TowneLaker February 2014

World-class Cardiac Services Right here in Georgia

Why do people from across the state – and across the nation – come to WellStar Health System for cardiac care and surgery?

• Top-Tier 3-Star Rating by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Only the top 13% of hospitals in the nation are awarded this distinction.

• WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone Hospitals are all accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, a recognition for facilities that quickly diagnose cardiac patients, begin treatment within minutes and significantly improve the chance of a positive outcome.

• A cardiac surgery program that specializes in innovative, cutting-edge procedures like the minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (WellStar Kennestone Hospital is the first non-academic facility in the state to perform the procedure).

• A women’s heart program designed by WellStar’s female cardiologists to address the unique gender-specific cardiac needs of women.

• An outpatient hospital-based Heart Failure Clinic where patients can be seen when experiencing heart failure symptoms, potentially avoiding the ER and hospitalization.

Heart Screenings available in Acworth, Austell,

Canton, Douglasville, Hiram, Marietta & Woodstock.

Call 770-956-STAR (7827) for more information.

$ 99 149 per individual per couple $

wellstar.org

For a physician referral, call 770-956-STAR (7827).

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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February 2014

Volume 19, Issue 10

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26

50 & 51 On the Cover Optimum Health. Josh Reed D.C. consults with a patient, Ann Jones.

Photo by Kim Bates.

A digital version of the magazine, along with information on how to contact us, submit a story or photo, or advertise is available at www.townelaker.com.

52 Tournament of Roses

Doris and Bob Fearncombe married 68 years and counting.

In Every Issue

Tyler Rolison Update

Community News. . . . . . . . . . .8

Around Towne . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The overwhelming response from our caring community.

Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

52

Varsity Basketball

Everyday Angels. . . . . . . . . . . 26

66

Readers’ Choice Survey

76

Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Heating up the courts this winter.

Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Time to vote for your favorite local businesses.

72

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Woodstock History The Fire of 1913.

Dining Guide

Elected Officials . . . . . . . . . . . 88 School Information . . . . . . . . 89 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Community Information . . . . 92 Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . 94 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Casual and upscale dine-in eateries in downtown Woodstock.

Contributing Writers

Patty Ponder is the Market Director for TowneLaker. For advertising she can be reached at (770) 615-3322 or AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Don Akridge..............................................16 Patti Brady................................................72 Michael Caldwell......................................21 Jenna Clover.............................................80 Caron & Alberto CatalĂĄn...........................38 Tim Grady.................................................22 G. Lora Grooms.........................................79 Dr. Scott Harden.......................................44 Dr. Amy Hardin.........................................47 David Hecklemoser...................................39 Robyn Hohensee......................................29 Sheila & Kurt Johnson...............................20 Kara Kiefer................................................28 Dr. Mike Litrel...........................................24

Dee Locklin...............................................32 Matt Neal..................................................34 Gary Parkes...............................................58 O. Julius Quarcoo......................................46 Bill Ratliff..................................................68 Julian Reid................................................42 Doug Rohan..............................................12 Lynne Saunders........................................36 Dr. Doug Thrasher.....................................69 Jodi Tiberio...............................................74 Tim Timmons............................................31 Dr. Sherry Weaver.....................................40 WellStar....................................................48

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

3

Community

AROUND TOWNE

BY KARA KIEFER

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

What’s New?

Brian Limbocker recently opened his law practice, Limbocker Law Firm, LLC. The office is located at 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg.

800, Suite 140. The firm practices consumer and business bankruptcy, tax law and personal injury law.

Call (678) 401-6836 or visit www. limbockerlawfirm.com. The firm also has offices in Vinings and Duluth.

Michael Christian Salon and Dry Kara is the Editor of Bar opened at 1428 Towne Lake TowneLaker magazine.

Pkwy., Suite 98. The salon offers She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike hair cut/color and customized and their two sons consultations. The salon is Brandon and Garrett. open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays Feel free to send your through Saturdays. Visit www. comments or questions to michaelchristiansalon.com or call editor@townelaker.com.

(678) 800-9280.

Mama Sweet & Company opened at 3008 Holly Springs Pkwy., Holly Springs. The store offers unique items for the home and unique items for event rental.

Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. A grand opening will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 1. For more information, call (404) 382-5678 or find the store on Facebook.

Sips n Strokes is now open at 1428 Towne Lake Pkwy., in the Tuesday Morning shopping center. Instructors guide customers step by step to paint and create unique pieces. The studio is open Tuesdays through Thursdays, and participants are permitted to BYOB. Private parties for children and adults also is available. Register for classes at www.sipsnstrokes.com or call (404) 272-0156.

Branches Boutique will open a new location early this month in downtown Woodstock, 370 Chambers St. The current store in Towne Lake will remain as well. The new branchesboutique. com website will be launching in conjunction with the new location opening. Look for grand opening festivities in early March.

What’s Coming?

Village Market & Café will be opening in the spring. The gourmet market will offer organic groceries, oils, pastas, cheeses, breads, charcuterie, fine wines, growler beers and more. The deli will offer “grab & go” sandwiches and salads.

Or, patrons can dine in and enjoy soups, sandwiches or salads along with a glass of wine or beer. Specially designed gift baskets also will be available. For more information, please visit www.villagemarketwoodstock.com.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

What’s Moving?

Ivy Manor will be relocating to 8838 Main St., adjacent to the Whole Nine Yarns. The move is scheduled to be completed

by Feb. 1. For more information, call (770) 592-1444 or email ivymanor1141@att.net.

What Needs Love?

Our Pal’s Place is holding a Valentine’s Party, proceeds of which will benefit homeless pets rescued from area shelters.

The party will be held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Venue 92, 12015 Hwy. 92. Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance or $40 at the door and include dinner, live music, raffle prizes, silent auction and more. There will also be a special appearance by the Dogs of O.P.P. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ourpalsplace.org.

What’s Closed?

We are sad to report closings of two local businesses: Monti’s Food Express and Two-Some Place.

CONTEST CORNER Sponsored by Papa P’s Mexican/Irish restaurant Congratulations to Katherine Pickert, (right). She was the first to find our hidden picture on page 24 of the January issue. Congratulations also to Don Kaser, (left). He was the first to spot the phrase “Downsize Dream Home” on the inside front cover of the January issue. They both won gift certificates to Papa P’s Mexican/Irish restaurant.

February Finds: If you know the answer to the contest question or find the hidden picture, be the first to e-mail editor@townelaker.com.

Please provide your name, contact phone number or email address.

Find the hidden picture: Be the first to find the phrase: “Your Sweetheart deserves the best!”

Contest rules: A winner is eligible once every 12 months.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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COMMUNITY BOARD

Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.

The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders, from different walks of life. Our Board assists us in many ways including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback.

Ann Litrel — Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications.

Ann lives with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons in Towne Lake. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com Dr. Doug Thrasher — Doug is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He has lived in the Towne Lake area and served at Hillside for six years. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Eagle Watch, and they have two married children and five precious grandchildren. Doug can be reached at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org.

Colin Morris — Colin is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to three children whom she describes as “two ninja sons and one dog-loving daughter.” She and her husband have lived in Woodstock for the past 13 years, and she grew up in Marietta.

G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds. Gay can be reached at director@elmstreetarts.org Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years.

During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.

Market Director Patty Ponder AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com, (770) 615-3322 Executive Editor Kara Kiefer editor@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3309 Art Director Michelle McCulloch art@townelaker.com (770) 615-3307

TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 14,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,300 are placed in racks around the community.

It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month.

TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month.

Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher.

All rights reserved. © Copyright 2014.

TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by Trustworkz Inc. Publisher’s Website www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 19, Issue 10

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

For 17 years, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock.

We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

Candi Hannigan Title Editor Sixes Living

Kara Kiefer Executive Editor TowneLaker & Around Woodstock

Patty Ponder Market Director TowneLaker & Sixes Living

Charlice Byrd Market Manager Around Woodstock

Michelle McCulloch Art Director

Denise Griffin Controller

Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Local Students Win Water Authority Contest Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) announced the winners of the Environmental Education Program 2013 photography contest. The photographs had to depict potential positive and negative impacts on the water resources in their community. The winners were Alexandra Porter, a second grade student at Bascomb Elementary School (K-6th grade category) and Katrina Basto, a 9th grader at Woodstock High School (7th - 12th grade category). Each Student was presented with her winning photograph framed and a check for $50 in front of her teachers and peers. The winning photographs will be displayed at the CCWSA main office, Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir and water treatment facilities.

Alexandra Porter with CCWSA Environmental Affairs Specialist Lori Forrester.

Katrina Basto and Lori Forrester.

Mark Richt to Appear at FCA Banquet

Project Valentine to Benefit Seniors

Mark Richt, head football coach at the University of Georgia, will be at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Spring Banquet. The banquet will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Cherokee Bluffs Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Pkwy., in Canton. There will be several opportunities for sponsors to meet Coach Richt, have a photo made with him or receive an autographed item.

Proceeds from this event will help equip the local ministry to impact students, athletes, coaches and families in the community.

FCA is at the middle and high school levels and offers campus huddles, team character coaches, mentoring programs and life-changing summer camps. FCA is a nondenominational Christian ministry. For more information on FCA or this event, please visit www.cherokeefca.org or contact Heather Queen at (404) 388-4545 or hqueen@fca.org

The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (CRPA) is collecting donations for Project Valentine through Friday, Feb. 7. Items needed include small tubes or bottles of hypoallergenic lotion, tubes of Vaseline or plain lip balm, Valentine knick-knacks, sugarfree and regular candy and packs of crackers. These items will be made into goody bags and delivered to the Canton Nursing Center, 321 Hospital Road in Canton, as well as the Brian Center, 50 Hospital Circle in Canton. Donations may be dropped off at the CRPA, 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200. The goal is to deliver 200 bags on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers to help fill the bags are also welcome. For more information, contact: Lindsey Collett at (770) 924-7768 or email her at lcollett@cherokeega.com.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Teen Republicans Collect for Papa’s Pantry The Cherokee County Teen Republicans collected and delivered canned food, collected by members, to Papa’s Pantry.

Accounting & Tax Services 3 Business Accounting 3 Bookkeeping 3 Payroll Services 3 Outsourced CFO 3 Personal Tax Returns 3 Business Tax Returns Jeffrey L. Jackson

Over 26 years ce! experien

Serving the Cherokee & Cobb County Areas

Call today to schedule your appointment.

(678) 919-1250

www.jjacksoncpa.com • info@jjacksoncpa.com TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Firefighters Promoted

Front row (left to right): Sgt. Brenden Hicks, Sgt. Chris Martin, Sgt. Bradley McDonald, Sgt. Jon Villalobos, Sgt. Justin Williams, Sgt. Angela Waagen and Sgt. Danny Birchell. Middle row: Lt. Alexander Adams, Lt. Scott Deal, Lt. Nathan Roper, Lt. Clay Cloud, Capt. Thomas Capps, Capt.

John H. Bennett and Capt. Mike Malone. Back row: Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather, Cherokee County Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson, Battalion Chief Thomas Pellitier, Battalion Chief Mark Orr, Battalion Chief Ricky Collett and Field Operations Chief Greg Erdely.

Seventeen Cherokee County firefighters were recently promoted. Ricky Collett, Mark Orr and Thomas Pellitier were promoted to battalion chiefs. There were also three firefighters that were promoted to captain and those recipients were John H. Bennett, Mike Malone and Thomas Capps. Gregory Deal, Alexander Adams, Nathan Roper and Clay Cloud were promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

Also, there were seven firefighters that were promoted to the rank of sergeant: Bradley McDonald, Riley Martin, Brenden Hicks, Danny Birchell, Angela Waagen, Justin Williams and Jon Villalobos.

MOMS Club Brings Joy to Seniors The MOMS Club of Woodstock-Towne Lake gave back to the residents of Savannah Grand by singing Christmas carols and giving them candy and toiletries.

Optimist Club Presents Checks to Shelter The Towne Lake Optimist presented two checks and Christmas gifts to John O’Sullivan, founder of St. Michael’s House Women’s Shelter. The House provides a nurturing home-like environment so former homeless residents and their children can establish stability in their lives. St. Michael’s is an extension of, and the continuation of the work done by St. Vincent de Paul Society to help build our community by addressing the needs of single mothers with young children.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

WE VOLUNTEER AND DONATE TO CHEROKEE SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS. BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT NEIGHBORS DO. Northside Hospital-Cherokee has given more than 10,000 volunteer hours and donated millions to Cherokee schools and charitable organizations. Because Cherokee County is not only the location of our hospital, it is our home. Most of our physicians and staff live right here.

Our children go to school with yours and we shop at the local grocery stores with you. Since becoming part of the community in 1997, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is committed to keeping this county great. Because, after all, it’s our home, too.

Cherokee’s community hospital.

Northside.com TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Community

That’s a Felony?

BY DOUGLAS B. ROHAN, ESQ. ROHAN LAW, PC

I was visiting a doctor’s office the other day when I saw a sign that instantly struck me as a great idea for an article. I have toyed around with the idea for a piece or a series that would outline actions or activity that you might engage in without realizing the seriousness of the situation: something you might do without realizing you were treading in some deep water, thereby exposing yourself to Doug Rohan is a bisignificant criminal penalties. lingual attorney and The sign in the doctor’s office owner of Rohan Law, PC specializing in auto read: WARNING - The Georgia accidents, workplace Criminal Code 16-13-43(a) injuries and criminal (6) makes it a felony not to defense. You can inform any physician prescribing email him at doug@ medications to you of other rohanlawpc.com. prescription drugs you are now receiving from another physician.

Now, doctors are not lawyers, and I will grant them some latitude in their efforts to simplify the language of the criminal code so they can reduce it to a notecard posted on the cabinet door; I would note that we are not talking about amoxicillin here. The code section references “controlled substances,” usually narcotic pain medication. We are talking about an individual who might be trying to obtain prescription pain medication from two separate physicians at the same time for the same injury. If this never occurred to you, then congratulations, you are a good Boy Scout or Girl Scout!

But the reality is that this is a serious problem and has really put our health care system in a bind. This has placed in conflict the need to have a shared database for prescription drugs and the need for an individual patient’s privacy.

The legislature sought a solution that would criminalize the “seeking” behavior with the strength of a felony punishment (up to eight years in prison and a $50,000 fine). But, as is often the case with drug addiction, the criminal penalties try to provide a rational approach to irrational behavior, with only limited success.

Other actions that the code section prohibits include possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery deceit, subterfuge or theft (a) (3); furnishing false or fraudulent material information or omitting material information from any application or report or other document or record required to be kept by law (a)(4); and to make, 12

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

“The legislature sought a solution that would criminalize the “seeking” behavior with the strength of a felony punishment (up to eight years in prison and a $50,000 fine).

But, as is often the case with drug addiction, the criminal penalties try to provide a rational approach to irrational behavior, with only limited success.” distribute or possess any materials or equipment that can be used to counterfeit the controlled substance (a)(5).

In addition, many people do not realize that OCGA 16-13-75 prohibits you from removing prescription medication from its original container. Even though this is only a misdemeanor offense, I thought it was important to include in this article.

I know many ladies who keep that little plastic baggie of ibuprofen in the bottom of their purses, but if you put any prescription medication in that same baggie, you could be sentenced to a maximum of 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. To be sure, it is rare if someone has to face that ultimate consequence. But just the trouble of getting arrested, bonding out and having your first day in court at arraignment just so you can show the state your prescription seems like it would be time consuming and embarrassing, when all you wanted to do was save some space.

Now, keep in mind that this is not an example of “The Man” out to get you or put you down. The police have little choice in the matter but to arrest someone when he or she has a prescribed narcotic out of the original container because 90 percent of all prescription medication found on the street for sale is not in its original containers. Put yourself in the shoes of the officer. He or she doesn’t know which individuals have a secret addiction to pain pills and which individuals are telling the truth about the bad car accident they were in last month.

So keep your prescription medication in their original bottles and be up front with your doctor.

It’s really not so much to ask when you understand what the state is up against in controlling controlled substances.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Community

Happy Birthday!

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Kylie Roe Age 10 on January 26 Love, Mom, Dad, Presley and Finley

Chloe Elizabeth Nolan Age 3 on May 6, 2013 Happy Birthday sweet girl! We are so blessed to be your mommy and daddy! Love, Daddy, Mommy, and little sister Abigail!

Rachel Hugenberg Age 12 on February 5 Daughter of Missy and Adam Hugenberg, Sister of Elizabeth

Skylar Wallace Age 14 on January 4 We love you to the moon and back. Happy Birthday! Love, Mom, Dad and Cullen

Kyle, Ryan and Emma Tipper Age 9 on February 23 9 is Divine!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Madalynn Franze Age 11 on February 1 We love you!

The Franz family

Jonathan Acosta Age 7 on February 20 Happy Birthday! We love you and are proud of you Love, Mom and Dad

Keoni Acosta Age 10 on February 15 Happy Birthday! We are excited to see the young man you are becoming.

Love, Mom and Dad

Chase Hardin Age 3 on February 3 Happy Birthday! Mommy and Daddy love you!

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Celebrations Anniversary

Anniversary Jesus and Evelyn Bruno will celebrate their 33rd Anniversary on February 7. May God bless us with many more years and everlasting love.

Doris and Robert Fearncombe will celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary on February 24.

Engagement

Anniversary

Travis Arnett and Chelsea May became engaged on December 17, 2013.

We love you and may God bless your lives together.

Nelson and Cindy Acosta will celebrate their 11th Anniversary on February 20

Wedding

Birth Justine Cecere and Joe Lemmo were married on November 23, 2013.

Joe is a Language Arts teacher at E.T. Booth Middle School, and Justine is a music teacher in Douglas County.

Abigail Kinley Nolan was born on January 14, 2013 8 lbs, 14 oz 22 ½ “ Welcome sweet girl!

We love you!

Mom, dad, and big sister Chloe!

Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free!

E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com. March deadline is February 10.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Community

Dividend Reinvestment and Compound Interest Their combined power must be recognized and appreciated.

BY DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Why reroute dividends back into your investments? Isn’t taking the income the preferred outcome when a dividend is produced?

Retirees and pre-retirees are eager for dividend income in this era of historically low interest rates. Even so, the choice to buy more shares has merit for the long run.

Reinvestment and Don Akridge is President compounding may have of Citadel CPA, Financial profoundly positive effects. As Planning & Investment a hypothetical example, let’s Services founded in say you own 100 shares of a 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain stock with a $10 share price.

Road between I-575 For the sake of mathematical & I-75 in Kennesaw. convenience, let’s say that this Phone 770-952-6707. stock maintains that share price while providing you with a three percent annual dividend. That three percent payment breaks down to a 0.75 percent quarterly dividend ($7.50 per quarter going to you). You choose to reinvest these payouts, buying more shares each quarter. So after one quarter, you own 100.75 shares of that stock (valued at $1,007.50), and a year later, you own 103.034 shares (valued at $1,030.34). Your annual yield effectively improved from 3 percent to 3.34 percent.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

That’s after one year. The big picture, even with such a simple example, is easily grasped here. While past performance is no indicator of future results, some recent stock market history illuminates the power of dividend reinvestment and compounding further.

Bears reference the “lost decade” of the 2000s, but dividend trends from that era certainly put stock market investing in a more positive light. Even with the 2000-02 bear market and 2008 downturn, S&P (Standard and Poor’s) 500 firms increased their dividends by an average of 5.46 percent in a 10-year stretch that witnessed both those market setbacks. In the same 10-year period, DJIA (Down Jones Industrial Average) companies boosted their dividends by an average of 7.07 percent per year, while NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) firms bumped up theirs by an annual average of 45.38 percent! If an investor put $100,000 into a hypothetical investment that performed similarly to the DJIA on January 1, 2000, simple price appreciation would have taken its value north to more than $105,000 by January 1, 2012. Yet across the same 12 market years, that hypothetical $100,000 invested with dividends would have grown to approximately $141,000 by the start of 2012.

More than 80 percent of S&P 500 firms pay dividends. In September 2013, 83 percent of stocks in the index were issuing dividend payments – the most in 15 years – with dividends from 99 firms at 3 percent or better. Some firms paid them out even as they lost money.

Think about DRIPs. About 1,000 publicly traded firms offer continued on page 82

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Feature

Roses

Tournament of

Marriage is one of the most complicated, yet rewarding, commitments two people can make to one another. It has its struggles and challenges, but in the end, being one with another person and sharing life’s journey makes those bumps in the road worth it.

Every year a marriage anniversary comes around is reason to celebrate, especially for those couples who have enjoyed longevity in their union. The TowneLaker is joining in that celebration as we honor this year’s Wedding day Tournament of Roses winners, Doris and Bob Fearncombe, who will have been married for 69 years on February 24.

Every now and then, you come across a couple and think, “I hope we grow up to be just like them.” Doris and Bob are such a couple.

Originally from Canada, they met while both were working in a war plant. He was working as an apprentice in the tool

Doris and Bob 18

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

and die division, and she worked in the production area. After dating for three or so years, they became engaged, and on February 24, 1945, they began their life together. She was 21, and he was 22.

Bob was in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and Doris continued to work until her first child, Wendy, was born. Over the years, the couple had four more children: Robert, Lauren, Judy and Gary. The couple immigrated to the United States in 1956, settling in Michigan, where Bob opened a tool and die shop. At 49, Doris went back to work on the line at General Motors. At the time, women on the line were extremely uncommon and according to Doris, not exactly welcomed. “When I was hired, there was one other woman working line, and she was in her 20s. She ended up quitting. My boss probably expected me to quit, too, but I ended up working the line for 12½ years!”

In 1984, they both retired. Wanting to move out of Michigan, they began their search for their retirement destination. Being adventurous souls, they spent winters in Acapulco, Guadalajara, Canary Islands, Citrus Springs, Fla., and Columbia, S.C., before settling on Georgia. “We probably would have retired in the Canary Islands, but we didn’t want to be so far away from our family,” recalled Doris. Daughter Lauren and son Gary lived in Georgia, and in 1994, Doris and Bob bought a house in Eagle Watch, where they remain today.

They are blessed by five grandchildren and six great-

Granddaughter Ashley

The Fearncombes’ 50th anniversary

grandchildren, and at 91 years old, they are still very active. Bob enjoys maintaining his lawn (much to the chagrin of his children, who would prefer he take it easy and use a lawn service), and Doris enjoys baking. Doris’ love of adventures hasn’t waned over the years, and she has gone on several overseas trips with daughter Lauren.

At the end of our visit, each was presented with a simple question to answer: What do you love most about your spouse? As you can imagine, being married for nearly 69 years gives one a lot to love and admire. Bob said, “Doris has a tremendous amount of care and compassion for others. And she has an amazing memory.” Doris responded, “One of his best qualities that I’ve always admired is his honesty. And he’s always been a true gentleman, very polite and nice.”

Congratulations Doris and Bob on 68 (and counting!) years of marriage! You truly are an inspiration!

Great granddaughter Sydney

Great-grandchildren (Left to right): Zander, Maya, Ben and Sierra

Honorable Mentions Lonnie and Lee Ayers — 73 years

Glandon and Joan Sheppard — 52 years

The Ayerses were featured as our Tournament of Roses winners in 2010!

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

19

Community

Cherokee County Real Estate in Review Cherokee County Real Estate Year inEstate Review Cherokee County RealYear Year in Review Cherokee County Real Estate Year in Review

BY SHEILA & KURT JOHNSON

We are pleased tothat report housing market in Cherokee County continued We are pleased to report the that housing market Cherokee County continued to County show to show We are pleased tothe report that in the housing market in Cherokee continued to show strong improvement by every measure in 2013.

Homes sold faster, for more money and money and strong improvement by every measure inby 2013.

Homes soldinfaster, for more sold money and strong improvement every measure 2013.

Homes faster, for more We are pleased to report the housing inthat Cherokee County continued their listThe price.

The datathat is showing us market though, while we will still seeto show strong for morefor ofmore their of list price. data is showing us though, that while we will still see for more of their listmeasure price. The dataHomes is showing us though, that while we will still see improvement by pace every in 2013. sold faster, for money improvement inthe 2014, of these improvements will be more leveling off and for for more of their list improvement in 2014, pacethe ofin these improvements will soon be soon leveling off for improvement 2014, the pace of these improvements will soon be leveling off forof these price.not The data isconstructed) showing us though, that while we will still see improvement in 2014, the pace resales (homes newly in Cherokee County. resales (homes not resales newly constructed) in Cherokee County. (homes not newly constructed) in Cherokee County. improvements will soon be leveling off for resales (homes not newly constructed) in Cherokee County.

Homes forpercent 17.50 percent moreper money perfoot square foot in 2013 thanWith 2012. the Homes sold for sold 17.50 more money square inper 2013 than 2012. theWith Homessold sold for 17.50 percent more money square foot in 2013 than 2012.

With average Homes for 17.50 percent more money per square foot in 2013 than 2012.theWith the average single family home selling for an average of 14.54 percent more (or $26,785 average single family home selling for an average of 14.54 percent more (or $26,785 single family home selling for an average of 14.54 percent more (or $26,785 more on average).

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We expect the exuberant demand for resales will calm in 2014 as new home construction We expect the exuberant demand for resales will calm in 2014 as new home construction Partners and have served expect the demand for resales will calm in home 2014 ashome newconstruction home construction We expect theexuberant exuberant demand for resales will calm in new 2014 as new resumes itsWe pre-crash pace of 1,000-plus home sales per year.

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LastPrior year, new home construction accounted 11.38 percent of the homes sold.

Prior to construction the construction only accounted for 11.38 percent the total homes sold. the 10 years. Visit them online construction only accounted fortotal 11.38 percent ofPrior theconstructed. total sold.

Prior the than 1 inmore 2008, 1 inof4sold homes sold were newly effect, accounted formore 11.38 percent the homes sold. to theInhomes housing crash in 2008,tomore housinghousing crash in crash 2008, than 1 inthan 4 homes were newly constructed. effect,In at www.KurtandSheila.com housing 2008, more than 1 in 4effect, homes sold newly constructed. effect, will increase thecrash overall supply ofconstructed. homes and our market ofthe aseller's strong seller's willthis increase the supply of homes and move our market out ofwere a out strong in overall 4 homes sold in were newly Inmove this will increase overall supply ofInhomes and or call (404)this 954-2486. this will increase the overall supply of homes and move our market out of a strong seller's market and into a more stable balanced market. market and into a more balanced market. movestable our market out of a strong seller’s market and into a more stable balanced market. market and into a more stable balanced market.

Market conditions are still ideal for sellers and should be improving even more for buyers as we move into a more balanced Market conditions still forand sellers andbe should be improving even for buyers Market conditions are still are ideal forideal sellers should improving even more formore buyers market, provided interest rates remain low. as we move into a more balanced market, provided interest rates remain low. as we move into a more balanced market, provided interest rates remain low.

Market conditions are still ideal for sellers and should be improving even more for buyers as we move into a more balanced market, provided interest rates remain low.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Continuing an American Tradition of Non-Compliance in Georgia

BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL CALDWELL

Four cases settled by the U.S. Supreme Court spanning from 1872 to 2012 have set a legal precedent that the court referred to as the “AntiCommandeering Doctrine.”

This legal precedent strictly prohibits the federal government from “commandeering” state governments by dedicating their resources without the consent of the states themselves.

Under this legal basis, Michael Caldwell is the several states across the Union state representative for District 20, which are introducing legislation to covers Towne Lake and restrict the federal government Woodstock. He can from hijacking state resources be reached at (678) through the Patient Protection 523-8570 or email and Affordable Care Act him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com.

(ACA) otherwise known as “Obamacare.” This federal act— through various measures such as the push for expansion of Medicaid, establishment of “staterun” health care exchanges and utilization of state universities to deploy Obamacare “navigators” to educate the public about the act (along with many more)—seeks to utilize state resources in order to implement a federal program.

Georgia has taken a stand on many of these points so far and elected not to participate. Over the last few weeks, several legislators and myself introduced HB 707, The Georgia Healthcare Freedom and ACA Noncompliance Act. This bill would prohibit any state agent, agency or resource from being utilized for the purpose of implementing provisions of the ACA. Shortly after the introduction of HB 707, the Obama administration tweeted that the act is, “the law of the land.”

Our initiative does not debate that. This measure simply says to the federal government, “If you want it, you will pay for it and implement it.” Assuming HB 707 passes, the ACA will remain the law of the land in Georgia, but Georgians won’t be paying for its implementation through their state tax dollars.

This is especially important due to our state’s constitutional requirement that we pass an annual balanced budget. For every dollar that we increase health care costs to the state (which is nowhere stated in our constitution to be a responsibility of the state), we must deduct a dollar from other services such as education (which is a constitutionally enumerated “primary obligation” of the state) and public safety. To illustrate this, Georgia’s Department of Community Health has already requested $100 million in funding for implementation of the ACA in 2015. That would have to come from another line item in the budget. Implementation has cost us $26 million in the

“Assuming HB 707 passes, the ACA will remain the law of the land in Georgia, but Georgians won’t be paying for its implementation through their state tax dollars.”

FY14 budget that is currently in effect.

It is equally important to understand how the ACA is affecting Georgians. First, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, as of Dec. 11, 2013,, there were fewer than 7,000 Georgians who had selected a marketplace health care plan afforded by the ACA. However, nearly 400,000 Georgians had lost their current plans due to ACA’s implementation.

That’s a negative gain in covered Georgians of more than 393,000 plans. In addition to cancellations, according to the Manhattan Institute1 every age bracket in Georgia will see an increase in health care premiums under the ACA ranging from 50 percent to 154 percent.

Some costs to the state will remain unavoidable. The “wood working principle” is a natural effect of the implementation of the act. When a Georgian goes to www.healthcare.gov to seek out his or her eligibility for coverage in order to avoid resulting fines for those without insurance, the portal notifies the person whether he or she is eligible for state paid Medicaid. This is resulting in a staggering number of new enrollees who were previously eligible but did not have a need for the service. This cost will be borne by the state regardless of compliance or noncompliance with the ACA, which makes it even more important that we do not add additional burden on state resources for a plan the state legislature and governor did not endorse or design.

Health care in this country, specifically the regulations surrounding it, has many problems. Obamacare’s passage has not solved those problems. Instead, it has increased them exponentially as providers, regulators, states, insurers, patients, etc. strive to maneuver increased costs and burdens to obtain care. There have been many alternative solutions offered on both sides of the aisle. It is my hope that we can begin to hear these put forward and debated to bring about real health care reform in our country.

If you have any concerns about HB 707, health care or any other issue, feel free to reach out to me You can also join me at 9 a.m. on Saturdays for Weekly Coffee with District 20 at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in our General Assembly.

1

http://www.manhattan-institute.org/knowyourrates/ TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Community

Is Your Child Exhibiting a Reading Problem?

BY TIM GRADY

Mr. Tim Grady is a senior strategist and business adviser with NetMark International, serves on the board of The Wildlife Sanctuary in Ellijay, is on the advisory council for Papa’s Pantry and The Master’s Training Center, host of Manufacturing Talk Radio, and is the former chair of Furtah Preparatory School. He can be reached by emailing timgrady01@gmail.com.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Remember when you were in grade school, and the teacher called on each student to read aloud? Did you ever wonder why?

I always thought it was punishment for something I hadn’t yet done (but probably would do later), or to embarrass or intimidate me, both of which it did to read aloud. But lo and behold, there was actually an important reason to have students read aloud. It was to listen and discover if they had a reading issue, and there are many subtle ones that have vast ramifications.

You may have recently heard or read that some college athletes “play like men but read like boys.”

And not just at this college or that college. It’s commonplace. And it isn’t that these college studentathletes are reading a little below their college grade level. Many are not reading at a high school level.

Some are not reading at a middle

school level, and a few are reading below the fourth grade level.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, scholastic.com reports that twothirds of eighth-graders cannot read at their grade level. The New York Daily News reports that the average high school student across the country reads books at the fifth grade level, while another report cites that more than 60 percent of high school graduates cannot read at the 12th grade level. Shocked? Just wait—there’s more!

Students who cannot read at their grade level show it in ways you might not imagine. As the student advances into grades where coursework requires more reading and comprehension, their frustration increases and their grades and behavior decrease.

They argue at home, fight with their siblings, become withdrawn, are socially surly and are seemingly inattentive in the classroom.

Consequently, they are viewed as “problem kids” and “talked down to and taught down to,” making them feel even more inferior and incompetent, which exacerbates the behavior and learning issues instead of correcting them.

If left uncorrected, this deficiency will translate into a host of issues in college and the workplace, because reading is the basis for writing, mathematics, vocabulary, clear communication and cognitive thinking. In fact, there are hundreds of thousands of unfilled jobs in manufacturing because employers cannot find applicants who can perform the basic math or have the cognitive thinking skills required for the job. continued on pg 82

FEBRUARY EVENTS CALENDAR Through April 12

Unearthing the Past: Archaeology in Cherokee County Times: 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and

Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays Location: Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors

Center, 100 North St., Suite 140, Canton Information: This exhibit will explore the past 80 years of archaeological investigations in Cherokee County, highlight some of the more than 1,000 archaeological sites in the area and feature rarely seen artifacts found in Cherokee County.

Admission is free. www.rockbarn.org.

Starting Feb. 7

St. Michael the Archangel Preschool Registration Time: 9 a.m.

Location: 490 Arnold Mill Road Information: For ages 2-5. A registration information meeting will be held on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. Visit www.saintmichaelcc.org or call (678) 213-1517.

March 1

NOWAMOM Kids Consignment Sale Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (Bring this announcement

and get in at 8 a.m.)

Location: Sandy Plains Baptist Church,

825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta Information: Brand name clothing for all ages, nursery and toddler furniture, CDs, DVDS, shoes and more. Cash, debit and credit cards accepted.

March 13-15

Due West Consignment Sale Times: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: Due West United Methodist Church,

3956 Due West Road, Marietta Information: Admission is free and strollers are welcome. Gently used children, teen and junior clothing, formal wear, school uniforms, furniture and more. Email duewesttreasurechest@ yahoo.com or visit duewest.org/community/consignment sale

Feb. 9

Cut-A-Thon for Locks of Love Time: 1–5 p.m.

Location: Kelly’s Salon, Salon Suites, 1105 Parkside Lane,

Suite 1000, #9 Information: Organized by Etowah High School senior Skyler Smith for her senior project. Haircuts will be free, and all donations will go to Locks of Love.

Feb. 15

Guns & Hoses 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Time: 7:30 a.m. fun run, 8 a.m. 5K Location: $30 for 5K registration. $15 for Fun Run. Registration is open for the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency’s eighth annual event to raise money for charities. The charity selected by the Cherokee County Fire Department is the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office chose the Cherokee Sheriff’s Foundation. At registration, participants can pick the team they want to represent and a portion of the fee will go to the charity. To register, visit http:// gunshoses5kandfunrun.blogspot.com.

For more details, contact Kate Borden at (404) 445-6931 or kborden@cherokeega.com.

Feb. 17- 21

Winter Wonder Camp Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Location: Towne Lake Community Church,

132 N. Medical Pkwy.

Information: $90 per participant. Register before Feb. 12.

There will be games, crafts, movies and more. (678) 445-8766, ext. 203, or email camp@tlcchurch.com.

Sequoyah Regional Library System Events www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek Library 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy Woodstock Library 7735 Main St.

Rose Creek Story Times Family—10:30 a.m. on Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 Woodstock Story Times Lapsit—10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 Family—10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 Family story times are designed for families with children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. These programs often feature stories, music, rhymes and a free craft activity.

Toddler Lapsit story times are designed for children, ages 1 to 3 only, with participating adults. These programs often feature books, songs and activities that encourage early literacy.

Special Programs

Income Tax Preparation Assistance — AARP will be assisting with income tax return preparation.

Woodstock — noon-4 p.m. on Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 George Russell, formerly with the Internal Revenue Service, will offer income tax return preparation assistance.

Rose Creek — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Feb. 1 Woodstock — 2-6 p.m., by appointment only, on Feb. 2, 9 and 23. For appointments call (404) 509-2826.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Community

Pregnancy is Tough on Husbands

BY MIKE LITREL, MD

The other day, I saw a pregnant patient whose ultrasound showed a healthy baby the size of a peanut, its tiny heart beating rapidly. My patient’s young husband stood nearby with a happy grin on his face, clutching the photos of his unborn child. The expectant mother was smiling too, but she obviously didn’t feel well. I asked her what was wrong.

Dr. Mike Litrel has authored “I’m nauseous,” she hundreds of articles and answered. “And no matter two books on the faithhealth connection. He is what I do, I belch all day long.” a board certified OB/GYN “Oh my gosh, Doctor, does and specialist in pelvic she ever!” her husband reconstructive surgery chimed in, his smile fading. at Cherokee Women’s “You’ve got to help her!”

Health Specialists in Roswell and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel “She’s pretty miserable, I can be reached at www. imagine,” I observed. cherokeewomenshealth.com “It’s not just that,” he explained. “She belches during mealtime —breakfast, lunch, dinner…it’s making me sick!” Eyebrows knitted, he placed a hand on his stomach as the memory of unpleasant mealtime sounds brought a green hue to his complexion.

His wife nodded her head sympathetically. “Yeah, he’s really having a tough time,” she said seriously.

Once again, I was reminded why I like taking care of women more than I do men. I have seen women sometimes embody a selflessness akin to Divine Love. It’s rewarding to give them the medical care they so often postpone while taking care of others.

But I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit some empathy with the young husband, too. My marriage was wonderful before Ann became pregnant. All that female generosity, focused like a laser beam right on me: meals, laundry, a clean house, even someone willing to listen to all my boring conversation and pretend to be interested.

All that changed when Ann got pregnant. Ann suffered profound nausea – off and on all day, every day. This was confusing. Something called “morning sickness” should end by noontime, no? I was a recent med school graduate in my first year of OB/GYN residency, knee-deep studying the physiology of pregnancy. The 20th edition of Williams Obstetrics clearly stated that “this so called morning sickness of pregnancy usually commences during the early part of the day but passes in a few hours…” Obviously Ann wasn’t reading the same textbooks I was.

I informed Ann that although no one knows what causes the nausea or what purpose it serves, it’s a sign of a healthy pregnancy. Hunched over clutching the toilet bowl, she didn’t 24

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

“As a young husband with a pretty, talented wife, I had become accustomed to being surrounded with beauty and the sounds of music in our home. Not to sounds of retching.” seem appropriately reassured.

As a young husband with a pretty, talented wife, I had become accustomed to being surrounded with beauty and the sounds of music in our home. Not to sounds of retching.

I remember this was a tough time in our married life.

Nevertheless, I tried my very best to encourage Ann, and despite my youth, made sure I was extra solicitous and loving in my communications with her…

“Sweetheart, what’s for dinner?”

“Sweetheart, do I have any clean underwear?”

“Sweetheart, does this tie match this shirt?”

In retrospect, I can see that my early approach to husbandly love had a few limitations. But I was genuinely befuddled.

What happened to the rosy, happy glow of motherhood I had been expecting… you know, the one that graces all those pregnancy magazine covers? I was pretty sure that the fairy tale of marriage didn’t include the beautiful princess running to the bathroom, hand covering her mouth just as the prince was sitting down to enjoy his supper.

Ann threw up one last time the day before her cesarean section. She was at work and made sure not to bother anyone. The next morning, I stood beside her in the operating room as one of my obstetrics professors removed our son from her uterus. Tyler’s cries soon filled the operating room. The surgical team focused all efforts on stopping Ann’s bleeding.

As a young surgeon, I knew the blood pouring from her body was par for the course. But there was still a lot of it.

I looked at my beautiful wife as the surgeons were closing her abdomen. Ann smiled at me weakly. It had been a tough nine months.

I suppose it had been rough on her, too.

Understanding how much mothers and wives sacrifice, compared to what we husbands offer, is one of the stepping stones toward manhood. A boy thinks first of himself and expects others to give to him again and again. There are plenty of smiling boys with grey hair who remain self-centered and are certainly unhappy. A man appreciates what he has been given, understands what God wants – and dedicates himself to giving to those around him. It’s an uphill walk, but it’s the path we climb to happiness and fulfillment. ©Copyright 2014

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

25

Lifestyle

EVERYDAY

“There are no words, just tears!

Overwhelmed is an understatement.

We are grateful for the people who have selflessly given their time, energy and funds to make our lives easier these past two years. The love, prayers, and encouragement we have received are truly priceless.” Tyler and Pam Rolison If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.townelaker.com/ everydayangels to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, 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.

In the short time since the December issue hit the mailboxes, Everyday Angels has been flooded with requests to help quadriplegic Tyler Rolison, a 19-year-old injured two years ago in a car accident.

Everyday Angels wants to share with you the overwhelming response that reflects the caring community in which we live: Matthew Scott, owner of Scott Plumbing, immediately visited with Tyler and his mom, Pam, to discuss installing a handicapped shower for Ty. Within weeks, a shower was installed in the garage, and now Ty can simply roll from his kitchen to his garage for daily showers rather than having to travel to the Shepherd Center twice a week.

A reader shared Ty’s story with his corporate community outreach foundation, which sent a $500 donation to assist them.

A Guldmann Ceiling Hoist System has been ordered and should be installed by the time this article is published.

A local progressive dinner group chose to skip the traditional gift exchange and donate $1,000 toward the purchase of his lift system.

Both large and small donations from readers allowed us to purchase items from Ty’s wish list.

He now has a quadriplegic Xbox controller and is able to play games online with his friends.

A local family with a special needs son, generously paid the balance necessary to order Ty’s Lift system, as well as a touch- screen camera that he wanted. This family also showered Pam with pampering gifts and clothing because they understand and have great respect for the daily sacrifices she makes for her son.

In February, some Woodstock High School students will coordinate the removal of carpet and professional installation of hardwood floors in Ty’s bedroom and living area so that he can get around easier.

Everyday Angels would like to thank our readers. Your trust and support of our ministry has allowed us to make a positive difference in the lives of many this past year. May God bless you for blessings others.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Coming Soon

summer

camps

To be included in our summer camp guide please send your information to editor@townelaker.com Deadline is February 10.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

27

Lifestyle

Chore Day

BY KARA KIEFER

Saturday mornings is our Chore Day—laundry, house cleaning, mowing and everything “fun” in between.

And like many who share these chores with their spouse, there is his way (the wrong way) and my way (the right way).

Laundry—Neither one of us enjoys doing laundry, so we take turns. I don’t like that he generates almost twice as much laundry as Kara Kiefer is the editor I do, and he doesn’t like that I am of the Townelaker. She super picky with how my clothing lives in Towne Lake is handled, mainly from the washer with her husband Mike to the dryer. Not realizing that you and sons Brandon and don’t put EVERYTHING in a hot Garrett. dryer, he has shrunk many pairs of my jeans, dress pants, sweaters and more. I tried to simplify things by telling him that if went below my waist, it didn’t go in the dryer. This almost worked until he shrank one of my favorite dresses by putting it in the dryer.

It was then that I did the unthinkable—I purchased my own laundry hamper.

I made this bold move as a way to separate the items I wanted handled differently and by me alone. He read something entirely different into the purchase—that I would no longer do his laundry, and he was not happy with that prospect.

However, the purchase of this hamper caused a significant shift in how he handled my laundry. He began to take the time to sort through the laundry, noting what items would need special care, and I’m happy to say, it’s been a long time since anything was shrunk or mishandled. We continue to share the chore we both detest, and that hamper? It sits empty in the corner of the bedroom, just in case.

Cords and Hoses—When it comes to winding up those big electrical extension cords and hoses, we definitely have differing opinions on how it should be done. If you consult a “how-to” manual, his way is probably, technically, the “correct” way. For the cords, he winds them in a nice and neat figure eight with the ends connected to one another and hangs them ever so neatly in the workroom. My method is to wind the cords in large circles; hanging is optional. In fact, that’s my preference for the vacuum cords as well—one large circle haphazardly thrown over the neck of the appliance— not neatly wound in a figure eight around the hooks.

For our various hoses, he prefers to have them wound up on a spool or hung on a hook attached to the house. I, on the other hand, have a tendency to shove the hose under the bushes or toss it into a pile on the side yard, where no one can see.

He doesn’t complain about the way I wind the electrical cords, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed by him. In fact, I will occasionally find the vacuums with their cords all neatly 28

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

“...like many who share these chores with their spouse, there is his way (the wrong way) and my way (the right way).” wrapped in those annoying figure eights—not like I like it, and he knows it. Touché.

So we have come to a compromise. I still wind the electrical cords my way, but I did make a promise to always wind up the hoses the way he likes. And he has promised to stop “figure eighting” my vacuums.

Musings From Towne: Valentine’s Day Memories

BY ROBYN HOHENSEE

It’s 1970, and I am 9 years old sitting at my desk in school with a shoebox, tinfoil, scissors, glue and glitter trying to construct a decent looking Valentine’s Day box to hold the valentines I will get from my classmates. Miss Shawaker, my young and very nice teacher, instructs the class, “Use your imaginations Robyn Hohensee has resided because the most creative in Towne Lake with her husband Todd for 17 years. box will win a nice prize She is currently working on a to be presented at the children’s book and an adult Valentine’s Day party. fiction novel.

Have fun!”

Feel free to contact her at Wanting to win the prize Robyn561@yahoo.com. motivated me to put all of my thought and effort into making my Valentine’s Day box the very best. To pass out to my classmates, I had picked the best box of Valentine’s Day cards that suited my 9-year-old sensibilities.

Some would say: “Be My Valentine, Baby” “I’m Sweet On You, Sugar” “Valentine, You’re Really Groovy” (it was the ’70s after all) I spent a long time picking out the perfect card for the right classmate. I would sign my name with hearts neatly drawn around it for effect. Then I would seal the envelopes and place each card in my decorated box to be brought

“I was happy to get all of the valentines, but particularly the one from my crush Toby. I would cherish his for all of fourth grade. ” to school the following day. I hoped so much that my box would be the best because I loved to win prizes!

At the party, we passed out our valentines to each classmate and then sat at our desks to read them. I was happy to get all of the valentines, but particularly the one from my crush Toby. I would cherish his for all of fourth grade. My classmates were raving about their valentines.

“Look how many I got!” “How many did you get?” and various other squeals of delight filled the classroom to a crescendo. Miss Shawaker put her hands over her ears and admonished us.

“Keep it down, kids. You don’t want Principal Dunn to hear us, do you?”

We all carried on a bit quieter (but not much) because we loved Miss Shawaker, but feared Principal Dunn (and the wrath of our parents). I lost the prize for best box, but I didn’t care. My valentine from Toby was good enough for me.

Today, Valentine’s Day is less innocent, but just as nice in its own way. I do look forward to that big box of chocolates my husband brings me each year. I think about the Valentine’s Day of my youth as I drop each chocolate in my mouth, and boy are they both sweet!

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Lifestyle

TLBA SPOTLIGHT American Family Insurance David Goings Agency

The David Goings Agency is about family.

The agency will gladly customize an insurance protection package that protects your family and keeps them safe. High quality products and services, at a fair price, give you peace of mind that you will be protected if something bad happens. And if it does, they are there to help you – fast. Sometimes, they cut checks on the spot if a client has a claim, which is unusual for an insurance company. The agency is about outstanding service. Whether buying a policy, filing a claim or considering new coverage options, experience and counsel is always available to you through a call or click away.

The agency backs up its promises with financial strength. It’s a mutual company, which means the agency continually invests with the best interest of its clients in mind. Its clients are the owners and not beholden to stockholders. The agency uses its profit to maintain a strong financial position that allows it to keep its promises to clients and protect them from unexpected losses.

The David Goings Agency mission is to be the most trusted and valued service-driven insurance company and agency. American Family holds an “A” rating with A.M. Best and offers auto, homeowners, life, commercial and farm/ranch insurance.

David has lived in Towne Lake for nine years with his wife and four sons.

Visit www.DavidGoingsAgency.com or call (770) 250-0801 for more information.

TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Towne Lake Business Association’s (TLBA) 12th Annual TLBA Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Awards are just around the corner. Scholarships in the amount $1,000 will be awarded to two graduating seniors, one each at Etowah and Woodstock High Schools. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated entrepreneurial enthusiasm and spirit, in addition to academic achievement, during his or her high school career.

If you are or someone you know is a senior who attends either school, please be sure to contact your school counselors beginning in the latter part of February and ask for an application for the TLBA Entrepreneurial Scholarship. You also can email gjsnyder@ bellsouth.net to request an application.

Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop

Tuesday, February 18, 12:30 — 2 p.m.

Preparing a Marketing Plan for Your Business, presented by Don Kyle of Small Bizz MBA. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events by email to jstaughton@renasant.com.

Help us welcome our newest member, Metal Salon.

As always, thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.”

Visit us at tlba.org.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Winterize Your Hair

BY TIM TIMMONS

While snowflakes are in the air and Jack Frost is nipping at our noses, it’s no wonder that your beauty routine has taken somewhat of a beating. Winter doesn’t only bring snow and cold temperatures, it also brings a new blend of hair havocs. Dry air, blowing snow, wind, static and indoor heat can cause your hair to misbehave, look dull and downright drab. Luckily, winterizing your hair can be as simple as switching up Tim Timmons is the owner your shampoo and conditioner or of Salon Gloss. Tim has been a hairstylist for 13 adding a leave-in moisturizer to years and has extensive your daily regimen. Take a look at industry experience. the following cold weather hair Tim can be reached at challenges and solutions on how to (678) 483-8900. winterize your locks.

Problem: Static You get to your destination and realize you have a mound of static hair around your face.

Solution: Put away your summer hair conditioner and consult with your stylist to find one with a higher PH level. The higher the PH level, the more it will counteract with the static. You’ll have less static in your hair the more you condition it, so also use a leave-in conditioner in a spray or a cream. It will also keep your hair from getting dry.

Problem: Breakage Your normally lustrous locks seem fragile and break whenever they’re touched.

Solution: Never go outside with your hair wet or damp! You can freeze the hair, and it becomes very easy to break, even on healthy, strong hair. To help boost your hair’s strength, try a deep conditioning treatment once a week that is rich in protein to help prevent damage. Put it on towel-dried hair and cover your head in a shower cap or towel and leave it on for 20 minutes. Be sure to get a regular trim- even if you’re growing it out to keep the ends soft and healthy and your hair style fresh.

Problem: Indoor heat Indoor heat can leave your hair looking dull and dry and your color looking flat.

Solution: Think of your hair just like your skin in the winter months. The cold outside and the indoor heat can make your skin dry; it does the same to your hair. Pump up your conditioning and steer clear of excess heat styling as much as possible. In addition, use shampoos and conditioners specifically for color-treated hair to keep your hair shiny and healthy. Ingredients in these particular products are designed to lock the hair’s cuticle down to seal the color molecules within the hair. The sealed cuticle gives off more light reflection, giving brilliant shine to your hair.

Remember, as the temperatures drop, an extra dose of TLC and a little prep becomes necessary to maintain your luscious locks.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Lifestyle

Grocery Store Chatter

BY DEE LOCKLIN

Know that I’m the annoying woman next to you in the grocery store, determined to strike up a conversation and become your best friend even though you are clearly frazzled and simply trying to get home to feed four hungry kids.

Certainly you recognize me.

I’m the one who stood next to you in the dairy section, exclaiming that the price of eggs sure had gone up. You nodded Dee Locklin is retired half-heartedly and muttered from Georgia State something about poultry feed University. She lives and transportation costs. Yes, in Towne Lake with I know the market forces. But husband Lewis and son Taylor in a I was only trying to connect cluttered home filled in that sometimes annoying, with love and lots friendly Southern way. of dust bunnies.

Get over it; it’s in our genes.

Contact Dee at Southern women are not happy dlocklin89@gmail.com unless we continuously chatter with others. We encounter friends and strangers and initiate light conversation because we see it as the courteous thing to do. Anthropologists can explain our behavior from a cultural perspective, but it doesn’t matter. Too late; I’m a Southern gal.

Now, I do admit that my chatter accelerated after I retired.

After all, my previous career days were spent in constant interaction with others, and any success on my part was a result of effective interpersonal skills – building trust, expressing positive persuasion, managing relationships. Yes,

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I had expertise in my field. But I will go to my grave swearing that the research is correct: 15 percent of job-related stress can be attributed to the technical aspects of a job. The remaining 85 percent relates to interpersonal relationships.

Good chatter matters.

Therefore, my Southern tendencies were enhanced by years of valuing contact, collaboration and connection with others in my professional life. And when I retired in 2011, I found myself a bit too isolated from others. So the initiation of conversations with strangers in the lettuce aisle of the produce section soon followed. Know that several friends were also made near the ice cream freezer.

Anecdotally, I have observed some things regarding various responses to my uninvited chatter. Generally, working moms – identified by their attire and that exhausted look in their eyes – smile politely and move on when I try to strike up a conversation. I am not stereotyping. I know the look of these moms because I was one. And they are justified in their reluctance to get distracted. Their plates are full.

Retired women and widows immediately respond to my banter. I know their status because they offer their life details freely. They will talk to me for as long as I am available to listen, which if often 30 minutes or more. I guess they are just like me – in need of connection and affirmation in a world that too often overlooks the value of those on a different journey, those traveling down a different passage.

Do me a favor, please. When you see me socializing in the grocery store, understand that my smile and my banter is a reflection of my joy in Southern life, in being a part of the Towne Lake community and in finding peace in retirement. I love my journey. And I can point you toward all the weekly specials. All for the small price of a friendly smile and a minute of chitchat.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

33

Lifestyle

Aging, And Why Men Should Avoid It

BY MATT NEAL

When I see a young woman glance at me, I have to keep reminding myself that she is not flirting with me. She’s just trying to examine me like the big ape at the zoo.

As a married man, it’s not that I want to flirt with other women. But that used to be my decision. As I get older, I realize that I don’t have any choice in the matter.

My wife looks basically the Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived same as when I met her. When in Woodstock with his I show people old photos of wife since 1999. He has her, there’s not much difference a daughter who turns between then and now. But shoeboxes into dollhouses, a when people see my old photos, son who fights those stealthy ninjas, and a wife, Diane, they look from the photo to who provides patience, me, look me up and down and compassion and a kick in the say, “Sheesh, what happened to pants when needed. you?” That gives me a warm, mattnealwriter@yahoo.com happy feeling that lasts all day.

But I still find myself pulling out those old photos and showing them around. It’s as if I’m trying to justify myself. “See, I used to be normal.”

I know it must be hard for my wife, so I try to fool her into thinking I still look young. I’m like those toy dolls where all the limbs are connected by a string. You pull the string, and he stands up straight. You let it go and he falls down in a heap.

Most of my life these days is spent in that heap. But in those special moments when my wife gives me that loving look, it’s like someone pulled that string. I stand up straighter, suck in

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my gut and tighten my butt. I try to flex when she hugs me, like it’s my natural state, and give her my best James Bond smile. Then she leaves the room, and I let out my breath, and everything falls to pieces. I have to sit down for a few minutes and catch my breath. She never catches on. That’s what 40 plus years of experience has taught me.

Our society obsesses over looks. Watching TV is a non-stop parade of beautiful people. It’s hard not to get a complex when you used to compare yourself to the leading man, but now realize you look more like the crazy old villain with wild hair. Learning to accept the way others see us is one of the hardest things for a middle-aged man. It can be depressing.

Some days I find myself lying around in sweatpants and sweatshirt with uncombed hair and unshaven face. What’s the point in trying to look better? I’m sure most men feel that way at times. It’s not that I want to look grungy; it’s that trying to look my best has brought disappointing results.

But then I have to remind myself of the one thing that separates men from other animals. No, it’s not something hokey like our intelligence or ability to create art. It’s that we men, unlike that big ape, can clean ourselves up and try to look our best for the ones we love. So my choice is to either try to look as good as I can for my age, or sit on that tire swing and eat a banana. My kids may not care that I don’t look young anymore. But they certainly do care that I look like a hobo in front of their friends. And I may not look like the same man my wife married, but what’s important is that I care what she thinks about me. I know she appreciates that. Time teaches us there is more to a relationship than looks. If we want to accept how our spouses look when we’re elderly, we certainly should accept how we look in middle age. After all, the way I look now will one day be the old photos I look back on with envy.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

35

Lifestyle

Your Job Search: Staying Motivated When It’s Brrrr Outside!

BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

So many times, the year begins with great optimism and hopes of “This year will be different” or, “This is my year!” But when February rolls around, and the phone is not ringing as much as desired with interview invitations, it is easy to fall into non-productive, self-protective mindsets.

Face it. It’s beyond frigid outside!

Last month, almost two-thirds of the country was taking precautions from historic low temperatures…

Lynne is the director of even in the Deep South! Why Papa’s Pantry and the MastersTrainingCenter. would anyone in his or her right com, and she is an mind venture out? author. She can be The answer is simple. If there is reached at (770) 591not enough income each week or 4730 or visit www. month to pay for life’s necessities, papaspantry.org. then landing a job is top priority!

This is a personal financial decision not driven by comfort or hobby.

Motivation is a peculiar thing.

More often, we humans make decisions to avoid pain rather than achieve pleasure. Not having the financial resources to keep house and home intact is painful. No electricity or gas for heat in February is unthinkable! Whatever your financial pressures are should determine your motivation, your intention, your fortitude!

So, to be productive in these deeply cold months, let’s look at the job-seeking tasks that can be done while it’s cold, even blizzarding outside: Basic tasks such as conducting Internet

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“Whatever your financial pressures are should determine your motivation, your intention, your fortitude!” research on companies in which you are interested to join, researching online employment websites and customizing your résumé to fit the needs of each company all need to be performed, no matter the weather.

Another task to undertake that does not require going outside in bleak weather is to develop your “List of 100,” which includes everyone you know who can help in your job search. Organize this list into categories first of how you know them: church, PTA, past colleagues, neighbors, family, etc. You can call and email people individually (not in a mass email or text) to positively share your search for a job as you enter this new, exciting chapter of your life.

Do not ignore your closet. What clothing is “interview ready?” Take time to take things off the hangers and try them on. Does anything need laundering, ironing, repairs or replacement? Many companies have an average of two interviews per new hire, so get out the needle, thread and iron to ensure your clothing is crisp.

Lastly, do your skills need to be refreshed? There are a variety of webcasts, YouTube videos, and online tutorials to help bring your skills more up to date. These do not replace accredited college courses, but many college classes are now taken online, in the warmth and comfort of your home.

Don’t get distracted with brrrrrr winter… use this month to get the edge!

Keep making progress!

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

37

Lifestyle

Recipe Corner

BY CARON AND ALBERTO CATALÁN

Banana Coconut Bread

When the kids come home from school, there are squeals of joy when the aroma of banana bread hits them! This easy to make recipe is great for using up those bananas that no one gets around to eating. It makes the perfect breakfast bread, snack for school or with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.

Enjoy!

—Caron and Alberto

Caron and Alberto Catalán are the owners and managers of Papa P’s – Mexican with an Irish side, located in the Towne Lake Kroger shopping center.

They have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. They have four children, Conor, Ciara, Derek and Fiona.

Visit them online at www.papa-ps.com or call (770) 592-3100.

ingredients

1 cup self-rising flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten

1/3 vegetable oil ½ tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup chopped pecans ½ cup sweetened, flaked coconut 4 very ripe bananas, mashed with a fork

preparation Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift flour, salt and cinnamon. Stir in sugar. Add egg, oil and vanilla extract and mix together. Fold in pecans and coconut. Use a fork to add mashed bananas (do not beat).

Line a 2 lb loaf tin with parchment paper. Use a spoon to put mixture in tin. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Test with a tooth pick in center to make sure it is cooked through. Remove from oven and leave to cool down for around 10 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack until cool enough to slice.

Note: You can leave out the nuts or coconut, if you prefer

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Georgia on My Mind

BY DAVID HECKELMOSER

This may be the Peach State, but grapes are grown here to produce wine! Georgia is producing some award-winning wines, which are gaining national recognition. Our mountains combine the perfect terrain, soil, drainage and elevation necessary for our vineyards to produce wines that reveal this “sense of place,” or terroir (soil).

Georgia’s wine country stretches from Savannah to Young Harris, and everywhere in between.

David Heckelmoser is a Towne Lake resident wine Georgia wine making has had a enthusiast, member of long tradition of producing sweet the Guild of Sommeliers, to semi-sweet wines from the Certified Specialist of native Muscadine grape, a hybrid, Wine (CSW) and is Wine also known as the “less noble” Spirits Education Trust certified (WSET). Contact variety, vs. traditional grapes for David at heck4773@ wine making. The Muscadine bellsouth.net. is one of the first indigenous grapes to be cultivated in the U.S. Muscadines are truly a southern treasure, and Georgia leads the nation in the production of Muscadine grapes, developed primarily by the University of Georgia. Our state is the largest producer of this grape because it grows naturally here and thrives in the hot, humid climate of the South. Be sure to try it with goat cheese! Muscadine wine also will pair well with spicy foods and chicken, and is a nice sipping wine in the hot months.

In the mid-1990s, grape pioneers started plowing pastures to create a new rush of vineyards and wineries in the North Georgia mountains. As these pioneers began to select locations

“Muscadines are truly a southern treasure, and Georgia leads the nation in the production of Muscadine grapes, developed primarily by the University of Georgia.” for their wineries, consideration of elevation, soil and slope had to be considered. Elevation was an important factor; planting the grapes too high meant severe cold would hamper ripening, and planting too low with a warmer climate would foster disease problems. North Georgia has its lowest rainfall in the harvest months of August through October, which reduces the risk of rot and mildew. This provides for good harvest conditions to ripen and mature quality fruit.

The soils are usually a blend of sandy red clay. Clay doesn’t absorb water very easily, allowing most to run off a slope in heavy rain. The ability of the soil to shed the rain, the proper elevation and slope, and the cooling drying breezes allow for optimal conditions for grapes to be grown here in Georgia for wine.

The state is also producing traditional premium wine grapes as well. French-American hybrid grapes of Sevval Blanc, which produces a white wine, are best found at Crane Creek and Tiger Mountain vineyards. The Habersham, Three Sisters, Wolf Mountain and Frogtown Cellars wineries produce wines from Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Take a trip down the Georgia Wine Trail (http:// americaswinetrails.com/wine-trails/georgia-wineries/) and taste what the North Georgia wineries have to offer.

Until next time, cheers!

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

39

Lifestyle

Facts about FIP

BY DR. SHERRY WEAVER

Recently, the TowneLaker received a letter from the owner of a kitten who was lost to a horrible disease called FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).

She wanted to make people aware of the tragedy of this illness because there aren’t any adequate tests or treatments for this disease, and it can devastate cat owners. Luckily, FIP is relatively rare, but we have recently seen an increase Sherry Weaver DVM in cases in our area, so it’s good graduated from the UGA College of Veterinary to raise awareness of it in the Medicine in 1992. She has cat-loving public. practiced in Woodstock for FIP is a complex disease that 22 years, has owned the is caused by a Corona virus.

Cat Clinic of Woodstock These viruses are very common for 4 years and the Animal Hospital of Towne Lake for and spread through the stool.

14 years.

Most of the time, Corona causes a little diarrhea and maybe a small amount of vomiting, but does not require treatment. However, when a small percentage of kittens are exposed to certain strains of the virus either at a certain age or when their immune system is suppressed, it can turn into a devastating terminal disease called FIP. Once a simple Corona virus becomes FIP in a kitten, it can act immediately or it can stay silent for years, causing no problems until later in life. This is how infected mothers can pass it to kittens. When the disease is active, it can cause

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everything from just a poor hair coat to organ failure or fluid around the organs and lungs. Once the more severe illnesses develop, FIP usually progresses quickly to death.

Although some treatments may help cats feel better early in the disease, there is no cure for this disease no matter when it is detected. Fortunately for the housemates of cats that are found to have FIP, only kittens and immune-suppressed cats are susceptible to it. Even if cats have lived together for years, the only potential time FIP can be spread is in kittenhood or if FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus- the cat version of HIV) or FELV (Feline Leukemia) are present.

FIV or FELV are viruses that suppress the immune system, which is why the Corona virus can lead to FIP. Most kittens are tested for FIV and FELV early in life with a simple blood test that is very accurate. Unfortunately, there are no good screening tests for FIP. The kitten in the letter experienced one of the worst forms of FIP. In this form, lab work is normal, and the signs of FIP could be caused by many things such as vomiting and diarrhea and just failing for no observable reason. Although there are many tests for FIP, they are so fraught with false positives and negatives that they often do not help with the diagnosis. Tragically, this disease is often diagnosed based on quickly progressing clinical signs despite appropriate therapy and can only be confirmed after the cat passes away on autopsy.

The best way to avoid FIP is to obtain kittens from a source that has healthy mothers and kittens that are tested for FIV and FELV. If you have had FIP in your house, you should ask your veterinarian how long you should wait before you get any more kittens. Interestingly, mixed breed kittens do seem to have less incidence of this disease.

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41

Lifestyle

What if … You Escaped the Crab Basket?

BY JULIAN REID

about 90 percent of the wealth creation/accumulation in the U.S., and the top 1 percent are the primary job creators in our society.

Consequence Avoiders, by contrast, are most concerned with maintaining the status quo, going along to get along, and generally believe things aren’t so bad. They fear taking risks because their parents, education, and society as a whole, told them that if they did their job and kept their nose clean, then they would be okay.

My depression-era parents taught me this relentlessly! However, I think most people would agree: Things have changed, particularly in recent years.

So, what to do? If you’re someone who wants to escape the crab basket, a mindset change 0required.

2 is - 0 7 1 0 It isn’t easy, but it can be 4 0 4 - 5 suggestions. done by following a fewE L LLAN MCbooks • Read inspirational about changing your mindset.

• Your success is impacted by the company you keep. Seek out thought leaders and Opportunity Seekers in your community, andE solicit their counsel.

X G the “crabs” • This isCthe AVAhard one: You need to shut INdown P A T ON & (naysayers) inIyour life,Lwho ANDtrySCto hold you down. Often they N O and family who care about are friends L L you. They don’t like J OisBseeking M Athe T O OtoSleave when someone basket. However, that may be what you need to do, especially if your ambition is being thwarted by others’ opinions of what success (or lack thereof) should be.

If YOU escaped the crab basket, what would you do?

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Ever watch crabs in a basket?

Predictably, they try to escape. With one crab in a basket, you need a lid.

If you don’t cover it, that sucker will climb out to freedom!

However, fill that basket with more crabs, and you don’t need to bother with a lid. When one tries to climb out, the others pull it back down.

Humans often operate the same way. But over time, a mindset separation occurs. Looking at this in terms of career financial freedom, Julian Reid has a chemical you’re eventually left with two engineering degree from groups: Opportunity Seekers and Georgia Tech, a U.S. Chamber certification in Consequence Avoiders.

Organization Management A psychologist recently suggested and several professional that about 15 percent of Americans coaching and sales are Opportunity Seekers, with the certifications. Contact him remaining 85 percent falling into at (770) 521-0698 or jreid@ esourcecoach.com. the Consequence Avoider category.

Opportunity Seekers are people who seek out and identify opportunities, where others see risk and oblivion. They are tenacious in pursuit of their goals, and make lemonade out of lemons. They account for

EXCAVATI

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

43

Health & Wellness

Are You Behaving Better Than Patients a Century Ago?

BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Imagine it is 1914 and you have a terrible toothache. You may be thinking about going to the dentist because the only time you make an appointment is when you have a significant problem. The typical treatment for a toothache is an extraction.

A painful experience was certain.

You haven’t slept in days, your face is beginning to swell, and the only pharmaceutical aid is Dr. Scott Harden is a aspirin. There are no narcotic dentist at Fountain pain tablets or antibiotics View Family Dentistry available. and has served the There was great trepidation Woodstock area for more than 21 years. about going to the dentist in He is a dental advisor 1914 because shots always hurt for two national and the surgical skills of dentists dental research were not very good. If your companies. You can reach Dr. Harden at tooth wasn’t very loose, the (770) 926-0000 or visit dental surgery often resulted in FountainViewSmiles.com. broken roots left in the jawbone, setting up the patient for future problems. At this time, patients had a choice: endure severe toothache pain and possible sepsis or visit the dentist where more pain and complications could occur.

In 1914, a routine dental visit was a new concept, and not common practice for the majority of people. The science and education of placing fillings had not advanced enough for dentists to routinely offer restorative care. Most people knew that when they went to the dentist with a problem, it typically meant an extraction was in store for them.

A comparison between dentistry 100 years ago and today should provide great comfort for anyone needing dental care.

We are blessed with the highest levels of scientific innovation performed by dentists who’ve completed eight years in college. High standards of dental care are overseen by the American Dental Association. Dental materials are regulated 44

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

“At this time, patients had a choice: endure severe toothache pain and possible sepsis or visit the dentist where more pain and complications could occur.” to ensure health and better quality results for treatment involving fillings, root canals and dentures. Advanced engineering has brought us implants, white fillings and the chemistry to bond these to teeth, telescopic lenses for magnification, high quality surgical instruments, dental chairs and dental drills. Computers offer technology that greatly enhances diagnosis using a laser cavity detector, digital x-rays, digital photography, root canal therapy, positioning of implants in the jawbone, fabrication of crowns and dentures in the laboratory and orthodontic appliances to move teeth.

Computers have also enhanced communication between doctors, as well as doctors and patients, by use of digital x-rays, digital photographs and the Internet. As a result, patients benefit from excellent diagnostic care and better treatment planning.

In 2014, patients may still decide to wait until they have a severe toothache to visit a dentist because they have the same trepidation about dental treatment as people did a century ago. People are still people. What’s worse is the ability to disguise pain with medication not available a century ago. This will only delay the diagnosis and treatment, making a dental condition much worse.

The ideal goal for today’s dental patient is proactive care.

A visit to the dentist is typically painless, thanks to amazing technology. A person should ideally visit the dentist every six months, and have X-rays and digital intraoral photographs taken regularly so the dentist can make a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Take advantage of the advancements in dentistry that make it easy to address problems and prevent future issues, clearly not a benefit enjoyed by people who lived 100 years ago.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

45

Health & Wellness

Balancing Hormone Levels for Effective Weight Loss

BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO

O. Julius Quarcoo is a pharmacist with 21 years of experience. He is the owner of Towne Lake Family Pharmacy, an independent, pharmacy located in Woodstock. The pharmacy offers compounding as well as regular prescriptions.

(770) 635-7697. townelakepharmacy@ yahoo.com.

With the start of the New Year comes the opportunity to start on a journey to shed some pounds and get in shape; however, if you have struggled in the past to lose weight or keep it off, then your hormone levels may be partly responsible. Hormone levels control every aspect of weight loss. This includes your metabolism (the body’s calorieburning power), where your body stores fat, your appetite and even your cravings for food. High estrogen, low progesterone, low testosterone, low DHEA, low thyroid hormone, high insulin and low 5-HTP are a few of the hormonal imbalances that can work against any effort to diet, exercise and

effectively lose weight.

An under-functioning thyroid gland can be especially problematic because the hormones produced by the small gland in your neck work to convert oxygen and calories into energy. When the thyroid gland is not operating at its optimum levels, your metabolism slows down and so does

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

When the thyroid gland is not operating at its optimum levels, your metabolism slows down and so does your effort to lose weight.” your effort to lose weight. A large percentage of the population suffers from undiagnosed hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while others are receiving inadequate treatment for this condition. Unusual weight gain is one of the most noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Compounded thyroid medications are a very effective treatment option for hypothyroidism.

When an underactive thyroid gland goes untreated for a long time, the sex hormones (progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, etc.) and the adrenal hormones may also become unbalanced as each tries to compensate for the other.

This eventually results in symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep difficulties and weight gain. This is usually common among women who are well past their mid-30s. This imbalance can also lead to sleep difficulties and weight gain.

If losing weight and getting in shape is part of your New Year’s resolution, do not let hormonal imbalance work against your effort; a simple blood or saliva test is all it takes to identify and correct your imbalance.

Concussions and the Law

BY DR. AMY HARDIN

As of Jan. 1, 2014, there is a new law in our state regarding concussions, and it affects school-aged children who play sports. The bottom line is if your child has a head injury during a sporting event, he or she must be immediately removed from play and evaluated; if he or she is found to have a concussion, he or she must be seen by a licensed health care provider before returning to play. Some parents Amy Hardin is a may think that a mountain is pediatrician in Towne Lake being made out of a molehill at Northside Pediatrics. by our state legislature, but Check out Northside with several scary new studies Pediatrics’ new website at www.northsidepediatrics. regarding head injuries in kids, com and follow them on this new law is a good idea.

Facebook at Northside First, what is a concussion?

Pediatrics!

Concussions are basically a bruise on your brain. These can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to your child’s head. Even what seems like a mild injury can be a true concussion. Signs of concussions include headache or a pressure in the head, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, double or blurry vision, sensitivity to light and noise, feelings of sluggishness, fogginess, or grogginess, concentration or memory problems, confusion and the more nebulous feeling “not right” or “down.” Some kids can have all symptoms, some just a couple.

The latest studies show that concussion patients—especially kids— need both physical and cognitive rest in order for the brain to heal. A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal, Pediatrics shows that as parents, teachers and coaches, we need to take cognitive rest “to the extreme,” including keeping kids in dark rooms for a few days after the injury, not allowing any technology in their lives, not even reading texts, and no studying or even simple exercise until symptoms are gone. This “extreme rest” has been shown to decrease the

“A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal, Pediatrics shows that as parents, teachers and coaches, we need to take cognitive rest “to the extreme,” including keeping kids in dark rooms for a few days after the injury, not allowing any technology in their lives, not even reading texts, and no studying or even simple exercise until symptoms are gone.” duration of symptoms by at least one half the number of days if they are followed.

Coaches in many school districts are now doing pre-tests to see where kids are cognitively before the season starts. Schools are getting guidelines on helping kids slowly get back into school when ready, and pediatricians are getting ready for more kids coming in to make sure they are ready to return first to school and then to sports. On average, it is a minimum of seven to 14 days from a mild concussion to when kids are 100 percent back in school and just starting to get back into sports.

The reason why this is so important is that studies have found recurrent, even mild concussions—especially in youth—can cause later permanent brain injuries and can lead to both permanent cognitive damage and other life threatening psychiatric and neurological problems. As parents, we need to share this information with our kids as we are seeing more savvy kids trying to hide their injuries so that they can keep playing. No sporting event should ever be worth later damage, and this should be stressed with your kids. As parents, coaches and pediatricians, we will help your kids get back in the game—when it is time and not before.

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

47

Health & Wellness

Patients Get a New Lease on Life with Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

BY WELLSTAR

Maggie Sullins, 83, had no energy, which was unusual for a woman accustomed to mowing her three-and-a-half acres.

“I thought my mower was broken, but my son-in-law had unhooked the wires so I couldn’t use it,” she said.

Sullins had open heart surgery in 2004 – three bypasses – with complications.

She was not happy to learn that she now needed an aortic valve replacement. Her cardiologist, George Kramer, M.D., with WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine, referred her to Richard Myung, M.D., and Amar Patel, M.D., who head the WellStar dedicated heart valve team specializing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

In May 2012, WellStar Kennestone Hospital was the first nonacademic facility in the state to perform this innovative, minimally invasive procedure.

Candidates for TAVR are people considered to be inoperable or high-risk for open chest surgery for valve replacement, according to Dr, Patel. “For example, those with significant co-morbidities, such as advanced lung or kidney disease and those who are frail. “ Sullins had the TAVR procedure last September and went home three days later.

“I feel better than I’ve felt in 20 years,” she said. “It was a walk in the park. It’s such a blessing to feel this good.”

Without treatment, about 50 percent of severe aortic stenosis patients will not survive more than two years from the onset of symptoms. Traditional open-heart surgery for valve replacement requires a large incision or cutting through the entire breastbone. With TAVR, a new prosthetic aortic valve is implanted by going through a small incision in the groin or left chest, underneath a rib.

With TAVR, mortality rates are 20 percent lower and the procedure is typically 90 minutes instead of four to six hours.

Recovery time is shorter and infection rates are lower.

Sullins is living proof. He has already taken a trip to Las Vegas with her daughter and granddaughter and painted half of her garage.

“I can’t finish it because I promised Dr. Patel I wouldn’t get on a ladder,” she said.

“Candidates for TAVR are people considered to be inoperable or high-risk for open chest surgery for valve replacement.”

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Feature

Optimum Health 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 104 (Across from Kroger)

(770) 516-7477 www.optimumhealthrehab.com

Carly Egoavil, D.C.

For many people, a new year signals the opportunity for renewal and change, especially in regards to your health. If you’ve spent the last several years in pain, battling medical issues, putting on weight, or not living as healthy a lifestyle as you know you should, now is the time to make a permanent change in your health. By partnering with Optimum Health, you will receive an integrative approach to your health care in one location, increasing the quality of your health and, in return, your life.

Optimum Health, conveniently located in the heart of Towne Lake on Towne Lake Parkway, offers Medical, Wellness, Chiropractic, Massage and Rehabilitation services all in one facility. It combines conventional medicine with alternative treatments for complete wellness. For patients who require the services of multiple specialists, Optimum Health offers convenience, expertise and, most importantly, results. With six locations, it’s easy to get the help you need where you live or where you work.

Josh Reed, D.C.

Under the direction of Nurse Practitioner Susan Guevarra and Wellness Director Carly Egoavil, D.C., patients can be seen and treated for a variety of health issues. When a patient first comes in, typically our staff will spend up to an hour consulting with him or her. What sets us apart is that we truly treat our patients as individuals. We take the time to understand our patients’ health history, current concerns and goals, which allows us to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Whenever possible, Optimum Health strives to treat naturally through lifestyle changes, diet modification and supplementation. Conventional prescriptions may also be written, if necessary.

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Susan Guevarra, NP-C

WEIGHT LOSS

Regie Pacol, L.C.M.T.

One of the more popular services offered by Optimum Health is weight loss. Several programs are available to patients, all with one goal in mind — long-term modification.

After a medical evaluation and blood work are completed, an individualized weight loss plan is developed using one of many weight loss options.

Many of Optimum Health’s patients have seen significant weight loss success with the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) weight loss program. Our medical staff is all certified by the HCG Diet Council to administer the HCG diet.

“With the HCG program, patients are given injections of the

OPTIMUM HEALTH SERVICES Wellness • Medical Weight Loss • Food / Gluten Sensitivity • Stress / Fatigue • Nutrition • Supplementation HCG hormone, which suppresses hunger and triggers the body’s use of fat for fuel. In addition to the hormone injections, patients receive dietary protocol and nutritional counseling and support,” said Carly. After a patient has completed the program, ongoing support and counseling continues.

Other weight loss options include B-12 injections, cortisol testing, nutritional counseling and supplementation.

Physical Medicine • Chiropractic • Physical Rehab • Massage Therapy • Auto Accident / Injur y

WELLNESS

In addition to its weight loss services, Optimum Health offers numerous other wellness services and testing that enable patients to take charge of their health. Diagnostic tests include adrenal stress index, hormone levels, GI effects, food sensitivities including gluten and wheat, skin disorders, ADD/ ADHD and many more. Patients appreciate the fact that all the initial consultations are free, most insurance plans are accepted and filed, and financing (in house and third party) is available.

“When it comes to wellness, it’s important to let people know that there are alternatives to traditional medicine available at Optimum Health,” said Carly. “We create personalized plans, yielding the best possible results for our patients.”

CHIROPRACTIC, MASSAGE AND REHABILITATION

Many patients benefit from receiving care from chiropractic, massage and rehabilitation specialists at the same time and often have to go to two or three different locations for complete treatment. Not at Optimum Health. The facilities have chiropractors, massage therapists, and rehab specialists on staff who work together to alleviate pain and discomfort and get the patient back to normal as soon as possible.

Total health involves a variety of components, and with Optimum Health, patients are able to receive individualized attention and programs designed for his or her specific goal.

Whether you are looking for weight loss solutions, pain relief or rehabilitation, having a variety of specialties available under one roof is convenient and aids in quicker recovery and results.

Call today for your free consultation and begin your path to Optimum Health!

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School & Sports

Etowah High School Basketball

BOYS

GIRLS

Photos provided by Lifetouch National School Studios Inc. 52

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Woodstock High School Basketball

Photos by Skip Daugherty www.skipdaughertyphotography.com 54

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School & Sports

INSIDE THE MIND OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT Each month, students in Joe Lemmo’s seventh grade Language Arts class at E.T. Booth Middle School will be sharing thoughts on topics important to them. This month’s topic is, “What Qualities Of A Child Do You Hope You Keep As You Grow Older?”

One of the qualities I would like to keep would be my innocence. Yeah, sure, I haven’t lived on this earth for a long time, but I can tell that as I grow older my mind is being controlled more and more by electronic devices and information posted on the Internet.

First graders seem to already know about the things middle school kids Jacqueline talk about!

Castro Not only that, but I can remember when I was in first grade, we always thought the person who has the best pencil was the coolest. Nowadays, it’s probably the one with the best phone! Young kids are even starting to trash talk. I’ve seen this happen first hand, and it needs to be stopped. We need to protect the next generation of kids. This is why I would choose to keep the quality of innocence as I grow older.

One of the qualities I hope to maintain is to stay curious about how and why things work. Since I want to be a scientist, this is very important.

It will also cause me to experiment, which I love to do. Lastly, it will keep me always learning new things, which is always important.

Another child-like quality I hope to maintain Gwenevere is the quality of problem Wrye solving. If I maintain this, it will help me in my job and everywhere else. It will help me do my job more efficiently, and make sure the projects I must do get done smoothly. It will also help me find solutions to problems in groups, where other people may not know what to do.

This will help us move on to more advanced problems.

To help ensure that I have these qualities in the future, I will be sure to practice them as often as I can.

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When I grow older one quality I would like to keep is how I always look on the bright side of things. Whenever there is a situation going on, I like to not feel upset about it and realize what’s good about it. Sometimes there might seem like there isn’t a bright side, but I believe there always is! My friends usually ask me for advice because of Jenna this quality, and I would Berounsky not like to lose it when I grow up!

Another quality I wouldn’t want to lose is my sense of humor. I can always make someone laugh and it’s great how I can make someone smile when they are having a bad day. My family always says I’m the “goofball” in the family. When someone’s upset, I know just how to make him or her feel better. I would love it if I could keep this quality when I’m older.

Children are creative, fun, and absentminded. I wish to have these qualities forever!

Children seem to look at the world differently than adults. They see everything as a toy and aren’t afraid to embarrass themselves.

They don’t worry about making friends; they just have fun and friends come to them.

Kui Children are also so Iruku oblivious to the world around them. They dream about high school and buying a house differently than what it really is. High school to them is like High School Musical, and they think they are going to live in a mansion! Taxes? They’ve never heard of the word!

I hope I will be able to continue seeing the world as a much happier place as I get older.

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School & Sports

Carmel Elementary School Recognized for Excellence

BY GARY PARKES

Carmel Elementary School was recently honored by The Character Education Partnership (CEP) in Washington, D.C. as a 2013 National School of Character (NSOC). Principal Keith Bryant, Assistant Principal Pam Green and kindergarten teacher Kristin Smith presented Build Your House Upon the Rock, Brick By Brick at the conference and accepted the prestigious award on behalf of Carmel. This was the CEP’s 20th National Forum on Character Education and Carmel was one of 29 schools and districts selected nationwide.

“You hear so much about school problems these days that it’s great to focus on schools that work,” said CEP President & CEO Mark Hyatt. “These schools and districts represent the very best of what comprehensive character education looks like, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements and tell their stories.”

Carmel Elementary was published in Schools of Character magazine and was noted by the review committee for its Service Learning component, responsive classrooms and positive behavior intervention support. The Service Learning curriculum is both school-wide and within each grade level.

Some examples of these projects include making and sending bilingual books to a Peruvian orphanage, sending snacks to the troops, establishing a pen pal relationship with first-graders in Egypt, honoring unsung heroes, distributing more than 700 books to the elderly and those in assisted living, and working to raise money and awareness for the Cherokee County Humane Society to save animals in need.

Green and the Positive Behavior committee, co-chaired by Smith, meet monthly to evaluate how the Character Education program is working, making recommendations and adjustments as needed.

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“These schools and districts represent the very best of what comprehensive character education looks like, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements and tell their stories.” grade level, including specials, and a student representative.

One of the hallmarks of the Positive Behavior Intervention program is encouraging positive behavior with daily morning meetings where expectations for all are discussed. Students earn Carmel Coins for positive behavior. The coins are redeemable at the school store each Friday morning for small toys or treats; however, if students want to save their coins, they can also earn things such as Lunch with the Principal, Physical Education/Music/ Art/Colts’ Lab helpers and other experiences.

Each year, CEP selects schools and districts that demonstrate through a rigorous evaluation process that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools, helping them to achieve the same results. Carmel has been partnered with the CEP since 2006 and has received its Promising Practices award, most recently in 2013 for working to help the humane society. Carmel has received recognition at the Cherokee County School District Board of Education meeting, as well as from the governor.

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School & Sports

Local Students Earn Merit Scholarships Five Cherokee County School District students earned corporate sponsor scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. Four out of the five are Towne Lake area students: Miranda Dominick, Patricia Gerth and Matthew Kern from Etowah and Rachel Steppe from Woodstock. The fifth, Taylor Smith, attends Creekview.

Committees of professional staff from the National Merit Scholarship Corp (NMSC) choose winners by reviewing each eligible candidate’s academic record, essay, demonstrated

Patricia Gerth

Matthew Kern

leadership in school and community activities and a high school official’s recommendation. Students become eligible for NMSC scholarships by taking the PSAT; of the 1.5 million students who take the test, about 50,000 with the highest scores qualify for possible recognition in the National Merit Scholarship program, 15,000 are named semi-finalists and 8,000 are named finalists and earn a scholarship. The scholarships include corporate sponsor, college sponsor or National Merit $2,500 scholarships.

Miranda Dominick

Rachel Steppe

Cherokee Charter Students Learn Code Students at Cherokee Charter Academy, grades 4 through 9, successfully wrote computer code. The project was part of the global “Hour of Code” campaign to promote the field of computer science and inspire students to learn to create software applications. Students in 170 countries wrote more than 675 million lines of computer code.

Cherokee Charter technology teacher Danielle Deneka said, “Computer programming is a high paying, high demand career in our country. I hope that this introduction to programming will spark interest among our students.”

Clark Creek Wins at Robotics Competition Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy’s three robotics teams all won trophies at a recent FIRST LEGO League competition against a field of 20 teams. FIRST LEGO League is a robotics program for 9- to 14-year-olds that’s designed to excite them about science and technology and teach them employment and life skills.

The Righteous Robots won the Presentation Trophy for their presentation and invention to help New Zealand survive a tsunami; the team is Micah Brooks, Mikayla Kaufmann, Drew Logan, Kendrick Milam, Sarah Oburu, Anthony Pedraza, Eden Price, Sylvia Rickett, Nicole Rivera and Amelia Ryan, and coaches Elaine Hansard and Kim Harrison.

The BrickMasters won the Research Trophy for their research and invention to help Rochester, N.Y., survive a blizzard; the team is Aidan Cumby, Emily Faulkner, Amelia Ganues, Hamza Khan, Ashley Lago, Zack Laur, Korbin Roberson, Noah Sherman, 60

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Deven Spencer and Owen Tarpley, and coaches Teresa Bailey and Debbie O’Brien.

The RoboHawks did the best by placing third overall in the competition. The team is Bobby Ashley, Kiera Bass, Basia Coleman, Liam Cruttenden, Ramon Mandujana, Colin Pentecost, Alex Smith, Sophia Stewart, Daniel Varnell and Kain Watson, and coaches Cindy Reeves and Nina Eidson.

Boston Selects Spelling Bee Contestants

WHS Students Celebrate Release of Popular Movie

Boston Elementary School held a school-wide spelling bee to select its representatives for the Cherokee County School District-level bee, which was held in late January. Thirdthrough fifth-graders competed in the school bee, which was won by fifth-grader Joey Hilburg, with fifth-grader Ava FasanoHerman placing as runner-up.

Students at Woodstock High School recently enjoyed a series of special events coordinated by the media center to celebrate “Catching Fire Week,” which led up to the release of the movie, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” based on the popular book series.

Principal Joey Moss congratulates school spelling bee winner Joey Hilburg, seated, and runner-up Ava Fasano-Herman.

Allyson Seyden and Kyle Long win a virtual game.

Cherokee Christian Bands Perform Cherokee Christian Schools beginning and middle school bands combined for a performance for family and friends.

Front row (left to right): Rachel Whalbom, Abby Underwood, Troy Harris, Breanne Chumbley, Gabby Halaby, Rachel Schuetze, Caroline Grier, Kenzie Gould and Olivia McCann. Middle row: Cole Waycaster, Tony Vernachio, Caleb Eyl, Andrew Peacock and Ty Furnish. Back row: Levi Thomas and Phil Wahlbom.

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School & Sports

Roller Hockey Registration Currently Open The winter months are here and the temperatures are dropping, but there’s a HOT sport on the rise in Woodstock— roller hockey. Cherokee Hockey In-Line League, CHILL, is a non-profit organization that formed in 2011 to bring roller hockey back to Cherokee County.

CHILL’s youth hockey program provides an opportunity for boys and girls ages four to 17 to develop sportsmanship, teamwork and personal integrity, while enjoying the fun and challenge of an action sport. Age and ability don’t matter when you start—CHILL’s coaches will help you develop and place you in the appropriate division. Don’t have equipment?

CHILL utilizes donations to allow new players to try hockey

before buying their own equipment.

Registration for the spring 2014 season is open through February. Practices begin Saturday, February 1. Games start in March and continue through June. Players are organized by age and skill ability, into three divisions – amateur, intermediate and experienced, which keeps games fun and competitive.

Each division has one game and one practice per week, all played at the Greg Stathis Memorial Rink behind the Cherokee Recreation building on Main Street in Woodstock. For more information, email Matt Hackett at league@cherokeehockey. org or visit cherokeehockey.org.

Local Students Invited to Rock Climbing Competition Part of Escalade Rock Climbing Gym’s youth competitive climbing team, Team Escalade, has received invitations to the American Bouldering Series Divisional Rock Climbing Competition hosted by the United States Climbing Authority. The team received this honor

by placing higher than seventh in the Southern Regional Competition held in Jacksonville, FL in December. The top finishers in the American Bouldering Series National Competition will make up the team that will represent the U.S. in international competitions.

Front: Maggie Carter. Back (left to right): Yael Squires, Emma Hunt and Will Morgan.

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Cherokee Photography Club

Dean Kelly — No Diving

Eilleen Kirk — Waiting For Daddy

Jim Kirk — Beached

Allen Quandee — Iris in Fog 64

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David Ferguson — Upstairs, Downstairs

Dean Kelly — Sky Boxes

Club info: The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at (770) 617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net.

Kim Bates

Kim Bates

Kim Bates

Ashi Bhatti — Deep in Thought TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Feature

Readers’ Choice Awards It’s time to let your voice be heard!

Vote for your favorite local businesses today It’s that time of the year again! Time to vote for your favorite businesses in the North Cobb/South Cherokee areas! Please refer to the Question and Answer section below.

Q: How do I vote for my favorite businesses?

A: Go to www.townelaker.com. Click on the “Readers’ Choice 2014” button. You will be directed to the online ballot.

Q: How many times can I vote?

A: You may vote four times from the same IP address, which allows additional members of your household to cast their votes. Must vote for a minimum of 20 businesses per ballot.

Q: Why are some businesses listed? What if the business I want to vote for is not listed?

A: When a reader enters the name of a business as his or her selection, this selection will be added to the ballot. These selections will populate the ballot and is done strictly for the convenience of the voters and does not indicate endorsement or preference by the TowneLaker.

Q: Do I have to vote online?

A: If you don’t wish to vote online or don’t have access to the Internet, we will have paper ballots available at our office, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway. One ballot per person will be issued.

Q: Are any photocopies of the ballots permitted?

A: No photocopies of blank or completed paper ballots will be accepted.

Q: How long do I have to vote?

A: Voting will end on February 10, 5 p.m.

Look for this button:

Townelaker Readers’Choice

Vote Here

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It’s easy! Just log on to www.townelaker.com and choose your favorites TODAY! Submit your votes by Monday, February 10 at 5 p.m.

Readers’ Choice Categories RESTAURANTS

Dry Cleaner

Florist

All-Around Restaurant

Electrician

Furniture Store

Asian Restaurant

Financial Institution/Bank

Garden Center

Bakery

Hair Salon

Gift/Home Décor Store

Barbecue Place

Home Improvement - HVAC

Grocery Store

Breakfast Place

Home Improvement - Flooring

Hardware Store

Coffee Shop

Home Improvement - Roofing

Home Improvement Store

Dessert Place

Home Improvement - Handyman

Jeweler

Ethnic Restaurant

Insurance Agent (specify agent)

Liquor Store

Fast Food Restaurant

Lawn Care

Music Store

Fine Dining Restaurant

Medical Doctor

Pet Supply Store

Italian Restaurant

Nail Salon

Shoe Store

Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Ophthalmologist

Specialty Foods

Lunch Place

Optometrist

Sporting Goods

Mexican Restaurant

Orthodontist

Tire Shop

New Restaurant

Painter

Toy Store

Pizzeria

Pediatrician

Seafood Restaurant

Pediatric Dentist

Sports Bar

Pest Control

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Pet Boarding

Dance Studio

SERVICES

Pet Groomer

Fitness/Health Club

Auto Repair

Plumber

Gymnastics Center

Car Wash

Photographer

Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning

Physical Therapist

Caterer

Realtor

Chiropractor

Tutoring

Cleaning Services

Veterinarian

C.P.A. Day Care/Preschool

RETAILERS

Day Spa

Boutique

Dentist

Children’s Clothing Drug Store

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Faith

Marriage Moments

BY BILL RATLIFF

I must admit that I find Valentine’s Day perplexing.

Most men have been conditioned by our culture and media to react to this holiday by giving cards, flowers, chocolate and jewelry.

The women I have polled on the matter of gifts for Valentine’s Day overwhelmingly respond that they do not want to receive chocolates. This reaction is usually because Bill Ratliff is the Senior they do not want to spoil their Pastor at Towne Lake after-Christmas diet plans. Yet, Community Church. if their husbands buy them He can be reached at (678) 445-8766 or bratliff@ chocolates, they will eat them; tlcchurch.com however, they just won’t eat all of them. Instead, they may poke the chocolate to see what flavor might be inside. Some wives desire a particular type of chocolate, such as truffles or covered nuts, so they may eat only those kinds of chocolate. A husband also must decide how big a box to purchase if he is going to go with the chocolates. This decision is difficult at best. If he buys the large box he is perceived to have gone overboard. If he chooses the medium or smaller size box he might be considered cheap.

So what is a perplexed husband to do for his wife on Valentine’s Day? The mixed messages for many husbands

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“So what is a perplexed husband to do for his wife on Valentine’s Day? The mixed messages for many husbands are too much to bear so they might decide to give nothing to their wives. Others may go financially insane and buy their wives diamonds.” are too much to bear so they might decide to give nothing to their wives. Others may go financially insane and buy their wives diamonds.

Maybe BEING the gift is more important than BUYING one. Being a “diamond in the rough,” is a better gift. Then you can let your wife do the cutting and polishing. She will do this anyway so you might as well let her. This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of your most loving self and take time to read about love right from the source in I Corinthians 13:4-8.

Date your Mate: Recently I was driving down Hwy. 92 in Roswell, and I saw an intriguing sign in the middle of a strip mall. It said Movie Tavern. What a great date idea to dine while watching the movie on the big screen. Check it out and email me what you thought about it.

Living the Bible in February

BY DR. DOUG THRASHER

Last month, I wrote about the theme for Hillside’s ministry this year which will be “Living the Bible.” Each month this year I will highlight a different way that all of us might find the Bible directing us in our daily living. This month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and so my thoughts immediately went to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter in the Bible.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it Dr. Doug Thrasher is the is not proud. It is not rude; it is not Senior Pastor at Hillside self-seeking; it is not easily angered; United Methodist Church.

He is also a member of the it keeps no record of wrongs. Love TowneLaker’s Community does not delight in evil but rejoices Board. You may contact with the truth. It always protects, him at dthrasher@ always trusts, always hopes, always hillsideumc.org. perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) If I am to live the Bible, how does this passage teach me that I should live? Here are my thoughts. I’m sure you will find other ways to apply these words to your lives.

• It tells me that when I love, “It’s not about me.” Love is lived in relationship and, most often, when that relationship starts going off the tracks, it is because one or the other starts focusing on selfish desires. If your relationship is struggling, start checking the language. How many times are the words “I,” “me,” and “my” dominating the conversation?

• It tells me that when I love, I must practice grace and

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude; it is not selfseeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” forgiveness. We are all human, and everyone of us is going to mess up in our relationships. Enduring love happens when two people learn how to forgive one another and treat each other with grace rather than judge one another and carry grudges. Are you carrying a grudge in your heart? Grudges block love.

• It tells me when I love, I must desire the best for the person I love, and I must work for it. Do you truly desire the best for your loved ones? Are you living that out by actively working for the best to be fulfilled? If you are, then you will be blessing the ones you love.

• It tells me when I love in these ways, that love will never fail.

Jesus is our greatest example of love. He loves us first and enables us to love others. His greatest command was for us to love one another. Are you doing that?

So, will you live the Bible by loving this month? I hope so. If I can help you in any way, please let me know. May the love of Jesus bless your lives.

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D O W N T O W N W O O D S T O C K

Spotlight PAINTINGS BY KRISTINA LAURENDI HAVENS

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Downtown Woodstock

The Fire of 1913

BY PATTI BRADY

In this series about local history, let yourself be transported back in time when the population of Woodstock hovered around 300. Learn about the challenges those turnof-the-20th-century people faced.

Woodstock of old knew the ravages of fire. Periodically, bygone architecture blazed out of existence.

One-of-a-kind houses, their shells turned into embers, gave up treasured books, dolls, spittoons, handmade coverlets, perhaps a piano or reading spectacles and the kitchen dry sink, to name a few Patti Brady is author items of many. Barns also burned of the “The Heart of a to ashes. At the Haney place, Dave Child” and “The Power Haney raced to lead his wild-eyed of Her Smile” from horses from the ignited barn to the Woodstock Novels series. Learn more about safety. Crazed by confusion, the our town through her horses ran back inside the sudden blog – pattibradynovels. inferno. At times, the vintage blogspot.com. Email storefronts along Main Street Patti at plbradygeorgia@ in downtown Woodstock faced bellsouth.net risk, too. When the church bells clanged for the “bucket brigade,” businessmen’s hearts rattled in their chests—someone’s livelihood soon might be smoldering ruins.

Why the occasional conflagration back then? At the turn of the 20th century and earlier, citizens interacted daily with the cruel culprit responsible for destruction. The people actually depended on the fiend—an open flame—for their only source of light and warmth.

The long-ago Johnston family experienced a big fire. You’ve seen the neo-classical structure, ornamented with Ionic columns, on Main Street. Built by the Johnstons as their home, the red brick building is now Venèssa’s Salon and Spa. You won’t find any scorches or smoky odor clinging to this Southern jewel. The dwelling replaced the former Johnston residence, which burned down on that very spot.

The lost Johnston home was the hard-earned reward of J.H. Johnston and his wife, Avis. In current times, an architect did a rendering, extracted mostly from a descendant’s memories.

Sheathed in wood siding painted white, the home displayed graceful upper and lower porches that wore touches of gingerbread.

The Johnston couple had climbed a long, hardscrabble road to 72

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prosperity. During the Reconstruction period after the Civil War, the father of 14-year-old J. H. Johnston passed away.

Work was scarce, more so for a boy. He saved enough to buy a cow and some corn for planting. At 15, he rented a small farm in Cobb County that he cleared and sowed. He labored in the Cox gold mine at night. Grueling years passed. By the age of 21, he garnered a good living from the farmland. The year was 1877. He wasted no time making 17-year-old Avis Benson, a Cherokee County girl, his wife. In addition to her numerous household duties, Avis began the process of bearing children.

Nine boys and one girl would live to adulthood. Four others died at birth or in early childhood. Meanwhile, J.H. cultivated their cotton fields and accumulated more acreage with their savings.

J. H. sold the farmland in Cobb County as he “had to provide a better home for his children,” and they moved to a farm near Woodstock. He transitioned into general merchandise and the unpredictable cotton trade. In 1890, the family moved to town and into their lovely, milk-white home—the focus of this true tale. Avis continued to manage her weighty responsibilities while her husband also stayed mired in work. Eventually, the Johnston cotton brokerage and the Johnston warehouses located throughout town solidified the family’s success. For the couple, more than three decades of unrelenting industry had paid off.

Then in 1913, that perilous visitor mentioned earlier crept near. In my imagination, this fictional phantom tries to disguise himself as a chimney sweep but fails. His top hat wafts a plume of smoke. The rumpled cutaway jacket he wears looks singed, and his coal-black shoes give off sparks as he steps.

One quiet evening at the Johnston home, an older son accidentally knocked over a kerosene lamp. The single flame burst into a raging fire that consumed the house and the Baptist church next door. Devastation remained. Fortunately, the Johnstons did not give up. Picking up the pieces, they returned to their labors, confident of their future. Handsome brick buildings, known by you and me, replaced rubble, and the Johnston enterprises continued strong.

Tough times, back then, but those determined souls and the stories they left us still inspire our endeavors.

As I like to say, a town never can have too much resilience and Woodstock Avis Johnson certainly has plenty.

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Downtown Woodstock

Reaching Your Potential

BY JODI TIBERIO

Our makeover participant this month is like so many women I meet — she has a hard time knowing what looks good on her. She has a Jodi Tiberio owns Branches Boutique for tough time making decisions, which basically women in Towne Lake leads to her not buying things for herself. Over and brooklynn’s boutique time, this can lead to not feeling great about for men and women in yourself and getting in a rut. Erika has 8-yearDowntown Woodstock. old triplets. I can only imagine the diaper Contact Jodi at info@ shopthreads.net. changing and feeding in the early years was exhausting, but now it is time for Erika to realize her own potential and create a style for herself that works within her busy lifestyle. Her fun, vibrant personality needs to come out and replace the old sweatpants and T-shirts she has been wearing.

A lot of women struggle to dress their bodies to fit weight gains or losses.

A great place to start is with a pair of jeans. We cast aside Erika’s old mom jeans and found a perfect pair of boot cut Silver Jeans. The Suki fit is relaxed in the hip and thigh and has a higher rise. Put a simple top and an accessory with these jeans and you are good to go anywhere - school, grocery shopping or lunch with a friend. A great fitting pair of jeans does not have to be expensive; the key is that they fit right. We found several inexpensive and cute tops and accessorized them to make it easy for Erika. She will now have several outfits that are cool and trendy.

Next we wanted to find the perfect date night outfit with Valentine’s Day coming up. Having triplets can put a strain on a marriage, but Erika’s husband is very supportive, and we wanted him to see that she still has her spark. We chose a black crochet trim tunic from T-Party and some black leggings. This tunic is simple yet gorgeous. Erika can wear it with dressy black boots and jewelry or for a more casual look with tan riding boots and Burberry-style scarf. This tunic gives her options that she will have fun exploring. After we selected her outfit, she headed to Salon Gloss to complete the makeover.

Erika normally wears her hair in a bun or a ponytail, and during her consultation, she made it clear that she was comfortable with her current length and did not want to be locked into having to color her hair every month. She was looking for more of a subtle change. Tim felt that Erika’s hair lay too flat against her head and decided to cut long layers in her hair to add volume and shape. He listened to Erika’s request to remain low maintenance and colored her hair the same level as her natural color, but added warmth to her tone and a few well-placed highlights, giving her natural color a more youthful glow. Keeping her hair color the same level as her natural color will result in an easy grow-out. Will finished Erika’s transformation by showing her which makeup colors were right for her skin tone and a few techniques on how to apply them. As it turns out, the girl who wanted to remain low maintenance and have no commitment to maintain her new look loved it so much that she made her next appointment before she left! ”WOW!” is what her family kept saying when they saw her. What a transformation, not just in her look, but in her demeanor. Standing proud with a huge smile that would not fade, Erika sees the potential that has been hiding for awhile. I am so proud of her for doing this for herself, and I know she is so glad she did! If you are ready to take a step forward in your style, but need some help, email me at jodi@tiberioretail.com.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Downtown Woodstock

Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants RESTAURANT

CUISINE

BREAKFAST

SUNDAY

SPIRITS

OFFERS RESERV.

Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com

American

no

$

$

open

Beer/wine

no

Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com

Modern American

no

$$

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com

Wood-fired Pizza & Grill

no

$$

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com

Southern

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$

$$$

open

Full bar

no

Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605

American

no

$

no

open

no

no

Tapas/Sushi

no

Fri./Sat. only

$$

open

Full bar

yes

Italian

no

$$

$$

open

Full bar

no

J Christophers 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com

Diner

$-$$

$ - $$

no

open

no

no

J Miller’s Smokehouse 150 Towne Lake Pkwy.

770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com

BBQ

no

$ - $$

$ - $$

open

no

no

Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com

Southern

Sunday Brunch

no

$$$$

open

Beer/wine

yes

Pure Taqueria 441 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock

Mexican

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$

$$

open

Full bar

6 persons +

English Tea room

no

$

no

closed

no

yes

Italian

no

$$

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com

LUNCH DINNER

Reel Seafood-Coming Soon Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com 76

$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

77

Downtown Woodstock

February CALENDAR OF EVENTS Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street Information: Free. Book purchase optional.

storybook setting, supremely conducive to magic and mayhem.

Tickets $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for children ages 3 – 12 if purchased online in advance. At the door, $15, $13 and $12 respectively. Visit www.elmstreetarts.org or call (678) 4944251.

Feb. 7

Feb. 15

Feb. 4

Book Signing: Sarah Addison Allen, author of “Lost Lake”

iThink Improv Troupe

Time: 9 p.m.

Location: City Center, 8534 Main St. Information: All seats $5. www.elmstreetarts.org (678) 494-4251.

Feb. 14-16, 21-23 Into the Woods

Time: Feb. 14-15, 21-22, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16, 23, 2 p.m.

Location: City Center, 8534 Main St. Information: What happens after happily ever after? Stephen Sondheim’s bewitchingly witty fairytale blend, “Into the Woods”, investigates through a clever convolution of characters from Brothers Grimm folklore, including Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk. With a little wizardry of its own, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village will transform the theater into an enchanted forest—a prime

Writing Workshop with Award-Winning Author Raymond Atkins

Time: 1-4 p.m.

Location: FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street Information: www.foxtalebookshope.com/writers for pricing/ registration.

Feb. 22 Beef Braising Techniques Demo with Personal Chef Alan

Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

Location: Leaning Ladder Premium Olive Oils and Vinegars,

105 E. Main St. Information: Multiple braising techniques are discussed with a demonstration of braising using an electronic pressure cooker.

The braised beef is served with rosemary roasted red potatoes; The recipes use four Leaning Ladder Olive Oils. $45 per person

Feb. 25

Book Signing: Tim Dorsey, Author of “Tiger Shrimp Tango” Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street Information: Free. Book purchase optional.

About the Downtown Spotlight cover page The February Downtown Buzz will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 8 a.m. at The Chambers at City Center and will feature guest speaker KSU Football Head Coach Brian Bohannon.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Benton House of Woodstock Fashion Cupcake Reformation Brewery Find out What’s happening Downtown by downloading the Visit Woodstock App 78

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Local Artist Kristina Laurendi Havens has spent more than 18 months creating a series of paintings depicting everyday scenes around Main Street in Woodstock. The paintings consist of more than 30 pieces in total. The paintings will be auctioned with proceeds benefitting the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village to help fund the next phase of development for the theater and arts center in downtown Woodstock. To participate in the auction, follow Kristina on Facebook (facebook.com/Krystyna81) or email her to join her mailing list at 81artist@ comcast.net.

Experience Elm Street How to Love a Creative Child

BY G. LORA GROOMS

My four grown children have all earned college degrees and married great people. They work hard at their careers, have started their own families, and I’ve been so lucky to watch it all unfold. Yes, of course they’ve had their trials and difficulties; no one can avoid heartaches in this world. But I think their ability to creatively solve those problems and be selfG. Lora Grooms is the motivated adults has made director for the Elm Street a big difference. And they Cultural Arts Village. learned how to do those things She has been teaching, through the arts. writing, directing and When I first began my performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. You can summer camp program where reach her at director@ the campers write, produce elmstreetarts.org and perform their own musical play, my four children were in that first group of campers. Apparently, it’s a common occurrence for creative professionals to include their children in their work, — like the photographer who practices her craft by using her children as subjects.

I’m happy to say they enjoyed the experience and continued to participate as campers until they were old enough to be counselors and then lead instructors. They learned how to take a diverse group of young minds and personalities and create a performance that showcased each child’s strengths.

At home, I tried my best to be a “consultant” type mom rather than a “management” type mom. Yes, this did mean the house wasn’t always super tidy. But, it also meant I would stop what I was doing to answer a question or help one of them find an answer by asking them new questions.

We would find a creative solution together. As they grew up, they also learned to rely on each other for ideas and guidance.

Those ideas included figuring out you could ride in a cardboard box down the stairs if your siblings helped by giving you a push….uh huh...

The point is, I loved watching them learn the joy of figuring things out using those wildly creative minds. And they loved the process, too. Sometimes their solutions worked and sometimes not, but they wouldn’t give up. I think they gained much of that confidence and ability to see things through from those camps. It was a true confidence booster that carried over into other areas of their lives.

And so now….on to the grandchildren!

CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK

FEBRUARY 14,15,16,21,22,23 Fri/Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

WINTER CLASSES ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | February 2014

79

Downtown Woodstock

Valentine’s Day Memories on Main Street

BY JENNA CLOVER

Valentine’s Day. Those two words stir excitement in the hearts of many. This romantic holiday is notorious for heartshaped boxes of chocolates, oversized teddy bears and cheesy cards.

I have always been a fan of Valentine’s Day, especially this year since I am getting married in two months! Now, I no longer care about getting gifts, but Jenna Clover is a Tourism I want to start making great Information Assistant memories with the one I love. at the Woodstock Why not make this Valentine’s Visitors Center.

Day one worth remembering?

Scratch the plush stuffed animals, bad chocolate and the stress of guessing, and take your sweetheart on a trip to downtown Woodstock. Here you can find something for everyone, whether your budget is big or small.

Make a day of it by starting off with a stroll through picturesque downtown. Check out the gazebo in the park and scope out different stores you want to explore. Next, you can go shopping for a gift! The boutiques have a wide variety of clothing, accessories and gift items perfect for that special someone. You can find beautiful and unique jewelry at several stores, including Holly Springs Jewelers and Seven Arrows.

If flowers are on your list, Brenda’s House of Flowers offers gorgeous and fresh bouquets. Does your Valentine enjoy cooking?

If so, visit Leaning Ladder Premium Olive Oils and Vinegars; they have a large selection of unique olive oils and vinegars.

If you’re shopping for a lady, downtown’s clothing boutiques offer a wide variety of cute dresses, 80

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

“Scratch the plush stuffed animals, bad chocolate and the stress of guessing, and take your sweetheart on a trip to downtown Woodstock.” tops, shoes and accessories to suit any style. If rest and relaxation is what your Valentine wants, visit one of the many spas and salons and select a personalized gift card.

Take the beer lover in your life to Barrel and Barley, which offers a large selection of craft beer and growlers. Sports fanatics will surely love a gift from LKT Sports Art. where memorabilia for almost any team can be found. If you have a cigar aficionado in your life, visit Maxwell’s Cigar Bar for a countless assortment of cigars.

After finding the perfect Valentine’s Day memento, take your pick from one of our fabulous restaurants and enjoy a tasty dinner. You will discover choices that include casual, fine dining, Mexican, Italian or all American classics. Many of the restaurants will have special offers and events for Valentine’s Day. I would suggesting making a reservation. Finish your night with something sweet, like cupcakes or coffee, for dessert! For a complete list of stores and restaurants in downtown Woodstock, visit www.whatsupwoodstock. com.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive, cheesy or predictable.

Not only can you get your sweetie wonderful gifts but, more importantly, you will make memories in beautiful downtown Woodstock with the one you love. That is what I plan to do, and I hope to see you there!

The

2013 WOODSTOCK WOLVERINES Wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous 2014 We thank you for your continued support and look forward to an exciting and action packed 2014 Season!

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

81

Is Your Child Exhibiting a Reading Problem? continued from page 22

If your child is struggling in school and/or exhibiting unpleasant behavior, it may be an undiagnosed reading issue. To have your child evaluated free of charge, make an appointment at Furtah Preparatory School with Headmaster Furtah by calling (678) 574-6488. He will conduct a reading analysis without cost or obligation.

Knowing if there is an issue and what it happens to be is priceless. Then you can start investigating solutions, whether it is utilizing a phonics program at your child’s school or pursuing referrals discussed during the evaluation.

Dividend Reinvestment and Compound Interest continued from page 16

dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs), and you can get into them for the price of a single share. DRIPs let you buy partial shares using your reinvested dividends – often without a fee. (You can also open a DRIP using a broker, but commissions and transfer charges may apply.) This is really another form of dollar cost averaging – slow and steady investment with the potential for a considerable long-term benefit. Multiple DRIPs mean multiple 1099s and some shareholders lose track of DRIPs over time, but

82

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

they offer you a nice way to broaden your portfolio.

Do you work for a big company that offers a DRIP? While you expose your portfolio to too much risk by assigning too much of it to one company’s stock, the reinvestment and compounding potential of a no-fee DRIP certainly warrants your attention.

Here is another hypothetical example. Say you go to work for the Rewarding Corporation and you invest an initial $1,000 in its employee DRIP, buying 100 shares at that price. You make $100 monthly contributions to the DRIP for the next 20 years while the shares appreciate 5 percent annually over that period and the dividend yield averages 2.3 percent. (We’ll factor in unchanging capital gains tax rates of 15 percent as well.) Twenty years later, your investment grows to $52,790.80.

If your consistent monthly contribution to the DRIP is $250 rather than $100, you end up with $126,221.11 under the same conditions.

Keep investing consistently, with compounding and reinvestment in mind. It may make a huge financial difference for you over time – a difference that might even let you retire earlier instead of later.

Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Created by 1st Global or Peter Montoya, Inc. for use by our financial advisors.

n i m e ‘ Fix ! y r a u Febr So you aren’t littered with more by April!

These groups offer spay/neuter surgeries at reduced fees and pet food programs to help combat the pet overpopulation in our community.

Some may require families to qualify Þnancially for their assistance.

theanimalproject.org 770-704-7297

spayneutercoalition.org

petbuddiesfoodpantry.org 678-310-9858

This information brought to you by Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org TOWNELAKER | February 2014

83

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA COMMUNITY OF FAITH Baptist

Jewish

Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.

Pastor: Bob Goodner

Chabad Jewish Center 14255 Wade Green Rd NW, Ste 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144, (678) 460-7702 Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat monthly at 11 a.m.

Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat monthly at 10:30 a.m.

Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWoodstock.com, www.Facebook.com/ JewishCenter

Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock, (770) 710-1068 Pastor: Elder Larry White www.crossroadspbc.org First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Alive Groups & Worship Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service: 6 p.m.

Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m.

Pastor: Mike Maxwell

Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green Street Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, (770) 973-3533 www.Kolemeth.net

New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 11 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m.

Wednesday Awana/Youth: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Pastor: John Harris www.newvicbaptist.org

Messianic Jewish

South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Service: 7 p.m.

Pastor: Steven Lambert

Lutheran

Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 9 a.m. (family service) & 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m.

Priest: Stephen Hunter Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m.

Christian Education: 10 a.m.

Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m.

Rector: James B. Stutler

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life Ministries” 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (678) 936-4125 Saturday Hebrew Literacy & Bible Study: 10 a.m.

Saturday Shabbat Service: 11 a.m.

Rabbi: Gary Maxted

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m.

Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m.

Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.gslutheran.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

Pastor: Stephen Constien

Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m.

Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org

Presbyterian Christ Covenant Presbyterian of Woodstock (PCA) Meets in the Rec Center of Cherokee County’s South Annex, 7545 Main Street; Bldg. 200, Woodstock Pastor: Ted Lester www.cc-pca.org

Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church Meets in Kings Academy Church 471 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, (770) 833-3797 Sunday Services: 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m., Sunday School: 11:30 a.m.

Pastor: Matthew Holst www.genevaopc.org Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m.

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Traditional Worship Service: 9 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Don Esa

Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m.

Pastor: Rev. Larry Niese www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m.

Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m.

Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com

United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m.

Traditional Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Harden Hopper www.bascombchurch.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Pastor: Chris Bryant www.coahumc.org Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:25 & 11 a.m.

Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org

Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street, (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m.

Nursery available Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Little River United Methodist Church 12455 Highway 92, (770) 926-2495 Sunday Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Bill Coady www.littleriverumc.info Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Pastor: Dr. Joe McKechnie www.sixesumc.org Woodstock United Methodist Church 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 516-0371 Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Worship Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Claude T. Herbert

Unitarian Universalist Emerson U U Congregation 2799 Holly Springs Road, Marietta, Georgia 30062 (770) 578-1533 Services: 9 & 11:30 a.m. August – May www.emersonuu.org Rev. Jeff Jones

Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 p.m.

Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m.

Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Awakening Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140 next to Folks Restaurant, (770) 924-4150 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.awakeningwoodstock.com Lead Pastor: Jeff Whitmire Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Sunday Service: 11 a.m.

Wednesday Service: 7 p.m.

Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Wednesday Service: 7 p.m.

Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church 230 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, (770) 517-2977 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Mat Garcia www.bridgepointechurch.org Catalyst Church 9872 Main Street, Woodstock (678) 463-6330, catalystonline.tv Sunday Services: 11 a.m.

Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m.

Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m.

Pastor: Jonathan Williamson

Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com

Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m.

Pastor: Larry H. Baker www.prayerandpraise.org

Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m.

Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m.

Auxiliary Meeting: 10:20 a.m.

Bishop Phil Karski Woodstock Ward Sacrament Meeting: 11 a.m.

Bishop Jonathan Ensign Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle Church 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock, (770) 928-7478 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

Pastor: A.D. Hinton www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Wednesday Service: 7 p.m.

Pastor: Tommy White His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, (770) 405-2500 Party on Sunday: 10 a.m. www.hishandschurch.com Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Rd., Marietta, (770) 924-8080 Sunday Orthros: 8:30a.m., Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m.

Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, PhD Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth, (404) 663-1828 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5 (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv

Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m.

Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Gene Prince www.rezwoodstock.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, (678) 494-2100 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. www.sgcatlanta.org Sunnyside Church of God 2510 East Cherokee Drive, (770)-693-1018 Sunday service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Lance Turner www.sunnysidecog.com The Church at Acworth 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Jason Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway, (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m.

Sr. Pastor: William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Watermarke Church Meeting at Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton, (678) 880-9092 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m., 5 p.m. www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m.

Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Pastor: Lewis Stark www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Greg Michael TOWNELAKER | February 2014

85

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.

Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: 7745 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: Laury Beesley, (678) 642-3110 www.CherokeeToastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 8.30 a.m.

Location: J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Monday morning at 7:30 am Location: IHOP 8979 Hwy 92 www.meetup.com/No-Fee-Referral-NetworkWoodstock North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m.

Location: J. Christophers, 315 Chambers Street Contact: (770) 592-5990 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:45 p.m.

Contact: Edeline Dryden (678) 789-6158 www.thejoyofconnecting.com Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.

Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.

Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m.

Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & Third Wednesday.

Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com

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TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Tuscany, 250 Cinema Way Contact: WCBusinessAssoc@aol.com

Charitable Organizations

iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers.

Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 www.iCORorphans.com MUST Ministries Contact: Kendall Jones, (770) 479-5397

Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety.

Contact: 24-hr, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 www.ahimsahouse.org

Next Step Ministries provides day programs Monday through Saturday for special needs kids, teens, and young adults.

Contact: (770) 592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika.org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org

Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry.

Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org

Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Location: 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Cherokee County Animal League Contact: Steve Monahan at CherokeeAnimalLeague@gmail.org or (770) 712-4077

Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections.

Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org

Civic Organizations

Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115 admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org

AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50+ Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944

CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS.

American Legion Post 316 Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366

Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net

Junior Service League of Woodstock Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Location: Tuscany Contact: 24 hour info line: (770) 592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org

Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical for their pets.

Contact: Gina Jeter, (770) 842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com

Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766, Lynda @edgoodwinassociates.com

Green Pets America Rescue animal rescue group (770) 712-4077, SteveMonahan777@gmail.com www.GPACharities.US

Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meeting: Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch) Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105

Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: (770) 345-1024 Website: www.habitat-ncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy.

Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com

Hospice Advantage needs volunteers.

Contact: (770) 218-1997 www.hospiceadvantage.com

Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@southernco.com Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335

South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m.

Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m.

Location: Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: Charlice Byrd, (404) 557-2218

Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting Second Saturday at 10 a.m.

Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road www.cherokeehams.com

CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers.

Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casaforchildren.org

Cherokee County Arts Center Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org

Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055

Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m.

Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (404) 690-4452

Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com

Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958

Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey Website: www.cherokeehockey.org

Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: lodge.info@woodstocklodge246.org Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663

Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Second Thursday at 7 p.m.

Location: Holly Springs Train Depot www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: Second Saturday at 9 a.m.

Location: Winchesters Woodfire Grill Contact: (678) 809-1411 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli (770)592-6545 Republican Women of Cherokee County Meeting: www.rwccga.com Contact: (678) 520-2236

Recreation & Hobbies Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 10 a.m.

Location: Studio 101, 101 Emma Lane, www.artsalliancega.org Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m.

Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 www.addlaughter.com

Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group www.TCCSAG.org

Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts.

Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Contact: Ellen Kayton, (678) 494-6005 www.nntl.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization.

Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com

Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131 Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551 Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com

Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc.

Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee County Lupus Support Group Meeting: 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Location: New Light Church Hall Contact: Pam Bennett, (404) 975-7580 C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m.

Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org Georgia Canines for Independence www.gcidogs.org Contact: (404) 824-4637 GRANDparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7p.m.

Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30188-30189 https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Mondays at 9:30 a.m.

Location: Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: (770) 924-4777 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost.

Contact: (770) 956-0711.

Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899 Towne Lake Area Moms Group www.TowneLakeArea.com Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors Meeting: First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.

Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589 TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Reference

ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)

100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://chambliss.senate.gov

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://isakson.senate.gov

Rep. Tom Price (R) District 6

85-C Mill St., Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075 http://tom.house.gov

Rep. Rob Woodall (R) District 7

75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 http://woodall.house.gov

Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R) District 11

100 North Street Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114 http://gingrey.house.gov

(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461 (202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999

Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov Sen. Jack Murphy (R) District 27

jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov

(770) 546-7565 (404) 463-1378 (770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602 (678) 523-8570

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

(678) 576-2644

scot@turnerforhouse.com

www.cherokeega.com

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6001

Commissioners: L.R. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman

lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Harry Johnston (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com bpoole@cherokeega.com

Jason Nelms (R) District 4 Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

(770) 735-8055 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4100 fax: (678) 493-4228

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little

(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420

2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 155 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188

Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo

(770) 924-4099 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Kelly Marlow (R) District 1

(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236 (770) 721-6298 x4369

kelly.marlow@cherokee.k12.ga.us

TBA District 22

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2

(770) 893-2970

patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Michael Geist (R) District 3

Cherokee County Courts Superior Court:

Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea

State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr.

Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds

(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6431 (678) 493-6431

Probate Court:

Judge Keith Wood (R)

(678) 493-6160

Juvenile Court: Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker TOWNELAKER | February 2014

(404) 462-4950

michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Magistrate Court:

88

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

jnelms@cherokeega.com (202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 345-2931

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

michael@CaldwellforHouse.com

(678) 493-6511

Brian Poole (R) District 3 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005

(404) 652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov

(770) 479-1488

hjohnston@cherokeega.com (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990

State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)

Sen. Bruce Thompson (R) District 14

District Attorney Shannon Wallace

Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280

Janet Read (R) Chair

(770) 516-1444

janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R) District 4

(770) 721-4398, x4370

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rob Usher (R) District 5

(770) 928-0341

rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Robert Wofford (R) District 6 (Vice-Chair) robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com

(770) 345-6256

(770) 592-6017

Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association

(Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) Douglas Properties (770) 926-3086 117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188

SCHOOL INFORMATION Public Schools Ace 3921 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs (770) 345-2005 Principal: Mr. Richard Landolt www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ aceacademy Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway, Woodstock (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ carmel-es Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton (678) 385-7322 Principal: Dr. Scott O’Prey cherokeecharter.org E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive, Woodstock (770) 924-6260 Principal: Ms. Joey Moss www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road, Acworth (770) 974-6682 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive, Woodstock (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Dr. Curt Ashley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris

Woodstock Elementary School 230 Rope Mil Road, Woodstock (770) 926-6969 Principal: Kim Montalbano www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-es

North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org

Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, (770) 592-3500 Principal: Dr. Paul Weir www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-hs

Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com

Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms

Private Schools Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org High School Principal: Rod Kirby Middle School Principal: Hal Scripka Elementary School: Robert Lester Cornerstone Preparatory Academy 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth (770) 529-7077 Administrator: Jeanne Borders www.cornerstoneprep.org

Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92, Acworth (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org Holdheide Education K-3 5234 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Principal: Tammy Dorsten (770) 516-2292, www.MyGiftedKids.org Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd., Woodstock (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org

Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org

Home School Compass Prep Academy Director: Laura George www.compassprep.org info@compassprep.org (404) 643-9424 Homeschool Community Classical Conversations Woodstock Director: Cari Lingerfelt carinwoody@bellsouth.net

Cherokee County School District 2013-2014 Calendar at a Glance February 17-21 Winter Break March 31-April 4 Spring Break May 26 No School May 29 Last Day of School Cafeteria account information: www.mypaymentsplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12. ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

89

Reference

TOWNE LAKE Towne AREA Lake HOMES IN DECEMBER SalesSOLD for December 2013 List Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

159,950 191,000 140,000 195,999 200,000 210,000 225,000 160,000 149,000 175,000 164,900 180,000 204,900 289,900 110,000 143,000 164,500 249,900 260,000 280,000 329,500

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

114,900 169,900 109,900 84,550 114,900 188,000 180,000 163,500 65,000 203,295 131,000 296,900 365,000 180,000 148,900 145,500 189,900 199,900 199,900 214,000 237,900 164,900 450,000 250,000 139,900 149,999 215,000 192,900 119,900 114,300 205,000 378,060 462,775 162,500 200,000 200,000

$

198,081

Address

Subdivision

105 Spring WAY Bascomb Springs 207 Bennett Farms TRL Bennett Farms 132 LYNFORD LN Bentley Hills 554 Ashland PKWY Brookshire 520 Wallnut Hall CV Brookshire 355 Santa Anita AVE Brookshire 524 KEENELAND AVE Brookshire 222 Julia Lynn LN Cameron Creek 4001 Mt Vernon DR Centennial Place 604 Lexington WAY Centennial Place 134 Countryside CT Countryside Villas 114 Dragging Canoe Deer Run 607 Ridge Crossing DR Deer Run 419 Old Deerfield LN Deer Run 707 RISING WAY Eagle Glen 918 Feather Creek LN Eagle Watch 644 Wedgewood DR Eagle Watch 4133 HUNTCLIFF DRIVE Eagle Watch 909 LAUREL CREST DR Eagle Watch 806 Azalea Springs CT Eagle Watch 3204 Eagle Watch DR Eagle Watch See all the photos and details of these sold listings at 125 Golden Hills DR Golden Hillls 704 Hearthstone XING Hearthstone 1201 Cousins RD Heartwood 213 King Arthur DR Kingsridge North 336 Princess AVE Kingsridge North 504 Mirramont PL Mirramont 522 Arden Close Montclair At Ridgewalk 500 Towne Ridge WAY North Towne 5185 Twin Oaks DR NE Oak Hills Estate 340 N Parc XING Parc at Kellogg Creek 197 Stoneforest DR Parkview 103 Sable Ridge DR Sable Trace Ridge 273 Somerset CIR Somerset 502 BAY LEAF LN Spicers Grove 267 Manley CT Stonecroft 251 Manley CT Stonecroft 2131 Summerchase DR Summerchase 704 Summer Lake CV Summerchase 854 SUMMERCHASE CT Summerchase 634 STICKLEY OAK WAY The Village at Towne Lake 164 Heritage PTE The Villas at Heritage Oaks 1422 Towne Harbor PSGE Towne Harbor 1038 Towne Lake HLS E Towne Lake Hills East 117 Lower Victoria RD Victoria Cottages 756 Cedar Creek WAY Victoria Landing Estates 122 Victoria STA Victoria Station 120 Sable Valley DR Waterford Oak 102 Sable Valley DR Waterford Oaks 6200 Westbrook LN Westland Mill 2342 Westland WAY Westland Mill 5001 Pine Creek CIR Willow Creek 240 Fowler ST Woodstock Downtown 181 Hubbard RD Woodstock Downtown 813 Ridge Creek LN Wyngate 7001 SURREY DR Wyngate 7102 Big Woods DR Wyngate

AVERAGES IN DEC 2013

Days on Market 3 2 1979 37 4 3 1994 259 3 2 1978 39 4 2.5 2002 64 3 2.5 2003 54 4 2.5 2001 16 5 2.5 2002 36 3 2 2004 108 3 2 1994 42 3 2 1999 87 2 2 2003 170 4 2 1997 0 4 3 1996 69 5 3 1999 64 4 3 1996 23 3 3 1991 65 3 2 1989 10 4 3.5 1990 30 4 2.5 1995 108 5 4.5 1992 21 5 3.5 1993 74 http://TLDec2013.HomeSalesData.info 3 2 1983 29 4 2 1997 92 3 2 1993 118 3 2 1973 10 3 2 1974 8 4 3 2001 25 2 2 2005 131 3 2.5 1998 26 3 2 1973 114 4 2.5 2013 99 3 2.5 1998 4 5 2.5 2013 86 3 2 2009 40 4 2.5 1997 20 2 2 1998 17 2 2.5 1998 54 4 2.5 1993 57 4 2.5 1993 10 5 3.5 1992 91 3 2 2006 2 3 3 2013 432 3 2 1989 20 5 3.5 1996 100 2 1 1960 183 3 2 1985 47 4 2 1984 37 4 2.5 2010 72 4 3 2013 112 3 2 1986 54 3 2 1992 61 4 2.5 1986 12 3 2.5 2013 2 4 3.5 2013 0 3 2.5 1997 65 4 3 1993 6 4 2.5 1991 2 Beds

Baths

Yr Built

Higher interest rates and a surge of new home inventory is curbing excess demand slightly. As a result, the market is slowly moving in the direction of a more balanced seller/buyer market. Get your home on the market now while the supply is still low!

63.40

Sales Price 155,000 189,000 130,000 182,000 188,500 209,000 216,500 155,000 146,500 177,700 163,000 180,000 193,500 278,000 114,330 134,900 160,000 227,000 255,000 285,000 310,500

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

114,000 168,300 120,000 96,500 105,000 178,000 172,500 155,000 65,000 195,705 128,000 300,000 330,000 180,000 120,000 134,000 181,400 187,900 190,000 218,000 245,445 162,000 429,000 207,000 137,000 142,000 211,000 193,000 110,000 114,300 202,000 418,272 547,603 160,000 193,000 197,000

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

81 76 96 51 64 72 116 75 39 87 105 No data 119 70 115 112 68 88 No data 137 110 97 109 221 No data 80 100 No data 69 56 86 190 195 78 86 89

$

194,006

$

94

Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheila.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by Townelaker)

90

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

$$/sq ft

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

79 67 90 84 106 88 91 107 81 100 92 91 92 94 No data 69 108 97 66 62 81

CLASSIFIEDS CLEANING SERVICES

FOR RENT

The Cleaning Dame: Weekly or biweekly housecleaning, 25 years experience. Excellent references.

Karen 770-366-8399.

Eagle Watch subdivision Home $1250 3 BR 2 bath HOA included 678-852-5776.

You can view the TowneLaker magazine on your mobile device!

www.townelaker.com

HELP WANTED

The Dynamic Clean Team. Let us put a *SPARKLE* in your home!

Weekly or Bi-weekly cleaning. Also move-in and move-outs! 10% off 1st service. 15 years experience, references available. CALL TODAY Melissa Jones, 404-414-7743.

Citywide Maintenance (Marietta, GA) is looking for a part-time Sales Associate and Part-time Night Manager. In addition we are recruiting owner-operated commercial cleaning companies.

Please call Scott at 770-990-3334 or visit www.gocitywide.com

Penny Clean “One Woman Show” moving and deep cleaning available on weekends.

Over 25 years experience, reasonable rates.

Licensed, bonded and insured.

Free estimates. 678-494-3602.

Scan this QR code and flip through the magazine

TUTORING Compassionate Reading Tutor GA certified teacher with 10+ years experience teaching dyslexic students. Orton-Gillingham, LiPS, V/V, and Math-u-See. Unlocking potential and uncovering the gift of dyslexia! ksaracino@gmail.com 770-500-0604

Home & Office cleaning. Pet friendly, owner operated. No teams. Saturday available also. 20 yrs. exp. Fine detailed cleaning.

Donna 770-905-0237.

Join the TowneLaker Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/townelaker

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To place a classified ad, email Michelle at aroundaboutadvertising@gmail.com

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CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THE 10 th FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH'S ISSUE! TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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Reference

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (770) 345-0400 Cherokee County Government:

Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 Business Licenses (770) 721-7810 Clean & Beautiful Commission (770) 517-7650 Commissioners (678) 493-6000 Courthouse (770) 479-1953 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) (678) 493-6077 Extension Office (770) 479-0418 Jury Phone (770) 479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) (770) 479-1953 Planning & Zoning (678) 493-6101 Senior Services (770) 345-5312 Tax Assessors/Evaluation (678) 493-6120

Taxes:

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax (678) 493-6400

Woodstock Office (770) 924-4099 Voter Registration (770) 479-0407

Children/Family:

Anna Crawford Children’s Center (770) 345-8100 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club (770) 720-7712 Cherokee Family Violence Center (770) 479-1804 Cherokee Focus (770) 345-5483 Child Support Enforcement (770) 720-3581 Department of Family & Children Services (770) 720-3610 The Hope Center (770) 924-0864 MUST Cherokee Ministries (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry (770) 591-4730

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat) (678) 413-8400 Fire Department (District 1, Station 20) (770) 926-7155 Georgia State Patrol (770) 205-5400 Health Department (770) 345-7371 Hospitals:

Kennestone Hospital (770) 793-5000 North Fulton Hospital (770) 751-2500 Northside Hospital — Cherokee (770) 720-5100

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

Battered Women Hotline (770) 479-1703 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) (770) 345-7920 Poison Control Center — Atlanta (404) 616-9000 Outside Metro Atlanta (800) 222-1222 Probate Court Information Line (770) 704-2610 Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center (770) 428-2666

Libraries:

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek (770) 591-1491 R.T. Jones (770) 479-3090 Woodstock (770) 926-5859 Non-Emergency 911 (770) 479-3117 92

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

Parks and Recreation:

BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (770) 924-7768

www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187

www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc.

(770) 926-4175

www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264

Pets:

Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115

www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org

Post Office (Woodstock)

www.usps.com (800) 275-8777

Recycling Center (770) 516-4195 Sheriff’s Department (678) 493-4100

www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry

www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Utilities:

Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com AT&T (404) 780-2355

www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100

www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com

Urgent Care Facility

Wellstar Urgent Care (678) 494-2500

Woodstock, City of:

(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels)

. www.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6030

TOWNELAKER DISTRIBUTION MAP Our purpose: At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity; sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride; developing safety nets for those in need; and helping each other to live richer lives.

It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home.

We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine.

Sincerely, Your Friends at TowneLaker

TowneLaker Distribution Map

Circulation: 16,000

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

93

Townelaker

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY For advertising rates and information please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322 • patty@townelaker.com ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Burns & Speights, PC 181 E. Main St., Canton (770) 956-1400, www.bsgalaw.com

27

Debranski & Associates, LLC (770) 926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge

9

Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 77 (678) 445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 200 Kathleen J. McGillick, Family Law Attorney 43 (770) 591-5956, www.kathleenmcgillick.com Merino & Associates (770) 874-4600

Back Cover

Rohan Law, PC (404) 923-0446, www.rohhanlawpc.com

20

Bon Vivant Salon (770) 516-9100

49

Massage Envy (770) 928-0800 134 Woodstock Square Ave., Woodstock

57

Perfect Touch Nail & Spa (678) 445-0011 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy.

5

Salon & Spa Venéssa (770) 591-2079, salonvenessa.com 8516 Main St.

73

Salon Gloss (678) 483-8900, www.SalonGloss.biz 220 Chambers St.

75

The Sundance Massage Center (678) 591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com

43

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 591-3630

49

Chevron at Hobgood 5195 Towne Lake Pkwy.

57

Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500 1930 Eagle Dr., Woodstock

39

Towne Lake’s Carwash & Detail www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com 1490 Towne Lake Pkwy.

35

Towne Lake Business Association

30

Downtown Buzz

78

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS CRPA Guns & Hoses 5k

17

Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org

55

CHIROPRACTIC

BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES

Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation (770) 516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy.

53

Citadel Professional Services, LLC (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Dr., Suite 440, Kennesaw

63

Optimum Health Cover, 50,51 (770) 516-7477, www.optimumhealthrehab.com 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy.

Francis, Kingsley & Assoc., CPAs (770) 310-9726, www.woodstockcpa.com

43

Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 40 1000 Wyngate Pkwy., Ste. 200, Woodstock (770) 592-1877, www.townelakechiro.com

Gateway Funding Brian Duncan, (404) 860-1300

Back cover

Hill & Hill Financial, LLC (770) 672-0402 406 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock

41

Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA, LLC (678) 919-1250, www.jjacksoncpa.com

9

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Azure Salon & Spa (770) 345-8280 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 110, Canton

94

TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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CLEANING SERVICES

3

DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC 35 (678) 810-0881, BringBackSmiles@gmail.com 1505 Stone Bridge Pkwy., Ste. 220, Woodstock Fountain View Dentistry 45 (770) 926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 200, Suite A Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Dr. Suite 200-C

31

S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 42 (770) 924-8848 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 100, Ste. 100 Spillane Orthodontics (770) 928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Pkwy. 575, Suite 200, Woodstock

32

Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 48 (770) 517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Pkwy.

Towne Lake Family Dentist Inside Back Cover (770) 591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy, Building 200, Suite 100 Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 59 (678) 224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 201

73

EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION / COACHING

Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991

35

Cinderella Maids Service (678) 386-1249, sintija@ cinderellamaidsservice.com www.CinderellaMaidsService.com

37

Rejoice Maids (678) 905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com

77

CHURCHES New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Rd., (770) 926-8448 www.newvicbaptist.org

COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 749-7200, www.ccrguys.com 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock

3

Bascomb UMC Preschool (770) 926-0397 2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd.

13

Furtah Preparatory School (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org 5496 Hwy. 92, Acworth

29

Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044 6689 Bells Ferry Rd.

37

Towne Lake Community Church Preschool (678) 445-8766 ext.203 preschool@tlcchurch.com

7

HOME IMPROVEMENT/REPAIR & SERVICE Bryan Plumbing Services (770) 826-5277

5

Coleman Home Services (770) 294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com

7

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. (770) 974-2390

57

Exact Comfort Air Cond. & Heating, Inc. (770) 912-0552 www.exactcomfort.com

16

Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428

33

Handy Handyman, The (404) 316-1490

27

Mr. Junk (678) Mr-Junk1

25

Nelson Exteriors (678) 283-8171

35

Pike’s Professional Painting (770) 516-0045

57

Plumbing Doctor, The (770) 516-9000

13

Precision Painting (678) 234-9668

49

Uptronix (770) 928-0260, www.uptronix.com

57

HOME INTERIORS Creative Interiors & Consignments (678) 402-8386 1428 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 100

41

PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta (770) 591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Rd.

43

Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 36 (770) 591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle Bark Station 240 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock (770) 517-9907, www.bark-station.com

5

Skyline Properties Group 77 (678) 978-1858, www.skylinepropetiesga.com

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital (770) 924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp St.

53

The Village at Towne Lake Camille Gard, (770) 254-5368

Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C

33

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 59 (770) 720-7733, www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 48 (770) 485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Dr. Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com

11

Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann St., Ste. 150, Marietta

46

34

Georgia Floors 69 (770) 516-3227 1105 Parkside Lane Suite 1338, Woodstock

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 110

Interiors at Fun Finds 37 (678) 880-9146, www.InteriorsatFunFinds.com 2751 Marietta Hwy., Canton

Wellstar (770) 956-STAR, wellstar.org

McLellan Excavation & Landscaping (404) 520-0710 www.excavationandlandscaping.com

42

Overstreet Lawn Care (770) 861-7272

25

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

30

25

1 68

17

Elm St. Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251

79

Etowah Eagles Football

63

Etowah Eagles Lacrosse

22

Etowah Tip-Off Club

53

Woodstock Wolverines Basketball

55

Woodstock Wolverines Football

81

Butchers Block (770) 517-2225 1025 Rose Creek Dr. Hacienda Vieja 290 Molly Lane, Woodstock (770) 517-7958

31

Inside Front

Jump Kitchen & Saloon 33 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock (678) 388-7717, www.jumpkitchensaloon.com www.facebook.com/JumpRestaurants Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy.

(770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com Pizza Hut 4451 Towne Lake Pkwy., (770) 516-770 Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 110 (678) 324-1910

9

13 9

RETAILERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com

70

Skip Daugherty Photography (770) 329-5807 www.skipdaughertyphotograpy.com

81

Branches Boutique 5 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. #140, (770) 517-1505 370 Chambers St., (678) 540 5483 Diamonds R Forever 55 4200 Wade Green Rd., Ste. 212, Kennesaw (770) 422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net Gifted Ferret, The 27 (770) 693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr. Ste. 400

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Berkshire Hathaway The Tomlinson Team (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953

Atlanta Lady Fitness for Her (770) 592-9933, www.ATLLADY.com 200 Parkbrooke Dr., Woodstock

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK

Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 57 (770) 592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com

Woodstock Physical Therapy (770) 516-9191, www.woodstockpt.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 100 Ste.C

Inside Front

RECREATION AND FITNESS

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Shefa Urgent Care & Wellness 70 (678) 245-6244 2000 Village Professional Dr. Suite 200, Canton

LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE

Back Cover

83

Fun Finds & Designs 37 (770) 704-0448, www.FunFindsandDesigns.com 2765 Marietta Hwy., Canton

The Clarke Agency (Farmers Insurance) 43 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 105 (678) 400-6725, mclarke@farmersagent.com

Keller Williams, Kurt & Sheila Johnson (404) 954-2486 www.kurtandsheila.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 1015 Univeter Rd., Canton

Rebound Physical Therapy (678) 445-9799

INSURANCE

Dream Key of Palmer House Properties & Associates 59 120 E. Marietta St, Canton (770) 704-0404, (404) 876-4901 www.dreamkeygroup.com Peggy Davis, (770) 318-4369 Lindsay Tubbs, (678) 525-6455

30

Rudi Fine Jewelry 41 (678) 445-2626, rudifinejewelry@yahoo.com 6790 Hwy. 92, Acworth TOWNELAKER | February 2014

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COUPONS & SPECIAL OFFERS! These local businesses have special offers just for you!

Animal Hospital of Towne Lake

36

Mr. Junk

25

Animal Atlanta

43

Nelson Exteriors

35

Aspen Falls Auto Spa

49

Optimum Health

51

Bark Station Bon Vivant Salon

49

Butchers Block

31

Carpet Dry Tech

35

Christian Brothers Automotive

39

Cinderella Maids Service

37

Coleman Home Services

7

Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

53

Exact Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating

16

Georgia Floors

69

Hacienda Vieja

96

5

Inside Front

Papa P’s Mexican Irish Restaurant

9

Perfect Touch Nail and Spa

5

Plastic Surgery Center of the South

46

Rejoice Maids

77

Rudi Fine Jewelry

41

Salon Venessa

73

Spillane Orthodontics

32

The Plumbing Doctor

13

Towne Lake Family Dentistry

Inside Back

Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail

35 59

Hammock’s Heating & Air

33

Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock

Massage Envy

57

WellStar 1

TOWNELAKER | February 2014