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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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December 2017 Volume 5, Issue 2
14 Helping Hands
A list of needs from nonprofits to help local families in need.
16 Santa Sightings!
Get your GPS and calendar ready to plan your visit with the big guy.
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18 Culinary Gifts
Thoughtful presents, recipes from the heart and the kitchen.
24 Audition Tips
Suggestions for local actors to land that perfect role.
36 Deal of the Year
Cherokee receives statewide honor for biggest project to date.
48 Honoring Our Vets
Emotional service in Woodstock honored local veterans.
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Contributing Writers
In Every Issue
Don Akridge
42
Mark Kissel
52
Bill Bingham
24
Dr. Sarah Licht
46
Stacy Brown
12
Dr Wilmer Bustelo
31
Rob Macmillan
30
Jillian Melko
25
Premier Group
26
Lynne Saunders
37
Tim Timmons
44
Cherokee Office of Economic Development 36 Dr. Britton Crigler
46
Leigh Cutrone
55
Madison Erceg
24
James Imbriale
41
Dr. Kelly Weselman
47
Dan Jape
39
Shelley Winter
43
Around Woodstock
4
Ribbon Cuttings
5
Community News
8
Celebrations
10
Everyday Angels
28
Woodstock Dining Guide 34 Community Calendar 38 Library Events
40
School News
Greenprints Trail Map 56 Recent Home Sales
Contact us and view the magazine online at
Rejoice Maids From left: Mayra, Eluvia,
Elizabeth, Lina, Margarita and Angelica.
Photo by J King Images 2
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
ADVERTISING Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com
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Directory of Advertisers 62
www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com
32 & 33 On the Cover
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Downtown Parking Map 54
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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AROUND WOODSTOCK The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Woodstock
From the Editor It seems like it was just yesterday when we were putting together our December 2016 issue. If anyone has a theory on why time goes by faster as we get older, please enlighten me! I look forward to the holidays for many reasons, but at the top of the list is that my children will be home. As much as I rejoice in their successes as they find their way in life - no matter how far away they roam - I miss them terribly! I enjoy making the most of the time they’ll be here, and to continue making memories with them. Our activities have changed over the years to accommodate their schedules. It’s no longer an option for the five of us to go tree shopping together. That’s a job for Glenn and me; but we try to wait until one of them is around to decorate. Sonia Carruthers talks about her family tradition of decorating the tree on page 20. I hope you enjoy reading about the traditions our neighbors have shared on those pages. We’ve also assembled a collection of Christmas articles to give you a chance to reach out and help your neighbors in need (page 14), a plan for tracking down Santa (page 16), and inspiration for delectable and edible gifts (page 18). It’s a busy season, but let’s remember to hold tight to a joyful attitude. Let the stress from the holidays roll right off and leave you with a calm that has others asking, “What’s your secret?” Chuck Swindoll, an evangelical Christian pastor, author, educator and radio preacher, says: “I’m convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you …. We are in charge of our attitudes.” When our kids were growing up, my husband quoted Swindoll to them fairly often. It’s a good reminder to young and old that a good attitude is a gift we can give ourselves, and ultimately, others. Best wishes from our ALM family to yours, for a joy-filled and blessed Christmas!
What’s New Dr. Sara Aamir has recently relocated her practice from Canton to downtown Woodstock at Parkside Optique. She is accepting new patients. To schedule eye exams or contact lens evaluations, call 770-485-7459. On Facebook at www.ParksideOptique.com. Copper Coin Coffee will remain open, thanks to Randy Altmann of RMS-CC, LLC, who recently leased the 5,283-square-foot space for five years. Larry Singleton, president and managing broker of Singleton Real Estate, represented the tenant and Ryan Denbow of JWB Realty Services represented the landlord. “I am thrilled that I was able to participate in keeping Copper Coin open,” Singleton said. “This coffee shop is the heart of downtown Woodstock, and Randy Altmann will be a great addition to our community of entrepreneurs and business owners.” “I look forward to becoming an active member of the downtown Woodstock business community, and building on the successes of Mike Gullicksen at Copper Coin Coffee,” Altmann said. Zoës Kitchen has opened at 1426 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 106, Woodstock, serving fresh, made-from-scratch Mediterranean fare. Hours will be 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 770-250-5530. Find more details at www.zoeskitchen.com. Instant Imprints is opening at 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 110, Woodstock. A grand opening was planned for Nov. 30. Instant Imprints offers brand apparel (embroidery), signs and banners, custom T-shirts, promotional products and print services. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 678-695-7988. www.instantimprints.com/townelake.
You're Invited The city of Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department will host a public input session, scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St. The public is invited to attend and express their ideas on the new park that’s planned for east Woodstock. For more info about the park, see the community news note on page 8.
Congratulations! The results of November’s Woodstock Municipal General Election are: Mayor: Donnie Henriques (Incumbent) City Council Ward 3: Colin Ake City Council Ward 1: Warren Johnson (Incumbent) City Council Ward 5: Brian Wolfe
Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodstock. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Ten percent of the city’s registered voters turned up at the ballot boxes. These officials will begin their four-year term on Jan. 1 and will be ceremoniously sworn in on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock.
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 1. Center for Relational Care 970 Woodstock Parkway, Suite 210, Woodstock 678-653-3272, www.relationalcareatlanta.org
EVENT CALENDAR Dec. 7
2. Virtual Properties Realty 117 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 100, Woodstock 770-318-2306, www.virtualpropertiesrealty.com 3. Holiday Lights of Hope, Hobgood Park 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock www.holidaylightsofhope.com
3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 www.cherokeechamber.com
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Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast begins at 7 a.m. at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Current and future chamber members get the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. Sponsor is WLJA — 101.1 FM. Advance single registration is $17, on-site is $22. Future members, $30. Register online or email gini@ cherokeechamber.com.
Dec. 12
Business After Hours, presented by AT&T, is
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4:30-6:30 p.m. at Hasty Pope LLC, 211 E. Main St., Canton. $5 for members, $10 for future members. Advance registration due 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Email Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com.
Dec. 14
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Power Hour will take place 10-11 a.m. at the chamber’s board room. The event is a chance for fast-paced networking with fellow business leaders. $5 for members, $10 for future members. Payable at the door. Pre-registration not required.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in many ways that include serving as contributing writers, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback.
Donnie Henriques has been mayor of Woodstock
since 2006, after having served as city council member beginning with the creation of Ward 6 in 1999. Donnie and his wife, Dr. Jan Henriques, have three children and three grandchildren. He works for Northside Hospital Cherokee in the community relations department.
Kris McKeeth is team leader and visionary for
The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts that include her position on the Business Board of downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah Foundation.
Photographer Darleen Prem specializes in natural light portrait photography and enjoys dog, pet and family photography. She spends much of her time photographing local events for the city of Woodstock and is the official “unofficial” photographer for Woodstock’s fire and police departments. Darleen’s son serves overseas as an Army Military Police Officer.
Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church
in 2005 and still serves as head pastor. He draws from his experiences in more than 21 years of ministry and 19 years of marriage to challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for better living, loving and laughter.
Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive
for Window Expert Tinting, volunteers for many committees that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance because of her desire to help create safe and natural trail riding experiences.
Dan Thrailkill loves living in the “city unexpected” with his family. He currently serves on the Main Street Woodstock Board of Directors, the board of trustees for Ebenezer UMC, and is actively involved in the Young Professionals organization. By day, he works in community relations and business development for two local companies and, in his free time, you might see him and Joe doing good in and around Woodstock. Dan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1988 and believes no one should be a victim of their disease, so you’ll also see him at the gym. 6
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com Managing Editor Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
Around Woodstock, 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 Woodstock and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,900 free copies. Approximately 15,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,200 are placed in racks around the community. See page 64 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock 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 2017 Around Woodstock PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com Volume 5, Issue 2
America’s Community Magazine
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS New Park Planned for Woodstock’s East Side Woodstock city officials and Greenprints Alliance representatives recently announced plans for a new park in Woodstock, to be located off Trickum Road on the city’s east side, where limited park and recreation opportunities exist. The city has acquired 40.7 acres east of Trickum Road, and local nonprofit Greenprints Alliance recently acquired 36.32 acres on the north side of Little River. At its regular meeting on Oct. 23, the City Council officially approved the purchase of an additional 24.42 acres. When fully assembled, the land will total more than 100 acres and will provide local residents with passive recreation opportunities. While final amenities are open to stakeholder input and discussion, the Greenprints Plan, approved by the city in 2008, contemplates a multi-use trail on a portion of this site. The benefits provided by this new park include: • Open space preservation. • Protection of Little River and the Etowah River Basin. • Additional trails, with a possible canoe launch site. • Passive recreation opportunities. “We are excited to preserve this land from future development and make it a park,” Mayor Donnie Henriques said.
Colin Ake, chair of the Greenprints Board of Directors, said “Greenprints Alliance is dedicated to getting people outdoors by bringing a vibrant trail system to life. We are excited to see our acreage as a part of a larger park and are eager to work with the city of Woodstock to plan and implement the park.” Woodstock Parks and Recreation Director Preston Pooser said the property’s topography is suitable for a passive park with amenities, including trails, pavilions and playgrounds. "We are eager to hear from local residents and other stakeholders at our upcoming public input meeting.” The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St. Local residents are invited to attend and share their ideas on the park. www.greenprintsalliance.org. www.woodstockga.gov.
Nominees Accepted for First Citizen of 2018 Applications for the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce First Citizen 2017 award will be accepted through noon Dec. 8. The title is given to a man or woman who’s lived in the county for at least five years, and has shown significant meritorious service to his or her community through family, civic and/or religious involvement. A panel of out-of-town judges makes the decision after reviewing the accomplishments of each applicant. 2017 honoree Byron Dobbs. The 43rd annual First Citizen will be announced during the organization’s 47th annual meeting scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The 2018 honoree will join a prestigious list of Cherokee residents that includes former Canton physician Dr. Grady Coker, who was the initial recipient in 1971, along with Byron Dobbs, the winner for 2017. Applications are available at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton, or online at www.CherokeeChamber.com. 8
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
City Mourns Loss of Longtime Official William G. Long, a longtime resident and Woodstock official, died on Nov. 4. Long served as Woodstock’s mayor in 1974-1977, and on the City Council in 1967-68, 1973, and 1984-2005. He also served on Woodstock’s Planning William G. Long Commission and also as Municipal Court judge for the City of Woodstock. “Totaling over 40 years of service to the City of Woodstock, he was a true icon to Woodstock. We are mourning the loss of him,” Mayor Donnie Henriques said. William G. Long’s legacy lives on, as Woodstock’s Senior Center was named after him. The Ridgewalk Parkway/I-575 Interchange also is named after him.
Festive Event a Win-Win The 2017 Jingle Mingle was hosted at Reformation Brewery and raised several thousand dollars for the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation and The Elm Street Art Center, while providing a networking opportunity for area residents and business owners. “Special thank you’s to the Main Street Woodstock Board for organizing the event, Reformation Brewery for hosting, Four 41 South for the amazing barbecue, and to the Young Professionals of Woodstock for organizing the Christmas Cheer,” said Dan Thrailkill, a member of the Main Street board of directors. Hilary Wilkie and Paige Reid.
Chris Wallace, left, with Amanda McMillan and Brenton Steiger.
A Discussion on the Power of Thought
Joseph Lemmo, left, with Jimmy Cushingham and Kayle Erickson.
The December topic at The Exchange — Woodstock is Switch On Your Brain, set for 7 p.m. Dec. 14, with lead speaker Elizabeth Pherson diving into the subject of the power of thought as it applies to understanding happiness and health. How we think affects our emotions and our physical well being. Pherson will discuss how the mind is more powerful and effective than any medicine or any threat, because every action and feeling is preceded by a thought. The Exchange is a gathering for women of all walks of life to live with intention, and is held at Venue 92, 12015 Highway 92 in Woodstock. Each month’s speaker explores a topic and enriches minds in order to engage in the next best step. Bring a bottle of wine and a friend, and enjoy a ladies night out with a purpose. Suggested donation: $10. RSVP at www. theexchange.org.
Jeans for Genes is a Hit
From left: Ashley Quagliaroli, Alice Micham, Patty Baker and Lindsey Ridley.
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts Patty Baker and her staff members are sponsoring more than 15 senior citizens for Christmas this year. At press time, the Clerk of Courts staff’s charitable project, Jeans for Genes, had raised approximately $1,000 to benefit Cherokee County Senior Services. Staff members contribute $3 each week to be allowed to wear jeans at work on Fridays. “The cause to raise money for the community’s seniors is amazing, and the team effort is remarkable. It is a project that many hold dear to their hearts,” Baker said. Staff members have created gift arrangements for the seniors, and will continue to raise money and collect presents each week. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Grandson Brady
from New Jersey loves to  visit Woodstock to see Gran Gran and Gene Gene.
John & Terry Phillips celebrating 50 years of marriage. Dec. 2 Thank you God for giving us these years together. We look forward to many more.
Ella McCarty
Sweet 16 on Dec. 1 We are beyond proud of you in every way! We love you so much, Mommy and Dad
Introducing Deacon Crue Markovic
Alessandra Martinez
Age 3 on Dec 16 Happy Birthday Chiquis! Love, Mommy, Papi and Isabella
Elizabeth Hugenberg
Born Sept. 23, 2017 8 pounds, 5 ounces, 21 inches We love you to the moon, sweet boy!! Momma, Daddy and proud big brother Dryden
Age 18 on Dec. 11 Happy Birthday, Elizabeth! Â We are so proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad and Rachel
Savannah Bray
Sierra Bray
Happy 12th birthday Madison!
You are an angel here on earth.... keep shining your light! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad and Madeline
Age 16 on Dec. 27 Age 20 on Dec. 20 Happy happy birthday, Savannah. Happy happy birthday, Sierra. Love, Mom, Dad, Simmie, Sierra and Sydney. Love, Mom, Dad, Simmie, Savannah and Sydney.
Caelan Fay
Age 6 on Oct. 28 Happy sixth birthday to our Angel! You are growing up so fast and we are so proud of you. We love you all the way to your star and back. Mommy, Daddy and Landon
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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Cindy Fletcher
Happiest 40th birthday wishes!
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
E-mail to: Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com January deadline is Dec. 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.
We built this hospital for you.
We built Georgia’s newest hospital to make you feel at home. Northside Hospital Cherokee was created from the ground up to provide patients with the best care available. See it now at NorthsideCherokee.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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A Woodstock City Gift Guide BY STACY BROWN
The Woodstock Visitors Center at Historic Dean’s Store is ready to help you with this year’s shopping list. The charming and informative shop on Main Street has thoughtful gifts, from a city unexpected, for everyone on your list.
1. For the homesick native.
The Woodstock Art Print by Blue Elixir Press was designed and screen-printed locally. All your downtown favorites stand out in this high-impact print. Give it with a pair of 3-D glasses for an added pop of fun.
2. For the historian.
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Pick up a copy of “Images of America, Woodstock: 18601970.” The book outlines the transition of Woodstock from a small agricultural community to a thriving town, with help from the railroad. Hundreds of images bring the lives and locations that shaped our town into vibrant focus.
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3. For the fashion forward.
4. For the foodie.
The new Woodstock baseball tees feature the Downtown Woodstock brand, including the popular Tracks logo and the year our town was established (1897). The tees are made from 60/40 soft, ring-spun cotton/poly and have doubleneedle stitching, making them super durable — a home run!
The Visitors Center now carries T Dean cocktail products, made in small batches by hand in Woodstock. You may recognize these great products from the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market. T Dean Tonic is refreshing with a splash of soda water and a wedge of citrus fruit, or it goes great with clear distilled spirits or light whiskey. T Dean Cherries are hand made, using the biggest, darkest, juiciest cherries from the Pacific Northwest. Slightly cooked in raw sugar syrup, vanilla, spices and bit of cherry liqueur, they’re great in a cocktail or with ice cream. T Dean Mustard is made from a family recipe and is perfect for cocktail parties, tailgating or just when you want a mustard with a spicy sweetness.
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5. For the health nut.
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Stay refreshed with one of three Woodstock Camelbak bottles. Durable and leak-proof, the 0.75-liter bottles are 100 percent free of BPA, BPS and BPF, and come in three vibrant designs.
6. For the minimalist.
Give Downtown Dollars gift certificates to the person on your gift list who values experiences over things. They are available in any amount and do not expire. The money you spend stays local, which is the greatest gift you can give to your community. Dozens of downtown shops and restaurants accept Downtown Dollars. You can see the full list at visitwoodstockga.com/dollars.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
There are plenty of great Woodstock-themed gifts under $5 at the Visitors Center. Pick up a stack of Destination Woodstock decals and sneak one in everyone’s stocking on Christmas morning. A city unexpected always makes a great gift.
Stacy Brown is the marketing and tourism coordinator for the City of Woodstock. She can be reached at sbrown@woodstockga.gov.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Lend a
Helping Hand
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 Homeless Veteran Program www.legion.org
Cherokee
www.cfvc.org
Family Violence Center
The Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program (CCHVP), in conjunction with the American Legion Post 45 Auxiliary, announces the kickoff of the third annual Adopt a Veteran program for financially challenged vets. To recommend a veteran family or elderly veteran in a care home or living alone who is in need, or to volunteer to support the program, contact Jim Lindenmayer at jlindenmayer80@gmail. com or call 678-983-7590, or call or text Betty Lewis of the American Legion Post 45 Auxiliary at 770-318-6451. CCHVP is hosting a free Breakfast With Santa Dec. 9 for veterans with children under 13. There are three seating times to choose from: 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. This event is sponsored by Cherokee County Senior Services at 1001 Univeter Road in Canton. For reservations, call 770-479-4405 (select the extension for CCHVP).
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 new household items, like pots and pans, plates, cups, mugs, silverware, Tupperware, sheets, etc. to establish a new household. They are also asking for craft materials for the children’s program, like glue sticks, bottles of glue and craft kits. And, for the emergency shelter: new socks, undergarments, shirts, pants, pajamas, pillows and towels in a variety of sizes. For delivery details, call 770-479-1703 or email irma@cfvc.org.
Cherokee County Senior Services
www.cherokeefocus.org
www.cherokeega.com
Registration for Adopt a Senior will be open until Dec. 8. The following items are needed to fill gift bags: two bath towels, $25 grocery gift cards and a book of stamps. Other items also are accepted, but nothing perishable. Drop off donations at the Senior Center at 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-704-2320.
Hugs for Seniors www.crpa.net
The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency is collecting items for Canton Nursing Center residents until Dec. 9 for the first Hugs in a Blanket campaign. Individuals can bring a warm blanket and a pair of unisex slipper socks to the rec center at 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock. For more information, call 770-924-7768 or email lcollett@cherokeega.com. 14
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Cherokee Youth Works Cherokee Youth Works (CYW) is a program of the Cherokee FOCUS collaborative. CYW works with youth and young adults ages 16-24 to help them gain and retain employment, and obtain an education. The wish list includes gifts that assist and support the goals of the participants, such as monetary donations or gift cards for items such as: gas cards, GED testing fees, college admission fees, transportation, child care, temporary housing, clothing for work and other supportive gifts. Contact Katie@cherokeefocus.org or call 770-345-5483.
The Children’s Haven
www.CherokeeChildrensHaven.org The Children’s Haven promotes the health and happiness of children in Cherokee County who are affected by abuse. The group works to ensure their safety, advocate on their behalf and respond to their needs. Holiday needs include: new coats, socks, pajamas and underwear. Target or Walmart gift cards are welcome. Items can be dropped off at 1083 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-345-3274.
Feed My Lambs
MUST Ministries — Cherokee
The nonprofit, which offers free Christian preschools, including a location in Canton, holds Happy Birthday Jesus parties each year for the young students. The Canton party, which is expected to draw 300 children, will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Canton YMCA. Volunteers can help with setup beginning at 5 p.m. 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. For more details, call 770-795-9349.
The nonprofit provides a Christmas Toy Shop where clients can shop for their children. MUST needs items for 4,500 children, including new blankets, underwear, socks, hats, scarves, gloves and unwrapped toys. Tweens and teens, as well as babies, are age groups often overlooked in toy drives. Particularly helpful are jewelry, hair dryers, curling irons, sports equipment, wallets, belts, makeup kits and other items for ages 12-18. Volunteers are needed for setup, check-in, personal shoppers, checkout, restocking shelves and taking down the shop at New Life Church. For more information, or to schedule a drop-off date and time, email: toyshop@mustministries.org. MUST’s Canton office for donation is 111 Brown Industrial Parkway.
www.feedmylambs.net
www.mustministries.org
Forever Fed
www.foreverfed.org Forever Fed is distributing 385 Christmas food boxes to families in need, as well as hosting mobile pantries in communities experiencing high need. Groups, businesses and individuals can donate nonperishables like peanut butter, jelly, canned beans, canned soups, breakfast-style snacks and hygiene items. To donate, contact Susan@ ForeverFed.org or phone 678-883-3314.
Goshen Valley Foundation www.goshenvalley.org
The holidays can be difficult times for the foster youth who are served by Goshen Valley. The youth can use a little extra support from their community, and area residents can help by providing meals for the young people and house parents. “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,” says Zach Blend, CEO of Goshen Valley. Individuals or small groups are encouraged to donate frozen meals. You even can deliver them in person and take a tour of Goshen Valley. Gift cards from Walmart, Target and Amazon also can help to fill many Christmas wish lists, and gas cards are encouraged. The executive director at Goshen Valley Ranch, Stacy Cooper, is putting together an Amazon wish list for the youth. If you would like to purchase a specific gift for one of our young people, please email Stacy at scooper@goshenvalley.org or call 770-796-4618.
Hope Center
www.hopectr.com The pregnancy diagnosis and support center can use donations of new, unwrapped toys for children up to age 18 for the Christmas toy closet. Donations accepted through Dec. 11 at The HOPE Center, 295 Molly Lane, Suite 120, Woodstock. 770-924-0864.
Never Alone
www.neveralone.org The Woodstock nonprofit, which helps area residents in need by distributing food and clothing, wants to supply Christmas gifts to families in Cherokee County. As of the end of October, they already had 100 children requesting sponsorship. The number is expected to rise to more than 400. Please visit their website to learn how you can become a Through the Eyes of Child sponsor, or click the donation tab and make a monetary donation to help purchase gifts.
North Georgia Pregnancy and Family Resource Center www.babyontheway.org
The Jasper agency serves North Cherokee, Pickens and surrounding counties. Free and confidential services include pregnancy tests, first semester ultrasounds, parenting classes and much more. The nonprofit, which serves pregnant moms and families with children up to 5 years old, needs diapers, wipes, baby clothes size 0-3T, pack-n-plays, baby shower items and financial contributions. 706-253-6303.
Papa’s Pantry
www.papaspantry.org The pantry is accepting donations for holiday meals, including turkeys, hams, produce and nonperishable 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 Services for Cherokee County offers a way for individuals, businesses or larger groups, such as Sunday school classes or Scout troops, to help the more than 350 children in foster care this year. Sponsors can donate as much or as little as they can afford. All size donations are appreciated. For more details, call Secret Santa at 470-235-0753 or email cherokeesanta@yahoo.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Dec. 1
Santa S
Christmas in Downtown. The spirit of Christmas can
be found downtown at Christmas on Main Street. It’s the perfect chance to shop for gifts and have some fun at the same time. Santa has already RSVP’d! Celebration of Lights 6-8 p.m. at Northside Hospital Cherokee, 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd., Canton. Family-friendly, free evening of holiday fun that includes performances by locals schools, pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, refreshments, a petting zoo and more. The fifth annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots will begin at 7 p.m. in Ball Ground. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots campaign. Collection boxes will be available at City Park and along the parade route on Main Street. This year’s grand marshal will be Alex Quarles, a local actor who appeared as Tom Cruise’s son in the recently released movie “Made in America.” The parade will feature the Georgia State University Pantherettes, the Atlanta Ghostbusters organization, and cosplayers dressed as Wonder Woman and other favorite characters. After the parade, the cosplayers and Santa will gather at City Park for photo opportunities. A vendor area will be available for shopping and food. www.marchofthetoysparade.com.
Dec. 2
The Canton Optimist Club-sponsored Christmas parade in downtown begins at 6 p.m., preceded by live music beginning at noon and a visit from Santa at the gazebo at 3 p.m. For information about being part of the parade, email Richard Rogers at rtrogers@southernco.com.
Santa's Mailbox Dec. 1-17 in the gazebo at The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road in downtown Woodstock. Each child who leaves a letter for Santa will receive one back before Christmas.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Dec. 2
Christmas Jubilee Parade, sponsored by Woodstock Parks and Recreation, begins at 5:30 p.m. at Woodstock Elementary and travels down Main Street to Sam’s Club at the corner of Highway 92. For road closures and map, visit www.woodstockparksandrec.com. The fourth annual Woodstock Egg Nog Jog takes place before the parade. For details, visit www.woodstockchristmasrun.com or www. active.com. After the parade, families are invited to a festival at The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, to visit with Santa. The mayor and Santa will light the tree in the park.
Holly Springs Christmas Parade begins at 1:30 p.m., featuring local businesses, Scout troops, churches, sports teams and civic organizations marching down Holly Springs Parkway from Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive to the Historic Train Depot. After the parade, celebrate with free Santa pictures and complimentary sweet treats from Smallcakes Truckcakery! The 15th annual Run for the Children Reindeer Run 5K and Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. at Etowah River Park in Canton. Details at www.serviceleague.net.
Canes and Cocoa 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Valley Playground at JJ Biello Park. $5 per child. Candy hunt, sleigh rides, snacks and hot cocoa. Sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency.
Dec. 4
Holiday Extravaganza: A Night with Santa and Mrs. Claus is 6-7:45 p.m. at the Hickory Flat Public Library, 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a tree lighting, pictures with Santa, crafts, face stamping and entertainment provided by the Avery Elementary Chorus. Don’t forget to pick up your Winter Literacy Challenge log while you’re there. Refreshments provided. For all ages; children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 770-345-7565.
Dec. 5
Holiday open house 6-7:30 p.m. at the Ball Ground
Public Library, 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground. Drop by for activities and get your holiday picture taken with Santa. Refreshments provided. For all ages; children age 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 770-735-2025.
Sightings Dec. 7
Holiday celebration 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Rose Creek Public Library,
4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Festivities include music from the Bascomb Elementary Chorus, refreshments, and a special visit from Santa! For all ages; children age 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 770-591-1491.
Dec. 7-23
Holiday Lights of Hope is a Christmas celebration benefiting the Anna Crawford Children's Center. Lights, Santa, children's activity area, seasonal concessions, music and more. Hobgood Park. Open Nightly at 6 p.m. Features a huge walk-through Christmas light display with more than 1 million lights, concessions, vendors, games, Santa and so much more! It’s the new Christmas tradition for kids of all ages! www.cherokeechildadvocates.org, http://holidaylightsofhope.com.
Dec. 8-10
Christmas Musical at First Baptist Woodstock, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. This year’s new show is “Letter or Legacy,” set in 1960 following a family whose Christmas gathering explodes with an unexpected surprise. www.atlantachristmasmusical.com.
Dec. 9
The Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program (CCHVP) is hosting a free Breakfast with Santa for veterans with children under age 13. Three seating times: 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sponsored by Cherokee County Senior Services at 1001 Univeter Road in Canton. For reservations call: 770-479-4405 (select the extension for CCHVP).
BEATS, Inc, a local nonprofit that provides hippotherapy and Santa Tim with Talon Powell. Photo by Donna Fox Gaddis.
Dec. 6
Holiday open house 6-7:30 p.m. at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Enjoy crafts, refreshments and a performance by the Hasty Elementary School chorus. We even have a special visitor coming: Santa Claus! Come celebrate the holidays with library staff and friends. For all ages; children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 770-479-3090.
adaptive riding to children and adults with special needs, is hosting Santa with two of his "reindeer" friends, crafts and snacks. Take your own photos. $10 per child at Mariposa Farms, 75 Red Gate Trail, Canton. All proceeds benefit BEATS, Inc. www.beats-inc.org.
Dec. 10
Santa at the Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt
University, after the 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. showings of Disney’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Arts and crafts, milk and cookies, and photos with Santa are included in the ticket price: $10 adults, $5 seniors and children. 770-720-9167. www.reinhardt.edu. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Gifts from the Heart
We all love recipes, and most of us enjoy baking, so we thought why not pair the two and offer some ideas for giving special gifts this holiday season? Some of your neighbors, who know their way around the kitchen, share their favorite edible gifts.
Anne Lynn Galloway
Heaven’s Gate Equestrian Center board of directors member
Cranberry-Apple Bake •Ingredients • • • • •
2 cups of cranberries 3 cups of sliced cooking apples 3/4 cup of sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping • • • •
1 cup of brown sugar (packed) 2 sticks margarine, softened 1/2 cup flour 1 cup quick oatmeal
Directions
Mix first 5 ingredients and pour in a 9 X 13 casserole dish. Spread the topping mixture evenly and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. Sweet and tart, but oh so yummy. Enjoy.
Bread •StepMonkey 1 • 4 cans of biscuits • 1 tablespoon cinnamon • 3/4 cup of sugar
Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Combine cinnamon and sugar. Roll each piece in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Place biscuit pieces into a buttered bundt pan.
Step 2
• 1 cup sugar • 3/4 cup of butter (or margarine) • 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon Bring these three ingredients to a boil. Pour over the bread in the bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before turning out onto cake plate. Once on the cake plate, just start pulling the pieces of bread from the loaf and enjoy. 18
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Malinda Jernigan, local caterer
Cookies •SiftGingerbread together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2
teaspoons baking soda, ½ teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger and ½ teaspoon cloves. Cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 egg, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup, and 4 teaspoons grated orange peel. Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed ingredients, mixing well. Form into disk. Place in plastic bag and chill dough at least 1 ½ hours. Remove from refrigerator. Divide dough into quarters, rolling each quarter to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut out with gingerbread boy or girl cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Be careful not to overbake. Cool one minute before removing from cookie sheet. Lay flat to continue to cool. Decorate if desired. Can be baked in large gingerbread shaped cookie pan to make a statement. Spray pan with baking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes. Makes a chewy cookie.
Fantasy Fudge •This is an old recipe but is still the best and easiest fudge I've ever made and can be made with chocolate chips (using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, or peanut butter, whichever suits your taste).
Ingredients • • • • • • •
3/4 cup butter 3 cups granulated sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1 12-ounce bag chocolate chips 1 7-ounce jar marshmallow cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans, if desired
Directions
Melt butter, sugar and milk in a heavy 2 ½ - 3 quart boiler. Bring to boil, stirring very frequently. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat, gradually stir in chocolate chips until melted, add marshmallow cream and remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour in a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Cool at room temperature and cut into squares. Makes 3 pounds. To make peanut butter fudge, omit chocolate chips and use an 18-ounce jar of creamy peanut butter. I routinely double this recipe. Just pour into larger pan.
... and the Kitchen Susan Vanderheyden, executive director of Forever Fed
• Chocolate and Bacon Chunk Cookies
Ingredients
• 11 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate baking chips • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened • 3/4 cup sugar • 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 2 large eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla • 2 1/4 cups unsifted flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2-1 pound of cooked, chunked bacon, drained and cooled. We prefer thick sliced bacon cut in larger chunks. Small bacon bits do not provide sufficient texture or flavor. Store bought bacon bits do not work well.
Directions
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixing bowl, beat butter with sugar and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy and lightened in color. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Mix on low speed until incorporated. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture. Stir in bacon and chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Store in tightly sealed container in the back of your refrigerator, behind the pickle jars and other opaque objects or these cookies will disappear at a speed faster than light. If you want to be EXTRA decadent, replace ½ cup butter with ½ cup bacon fat rendered from cooking the bacon and place your cardiologist’s number on speed dial. Adapted from Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookie recipe.
• White Chocolate Chunk
and Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies with Orange Glaze
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened • 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) • 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats (not instant) • 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries • 1 cup white chocolate chunks or morsels
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats, cranberries and white chocolate morsels; mix well. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Place cooled cookies on a wire rack and drizzle orange glaze in stripes over the cookies. Let air dry. Store in airtight container with waxed or parchment paper between layers of cookies. Adapted from Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal cookie recipe.
Orange Glaze
• 1 cup pulp free orange juice • Powdered sugar (about 1 cup) • 1 tablespoon orange zest, optional
Directions
Simmer orange juice until reduced by half, cool to room temp. Add just enough powdered sugar to thicken glaze to a drizzle consistency. For more intense orange flavor, add orange zest to glaze.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
19
Traditions
Create a Foundation for the Holidays
Many of us mark this time of year with specific traditions. We asked a few of our Woodstock friends to share theirs with us. Whether you celebrate this time of year with family, friends or both, we hope you build and maintain fun and memorable traditions of your own!
Sonia Carruthers
Cherokee FOCUS Director “Baby’s First Christmas” was such a very special ornament to put on the tree the year that Kyle was born. We found another perfect ornament that reflected his favorite thing to do that first year; a baby that looked just like him, happily scooting around in a walker. The next year a picture ornament went up along with another ornament that reminded us of that second year. This went on each year and then his sister Dakota’s “Baby’s First Christmas” ornament shared the tree. Each year after I continued to place picture ornaments on the tree, a picture for Kyle and one for Dakota, to show what they looked like that year. There is also an ornament for each of them to reflect something they did or that was special to them that year; a boy scout, a ballerina, a power ranger, a princess, Harry Potter and The Polar Express. We started early collecting ornaments from places we had been or trips we had taken during the year. Family members contributed ornaments of their memories. There are picture ornaments of family members and pets right alongside all of the wonderful handmade ornaments they made from preschool on up. And each holiday season, it is our tradition to put on some Christmas music, decorate fresh-baked cookies and begin decorating the tree. Now that Kyle and Dakota are adults in their 20s, the tree decorating takes a minimum of two days to finish. It is our Memory Tree. With each ornament that goes up, I go back in time and marvel at how God has blessed me and our family over the years. As the years go on, this tradition does become time consuming and my children have begun to question why the kindergarten paper ornaments still have to hang on the tree. One day they will have children of their own and realize that there is not a solid gold ornament or diamond encrusted star that could ever be as memorable or full of love as the heart shaped ornament made with tiny thumb prints or that aging angel with tissue paper wings, a pipe cleaner halo and the body of a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper. Don’t get me wrong, we do have a fancy tree, too. And if you drive by our house and look in the window, you will see the perfect tree with perfect ornaments hung around tiny white lights. But in our family room where we spend most of our time together, you will see the big, beautiful, colorful, hot mess of memories that is our life. During this season of giving, give yourself the gift of memories and dig out those old ornaments if you haven’t already. Sonia with Kyle and Dakota.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Brittany with nieces Kaitlyn, Jocelyn and Tatum Bleisath.
Brittany Duncan
public information officer for Woodstock
Each Christmas Eve, I look forward to spending quality time with my parents, sister, brother-in-law and nieces while creating gingerbread houses and making cookies for Santa. This year, I will be married by Christmas to my wonderful fiancé, Justin, and I look forward to him joining in on the Christmas Eve tradition, as well as building our own traditions together. The memories we’ve made each Christmas Eve are priceless.
Dee Locklin
TowneLaker community board member
Joe, Justine and Beethoven are ready for Christmas morning.
Joe Lemmo
Christmas Eve arrives, and my heart swells with love as my family gathers for a quiet, candlelit night. I alternate each year between a smoked ham and Cornish game hens stuffed with wild rice. Our Christmas Eve dinner always includes a Waldorf salad, as well as some homemade deviled eggs. Our Christmas Day is most likely like yours. We wake groggy, having been up too late wrapping lastminute presents. With coffee mugs in hand and our time-honored CD of George Winston’s “December” playing softly in the background, we open presents. Over the years, I insisted we unveil our gifts one-byone, so the joy of discovery and delight could last as long as possible. Soon, we’re on to breakfast – usually a frittata, fruit and bagels. Then, we relax while watching football and bask in the warmth of family. We reflect on the faith that makes this day special. And we give thanks for the friends in our lives.
teacher at E.T. Booth Middle One of my favorite traditions is a more recent one. When I was growing up, my sisters and I used to devour our gifts so quickly that we never saw what the other one got. My wife’s family, however, opened their gifts one at a time, starting with the youngest. So, that is now what I do, and I love it! It’s quite a long process, but it’s so much fun seeing what everyone unwrapped, and it also builds the excitement for the opening of each new gift!
Chantel Adams
founder of ForeverWE Inc. Since my husband Gavin is a pastor and often has to work on Christmas Eve, we never make plans to visit family or friends. Instead, once everyone is home, we toss up the pizza dough and begin assembling individual homemade pizzas. The personal creations are getting a little more adventurous every year, as everyone transforms their ingredients into abstract works of art!
Michael Caldwell
representative for District 20
Gavin Jr. and Aaron Adams.
Aside from our traditional celebrations of Jesus’ birth, one of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions comes just after Christmas day. Our son Oliver was born about a week after Christmas, so rather than put away the Christmas tree right away, we convert it to a birthday tree for Oliver (left). So, in the Caldwell house, the Christmas tree celebrates two birthdays every year! AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
21
Road Trip!
Pack the car with family, friends, snacks, maybe an overnight bag, and tune into your favorite Christmas music station for a de-LIGHT-ful road trip. A visit to these sites, some of the biggest and brightest holiday light displays within a few hours, surely should get you in the Christmas spirit. We put our twist on a list that we found at Explore Georgia (www.exploregeorgia.org).
Lights of LIFE
Fantasy in Lights
Beginning Thanksgiving evening, and running every night, rain or shine, through New Year's Eve. Introduced in 1989 as a gift to the local community, this display has grown to be one of the most popular light shows in the Southeast, attracting nearly half a million spectators. Cruise through the spectacularly illuminated campus, stopping along the 1.5-mile drive to enjoy an array of seasonal entertainments. Costs are $5 per car Mondays-Thursdays, $10 per car FridaysSundays, as well as Nov. 23-26 and Dec. 15-31. The display opens at dark every night and runs until 9 p.m. SundaysThursdays and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. www.life.edu/events/lights-of-life.
Through Jan. 7. Bundle up for a Jolly Trolley ride, or drive your own car through more than 8 million lights. Named one of the top 10 places to see holiday lights by National Geographic Traveler, Callaway Gardens glistens with custom-built scenes. Inside the Christmas Village, shop for gifts from Georgia crafters and specialty treats. 17800 U.S. Highway 27, Pine Mountain. 706-663-2281. www.callawaygardens.com.
on the campus of Life University
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park
Open through Jan. 3. Millions of lights, Christmas shows and Rudolph create a night to remember. Don’t miss a 5-mile excursion on the Singalong Christmas Train, featuring a satellite message from Santa’s elves and a track-side show about the first Photo from www.stonemountainpark.com. Christmas. Watch the new live children's show, “The Littlest Christmas Tree,” and end your night at Stone Mountain Park with the magic of the Snow Angel flying high to create snow and fireworks. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.
at Callaway Gardens
Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City Gardens
Through Jan. 6. Holiday scenes include more than 1 million lights. Stop in the pavilion for nightly entertainment, gingerbread cookie decorating and to warm up by the fire. Special VIP tickets are available for dinner with Santa and early garden entrance. 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, TN. 706-820-2531. www.seerockcity.com.
Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands
Through Jan. 3. Drive through larger-than-life holiday light displays while you hear songs of the season on your radio or smartphone. Enhance the experience with the companion app, and be sure to stop at the Holiday Village to visit Santa, shop for gifts, and ride carnival rides. 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Gainesville. 770-945-8787. www.lanierislands.com.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Open through Jan. 7. Orchestral Orbs glow harmoniously with holiday tunes. A Tunnel of Light from the radiant Ice Goddess to the Glittering Galaxy embraces visitors in enchanting light. Named one of the top 10 holiday light shows in the country by USA Today. 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabg.org.
Photo by Robert J. Sutherland. Used by permission. continued on page 59
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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23
Real to Reel
Audition Tips for Local Actors BY MADISON ERCEG
With Atlanta film production continually on the rise, so is the number of roles available to local actors trying to break into the business. More roles means more opportunities to show casting directors that Southeastern actors are ready for the challenge. Although many auditions are still put on tape to include nonlocal talent, live auditions are becoming more and more prevalent. For those hungry to break into the business, or others curious about what the process is like, here are a few tips for tackling the audition room.
1.
Be prepared.
You might be thinking, “Well, obviously,” but preparation goes far beyond memorization. It’s about more than knowing your lines — it’s about knowing your character, and what drives those words on the page. Often, you won’t receive the full script for an audition, only short sides that provide a small window into the story. If it doesn’t tell you … make some choices. While it’s important to know your lines, it’s even more important to know why your character is saying those words in the first place. That way, should you forget a line in the heat of the moment, you can remain calm and collected. Why? As an expert on the character, you already know what he or she would say.
2.
Know your worth.
Be confident! Easier said than done, right? Instead, try to think of it this way: There’s a reason they wanted to see you. Much of the audition process is out of the actor’s control, like predicting all the factors that inevitably will contribute to the final casting decision. All you have control over is yourself.
3.
Be nice.
That’s it … just be nice! At the end of the day, casting directors are hiring you for a job, in the same way hiring managers do for positions in other fields. No one wants to hire someone who will be difficult to work with — for any job. Acting is no different. So, rid yourself of any ideas about high-maintenance stardom and, instead, be flexible. Be kind. Be human. If two actors are neck and neck in the casting director’s eyes, and it looks like one will be a diva and the other a breeze to work with, who do you think will be chosen?
Madison Erceg, a graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in media production and theater, lives in Towne Lake, where she works in front of and behind the camera.
Why Did You Buy the New iPhone? BY BILL BINGHAM
As you may know, the new iPhone X was released a short time ago. Maybe I am getting old and crotchety, but, frankly, the thrill is gone. I couldn’t care less whether you buy an iPhone or a Galaxy or hang on to that well-worn flip phone. I know what I am buying — with absolute certainty — but not for the reasons you might think. You see, any outdated technology in my house goes to my son. What once was sold on eBay to ease the financial burden brought on by its successor now has found a willing home with my 13-year-old. It’s good to understand your place in the food chain, but that doesn’t stop my son from working the system — a talent, I’m sure my mother would say, he got from me. Just a year ago, when the iPhone 7+ product (RED) was released, he HAD to have it. He made it his life’s mission to acquire a limited-edition RED iPhone. So, how does one accomplish this task, knowing full well that each device must go through a parent before finding its way to him? Easy. He convinced his father to buy one for himself. With Father’s eyesight failing, my selfless son decided that I needed to upgrade my iPhone 7 to a 7+. Justified by the larger screen, he quickly convinced me that this was something I needed 24
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
to do for myself, and, as long as I’m doing it anyway, I should get the RED one. I had to give credit where credit was due. So much so that, for the past year, every time I’m in a conference room and put my cellphone on the table, someone inevitably asks me why in the world I’m walking around with a RED phone. Countless times now, I have proudly regaled this tale of my son’s selflessness. It’s a cute story, to be sure, and a fun ice breaker — and, with eyeglasses now, I also have visual aids (pun intended). The upside is that, now that my son is the proud owner of a RED 7+, I have an iPhone X in my pocket. Because, I simply had to stop using HIS iPhone! A purely selfless act as a parent. Of course, that’s just how I see it. Your view may be different.
Bill, who lives in downtown Woodstock, owns several tech companies and often writes about parenting with technology. media@billybnyc.com
Elm Street
Thankful for a Giving Community BY JILLIAN MELKO
Holiday feasts, decking the halls, and singing loud for all to hear are definite ways to ensure your holiday season is more than merry and bright. Whatever your holiday traditions are, the most wonderful time of the year is more than gift-giving and caroling. It is a time to thank those that are most important in your life and show them what they have meant to you throughout the past year. “Thank you” is a powerful phrase. It can cause the most immediate sensation of joy and well-being when utilized, and it is the simplest way to show your gratitude and appreciation. If there is one thing you are able to Here at Elm give, regardless of time and Street, we take money, it is your thanks. Here at Elm Street, we the time during take the time during the the holiday holiday season to thank all who help season to thank personally make us feel at home in personally all Woodstock. Without our generous community, who help make sponsors and donors, us feel at home we would cease to exist, and the rippling effect in Woodstock. of vibrancy we create through the help of our community would dissipate. One of the biggest ways we are able to thank our community is by giving back through the engagement we strive to create. That is why we always open our doors to the public each year with a special performance of “A Christmas Carol” and the exchange of canned goods in lieu of tickets. It’s one of the small ways we, as a nonprofit, can give back and keep prevalent our mission to engage the community with relevant art experience. So, we thank you. Thank you to the guests who walk through our door to see a show. Thank you to the countless Visionaries who volunteer to make Elm Street a better place. Thank you to the generous donors and sponsors who believe in our mission enough to see it through. And, thanks to you. Even if you’ve never set foot inside Elm Street’s door, you are a part of our community and, because of you, we are able to continue to do what we do.
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK
DEC 8 - 24 FRI/SAT AT 7:30PM SUN AT 2:00PM Presenting Partner:
Call or visit us on the web to learn about our
SPRING CLASSES Registration Opens Nov 1st
Jillian Melko is the community engagement coordinator at Elm Street. She holds a BFA in musical theater and is a professional actress in metro Atlanta.
ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
25
Decline in Sales Doesn’t Affect Motivated Buyers SUBMITTED BY THE PREMIER GROUP
Regardless of whether the housing market is favoring buyers or sellers, sales are more often than not driven by interest rates, the economy and government subsidies. Right now, we’re looking at relatively good interest rates for buyers, an economy that is growing steadily, if not rapidly, and favorable lending regulations from the state government. And yet, we aren’t seeing an increase in home sales. If fact, it’s the opposite. Through the end of the summer and now into the early part of the fall season, sales are down. But why?
Too few houses.
Could a lack of homes being listed on the market really be the culprit? It seems like it may be. Inventory has declined only marginally since this time last year, from a national average perspective. However, the South as a whole is below the national average and it doesn’t seem like we’ve been spared here in Woodstock. So it could stand to reason that
a decrease in available homes, and hence an increase in pricing, could be the problem.
Buyers are motivated, but sales are down.
The market does not seem to be suffering from a lack of interested buyers at the moment. But for some reason, sales are down. One reason could be attributed to a 5.6 percent increase in median home prices since last year. According to an article by the National Association of Realtors, the average home price was $253,500 in August. Match this with stagnant wage increases nationwide, and it could explain why a seemingly healthy pool of motivated buyers aren’t biting. Or maybe it’s what’s keeping them from listing their current homes in the first place. Regardless, things do seem to be favorable for an increase in sales. Watch for prices to fluctuate and potentially drop slightly. This could be a good sign that sales are on their way to picking back up again.
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.
December 8 - Holiday Program For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Describe your business. •The Lodge at BridgeMill is an independent senior housing community. Located next to the
BridgeMill Athletic Club golf course, The Lodge at BridgeMill is surrounded by many opportunities for shopping, dining out at local restaurants, entertainment and recreation. The award-winning community with 150 amenity-rich 1 and 2-bedroom apartments offers a unique, affordable and luxurious alternative for active seniors with discerning taste and high standards, who are seeking a carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle.
What makes you unique? •With its spacious apartment homes and community features, The Lodge at BridgeMill offers
the signature SUN (Senior Umbrella Network) Program, a seven-prong model that provides residents an array of services, educational seminars and activities especially designed to foster and support independent living and to enhance the active senior lifestyle. The Lodge hosts countless events, programs and activities each year, including musical concerts, dancing, dinners and movie nights. The community amenities include a full service restaurant and pub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an in-ground pool and spa, putting green, beauty salon, massage and nail services, library, media room and theatre, and a beautiful outdoor patio.
Our customers say: • “The Lodge At BridgeMill is my ‘Happy Place.’ It is my new home of unconditional love, acceptance, and enduring friendships. I have yet to stop smiling with the enjoyment of all the meaningful hugs and the caring and sharing conversations.” - Sally “The Lodge At BridgeMill is a place where their incredible staff will cater to your every need and bends over backwards to make sure we, the residents, are well and happy.” -Jeanine
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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EVERYDAY
As 2017 winds down, we would like living expenses, until his to recap a few of the year’s featured mom was able to return stories and the wonderful way that you, our to work. Today, you readers, helped children and families within our can see Matthew back community. Everyday Angels will continue to receive at school and on the Top left: The White family. Above: Matthew donations for past features. We love surprising families with court with his varsity unexpected donations. With no overhead costs, salaries or basketball team. Praise! Lane. expenses, Everyday Angels sends 100 percent of your donation to In March, our community was rocked by the tragic loss of beloved the family you specify. E.T. Booth chorus teacher and friend Kevin White. He left behind his In January, we featured the story of Tarrah Zomer, a Creekland young wife, Courtney, and daughter, Piper. The way our community Middle School teacher who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s embraced this sweet family was heartwarming. Through donations, lymphoma. Everyday Angels presented a generous check to “2017 was a difficult year of ups and downs. Courtney and Piper. Please keep them in your prayers, After being in remission in February, I learned I had especially during this holiday season, as they continue relapsed. I received a stem cell transplant on Aug. to adjust to their new normal. 23. Since then I have been gaining my strength and Our June feature was eighth-grader Joshua Menard, look forward to hearing I am in remission again. I am who experienced a stroke while sitting in math class looking forward to returning to school in January,” at Creekland Middle School. Born with congenital Tarrah said. heart defects, this medical scare was nothing new Please continue to pray for Tarrah and her family for the family. Your donations assisted the family as for a happy and healthy 2018. they traveled with Josh to Boston during the summer 2017 was a challenging year for Cathy Newberry, to repair his heart valve. His freshman year at River a Cherokee County school bus driver whose Ridge High School has been temporarily interrupted husband’s inoperable stage IV cancer diagnosis and by several heart issues that have resulted in her own health problems kept her from working. hospitalization and caused concern. Please continue After enduring two surgeries during the summer, to keep Josh and family in your prayers. Tarrah and Nick Zomer. Cathy has returned to her bus route. Her husband In August, 20-year-old Nathan Waddle suffered continues his chemo regimen, and they are grateful for each day. a traumatic brain injury while competing in a mixed martial arts Your generous donations in support of them helped her pay their competition. Physically, Nathan is much better than expected, property taxes and provided much needed relief. but it will take some time for his brain to heal. He continues his Matthew Lane, an Etowah High School student and basketball physical and cognitive therapies, and his family is thankful for his player, was diagnosed with cancer in his jaw. His single mom, positive progress. Adrian, had to put her job Everyday Angels is grateful to serve our compassionate and life on hold to care for community. Aside from our monthly feature stories, we also him. Through donations and assist behind the scenes as we work with other nonprofit fundraising events, Matthew organizations, school counselors and administrators with received a necessary alkaline identified community needs. We are thankful for your support water filtration system and and wish everyone a Christmas season filled with love, joy, peace assistance with monthly and safety in your travels!
Above: Heather Miller. Right: Josh Menard. 28 AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.
WellStar and Mayo Clinic. Working together. Working for you. Achieving our vision of world-class healthcare is even closer now that we are a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, an innovative collaboration which brings the expertise of Mayo to our patients. As the first and only member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in metro Atlanta, our depth of specialty care is enhanced with new resources and tools while keeping patient care right here at home. Innovation. World-class care. WellStar. For more information, please visit wellstar.org/mayo. For physician referral, please call 770-956-STAR (7827).
WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for its innovative care models, focused on improving quality and access to healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice, homecare, as well as 11 inpatient hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-forprofit, WellStar continues to reinvest in the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments.
We believe in life well-lived.
Rob’s Rescues This dog is Luke. He has really long legs and loves to run. He is 6 years old and is a black Lab mix. I threw tennis balls for him and he loves tennis balls and also knows how to sit and lie down. He would be a great dog, because he loves everyone and you can play with him. He also entertains himself very well. This cat's name is Misty. She is a domestic short-hair mix and 3 years old. She is a very small cat and loves to cuddle. She is calm and would make an awesome pet if you would like her to just sleep on your lap.
I interviewed Sgt. Brendan O'Brien of Fire Station No. 11 in Canton about rescuing animals in trouble. How long have you been a fireman? Ten years. What is the best part about being a fireman? The excitement of the job and the camaraderie with my co-workers. We really are a family. How do you rescue dogs and cats from buildings on fire? Do you need special equipment? If you come across a dog or cat, you pick it up and take it out with you. We have pet rescue masks in our engines that we fit over the animal's mouth and nose that give it oxygen and help it breathe.
Have you ever rescued an animal? Yes. About two years ago, I was based in Ball Ground and we got a report of a dog in the bottom of a 75-foot-well. It was a technical rescue and I was sent out with Fire Station No. 12. I was attached to a rope and harness and released slowly into the pit. The dog had been in the hole about eight hours at this point. It turned out to be a 3- or 4-month-old Lab puppy. At the end of the day, I adopted the dog and called it Rosie. What advice do you have for people about animals in fires? Try to get them out ASAP. Have a plan and an exit route in the event of fire. Dogs are smart and are often the ones that alert their owners to a fire. What made you want to be a fireman? Since high school, I wanted to be one. I would stop by after school at a fire station and ask questions. What can people do to help you? Learn about fire safety. Have an escape route and a planned meeting point in the event of a fire.
Rob with Sgt. Brendan O’Brien. Rob is holding an oxygen mask used to help pets in fires. Top right, Sgt. O’Brien rescuing Rosie from a 75-foot-well.
Follow Rob on Facebook! @robsrescues 30
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
How often do you have an emergency? We are called out about one to 10 times in a 24-hourperiod for all sorts of things, including fires, car wrecks and medical emergencies.
I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com.
Protect Pets During Holiday Celebrations BY DR. WILMER BUSTELO
Christmas is the time of the year to enjoy good times with our families, including our pets. For everyone to enjoy the festivities, we need to be aware of the dangers our pets can be exposed to. Nothing will spoil your holidays more than a visit to the emergency veterinarian, or to see your pet suffering during the New Year’s fireworks celebration.
Food
Good food is part of every holiday celebration. One common problem is giving our pets table food, which could cause a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes overwhelmed when trying to assist in the digestion of rich and fatty foods. Another common threat is chocolate. Chocolate toxicity depends on the type of chocolate ingested and the size of the pet. To be safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consider all chocolates and amounts as potentially hazardous.
hidden and placed safely, in order to avoid your pets chewing on them and potential electrocution.
Parties
We love to go to parties and family reunions during the holidays, but our pets might not enjoy them as much as we do. They can suffer during the party because of the excessive noise, can become anxious while we are away, or become terrified from fireworks. We can help our pets by finding a quiet room in the house, away from the commotion. Closing the drapes will shield them from the illumination caused by fireworks, and turning on the television or radio may help mask the noise. If environment modification is not enough, please contact your veterinarian for help. There are medications available that are specifically formulated to help our pets cope with noise aversions. Safety and efficacy profiles for these medications provide us with a valuable tool to help our pets without causing sedation, and allow them to enjoy the Christmas season as well.
Decorations
Decorations can be hazardous in many aspects: Some pets might drink the Christmas tree water, while others might be tempted to chew on ornaments and electrical cords. Ornaments should be as pet-proof as possible, and be placed where pets can’t access them. Electrical cords should be
Dr. Wilmer A. Bustelo, a small-animal veterinarian with 17 years experience, has owned Woodstock Veterinary Hospital since 2006 with his wife, Dr. Maria C. Salazar.
Luxury. Value. Choice. Premier Senior Living Community 10451 Bells Ferry Road • Canton, GA 30114
• • • • • • • • • •
The luxury you deserve, the value and choice you want. The Lodge at BridgeMill fosters a dynamic, carefree senior lifestyle with everything right at your doorstep. Enjoy spacious apartments with a full calendar of activities, putting green, hot tub, and much more!
thelodgeatbridgemill.com facebook.com/thelodgeatbridgemill
Professionally managed by the
No buy-in fees Physical therapist on site Convenient on-site dining Maintenance-free living Spa with seasonal pool 24-hour concierge services Access controlled entry Transportation services Supportive services available Fitness Programs
CALL TODAY! 770-479-4639 AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
31
Empowering Employe O
9910 Highway 92, Suite 120, Woodstock 30188 www.rejoicemaids.com
678-905-3476
PHOTO BY KIM BATES
wning and operating a successful and growing company is something Gemma Beylouny never imagined for herself. Gemma graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in management and business administration with a focus on professional selling. She started Rejoice Maids in January 2010 as way to earn income and maintain a flexible schedule so she could be home for her children after school. It wasn’t long before she found herself managing a successful business and a team of faithful employees. In order to provide the best and most consistent service to clients, Gemma empowered her employees to make decisions and resolve issues in ways that are best for the customer.
Rejoice Maids has cleaning teams that are led by what Gemma refers to as “family team leaders.”
Team Leaders
Rejoice Maids is an employeemanaged company and the day-today operations are divided between departments and managed teams of co-leaders. This structure has proven to be beneficial in creating the family atmosphere that is so important to the success of Rejoice Maids. Employee attendance is managed by Mayra and Margarita, client concerns are handled by Elizabeth and Eluvia, employee issues are addressed by Lina and Mayra, while sales and scheduling are the responsibility of Melissa and Nicole. Margarita and Eluvia are in charge of
Meet the Team Leaders ELUVIA
Eluvia is the employee who has worked for Rejoice Maids the longest, six out of the company’s seven years. “I met Eluvia in 2011. She used to work for a fast-food restaurant and would pass by our office on her way to work. One day, I approached her, introduced myself and asked her if she would work with me at my new cleaning company. She said, ‘No!’ Almost every week, I would smile at her when she passed by and let her know I would still like for her to work with me. This went on for almost six months. “Then one day I came into the office and found a handwritten note from one of Eluvia’s children. She said her mom needed extra work. Of course I said, ‘Yes!’ I called her immediately to tell her she could start anytime. My persistence paid off,” Gemma said.
ELIZABETH
Elizabeth started in 2013 with Rejoice Maids. She is the secondlongest employed Rejoice Maids family member. Elizabeth has three children, and she recently returned from maternity leave. After a year working with the company, Elizabeth encouraged her sister Lina to join the team. Lina is also a long-term Rejoice Maids family member. Elizabeth is a team leader and one of The Elders. 32
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
ees to Lead Business ordering tools and supplies the teams need, while Yoselin and Gemma oversee what the employees call the Department of Fun. Once a month a team-building fun day is planned for the staff. Activities have included apple picking in Ellijay, ziplining, manicures and pedicures and the day always has started off with breakfast. The intention is to allow the team members to bond, get to know each other on a more personal level, and feel more like family than coworkers. “My goal is to build motivation so team members will support each other,” Gemma said.
The Elders
Much like any family, there are times when members need guidance
and wise counsel. That’s why Gemma created a group of employees known as The Elders. Currently this group consists of Eluvia and Elizabeth. “Their role is to counsel our Rejoice Maids family members as needed. As a growing company, there are times when issues come up between team members that need to be resolved,” Gemma said. “Because the elders are in the field with our teams, they are able to relate, understand and resolve situations faster than our office admin can. I am extremely thankful to have such a great team working with me.”
Community Involvement
As a local business owner, Gemma is passionate about the community where she lives and serves her clients. She is a charter member of the Rotary
Mayra started as a Rejoice Maids family member two years ago. She had no professional house cleaning experience, but after one week of training, she is now considered one of the company’s best cleaning technicians. “Just like Eluvia and Elizabeth she is hardworking, responsible and takes pride in what she does. She also is one of our team leaders,” Gemma said.
PHOTOS BY J. KING IMAGES
MAYRA
Club of Towne Lake, a member of the Cherokee Habitat for Humanity family selection committee, and is involved in Next Steps Ministries and the MUST Ministries summer lunch program. She works hard to create trust and confidence with her clients, and giving back to local charities and nonprofits is just one way Gemma and her team members do that. Many homeowners have been with Rejoice Maids since the beginning and others have returned when other cleaning services didn’t deliver. Gemma also acknowledges the support of her clients. “Our contributions are possible because our employees work hard to earn the trust of our clients, and our clients provide us the opportunity to serve them. Rejoice Maids exists because of our employees and our clients,” Gemma said.
ANGELICA
Angelica started with Rejoice Maids in 2014 and is currently on maternity leave. She usually works with different teams, in the office as needed and she organizes company birthday and holiday parties. “All of our Rejoice Maids family members trust her and confide in her. She is like a sounding board for everybody. We are fortunate to have her, and looking forward to her return,” Gemma said. Sponsored Content
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Casual and Upscale Restaurants
RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. Canyons American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern Modern no $$ $$$ open Full bar 8 persons + 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone see ad on pg 3 Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican no $ $-$$ open Full bar yes 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com
Tapas/Sushi
no
Fri./Sat. only
$$
open
Full bar
yes
Italian
no
$$
$$
open
Full bar
no
Diner
$-$$
$-$$
no
open
no
Weekends
only
BBQ & Southern Sandwiches
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
Beer
no
Mad Life Studios 8722 Main St madlifestageandstudios.com
Southern
no
$-$$
$$-$$$$
open
Full bar
no
Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com
Southern
Sunday Brunch
no
$$$$
open
Beer/Wine
yes
Sat./Sun. Brunch
$$
$$
open
Full bar
6 persons+
Sunday Brunch
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Pure Taqueria Mexican 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 Rootstock and Vine 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstockandvine.com
Wine bar Tapas
no
no
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Salt Factory Pub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225
Gastropub
no
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
no
Semper Fi Bar and Grille 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com
American
no
$
$
open
Full bar
no
English Tea room
no
$$
no
closed
no
yes
Variety of Food trucks
$-$$
$-$$
$-$$
open
Craft Beer
no
Sunday Brunch
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Vingenzo’s Italian 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com 34 AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20 * denotes advertiser
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING
2017
READERS’
CHOICE Award
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
35
Cherokee Receives Georgia’s Deal of the Year significant community program support, and was presented by Gov. Nathan Deal at the The Cherokee Office of Georgia Economic Developers Economic Development Association’s November (COED) received the Georgia Annual Awards Luncheon in Deal of the Year in the Atlanta. large community category adidas chose Cherokee (population over 100,000) for County over three other the adidas SPEEDFACTORY finalists and is one of the project. brands now being used adidas, one of the world’s for COED’s new branding largest sportswear makers, statement, “Cherokee by released its plans in August Choice.” Outlining the many 2016 to create 160 new jobs ways Cherokee County is in the next five years with excellent for life and business, The 74,000-square-foot facility is at the Cherokee 75 Corporate Park. its 74,000 square-foot state“Cherokee by Choice” will be of-the-art facility at Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, designated used as a positioning strategy moving forward for attracting in one of Georgia’s Opportunity Zones. The project is a joint business and industry to Cherokee County. venture between adidas and Oechsler Motion to develop a “The site selected in the Cherokee 75 Corporate Park will give SPEEDFACTORY to manufacture sneakers, the only one in the the company room to grow, with capacity for two expansions. United States. This innovative facility is targeting production of Since they are developing innovative technology that has never 50,000 pairs of shoes in 2017. been done before, the north Atlanta location on the Cherokee “We are proud to receive this designation for one of our 75 Corporate Corridor gives adidas access to the right people county’s biggest projects to date and are thankful to the state and the right place. Having a talented workforce of 1.7 million and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) for all within 30 miles and immediate access to I-75, it is the perfect recognizing our diligent efforts to bring adidas to Cherokee location to deliver speed to market,” said Misti Martin, COED County and the U.S.,” said Marshall Day, chairman of COED. President. continued on page 59 “This win was a team effort between the Site Selection Group, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power, and Cherokee County.” The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the The annual award recognizes outstanding achievement in leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention & expansion. For more information, the location or expansion of new businesses in Georgia that visit www.cherokeega.org. meet community economic development goals and involve PROVIDED BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Your grandkids shouldn’t be the only ones spoiled. Welcome to a community unlike any other, The Arbor at BridgeMill. The Arbor at BridgeMill is your path to better living. We provide service and amenities that are unparalleled among senior living communities. So live the life you deserve, at The Arbor at BridgeMill. Bring this ad when you come in for a tour to learn about our new Charter Club Member Benefits (a $5,000 value) and be entered to win a dinner for two. (770) 766-8236 | 700 Freedom Blvd., Canton, GA 30014 | ArborBridgeMill.com
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
A SIMPLE Formula for Christmas Expectations BY LYNNE SAUNDERS
We all live in Christmas past. It’s our nature to base holiday expectations there. We are either joyful and full of hope and wonder, or we are stressed out of our minds, not knowing how to meet everyone’s expectations. Is that what Christmas all about? Heaven’s no. But, year after year, if there has been a struggle, this upcoming Christmas is expected to be the same. That’s worry. My advice, keep it simple. That way, the pressure of one day gives way to the season.
S
urprise, not sacrifice. Gifts of doing instead of giving can strengthen relationships and memories. Put a little candy cane in a kid’s or spouse’s lunch box to celebrate the season with them. Personal texts with holiday emojis will bring feelings of belonging.
I
nform, not impress. Let your friends and family know you are doing things different up front; reduce any level of expectation. You may have thrown the greatest parties in the past … it’s OK to let them know that this year you are doing something different.
M
easure, not manipulate. We all love our friends, but do we have to give a gift to everyone just because? And when we give that gift, do we expect a love token in return? Friends and relationships should be easy, not based on expectations.
P
lan, not procrastinate. Dec. 25 is coming … in less than a month! If you haven’t already done so, consult your calendar. Decide who will get a gift, what will it be, and how much to spend. Will you order online or shop at brick and mortar stores? Schedule that time now, and stick to it. Allow time to wrap and mail gifts. Then relax and enjoy some quiet fireplace time.
L
ove, not loathe. It’s easy to be hard-hearted and even cynical at Christmas. However, this is a notable season to love as Jesus loved. Avoid the burden of performing expected tasks to satisfy others. Love with greatness.
E
njoy, not exhaust. This is the time to reflect on God, and the fact that 2,000 years ago he sent his son into this filthy, fallen and corrupt world. Our Creator loved mankind so much, that he become a part of it. I wish you a better, and joyous Christmas! Keep Making Personal Progress!
Lynne Saunders is director of Papa’s Pantry (www.papaspantry.org) and the Master’s Training Center. She can be reached at 770-591-4730. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Around & About
DECEMBER
Gardener’s Seminar: UGA 2 Master Gardener Extension
Volunteers of Cherokee County will present Holiday Wreath Making at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road in Canton. Make wreaths with natural materials from your landscape. Participants will need to bring some supplies. Class limited to 25 participants. To register, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.
Leonetti, a vibrant 3-5 Jon Catholic speaker and
author, will be presenting "Surge of the Heart" parish mission at 7 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. Leonetti conveys a message of lasting fulfillment in Jesus Christ and desires to cultivate an intimate relationship with Jesus and help others do the same through prayer, sacraments, family life, Mary and the saints. 770-516-0009. https://saintmichaelcc.org.
8-9
Art and Wine Walk in
downtown Canton, 5-8 p.m. Friday and 2-6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25. For more details, visit www.downtowncantonga.com.
8-24
“A Christmas Carol the Musical,”
presented by Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with this beloved Dickens classic, reimagined once again by the creative team of Elm Street. This musical and cast will warm your heart with joy, whether it is your first or 50th time. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Rated PG. Call 678-494-4251 for more information. 38
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Lifeguard 27-29 CCAC Training (ARC)
at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. This class will provide you with a nationally recognized American Red Cross lifeguard/first aid/CPR for professional rescuer certification. You must be 15 years of age by the last day of class and be able to complete the following skills on the first day of class: Swim 300 yards, continuously tread water for 2 minutes (legs only), and retrieve a 10-pound brick from 7 feet of water. Come prepared to swim every day, and be on the floor for training. Bring a packed lunch, or you may purchase food at the concessions stand. 678-880-4760. www.crpa.net.
Feb. 24th
Beauties and Beaus MotherSon Bash! A DJ will be playing
your favorite songs for you to dance the night away. Enjoy some quality fun together with a candy bar buffet, cornhole, craft station, prizes, photo booth, snack bar and bounce house. Please pre-register by visiting www.crpa.net. Price is $40 per couple, $10 per additional son. Contact Frankie Sanders, fsanders@cherokeega.com for more information.
ONGOING Through Dec. 16
Cherokee Arts Center is hosting a members holiday show and sale, featuring arts and fine crafts created by arts center members for sale for less than $100. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. www.cherokeearts.com.
Through Dec. 17
Artwork by Reinhardt University alumnus Kendrick Shackleford will be on display in the Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska. Shackleford earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Reinhardt University in 2002 and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He currently serves as an art professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. His work can be found in various galleries, including New York City and Chicago.
A Generator Can Make all the Difference BY DAN JAPE
The recent hurricanes created interest in backup generators for homes and businesses. Usually, by the time you realize you need one, it is too late, and many manufacturers run low on inventory during storm season. You never want to be without power; it leaves your home and family vulnerable. You also stand the chance of losing all the food in your refrigerator and freezer. If it is extremely cold, you may end up with frozen water pipes, which can cause extensive damage to your home. The first thing to do, when considering a generator purchase, is determine how much power is needed. To accomplish this, add up the wattage of the appliances you want to operate. Keep in mind some appliances have higher wattage needs during start-up, so this should be taken into consideration. Always size slightly larger, since you may want to add appliances later. Some people are happy having a few lights and their refrigerator functioning, while others want their whole home in full operation. A licensed electrician can easily help you determine the correct kilowatt output for your home. There are two basic types of generators: portable and stationary. Stationary generators are permanently installed in your home and portable ones are hooked up when needed. Minimal appliances can be operated on portable generators, as their output is small. These units typically run on gasoline and
usually are for short-term usage. Portable generators must be manually hooked up to your home’s electrical panel. Generally, stationary generators are of a higher quality and made to run trouble free for longer periods of time. When the electricity from your utility company is interrupted, the stationary generator automatically starts within seconds and the transfer switch connects it to your home’s power wiring. Another option is to have a professional electrical contracting company permanently install a generator that ties into your electrical panel and runs on your natural gas or propane supply. These units can run for days at a time and can power an entire house. Transfer switches need to be installed so a generator can be connected to a home’s power lines without the chance of electricity being back-fed onto the power grid. The more desirable transfer switches can turn off or shed certain appliances in your home when the capacity of the generator is exceeded. These switches help decide how to distribute the amps you generate and what appliances your generator can safely operate. They also continued on page 59
Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. He can be reached at 770-594-9969.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
39
Sequoyah Regional Library System 770-479-3090 www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org
ROSE CREEK
WOODSTOCK
4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491
7735 Main St., Woodstock, 770-926-5859
Tuesdays
Mondays
Knit and Crochet at 1 p.m. and let Ms. Darlene help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn and be prepared to have fun. No prior knowledge is required.
Coloring Group meets at 10 a.m. This coloring group has been meeting every Monday for more than a year; come meet new friends. All materials are provided. For ages 16 and older.
Wednesdays
Tuesdays
Crayons & Conversation starts
at 1 p.m. Drop in to de-stress and get your creative juices flowing. Socialize over a tabletop game (such as Scrabble or MahJongg) or color a picture. Players and colorers of all skill levels are welcome.
Dec. 6, 13
The Reading Dogs will be available at 4:30 p.m. for children 6 and older to read to a non-judgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if the reader stumbles or makes a mistake. Children are asked to select their reading material before their scheduled session. Parents can register their child (two weeks in advance) for a 10-15 minute reading session by calling 770-591-1491.
MahJongg Meetup at 10 a.m. Learn to play American MahJongg, based on the ancient Chinese tile game. Whether you’re just starting out, honing your skills, or an advanced player, this is the group for you.
Thursdays
Sit and Stitch at 10 a.m. Come and be crafty every Thursday and enjoy the friendship of other creative people.
Fridays
MahJongg Meetup at 1 p.m. Learn to play American
MahJongg, based on the ancient Chinese tile game. Whether you’re just starting out, honing your skills, or an advanced player, this is the group for you.
Dec. 7
Reading of “The Polar Express” at 6:30
Enjoy a Holiday Celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. with festivities that include music from the Bascomb Elementary Chorus, refreshments, and a special visit from Santa! For all ages; children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
p.m. with crafts and hot chocolate. Wear your PJs and join in the fun of this annual tradition. Children age 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Dec. 9
Dec. 9
Dec. 7
Check out LEGO Club at 3 p.m. There is a different theme each month. Children may work alone or in teams to build LEGO masterpieces, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. LEGO and DUPLO blocks provided. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Dec. 14
Create Birdseed Ornaments at 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Feed all creatures big and small this holiday season with a DIY birdseed ornament. All materials provided. Registration is required and opens Dec. 1; call 770-591-1491 to sign up. 40
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Inklings Writers Critique Group meets at 11 a.m. All writers interested in joining a group to share writings, ideas and feedback are invited to attend.
Dec. 10
Holidays at Hogwarts at 3 p.m. Join us for a winter
Harry-Potter-themed celebration featuring snacks, games, puzzles, and crafts. If you’ve ever wondered why the holidays were the best time to be at Hogwarts, now’s your chance to find out. Costumes are welcome, but not required. Children age 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Auto Accidents and Hospital Bills – Who Pays? BY JAMES IMBRIALE ESQ.
Imagine for a moment you are in an auto accident where you are rear ended by someone who was texting while driving. It is clearly not your fault. However, you are hurt and end up in the hospital to be checked for your injuries. Who is responsible for the bill? Ultimately, the one who caused the accident is responsible, but it generally takes time to track down the defendant and obtain payment, even when the defendant has auto insurance. In the meantime, you are responsible for paying that bill, if you do not want a collection company after you and your credit report affected. It doesn’t sound fair, but Georgia law does not require the defendant nor his or her insurance company to pay the bill right away. The defendant and his or her auto insurance company have the right to question the reasonableness and necessity of the treatment and charges, as well as if any preexisting medical conditions contributed to those charges.
The hospital has the right, per Georgia law, to file a lien at the courthouse against your cause of action. This is not a lien on you personally, rather it is a lien on your case against the defendant should you or your injury attorney recover money from the defendant. You will receive a letter from the hospital stating their lien for the full amount of the bill. Often times, hospitals prefer to file such a lien for the full amount of the bill as opposed to file it with your health insurance company for a discounted rate that the hospital negotiated with your health insurance company. Filing the lien does not stop the hospital’s collection efforts though. continued on page 59 James Imbriale is a personal injury attorney at Hartman-Imbriale LLP. He has strictly practiced personal injury law for 27 years, and he works and lives in Towne Lake. 678-445-7423.
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Enjoy the Rally, But Prepare for the Retreat DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
Will the current bull market run for another year? How about another two or three years? Some investors will confidently say “yes” to both questions. Optimism abounds on Wall Street: The major indices climb more than they retreat, and they have attained new peaks. On average, the S&P 500 has gained nearly 15 percent a year for the past eight years.1 Investors may be lulled into a false sense of security by this market. Stocks will correct at some point. A bear market could even emerge. Is your investment portfolio ready for either kind of event? It may not be. Your portfolio could be over weighted in stocks — that is, a higher percentage of your invested assets may be held in equities than what your investment strategy outlines. As your stock market exposure grows greater and greater, the less diversified your portfolio becomes, and the more stock market risk you assume. You know diversification is important, especially when one investment sector that has done well for you suddenly turns sideways or plummets. When a bull market becomes as celebratory as this one, that lesson risks being lost. How do bear markets begin? They seldom arrive abruptly, but some telltale signs may hint that one is ahead. Notable declines or disappointments in corporate profits and quickly rising interest rates are but two potential indicators. If the pace of tightening speeds up at the Federal Reserve, borrowing costs will climb not only for households, but also for big businesses. A pervasive bullishness — irrational exuberance, by some definitions — that helps to send the CBOE VIX down to unusual lows could be seen as another indicator. How long could the next bear market last? It is impossible to say, but we do know that the longest bear market on record lasted 929 days (calendar days, not trading days). That was the 2000-02 bear. A typical bear market lasts nine to 14 months.1, 2
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Enjoy this record-setting Wall Street run, but be pragmatic. Equities do have bad years, and bears do come out of hibernation from time to time. Patience and adequate diversification may make a downturn more tolerable for you. You certainly do not want the value of your portfolio to fall drastically in the years preceding your retirement, when you will have a narrow window of time to try and recoup that loss. Remember, the market does not always advance. Securities offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a registered investment adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya Inc. or MarketingPro Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - cnbc.com/2017/09/19/what-investors-should-do-before-the-bullmarket-gets-gored.html [9/19/17] 2 - investopedia.com/news/how-do-bear-markets-start/ [10/14/16]
Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.
Techniques to Ease Holiday Stress BY SHELLEY WINTER
The holidays are such a wonderful time of the year, but for a caregiver of an ailing or cognitive-impaired loved one, it can be a stressful time. Here are some tips to help relieve caregiver stress: • Take at least an afternoon for yourself. Have a friend or hire a professional to stay with your loved one. Spend the time walking, journaling or just getting out of the house for some down time. Other options are considering a day program facility or respite care at an assisted living. • Don’t expect so much. Some things are just not going to happen the way you wanted. Anticipate these bumps in the road. You'll be happier if you can go with the flow and expect the inevitable delay, crisis or disappointment. Concentrate on what you can control, not what you can’t. • Don’t overextend yourself. Consider a potluck meal or ask other family members or friends to host holidays at their home. Make family members aware that your caregiving duties are keeping you busy. For other social obligations, consider what is doable before you commit. Cramming more into your already crazy schedule can push you over the edge. This year, remind yourself that it’s OK that you didn’t send holiday cards or decorate your home immaculately or that you’ll be enjoying a simple meal with a small group. • Stay positive. Focus on things to be thankful for, not on past celebrations where things seemed more perfect. Accept and adapt. Again, take long walks or whatever helps to lower your stress level and clear your head. • Eliminate surprise. Let guests know what to expect before they arrive. There may be significant changes in your loved one’s cognitive or physical abilities since the last time a friend or relative visited. These changes can be hard to accept. It’s difficult to know how much to communicate about a loved one’s decline in cognitive or physical functioning and personal care needs. Although it is understandable to have reservations about discussing a loved one’s impairments, honest communication about the realities of the caregiving situation offers others the opportunity to respond with assistance. It's easy for caregivers to get stressed out, frustrated, or even angry during the holidays. As caregivers, many of us are already overwhelmed with our daily responsibilities, leaving us vulnerable when the stress of the holidays arrives. Use these techniques to help eliminate unrealistic expectations, reduce guilt and stress, and get a well-deserved break.
Shelley Winter, community relations director at Oaks at Towne Lake, has worked in assisted living/memory care communities since 2008. 770-592-2195. shelley@oaksseniorliving.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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The Evolution of
Men’s Grooming BY TIM TIMMONS
When I was growing up in the ’80s, grooming for men was pretty simple. Unless you were making a statement by being a punk rocker or acting hip by being androgynous (usually with “guyliner” and usually left to the more urban guys in big cities and Europe), you all had the same routine. You shaved like your dad showed you, you made sure your hands were clean, you had a haircut similar to everyone else (think James Spader from “Pretty in Pink”) and, if you were cool, you probably used some mousse or gel. Life was simpler then. After the simplicity and clean-cut groove of the ’80s, we experienced the grunge look of the ’90s, long hair and disheveled — the antithesis of grooming. Concurrently, the black male community was looking to hiphop for style and grooming. While it was laid-back and colorful, men’s haircuts were close-cropped and moustaches tightly groomed. Style was communicated through color choices and cuts in clothing. As a counter reaction to the grunge look, the metrosexual look took hold in the new millennium; men had chic haircuts, used styling products, started “manscaping,” and sales of male skincare products were on the rise. “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” became one of the most popular shows on television (a squad of gay men would lead complete makeovers of the average unkempt male). The transformation was exciting and compelling. Which brings us to the past five years and the counter reaction to the metrosexual trend. Gone were the short haircuts with styling products and the clean-shaven look we once knew. Suddenly, top-knots appeared coast-to-coast, along with beards. 44
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Beards Are 'In'
Today, men are in style with whatever look they choose, as they appear well-groomed. Long beards are in, and now there many male grooming companies that offer a variety of products to keep beards healthy, soft and handsome. Men have an entire host of offerings to keep their skin supple and their beards in shape. Beard conditioners, oils and styling creams keep even the wildest of hairs in line, while allowing a guy to have a soft, touchable beard. While once considered a disheveled look, stubble has taken over board rooms and runways. It is perfectly acceptable when well-maintained, and even gives a fashionable edge to a man’s look. But, like a well-groomed beard or a clean shave, stubble requires work. There are products that make achieving and keeping the look easier. Exfoliation is critical to the male grooming game. A good wash or scrub lifts the beard and prepares it for a trim or blade. After exfoliation, it’s
important to apply and leave on a good shaving gel or shaving oil. For shaping, you’ll need a good tool — a razor or trimmer/shaper. It’s important to trim or shape carefully, in the direction that your hair naturally grows. From that point, it’s a matter of maintenance, so choose a quality tool that suits you.
Men Are Using More Products
Now is the time for men to embrace any look they want; nothing is out, as long as they keep themselves wellgroomed. Male grooming companies offer products to groom and cultivate beard growth and healthy skin for men. It’s taken the Western world a bit of time to get there, but male grooming is in. Eyebrow waxing, facials for men, manicures and anti-aging products all are taking a more dominant role in men’s grooming routines. Gone are the days of Vitalis and Barbasol as your grooming routine, gents. It’s time to get into the grooming game.
Tim Timmons is the owner of Salon Gloss Woodstock. Tim’s industry experience includes positions as trainer/educator, celebrity stylist and beauty consultant for the Grammys and MTV video music awards.
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Health & Wellness
Surviving Holiday Travel With a Baby BY BRITTON CRIGLER, MD, FACOG
Holiday travel – two words that can incite overwhelming fear in the hearts of new mothers everywhere. How will your baby react on an airplane? Can you spend six hours in a car with an infant? What if Junior doesn’t nap well at grandma’s house? All these thoughts are enough to make a new mom stay home, but, with a little planning and a lot of patience, you can enjoy visiting during the holidays without losing your mind. My wife Lauren and I have had two children and have done our share of traveling. Here are a few of our tips and tricks to surviving holiday travel with a new baby. Expect delays. Even when traveling without children, not everything runs as smoothly as it should. This is especially true when it comes to traveling with a baby. Pack extra finger foods or bottles in the event of a delay. If you’re formula feeding, pack more formula than you think you’ll need (but be mindful of the restrictions of liquids allowed – bring the powder to mix up as needed. Pack extra. Make sure you have extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for baby and for you. You never know when a blowout might occur, leaving you stranded without an extra set of clothes. For older babies who might be newly mobile, plan for plenty of rest stops if you’re traveling by car, or allow for some time in the airport before you board to exert some of that curious crawling. To ease ear pain often caused by airplane takeoff and landing, offer your baby a pacifier, bottle or sippy cup. Maintain a sleep schedule. One of the toughest things about traveling with a baby or toddler is maintaining their normal sleep
schedule. No nap, or a night filled with more wake-ups than usual, can make even the sweetest babies cranky. If at all possible, don’t plan activities during your baby’s normal nap time. If you have a baby that naps once in the morning and once in the afternoon, try to plan a holiday lunch gathering to accommodate the sleep schedule. Pack all of your baby’s favorite sleep essentials, maybe a blanket or a soft toy that will help soothe them, even in a new space. Books, favorite music or a sound machine also can work wonders to help get baby to sleep in a new place. A few days before you leave, set your baby to sleep in the pack ’n’ play where she’ll be sleeping during the visit. This will help her adjust to a new sleeping space, and it won’t be such a shock when you arrive at your destination. If you’re crossing time zones, get your baby used to the different sleep times by slowly inching up naps and bedtime a few days before leaving. If you’ve already “been there, done that” as far as holiday travel with kids, what other suggestions would you recommend? Go ahead and share with our community of moms on our Facebook page — @cherokeewomenshealth.
Dr. Britton Crigler is a board certified OB-GYN at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, and was recently voted “Mom-Approved” OB in Atlanta Parent magazine.
Holiday Table Talk BY DR. SARAH LICHT
It’s that time of year when families gather around the table to share stories, eat supper and enjoy each other’s company. When these situations arise, many people find they struggle to hear their loved ones. Mark Ross, Ph.D., once stated that “when someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.” Communication is a two-way street that involves the listener and the communication partner. It is important to use effective strategies on both ends of the conversation to best facilitate communication. For the listener, it is important to be an active participant. Avoid using words such as “Huh?” because they are vague and when repeated frequently can be frustrating for both parties. Instead, consider using clarification phrases such as “I heard you say ...” and repeat the parts of the conversation that you did understand. It is important to be clear and specific in your request for clarification. For example, instead of saying, “What?” you can say “Could you please slow down, I cannot understand you when speak that quickly.” Be sure to look at the person speaking to you. This can be a huge help, especially if there is excessive background noise. Being able to control your environment by turning off the TV or stepping into an area that is a little quieter are also great tools to improve communication. 46
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For the communication partner, speak at a natural pace without raising your voice. Yelling at someone does not necessarily make the message clearer and can actually lead to distortion. Speaking slowly can help a person with hearing loss process what is being said more effectively. Be sure to obtain the listener’s attention first so they can use visual cues to help supplement the message. It is also important that you face the listener when speaking. Whether we realize it or not, everyone relies on lip reading and facial cues to aid in accurate communication. Out of habit, we can cover our mouths when we speak, so be sure to keep hands and objects away from hiding those important visual cues. If you currently have hearing aids, when was your last visit to make sure your devices are operating at their maximum performance? Also, is it time to replace or upgrade your devices with current technology? If you have met your insurance deductible with 2017 nearing an end, it may be the perfect time to use your hearing-aid benefit if your insurance has that available.
Sarah Licht, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2016.
Seek Treatment Early for Rheumatic Diseases BY KELLY O. WESELMAN, M.D., FACR
There is a group of diseases that affects 25 percent of our country, but often goes untreated. These diseases affect children, young adults, people in middle age and the elderly. What if I told you that treatments work best when these diseases are found early? The “if” is real. Rheumatic diseases are often not recognized or treatment sought because symptoms can look so different: A new mom who struggles to hold her baby because of stiff wrists, a grandfather whose joints are suddenly so swollen he can’t get dressed. The variety of symptoms goes on: rashes, fever, shortness of breath, trouble keeping weight on. Rheumatic diseases range Rheumatic from rheumatoid arthritis diseases are (RA), lupus, gout, sjögren’s syndrome, juvenile idiopathic often not arthritis to hundreds of lesserrecognized known conditions. They are expected to affect nearly 80 or treatment million Americans by 2040, sought because according to the Centers for Disease Control and symptoms Prevention. can look so During the past 17 years, I’ve seen patients with all of different ... these conditions. Sometimes I see them early in their disease, but often they get to me after months of suffering. When they wait to act, it can be more difficult to find a treatment that will work for them. Most people are not aware that these diseases often strike individuals in the prime of their lives and can lead to long-term disability and early death if not treated early and effectively. There is no cure for rheumatic disease. But early intervention by a rheumatologist, a specialist trained in treating this group of diseases, within the first weeks and months of disease onset can dramatically improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Kelly O. Weselman M.D., FACR is a rheumatologist at WellStar Rheumatology and serves as this year’s chair of the American College of Rheumatology. www.wellstar.org. 956-STAR (7827). AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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2017 Veterans Ceremony The Park at City Center, Woodstock
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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$58,000 in Scholarships Available to AG Students The Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Foundation for Agriculture is offering $58,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field. Since 1959, GFB has awarded scholarships to students entering college with plans to pursue a career in agriculture or family and consumer sciences. In 2016, the GFB Foundation expanded the scholarship program to offer scholarships to rising college juniors and seniors, technical college students and veterinary college students. In 2018 the GFB Foundation for Agriculture will award scholarships in the following four categories: • Scholarship for agriculture. • Technical college scholarship for agriculture. • Rising college junior/senior scholarship for agriculture. • UGA College of Veterinary Medicine scholarship. The deadline to apply is March 2. Visit http://bit. ly/18GFBAgFoundationscholarapps for a list of eligible majors/ schools, application instructions and to apply.
Kudos & Congratulations Do you know a student, teacher, parent volunteer, school group or team who deserves a “shout out”? Please send their picture and the details to jackie@ aroundaboutmagazines.com. Congratulations to the
Sequoyah Junior Chiefs cross country 9/10 girls team. They placed first in the USATF Georgia Association Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship on Nov. 11.
Blankets for a Cause Liana Kasel, a student at Cherokee Christian Middle School, recently finished a yarn blanket in her eighthgrade service skills class. This blanket, along with those completed by other students, will be delivered to the NICU at Northside Hospital Atlanta.
From left: Kayla Murphy, Lila Jacobs, Rebekah Rogers, Eleni Giannopoulos, Lilly Savage and Abby Reiner.
Club Focuses on Anti-bullying Message The River Ridge High School Team: HEROIC student club performs at local elementary schools to share its antibullying message. Through an engaging series of skits, the high school students define bullying, explain its effects, and encourage a more inclusive environment.
Headed out for a visit to Arnold Mill Elementary are River Ridge High students, front row: Henry Fornuto; back row, from left: Addison Hoorfard, Chris Cochran, Reece Pappas, Olivia Brianas, Lexxa Emory, Calise Hammonds, Matt Henao, Ana Ramirez, Justin Bacon and Noah Fornuto. 50
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Congratulations to Chris Cochran and Maria Delgado from River Ridge High School, Alyssa Cagle from Sequoyah High School, and Preston Alsup from Woodstock High School. They are recipients of the Wendy’s High School Heisman for achievement in academics, athletics and community service. Cagle also was named a state finalist. For 22 years, Wendy’s has honored high school seniors for giving back to their communities, treating people with respect, continuing education and excelling on the athletic field. Preston Alsup
Alyssa Cagle
Chris Cochran
Maria Delgado
YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Sequoyah High School’s production of “Smoke on the Mountain” was named runner-up in the 6AAAAAA one act play competition, which the school also hosted. Four students won individual honors: Amelia Westmoreland and Blake Galloway were named to the Region All Star Cast, and Jace Nichols and Presley Coley were named Region Best Supporting Actor and Actress.
Members of the cast and crew, led by teacher and director Gerald Parker, center, celebrate their win. From left: Amelia Westmoreland, Blake Galloway, Jace Nichols and Presley Coley.
Congratulations to the The King’s Academy Knights boys cross country team
for winning the Georgia Independent Christian Athletics Association Division II state championship. Front row, from left: Josh Tryon, Scott Garrett, Matthew Jones and Ethan Nichols; back row: Harper Cox, Joel Killam, Tommy Freeman, Philipjohn Forsberg, Elliot Killam, Jackson Linak, Luke Palmer and Caleb Bass.
Congratulations to River Ridge High School orchestra students who recently were selected by audition for the District Honors Orchestra. Below, from left: Gavin Cunningham, Jeremy Jefferson, Caroline Gold, Brandon Gibson, Finn Kitchen, Lucas Mattos, Ciara Miles and Caitlin Cobb were selected to audition for the All State Orchestra, which will be held in March in Athens.
Above, front row, from left: Asheana Moodie, Matthew Moore, Kim Morgan and Ciara Miles; second row: Christian Chan, Caitlin Cobb and Caroline Gold; back row: Gavin Cunningham, Marcus Christian, Thomas Fallon, Brandon Gibson, Jeremy Jefferson, Skylar Molina and Lucas Mattos. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Students, Parents and the Use of Social Media BY MARK KISSEL
Teachers and neighbors Brian Cherer and DeAnda Davis Cavallaro traveled to Germany, where they met for the first time.
Small World It’s a
After All
In preparation for future international travel with their students, 43 teachers from the Southeast recently attended a training tour in Berlin, Germany, through Education First, a program that combines language training with cultural exchange, academic achievement and educational travel. During the meet-and-greet portion of the training, two educators, who were meeting for the first time, discovered they both teach high school in Cherokee County. They also discovered they live five houses apart, on the same street, in the same neighborhood, in the same town − Woodstock! DeAnda Davis Cavallaro of Sequoyah High School and Dr. Brian Cherer of River Ridge High School were surprised and excited to meet each other, and to discover they share the same desire to expand educational travel opportunities for students and members of the community where they live and work. Cavallaro will be taking students and parents to England, Ireland and Wales this spring. She will follow up with a trip to Japan during the summer of 2019. Students and parents of the Sequoyah High School community who are interested in educational travel are encouraged to contact her for more information. deanda.cavallaro@cherokee. k12.ga.us. Cherer plans to take his Latin students to Florence, Rome and Assisi, Italy, this summer. Students and parents of the River Ridge High School community can contact him for more details regarding educational travel. brian.cherer@ cherokeek12.net. 52
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You may have read my previous articles addressing the world of social media and the importance of online safety, vulnerabilities, social media sites and being a responsible digital citizen when using social media. The arrests of two Etowah High School students in October for allegedly planning a threat to the school, and the arrest of three more students on charges of disrupting school for spreading related rumors, are a wake-up call. When the lives of others are potentially in danger, what a student may have thought was a “joke” when they posted it on social media is laughing matter for law 'Parents cannot no enforcement and school turn a blind administrators. When these incidents occur, we conduct eye when they a thorough, comprehensive are aware of investigation, which may result in criminal charges and/ their child’s or severe school disciplinary involvement action. I will remind you of the 2014 Georgia Court of in bullying or Appeals’ decision: “Parents making threats cannot turn a blind eye when are aware of their child’s using electronic they involvement in bullying or media.' making threats using electronic media.” I encourage you, as parents or legal guardians, to have conversations with your children, enable parental controls, be aware of certain apps that children are using and review browser histories. Please stress to them the important fact that every post, picture and comment made on social media by your child is permanent, it is a reflection of your child as a person, and it can be unforgiving. Every word published in cyberspace becomes a public matter seen by thousands of people with just the push of a button on a computer or mobile device, and it is not always as anonymous as your child may think. It truly takes a village to raise a child! Parents, family members, our school-based communities and other community stakeholders share in this responsibility. I cannot stress the importance of this enough: If you hear or see something that endangers our schools or an individual, report it immediately. DO NOT POST IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Chief of Police Mark Kissel has served the Cherokee County School District since 1999 and has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience.
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PHOTO BY BEN REES WWW.FALCONAERIALS.COM
Parking in
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The Holiday Magic of Woodstock BY LEIGH CUTRONE
Woodstock is magical this time of year. The decorations are up and the holidays shine in each store window. It truly is the most wonderful time of year. This will be our second Christmas season in Woodstock. I am thankful we have made this little place our own. Can it be I am sentimental in so short a time? Yes, indeed. All through our little town there are bright white lights and beautiful shiny ornaments hanging from the trees that line the streets. The excitement grows. Woodstock is ready for the big day! What’s so wonderful about Woodstock is we have so many options for fun in a small town setting. I, as a newcomer, don't want to ever take that for granted. I eagerly await our very own Parade of Lights to officially open the season. There will be a smile on every face and the memories of our childhoods will come rushing back to us, as we watch our children and grandchildren be thrilled
by it all. This will be a part of my family's traditions each year. We are looking forward to having our children and grandchildren visit us in Woodstock. We are will welcome them and show off our new hometown with its twinkling lights and magical wonderment shining brightly. We can't forget about Christmas shopping. I can always find the best gifts in our stores for that hard to buy for friend or relative. I love that I don't have to go far and I also can work in a nice walk. Enjoy your holiday moments, and make wonderful memories that will remain in your hearts forever. Merry Christmas everyone!
Leigh Cutrone and her husband live in Woodstock. Leigh’s blog, The Senior Class: Navigating the Golden Years, is geared to retired seniors. lmcutrone.wordpress.com. Email her at leigh. seniorclass@yahoo.com. Comments welcomed!
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School & Sports
GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM
Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, Š OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Visit our website for more information on these or other trail projects. greenprintsalliance.org
Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 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 Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.
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 - This approximately 1.2 mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South.
Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. 56
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A Christmas Celebration for Kids of All Ages Benefiting the
Anna Crawford
Children’s Center
a Program of the Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc.
December 7th - 23rd
Opens 6 p.m. Nightly Hobgood Park Woodstock, GA Admission: (includes all activities) Children 14 and under FREE Adults $10 Lights Children’s Activity Area Shopping Seasonal Concessions
Santa Light Maze Music and much more
SPONSORED BY
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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WOODSTOCK AREA HOMES SOLD IN OCTOBER List Price $600,000 $228,000 $499,000 $273,500 $174,900 $135,000 $289,000 $65,000 $334,900 $367,900 $429,000 $425,000 $499,000 $619,900 $205,000 $200,000 $235,000 $229,999 $189,900 $459,000 $379,900 $189,900 $229,900 $265,000 $210,000 $309,900 $249,999 $619,900 $410,000 $189,900 $678,000 $250,000 $249,899 $399,000 $370,000 $449,588 $167,500 $174,900 $244,900 $215,000 $529,900 $294,000 $220,000 $259,000 $319,976 $225,000 $329,000 $225,000 $165,000 $210,000 $200,000 $449,900 $239,000 $193,999 $179,900 $204,900 $175,000 $359,990 $539,217 $530,626 $426,900 $199,750
Address 1109 Wiley Bridge Road 1032 Dunedin Trail 1928 Tripp Road 139 Clifford Court 112 Mornington Circle 122 Colemans Bluff Drive 232 Haleys Court 2184 E CHEROKEE Drive 128 Normandy Drive 317 Windsong Way 208 Jeffrey Drive 302 Stillwater Cove 420 Crestline Way 199 Hubbard Road 1354 Chatley Way 802 Bluff Place 123 Stoney Creek Parkway 704 Habersham Place 1076 Dunedin Trail 1215 W Wylie Bridge Road 162 Stoney Creek Parkway 163 Dials Drive 404 Fairington Lane 218 Highland Village Lane 223 Colony Center Drive 409 Ridgeview Court 260 Colony Center Drive 432 Reeves Street 113 Sweetbriar Farm Road 315 West Lane 175 Hubbard Road 204 Mayaca Court 307 Cacique Court 507 Carpenter Way 319 Windsong Way 244 Sweetbriar Club Drive 105 Little River Drive 357 Knollwood Lane 1068 Walnut Creek Drive 813 Randy Court 312 Harvest View Terrace 153 Towey Trail 211 Highland Village Lane 117 Clifford Court 722 Parkside Drive 321 Weatherstone Place 161 Bradshaw Park Drive 1005 Dunedin Trail 8077 Whitney Court 520 Neese Road 125 Farmington Drive 107 Autumn Glen Drive 2008 Meadows Drive 578 Toonigh Road 1407 River Landing Way 505 Deerbrook Circle 404 Waterfront Court 302 Waters Lake Court 403 Taymack Farm Drive 509 Taymack Farm Court 424 Hathaway Avenue 111 Wiley Bridge Court
Subdivision 3 Private Acres Park at Kingsgate none Mill Creek Overlook Misty Ridge Colemans Bluff Haleys Mill NONE Woodlands serenade Bradshaw Farm Three Branches Olde Heritage WOODSTOCK DOWNTOWN Wellington Manor Colemans Bluff Stoney Creek Waverly Park Kingsgate NONE Stoney Creek Misty Mountain Waverly Hills Highland Village Westridge Arbor View Westridge South On Main Sweet Briar Farms East Cherokee Village WOODSTOCK DOWNTOWN Glens At Kingsgate Mill Creek Crossing WOODSTOCK DOWNTOWN Serenade Sweet Briar Farms Little River South Riverchase Walnut Creek Driftwood Forest Overlook at Woodstock Knoll Woodlands Highland Village MILL CREEK OVERLOOK ARBOR VIEW Weatherstone Bradshaw Park Park At Kingsgate The Springs Nowlin Hall Farmington AUTUMN GLEN Cherokee Meadows Valley Brook Colemans Landing Deerchase Little River North Waters Lake Estates of Fernwood Creek Estates of Fernwood Creek Haney Walk Wiley Bridge Junction
Beds Full Baths Yr Built Sales Price Days On Market 6 5 1997 $600,000 81 3 2 2000 $225,000 52 3 2 1977 $485,000 160 5 2 2001 $265,200 179 3 2 1980 $179,900 4 3 2 1988 $150,000 2 4 3 2011 $289,000 57 2 2 1960 $58,300 218 4 2 2003 $325,000 37 5 3 2002 $356,863 10 5 4 1998 $409,000 10 6 5 2006 $425,000 149 5 3 2015 $475,000 176 5 4 2013 $625,000 2 3 2 1990 $201,100 55 3 2 1987 $190,000 59 4 2 2008 $230,000 23 4 3 1996 $225,000 26 3 2 2000 $189,900 5 5 3 1993 $460,000 28 5 4 2015 $379,000 154 4 2 1981 $185,000 9 4 3 1995 $230,000 2 4 2 2007 $257,500 69 3 2 1996 $212,750 3 4 3 1999 $309,900 107 3 2 1996 $240,000 17 5 5 2017 $609,900 87 3 3 2017 $410,545 0 3 2 1985 $193,000 3 5 3 2013 $650,000 154 4 2 2000 $250,000 91 3 2 2002 $245,000 117 2 2 2005 $399,000 86 4 3 2001 $364,000 42 3 3 2017 $449,588 3 3 2 1974 $165,000 14 3 2 1985 $165,000 11 4 2 1999 $244,900 35 3 2 1978 $213,000 14 5 4 2015 $529,900 158 4 2 2004 $280,500 49 3 2 2012 $224,000 3 3 2 2002 $250,000 30 5 3 1999 $313,000 31 3 2 1997 $205,000 12 5 3 2004 $318,900 17 3 2 2001 $217,000 10 3 2 1991 $164,000 32 3 2 1975 $202,000 51 4 3 1979 $200,000 4 4 3 2005 $440,000 30 4 2 1988 $225,000 2 3 2 1989 $196,500 11 3 2 1988 $179,900 1 4 2 1985 $210,500 6 3 2 1975 $171,500 3 5 3 2015 $359,790 213 5 4 2016 $515,000 348 4 3 2016 $479,900 373 4 3 2017 $405,900 33 3 2 1986 $200,000 4
FMLS SF Detached residences data provided by The Premier Group, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Woodstock, GA Data believed to be accurate, but not warranted.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
Cherokee Receives Deal of the Year continued from page 36
Road Trip! continued from page 22
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Through Dec. 30, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A holiday treat for the entire family, where the fairgrounds are transformed into a spectacular and magical holiday light show, with Christmas music, arts and crafts vendors, holiday food, a visit and pictures with Santa, and hot chocolate and s'mores! 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee. 706-896-4191.
Okefenokee Swamp Park Annual Light Show
Through Dec. 30. Bring a blanket and snuggle on the trains as they make their way along a 1.25-mile rail at the show in Waycross, filled with thousands of lights. Walk through the park and enjoy a meal or snacks (including gator tail) at the Peach Pit Snack Shack. www.okeswamp.com.
December Nights & Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
Through Dec. 24, select nights. Savannah's jewel of a Christmas returns with more than 1 million sparkling lights. This walking tour allows you to stroll leisurely through illuminated garden areas. Visit with Santa Claus and the Coastal Rail Buff's miniature train display, and stop at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen for a hot beverage and baked goodies. 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah. 912-921-5460. www.coastalgeorgiabg.org.
Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Resort
Through Dec. 28. Visitors (including those who are not staying overnight), are welcome to view more than 1 million lights and festive décor in the historic 1800s manor house ruins, surrounding gardens and English-style village. There is a small fee for the self-guided tour. 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville. 770-773-7480. www. barnsleyresort.com.
Christmas at The Rock Ranch
Various dates through Dec. 25. Drive through the mile-long display of thousands of lights, all strung by volunteers and ranch hands of the property. Bring the family by Truett's Barn for hot cocoa and apple cider, soups and other treats. On select days, families can dine with Santa and pose for a keepsake. 5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock. 706-647-6374. therockranch.com.
“Our first adidas’ site visit quickly turned into a realization of shared goals, with the SPEEDFACTORY project not only being a natural fit for Cherokee County’s sustainable outdoor lifestyle of trails, water and green space, but also for its technology and mechatronics-based talent pool,” Martin added. “The project also perfectly complements our dedication to becoming a leader in innovation, focusing on the connection between our students and companies like adidas utilizing a STEM approach.” Previous recipients of the Large Community Deal of the Year have included Houston County for the Sandler Nonwoven Corporation project in 2016, Fulton County for the Mercedes-Benz USA project in 2015 and Douglas County for the Keurig-Green Mountain project in 2014. Cherokee County received the award in 2013 for the Inalfa Roof Systems project, a global sunroof manufacturer and major supplier to BMW.
A Generator Can Make all the Difference continued from page 39
perform load shedding if the draw of your home exceeds the capacity of your generator. Since emergency generators can sit idle for long periods of time without being used, it is important to test and service them on a regular basis. The generator automatically starts itself periodically to make sure the battery stays charged and the unit is ready to go when needed. An approved service dealer needs to change the oil and perform full preventive maintenance on a generator on a semiannual basis.
Auto Accidents and Hospital Bills continued from page 41
You should insist that the hospital file your bill with your health insurance company. Some health insurance companies mandate that your medical bills be filed within only three or four months, per your health insurance plan contract, in order for the health insurance company to pay them. So do not wait. If the hospital does not file it, then ask for a copy of the bill and file it yourself with your health insurance company. Understand though that the hospital may still file a lien and bill you for the difference between your total bill and the amount the health insurance company paid the hospital. However, the hospital is not allowed to bill you for the balance and cannot show a balance owed on your credit report. Although they sometimes attempt this, they are not allowed pursuant to Georgia case law. It is wise to hire a personal injury lawyer to pursue the defendant driver who hit you, in order to recoup hospital and other medical bills that you may be forced to incur from the defendant’s auto insurer. AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST
Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-7304 http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106 www.cantonadventist.org
AME
Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org
BAPTIST
Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.HeritageCanton.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org
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New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org Rising Hills Church 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock www.gorhc.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com
CHURCH OF GOD
Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.org Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org
EPISCOPAL
Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.ecamarietta.org Saint Clement’s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org
JEWISH
Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell
770-642-0434 www.bethtikvah.com Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net
MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Road, Roswell 770-641-3000 www.bethhallel.org
LUTHERAN
Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-503-5050 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.tlcwoodstock.org
ORTHODOX
St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-485-0504 www.stelizabethga.org
PRESBYTERIAN
Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564, www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869, www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-3558 , www.heritagepres.com Trinity 1136 Trinity Church Road www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074, www.woodstockpcusa.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com
St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com
UNITED METHODIST
Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombumc.org Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Rd. Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100 www.unitynorth.org
OTHERS
Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road Canton, GA 30115 770-475-9628 www.antiochcanton.org Antioch Church 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.antiochchurch.life
Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841 www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135 www.fdvida.org God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 452 Milton Drive, Canton 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com
Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 8534 Main Street, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092 www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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AROUND WOODSTOCK DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS ANIMALS/PETS
Massage Envy 770-974-0880 www.MassageEnvy.com
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North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com
Salon & Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com
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WellStar Health System www.wellstar.org
Salon Gloss and Spa 770-693-6968 www.salongloss.biz
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Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage 13 Tara Daigle, Realtor 404-925-6351
Shape & Shave 404-290-9267 www.shapenshave.com
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Broadus Realty Group 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com
HAIR SALON, SPA & BEAUTY
Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
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Woodstock Veterinary Hospital 5 770-926-3722 www.Woodstock-Veterinary-Hospital.com ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
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Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com
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AUTOMOTIVE 26
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Downtown Buzz 26 770-592-6056 www.mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz CLEANING SERVICES Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com
Cover, 32, 33
CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union www.LGEccuu.org
Inside front
DENTAL Canton Dental Town 770-627-7260 www.dentaltownsmiles.com
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Santa’s Hiwasee Holiday Train 423-263-7232, 423-263-7840 www.tvrail.com
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HOME & GARDEN
Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1(675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com
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Red Oak Custom Homes & Renovations 678-718-5185 www.RedOakFineHomes.com
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Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com
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Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com
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Williams Orthodontics Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com
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FINANCIAL SERVICES 55
Evolve Bank & Trust 41 Andrea Meador, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer Office 770-924-2451, Cell 770-714-9227 www.getevolved.com
Eyes on Towne Lake 770-702-5996 www.eyesontownelake.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY J. King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com
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PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com
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Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com
1
Northside Hospital Cherokee www.northsidecherokee.com
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1
Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.MagnoliaDreamCottage.com Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.TPGsells.com
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Back cover
RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Cherokee County Tennis Assoc. www.cherokeetennis.org
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Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.ElmStreetArts.org
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RESTAURANTS/FOOD
Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 www.FireStoneRestaurants.com
OPHTHALMOLOGIST/OPTOMETRIST
Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back cover 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com
Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707
Holiday Lights of Hope
L.Bean Interiors 770-824-8386
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REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
HOLIDAY
Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898
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3
RETAIL/SHOPPING
Flag Company, The 770-974-0507 www.Flagco.com
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Sweet River Rough River of Woodstock 678-324-8340
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SENIOR LIVING Arbor at BridgeMill, The 770-691-0022 www.ArborBridgemill.com Lodge at BridgeMill, The 770-479-4639 www.TheLodgeAtBridgeMill.com
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27, 31
Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com
AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
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Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.
Patty Ponder
Katherine Amick
Christie Deese
Candi Hannigan
Jackie Loudin
Carla Caldwell
Michelle McCulloch
Laura Latchford
Denise Griffin
Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,900
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | December 2017
At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information. Photos by J King Images
Karen and Jon Flaig
Properties are available exclusively from TPG: 678-494-0102 TPGsells.com REALTY PARTNERS
Call today to find out how we can help you get top dollar for you home. Low inventory equals high demand.
TPG’s Featured Properties of the Month: 360 Chambers St #303, Woodstock 2 bedroom / 2.5 bath $350,000
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Highly sought after – Downtown Woodstock.
Located 2 miles from Northside Hospital, I575 & shopping.
403 Julie Ct Canton 5 bedroom / 4.5 bath $325,000 Ranch located in beautiful Canton area.
2190 Tourney Dr Marietta 4 bedroom / 2.5 bath $230,000 Charming ranch on full finished basement in E. Cobb.
3261 Belmont Glen Dr Marietta 5 bedroom / 4.5 bath $725,000
724 Ivory Trail Woodstock 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath $215,000
Executive home in desirable East Cobb.
Charming traditional in Wellington Manor subdivision.
How Much is Your Home Worth? Call TPG Today for a Free Market Analysis. For more info on these and many other properties in Woodstock, Cherokee and Cobb, contact The Premier Group (TPG) or visit our team at TPG’s Main Office located in Downtown Woodstock
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