increasing the amplification of sounds does not always improve the ability to understand the words. In these patients, a cochlear implant evaluation is the next step in hearing rehabilitation. If a patient meets cochlear implant criteria, the procedure is discussed between the patient and implant surgeon. Surgery is performed as an outpatient and takes approximately one to two hours. During the procedure, a small electrode is placed inside the cochlea from behind the ear, where it can directly stimulate the nerves of hearing. When the implant is activated three to four weeks later, sounds are sent to the implant via a magnetized external sound processor. Patients then work with the audiologist for individualized programming and rehabilitation. If you or a loved one is suffering from hearing loss and is no longer benefiting from hearing aids, it might be time for a cochlear implant evaluation.
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School & Sports
Woodstock Junior Wins T-shirt Design Contest Tucker Jones, a junior at Woodstock High School, is the winner of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) T-shirt design contest. The mission of the foundation is to support students and staff by promoting teaching and learning and celebrating achievements. Tucker’s design was chosen as the winner to best represent the foundation’s theme of “For the Love of Education.” He received a $100 Visa gift card, a Credit Union of Georgia gift bag and a CCEF 2015 T-shirt featuring his winning design. The T-shirts are for sale for $10 through Jan. 9 at all county schools. Anyone interested in ordering a shirt may contact the front office of any Cherokee County school; adult and children’s sizes are available. (from left) CCEF board Member Colleen Blackwell, Tucker Jones and Jason Blakey from Credit Union of Georgia.
Scholarships Awarded to Gold Swimmers
Rachel Pelzek and coach Mark Schilling
Alarii Levreault-Lopez 48
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Two local high school seniors and Chattahoochee Gold swimmers have accepted swim scholarships for college. Rachel Pelzek, a senior at Sequoyah High School, will attend Western Kentucky University, where she plans to major in exercise science. She has competed with Chattahoochee Gold since eighth grade and credits coach Mark Schilling for helping her achieve her goals. Alarii LevreaultLopez, a Woodstock High School senior, will swim for Louisiana State University and study petroleum engineering. A Chattahoochee Gold swimmer since age 5, he broke his first team record at age 12, and won his first state championship— the 400-yard individual medley—in 2013.
Athletes Recognized for Early Signings and Commitments Woodstock High School recently recognized student athletes for their early signings and commitments to colleges and universities. Baseball Chandler Adams, Georgia College and State University Jack Brannon, Tennessee Wesleyan College Sam Mang, Trevecca Nazarene University Softball Savanna Adams, Gordon College Makenzie Allen, Andrews College Grace Botti, Young Harris College Kayla Sangrey, Berry College Wrestling Zach Shareef, University of Tennessee Chattanooga
From left, front row: Makenzie Allen, Savannah Adams, Kayla Sangrey, Grace Botti; back row: Zach Shareef, Sam Mang, Jack Brannon, Chandler Adams.
Students Collect Food for MUST Ministries Students at Knox Elementary School and Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy recently participated in food drives to support MUST Ministries in Cherokee County, which offers assistance with food, clothing and employment services. Knox students rose to the challenge made by the Junior Beta Club and collected more than 1,500 cans of food. Students and staff at Holly Springs donated 330 cans to the drive, which was headed up by Nancy Glozier of the school’s cafeteria staff and Cafeteria Manager Malynda Wehunt. The student in each grade who collected the most cans won a $5 gift certificate for a la carte items in the cafeteria.
Safety Patrol Featured on Fox 5 Hickory Flat Elementary School’s student Thunderbird Safety Patrol was recently featured on Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta with transportation reporter Katie Beasley. Beasley is an alumna of Hickory Flat Elementary.
From left: Thunderbird Safety Patrol members Walker Bennett and Kaley Miller with Katie Beasley
Holly Springs Cafeteria Manager Malynda Wehunt and Nancy Glozier of the school’s cafeteria staff congratulate winners: kindergartener Jaylin Wills, first-grader Hailey Sams, second-grader Taylor Wills, fourth-graders (tie) Madelyn Allen and Marcelino Moreno, fifth-grader Mia Gatton and sixth-grader Victoria Hunter. Not pictured: third-grader Mekhi Jones.
Knox Elementary students, from left: Tyler Presnell, Sarah Liebert, Kali Holierhoek, Molly Parker, Katie Volz, and Zachary Lionetti
Cherokee High Wide Receiver Named Athlete of the Year Cherokee High School wide receiver Andrew Harris was chosen as the Montlick & Associates Georgia Athlete of the Year. Cherokee High was presented with a $5,000 check in his honor. Montlick & Associates partners with WSB-TV Channel 2 to weekly recognize high school football players who excel on and off the field. At the end of the season, Andrew Harris community members vote for the top three finalists, and the team at WSB chooses the winner. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Among the group of volunteers are David Ott, Cory Cagle, Emily Garner, Austin Reed, Abigail Brooker, Youfang Yiu, Kelly Davidson, Mark Mooring, Rachel Grubb, Jeremy Earnest, Missy Reedy and Kenneth Augustin.
Living Love Out Loud Members and friends of Woodstock First Baptist recently participated in the church’s seventh annual LoveLoud event. This year, 2,800 people participated, helping complete 107 projects that equaled more than one million dollars in goods, products and services. Project highlights included: • A teaching academy to teach trade skills to the boys living at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. • Serving lunch to city of Woodstock employees. • Single moms and widows were treated to free auto detailing, auto repair, haircuts for adults and children, veterinary care, and a dental clinic.
Above left, Hannah King (facing camera) and Melody Johnson (back to camera) are part of an assembly line of volunteers. Left, Nathan Hill helps with car washes. Construction projects like the one above made a difference for local nonprofits.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREA WOOD, ZACH CHILDERS, MARCY BOPE AND DAVID LONG.
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• More than 100 volunteers worked on painting and construction projects for TurnAround Ministries. • A party for special needs kids at Next Steps Ministries incuded pizza and ice cream, a visit from Happy Tails animals, and a puppet performance by SHINE. Etowah High School football players spent the day at Next Steps. • More than 50 volunteers delivered food boxes and blankets to hundreds of refugee families in Clarkston.
Preparing for the Birth of Jesus BY DR. JOE MCKECHNIE
I remember when I was dating Catherine, the beautiful woman who would later become my wife. Money was tight, but I would splurge and have flowers delivered to her. I would spare no expense to lavish her with gifts at Christmas and for her birthday. I would take her to dinner at nice restaurants. Why? These were ways for me to express my love for her. In the hustle and bustle of the Dr. Joe McKechnie is the holiday season, we often lose sight of senior pastor of Sixes the true meaning of Christmas. Even United Methodist Church, for those who are deliberate and and a member of the intentional about the reason for the Sixes Living community season, we can easily forget about board. Email him at joe@sixesumc.org. the raw beauty and the cavernous depth of the birth of Jesus. In Scripture, hundreds of years of prophesy, expectation and anticipation culminate with the promise that “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.’” Christmas is the declaration that “God is with us.” Through the birth of Jesus, God went to great lengths to
demonstrate the love He has for us, to bring about His presence in a way that met the world at the point of its deepest need. God humbled Himself, purposely replacing a throne with a manger. Exchanging heaven for the messed up world, so that we could say “God is with us.” No longer would darkness hide the light. No longer would fear overpower hope. No longer would doubt overshadow joy. No longer would death rob us of life. The scandal of Christmas is that the Creator of the universe would come into this world as a helpless newborn. On a starry morning in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, God with skin invaded the darkness to offer us His gift of eternal life. As Charles Wesley wrote, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” A Savior has been born. One who saves us. One who sets us free! The Lord knows your deepest needs and your biggest hurts. And He’s still extending the same invitation that has changed countless lives. As we celebrate Christmas, do we see Jesus as our gift from God—a Savior, redeemer and source of true hope, joy and peace? Or do we simply view Jesus as a warm-fuzzy thought to merely add on to an already comfortable life? As we sing in the Christmas hymn “Joy to the World,” “Let every heart prepare Him room…” How are you preparing room for Jesus in your life?
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A Journey From Patient to Pageant BY YVETTE PEGUES
In 2010, the entire right side of my body went completely numb. I was rushed to the emergency room. At first the medical professionals thought I was suffering from a stroke, then began to think it was multiple sclerosis. A brain scan revealed a genetic disorder called Chiari Malformation, Type I, where the nerves at the back of the brain hang longer than normal. In my case, my brain literally dropped into my spine, causing it to lower inside my spinal column and drastically limit the flow of brain fluid to the rest of my body. Hours before my brain broke, I was living a dream life! At least that’s what I thought. I was an active wife and mom, an engineer by trade and IBM executive by profession. I had just returned from an earthquake relief effort trip in Haiti and had graduated cum laude with a second degree in early childhood education. And I had just completed paperwork to enroll in a fully funded, one-of-a-kind Yvette with husband Tharrow and sons Isaiah and Elijah live in the Sixes Road area. Harvard University doctorate program created to impact education from the top-down. I had corrective surgery on July 17, 2011. I was I have also been a champion of the “Legacy of Literature” service crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA on July 19, 2014, exactly three years platform, as Ms. Wheelchair USA, by encouraging children of all and two days later. During the time it would have taken me to abilities to publish as they participate in bibliotherapy, a form of receive a Ph.D, from Harvard University, I was learning to live with expressive therapy that helps turns their “storms into stories.” my new reality - experiencing life from a wheelchair. After Our family truly believes that the scene of our greatest recovering from surgery, my boys Isaiah, 7, and Elijah, 5, and I disappointment is the setting of our most powerful miracle. As published a book entitled “My Mommy had Brain Surgery & I’m difficult as it is for people with disabilities to adapt to their current Okay.” I’ve entered a different educational system with my sons, circumstances, we have learned that we are blessed and unbroken helping young people learn about the brain, injuries and disability. in Christ. Just as our bodies may be broken, often it’s in the
breaking that we learn to rely on Him. The latest miracle has been partnering with the Ms. Wheelchair organization to create the Crowns4Christ – Unbroken Tour, produced by Lowery Lockard and the Dane Foundation. I have the honor of leading amazing speakers, who are also former national titleholders, as they share God’s message of strength, recovery and inspiration; it’s patterned after Women of Faith, a popular Christian women’s conference. Women with disabilities are often classified as “broken,” and we are real examples that there is no testimony without a test. We share our personal testimonies, music and videos and have lots of fun in an evening that will have meaning for all ages and all abilities. Attendees leave feeling refreshed, with hope and strength, regardless of their own circumstances or storms. We hope to bring the tour to Woodstock First Baptist in February 2015. To stay up to date on tour dates, sponsorship opportunities or to request an official state representative package, email info@MsWheelchairUSA.org or visit www. crowns-4-christ.org.
Crowns 4 Christ speakers are Ashlee Lundvall (left), Yvette Pegues and Sara Keedy. 52
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Welcome to
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK
The Outlet Shoppes
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Fifth Avenue Off Fifth
- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only - Chatt Tech parking is limited until early 2015
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Download the Visit Woodstock App for info on downtown businesses and events!
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painting by Kristina Laurendi Havens
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Downtown Woodstock
139 Christmases . . . and Counting! BY PATTI BRADY
Christmas began with the greatest miracle of all—“God with us”—and everything those words signify. Ever since, new unmerited wonders happen regularly. Some miracles are certainly more personal and more important than others, but don’t discount the less obvious, awe-inspiring elements scattered throughout the background of your world. One quiet marvel is practically in your backyard—the Dean house, Patti Brady is author which has been present through 139 of the “The Heart of a Christmases. Built in 1875, the brick Child” and “The Power home on Main Street across from of Her Smile” from City Chambers is often overlooked as the Woodstock Novels series. Learn more about hundreds of vehicles drive by it every our town through her day. The Dean house may be the blog – pattibradynovels. oldest surviving structure for half a blogspot.com. Email dozen miles around. The little abode Patti at plbradygeorgia@ has withstood Reconstruction-era bellsouth.net taxation, nearby fires, the fall of the cotton market, the Great Depression, area windstorms, the 2009 flood and modern-day development. For this article, I’ve digitally retouched the antique photo of the Dean house, ridding it of scratches, stains and creases that might distract you. Computer technology, another surprising gift, easily fixed the problems. The splendid endowment from which the image was sourced - the online photo collection called Vanishing Georgia - is a miracle itself. Visit the website and enjoy images from a bygone era. Vanishing Georgia enables you to study these old photos through a special digital scan that enlarges the image for closer viewing of historic details; you can witness more unexpected, delightful phenomena. My careful search uncovered a few aspects not illuminated in the 5 by 7 tintype. I’m guessing this post-Civil War picture was taken in autumn. The leaves are still holding onto the trees, but the man in the foreground, grasping a sapling, is dressed for cool weather. He wears a nice hat and frock coat. Woodstock is beginning a period of prosperity as a cotton trade center. The man is dark skinned, and so are the two little girls who hold The Dean house was built in 1875. 54
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what appear to be dolls on the front porch. The highlighted fellow must have been important to the family. Did he help G.A. Merritt, the retired doctor-turned-farmer who constructed the home? Was he in charge of Merritt’s cotton crop? A white woman sits in a rocker, and a young boy in overalls gazes out from his chair beside her. An older lad is perched on the porch rail. Two riders pose on their chestnut and palomino horses. In the background (toward the spot where a line of modern shops are located today) a white latticework form rises. Perhaps the airy structure served as a sitting room on the lawn, or the slats were meant to support vines of scuppernong or pole bean. Most noteworthy is the absence of an important Woodstock feature. I cannot detect the railroad which would have dominated the edge of the dirt lane (Main Street) in front of the house. Train tracks first cut through Woodstock in 1879. If my observation about the missing rails is correct, this photo was taken in 1879 or earlier, well before the 1890 date suggested by the website (which erroneously shows the house reversed). The second owner of the residence, Dr. W.L. Dean, moved in with his bride in 1884. The beloved physician tended the sick and the dying in the Woodstock locale. In 1906, illness claimed the doctor’s life. His wife was left with six children to support. The oldest son, Linton, took up the responsibility. He turned the family’s new but suddenly-defunct drugstore into a successful general store. Disaster averted. Another happy wonder. Now I hope you find yourself recalling the instances of supernatural grace in your own life. And here are my parting words for 2014: may we recognize all the blessings offered us, and may we joyously receive what is so freely given. Merry Christmas, Woodstock!
A Midwinter Visitation
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 Woodstock. Ann@annlitrel.com
As a chilly rain falls, I remember a bitter-cold December day over a decade ago. The cold made for a dreary jailer, and the hours passed slowly for me and the boys, Tyler and Joseph, who were just 8 and 5. Around midmorning an unfamiliar sound outside became noticeable. Barely audible at first, it grew, seeming to draw nearer until it became a distinct twittering and chirping, a swelling of voices – birds
singing! “Mommy, come see!” Joseph pressed his finger against the window pointing. Tyler and I followed. The sky was alive – electrified with birds. Flitting from tree to tree – birds, and more birds, circling tree trunks, probing bark, poking through the leaves. Scores of chickadees and titmice filled the yard, along with birds I had never seen before – small brisk woodpeckers, a nuthatch with a brown head, a little warbler with a flash of yellow at its tail. Tyler brought forth the bird guide, and we repeated each name for Joseph as we found it: downy woodpecker, brown-headed nuthatch, yellowrumped warbler. Our visitors Ann Litrel with her boys, Tyler and Joseph moved on long before we tired of the show. The yard emptied like a sieve, leaking life and song. For hours the boys talked about the birds. Why had they come? Where had they gone? And they lamented – why did they leave so soon? A field guide dispelled the mystery: “…continuing throughout fall and winter into early spring, mixed foraging flocks patrol forests and fields…mostly insectivorous species…a
Painting by Ann Litrel, annlitrel.com
BY ANN LITREL
forest will appear How do birds survive the empty of birds in winter? Many small birds have winter, only to an average body temperature suddenly have the of 107 degrees, and can forage trees swarming with with no apparent discomfort. vocalizing chickadees, The typical chickadee has titmice, and other 2000 feathers, with muscular species.” control over all of them. It All our feeders filled “fluffs” these feathers to gain with seed, all the better insulation. Some fruiting shrubs species actually roost together planted just for birds in tree cavities to conserve – and our visitors heat. These include the Brown were after plain old Creeper, the Winter Wren, the insects. I couldn’t White-breasted Nuthatch, and help but laugh. the Eastern Bluebird. The birds never Drawing birds closer: To attract returned. Yet they foraging birds, you can try sang in my memory making a thin “pssh pssh” sound all winter long, a bright song in that or kissing the back of your hand dark season. And one – sounds which mimic distress day as I sadly looked calls. upon my cold silent A good nature guide for yard it came to me – reading: John Krichner’s their visit was not just “Ecology of Eastern Forests: The a memory, it was a Peterson Field Guide Series.” promise – a promise that even in the cold of winter, life would endure; a promise that one spring morning the silence would end and we would hear the songs once more. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Downtown Woodstock
Experience Elm Street A Lucky 13 Years BY G. LORA GROOMS
CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK
DECEMBER
12, 13, 19, 20 AT 7:30PM 6 & 24 AT 2:00PM
Call or visit us on the web to learn about our
WINTER CLASSES ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251
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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
December 2011 … that’s when I purchased the domain name for the Towne Lake Arts Center. The official opening was in February 2002. Some of you may even remember our old location off Bells Ferry Road. I took whatever savings I had from teaching drama and music since 1990 and poured it into starting a new venture. This means we’ve been in business in Cherokee County and Woodstock for a very lucky 13 years. G. Lora Grooms is the During that time we’ve gone director for the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. from holding one week of She has been teaching, summer camp to eight weeks. writing, directing and We’ve gone from producing one performing in the Atlanta show per month to sometimes area since 1990. You can two or three per month, not reach her at director@ to mention additional events elmstreetarts.org such as concerts, recitals and pageants. In 2005 the TowneLaker and Sixes Living magazines began a partnership with us, donating ad and editorial space, which continues to this day. No doubt many of you found out about us because of this generous, long-term sponsorship. In 2011 we changed our name and moved from a small 120-seat venue with minimal facilities and parking to the very heart of downtown Woodstock, thanks to Mayor Donnie Henriques and the city council. We added a wonderful outdoor stage in 2014 thanks to Resurgens Orthopaedics, the Woodstock DDA and the Main Street Association. Walton Homes has provided infrastructure to the Village site at the corner of Elm and Market streets. Mondo Land Planning, Austin Outdoors and Highland Waterworks have created our Event Green. The Greenprints Alliance completed the Downtown Trail Spur which starts at the Village. We are so incredibly fortunate as an arts organization to benefit from these creative, insightful partnerships. Sadly, we’ve also watched a handful of nearby theater groups disappear during the economic downturn. How have we managed to survive when some did not? How did we get so lucky? Certainly the above-mentioned partnerships have had a lot to do with our continued existence. So, maybe it hasn’t all been 13 years of incredibly good luck. There have been many long work days and tons of community and civic support. Our volunteers are the best you’ll find anywhere - and that includes a working board of directors. And for all of that, we are truly grateful as we move into 2015 with vibrant new programming and a sincere appreciation for our patrons and the community we serve.
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com
CUISINE
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
SUNDAY
SPIRITS
RESERV.
American
no
$
$
open
Beer/Wine
no
Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com
Modern American
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
8 persons +
Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com
Wood-fired Pizza & Grill
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Southern
Sat./Sun. Brunch
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
no
American
no
$
no
open
no
no
Tapas/Sushi
no
Fri./Sat. only
$$
open
Full bar
yes
Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com
Italian
no
$$
$$
open
Full bar
no
J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com
Diner
$-$$
$ - $$
no
open
no
weekdays only
BBQ & Southern Sandwiches
no
$ - $$
$ - $$
open
Beer
no
Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com
J Miller’s Smokehouse 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com
Southern
Sunday Brunch
no
$$$$
open
Beer/Wine
yes
Pure Taqueria 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock
Mexican
Sat./Sun. Brunch
$$
$$
open
Full bar
6 persons +
Seafood
Sunday Brunch
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
limited
English Tea room
no
$$
no
closed
no
yes
Italian
no
$$
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
Reel Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
57
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants
Rock Bottom
Getting Financially Fit for Retirement at Fifty
disbelief, I saw the ultrasound photo I’d taken almost a year ago. Her smile broadened at my expressions of shock. She told me about her life. The youngest of seven children, all with different fathers, she grew up in a series of foster homes. She ran away at 15, living on the streets, prostituting herself for money. She remembered only some moments from her attack, her assailants throwing her into a hole and covering her with dirt. The next thing she remembered was the moment she awakened at Grady Hospital a month later. But things had changed since then, she said. She was off drugs; she was getting her G.E.D. And she was happy. How did this happen? I wanted to know. She pulled a wrinkled photo out of her wallet, eager to share her secret. “This SAVED my life. When I looked at this, I JUST KNEW, no matter what I done, that God loved me.” It was the ultrasound photo. She cradled her baby like a treasure in her arms. She looked down at her daughter and cooed, playing with the pink ribbon in the little girl’s hair. “I am…a Mother.” Her voice cracked on the word “Mother.” It was her answer to everything that had come before. She had given life to a newborn, and her newborn had given life back to her. All of a sudden the Sacred entered the room, the Holy returned to the hospital. What was this sensation I was feeling? It was Hope, it was Faith, and it felt wonderful. I knew then that I would survive. I would be grateful again to be a physician in this privileged place. The patient hugged me when she got up to leave, and then paused. “Guess my baby’s name,” she said, smiling expectantly. She held up her baby, all soft brown eyes and curls, but a reminder forever of her suffering, the rock bottom of her life – a child who was the product of a brutal attack. I waited. Finally she relented, and her eyes glowed with a light I will never forget. “Miracle. I named my baby Miracle.”
see if your monthly budget will let you do so; be sure you won’t face those rare prepayment penalties. Once your residence is paid off, you might consider living in a cheaper, tax-friendly state— another way to retain more money. Look at long-term care and disability insurance. Again, this comes down to “how much can you afford to lose?” While longterm care coverage is rapidly growing more expensive, it still may be worth it in the long run as medical and scientific advances make the chances of lingering in life more common. Should something impede your ability to earn between now and retirement, disability insurance could provide relief. Consider revisiting your portfolio’s allocation. Since 1964, there have been seven bear markets. On average, they lasted slightly more than a year. On average, it took the S&P 500 3 1/2 years to return to where it was prior to the plunge. If you are 50 or older, think about those last two sentences some more. If your portfolio is allocated more or less the same way it was 30 years ago (some initial portfolio allocations go basically unchanged for decades), revisit those percentages in light of how soon you might retire and how much you can’t afford to lose. These are just some suggestions. For more, tap the insight of a seasoned financial professional who has known and seen the experience of saving during the “stretch drive” to retirement.
continued from page 34
Destinations
continued from page 37
Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
continued from page 15
Lights of Life. This holiday tradition dates back to 1989 and was always one of my children’s favorites. Families can enjoy the lighting displays as well as a petting zoo, train rides, pony rides and a visit with Santa. www.life.edu/index.php/info/info-visitlife/info-lightsoflife Put the magic in your family’s holiday season and create your own special holiday tradition by visiting one of the many magical lighting displays
Happy Holidays! 58
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Don’t Put Job Search on Hold During Holidays continued from page 24
open job positions to customizing a resume that speaks to the needs of the company. Staying focused and on task may get you noticed by employers when there is a reduction in the number of resumes and applications received. Perhaps you have recently been on an interview but have not received a response as promised. Make the time to investigate and follow up. Overcome the fear of rejection. Many times employers face unexpected extensions in the hiring process and welcome a phone call or handwritten note from a qualified candidate. Anything you can do to make yourself stand out during these few weeks of reduced competition will bring you closer to achieving your goals. Keep making progress!
SIXES AREA HOMES SOLD IN OCTOBER Sixes Living Sales for October 2014 List Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
135,000.00 175,000.00 209,900.00 224,900.00 209,900.00 214,900.00 314,900.00 369,900.00 399,900.00 399,000.00 144,400.00 224,999.00 225,000.00 259,900.00 275,000.00 189,500.00 235,000.00 229,000.00 250,000.00 115,000.00 173,900.00 174,000.00 229,900.00 135,000.00 134,900.00 171,800.00 190,000.00 199,900.00 212,000.00 222,000.00 225,000.00 239,999.00 244,900.00 242,282.00 242,900.00 269,900.00
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
140,000.00 219,900.00 150,000.00 167,000.00 150,000.00 144,900.00 109,900.00 139,900.00 176,900.00 159,900.00 129,900.00 199,000.00 149,500.00 139,900.00 159,900.00 209,291.00 237,990.00 59,900.00 299,900.00 165,000.00 173,900.00 174,900.00 140,000.00 164,000.00 199,900.00 199,900.00 229,900.00 159,900.00 246,900.00 280,999.00 157,000.00
Address 2119 Toonigh RD 159 BIRCHWOOD PASS 410 AZALEA CV 353 LAUREL GLEN XING 916 Bridgemill AVE 520 Oriole Farm TRL 803 VALLEY DR 634 BLACKWATER RDG 1391 Bridgemill AVE 911 Bridgemill AVE 504 Whitney WAY 142 Cherokee Reserve CIR 1092 Copper Creek DR 125 Northlake TRL 712 Silver Mist WAY 246 Winterbury DR 531 CRESTMONT LN 496 Crestmont LN 208 Crestmont WAY 3860 Creekmore ST 211 Diamond Valley PASS 113 Diamond Ridge AVE 6025 Golden LNDG 177 Nacoochee WAY 116 Jacee CIR 320 Abbey CT 817 Durham CT 420 Deepstream XING 713 Berkeley TER 627 Syemore PASS 814 Whiteoak TER 617 Lorimore PASS 271 Harmony Lake DR 211 South Village SQ 227 South Village SQ 215 South Village SQ
Subdivision Apple Orchard BridgeMill BridgeMill BridgeMill BridgeMill BridgeMill BridgeMill BridgeMill BridgeMill BridgeMill Canton Heights Cherokee Reserve Copper Creek Copper Creek Copper Creek Creekside At Prominence Crestmont Crestmont Crestmont Deerfield Diamond Ridge Diamond Ridge Eagle Pointe Enclave at Holly Mill H.T. Childers Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes Harmony on the Lakes
Beds
Baths 3 3 4 4 3 3 6 4 5 5 3 3 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 3 4 4 4 3 5 3 3 4 4 4 3 5 4 4 4 4
2 2 3 3.5 2 2 4 3 5 4 2.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 2.5 3 2.5 3.5 2 2.5 3 2.5 2.5 3 2 2 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3 2.5 3.5 2.5 3.5
Yr Built 1985 1998 2001 2002 2002 2005 1998 2006 2001 2014 2004 2014 2001 2003 2002 2005 2007 2006 2004 1987 2003 2002 1991 2004 1983 2004 2006 2005 2006 2006 2005 2011 2004 2014 2014 2014
Days on Market 11 33 7 93 23 74 84 32 7 139 203 11 55 9 42 63 13 4 29 14 7 46 4 63 6 7 9 73 116 8 142 112 141 123 12 156
Sales Price
$$/sq ft
$ 135,000.00 $ 170,000.00 $ 200,000.00 $ 200,000.00 $ 205,500.00 $ 214,900.00 $ 295,000.00 $ 352,500.00 $ 390,000.00 $ 394,000.00 $ 138,000.00 $ 228,000.00 $ 218,000.00 $ 249,900.00 $ 265,000.00 $ 179,000.00 $ 215,000.00 $ 222,000.00 $ 242,000.00 $ 117,000.00 $ 167,000.00 $ 175,000.00 $ 229,900.00 $ 132,000.00 $ 134,000.00 $ 165,500.00 $ 185,000.00 $ 188,275.00 $ 205,000.00 $ 214,000.00 $ 222,000.00 $ 232,000.00 $ 233,000.00 $ 242,282.00 $ 242,900.00 $ 265,000.00
$ 100 $ 136 $ 99 $ 61 $ 117 $ 120 $ 76 $ 100 $ 78 $ 116 $ 61 $ 95 $ 76 No data $ 87 $ 71 $ 87 $ 78 $ 80 $ 88 $ 79 $ 85 $ 98 No data $ 61 $ 104 $ 102 $ 80 $ 101 $ 102 $ 108 $ 95 No data $ 93 $ 98 $ 83
See all the photos and details of these sold listings at http://SLOCT2014.KurtandSheilaTeam.info
$ 202,171.04
235 Hembree DR 1014 Blankets Creek DR 407 Sweetgum DR 239 Holly Creek WAY 326 Westminster DR 1341 Little Deer RUN 152 Sequoyah CIR 225 Magnolia Springs DR 311 Magnolia Springs TRCE 825 Ridge View LN 445 Morgan Springs CT 998 Killian RD 188 Overlook CIR 271 Pine Acres DR 944 Gardenia CURV 204 Providence Walk CT 344 Providence Walk WAY 35 Morris Hill DR 1760 RIDGE RD 312 Alcovy WAY 512 TALLAPOOSA TRL 510 TALLAPOOSA TRL 433 Chatooga LN 336 Pin Oak AVE 110 Village DR 612 Cobblestone CIR 514 Gardenview RD 313 Split Rail WAY 402 Willowbrooke CIR 210 Hickory Nut LN 338 Meadows LN AVERAGES IN OCT 2014
Hembredge Hills Highland Point Holly Creek Holly Creek Estates Holly Mill Indian Brook Indian Springs Magnolia Springs Magnolia Springs Mills Ridge Morgan Springs none Overlook At Holly Springs Pine Acres Prominence P Providence Walk Providence Walk Rich Ridgeview River Edge at River Park River Edge at River Park River Edge at River Park River Park River Park Station At Prominence Station At Prominence Station At Prominence Taylors Farm The Preserve The Preserve Hickory Flat The View At Holly Mill
4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 3
3 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 2 2 2 2.5 2 3 2 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 3.5 1.5 3.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3 2.5 3 2 2 2 2.5
1969 1998 1986 1989 2001 1996 1977 1996 1996 1988 1986 1964 2008 1984 2005 2014 2014 1950 1998 2013 2014 2014 2006 2006 2004 2006 2014 2000 2014 2014 2003
We have seen a surge lately in buyer activity. Seize this opportunity to sell. Rates can only go up from here which will make homes less affordable for buyers using financing.
93 67 17 6 15 26 133 11 7 10 130 69 174 91 6 103 114 38 60 7 125 102 71 27 6 12 39 114 22 127 87 57.91
$ 137,000.00 $ 215,900.00 $ 155,000.00 $ 160,000.00 $ 140,500.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 109,900.00 $ 136,250.00 $ 172,000.00 $ 157,000.00 $ 122,500.00 $ 225,000.00 $ 145,500.00 $ 135,000.00 $ 152,000.00 $ 201,490.00 $ 237,990.00 $ 55,000.00 $ 308,000.00 $ 165,000.00 $ 173,900.00 $ 174,900.00 $ 135,000.00 $ 158,000.00 $ 190,000.00 $ 194,000.00 $ 218,000.00 $ 156,000.00 $ 252,672.00 $ 280,884.00 $ 154,000.00
$ 55 $ 92 $ 68 $ 78 $ 72 $ 107 $ 76 No data $ 105 $ 71 $ 66 $ 36 $ 105 $ 112 $ 81 No data No data $ 41 $ 101 $ 82 $ 89 $ 85 $ 84 $ 78 $ 79 $ 76 $ 108 $ 80 $ 144 $ 125 $ 78
$ 197,343.93
$ 88.34
Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by Sixes Living) SIXES LIVING | December 2014
59
Cherokee Photography Club - “Motion and Movement” Congratulations to the winners in our competition “Motion and Movement!” As usual, our very talented members submitted lots of truly beautiful images! Digital Projection:
1st: Jay Minor “You Spin Me Right Round, Baby”
3rd: Carole Dubuc Ohlemueller “Look Out, Annie’s Got a Gun”
2nd: Peter Kilpo “Formula 1”
HM: Percy Clapp “The Break”
Color Prints:
1st: Joey Thompson “Spinning” 60
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
2nd: Percy Clapp “Buck”
3rd: Jay Minor “Color Galore”
HM: Naomi Shively “Bandon Beach”
Monochromatic:
1st: Peter Kilpo “Six Car Race”
3rd: Martin Longstaff “Dragon’s Pool”
2nd: Eillene Kirk “A Fine Ride”
HM: Carole Dubuc Ohlemueller “Running Like the Wind”
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. SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Reference
G REENPR I N T S T RAI L SYST E M WOODSTOCK, GA
Town to Creek Trail - This 0.57 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street. It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with the Noonday Creek & Towne Lake Pass trails. Noonday Creek Trail - This 0.86 mile paved trail is a continuation of the Town to Creek trail meandering along Noonday Creek. It intersects the future Towne Lake Pass trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2015) - This approx. 1.2-mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the interesection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2015) - This 1-mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails.
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
63
Reference
SIXES AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations Canton Cherokee Business and Professional Women’s Club Meets: Noon on third Thursdays at Canton IHOP Contact: Glenda Hinton (770) 345-1751 Canton Communicators Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Canton YMCA Contact: Steven Van Schooten, (770) 3668224. www.toastmasters.org Cherokee Area Business Connection Meets: 7:15 a.m. Wednesdays Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 customerservice@aloveoftravel.com Cherokee B2B Network Meets: 8 a.m. second and fourth Thursdays at Best Western, 705 Transit Ave., Canton 30114 Contact: (770) 781-3452. www.CherokeeB2B.com
Contact: Marie Blackwell (770) 378-0759 www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. Contact: (770) 345-2675 www.cherokeega.com Cherokee County Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Cherokee County Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. Contact: (770) 479-1703, in Spanish (770) 7207050, www.cfvc.org
Cherokee Toastmasters Club. Meets: noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock 30188. Contact: Richard Stacy at (843) 697-5189, richbstacy@ gmail.com. www.cherokeetoastmasters.com.
Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Contact: Bill Queen (404) 441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org
Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets: Third Thursday at 8.30 a.m. at J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig (678) 445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy
Cherokee FOCUS works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. Contact: Sonia Carruthers (770) 345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org
Woodstock Business Networking Group Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Atlanta Bread Company, 180 Woodstock Square Ave. Contact: Lee West (770) 591-7101
Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. Contact: (678) 640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com
Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hour line (404) 452-6248 Info (404) 496-4038. www.ahimsahouse.org American Heart Association - Cherokee Division Contact: (678) 385-2013 American Red Cross metro chapter Contact: (770) 428-2695 Angel House Girls Home is a residential facility for girls 12-18 to learn self-sufficiency. Contact: (770) 479-9555 www.angelhousega.com Anna Crawford Children’s Center a child abuse and prevention program for children and adults. Contact: (770) 345-8100 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org CASA for Children, Inc. needs volunteers to help advocate for children in the court system. Contact: Deidre Hollands (770) 345-3274 www.casacherokee.org Cherokee County Animal League is an association of pet owners, retailers, pet service providers, pet food pantries, veterinary offices, and rescue groups working together to care for and celebrate pets. Contact: Steve Monahan at (770) 712-4077 www.CherokeeCountyAnimalLeague.org Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association of GA supports foster parents.
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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. Email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness in North Georgia by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org Georgia Animal Project offers high quality, lowcost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. Contact: (770) 704-PAWS (7297) www.theanimalproject.org Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash where thousands of children in need are given filled backpacks, haircuts, socks, underwear, gently used clothing and health screenings to prepare them to go back to school. www.giveakidachance.org Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. Young men ages 8-21 call the ranch their home. Contact: (770) 796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org Habitat for Humanity North Central GA Contact: (770) 345-1879 www.habitat-ncg.org Harvesting Hope Ministries, Inc. raises money to send surgery care packs to children facing liver and kidney transplants. www.harvestinghopeministries.org Healing Hands Youth Ranch offers safe, peaceful
environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses to find hope and healing. Contact: Jennifer Simonis (770) 633-4451 www.hhyr.org Hope Center offers pregnant teens, single women pregnancy testing and counseling, childbirth and parenting classes, budget counseling, provision of maternity and baby supplies. Contact: (770) 924-0864, www.hopectr.com Hope Center — Baby & More Thrift Store Contact: (770) 517-4450 www.babyandmorethriftstore.com HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. Contact: (678) 391-5950, www.hqmg.org international City of Refuge (iCOR) exists to share God’s love, hope and healing with children in need by providing loving homes with emphasis on family unification when appropriate. Contact: Lily Colgate (404) 992-8155 http://icor-orphans.org Iron Hearts is a therapeutic horsemanship program for children and adults with special needs. Contact: (678) 493-5775 www.ironhearts.org MUST Ministries offers clothes closet, employment services, GED prep classes, food pantry for Cherokee residents. Contact: Kendall Jones (770) 479-5397 www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org Never Alone offers food and clothing assistance to residents of Cherokee County. Apply online or by calling (770) 363.5272 www.neveralone.org Next Step Ministries provides day programs Monday through Saturday for special needs kids, teens, and young adults. Contact: 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. Contact: (706) 253-6303 www.ngapregnancy.org Papa’s Pantry partners with individuals facing a critical shortage of food or finances due to an unexpected crisis or job loss. Offers life skills, job classes, food pantry. Contact: (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Safe Kids of Georgia offers free child safety seat inspections. Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal
distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. Contact: (770) 516-1108. www.servone.org
Civic Organizations BridgeMill-Sixes Service League Contact: Marlyn Patouillet (770) 345-7941 www.bssl.org Canton Lions Club Contact: (678) 224-7878. www.lionsofcanton.org Canton Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Canton IHOP Contact: canton_optimist@hotmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/cantonoptimistclub/ home Canton Rotary Club Meets: Noon Tuesdays at the Cherokee Conference Center at the Bluffs www.cantongarotary.org Cherokee County Historical Society Contact: (770) 345-3288. www.rockbarn.org Cherokee County Service League (770) 704-5991 Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. (Senior and Law Enforcement Together) Council works to alleviate fear of victimization, build confidence, enhance delivery of law enforcement services and improve quality of life for senior population. Contact: Dale Walz at dale.walz@yahoo.com www.saltcherokee.com Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Sidelines Grille on Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton Contact: (770) 683-1327. www.cherokeerotary.org
Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party meets 7 p.m. 2nd Thursdays at Holly Springs Depot, 164 Hickory Rd., Holly Springs. 8:30 a.m. 1st Saturdays at IHOP, 3010 Northside Pkwy., Canton 30014. Contact: (770) 345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com/d2. Cherokee County Libertarians meet 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock 30188. Contact: http:// cherokeelp.org. Cherokee County Republican Party Meets Second Saturday at 9 a.m. at Winchesters Woodfire Grill Contact: (678) 809-1411 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots meet at 4 p.m. the third Sunday at Latimer Hall in Woodstock. Contact Conrad Quagliaroli, (770) 378-8232. Republican Women of Cherokee County Contact: (678) 520-2236. www.rwccga.com
Recreation & Hobbies Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events and outings to pan the creeks in the Dahlonega Gold Belt along the Lake. Contact Rob Kelly, rrkelly@ bellsouth.net. Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meets: 10 a.m. second Saturdays at Studio 101, 101 Emma Ln., Woodstock 30188 www.artsalliancega.org
Blue Skies Laughter Club Meets: 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Northside Cherokee Medical Offices, 100 Stoneforest Dr., first floor conference room, Woodstock 30189 Contact (770) 517-3363 ext. 3 www.addlaughter.com
Contact: Rich Sanford (770) 926-1944
Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock 30189 www.christianauthorsguild.org
Breast Cancer Support Group: Cancer Support Community Atlanta Contact: (404) 843-1880 http://cancersupportcommunityatlanta.org
Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. second Saturdays at the William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188. www.cherokeehams.com
Celebrate Recovery Christ-centered program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups • 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. (770) 345-7644. www.sixesumc.org • 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House, (678) 459-2347, http://MinistryHouse.org. • 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, GA 30114 (678) 764-8660
Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton 30115 Contact: (770) 704-6244. www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee Community Chorale, a community of singers from all walks of life including housewives, teachers, retired professionals, office managers and professional musicians who love the art of choral singing. Contact: (678) 439-8625. www.cherokeechorale.org Cherokee County Master Gardeners: (770) 479-0418 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/ mastergardeners/ Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Music Teachers Association: Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org Cherokee Senior Softball Association www.cssasoftball.com The Funk Heritage Center Book Club Meets: 2 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Funk Heritage Center, 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy., Waleska 30183. Contact: (770) 720-5970 www.reinhardt.edu/funkheritage Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton 30114 www.cherokeechapter.com
Support Organizations AA Meetings Meets 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, noon Monday-Friday, 7 p.m. Monday, 4 p.m. Sunday (for women) at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Rd., Canton 30115 Contact: (770) 479-6961 Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Meets: 8 p.m. Thursdays at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Rd., Canton 30114; Al-Anon at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Al-A-Teen at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock 30189; Al-Anon at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Studio 121, 121 Brown St., Canton 30114. Contact: (770) 516-3502 AARP Woodstock Chapter Meets: 11:30 a.m. 2nd Tuesdays at Featherstones, 1003 Towne Lake Hills E, Woodstock 30189
Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Meets: 3rd Thursday at Emeritus Woodstock Estates, 1000 Professional Way, Woodstock 30188 Contact: (770) 926-0119
Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Dr., Woodstock 30189, www.cherokeeministers.org Diabetes Support Group Meets 3rd Tuesday at 9:30 & 11 a.m. at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Rd., Woodstock Linda Watson, (770) 793-7818 Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors by offering small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. Contact: (727) 251-7690 www.gracevalleyministries.org Hearing Loss Association of America meets 2-4 p.m. on the last Sunday of the month at the William Long Senior Center in Woodstock. Lupus Support Group meets 2nd Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the New Light Church hall on New Light Road. Contact: Pam Bennett at (404) 9757580 MOMS Club of Canton, West GA (serving Canton, Ball Ground, Waleska and Holly Springs) http://momsclubofcantonwest.webs.com Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday Respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. Contact: (770) 592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples for parents of multiples meets 7 p.m. second Mondays at North Metro Church on Barrett Parkway. www.NOWAMOM.org Recovery Meetings in downtown Canton 9 a.m. Sunday 11th Step; 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays “Serenity Sisters” 6 p.m. Wednesdays “Wednesday Night Wisdom” at Studio 121, 121 Brown St., Canton 30114 Contact: (770) 479-696 Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589 SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Reference
SIXES AREA COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST
Canton Adventist 411 Scott Mill Rd., Canton 30114 (678) 880-0106, www.cantonadventist.org
AME
Allen Temple 232 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 (770) 926-6348, www.allentempleame.org St. Paul AME 390 Crisler St., Canton 30114 (770) 479-9691, www.stpaulame-canton.org
BAPTIST
First Baptist Canton One Mission Point, Canton 30114 (770) 479-5538, www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Pkwy., Holly Springs 30142 (770) 345-5349, www.fbchollysprings.com
LUTHERAN
Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 503-5050, www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Dr., Woodstock 30189 (770) 924-7286, www.gslutheran.org Living Hope Lutheran Church 3450 Stilesboro Road NW, Kennesaw (770) 425-6726 / office@livinghopega.com www.LivingHopeGA.com Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 (770) 928-2812, www.TLCWoodstock.org
METHODIST
Bascomb UMC 2299 Bascomb Carmel Rd., Woodstock 30189 (770) 926-9755, www.bascombchurch.org
First Baptist Woodstock 11905 Ga. 92, Woodstock 30188 (770) 926-4428, www.fbcw.org
Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Rd., Canton 30115 (770) 479-2502, www.cantonfirstumc.org
Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Pkwy. Canton 30114 (770) 479-9415, www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com
City On A Hill 7745 Main St., Woodstock 30188 (678) 445-3480, www.coahumc.org
Hopewell Baptist 78 Ridge Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 345-5723, www.hopewellbaptist.com
Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 479-6030, www.fieldschapel.org
Mt. Zion Baptist 4096 East Cherokee Dr., Canton 30115 (770) 479-3324, www.mtzb.org
Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock 30189 (770) 924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org
New Victoria Baptist 6659 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock 30189 (770) 926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org
Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Pkwy., Canton 30115 (770) 345-2883, www.hollyspringsumc.com
River Church 2335 Sixes Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org
Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 30114 (678) 493-8920, www.libertyhillumc.org
Sutallee Baptist 895 Knox Bridge Hwy., White 30184 (770) 479-0101, www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com
Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 345-7644, www.sixesumc.org
Toonigh Baptist 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon 30146 www.toonighbaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com
Woodstock UMC 109 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock 30188
EPISCOPAL
Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 www.wcnga.com
Saint Clement’s 2795 Ridge Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 345-6722, www.stclementscanton.org
JEWISH
Chabad Jewish Center 4255 Wade Green Rd. NW, Suite 120, Kennesaw 30144, (678) 460-7702 www.jewishWoodstock.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation (678) 264-8575, www.mynertamid.org
MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS Tikvah l’Chaim 4206 N. Arnold Mill, Woodstock 30188 (678) 936-4125, www.tlchaim.com Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Rd., Roswell 30075 (770) 641-3000, www.bethhallel.org
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NAZARENE
ORTHODOX
St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Dr., Woodstock 30188 (770) 485-0504, www.stelizabethga.org
PENTECOSTAL
Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Dr., Canton, GA 30115 (770)720-2227, www.fivestoneschurch.info
PRESBYTERIAN
Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Rd., Canton 30115 (770) 704-9564, www.cherokee-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway,Canton www.faithpc.us
Geneva Orthodox Meets at Hope Presbyterian Church, 4101 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta (770) 833-3797, www.genevaopc.org Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Rd., Canton 30114 (678) 493-9869, www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth 30102 (770) 926-3558, www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 (770) 926-0074, www.woodstockpcusa.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Our Lady of LaSalette 2941 Sam Nelson Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 479-8923, www.lasalettecanton.com St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 (770) 516-0009, www.saintmichaelcc.org
OTHER
AllPoints Church 6884 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188 www.allpointschurch.org Awakening Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock (770) 924-4150, www.awakeningwoodstock.com Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Rd., Canton 30114 (770) 924-7532, www.christianpraisecenter.com Church of the Messiah 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, GA 30115 770.479.5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Dr., Acworth 30102 (770) 516-5733, www.dayspring-online.com Life Church 224 Brown Industrial Blvd. STE 103A Canton, GA 30114 770-847-0170, www.lifechurchcanton.com Ministry House 347 Holly Street Canton 30114 (678) 459-2347, http://MinistryHouse.org New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Rd, Canton 30115 (770) 479-6412, www.newcovenantcanton.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 30114 (678) 653-4652, www.oakleafcanton.com Revolution Church 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 30115 (770) 345-2737, www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Community Church Worship at 231 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock (770) 769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Soul Medicine Sundays Suite 106, 3725 Sixes Rd. Canton 30114 (770) 479-4193 www.harvestmoonmarket.com Sunnyside Church of God 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock (770) 693-1018, www.sunnysidecog.com Toonigh Church of God 4775 Holly Springs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30115 (770) 926-3096, www.toonighcog.org Watermarke Church worship location: 2126 Sixes Rd., Canton 30114 (678) 880-9092, www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Community 237 Rope Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 (770) 926-8990, www.woodstockcommunitychurch.org
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County Government Building Permits, Business Licenses Commissioners Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Environmental Health Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Land Use Senior Services Voter Registration
(770) 345-0400
www.cherokeega.com (770) 721-7810 (678) 493-6001 (678) 493-6077 (770) 479-0444 (770) 479-0418 (770) 479-9011 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6101 (770) 345-2675 (770) 479-0407
Taxes
License Plates/Tags, Property Tax – Canton office Woodstock office Renewals online https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags/ Tax Assessors/Evaluation
(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (678) 493-6120
Children and Family
Anna Crawford Children’s Center (770) 345-8100 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club (770) 720-7712 Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. www.fosteroradopt.org (770) 378-0759 Cherokee Family Violence Center (770) 479-1804 Cherokee FOCUS (770) 345-5483 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org (770) 345-3274 Division of Family & Children Services (770) 720-3610 Goshen Valley Boys Ranch www.goshenvalley.org (770) 796-4618 Hope Center www.hopectr.com (770) 924-0864 MUST Ministries - Cherokee www.mustministries.org (770) 479-5397 Never Alone www.neveralone.org (770) 363-5272 Next Step Ministries www.nextstepministries.net (770) 592-1227 North Georgia Angel House www.angelhousega.com (770) 479-9555 North Georgia Pregnancy Center www.ngapregnancy.org (706) 253-6303 Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org (770) 591-4730 Timothy’s Cupboard Food Bank www.tlcwoodstock.org (770) 591-5515
Hospitals
Kennestone North Fulton Northside Hospital — Cherokee
Hotlines — 24-hour help lines
Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center Poison Control Center (outside metro Atlanta) Probate Court Information Line Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center
Parks and Recreation
BridgeMill Athletic Club Callahan Golf Links Cherokee County YMCA Cherokee County Soccer Assoc. www.csaimpact.com
(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100 (770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (770) 427-3390 (770) 345-5500 (770) 720-1900 (770) 591-5820 (770) 704-0187
Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency www.crpa.net. (770) 924-7768 (Includes Aquatic Center, Barnett Park, Blankets Creek, Cherokee Mills, Field’s Landing Park, Kenny Askew Park) Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com North Atlanta Soccer Association: www.nasa-ga.org (770) 926-4175 SCRA Baseball www.scrabaseball.com Wildlife Action, Inc. www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com (770) 924-7464
Pets
Animal Control (678) 493-6200 Animal Shelter & Pet Adoptions www.cherokeega-animals.org (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society www.cchumanesociety.org (770) 928-5115 Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds 4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets: www.townelaker.com. (click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet) Pet Buddies Food Pantry www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Community Veterinary Care www.communityveterinarycare.com (678) 640-3512
Post Office locations Canton Holly Springs Lebanon Woodstock
(770) 720-8164 (770) 345-6318 (770) 591-9467 (770) 591-0364
Police Departments
Canton Holly Springs Woodstock Sheriff’s Office www.cherokeega-sheriff.org
Utilities
Atlanta Gas Light Co. www.aglc.com Canton Water www.canton-georgia.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Auth. www.ccwsa.com Cobb EMC www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com Woodstock Water www.woodstockga.gov Recycling Center
(770) 720-4883 (770) 345-5537 (770) 592-6030 (678) 493-4100
(770) 907-4231 (770) 704-1500 (770) 479-1813 (770) 429-2100 (888) 660-5890 (770) 926-8852 (770) 516-4195
Free, Reduced-Price Health Care
Bethesda Community Clinic www.bethesdacommunityclinic.org Cherokee County Health Department www.nghd.org/CherokeeHealth
Urgent Care Facilities
M.D. Minor Emergency & Family Medicine, off Riverstone Pkwy, 720 Transit Ave., Suite 101 Canton Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, off exit 11 at I-575 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110 Canton 30114 Wellstar Urgent Care off exit 8, 120 Stonebridge Pkwy. Woodstock, 30189
(678) 880-9654 (770) 345-7371
(770) 720-7000 (678) 426-5450 (678) 661-3166
(678) 494-2500
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
67
Reference
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government
President Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R)
100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://chambliss.senate.gov
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)
1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://isakson.senate.gov Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R) District 11 100 North Street Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114 http://gingrey.house.gov
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114
(202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090
lbahrens@cherokeega.com
(202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999
Commissioners
L.R. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman
Harry Johnston (R) District 1 hjohnston@cherokeega.com
Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com bpoole@cherokeega.com
Jason Nelms (R) District 4 jnelms@cherokeega.com
Governor Nathan Deal (R)
(404) 652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov
Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
(770) 546-7565
Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov
(404) 463-1378
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner
(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602
2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com
Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20
(678) 523-8570
Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21
(678) 576-2644
Rep. Sam Moore (R) District 22 sam.moore@house.ga.gov
(404) 656-0220
michael@CaldwellforHouse.com scot@turnerforhouse.com
Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23
Cherokee County Courts Superior Court
Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr.
(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240
(678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480
Magistrate Court Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds
(678) 493-6431 (678) 493-6431
Probate Court Judge Keith Wood (R)
(678) 493-6160
Juvenile Court Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker
District Attorney Shannon Wallace
(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280 (770) 479-1488
Clerk of Courts Patty Baker
(678) 493-6511
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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
(678) 493-4100 fax: (678) 493-4228
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
Sonya Little
Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo
(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us (770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236
221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Kyla Cromer (R) District 1
(678) 493-8088
Patsy Jordan (R) District 2
(770) 893-2970
Michael Geist (R) District 3
(404) 462-4950
Janet Read (R) Chair
(770) 516-1444
kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us
michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us
State Court Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris
www.cherokeega-sheriff.org
patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us
mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov
Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea
(770) 735-8055
Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
Sen. Bruce Thompson (R) District 14 bruce.thompson@senate.ga.gov
jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
Brian Poole (R) District 3 (202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 345-2931
State Government
Sen. Jack Murphy (R) District 27
www.cherokeega.com (678) 493-6001
janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rick Steiner (R) District 4
(770) 721-4398, x 4370
rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rob Usher (R) District 5
(770) 928-0341
Robert Wofford (R) District 6 (Vice-Chair) robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us
(770) 345-6256
rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us
City Government City of Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood
geneh@canton-georgia.com
www.canton-georgia.gov (770) 704-1500
City of Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing
www.hollyspringsga.us (770) 345-5536
City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
www.woodstockga.gov (770) 592-6001
tdowning@hollyspringsga.us
dhenriques@woodstockga.gov
CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT
Basement Apartment. Utilities included on the lake. $500. Call 770-337-2170. GARAGE FLOORS
Call Deluxe Finish today and transform your garage with a lifetime epoxy floor and custom enhancements! A Dream Garage would make a great Christmas Gift for him! www.deluxefinish. com 404-219-1590.
PET SITTING
Sixes Pet Sitter: See www.crittersjitters.com, References: Angie’s List, Kudzu.com, 770-363-7565, Jim Conner. PUPPIES FOR SALE
AKC Doberman Puppies. Black/Rust and Red/Rust. Born 10-6-14. $800. Call 770-337-2170.
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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY For advertising rates and information, please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322, Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com ANIMALS/PETS
DENTAL
BridgeMill Animal Hospital (770) 479-2200 www.bridgemillvet.com 9560 Bells Ferry Road, Canton
15
Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
62
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Hartman Imbriale Attorneys (678) 445-7423 www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 200, Woodstock
23
AUTOMOTIVE BridgeMill Auto Care Canton location: (770) 720-0765 East Cobb location: (770) 641-9906
23
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Downtown BUZZ
17
CLEANING SERVICES Rejoice Maids (678) 905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com
1
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Must Ministries
31
Papa’s Pantry
40 COUNSELING
Wellborn Counseling 30 Jessica Benenati, LPC (678) 792-3182 www.wellborncounseling.com 113 Mountain Brook Dr., Ste. 108, Canton
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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) BridgeMill Dentistry 5 (770) 704-1812, www.bridgemilldentistry. com 3682 Sixes Road, Canton 30114 Fountain View Dentistry (770) 926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 200, Ste. A, Woodstock Knox Bridge Dental Care Dr. Nicholas Kirkpatrick 8701 Knox Bridge Hwy. Canton, GA 30114 (770) 479-3202
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1
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S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 24 (770) 924-8848, 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 100, Ste. 100, Woodstock Spillane Orthodontics 18 (770) 928-4747 www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Parkway 575, Suite 200, Woodstock Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 7 (678) 224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock Williams Orthodontics
FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 7 (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Suite 440, Kennesaw EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION
Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 35 (770) 926-9260 PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Drive Suite 200-C, Woodstock Riverstone Dental Care Dr. Ruximar Linkous, (770) 479-3846 www.riverstonedentalcare.com
(770) 592-5554 145 Towne Lake Pkwy, Suite 201, Woodstock (770) 345-4155 205 Waleska Road, Suite 1A, Canton www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com
39
Compass Prep Academy Cover, 32,33 Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 30188 404-643-9424, info@compassprep.org www.compassprep.org Goddard School, The 310 Prominence Point Pkwy., Canton (770) 720-3003
5
HAIR SALON/MASSAGE/SPA Azure Salon & Spa 22 (770) 345-8280 www.azuresalon.net 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Suite 110, Canton Afterglow Day Spa 9 (770) 720-1134, www.AfterglowSpa.net 1431 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 100, Canton Bambu Salon 3 (770) 345-0027 www.BambuSalonAveda.com 150 Prominence Point Pkwy., Suite 700, Canton 30114 Salon Gloss (678) 483-8900 www.SalonGloss.biz 220 Chambers St., Woodstock
27
203 Woodpark Place, Ste. B-100, Woodstock
HOME & GARDEN Atlas Garage Door Company (770) 592-6217
35
Grout Doctor, The (678) 383-1311 www.groutdoctor.com
30
Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428 www.hammockshvac.com
35
Mr. Junk (678) 675-8651 www.mrjunk1.com
30
Reliable Heating & Air (770) 594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com
Inside back
The Fireplace Company (770) 427-6636 www.TheFireplaceCompany.com 2493 Canton Rd., Marietta
Wellstar (770) 956-STAR (7827) www.wellstar.org
Clarke Agency, The (Farmers Insurance) 43 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 105 (678) 400-6725 mclarke@farmersagent.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques (770) 560-4775 NorthGeorgiaHearing.com
46
149 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 102 Woodstock, GA 30188 www.thomaseye.com
43
INSURANCE
Marietta Plastic Surgery Towne Lake: (678) 494-2380 149 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 104 Woodstock Marietta: (770) 425-0118 823 Campbell Hill St. NW, Marietta MariettaPlasticSurgery.com
Plastic Surgery Center of the South 34 (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann St., Ste. 150, Marietta
(770) 928-4544
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5
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Northwest ENT and Allergy Center 3, 42 (770) 427-0368, www.NW-ENT.com 134 Riverstone Terrace, Suite 202, Canton 960 Woodstock Parkway, Suite 101 Woodstock
Thomas Eye Group
Uptronix (770) 928-0260 www.uptronix.com
Envision Therapy, Dr. Rosalyn Coleman (678) 540-6680 envisiontherapycenter.com 117 Mirramont Lake Dr., Woodstock
Northside Hospital – Cherokee (770) 720-5100, www.northside.com 201 Hospital Road, Canton
PHOTOGRAPHY 51
REAL ESTATE Keller Williams, Brenda Brown (404) 822-8716 BrendaBrown@KW.com Keller Williams, Kurt & Sheila Johnson (404) 954-2486 www.kurtandsheila.com
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Back Cover
RECREATION/SPORTS/FITNESS It’s A Lifestyle Fitness (678) 637-5959 www.ItsALifestyleFitness.net
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Cherokee County Historical Society 100 North St., Ste. 140, Canton (770) 345-3288
GG’s Fine Foods 39 (678) 499-0511, www.ggsfinefood.com 501 Hickory Ridge Tr., Ste. 130, Woodstock 34 Webb St., Roswell Holiday LIghts of Hope
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RETAILERS/SHOPPING Branches Boutique 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy., #140 (770) 517-1505 370 Chambers St., Woodstock (678) 540-5483
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Gifted Ferret, The 3 (770) 693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr., Ste. 400 Harvest Moon Natural Market (770) 479-4193 www.HarvestMoonMarket.com 3725 Sixes Rd., Suite 103-106, Canton
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Max Video Games & More 40 (770) 924-9300 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Ste. 124, Woodstock www.facebook.com/maxvideogames Rudi Fine Jewelry (678) 445-2626 rudifinejewelry@yahoo.com 6790 Hwy. 92, Acworth
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Wild Birds Unlimited (770) 928-3014 www.woodstock.wbu.com 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Woodstock
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SPIRITUAL
RESTAURANTS/ENTERTAINMENT 1
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Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 56 (678) 494-4251, www.elmstreetarts.org
City of Canton (770) 704-4548
Inside front
Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com
Cherokee Theatre Company (770) 591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org
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Soul Medicine, Inc. 3725 Sixes Rd., Suite 106, Canton (404) 993-3383 soulmedicinesunday@gmail.com www.spirit-connection-now.com
SIXES LIVING | December 2014
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Since 1996, 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 Executive Editor
Jackie Loudin Assistant Editor
Michelle McCulloch Art Director
Patty Ponder ALM President Marketing & Advertising Sales
Denise Griffin Controller
Sixes Living Distribution Map Circulation: 16,250
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SIXES LIVING | December 2014
Christie Deese Marketing Support Associate
Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher
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.