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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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December 2014
Volume 20, Issue 8
16 Christmas Magic
So THAT’s how Santa fits down the chimney!
22 Santa Tim
This Santa’s magic has made the national news.
70
36 Everyday Angels
Freak accident changes life of Air Force Reserves member.
37 Kids Making a Difference
E.T. Booth student raises money to find a cure.
48 SORBA Season Finale
Duathlon participants enjoyed a warm day at Rope Mill Park.
70 LoveLoud Volunteers Rally
A little love goes a long way in helping neighbors in need.
83 Greenprints Trail
The map is now a standing feature in your TowneLaker resource pages.
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In Every Issue
Contributing Writers Chantel Adams Don Akridge John Beyers Patti Brady Dr. Angelina Cain Michael Caldwell Caron Catalon Linda “GG” Gibson G. Lora Grooms Dr. Scott Harden Dr. Amy Hardin Dr. Jan Henriques Jenna Hill Dan Jape Kurt & Sheila Johnson Sean Kaufman
24 40 68 74 53 14 49 46 80 56 60 58 78 38 32 52
Mark Kissel Joe Lemmo Ann Litrel Dr. Mike Litrel Rob Macmillan Matt Neal Yvette Pegues O. Julius Quarcoo Lisa Randall Bill Ratliff Lynn Saunders Susan Schulz Jodi Tiberio Van Tran Lynne Watts Amanda Wilhelm
62 63 72 34 44 42 71 54 48 69 33 22 26 55 23 37
Around Towne
4
Community News
8
Birthdays
12
Community Calendar
19
Everyday Angels
36
Towne Lake Dining Guide 39 School News
64
Faith
68
Parking Map 71 Woodstock Dining Guide
75
Greenprints Trail Map
83
Recent Home Sales
90
Classified
91
Contact us and view the magazine online at
www.townelaker.com
50 & 51 On the Cover Simple Smiles Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Christine Lee Photo by Kim Bates. 2
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
Join the Around Woodstock magazine fan page
www.facebook.com/Townelaker
www.twitter.com/Townelaker
Patty Ponder, ALM President and Marketing & Advertising Sales. Contact her at (770) 615-3322 or Patty@aroundaboutmagazines.com.
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Community
AROUND TOWNE
The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake
Happy Holidays!
The downtown area has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland with hundreds of silver, red, turquoise, green and orange Christmas balls dangling from the lighted trees downtown. We can thank the volunteers with GROW for creating such a fun and festive vibe downtown. GROW (Green Reaps Opportunity for Woodstock) is a nonprofit design committee that works to improve downtown Woodstock through Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around design, beautification and green Woodstock, TowneLaker projects. and Sixes Living magazines. Renee Gable, GROW’s She has lived in Cherokee marketing and publicity County for 25 years. chairwoman, said more Send your comments or questions to candi@ decorations were added this year aroundaboutmagazines.com to include areas in the city park and gazebo, and along Chambers Street - in collaboration with Woodstock parks and recreation department. It takes a team of 21 volunteers and laborers a total of 364 hours to complete this project from start to finish. And if you tend to feel sad when Christmas is over and the decorations are packed away, take heart. The festive white lights on the trees will stay year round! Another GROW initiative that’s in the works will be funded with the $2,700 raised by voting in the Scarecrow Invasion. Volunteers are working on plans to add outdoor sculptures in the Main Street area of downtown. Renee said the next step is to formalize a location recommendation and design plan and present it to city council within six months. Installation could begin as soon as city officials approve the project.
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, bringing 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.
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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.
What’s New
Mike the Mechanic has opened a location at 3155 Parkbrooke Circle in Woodstock. (770) 928-2828. The automobile repair and service center accepts foreign and domestic cars, offering routine checkups, tuneups, brake replacement or repair. www.mikethemechanic.com. The Pampered Peacock Party Palace, now open at 7031 Main Street in Woodstock, is a special events venue that hosts birthday and holiday parties, bridal showers, ladies night out events and large group spa parties. (678) 540-7601. www.thepamperedpeacock.com.
What’s Moved
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Georgia Properties, has moved to 1085A Buckhead Crossing, Suite 100. (770) 517-2150. www.townelake.bhhsgeorgia.com.
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.
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.
CONTEST CORNER
Sponsored by Papa P’s Mexican/Irish restaurant
Congratulations to Ann Hatcher and Debbie Albrecht our November contest winners, each won a gift certificate to Papa P’s resturant.
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Townelaker COMMUNITY BOARD The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Ann Litrel — Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com
Dee Locklin — Dee is a Georgia State University retiree who moved to Towne Lake in 1998. She and husband Lewis are the proud parents of KSU student Taylor. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and now is focusing her energy on caring for her beloved husband as he battles late-stage cancer.
G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now-grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds. Gay can be reached at director@elmstreetarts.org
Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.
Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. ALM President 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 TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 14,900 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2014.
TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by TrustWorkz Inc. Publisher’s Website www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 20, Issue 8
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Run 4 Erin Organizes Plan for 2015 Run 4 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 $4,000 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).
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.
Scarecrow Invasion Results The winners in Woodstock’s Scarecrow Invasion - A New You Skin & Body Clinic finished first, followed by second-place Arnold Mill Elementary School Garden Club and third-place Thomas Eye Group. Rounding out the top 10 are Cherokee Christian High School Art Guild in fourth place, Oasis Hair Salon in fifth, Dentistry of Olde Towne in sixth, Curves of Woodstock in seventh, Animal Hospital of Towne Lake in eighth, Bark Station in ninth, and Woodstock Elementary School Bus Drivers in 10th. This year’s competition featured 72 scarecrows, which were displayed along Main Street during October. Winners were determined by votes from the public, cast for $1 each. The fundraiser netted $2,500, which benefits the city’s GROW organization, which is the design and beautification committee for First Place: Main Street Woodstock. A New You 8
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
Second Place: Arnold Mill Elementary
Third Place: Thomas Eye Group
TOWNELAKER | 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 above from left: Brenda Guyer of Creekview High School, Beverly Murphy of Teasley Middle School, Jessica Carter of R.M. Moore Elementary School, 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 promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Countywide Art Ramble an Open-Studio Tour The third annual North Georgia Art Ramble, set for 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6-7, is a free self-guided tour of 30 studios, galleries and art centers situated in seven North Georgia counties, specifically in the towns of Woodstock, Canton, Ball Ground, Waleska, Milton, Roswell, Calhoun, Cartersville, Marietta, Ellijay, Rydal, Jasper, Cumming and Buford. More than 50 artists are participating and will demonstrate their unique techniques, talk about what inspires them and how that spark finds its way into their art. For a map of the locations and more details, call (770) 605-9915, email ngaartramble@ gmail.com or visit www.ngaartramble.com.
Next Steps Ministries, a nonprofit that helps individuals with special needs and disabilities and their families by offering 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 school-age 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 Etowah Student Earns Eagle Ranking Congratulations to Sam Jones for receiving the rank of Eagle Scout. Sam is the 79th scout from Troop 994 to earn this honor. For his project, Sam organized and facilitated a group to rebuild benches, clear trails and clean overhangs at Lewis Park near the YMCA park on Bells Ferry Road. He also had a sign made and installed to mark the entrance to the trails, hopefully to assist in bringing more awareness to the location. Sam runs cross country for Etowah High School and has spent a lot of time running the trails he worked on for his project. 10
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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 TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Community
Happy Birthday!
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
Saroj Talele Age 15 on Dec. 5 We love you! Dad, Mom and Scamp
Alex Hopkins Age 3 on Nov. 5 Happy Birthday little man and thank you for being such a blessing! Love, Daddy, Mommy, and Audrey
Elizabeth Hugenberg Age 15 on Dec. 11 Daughter of Adam and Missy Hugenberg, sister of Rache
Celebrations!
Cindy & Jay Troxel Married October 4, 2014 From cap and gown, to wedding gown, and happily ever after
Laura Diane Magee, daughter of Don and Jackie Magee of Woodstock, and Jeremy Scott Adams, son of Eddie and Dale Adams of Covington, were married on Oct. 26 at The Stanley House in Marietta.
Sondra Calhoun & Greg Cordak Will be married Dec. 31, 2014 “You are the sweetest man I know. I look forward to a lifetime of love and laughs with you.
Kelly & Kathleen Furr Celebrating 20 years on Dec. 17. The Good Lord above has blessed me with an awesome wife and mother... Much more than I deserve. I love you K
Birth
Miranda Marion Abell Born Sept. 13 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 & 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. 5.
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Community
Preserving the Great American Heritage for Oliver BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL
By the time this article finds your mailbox, my wife Katie and I should be just a few short weeks from the birth of our first child, a boy we plan to name Oliver. As you can imagine, we are very busy preparing our surroundings and ourselves for the arrival of the newest Caldwell. As we put together a nursery, rush to a few thousand doctors appointments and try our best to guess what parenthood will be like, I find myself reflecting on a question Michael Caldwell is the that I have been asked more state representative for District 20, which times than I can count since my covers Towne Lake and start in the political and legislative Woodstock. He can arenas. be reached at (678) “What made you want to run 523-8570 or email for office?” One of my largest him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com. motivators has always been a “cheesy” one, but not for the reasons one might expect. I have always prefaced my explanation by noting that I have never had a family member in public office. I wasn’t a political science major in college. I didn’t spend my high school or college years volunteering on political campaigns. I got involved originally for my children. As a young married guy without kids, I think that often translates as: “I’m doing what I do for the next generation,” which is true, but it isn’t what I’m intending to say. For nearly a quarter of a millenium our nation has stood as the sole beacon of liberty on the globe. For reasons that many of you have read in my articles before, I truly believe that the United States of America is the greatest nation in the history of the world. We set forth a great American experiment in self government by recognizing that human rights belong to the individual, unlike any government before or since. As our government at every level has swelled and grown into the behemoth
that we see today, the fundamental differences by which our great union has always defined itself are becoming less and less identifiable. The American perspective is rapidly changing away from that which makes us unique. If we continue on our present track, I fear that one day Oliver or his children won’t experience the same individual freedoms and liberties that we enjoy today. I ran for office because I fear the day my son asks me what I did to protect his liberties. Win or lose, I want desperately to say that I did my part in defense of the great American heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. If that legacy is lost with my generation, then the fault belongs to each and every one of us. When I’m long gone and America has chosen her course, I hope Oliver knows that I devoted the time I had to maintaining that which was given to me: liberty and self government incomparable to anything else humanity has ever seen. I’d like to ask you to take some time in prayer over our nation, our General Assembly and my family as we embark on this new adventure. Please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at (678) 523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact me or come meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing your family in Georgia’s General Assembly!
The Caldwell family, including pets Liberty (left) and Justice. 14
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
Holiday Highlights 16 - So THAT’s How Santa Does It! 18 - A Festive Calendar 22 - Cherokee’s Famous Santa 23 - Light Up Your Christmas “Santa At Rest” painting courtesy of Ann Litrel, annlitrel.com
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Feature
So THIS is how Santa does it! At this magical time of the year, we thought it would be helpful to get a little insight from students at Bascomb, Boston, Carmel and Oak Grove elementary schools to help us understand the mysteries of the season. How does Santa get down the chimney? I think he uses magic. Blue magic. - Eli Helms, Kindergarten, Oak Grove He flies up to the house, take the net thing off and climb down the pole to the fireplace. - Garrett Poper, first grade, Bascomb He falls. -Caleb Quarles, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Christmas magic, of course! -Beckett Corbijn, Kindergarten, Boston Elves push him down. Garrett P. -Maddox Sanders, first grade, Carmel With his sleigh. -Sophie Murtadi, Kindergarten, Oak Grove He sucks in and falls down. -Ayden Moore, Kindergarten, Boston He slides on his slippery bag. -Alan Calderon, first grade, Oak Grove He goes sideways. -Jack Marsh, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Alan C. Some sort of magic! -Anthony Gregones, Kindergarten, Boston He uses special dust. -Trey Shaw, Kindergarten, Oak Grove He makes himself skinny and magic happens. -Anastyn Lanphier, Kindergarten, Boston The elves push Santa down the chimney. -Luke Clendaniel, Kindergarten, Bascomb He puts his finger on his lip. It makes him fit. Anastyn L. - Addison Shirley, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Feet first and then head. -Aspen Stringfellow, Kindergarten, Bascomb He puts his legs in the chimney and the reindeers help push him down. -Alyssa Pope, Kindergarten, Carmel I guess he gets a shovel. - Jada Gonzalez, Kindergarten, Oak Grove When he is on the roof, he jumps down and Aspen S. when he lands he goes BOOM! -Brayden Berry, first grade, Carmel
What do the elves do while the children are sleeping?
Kelly R.
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Santa gives them presents. -Natalie Collier, Kindergarten, Oak Grove They go to Santa and report how you’re doing. -Kelly Rodman, first grade, Bascomb They fix shoes. -Nicholas Wright, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Sit on my bed and watch over me. -Lucas Zustiak, Kindergarten, Boston The elves load the packages. -Nolan Smith, Kindergarten, Oak Grove
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
They eat cookies and get the presents out and put them under the tree. -Willow Fry, Kindergarten, Oak Grove When the children are sleeping, the elves move to different spots. -Nina Carcone, first grade, Carmel The elves make presents. -Nick D’Aquino, Kindergarten, Bascomb Fill stockings. - Liam Jaiprashad, first grade, Oak Grove They fly all around. -Nathan Kelley, Kindergarten, Boston They are reading a story. - Jada Gonzalez, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Put down all the presents. -Easton Densmore, Kindergarten, Boston They give you your presents, Santa, too! - Tristan Knott, Kindergarten, Oak Grove The elves make Barbie dolls, Teddies, or a picture of my family. - Addison Shirley, Kindergarten, Oak Grove
Nick D.
Jada G.
What do reindeer eat? Corn so they can pop in the air. -Ava Ward, Kindergarten, Boston Dead animals. -Trystyn Patrick, first grade, Carmel They eat from Drake’s restaurant. -Caleb Nelson, Kindergarten, Oak Grove They eat this food that is almost like people food except people can’t eat it because it is only for reindeer. People don’t know what it’s called. -Angelina Sarock, first grade, Carmel Vegetables of course. -Noah Culver, Kindergarten, Boston Reindeer eat carrots. -Cameron Greene, Kindergarten, Bascomb They eat fairy dust. -Lia Foster, first grade, Carmel Snow. -Nicholas Wright, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Reindeer eat seed. -Zully Reyes, first grade, Carmel Meat. - Elizabeth Martinez, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Reindeer eat reindeer moss. -Kayli LeJohn, Kindergarten, Bascomb She eats cookies maybe. - Addison Shirley, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Chicken. -Zaleek Robinson, Kindergarten, Boston
Ava W.
Cameron G.
Nicholas W.
Zaleek R.
How does Santa travel the world in just one night? He goes on his sled with the reindeer flying in the air. - Angela Lisiuk, Kindergarten, Oak Grove You can look up the Santa weather forecast and they tell you where he is. If he is close to you, you have to go to bed right away. Santa comes so fast because he has fast reindeer. -Angelina Sarock, first grade, Carmel He uses a sled with rockets. -Alex Silberstein, first grade, Bascomb Alex S.
Santa can see really well. -Marcus Perez, Kindergarten, Carmel He goes out of the moon. - Addison Shirley, Kindergarten, Oak Grove He freezes time. -Molly Mohrmann, first grade, Bascomb He has a jet on the back of his sled. -Sophia Schaferling, first grade, Carmel He is so fast it’s just like magic! -Jack Marsh, Kindergarten, Oak Grove
Genesis A.
His magic sled is fast. - Addison Bishop, first grade, Oak Grove He hurries and speeds. -Genesis Astorga, Kindergarten, Boston His magic reindeer. -Kimberly Lopez, first grade, Oak Grove
Trey S.
They eat food at every house and that gives them power to go to every house in one night! -Trey Shaw, Kindergarten, Oak Grove He just eats really fast and gives presents really fast and he goes to each house and each house. -Elsie Lang, Kindergarten, Oak Grove He eats a lot. –Cadman Grant-Tweedie, Kindergarten, Oak Grove
Olivia W.
With his reindeer, super fast! -Olivia Wright, Kindergarten, Boston He teleports. - Dillon Swem, first grade, Oak Grove Flying. -Jonah Schultz, Kindergarten, Boston
Why is Rudolph’s nose red? He was embarrassed so his nose turned red -Elizaveth Martinez, first grade, Oak Grove Elizaveth M.
He is sick. -Trystyn Patrick, first grade, Carmel He dipped it in red drink. -Cooper Courtney, Kindergarten, Bascomb That is how God made him! -Alana Martell, Kindergarten, Oak Grove He had been out in the snow. -Ashley Brothers, Kindergarten, Bascomb
Ashley B...
He’s allergic to something. -Marcus Perez, Kindergarten, Carmel
There is a light bulb in his head. -Lathan Becoats, Kindergarten, Boston He does hard work. –Fatou Ndoye, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Because he has a big boo boo on his nose. -Olivia Dwyer, Kindergarten, Bascomb He is the one that is in the front. -Angela Lisiuk, Kindergarten, Oak Grove His nose grew too fast. -Lauren Fuentes, Kindergarten, Boston Cuz he is a reindeer with a red nose. - Eli Helms, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Because he is a special reindeer. - Addison Shirley, Kindergarten, Oak Grove
Lauren F.
So he can fly Santa’s sleigh. -Karen Camacho, Kindergarten, Boston
What is Mrs. Claus’ job during the Christmas season? Watching the house. -Ava Peardon, Kindergarten, Oak Grove
Griffin C.
She bakes cookies. -Griffen Chwatek, first grade, Bascomb Clean the leaves. - Josh Gonzalez, Kindergarten, Oak Grove To make sure Santa doesn’t eat too much. -Trystyn Patrick, first grade, Carmel She works with the elves to make toys. - Eli Helms, Kindergarten, Oak Grove She says, “Santa, wake up!” She makes cookies. -Marcus Perez, Kindergarten, Carmel
Eli H.
Sit down and wait for Santa to come home. - Angela Lisiuk, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Give out candy to the elves and children. -Carly Jones, Kindergarten, Boston Mrs. Claus is wrapping presents. -Nick D’Aguino, Kindergarten, Bascomb She shops! -Nicholas Wright, Kindergarten, Oak Grove
Carly J.
Mrs. Claus is in charge of the naughty and nice list and checks to see who gets presents and who does not get presents. -Fauve Burton, Kindergarten, Bascomb To make cookies for Santa. - Madison Soltes, Kindergarten, Oak Grove She knits Santa’s clothes. -Bennett Lawless, Kindergarten, Bascomb
Fauve
Gets the presents ready to go. -Everett Parks, Kindergarten, Boston She makes everything okay when Santa leaves. -Trey Shaw, Kindergarten, Oak Grove Gives out all the presents. -Natasha Covarrubias, Kindergarten, Boston
Bennett L.
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Feature
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Dec. 2
A Visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus: 5:50-7 p.m. at the Ball Ground Public Library. 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground. Children are invited to make their own special Christmas craft to take home. Cookies and punch will be served. For more information, call the library (770) 735-2025.
Dec. 4
Surviving the Holidays: Hillside United Methodist Church is offering a 7 p.m. seminar designed to equip those facing a first Christmas alone after a divorce or family death. Among the topics: how to be prepared for surprising emotions that may hit over the holidays, what to do about family traditions, how to survive potentially awkward moments, how to help your children and where to find comfort, strength and hope. Presented by DivorceCare. A $5 survival guide will be available at the seminar. Registration is helpful but not required. Free drop-in childcare available. The church is at 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. www.hillsideumc.org. A Visit from Santa is planned for 5:30-7 p.m. at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock, with refreshments and crafts for the little ones to create.
Dec. 4, 11, 18
Financial Counseling Workshops will be held 7-8:30 p.m. at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Budgeting workshop on Dec. 11, debt elimination workshops Dec. 4 and Dec. 18. Free childcare available. (770) 924-4777. www.hillsideumc.org.
Dec. 5-7
The Promise: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at Woodstock First Baptist Church, 11905 Highway 92, featuring a cast of more than 500, 200-voice choir and 80-piece orchestra. Tickets are $10 and $20. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. Childcare (infants through pre-K) provided. Tickets available at www.fbcw.org.
Dec. 5
Second Annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots: Beginning at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Ball Ground. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. The parade’s grand marshall will be “Hee Haw” television show personality Diana Goodman. Also included will be the Atlanta Falcon Cheerleaders, the Twilight Twirlers of Marietta, a replica of the 1966 Batmobile, floats, tractors and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on stage at City Park for free photos. For more info visit the event’s Facebook page: 2014 March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots. Holly Springs Tree Lighting starts at 6:30 p.m at the train depot with carols and light refreshments. The city is partnering with the Volunteer Aging Council for the Tree of Hope. To order an ornament to be placed on the tree in memory of a friend or loved one, visit www.hollyspringsga.us/ treelighting for more details.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 18
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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
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.
Dec. 24
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. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 6:30 p.m., Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock. www.woodstockchristian.org.
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.
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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 education. Donors can give a gift to cover the cost of GED testing, college entrance fees, interview clothing, transportation, childcare, etc. (770) 3455483. 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 contain 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. 20 TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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 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.
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Feature
This Santa’s Magic Has Made National News BY SUSAN SCHULZ
While Tim Cavender serves as public featured sharing secrets of the trade on a information officer for the Cherokee County video clip at the USA Today website. http:// Fire Department, he also concerns himself usat.ly/1zAt81o. with Santa’s reputation. It’s important for Being a part of that special reunion was him to do this, since he spends a portion of just one of many of Santa Tim’s precious each year walking in Santa’s boots. moments, like the time a sick little girl When I met Santa Tim in his delightful missed Santa’s visit because she was toyshop, I discovered a man who strives to live up to Santa’s stellar image. Tim admitted to a hospital. After his event, Tim has a generous heart full of love for took the trek to visit her. children and the joy of the true meaning of “When her eyes became wide with Christmas. He credits his dad, who made wonder the moment I walked through sure the magic of Christmas sparkled in the door, I knew I had made the right the Cavender household. His father also choice,” Tim said. “That visit changed me conveyed the value of a life of integrity to forever. Words cannot describe the thrilling his children. Tim has held onto this honor since age satisfaction God blesses me with when I 15, when he was asked to portray Santa in experience encounters like this.” high school. He almost declined because When I asked Santa Tim for his Christmas he thought the other teens would poke fun, wish, he said, “I hope everyone would make but he learned that even teenagers love an effort to spend some quality time with Santa. Since then, Tim has donned a Santa their loved ones. This is what Christmas is suit for 40 years, and for the past 15 years about.” he has spread the joy of Christmas with Mrs. Claus, Pam Cavender. And to the naysayers who say Santa takes One of Tim’s favorite memories as Santa away from the true meaning of Christmas, was the year a little girl sat on his lap and Tim answers: “Who’s to say the legend of Santa and Mrs. Claus are regulars at the governor’s asked, “Will you bring my daddy back Santa wasn’t dreamed up to bring love, mansion. from Afghanistan?” Through a series of laughter and a sense of joy back to children? circumstances, Tim was asked to be present at her home when the In a world full of misery and chaos, Santa helps the world focus girl’s father returned home. This moment was captured by a local on the most important day in history: the day the Bethlehem star television station and aired on CNN. View the clip at: http://bit.ly./1uM5NJP Santa and Mrs. Claus also have been pointed to where our Savior was born.”
Santa’s Schedule A quick Santa nap revives him for a busy schedule.
Dec. 5: Dec. 5: Dec. 6: Dec. 7: Dec. 13: Dec.14: Dec. 21:
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Channel 11 Can-A-Thon with Mrs. Claus, at Publix off Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. 6:30-10 p.m., Ball Ground Christmas parade with Mrs Claus. 5-7 p.m., Canton Christmas parade with Mrs. Claus. 5-8 p.m., Georgia Governor’s mansion with Mrs. Claus. 7-9 p.m., Daily Bread concert with Mrs Claus at the Canton Arts Center. 7-8 p.m., County Line Baptist Church in Pickens County. 7-8 p.m., Oakdale Baptist Church in Canton
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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 counselor for Cherokee will amaze and astonish you with County schools. Follow her at their creative brilliance. Venture 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 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-visit-life/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 TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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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. 24
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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.
Which Of These Neuropathy Symptoms Do You Suffer From?
If You Suffer From A Single One Of These Torturous Symptoms – Numbness, Tingling, Or Sharp Nerve Pain – THEN THE FACTS BELOW MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT YOU HAVE EVER READ IN YOUR LIFE! Neuropathy affects every part of your life -walking, sitting, and even sleeping. Maybe you've had multiple tests, only to find out no one has any idea what you have. Maybe you've even been put on a drug with heavy side effects.
Do you have any of the following symptoms... • • • • •
Pins and needles feeling Numbness in the hands or feet Tingling or burning sensations Weakness in the arms or legs Sharp shooting or burning pains
If so you may have a condition called peripheral neuropathy. My name is Dr. Amy Valente, and I've been helping people with neuropathy and nerve problems for years. More than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a problem caused by damage to the nerves that supply your arms and legs. This painful condition interferes with your body's ability to transmit messages to your muscles, skin, joints, or internal organs. If ignored or mistreated, neuropathy can lead to irreversible health conditions. Why not get help by those trained to correct the major cause of peripheral neuropathy? Data from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners' Job Analysis of Chiropractic lists arm and leg neuropathy as the second most common nerve problem treated by chiropractors. Often neuropathy is caused by a degenerating spine pressing on the nerve roots. This can happen in any of the vertebral joints from the neck all the way down to the tail bone. The Single Most Important Solution To Your Neuropathy By using gentle techniques, I'm able to release the pressure that has built up on the nerve. This allows the nerve to heal and the symptoms to go away. Listen to what some of our patients have to say about it:
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“I came into NCS&N with extreme leg pain that caused a lack of sleep and decrease in activity. Now that I have been getting care I have a lot less pain and I am able to be more active. What amazed me the most is that I don’t have to take any medication and I feel that my nerves have healed a lot! Thank you, Billy Johnston I originally came into the office seeking relief for symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy. Since receiving treatments I have less pain, tingling and numbness in my legs and feet. I can walk longer, farther and my mobility has really improved! The doctors and staff here are very friendly and I am thankful for their concern of my wellbeing. Thanks, Theresa Oglesby
How To Find Out If This Will Work For You It’s time for you to find out if chiropractic will be your neuropathy solution.
solution, like it has been for so many other patients. The appointment will not take long at all. And you won't be sitting in a waiting room all day either. Here's What To Do Now The offer is only good until December 15th . Call today 678-574-5678 and we can get you scheduled for your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening. Our office is located at 3451 Cobb Pkwy Suite 4. Acworth, GA 30101 (on the corner of Mars Hill and 41).
For 14 days only, $20 will get you all the services I normally charge new patients $250 for!
When you call, tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Neuropathy Evaluation so she can get you on the schedule and make sure you receive proper credit for this special offer.
What does this offer include? Everything. Take a look at what you will receive:
Sincerely, Amy Valente, D.C..
• An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where I will listen…really listen…to the details of your case.
P.S. At our office, we have specialized treatment programs for treating patients who suffer from neuropathy.
•
A complete neuromuscular examination.
• A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms… (NOTE: These would normally cost you at least $100). • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • You’ll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain
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Community
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
TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION As 2014 winds down, members of the Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA) would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! We are grateful for all the support we receive from the Towne Lake area community. Join us 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 11 for the TLBA’s annual holiday gala at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. All members, their guests and anyone wishing to meet and network with others in the Towne Lake area business community are welcome. A free sampling of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, entree items and soft drinks will be provided by the TLBA. The topic of our November Lunch ‘n’ Learn Workshop was “How to Beat the IRS - Legally!” Thanks to Kristi Cobb, CPA, of Paragon Accounting & Tax Solutions, LLC, for leading the workshop. Please join us at our next Lunch ‘n’ Learn Workshop.
LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN WORKSHOP Tuesday, Jan. 20, 12:15 — 2 p.m. Featuring Sharon Saffold, motivational speaker and author. Please visit www.tlba.org for more information on the topic. Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP by email to danny.branom@cbauto.net. Thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” Visit us at tlba.org. 32
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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.
TLBA SPOTLIGHT Digital Marketing Muscle, LLC Known as “where the metro meets the mountains,” Cherokee County has become much more than bedroom communities over the past 10 years. New businesses open at a steady pace and established businesses continue to help the area grow and prosper. In fact, many businesses are doing so well that their proprietors spend most of their time working in the business, rather than on their businesses. That’s how Elaine Reed found her inspiration. Having lived in the area since 2003, she noticed new businesses opening their doors with a flurry of marketing and then immediately getting to work serving the community. Ongoing marketing support usually requires business owners to set aside time to find an employee who can comfortably wear the marketing hat, or sign contracts with agencies that might not have the kind of focus a small business needs. Reed formed Digital Marketing Muscle, LLC to solve that problem. Staffed with marketing specialists who have both agency and handson business experience, Digital Marketing Muscle has become an extension of local businesses. Marketing specialists learn the ins-and-outs of a specific business and formulate effective marketing strategies that include search engine optimization, social media and email marketing. The best part is that the strategies are priced for small business budgets. Learn more at www. dmmuscle.com or call 678-310-4554.
Don’t Put Job Search on Hold During Holidays BY LYNNE SAUNDERS
Lynne is an author and the director of Papa’s Pantry and the MastersTrainingCenter. com. She can be reached at (770) 591-4730 or visit www.papaspantry.org.
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, assuming that most hiring will begin again in January. While this may be true for some companies, it certainly is not true for most. Businesses 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 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!
TOWNELAKER | 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 when hundreds of articles and her pregnancy test came back two books on the faithpositive. She had stabilized from health connection. He is her injuries, but her eyes were a board certified OB/GYN and specialist in pelvic empty like something inside her reconstructive surgery had died. She submitted to an at Cherokee Women’s exam. Ironically, the ultrasound Health Specialists in Roswell showed a new life – a fetus the and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel size of a fingertip, heart beating can be reached at www. cherokeewomenshealth.com 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
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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 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 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.” continued on page 82
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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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
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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.
Proof that Kids Can Make a Difference BY AMANDA WILHELM
Kids can make a difference. All it takes is a desire to want the that lasted for two weeks in mid-October. world to be a better place and a willingness to put a plan into For a $1 donation, students would get a purple butterfly, the action. This was the drive that brought symbol for the Lupus Foundation, to hang Kamran Kutsal, a seventh-grader at E.T. on their classroom door. In just two weeks, Booth Middle School, to make a difference the school managed to raise over $1,500 for his mother Wendy, who suffers from for the Lupus Foundation to be donated systemic lupus. Kamran has watched his in Wendy’s honor. The generosity of the mom go through multiple surgeries and students and their families to join Kamran procedures in her fight with this disease. in his quest to help find a cure was truly “She is always here for me and my brother humbling. They gave without thought to when we are sick, even if she is, too,” he what it would get them and simply wanted says. In an Instagram post to his mom, to help their classmate make a change. In Kamran stated, “Thank you mom for always a day and age where many middle school being here for us, for fighting, for staying students are stereotyped as being selfstrong. I swear to you, I will destroy lupus. centered, the E.T. Booth students showed We will find a cure.” they cared about the world around them At the end of last school year, Kamran and the needs of others. Students like wrote a journal about wanting to do Kamran remind us that with help they can something that would make a difference in truly change the world. As a result of his helping to find a cure for lupus. His sixthefforts, he is well on his way to fulfilling that Wendy and Kamran Kutsal with the lupus grade teacher helped Kamran team up with promise to his mother and finding a cure Take Action, a student-led service club at E.T. butterfly symbol. that will impact the lives of millions. Booth that strives to make a positive impact on the school, staff Amanda Wilhelm is a teacher at E.T. Booth Middle School and and community. The result was a Lupus Foundation Fundraiser sponsor of the Take Action Club.
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
37
Lifestyle
Drain Cleaner — Friend or Foe? BY DAN JAPE
Are you thinking about using drain cleaner to attack a clog in your Woodstock home? Turning to an over-the-counter 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 Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. they don’t help homeowners know He can be reached at the cause of the clog. (770) 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
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.
OB/GYN Offices Located in Canton and Towne Lake
Get back to living your life. For heavy periods, cramps, bladder leakage, fatigue, mood swings, pelvic discomfort and vaginal rejuvenation, consult our GYN specialists.
Contact us for simple solutions that will get your life back on track.
770-720-7733 Top Row: Mike Litrel, MD; Peahen Gandhi, MD; James Haley, MD Bottom Row: Kathryn Hale, MD; Britton Crigler, MD; Susan Griggs, CNM; Barbara Oess, NP
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
Canton / Woodstock cherokeewomenshealth.com
Towne Lake Area Dining Guide CUISINE
BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS
RESERV.
Barbecue
no
$
$$
11 a-9 p
beer/wine
no
Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com
American
no
$
$
open
no
no
Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-7676, chilis.com
American
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
call ahead seating
Chinese
no
$
$-$$
open
no
no
Soup/Salad Sandwiches
no
$
no
closed
no
no
American Irish
no
$
$$
open
full bar
6+
Mexican
$
$
$-$$
open
full bar
no
Homestyle Cooking
$$
$$
$$
closed
no
no
American Casual
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
special events
GAMEDAY Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Dr. (770) 693-6754, gamedayfresh.com
American/Burgers
no
$
$$
open
full bar
yes
Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Pkwy. (678) 238-1899, iloveizumi.com
Thai/Sushi/Chinese
no
$
$$
open
full bar
JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road (678) 445-7730, jdsbbq.net
Barbecue
no
$
$-$$
open
no
Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 790-5740, jerseysgrille.com
American
no
$
$$
open
full bar
Pizza/Pasta/Salad
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
American Casual
Sun. brunch
$-$$
$$
open
full bar
Japanese Steak/Sushi
no
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
Mexican
no
$
$$
open
full bar
American Casual
no
$
$
open
full bar
Steakhouse
no
$
$$
open
full bar
call ahead seating
Marco’s Pizza, 6424 Bells Ferry Rd. (678) 213-2100, marcos.com
Pizza/Pasta/Salad
no
$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 591-3331, mellowmushroom.com
Pizza/Pasta/Salad
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches
$
$
$-$$
open
no
no
Mexian/Irish
Sat.&Sun. brunch
$
$
open
full bar
large groups call ahead
Chinese/Japanese
no
$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
Song’s Garden, 2068 Eagle Dr. (770) 928-8387, songsgarden.com
Chinese
no
$
$-$$
open
no
no
The Place, 1105 Parkside Ln. (770) 928-8901, theplacebargrill.com
Bar/Grill
no
$-$$
$$
open
full bar
no
Town Lake Diner, 2290 Eagle Dr. (770) 675-3390
American
$
$
$-$$
open ‘til 3
no
no
Italian
no
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
10+
China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing (770) 926-2671, chinafun88.com Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 516-6616 Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 852-2885, familytradition.net Featherstone’s Grill, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969
Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane (770) 928-9494, johnnyspizza.com Jump Kitchen Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crsng see ad * (678) 388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com pg. 52 Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-5264, kanihouse.com LaParilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing (770) 928-3606, laparilla.com Locals Bar & Grill, 6380 Bells Ferry Road (770) 627-5121, LocalsBarAndGrill.net LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com
Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 813-4809, panerabread.com
*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com
d *see a 7 . g p
Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Dr. (770) 591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com
Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Dr. (678) 453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com
yes no yes no yes yes no no
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
39
* Denotes Advertiser
*Blue Sky Barbecue, 295 Molly Lane, Ste 100 *see ad (770) 485-0503,www.BlueSkyBarbecue.com pg. 9
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
RESTAURANT
Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants
Lifestyle
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
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
“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 82
In Loving Memory
Russ and Karen Musgrove
We will always be thankful for 12 blessed years with our precious neighbors and dear friends. Their friendship was a privilege and a cherished gift. They made us better, our neighborhood better and our community better. They lived large and the hole is large. The heavens are shining brighter now.
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
41
Lifestyle
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
42
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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.
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
Gift Cards
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
43
Lifestyle
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. robrescues@gmail.com
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
45
Lifestyle
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 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.
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A little pinch of cayenne
Combine ingredients and bring to a medium boil. Add half can pineapple chunks.
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Lifestyle
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.
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 48
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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.
Apple Blackberry Pie Nothing is as American as apple pie! I remember as a child there were lots of orchards near where I lived. Occasionally my friends and I would “feck” apples (take without permission) and my mum would make an apple tart. If I close my eyes, I can still smell it as it cooled and we waited to devour it. Below is a version of the apple tart we loved so much. Happy Christmas! ~ Caron and Alberto
Filling 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
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.
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. Caron and Alberto Catalán are the owners and managers of Papa P’s – Mexican with an Irish side, located in the Towne Lake Kroger shopping center. They have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. They have four children, Conor, Ciara, Derek and Fiona. Visit them online at www.papa-ps.com or call (770) 592-3100. PHOTO COURTESY OF J KING IMAGES
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Feature
Communication and Comfort are Key to Patient Care at Simple Smiles
The goal at Simple Smiles Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry truly is simple: patient satisfaction. “We try our best to do what’s best for the patient,” said Dr. Christine Lee. “I explain the treatment to the patient so he or she understands why it’s needed. We take the time to sit down and discuss everything. We don’t jump right into treatment; we take time in the decision-making.” Dr. Lee and Practice Administrator Hiral Patel started Simple Smiles in March 2014 after acquiring the practice from Dr. Lavont Steele, a well-known Woodstock dentist who recently retired. Two of the sixmember staff also worked for Dr. Steele: Robbie Ornay for 15 years and Christy McStotts for two years. Simple Smiles offers preventative care and restorative and cosmetic procedures. Preventative care includes regular cleanings for adults and children, fluoride 50
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treatments, sealants and deep/sub-gingival cleaning and sub-gingival irrigation. More comprehensive exams include X-rays, extra oral and intra oral exams, soft tissue and lymph nodes, and oral cancer screening. Patients are equipped with oral hygiene instructions and nutritional counseling to maintain good oral health. The restorative and cosmetic services available include composite and amalgam fillings, all porcelain and implant crowns, veneers, bridges, partial and full mouth dentures and extractions. Dr. Lee performs root canals but refers more advanced cases to other specialty dentists. Patients also can get their teeth whitened and bonded at Simple Smiles. Modern technology helps Dr. Lee in her goal of thoroughly educating and consulting with each patient. She displays X-rays on a computer monitor near the patient’s chair so the patient can clearly understand the diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The digital X-rays are done with very small sensors that make the experience comfortable for even the youngest or most sensitive patients, and the X-rays also are reviewed on the monitor. Dr. Lee decided to pursue dentistry while she was a student at Chamblee Charter High School. An Atlanta native and University of Georgia graduate, she moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to earn her dental degree at Tufts University School of Medicine before moving back to escape the New England winters and start her practice. Practice Administrator Hiral Patel was born and raised in India, where she completed her bachelors in microbiology and moved to the United States in 2001. She has been a dental hygienist for 10 years since earning her hygienist degree at Floyd College, now Georgia Highlands College in Rome. The staff has a combined total of more than 25 years of experience in dentistry. The Simple Smiles approach is as much about education and comfort as it is creating and maintaining good oral and overall health for each patient.
Photos by Kim Bates
In addressing the fears of her patients, Dr. Lee has learned that nerves play a big role in the patient’s experience – even if the nervousness isn’t obvious. She has had success treating patients who have avoided dentist visits before seeing her. One patient in particular became frustrated – and even more anxious – because she wasn’t able to get fully numb from the anesthesia before treatments. “Some people don’t realize how anxious they are, and how that can affect their ability to get numb. It’s a subconscious thing. The body is operating in a nervous mode and the patient isn’t able to relax to let the anesthesia take effect,” said Dr. Lee. In fact, that’s why some patients feel the numbness increase when they are back home and relaxing after their procedure. “That’s another telling factor that they were anxious during the visit.” Calming the concerns of the patients and making the office visit as pleasant as possible is a personal mission for Dr. Lee, who stresses the importance of each tooth to overall health – and works diligently to help patients preserve their teeth. “Once you lose a tooth, a lot of other things can happen that affect your overall health,” she said. If a patient’s needs go beyond the services offered at Simple Smiles, she will send the patient to a specialist within her referral network – many of whom are in the Towne Lake area. Individuals without insurance or who are facing procedures not covered by insurance are offered a 30 percent discount. A Smile Savers Club Membership is offered to non-covered patients. Most PPO and insurance plans are accepted, as well as all major credit cards and CareCredit. Simple Smiles is accepting new patients of all ages. Call (770) 5927000 for an appointment.
From left Hiral Patel (Dr. Lee’s Practice Administrator and been a hygienist for 10 years), Christy McStotts, Chandni Patel , Dr. Christine Lee, Francesca Sanders (Dr. Lee’s assistant) and Robbie Ornay
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Lifestyle
Moses and Maybelline BY SEAN KAUFFMAN
His name is Moses. Her name was Maybelline. On the frontline of the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, I entered my first Ebola clinic - an abandoned hospital with only one patient, a woman named Maybelline. There were no nurses, no doctors, or anyone who would go in and care for her because she was sick with something everyone feared. It was hot, really hot, and I put on my Sean Kaufman lives in gloves, my mask and eye Woodstock with his wife, protection – making sure the two sons and daughter. virus could never find a way He specializes in intrinsic into my body. coaching/motivation, As I walked down the long owns a behavioral-based consulting business and abandoned hallway, I was is an internationally scared of what I was about recognized trainer. He can to see. Death here, from be contacted at sean@ Ebola, is very ugly. I was seankaufman.com. afraid I would yet again see pain, agony and suffering. I turned the corner and there was Moses, with no mask, no eye protection, only an old pair of gloves with holes in them. The first thought that entered my mind was, “This guy is crazy – he is in here with someone sick and has no protection!” Through my mask, I asked, “Who are you?” He said, “I am Moses and she is Maybelline.” She was a small woman, laying on her back, clearly in pain but praising God that she was having a better day than yesterday. I asked, “Are you a nurse?” He
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smiled and replied, “I am her husband.” He then walked over and put a cool towel on her head, sat down next to her and began singing softly to her. His touch comforted her, his voice lifted her, his love treated her. No medicine, no technology, just a man with his love and wife in a tiny room. I asked Moses, “Is there anything you need?” He turned around and said, “Her. I need her.” Right there, in that moment, I witnessed the compassion, courage, and commitment of a husband for his wife. I wish there was a happy ending to this story, but there wasn’t. Maybelline died, leaving behind Moses and his three children. I visited him and apologized to him for his loss. Moses said, “I made sure she did not die alone. That was what she feared more than Ebola, the pain, more than anything.” Expecting to see suffering and ugliness on the frontline of this devastating outbreak – I turned the corner and witnessed one of the most beautiful acts of kindness and love I have ever seen. All of us need to experience the same love and commitment I witnessed that day. The happy ending is Moses never got sick while caring for his wife. He treated her with courage and compassion – certainly not the cure for Ebola, but definitely a beautiful treatment for it.
“His touch comforted her, his voice lifted her, his love treated her. No medicine, no technology, just a man with his love and wife in a tiny room.”
Health & Wellness
Routine is Key to Holiday Health BY ANGELINA CAIN, 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! TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Health & Wellness
Explore Alternatives to Prescription Medications BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO
A number of years ago, I filled a bunch of prescriptions for a patient whose health conditions seem to only get worse. She was on all kinds of medications for chronic pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and a host of other health issues. Like I do with most of the patients I interact with, I asked her about the quality of her sleep. She said she thought she slept quite well but wakes up O. Julius Quarcoo, a tired on most days. I looked more pharmacist for 21 years, is owner of Towne Lake closely at her medications, some Family Pharmacy, which of which she gets from other offers compounding and pharmacies. I found a few drug regular prescriptions. interactions that made it difficult (770) 635-7697. for her to a get a good night’s townelakepharmacy@ yahoo.com. sleep, despite the fact that her medications included a sedative and a sleeping pill. I made some recommendations to her physician that included a change to
her medications, addition of bio-identical hormones, a sleep study that confirmed she was not getting restful sleep and the addition of vitamin D3 (not vitamin D2). Soon her health began to improve. During restorative sleep, healing and repair goes on in the body, which is why is it so critical to overall wellbeing. Water pills are a major part of the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart disease and other health problems. But some types of water pills have the tendency to raise blood sugar levels and possibly cause diabetes. Close monitoring of electrolyte imbalances, high blood sugar and other health parameters are therefore necessary for those taking water pills. There are always safer natural alternatives to prescription medications, and I recommend trying those first. A combination of dandelion leaf extract, goldenrod, juniper berries, buchu leaf and bladderwrack eliminates water with minimal adverse effect. Statins and fenofibrates lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and high triglycerides (fat in the blood). For some patients, taking these classes of drugs creates new health problems like muscle pain and weakness. That is because statins deplete the nutrient CoQ10 (a key component for making energy in cells) from muscle cells. Drinking grapefruit juice with statins increases this side effect. A recent study found that statins even caused short continued on page 82
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Fighting Fibromyalgia with Chiropractic Care BY DR. VAN TRAN
When I first started in this profession many years ago, Erica, a patient in her mid 50s, came into my clinic with chronic stiffness, fatigue, depression, headaches and pain all over her body. She said that she has been dealing with these symptoms for nearly 20 years. Her shoulders, neck, back, and legs were sore and very sensitive to the touch. She told me that every morning Dr. Van Tran is a board was a challenge. It would take certified chiropractor with her several hours every morning Discover Chiropractic in just to be able to collect herself. Towne Lake. He can be She stated that the daily pain reached at (770) 516-9900. throughout her body caused her to feel depressed. After many years of suffering, she was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. No one knows for sure what causes fibromyalgia, but many experts believe it is a result of overactive nerves. It predominantly affects women between ages 35 and 55. Fibromyalgia is a unique, often-used, but relatively new diagnosis for unexplained body aches and pains accompanied by general fatigue and loss of energy. It is a chronic condition, and patients seem to have increased sensitivity to many different sensory stimuli and an unusually low pain threshold. Erica had exhausted all her options before she showed up in my clinic. After a few months of conservative manipulation to the spine, along with massage therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, Erica’s symptoms improved tremendously. She had more range of motion in her spine and the pain and stiffness were greatly reduced. She was able to be more active with less pain. Many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia have also received great results through adjustments that keep the
spine and muscles from losing too much movement. That loss of movement in the spine results in a neurological reflex that causes the muscles to tighten further, and over time, leads to increased pain, muscle tightness and additional loss of movement.
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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 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.
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• 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 two-minute 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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Health & Wellness
Breaking Down Barriers to Affordable Hearing Solutions BY JAN HENRIQUES
Just take a moment, close your eyes and listen, really listen. The fan is running. Birds are chirping. Is it raining? Can you hear the rain fall? Is the heater on? Can you hear it? While good hearing is one of life’s greatest pleasures, we often take it for granted. Imagine not being able to hear the laughter of loved ones or important words spoken in a business meeting. Our senses are priceless. We use them every day to connect us with Dr. Henriques is a board ordinary things. If just one of your certified audiologist and senses falters, such as your hearing, lead provider at North consider for a moment how much Georgia Audiology in value you would put on hearing better. Woodstock. She has been practicing since 1985, Would you go around without glasses after earning a doctorate or contacts if your vision was poor? in audiology from the Of course not. Yet every day millions University of Florida and a master’s degree from LSU of people head off to work or play Medical Center. without the ability to hear well. Loss of hearing can affect an individual, and those who are closest to that person, in so many ways. Loss of hearing that affects communication can put undue strain on relationships. It isn’t
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that difficult to restore the ability to participate fully in social situations with loved ones, or improve hearing in school or the workplace. While many affordable solutions exist, not everyone has the means to pay for hearing devices. Depending on your needs and qualifications, here are a few sources available: The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation provides hearing aid assistance for low-income individuals through more than 150 providers across the state and four manufacturers. Assistance is available for those who qualify through the Georgia Department of Labor and Vocational Rehabilitation, and for veterans who’ve lost hearing from military service through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Many people aren’t aware of their insurance benefits; more and more insurance plans now cover all or part of the cost of hearing devices. However, beware of the plans that say you must buy the recommended brand. This is often not a true benefit, but some agreement between your insurance provider and a particular company. Some are even owned by the insurance company. Have an insurance specialist verify what insurance covers so you can understand your options and make the best choices. You may discover 12-month, interest-free payment plans or assistance through third-party payers can make seeking treatment—and paying for it—much easier. Don’t let financial barriers stop you or a loved one from reconnecting to the sounds of your world.
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Health & Wellness
Teaching Kids to Give This Season BY DR. AMY HARDIN
I’m writing this article at the beginning of November. For the last three weeks (yes, even before Halloween), I’ve noticed more and more big box stores setting up their Christmas displays. With today’s commercialism being thrown in your face, email inbox and Facebook page, it’s tough to remember the messages of Christmas and Hanukkah. If I remember correctly, it’s not Dr. Amy Hardin is a a message of getting to the pediatrician in Towne Lake store to buy the coolest new at Northside Pediatrics. video game unit at 3 a.m. on Check out Northside Pediatrics’ new website at Thanksgiving. www.northsidepediatrics. So how do we teach our kids com and follow them on to truly give in the season of Facebook at Northside giving? This month’s article has Pediatrics. some ideas to help with that. Even the youngest kids can draw pictures to include in a card or a letter to soldiers or wounded servicemen. Guidelines and addresses can be found at www.operationgratitude.com for your cards and letters. I bet Great Aunt Sally would love to hear from the little kids, too. Include your child’s art in your Christmas cards. One of the things my mom taught me was the importance of thank you notes. And actually use snail mail. It’s still fun to get mail that’s not junk mail! Who doesn’t love a nice soft blanket on these cold nights?
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One year, our Girl Scout troop made a donation of blankets to children’s hospitals through Project Linus. Check with local nursing homes as well; they will often accept donations like these. Tied fleece blanket kits are available at most discount and fabric stores and are easy for little hands to manage. This year our daughter’s high school, Blessed Trinity, is taking donations for gently used coats. This will be done through North Fulton Community Charities. I’m sure this would make a wonderful senior project for someone next year and help a lot of kids and adults. Raiding your closet helps get your late fall cleaning done and helps others. Goodwill or St. Vincent DePaul accept donations of clothes and outerwear and even things like older TVs and cars or boats. Make sure to check which items are tax deductible. One year, our oldest daughter’s elementary class donated to the Heifer Project (www.heifer.org). This organization takes the old saying “teach a man to fish and he fishes for life” to heart. Based on the amount donated, a community can get anything from a flock of geese to a water buffalo. And finally, nothing teaches children gratefulness more than working in an animal shelter, homeless shelter, food pantry or soup kitchen. Local organizations like Papa’s Pantry, MUST Ministries and the Cherokee County animal shelter all take volunteers. Give them a call and show your kids how to help. Christmas becomes a much more thoughtful holiday when kids are called upon to truly help others in need. Volunteering makes everyone feel good, so I encourage adults to find a ways to help, also. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas (just a couple weeks early)!
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.
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. TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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School & Sports
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, please consider the consequences if you leave your phone in your car, Chief of Police Mark Kissel leave it unattended as you shop for has served the Cherokee that special gift, or give it to your County School District child to play with while you shop. All since 1999 and has more three of these potential occurrences than 35 years of law enforcement experience. 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
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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.”
What I Predict for Winter CREATIVE WRITING ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY JOE LEMMO, 7TH GRADE E.T. BOOTH LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS
Christopher Cooke
Tristin Davis
It happened again. Another major snowstorm in northern Georgia that we weren’t prepared for. I stayed at school for a few hours waiting for someone to pick me up. Once my dad and brother came for me at 6:00, they looked tired and scared. “We have to get home quick!” my dad said to me. Once we went outside, there were people running everywhere. I was wondering why everyone was so frightened. I saw a…wait a minute, a snowman? My brother yelled, “Duck!” and a snowball flew right past my face. We ran past the terrifying snowman squadron, heading for the woods. We were about to reach the trees when the ground started shaking. The snow rose up to create a giant snow monster. It hurled snowballs the size of boulders at us. We swiftly turned and dodged. My brother finally found an opening between the legs and went for it. The monster couldn’t go into the trees, but we could hear its angered screams. We ran through the woods to our house. It was easy…too easy. And we knew it wasn’t going to get easier when we reached our house. The lawn was filled with snowmen. We had no choice but to attack. We pulled their arms off and used them as blades to defend ourselves. We swiftly cut and sliced until we reached our front door. We finally made it, safe and sound, to our precious home.
Snow will fall in the skies. Children will cheer that they have no school, and adults will be satisfied that they have no work. In all of this, however, a city will be in awe. Instead of the snow continuing, leaves will now fly to the ground. They will never stop; they will keep coming from the sky. Brown, orange, yellow, and green leaves will loom on the streets of Atlanta. The children will jump into piles, feeling as fall struck early and missed spring and fall. Scientists predict a total shift of seasons happening in Atlanta, but not anywhere else. Many people will be puzzled on how this could happen. When spring comes, snow will fall in Atlanta. When it is supposed to be winter, it will be summer. This will attract tourists to enjoy the heat. Atlanta will be bustling with tourism. This is what I predict will happen in December.
Carter Lewis This December it will snow. It will snow blankets over Woodstock. I do not mean this figuratively; it is really going to snow blankets. I know you think I’m crazy, so let me elaborate. Do you remember the time it rained rugs in Rhode Island last week? Scientists and meteorologists predict this storm is traveling slowly and will hit Georgia sometime in December with freezing temperatures. When rain freezes it becomes snow, so rugs become blankets. In December, when you’re cozy under your nice new white blanket, remember who predicted blanketfall…Carter Lewis.
Tyler Goold I’m almost positive that the lake known as Allatoona will freeze up. I also think that the mythical Wolf-Dog will finally attempt to cross the frozen lake. If, for some reason, you haven’t been informed of this beast, I’ll let you in on the details. The Wolf-Dog is a creature who inhabits the ABC-Dimension, A.K.A. Wolf-Dog World. He haunts the woods of Lake Allatoona. He haunts his prey with invisibility. But, this year, he will seek revenge on the ones who finally defeated him…the kids of Laurel Crest Drive. He is a Wolf-Dog hybrid. The Wolf-Dog will begin his crossing about three to seven days after the lake freezes over. He and his army will first disable all electronic devices, and then scare off all of the people near 902. He will finally work his way up the street, scaring everyone until they leave, while emitting a telepathic signal that destroys the memory of him ever existing. He will take over many streets, houses, and people of Towne Lake; you have been warned. I predict that this, along with Lake Allatoona freezing up, will finally occur. The facts say this year his reign will start once again. TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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School & Sports
Bascomb Students Walk to School More than 500 Bascomb Elementary School students participated in the recent International Walk to School Day. The event was sponsored by the Bascomb PTA, supported by the Cherokee County’s Sheriff’s Office, and included appearances by Nintendo video game character Mario and the Chick-fil-A cow. Walkers were greeted in the school driveway by PTA members and presented with stickers, pencils and other prizes.
Students who walked to school include (from left) Ari Shostak, Luke Limbocker, Jackson Rose and Will Zazzara
Woodstock Volleyball Player Makes Phenom List The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) recently announced the addition of Emilee Harris to the 2014 Phenom List. Emilee is a freshman at Woodstock High School, where she is a member of the varsity volleyball team. Her other accomplishments include 2014 MVP 14-1 Cobb Atlanta, 2014 USA High Freshman Emilee Harris and eighth-grader Performance Girls’ Parker Hines. Select A2 Invitational, and 2013 USA High Performance Girls’ Future Select National Training Program. The athletes on the AVCA Phenom List have received some type of honor (All-State Team, AVCA/Max Preps Players of the Week, etc.) identifying them as a top player in their region or country. In order to be eligible for the AVCA Phenom List, the student-athlete must be a high school freshman, sophomore or junior and her high school head coach, club coach or club director must be an active AVCA member in good standing with the association. Those players included on the AVCA Phenom List will receive a formal invitation to participate in the AVCA Phenom College Preparatory Program, which is an invitation-only weekend for unsigned student-athletes and their parents.
The Marching Wolverines Bring Home Superior Ratings
Woodstock Marching Band wins multiple awards. 64
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The Woodstock High School Marching Wolverine Band recently competed at the Jacksonville State University’s Contest of Champions in Jacksonville, Ala. The students received all superior ratings in the areas of drum majors, color guard, percussion and band. The competition included 26 bands from two states. The Woodstock marching band won second place in drum majors, first place in color guard, first place in percussion, and first place band in their class. They were also awarded overall best band, best visual and second place overall—just one point behind the firstplace band.
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Chattahoochee Gold Swimmer Commits to LSU Local swimmer Alarii Levreault-Lopez has accepted a swim scholarship to Louisiana State University. Alarii has been a member of the Chattahoochee Gold club team since he was 5 years old. He broke his first Gold team record at the age of 12 and in 2013 Alarii won his first state championship—the 400-yard individual medley at the Georgia Short Course Senior State Championships. Swimming for Woodstock High School, Alarii was named Cherokee Tribune Boys Swimmer of the Year in his sophomore and junior years. He ranks sixth academically in his graduating class and is on the executive board of the Student Government Association. Alarii will study petroleum engineering while swimming for the LSU Tigers. “Swimming is the greatest experience I’ve ever had in my life, and I’m excited to continue to do it at Louisiana State for the next four Alarii Levreault-Lopez years.”
Cancer Fundraiser Begins With Donation From a Piggy Bank An 8-year-old Lyndon Academy student started with a donation from her piggy bank and raised $1,500 worth of items for CURE Childhood Cancer in a joint effort with Mathnasium in Towne Lake. Items collected to fill Boredom Buster Bags included coloring books, crayons, markers, Play-Doh, Matchbox cars, stuffed animals, nail polish and Chapstick.
Celebrating School 1950s Style
Noah Howe and Vanessa Martinez from Boston Elementary cut a rug at the sock hop.
Bascomb and Boston elementary schools celebrated the 50th day of school with 50s Day. Firstgrade students and teachers at Bascomb celebrated by wearing dress from the era and participating in different activities based on games, music, culture and history from the 1950s. Kindergartners at Boston Elementary School learned about how people dressed and entertained themselves in the 1950s. Students at both schools ended their celebrations with a 1950s-style sock hop.
Registration Open for Etowah Soccer Winter 5K/Fun Run The eighth annual Etowah Soccer Winter 5K/Fun Run will be held at 8 a.m. Jan. 31, starting and ending in the Etowah High School stadium, 6565 Putnam Ford Road. Runners will stay on Eagle Mountain, away from traffic and busy streets. Cost is $25. Register by Jan. 20 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Proceeds from the event will help benefit the Etowah High School boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. For information or to download the registration form, visit www.etowahsoccer.com. For more details or info about sponsorships, please contact Susan Moore at (770) 865-6262 or smsgrad@gmail.com. 66
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Students in Julie Baker’s first-grade class at Bascomb show off their 1950s costumes. Students include Mathew Valente, front, and second row from left, Kelsie Mattson, Sam Lewis, Andrew Wolfe, Ryan Vernie and Elizabeth Porter.
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Faith
Why I Believe in Santa Claus A Look at the Life and Legacy of St. Nicholas BY THE REV. DR. JOHN BEYERS
For most Americans, especially young Americans, Santa Claus is the primary symbol of the Christmas season. Many thoughtful Christians struggle with the images of materialism and commercialism at this time of year. Have you ever wondered where the legend of Santa Claus came from? More importantly, have you ever considered how this legend has its roots deeply planted in the Christian tradition? Let’s consider Dr. John Beyers has served how the legend of Santa Claus can in the North Georgia Conference of the United be a teaching tool for Christian Methodist Church since parents and grandparents. 1987, and currently is senior The Life of St. Nicholas of Myra: pastor of Hillside UMC. He St. Nicholas (Greek: Nikolaos, can be reached at jbeyers@ “victory of the people”) is the hillsideumc.org. common name for Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, an ancient town in modernday Turkey. In early Christian times, Myra was the metropolis of Lydia, the town traditionally associated with St. Paul, who changed ships in its harbor. Nicholas is said to have been born of affluent Christian parents in Patara, Lydia, where he received his early schooling. Nicholas was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to his faith in Jesus Christ. Nicholas was an ordained priest and, later, a bishop. He countered the fourth century heresy of Arianism (a teaching that God the Father and God the Son are not co-eternal) at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Nicholas had a reputation for secret gift-giving. In his most
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famous exploit, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them. This meant they would remain unmarried and would probably, in the absence of any other possible employment, become prostitutes. Hearing of the poor man’s plight, Nicholas decided to help him. Being too modest to help this man publicly, he went to his house under the cover of darkness and threw three purses filled with gold coins through the window. One version has him throwing the bags down the chimney. In another version the father confronts the saint, only to have Nicholas say that it is not him he should thank, but God. People began to suspect that Nicholas was behind a large number of other anonymous gifts to the poor, using the inheritance from his wealthy parents. Because St. Nicholas was a bishop, Santa Claus is traditionally represented in a red cloak, mitre, and crosier with white fur trimmings, a reference to his red-purple bishop’s vestments tailored for a cold climate. The Dutch Interpretation of His Life: In 1804, the New York Historical Society was founded with Nicholas as its patron saint. Its members revived the Dutch tradition of St. Nicholas as a gift-bringer. In 1809, Washington Irving published his satirical A History of New York under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, a work that poked fun at New York’s Dutch past, including St. Nicholas. When Irving became a member of the Society the following year, the annual St. Nicholas Day dinner festivities included a woodcut of the Saint (tall with long robes) accompanied by a Dutch rhyme about “Sancte Claus” (in Dutch, “Sinterklaas” or in English, “Santa Claus”). In 1821, a New York printer named William Gilley issued a poem about “Sinterclaus” who dressed in fur and drove a sleigh pulled by one reindeer. continued on page 82
Marriage Moments BY BILL RATLIFF
Bill Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He can be reached at (678) 445-8766 or bratliff@ tlcchurch.com.
I am constantly considering the question, “What makes a great marriage?” Sometimes I think it can be measured by how long the marriage has lasted, or how many grandchildren have been brought into the family. My beautiful wife and I will celebrate 38 years of marriage in December. We have five sweet granddaughters, and just recently our precious grandson was born. However, the success of a marriage, including ours, must not be judged merely on the quantity of years together, but on the
quality of the relationship. Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher had the longest lasting marriage in the world in 2011. They were married for more than 86 years and left behind a legacy of enduring love that is supported by an intentional approach to producing an unselfish marriage. Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher reiterate this truth as shown in their tips for marital harmony. • Remember marriage is not a contest; never keep score. God has put the two of you together on the same team to win. • Agree that it is okay to disagree and fight for what really matters. Learn to bend, not break. • There is no secret to marriage; just do what is needed for each other and your family. • Respect, support and communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest and true. Love each other with all your heart. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us how a quality marriage is accomplished: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of your should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.” Date Your Mate: On Christmas Day find some time (I know it is almost impossible to do) to be alone with your beloved. Reminisce about the special Christmas days you have spent together. Close that time with a prayer and a moment under the mistletoe. Merry Christmas! TOWNELAKER | 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.
A Journey From Patient to Pageant BY YVETTE PEGUES
In 2010, the entire right side of my body went completely of all abilities to participate in bibliotherapy, a form of expressive numb. I was rushed to the emergency room. At first the medical therapy that helps turns their “storms into stories.” professionals thought I was suffering from a stroke, then began Our family truly believes that the scene of our greatest to think it was multiple sclerosis. A brain scan revealed a genetic disappointment is the setting of our most powerful miracle. As disorder called Chiari Malformation, Type I, where the nerves at difficult as it is for people with disabilities to adapt to their current the back of the brain hang longer circumstances, we have learned than normal. In my case, my brain that we are blessed and unbroken literally dropped into my spine, in Christ. Just as our bodies may causing it to lower inside my spinal be broken, often it’s in the breaking column and drastically limit the that we learn to rely on Him. flow of brain fluid to the rest of my The latest miracle I have body. witnessed is the birth of the Hours before my brain broke, Crowns4Christ – Unbroken Tour, I was living a dream life! At least presented by Ms. Wheelchair that’s what I thought. I was an USA organization and the Dane active wife and mom, an engineer Foundation. I have the priviledge by trade and IBM executive by of leading former National Ms. profession. I had just returned Wheelchair USA titleholders, who from an earthquake relief effort are sharing God’s message of Yvette Pegues (center) with Sara Keedy (left) and Ashlee Lundvall. trip in Haiti and had graduated strength, recovery and inspiration; cum laude with a second degree in it’s patterned after Women of Faith, early childhood education. And I had just completed paperwork to a popular Christian women’s conference. Women with disabilities enroll in a fully funded, one-of-a-kind Harvard University doctorate are often classified as “broken,” and we are real examples that program created to impact education from the top-down. there is no testimony without a test. We share our personal I had corrective surgery on July 17, 2011. I was crowned Ms. testimonies, music and videos and have lots of fun in an evening Wheelchair USA on July 19, 2014, exactly three years and two days that will have meaning for all ages and all abilities. Attendees leave later. During the time it would have taken me to receive a Ph.D, feeling refreshed, with hope and strength, regardless of their own from Harvard University, I was learning to live with my new reality circumstances or storms. We hope to bring the tour to Woodstock — experiencing life from a wheelchair. After recovering from First Baptist in February 2015. surgery, my boys Isaiah, 7, and Elijah, 5, and I published a book entitled “My Mommy had Brain Surgery & I’m Okay.” I’ve entered To stay up to date on tour dates and sponsorship opportunities, a different educational system with my sons, helping young people visit MsWheelchairUSA.org or crowns-4-christ.org. Contact Yvette learn about brain injuries. I have also been advancing my “legacy of Pegues at YourInvisibleDisability.com or (844) 480-0081. Yvette and literacy” platform as Ms. Wheelchair USA by encouraging children her family live in Canton.
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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 forest will 72
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Painting by Ann Litrel, annlitrel.com
BY ANN LITREL
appear empty of How do birds survive the birds in winter, only winter? Many small birds have to suddenly have the an average body temperature trees swarming with of 107 degrees, and can forage vocalizing chickadees, with no apparent discomfort. titmice, and other The typical chickadee has species.” 2000 feathers, with muscular All our feeders control over all of them. It filled with seed, all “fluffs” these feathers to gain the fruiting shrubs better insulation. Some planted just for birds – species actually roost together and our visitors were in tree cavities to conserve after plain old insects. heat. These include the Brown I couldn’t help but Creeper, the Winter Wren, the laugh. White-breasted Nuthatch, and The birds never the Eastern Bluebird. returned. Yet they Drawing birds closer: To attract sang in my memory foraging birds, you can try all winter long, a making a thin “pssh pssh” sound bright song in that dark season. And one or kissing the back of your hand day as I sadly looked – sounds which mimic distress upon my cold silent calls. yard it came to me – A good nature guide for their visit was not just reading: John Krichner’s a memory, it was a “Ecology of Eastern Forests: The promise – a promise Peterson Field Guide Series.” 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.
Welcome to
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK
The Outlet Shoppes
T at Atlanta at Saks
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
Trolley Routes outlined in red
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Chattahoochee Technical College
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Trolley Stop
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Dobbs Rd
Kyle St
On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only
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Download the Visit Woodstock App for info on downtown businesses and events! TOWNELAKER | December 2014
painting by Kristina Laurendi Havens
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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. 74
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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!
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
$$
no
closed
no
yes
Italian
no
$$
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
Reel Seafood 44 ad on pg. 8670 Main St. see 770-627-3006 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com
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$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants
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” 76
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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. TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Downtown Woodstock
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, Jenna Hill is a Tourism olive oil, home décor, cigars, beer, Information Assistant at the Woodstock wine, antiques and more. Make a Visitors Center. full day of your shopping excursion jehill@woodstockga.gov by including lunch or dinner at one of the downtown 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 Street and right on Market Street. It will then
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
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 Directory listing on website Ribbon cutting or groundbreaking Hobnob - a social event (quarterly)
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Individual and non-profit memberships also available
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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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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.
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Rock Bottom
Why I Believe in Santa Claus
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.”
A New York Clergyman Reinterprets His Life for American Children: On Christmas Eve, 1882, another New Yorker, The Reverend Dr. Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal Priest and Professor of Oriental and Greek Literature at Columbia University and at General Theological Seminary, wrote down and read to his children a series of verses. His poem was published a year later as “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” more commonly known today by its opening line, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Professor Moore gave “St. Nick” eight reindeer (and named them all) and devised the now-familiar entrance by chimney. Harper’s Weekly Magazine and Cartoonist Thomas Nast Cast an Image: In 1863, a caricaturist for Harper’s Weekly named Thomas Nast began developing his own image of Santa Claus. Nast gave his figure a flowing set of whiskers and dressed him all in fur from his head to his foot. Nast’s 1866 montage entitled, “Santa Claus and His Works” established Santa as a maker of toys. An 1869 book of the same name collected the Nast drawings with a poem by George P. Webster that identified the North Pole as Santa’s home. The Coca-Cola Company and Illustrator Hadden Sundblom Create an Enduring Icon: At the beginning of the 1930s, the burgeoning Coca-Cola Company was looking for ways to increase sales of their product during winter, then a slow time for the soft drink market. They turned to a talented commercial illustrator named Hadden Sundblom, who created a series of memorable drawings that associated the figure of a largerthan-life, red-and white-garbed Santa Claus with a bottle of Coca-Cola. Coke’s annual advertisements became a perennial Christmastime favorite. The success of the advertising campaign fueled the legend that Coca-Cola actually invented the image of the modern Santa Claus by decking him out in a red and white suit to promote the company colors. The Coke illustration is the accepted image of Santa Claus in the hearts of most Americans today. Why do I believe in Santa Claus? Amid all of the folklore and creative marketing, I believe in Santa Claus because he was a Christian minister and bishop of the church who devoted his life to anonymously serving poor children in the name of Jesus Christ! “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” – Isaiah 52:7
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Getting Financially Fit for Retirement at Fifty continued from page 40
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. 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.
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Explore Alternatives to Prescription Meds continued from page 54
term memory loss a few months after starting therapy. Organic red yeast rice, niacin, Allicin (garlic), plant stanols and sterols (phytosterols) are natural supplement alternatives that have proven effective at lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides Having dispensed prescription medications for more than 20 years now, I have seen their benefits, but I have also seen how devastating they can be when they are overprescribed. In most parts of the world, other forms of treatment options like herbal supplements and aromatherapy, homeopathic, and diet modifications are tried first before the use of prescriptions.
G R EE NPR 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.
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Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA COMMUNITY OF FAITH Baptist
Jewish
Carmel Baptist Church 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Sunday Service 11 am Pastor: Stanley Pruitt
Chabad Jewish Center 14255 Wade Green Rd NW, Ste 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144, (678) 460-7702 Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat monthly at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat monthly at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWoodstock.com, www.Facebook.com/ JewishCenter
Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock, (770) 710-1068 Pastor: Elder Larry White www.crossroadspbc.org First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Alive Groups & Worship Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship Service: 6 p.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Mike Maxwell
Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green Street Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, (770) 973-3533 www.Kolemeth.net
Lutheran
New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 11 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana/Youth: 6:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: John Harris www.newvicbaptist.org
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.gslutheran.org
South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert
Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien
Episcopal
Orthodox
Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 9 a.m. (family service) & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith
St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Matthew Dutto www.stelizabethga.org
Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler
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Presbyterian Christ Covenant Presbyterian of Woodstock (PCA) Meets in the Rec Center of Cherokee County’s South Annex, 7545 Main Street; Bldg. 200, Woodstock Pastor: Ted Lester www.cc-pca.org Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Meets at Hope Presbyterian Church 4101 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Pastor: Matthew Holst www.genevaopc.org
Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558
Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Don Esa
Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Larry Niese www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com
United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Harden Hopper www.bascombchurch.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Chris Bryant www.coahumc.org Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:25 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. John Beyers www.hillsideumc.org Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street, (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Little River United Methodist Church 12455 Highway 92, (770) 926-2495 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Bill Coady www.littleriverumc.info
Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Joe McKechnie www.sixesumc.org Woodstock United Methodist Church 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 516-0371 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude T. Herbert
Unitarian Universalist Emerson U U Congregation 4010 Canton Rd., Marietta, Georgia 30066 (770) 578-1533 Services: 9 & 11:30 a.m. August – May www.emersonuu.org Rev. Jeff Jones
Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Awakening Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140 next to Folks Restaurant, (770) 924-4150 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.awakeningwoodstock.com Lead Pastor: Jeff Whitmire Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church 230 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, (770) 517-2977 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Mat Garcia www.bridgepointechurch.org Catalyst Church 9872 Main Street, Woodstock (678) 463-6330, catalystonline.tv Sunday Services: 10 a.m. Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193
Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road Allatoona Ward, Sacrament Meeting: 11 a.m. Auxiliary Meeting: 10:20 a.m. Bishop Phillip Hailstone Woodstock Ward Spanish service: 9 a.m., English service: 1 pm. Bishop Dave Schweiger Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle Church 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock, (770) 928-7478 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Pastor: A.D. Hinton www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, (770) 405-2500 Sunday Service: 9 & 11 a.m. www.hishandschurch.com Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Rd., Marietta (770) 924-8080 Sunday Orthros: 8:30a.m., Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, PhD Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth, (404) 663-1828 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5 (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker www.prayerandpraise.org
Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Gene Prince www.rezwoodstock.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, (678) 494-2100 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. www.sgcatlanta.org Sunnyside Church of God 2510 East Cherokee Drive, (770)-693-1018 Sunday service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Lance Turner www.sunnysidecog.com The Church at Acworth 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Jason Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com Thrive Chapel River Ridge H.S., 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Sean Jazdzyk www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway, (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sr. Pastor: William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Victory Church 4625 Highway 92, Acworth, (770) 794-7366 Sunday Service: 9:00 & 10:45 a.m. Pastor: Jeff Hidden www.victoryga.com Watermarke Church Meeting at Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton, (678) 880-9092 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m., 5 p.m. www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Lewis Stark www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meets Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meets Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. Contact: Richard Stacy at (843) 697-5189, richbstacy@gmail.com. www. cherokeetoastmasters.com. Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets 3rd Thursday at 8.30 a.m. at J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy
CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casaforchildren.org
MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy.
Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika.org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.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
Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org
Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org
Cherokee County Animal League Contact: Steve Monahan at CherokeeAnimalLeague@gmail.org or (770) 712-4077 Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115 admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org
No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meets Every Monday morning at 7:30 am at IHOP 8979 Hwy 92, www.meetup.com/No-FeeReferral-Network-Woodstock
CCHS Thrift Store 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS.
North Georgia Referral Network Meets Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. at J. Christophers, 315 Chambers Street Contact: (770) 592-5990
Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com
The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets Third Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Contact: Edeline Dryden (678) 789-6158 www.thejoyofconnecting.com Together We Rise Meets Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meets Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350, www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. At Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377, www.powercore.net
Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. Email aaeverydayangels@ gmail.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter, (770) 842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Green Pets America Rescue animal rescue group (770) 712-4077, SteveMonahan777@gmail.com www.GPACharities.US Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: (770) 345-1024, www.habitat-ncg.org Harvesting Hope Ministries gives surgery care packs to children facing liver and kidney failure. Contact: dawn@harvestinghopeministries.org. www.harvestinghopeministries.org.
Women of Woodstock Meets First & Third Wednesday at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com
Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com
Charitable Organizations
Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: (770) 218-1997 www.hospiceadvantage.com
Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hr, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 www.ahimsahouse.org
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iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 www.iCORorphans.com
Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org Volunteer Aging Council, a non-profit that helps to raise funds for our seniors of Cherokee County. www.vac-cherokeega.org
Civic Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50+ Meets Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944 American Legion Post 316 Meets Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366 Junior Service League of Woodstock Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Tuscany Contact: 24 hour info line: (770) 592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766 Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch)at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at IHOP on Highway 92, Woodstock (770) 4804179 Sewrifics of Cherokee Meets Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. at Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: Charlice Byrd, (404) 557-2218
Woodstock Jaycees Meets First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m. at 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (404) 690-4452
Cherokee County Arts Center At 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org
Woodstock Lions Club Meets Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contact: (770) 906-2958
Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com
Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meets Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: lodge.info@woodstocklodge246.org Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meets Every Wednesday at 12 noon at Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663
Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meets Second Thursday at 7 p.m. at Holly Springs Train Depot, www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Libertarians Meet 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee Co. Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. http://cherokeelp.org. Cherokee County Republican Party Meets Second Saturday at 9 a.m. at Winchesters Woodfire Grill, (678) 809-1411 Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets monthly in Woodstock/Canton. Contact (770) 592-7811 jkconkeygmail.com. 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 www.rwccga.com Contact: (678) 520-2236
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 Second Saturday at 10 a.m. at Studio 101, 101 Emma Lane, www.artsalliancega.org Blue Skies Laughter Club Meets Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. at Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets Second Saturday at 10 a.m. at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road www.cherokeehams.com
Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group www.TCCSAG.org Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey, www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association CSA Impact Soccer, 157 Railroad St., Canton Contact: (770) 704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild is a writing support group open to both experienced or inexperienced writers. Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays 7-8:30pm at Prayer and Praise Church, 6409 Bells Ferry Rd. www.christianauthorsguild.org Kingdom Riders, a forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome. Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meets Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Contact: Ellen Kayton, (678) 494-6005 www.nntl.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com
Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meets First Wednesday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131 Autism Parent Support Group Meets Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets First Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. — 12 noon at Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center, Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors & Law Enforcement Together) Meets Second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room) Dale Walz (404) 375-8193
Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee County Lupus Support Group Meets 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at New Light Church Hall Contact: Pam Bennett, (404) 975-7580 C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meets First Monday at 7 p.m. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.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. Georgia Canines for Independence www.gcidogs.org, Contact: (404) 824-4637 GRANDparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available)at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 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. Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets First Tuesday at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7 p.m. at Bascomb UMC Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30188-30189 https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets Second & Fourth Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: (770) 924-4777 NW Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America holds free, informative quarterly meetings in the Woodstock area for people with hearing loss. For more information, contact nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meets Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899 Towne Lake Area Moms Group www.TowneLakeArea.com Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors meets First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Reference
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)
(202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090
Senator Johnny Isakson (R)
(202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999
100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://chambliss.senate.gov 1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Tom Price (R) District 6
85-C Mill St., Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075 http://tom.house.gov
Rep. Rob Woodall (R) District 7
75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 http://woodall.house.gov
Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R) District 11
100 North Street Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114 http://gingrey.house.gov
(202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990
Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov Sen. Jack Murphy (R) District 27
jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
(202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005 (202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 345-2931
(770) 546-7565 (404) 463-1378 (770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602 (678) 523-8570
Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21
(678) 576-2644
scot@turnerforhouse.com
Rep. Sam Moore (R) District 22
(404) 656-0220
State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr.
Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris
(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6431 (678) 493-6431
Probate Court: (678) 493-6160
Juvenile Court: Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6001
Commissioners: L.R. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman
lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Harry Johnston (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com bpoole@cherokeega.com
Jason Nelms (R) District 4 Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
(770) 735-8055 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4100 fax: (678) 493-4228
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little
(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420
2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 155 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo
(770) 924-4099 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Kyla Cromer (R) District 1
(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236 (678) 493-8088
kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Patsy Jordan (R) District 2
(770) 893-2970
(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280
(404) 462-4950
michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Janet Read (R) Chair
(770) 516-1444
janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rick Steiner (R) District 4
Judge Keith Wood (R)
1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114
Michael Geist (R) District 3
Magistrate Court: Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds
www.cherokeega.com
patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Cherokee County Courts Superior Court: Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners
jnelms@cherokeega.com
Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20
michael@CaldwellforHouse.com
(678) 493-6511
Brian Poole (R) District 3
(404) 652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov
(770) 479-1488
hjohnston@cherokeega.com
State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)
Sen. Bruce Thompson (R) District 14
District Attorney Shannon Wallace Clerk of Courts Patty Baker
(770) 721-4398, x4370
rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rob Usher (R) District 5
(770) 928-0341
rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Robert Wofford (R) District 6 (Vice-Chair) robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com
(770) 345-6256
(770) 592-6017
Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association
(Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) Douglas Properties (770) 926-3086 117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188
SCHOOL INFORMATION Public Schools Ace 3921 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs (770) 345-2005 Principal: Mr. Richard Landolt www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ aceacademy Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway, Woodstock (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ carmel-es Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton (678) 385-7322 Principal: Dr. Scott O’Prey cherokeecharter.org E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive, Woodstock (770) 924-6260 Principal: Ms. Joey Moss www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road, Acworth (770) 974-6682 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive, Woodstock (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Dr. Curt Ashley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris Woodstock Elementary School 230 Rope Mil Road, Woodstock
(770) 926-6969 Principal: Kim Montalbano www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-es Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, (770) 592-3500 Principal: Dr. Paul Weir www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-hs Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms
Private Schools Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org Middle & High School Principal: Richard Goff Elementary School: Robert Lester Compass Prep Academy Director: Laura George www.compassprep.org info@compassprep.org (404) 643-9424 Cornerstone Preparatory Academy 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth (770) 529-7077 Administrator: Jeanne Borders www.cornerstoneprep.org
Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92, Acworth (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org Holdheide Education K-3 5234 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Principal: Tammy Dorsten (770) 516-2292, www.MyGiftedKids.org Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd., Woodstock (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org
North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org Northside Christian Academy 303 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 180 Woodstock, GA 30102 (770) 334-0648 Principal: Jill Trout http://nca4hope.com
Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org
Homeschool Homeschool Community Classical Conversations Woodstock Director: Cari Lingerfelt carinwoody@bellsouth.net
Cherokee County School District Calendar at a Glance Dec. 22-Jan. 2
No School Jan. 19 No School Feb. 16-20 No School March 30- April 3 No School Cafeteria account information: www.mypaymentsplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12. ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
89
Reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN OCTOBER Towne Lake Sales for October 2014 List Price
Address
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
195,000 199,995 117,500 180,000 215,000 114,900 163,500 210,000 195,000 194,900 150,000 233,900 229,990 159,900 195,000 207,500 210,000 299,900 165,000 199,900 209,900 420,000 159,000 189,900 250,000 219,900 182,500 189,500 350,000 425,000 415,000
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
175,000 473,185 508,554 222,850 149,900 185,000 220,000 150,000 146,000 119,900 317,500 344,000 289,900 355,000 400,000 254,925 161,899 155,000 275,000 365,000 196,900 235,000 225,000 122,900 314,900 550,000 186,845 153,900 190,000 195,000 275,000
$
238,091
132 Lovingood DR 1128 Canvas Back DR 3030 Richmond RD 290 Ascott LN 256 Ascott LN 207 Carmichael RD 107 Wallnut Hall CIR 922 Santa Anita DR 343 Santa Anita AVE 219 Ashland DR 6546 Cedar Mill CV 801 Harrison DR 832 Harrison DR 423 Shoni LN 523 Cherokee Mills DR 701 Overhill CT 604 RIDGE CROSSING DR 7002 Hunters RDG 4107 Huntcliff DR 4134 Huntcliff DR 4116 Huntcliff DR 1213 Meadowbrook LN 3298 E Emerald Oaks WAY 448 Hearthstone WAY 516 Philadelphia LN 2110 Yorkshire CT 424 Thaxton LN 418 THAXTON LN 7038 McCurley RD 8203 Main ST 105 Lee DR
Subdivision Allatoona Shores Allatoona Woods Audobon Forest Belmont Trace Belmont Trace Bentley Hills Brookshire Brookshire Brookshire Brookshire Cedar Mill Crossing Centennial Lakes Centennial Lakes Cherokee Mills Cherokee Mills Deer Run Deer Run Deer Run Eagle Watch Eagle Watch Eagle Watch Eagle Watch East Emerald Oaks Hearthstone Independence Walk Kingston Square Montclair at Ridgewalk Montclair at Ridgewalk None None None
Beds Baths Yr Built 4 4 3 4 5 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 5 6 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 5 2 2 4 3 5
3 3 2 2.5 2.5 2 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3 2.5 2.5 3.5 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 4.5 2 3 4.5 3.5 2 2 3 3 4
1985 1988 1989 2007 2007 1977 2002 2002 2001 2001 1989 2011 2013 1987 1984 1995 1995 1993 1989 1990 1991 1991 1989 2014 1989 1987 2005 2005 1984 1948 2004
Days on Market 8 386 32 8 48 95 14 40 45 4 23 77 8 140 23 108 60 44 4 25 13 126 62 74 122 19 26 149 125 8 108
Sales Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
195,000 198,000 113,500 180,000 198,000 102,500 150,000 180,000 193,000 194,000 150,000 228,900 232,000 155,000 188,000 202,000 205,000 295,000 163,000 199,900 200,000 400,000 147,500 185,000 240,000 219,900 182,500 189,500 275,000 385,500 400,000
$$/sq ft $ $ $
77 102 71
$ $ $ $ $
68 83 110 89 98
$ $ $ $ $
81 88 46 87 101
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
101 119 85 90 89 79 88 57 76 127 132 116 168 107
See all the photos and details of these sold listings at http://TLOCT2014.KurtandSheilaTeam.com 3455 Hill LN 200 Briar Hollow LN 410 Flintrock WAY 249 Creek View LN 310 Parkview PL 1002 Legacy WALK 2017 PROVIDENCE WALK 504 Bay Leaf LN 322 Winchester WAY 631 Bedford CT 103 ENFIELD TRCE 561 Fairway DR 519 Rocking Porch WAY 300 Rusty Gate PASS 229 Twisted Timber CT 173 Heritage PTE 129 Allatoona DR 1425 Towne Harbor PSGE 1064 Towne Lake HLS E 1094 Towne Lake HLS E 227 Sharon WAY 419 Ballymore PASS 1020 Ashfern WALK 6211 Westridge TRCE 217 Abernathy WAY 405 Latimer ST 437 Village VW 1014 Elsberry DR 5004 Wesleyan DR 1121 Hunters Glen DR 7007 Hampshire CT
AVERAGES IN OCT 2014
OLDE CEDAR CREEK Overlook at Woodstock Knoll Overlook at Woodstock Knoll Parc at Kellogg Creek Parkview At Towne Lake Providence Place Providence Place Spicers Grove Springfield Stonecroft The Fairways The Fairways The Village at Towne Lake The Village at Towne Lake The Village At Towne Lake The Villas at Heritage Springs Towne Harbor Towne Harbor Towne Lake Hills E Towne Lake Hills E Townview Commons Waterford Waterford Westland Mill Woodland Trace Woodstock Downtown Woodstock Village Wyngate Wyngate Wyngate Wyngate
5 5 5 4 3 5 4 4 3 2 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 5 3 4 5 3 5 4 3 3 3 3 4
3 4 4 2.5 2 3.5 3.5 3.5 2 2 3.5 3.5 3 3.5 3 2 2 3 3 4 2 2.5 3.5 2 3 4.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.5
1990 2014 2014 2014 2001 1994 1999 1996 1991 1997 1991 1994 2005 2008 2006 2013 1992 1992 1994 1995 2014 1999 1995 1986 2014 2006 2014 1997 1993 1993 1995
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.
17 66 7 17 14 103 145 56 54 147 43 77 164 34 10 49 75 68 116 73 147 162 13 72 62 68 125 47 71 46 10
67.45
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
177,000 479,080 512,800 230,955 142,000 92,500 210,000 150,000 142,000 129,900 315,900 332,500 282,000 350,000 395,000 224,925 154,500 157,500 275,000 336,115 190,000 220,000 225,000 123,101 314,900 500,000 188,545 155,900 191,800 200,000 275,000
$
229,381
$ $ $ $
71 124 143 84
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
34 82 58 100 132 59 95 118 147 152
$ $ $ $
79 72 77 83
$ $ $ $ $
80 104 82 98 161
$ $
81 96
$
87
$
94.98
Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by Townelaker)
90
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
CLASSIFIED CLEANING SERVICES
LAWN SERVICE
Penny Clean “One Woman Show” moving and deep cleaning available on weekends. Over 25 years experience, reasonable rates. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. 678-4943602.
Leaves will fall. Fall is here yard clean up free estimates aeration and overseed. Complete yard and plant service by Dennis 470539-1122.
FOR RENT
PET SITTING
Basement Apartment. Utilities included on the lake. $500. Call 770-337-2170.
JoAnn’s Pet Sitting. Reliable pet care service since 2004. Bonded and insured. 770-617-0221. www.joannspetsitting.com
GARAGE FLOORS
PUPPIES FOR SALE
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.
AKC Doberman Puppies. Black/Rust and Red/Rust. Born 10-6-14. $800. Call 770-337-2170.
Happy Holidays! $
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91
Reference
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (770) 345-0400 Cherokee County Government:
Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 Business Licenses (770) 721-7810 Clean & Beautiful Commission (770) 517-7650 Commissioners (678) 493-6000 Courthouse (770) 479-1953 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) (678) 493-6077 Extension Office (770) 479-0418 Jury Phone (770) 479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) (770) 479-1953 Planning & Zoning (678) 493-6101 Senior Services (770) 345-5312 Tax Assessors/Evaluation (678) 493-6120
Taxes:
License Plates/Tags, Property Tax (678) 493-6400 Woodstock Office (770) 924-4099 Voter Registration (770) 479-0407
Children/Family:
Anna Crawford Children’s Center (770) 345-8100 Bethesda Community Clinic (678) 880-9654 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club (770) 720-7712 Cherokee Family Violence Center (770) 479-1804 Cherokee Focus (770) 345-5483 Child Support Enforcement (770) 720-3581 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org (770) 345-3274 Department of Family & Children Services (770) 720-3610 The Hope Center (770) 924-0864 MUST Cherokee Ministries (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry (770) 591-4730
Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat) (678) 413-8400 Fire Department (District 1, Station 20) (770) 926-7155 Georgia State Patrol (770) 205-5400 Health Department (770) 345-7371 Hospitals:
Kennestone Hospital (770) 793-5000 North Fulton Hospital (770) 751-2500 Northside Hospital — Cherokee (770) 720-5100
Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:
Battered Women Hotline (770) 479-1703 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) (770) 345-7920 Poison Control Center — Atlanta (404) 616-9000 Outside Metro Atlanta (800) 222-1222 Probate Court Information Line (770) 704-2610 Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center (770) 428-2666
Libraries:
www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek (770) 591-1491 R.T. Jones (770) 479-3090 Woodstock (770) 926-5859
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
Non-Emergency 911 (770) 479-3117 Parks and Recreation:
BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (770) 924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. (770) 926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264
Pets:
Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 www.cherokeega-animals.org Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org
Post Office (Woodstock)
www.usps.com (800) 275-8777
Recycling Center (770) 516-4195 Sheriff’s Department (678) 493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm
Utilities:
Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com AT&T (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com
Urgent Care Facility
American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock (770) 200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy (404) 851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton (678) 661-3166 Wellstar Urgent Care (678) 494-2500
Woodstock, City of:
(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,
ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6030
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
Patty Ponder ALM President Marketing & Advertising Sales
Christie Deese Marketing Support Associate
Michelle McCulloch Art Director
Denise Griffin Controller
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. Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher
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.
TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,000
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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Townelaker
ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY For advertising rates & information please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322 • Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC (770) 926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 9
Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 53 (678) 445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 200 AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 591-3630
C & T Auto Service 65 9336 Main St.,Woodstock, (770) 926-4276 2348-B Bascomb-Carmel Rd., Woodstock (770) 928-5940 Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500 1930 Eagle Dr., Woodstock
71
Joe’s Auto Service (770) 517-2695 6957 Hwy. 92, Woodstock
25
Mike the Mechanic Auto Service & Repair 5 (770) 928-2828, www.mikethemechanic.com 3155 Parkbrooke Cir., Woodstock Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 59 (678) 505-8907, 9817 Main St., Woodstock FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com Towne Lake’s Carwash & Detail 45 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com (770) 592-8102, 1490 Towne Lake Pkwy. BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 35 (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Dr., Suite 440, Kennesaw BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Azure Salon & Spa 25 (770) 345-8280 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 110, Canton Pampered Peacock, The 47 (678) 540-7601, 7031 Main St., Woodstock Salon Gloss (678) 483-8900, www.SalonGloss.biz 220 Chambers St.
27
The Sundance Massage Center (678) 591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com
45
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TOWNELAKER | December 2014
Downtown Buzz
78
Towne Lake Business Association
32
Spillane Orthodontics 40 (770) 928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Pkwy. 575, Suite 200, Woodstock
42
Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 25 (770) 517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Pkwy.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org CHIROPRACTIC
59
Simple Smiles Dentistry Cover, 50, 51 (770) 592-7000, SimpleSmilesDentistry.com 114 Mirramont Lake Dr.
Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation 31 (770) 516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute (678) 574-5678 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4, Acworth
28
Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 49 1000 Wyngate Pkwy., Ste. 200, Woodstock (770) 592-1877, www.townelakechiro.com CHURCHES Hillside United Methodist Church (770) 924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy.
13
Rejoice Maids 29 (678) 905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 889-5900, www.ccrguys.com 10511 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton
3
DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric) Byrd Dental Group Inside front (770) 926-8200 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 130 Fountain View Dentistry 57 (770) 926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 200, Suite A Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Suite 200-C
Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 29 (678) 224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 201
9
EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION 37
CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991
Towne Lake Family Dentistry Inside Back (770) 591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy., Bldg 200, Ste 100
45
S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 53 (770) 924-8848 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 100, Ste. 100
Bascomb UMC Preschool (770) 926-0397 2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd.
45
KinderCare 3051 Parkbrooke Circle, Woodstock (678) 445-3820, www.kindercare.com
55
Mathnasium (678) 214-5544 2265 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 102
35
Music Together 7 (678) 613-2048, www.musictogether.com Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044 6689 Bells Ferry Rd.
33
EVENT PLANNING Kelly’s Creations (678) 503-8843, KellysCreations.net
29
FITNESS Brooks Personal Training 7 (678) 665-6021, BrooksPersonalTraining.com 1432 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 120 HOME & GARDEN Atlanta Prestige Flooring 55 (770) 516-3227 www.atlantaprestigeflooring.com 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1338, Woodstock Atlas Garage Door Company (770) 592-6217
47
AquaDoc Plumbing 65 (770) 516-9000 Bryan Plumbing Services 5 (770) 826-5277 Coleman Home Services 7 (770) 294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 65 (770) 974-2390 Drainage First 55 John Brodbeck, (678) 525-589 Grout Doctor, The 44 (678) 383-1311, www.GroutDoctor.com Hammocks Heating & Air 67 (770) 794-0428 Handy Handyman, The 47 (404) 316-1490 Mr. Junk 25 (678) Mr-Junk1 Nelson Exteriors 43 (678) 283-8171 Pied Piper Pest Control 33 (770) 592-9814, tracey@piedpiperpc.com Pike’s Professional Painting 65 (770) 516-0045 Precision Painting & Remodeling 5 (678) 234-9668 Reliable Heating & Air 21 (770) 594-9969, ReliableAir.com RPM Landscape & Pavers 47 (770) 597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com Uptronix (770) 928-0260, www.uptronix.com
23
INSURANCE The Clarke Agency (Farmers Insurance) 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 105 (678) 400-6725 mclarke@farmersagent.com
35
PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 42 (770) 591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Rd. Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 70 (770) 591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle Bark Station 240 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock (770) 517-9907, www.bark-station.com
3
Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
81
South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital 31 (770) 924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp St. PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C
23
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists (770) 720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com
38
Envision Therapy, Dr. Rosalyn Coleman 13 (678) 540-6680, envisiontherapycenter.com 117 Mirramont Lake Dr., Woodstock Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 59 (770) 485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Dr. Marietta Plastic Surgery 30 Towne Lake: (678) 494-2380 149 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 104, Woodstock Marietta: (770) 425-0118 823 Campbell Hill St. NW, Marietta MariettaPlasticSurgery.com North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 54 (770) 726-8948, NorthGeorgiaHearing.com 203 Woodpark Place, Ste. B-100, Woodstock Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com
11
Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 67 (770) 928-0016 Northwest ENT & Allergy Center 61 (70) 427-0368, www.nwent.com 13 Reinhardt College Pkwy., Canton 30114 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 56 (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann St., Ste. 150, Marietta Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 25 (770) 592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com Rebound Physical Therapy (678) 445-9799, ReboundPTclinic.com 980 Woodstock Pkwy., Woodstock
68
The Kaufmann Clinic 25 (770) 926-7411 www.TheKaufmannClinic.com 900 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 300, Woodstock Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 110 Wellstar (770) 956-STAR (7827) www.wellstar.org
43
1
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Elm St. Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251
80
Etowah Eagles Basketball
46
Etowah H.S. Fine Arts Dept.
69
Holiday Lights of Hope
79
RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK Around Town Take Out www.AroundTownTakeOut.com Blue Sky Barbecue 295 Molly Lane, Ste. 100, Woodstock (770) 485-0503 www.BlueSkyBarbecue.com Butchers Block (770) 517-2225 1025 Rose Creek Dr.
33 9
65
Jump Kitchen 52 (678) 388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock GG’s Fine Foods 46 (678) 499-0511, www.ggsfinefood.com 501 Hickory Ridge Tr., Ste. 130, Woodstock 34 Webb St., Roswell Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com
7
Reel Seafood 8670 Main Street, Woodstock (770) 627-3006
44
Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 110 (678) 324-1910
9
RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Branches Boutique 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. #140 (770) 517-1505 370 Chambers St., (678) 540 5483
5
Diamonds R Forever 19 4200 Wade Green Rd., Ste. 212, Kennesaw (770) 422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net Gifted Ferret, The 43 (770) 693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr., Ste. 400
PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com
Ursula & Assoc., Keller Williams Inside front (678) 569-4044, TowneLakeExperts.com
62
Max Video Games & More 31 (770) 924-9300 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Ste. 124, Woodstock www.facebook.com/maxvideogames
Berkshire Hathaway The Tomlinson Team (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953
39
58
Current Realty Angela Martin, (678) 540-3230 www.CurrentBrokers.com
69
Rudi Fine Jewelry (678) 445-2626 rudifinejewelry@yahoo.com 6790 Hwy. 92, Acworth Spirited 8670 Main St., Ste. 2, Woodstock (678) 214-5304, www.spritlala.com
13
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cover (404) 954-2486, (678) 494-0644 www.kurtandsheila.com
Wild Birds Unlimited 60 (770) 928-3014, www.woodstock.wbu.com 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Woodstock TOWNELAKER | December 2014
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COUPONS & SPECIAL OFFERS! These local businesses have special offers just for you!
Animal Atlanta
42
Mike the Mechanic
Aqua Doc Plumbing
65
Mr. Junk
25
Aspen Falls Auto Spa
59
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
56
Butchers Block
65
Rejoice Maids
29
C& T Auto Service
65
Reliable Heating & Air
21
Carpet Dry Tech
13
Rudi Fine Jewelry
58
Christian Brothers Automotive
71
Spirited 13
Hammock’s Heating & Air
67
Small Cakes
Joe’s Auto Service
25
The Grout Doctor
Jump Kitchen
52
Towne Lake Family Dentistry
Landscape Matters
25
Marietta Plastic Surgery
30
Max Video Games & More
31
Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail
TOWNELAKER | December 2014
9 44 Inside Back 37
WellStar 1 Wild Birds Unlimited
Shop Local! 96
5
60
Happy Holidays
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