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TOWNELAKER | February 2016

February 2016 Volume 21, Issue 10

8 Readers’ Choice

On your mark, get set and ready to cast your votes on March 1!

14 A Song in the Air

Couples reveal favorite tunes in honor of Valentine’s Day.

18 New Superintendent

Dr. Brian Hightower speaks about his goals, challenges.

22 Cherokee to Cobb

Community volunteer shares her hopes for trail expansion.

54 Winter Break

Let us help you with ideas for a happy week off school.

56 Historical Connections Earliest African-American communities still strong.

68 It’s Time for Oscar

Tips for a viewing party that will be fit for the stars.

76 Saluting Vets

Cherokee High senior’s project honors local veterans.

Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Don Akridge

Kurt & Sheila Johnson 23

Around Towne

Rev. John Beyers

Sean Kaufman

Community News

Christopher Brazelton 83

Josh Keenum

Michael Caldwell

Venéssa Lanier

Birthdays

Caron Catalán

Joe Lemmo

Ribbon Cuttings

Claire Frost

Rob Macmillan

Everyday Angels

Renee Gable

Matt Neal

Community Calendar 50

Delia Halverson

Dr. Amar Patel

Dr. Scott Harden

Julius Quarcoo

Dr. Amy Hardin

Bill Ratliff

Dr. Jan Henriques

Lynne Saunders

Matt Hickman

Jenna Hill

Jim Imbriale Dan Jape

Restaurant Guide

Faith

School News

Susan Schulz

Jessica Leigh Smith

Parking Map

Tim Timmons

Betsy Trope

Greenprints Trail Map 87

Dr. Amber York

Ad Index

Recent Home Sales

81 86

www.townelaker.com

48 & 49 On the Cover Summit Financial Solutions photo by J. King Images 2

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

ADVERTISING Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Join the TowneLaker magazine fan page

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TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Community

From the Editor

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

The blessings of living in a close-knit community like Towne Lake are numerous. We celebrate life together in many ways - on the ballfields, in our restaurants and theaters, and through our schools and churches. The support system is strong for our families, and many of our neighbors feed into our lives in various ways along our journey. One very special friend who has meant so much to our family over the years has been recognized for his service to the community. Lamar Green, founder of Never Alone Ministries, received the 2016 Unity Lamar Green, right, with Award during last month’s Martin James Payton, a trustee Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast in of Allen Temple. Canton. In its 18th year, the event is co-sponsored by Allen Temple AME Church and the Cherokee County government. I met Lamar when our families attended Hillside United Methodist Church. One of the many ways Lamar served at that time was by leading a small group for boys, and our son was a part of that gathering. As parents, my husband and I were grateful for all the Godly support and encouragement that our friends offered our children. Parents of middle-school-aged boys understand what a challenge that can be! We’ve been blessed by Lamar’s service and it’s been fun to watch as his Cherokee County ministry has evolved. The idea for Never Alone came during mission trips to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Over the next five years, Lamar organized international trips to Africa, Mexico and Brazil. In October 2012, Never Alone opened on Rope Mill Road to serve those struggling financially by providing food and clothing. In 2015, more than 15,000 individuals were served with more than $600,000 worth of food and clothing. “We had $82 in the bank when God called us to open the food pantry, and I didn’t see how in the world it was going to happen. But God’s ways are not our ways,” Lamar said during his acceptance speech. “It’s not about the green beans and the corn … we use the food and clothing as a tool to remind people they are not alone.” Lamar continues to serve young people as a youth pastor at Waleska First Baptist Church. And fortunately for those who struggle to make ends meet - Lamar said one out of eight of our neighbors struggle daily with hunger issues - Lamar and the 30 volunteers at Never Alone are available to help lighten the load. For more information, visit www.neveralone.org.

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of TowneLaker. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

What’s Coming Join us in welcoming Katherine Amick to the AroundAbout Local Media team as marketing support representative. She and husband Dave have lived in the area for nine years and have two children: Ben, a junior at Etowah High School, and Emmie, an Etowah freshman. Katherine is an active member of Hillside United Methodist Church and volunteer at Etowah. She is coordinator of the Wyngate Waves summer swim team and leads art projects with women’s groups.

What’s Opened Madisonn Ave., a boutique for girls, has opened in downtown Woodstock, at 102 Fowler St., by Jodi Tiberio, the owner of Brooklynn’s and Branches Boutiques. Merchandise in this one-stopshop for girls features everything from tween styles to baby items. Look for Madisonn Ave. on Facebook.

What’s Coming A Bojangles restaurant will be built at the corner of Putnam Ford Road and Eagle Drive. 50 East Shoes will be coming to The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Brazilian Wax has submitted plans for 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 112. Kellogg Creek Road Construction on the 32.8-acre Patriots Park being built on Kellogg Creek Road should be complete by fall 2016. Construction is expected to cost $4.7 million and is funded by proceeds from the November 2008 voterapproved parks bond. Patriots Park will include two natural grass baseball/ softball diamonds, two fenced offleash dog areas, a fully accessible and Patriot’s Park is bordered by Kellogg Creek Road on inclusive playground, the north, and Victory Drive on the south. a paved walking path throughout the park, a concession/restroom building and an artificial turf adaptive use baseball/softball diamond. Dubbed Freedom Field by Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency staff, the adaptive use field is designed for the inclusive use of athletes of all abilities. It is the first of its kind in the county and is expected to become the future home of the Cherokee County Miracle League program. Vic tor yD riv e

AROUND TOWNE

In addition to the construction of the new park on Kellogg Creek, work under the project also includes the conversion of the natural grass athletic field at Hobgood Park to artificial turf and the construction of a new restroom building at Sequoyah Park, bringing the total construction cost to about $6 million.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2016

COMMUNITY BOARD The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine and providing valuable feedback. Kurt Johnson, co-founder of the Kurt and Sheila real estate team, has been involved in real estate most of his adult life. He and his wife have lived in Cherokee County for more than 13 years, their three children have attended county schools since the oldest started first grade at Bascomb Elementary. Kurt and Sheila work hard to promote Cherokee County and all it has to offer. Ann Litrel is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com. Dee Locklin is a Georgia State University retiree who moved to Towne Lake in 1998. She and husband Lewis are the proud parents of KSU student Taylor. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and now is focusing her energy on caring for her beloved husband as he battles late-stage cancer. Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County for the last 15 years. He performs improv comedy with the iThink Improv Troupe out of the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Theatre in downtown Woodstock. He lives in Woodstock with his wife Justine, and his cat, Wasabi. Lynne Saunders is the founder and executive director of Papa’s Pantry and The Master’s Training Center. Her employment classes are based on a book she wrote, “21st Century Keys to Employment.” Lynne has been married to Bill for 33 years and has three grown daughters and five grandchildren. Dr. Scott R. Harden is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for more than 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children. 6

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3322 Controller Denise Griffin Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3315 Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3309 Managing Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3307 Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 15,000 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,000 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 2016. TowneLaker PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by:

Volume 21, Issue 10

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TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Community

Readers’ Choice 2016 PRESENTED BY AROUNDABOUT LOCAL MEDIA

Our local business owners bring so much value to our community. They offer restaurants where we can grab a delicious meal, service centers to keep our cars in tune, individuals who help educate our children and care for our pets, and medical facilities with physicians we trust to treat our families. Now’s your chance to thank them. On March 1, we will open Readers’ Choice 2016. Visit www.townelaker.com and with a click of your mouse, you will be directed to the voting site. Follow the prompts and cast your vote for your favorite SMALL businesses.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Here are a few things to keep in mind. 1. Most of us spend a fair amount of time in big-box retailers. Let’s keep the focus of Readers’ Choice on local small businesses and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit. 2. We’ve populated the site with the names of our current advertisers to help you get started. If you don’t see the name of your favorite business, feel free to write it in. Please include the location of the business, if there are multiple sites. For example, many restaurants have three or four locations - help us know which one you’re voting for by giving as much information as possible, such as a street or community name. 3. Voting begins March 1 and ends at 5 p.m. April 15. 4. Winners will be announced in the May issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time. 5. No more than five votes per category will be accepted from each IP address.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Mountain Biking Program for Girls is Expanding

Project SEARCH graduates are, from left: Chloe Klingler of Woodstock; Trent Ferrell of Canton; Matthew Coleman of Woodstock, Tristan Angle of Kennesaw; Michael Spennato of Woodstock and Mary Finney of Canton.

Graduates Train at Northside Hospital-Cherokee Six interns recently graduated from Project SEARCH, a ninemonth program for young adults with disabilities that provides hands-on and classroom work-related skills. Project SEARCH is a partnership with host business Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Cross Plains Community Partner, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Cherokee Navigator Team and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities to develop daily job tasks for the interns. “The interns meet the high work standards of the host business, are dependable, hard-working, determined and positive,” said Elizabeth Hunter, supported employment manager for Cross Plains Community Partner. “The ultimate goal is to use the skills they learn to gain competitive employment within the community.”

Little Bellas, a program that was launched at Blankets Creek trails last year, will expand what’s offered for girls ages 7-13. The 2016 program begins Feb. 28 and will meet 4-6 p.m. each Sunday. New this year is an eight-week program offered in the spring, which will double the number of girls participating in the outdoor program, and a skills clinic that’s set for 4-6 p.m. March 19. “Little Bellas is needed in our community to help girls overcome the stereotype that mountain biking is for boys. Introducing a young girl to mountain biking will give her a healthy and fun hobby that she can continue well into adulthood,” said Rebecca Loose, a Roswell personal trainer who leads the Woodstock group. For more information, check www.littlebellas.com.

Firefighters Promoted Fifteen firefighters were promoted during a recent ceremony at the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Training Center, south of Holly Springs. Seven firefighters were promoted to the rank of sergeant: James M. Lussier, Craig J. Henderson, Michael R. Sims, Jonathan Gottfried, Roger V. Jarrard, Kenneth W. Williams and C. Brian Carter. Seven firefighters were promoted to the rank of lieutenant: Jason M. Williams, Nathan D. Baum, Matthew J. Richter, Mike J. Caglioni, Brady H. Cornelison, Denny K. Hall and Tim J. Rogers. Chad E. Davis also was promoted to the rank of captain.

New Mural is Planned for Woodstock Downtown Woodstock is getting a new outdoor mural on the wall of the Woodstock Pharmacy facing Mill Street, and the community will help drive the theme and concept for the mural. In September 2015, the Atlanta Regional Public Art Program awarded funding from a competitive grant process for the creation of the new mural in the heart of the downtown area. Matching funds The side wall of Woodstock Pharmacy are being provided by the Woodstock facing Mill Street is where the mural will Downtown Development Authority and be painted. the Convention and Visitors Bureau. A Call for Artists was publicized from November 2015 to January 2016 and the chosen artist will use community input, gathered in a series of events and surveys, to guide the concept of the mural. The first community input event will be held at Truck & Tap at 8640 Main St., outside near the food truck area, on Feb. 13 from 2-6 p.m. Area residents are invited to drop by and share ideas. For more information, visit www.downtownwoodstock.org/mural. 10

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

A Night of 100 Proms On Feb. 12, First Baptist Church Woodstock is hosting Night to Shine Atlanta, one of more than 100 proms taking place simultaneously in 41 states across the country and seven countries around the world. Night to Shine was started by the Tim Tebow Foundation as an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs, ages 16 and older. Organizers expect 200-300 guests will attend the Woodstock event. Each Night to Shine guest will enter the prom on a red carpet complete with welcoming friendly paparazzi. Once inside, guests will receive VIP treatment including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room and dancing. Each guest is declared king or queen of the prom and receives a crown or a tiara. For more information, visit www.nighttoshineatlanta.com.

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 2016

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS An Award-Winning Photo A photo by Woodstock photographer Darleen Prem won the second annual Community Policing in Action photo contest. Darleen’s photo of Woodstock police officers Brad DeWoody, Mark Hand and Keith McGaw escorting World War II veteran Chester Reeve will be featured on the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) website and as Facebook and Twitter headers for one month during the 2016 calendar year. The Woodstock Police Department also will be featured in the COPS office In Darleen Prem’s award winning photo e-newsletter The CP Dispatch. are: back left, Officer Brad DeWoody; “I am elated to have my back right, Lt. Mark Hand; front center image picked to represent the Officer Keith McGaw pushing World Woodstock police department for War II vet Chester Reeve. several reasons,” Darleen said. “As the mother of an active duty Army military police officer, I feel pride in representing both the military and the law enforcement fields in such a touching way. I believe the picture represents exactly what the officers of the Woodstock PD represent: honor, integrity and pride. They deserve to be recognized for their dedication to being part of the community, not just protecting it.”

Plans Under Way for Relay for Life May Event Fundraising and organizational efforts have begun to prepare for the May 13 Relay for Life of Cherokee County event to support the American Cancer Society (ACS). Relay For Life events are community gatherings where teams and individuals take turns walking or running around a track and participate in a festival-like atmosphere of fund-raising activities. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event. An early fund-raising event was led by Charles Davis Jr., an 18-year-old senior at Etowah High School and resident of Eagle Watch. Davis organized the first 5K for Pan Can event in memory of his father, Charles Andrew (Drew) Davis, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in July 2015. The fundraiser was Charles’ senior project, and approximately 200 people participated. Twisted Kitchen partnered with him during the week leading up to the race, donating 100 percent of the proceeds from orders from people who specified they were there for Team Drew. Charles surpassed his $1,000 goal by raising $5,057.30. He was amazed by and is in awe of the support from the community. Other fundraisers included a 2015 fall golf tourney held by Wadeken Industries Inc., which netted almost $10,000, and a pledge of $10,000 from Northside-Cherokee Hospital. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/cherokeega.

Beach Named One of Georgia’s Most Influential People Georgia Trend Magazine recently named Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) to its Power List of “100 Most Influential Georgians.” The list also includes other prominent government officials, CEOs and celebrities. Individuals on the list have accomplished something significant for the state and have had a positive impact on the daily livelihood of all Georgians. “I am humbled and honored to be named to a list that includes so many great leaders,” Sen. Beach said. “Through hard work and strong leadership, Georgia is a great place to live, do business and raise a family.” Sen. Beach is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 21st Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Fulton counties. He can be reached at 404-463-1378 or by email at brandon. beach@senate.ga.gov. Sen. Beach 12

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Charles Davis Jr., center, with his senior project advisor, Kenneth Hair, and Leigh Ann Dukes of the American Cancer Society.

Show the Love for Project Valentine The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency is collecting donations for Project Valentine through Feb. 8. Items include: lip balm, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, any art or music activities as well as candy (sugar free and regular) and any holiday related items. These items will be made into goody bags and delivered to the Cherokee Training Center, Eagle Point and Next Step Ministries. Donations may be dropped off at the Recreation Center in Woodstock, at 7545 Main St., Building 200, For more information, contact Lindsey Collett at 770-924-7768 or lcollett@cherokeega.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Feature

P l aying

They’re

Our Song

I think Paul said it best—the world has not had enough of love songs, silly or otherwise. We hear them on the radio every day and songwriters keep putting pen to paper to express what the rest of us wish we could say. Many couples lay claim to a special tune as “their song.” It might invoke memories of a special time in their relationship or maybe the song captures the essence of their love. Sometimes it’s the song they first danced to at their wedding reception, or the song that was playing on the radio during their first date. Songs have even been written about couples who don’t have a song. Taylor Swift sang: “I look around, turn the radio down; he says, ‘Baby, is something wrong?’ I say, ‘Nothin’, I was just thinking how we don’t have a song.’” And movies have shown us that it’s okay not to have a song because you might have a friend who will let you borrow one, as Julia Roberts’ character did in “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Here to share “their songs” are some local couples, who I’m sure will be glad to loan you theirs until you find one of your own. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kenneth and Stephanie Stubbs “At Last” by Etta James “We danced to it many nights in the den of Kenneth’s townhouse while we were dating, so it was a no-brainer to have it as our first dance when we got married! We named our dog Etta, too.”

Peter and Lisa Laczko “Sweetest Thing” by U2

Ken and Cari Kilgore “Our first dance was to ‘When You Say Nothing at All’ by Alison Krauss. Our anniversary song is ‘Still the One’ by Orleans.”

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

“You’d think that people would have had enough of silly love songs, but I look around me and I see it isn’t so.” “Silly Love Songs” – Paul McCartney and Wings

Kyle and Tamara Peace “Once in a Lifetime” by Michael Bolton “Our special song came on as we were riding down the road after Kyle proposed to me [at the top of the Peachtree Plaza]. Our first dance was to this song and after the first chorus we invited all couples in love to join us. We had a full dance floor! My favorite part of the song says: ‘When faith is all you need, to hold the hand of destiny, find the love that’s meant to be.’ We both knew with all our heart God had placed us together and we were meant to be! We have been married 16 years and God has been faithful in growing our love for Him and each other more each day.”

Tommy and Sandy McDeermond “One in a Million” by Larry Graham

Mike and Dee Dee Jernigan

“You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain

Bill and Donna Ratliff “Just you and Me” by Chicago “Our song has always been ‘Just you and Me’ by Chicago. The chorus goes ‘Just you and me, simple and free. Baby you’re everything I ever dreamed of.’ Now two children and seven grandchildren later we sing it differently. NOT just you and me … NOT just simple and free, but baby you’re still everything I ever dreamed of!”

Love

Max and Marie Jahnke Submitted by their daughter, Tina Lyle “My parents had a song, ‘You Are My Best Friend’ by Don Williams. My parents met in middle school, dated in high school, were king and queen of their senior prom and married at age 21. My parents always had so much fun together. They would have all three of their children sing the song to them while they danced. They loved to dance! “My mom died when she was 75 while the song, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ was playing. During her illness my dad used to sing to her, ‘I don’t love you anymore, but I don’t love you any less’—no idea where that song comes from. Seems their whole relationship was full of songs when I think about it.”

Ben and Nichole Rice “Here, There and Everywhere” by The Beatles “This song is special because it was really the first song we danced to together. Also, when we were dating, I lived in Kennesaw and Nichole lived in Charlotte. We managed to spend time together any time and place we could. We truly were here, there and everywhere!” Ben teaches chorus and orchestra at Mill Creek Middle School, so it makes sense music would be a big part of his life.

Brian Shedd and Maggie Gentry

Songs

Don and Jennifer Deaton “Beautiful in My Eyes” by Joshua Kadison “There is so much in this song that covers how I viewed Jen the day that I married her as well as how I will feel up until my last breath with her. We both love the song as it reflects how we view our relationship. She has deepened in beauty over our years together. One of my favorite lines is ‘And there are lines upon my face, from a lifetime of smiles...’ Our life together has been nothing but genuine smiles since meeting each other in 1994 and marrying in 1998. We dance regularly on our anniversary to our song. She will always be beautiful in my eyes.”

Mark and Sharon Fife “We danced to Elvin Bishop’s ‘Fooled Around and Fell In Love’ at our wedding, but Tony Bennett’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ was almost our choice. Elvin Bishop is a lot more danceable!”

Tim and Karenda Willson “It Always Comes as a Surprise” by Pet Shop Boys “Tim claims this is ‘our song.’ They even played it at our wedding reception.”

Gordon and Christine Bell

“To Be With You” by Mr. Big

“You and Me Against the World” by Helen Reddy

“It perfectly sums up how we get each other through hard times in life.”

Gordon and Christine celebrate 25 years of marriage on Feb. 18. See their photo on page 16.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Community

Celebrations!

Karrisa Marie Gore

Age 1 on Feb. 7 Grandma loves her Georgia peach Kisses from Edenton, N.C.

Bruce and Pam Swan and Dave and Jackie Loudin are pleased to announce the engagement of

Jessie Swan to Matthew Loudin

Matthew proposed to Jessie on Dec. 19 at the Gazebo at the Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock. A September wedding is planned.

Lauren Bridges

Age 7 on Feb. 16 Happy Birthday sweet girl!!! We love you so much. Daddy, Mommy and Jax

Rachel Hugenberg

Age 14 on Feb. 5 Happy Birthday, Rachel!! We are so proud of you and love you very much! Love, Mom, Dad and Elizabeth

Caroline Toole

Maresa Jones

Age 9 on Jan. 13 Happy Birthday Caroline! Mom, Dad and Thomas

Age 5 on Feb. 28 Happy Birthday! Grandma loves you to the moon and back!

Jessica Forte

Alba Torres

Age 11 on Feb 16 Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl! We love you with all our heart! Mom, Dad and Jenna

Samantha Grace Stahler

Happy 9th birthday on Jan. 25! We hope it was magical! Love, Daddy, Mommy and Daniel

Jan. 26 Happy birthday and God bless you. We love you so much and are so proud of you! Valerie,Enrique,Nataly and your husband.

Dominick James Bruley

Born: December 25, 2015 at 2:54 a.m. 8 lb. 10 oz., 19 1/2 inches Proud parents: James and Ashley

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Christine and Gordon Bell

are celebrating their silver wedding anniversary on Feb. 18. TOWNELAKER | February 2016

E-mail to: Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com March deadline is Feb. 10. Please specify TowneLaker.

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Community

MEET

DR. BRIAN HIGHTOWER The Cherokee County School Board recently approved the appointment of Dr. Brian Hightower as the new superintendent of schools. Dr. Hightower took office on Feb. 1, replacing former superintendent Dr. Frank Petruzielo, who retired after 17 years leading the Cherokee County School District. While Dr. Hightower has served our school district for the last 29 years, we wanted to make sure our readers had a chance to get to know our new superintendent of schools.

Hightower named Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo, right, as one of three administrators who’ve had a positive impact on his career. 18

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Brian and Sue Hightower with children Jonathan and Stephanie.

What are your top priorities as you begin this new job? “The Cherokee County School District {CCSD} is widely recognized as a shining example of excellence in the state, and I am focused on continuing the current momentum and level of performance of our students and teachers in establishing it as one of the premier districts in the nation. My No. 1 priority is to exceed expectations in regard to the school board’s Major System Priorities and Five-Year Strategic Plan, which the board just renewed in January. As I begin my new role, at the top of my agenda is visiting every school and department and hearing ideas from our employees as to how we can continue to improve operations. At the same time, I will be meeting with parent leaders and community partners to listen to their thoughts, as they are vital to our enduring success. Our new CCSD motto is ‘Educating the Emerging Generation,’ and I look forward to engaging our entire community in this important endeavor!”

What are the biggest challenges that you expect to face? “Residential growth is resuming in Cherokee County, and with these rooftops come more students. We remain diligent in monitoring this growth to best forecast the need for additional classrooms, teachers, buses, bus drivers and other services and staff, but the challenge is ensuring adequate funding to cover these

What teacher or administrator made the biggest impact in your life as a student? Hightower hiking a high-altitude desert and heading toward the snow-covered summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

costs. The state Legislature continues to shortchange our students through ‘austerity budget cuts’ and proposed funding formula changes that actually could make significantly less funding the new normal. State funds don’t come close to covering the expense of buying land, building new schools and equipping them with technology and purchasing buses, so we also need to continue to gain the community’s support for our Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Ed-SPLOST). At the same time, we face a shortage of future teachers due to rhetoric casting blame on them for challenges that they cannot possibly fix, such as the impact of poverty and limited English proficiency on student performance, and the ever-increasing pressure for students—no matter their challenges—to pass standardized tests and potentially tying that to teacher salaries and certification.”

Outline your history in Cherokee County schools, as a student and as a professional. “My wife, Sue, and I fell in love with each other and Cherokee County while students at Reinhardt College, now Reinhardt University. We knew that this community was where we wanted to make our home and our careers. It was so exciting nearly 30 years ago to begin teaching at E.T. Booth Middle School and then to go on to serve as its assistant principal and principal. After my experience in school administration, I was honored to be asked to serve in the district’s Office of School Operations, first as a director and then as assistant superintendent. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo three years ago offered me the extraordinary opportunity to serve as his deputy superintendent, and this experience provided the final training needed to fully prepare me for my new role as superintendent of schools.”

“Numerous outstanding teachers in my childhood definitely inspired my decision to become an educator, but three administrators guided my path to where I am today: retired Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo, retired Assistant Superintendent for School Operations Randy Martin and retired Principal Phil Gramling. They fostered my leadership potential by giving me opportunities to succeed and shared their wisdom with me. While each has a very different management style, I can see the influence of them in my own leadership style: collaborative in approach; goal and fulfillment-driven; calm in demeanor; and changeoriented.”

Tell us about your family and what you like to do in your free time. “My wife, Sue, and I live in the Sixes area, and we have two grown children: Jonathan, who works as a teacher and coach, and Stephanie, who is in her senior year of college and planning to become a missionary. As a family, we love to spend time together outdoors, and hiking is definitely one of my passions … both nearby on the Appalachian Trail and, my greatest climb to date, a recent trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro, which was an awesome adventure. Service also is very important to our family, and we are devoted not only to our church, but to organizations in our community that support children in need. I currently have the pleasure of heading up the Cherokee YMCA annual campaign that funds scholarships for children who otherwise couldn’t afford to attend summer camp and other programs. Additionally, my service as a volunteer board member on the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce has proven personally rewarding and beneficial to the school district.” TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Community

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Teens Take Part in Leadership Program The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has chosen 20 high school sophomores to participate in the 2016 Teen Leadership Cherokee (TLC) program. Class members attended an orientation with their parents and an all-day retreat, and will take part in four class sessions and individual projects during the next three months. Topics covered in the sessions include community involvement, economic and educational responsibility, personal development and team building. The mission of TLC is to develop the knowledge and leadership skills of young people in Cherokee County so they may confidently become our leaders of tomorrow. A late March graduation ceremony and dinner will honor the class.

Ribbon Cutting North Georgia Tax Solutions 157 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 200 Canton 30114-1700 www.ngtaxsolutions.com

February Events Build Your 12-Month Marketing Plan and Social Media Calendar is a workshop set for 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Chamber of Commerce Terrace Level. Business and marketing coach Stephanie Hines will lead the workshop. Class of 2016 members are, front row from left: Sasha Stogniy, Woodstock; Katherine Relick, Woodstock; Rebekah Carnes, Sequoyah; Katie Pitner, Sequoyah; Middle row l-r: TLC Co-Chair Hanna Pintozzi, American Book Company; Emily Nelson, Etowah; Tori Turk, Sequoyah; Leah Garrison, Cherokee; Zack Forrester, Sequoyah; Kennedy Looper, The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy; Christian Adams, Woodstock, and Chase Harris, Cherokee; Back row, from left: Julia Litrel, Woodstock; Abigale Montgomery, Etowah; Bri Randall, Cherokee; Emma Taylor, River Ridge; Chandler McCloud, Sequoyah; Patrick Ballance, Sequoyah; Griffin Pizzano, Sequoyah; Noah Shever, Sequoyah, and TLC Chair Will Goodwin of Oak Leaf Church.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Power Hour for members and nonmembers will be held 10-11 a.m. Feb. 25 at the Chamber of Commerce board room, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 30114. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for future members. For information, contact Gini Mizelle at 770-345-0400 or Gini@CherokeeChamber.com. Power Hour is a fastpaced networking event with fellow business leaders and Chamber Chairman of the Board Steve Garrison Jr., and Chamber President/CEO Pam Carnes.

Take Action this Valentine’s Season BY JOSH KEENUM AND MATT HICKMANN

February is a month dedicated to LOVE. Instead of the typical gifts, flowers, chocolates or dinner at your favorite place, try something new this year. Consider an active Valentine’s Day. Olivia Newton-John said it best: “Let’s get physical!” Now before you head down that path, consider creating a day of activities you can do together. No, shopping doesn’t count. And no, watching a game together is out as well. Here’s your chance to support your valentine in an area of his or her interest. A few examples could be: Sports. If your valentine has a passion for a particular sport, give it a shot. For some reason, most men have an obsession with football. Instead of rolling your eyes at it, jump in the huddle and find out what’s happening. Go over the basics and toss the ball around. Create some plays that get you both involved. And men, always let her tackle you. Spinning. Spring break is around the corner and many head to a cycling class to burn off the “winter coat.” Ever join your valentine in a spin class? Don’t wait. It’s the perfect opportunity to work hard, sweat and have a friendly competition on the bike. Try to get into an early morning class. It’s the perfect start to your day as it burns massive calories, thus giving you some leeway on indulging a bit for dessert! Trails. If you haven’t been on the trails throughout

Woodstock, here’s your chance. The Town to Creek Trail starts in the downtown area. Don’t forget about Olde Rope Mill Park, Dupree Park and Woofstock Dog Park to add to your list of possibilities. Whether you walk or run, you’ll get fresh air and a chance to talk and just be together. A tip: Do not make it about you. Be present and purposeful. Don’t be afraid of sweating or getting dirty. In fact, try to get as sweaty and dirty as you can. It’s the perfect excuse to hit the shower. If you and your valentine have been interested in fitness but haven’t been able to find the motivation to start a program, this could be the beginning of both of your fitness journeys. You’ll have an excuse to spend more time together at the gym or on a run, and you’ll be able to encourage one another along the way. Make this Valentine’s Day special by trying something new and exciting. And make 2016 your most active year yet.

PLAE HARD directors Matt Hickmann, SCCC, CSCS, and Josh Keenum, Reebok Athlete, CPT. info@plaehard.com. 678-408-2241.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Community

Some People Say I’m A Dreamer …

I Hope I’m Not The Only One BY RENEE GABLE

Those of you who know me are very aware of my visions for Woodstock, which I am constantly advocating for on Facebook. But for the fortunate others of you whom I have not yet had the pleasure of reaching, I need you to participate in a quick mental exercise with me. Here we go… Attention BIG THINKERS of Woodstock, Cherokee County and beyond. Context: The city of Woodstock created the Greenprints Master Plan, which identifies 60-plus miles of local trails to be built within the city. Currently 19.3 miles of trail are built and 3.25 miles will begin construction this year, funded by the Cherokee County Parks Bond and several grants. One of these heavily used trails is the paved Noonday Creek Trail, which starts in downtown Woodstock and meanders for 1.5 miles southward along Noonday Creek, with a connection bridge to Woofstock Dog Park. Since its opening in May 2014, it is averaging approximately 16,000 users per month. However this portion of the trail currently ends at Highway 92. NOW, here’s the BIG THINKING part. What if this local trail could extend south to connect to other existing trails and become an alternate transportation corridor? This is where I get really excited. IMAGINE downtown Woodstock could connect to the Town Center, Noonday Creek Trail, Kennesaw Mountain, downtown Marietta, the Silver Comet Trail, the Atlanta Beltline and into Alabama via the Silver Comet Trail. How AWESOME would that be? You could walk, run, bike, skate for miles, or as a friend of mine said, “You could go on vacation from Woodstock by bike!” We have the Greenprints Master Plan in place and we are working with our neighboring counties and communities to connect regionally. But we need more help. Private partners are being sought to help with the estimated $2 million price tag to complete this small 1.5-mile gap in an overall regionally significant trail segment that will reach more than 100 miles. Interested public and private parties are asked to 22

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Renee rides her bike in Woodstock’s 2015 Christmas parade. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Carter.

Bike trails and paths throughout metro Atlanta shows possibilities for expansion. Source: Atlanta Regional Commission

contact Greenprints Alliance Executive Director Gary Moore at gary@greenprintsalliance.org or 770-289-9854. You can also contact me at renee@greenprintsalliance.org or 404694-1239. I have made this 1.5 mile trail connection my Personal Vision Goal for 2016 and I cannot wait to see this vision become a REALITY. And yes, I may be a dreamer, but I’m willing to bet that I’m not the only one!

Renee Gable is an avid cyclist and community volunteer who moved her family to Woodstock 19 years ago, exhanging the busy roads of Atlanta for safe trail riding experiences in Cherokee County. renee@greenprintsalliance.org.

Improvements in Home Sales Should Continue in 2016 BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

We are pleased to report that the housing market in the TowneLakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distribution area showed strong improvement by every measure in 2015. Homes sold faster, for more money and for more of their list price. The data is showing us though, that while we will still see improvement in 2016, the pace of these improvements has been been leveling off for resales (homes not newly constructed) in the TowneLaker coverage area. Homes sold for 8.47 percent more money per square foot in 2015 than in 2014, with the average single family home selling for an average of 6.34 percent more (or $14,153 more on average). The total days on market improved by 12 percent. Homes are taking an average of only 44 days to sell and closer to 40 days when priced correctly.

We expect the exuberant demand for resales will continue to taper as new home construction resumes its pre-crash pace of 1,000-plus home sales per year. 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.

Kurt and Sheila Johnson are Keller Williams Top Producing Agents and have served Cherokee County for more than 10 years. www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Community

EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community. Throughout the years, Everyday Angels has witnessed too many ceremonial balloon releases, symbolizing the end of a child’s earthly battle with cancer. This month, we share hope in the miraculous story of Riley Bailey. Enjoy! Keri and Eddie Bailey’s third child, 10-year-old Riley, was a healthy 10-pound baby. Riley appeared normal until age 4, when he began displaying mild behavioral changes followed by physical changes at age 5. “We knew there was something wrong that we just couldn’t figure out,” Keri said. “His pediatrician suspected a pectus deformity but X-rays returned normal results. His day-to-day capabilities were affected at this point. Little did we know that the Lord had already aligned us with the woman that held the key − Ms. Linda, one of his Clark Creek Elementary teachers, who had evaluated him to receive special services.” One evening, Keri and Eddie noticed Riley’s mouth drooping, and sent an email to Ms. Linda, who said she also had noticed it. They took Riley to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Emergency Room, where Ms. Linda’s daughter, Dr. Amanda Pierzchala, took a special interest in Riley, who was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a weakness of facial muscles. “Dr. Pierzchala stayed long after her shift and listened to our concerns. She ordered more scans, which revealed a large mass in Riley’s abdomen,” Keri said. “So much was coming at us very fast. We were in shock. I knew that Riley was God’s child more than mine and I knew God loved him more than I could even imagine. Please don’t allow him to suffer, give us strength to face what was ahead and use it to bring glory to the Lord,” she prayed. Surgery revealed a mass the size of a small soccer ball, but doctors didn’t remove the tumor; it was a high-risk operation because of blood vessels running through the mass. Riley was moved to the AFLAC Cancer Center to receive his port and prepare for future treatments. Several days later, a team of doctors explained that while Riley’s tumor began as a neuroblastoma in his adrenal glands, there was no more trace of cancer. Suddenly, it seemed everything was ending as fast as it began. It was a miracle! “Eight months later, Riley’s tumor began causing severe abdominal pain. We were referred to a doctor in New York, 24

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

the only surgeon who had the experience to remove the tumor, but were put on a two-month wait list. Before we left to see this doctor, we received a call that he had had a heart attack and everything was on hold again. When we finally met with our surgeon, he explained the risk of the surgery far outweighs any pain. He told us we received our miracle when God took the cancer away and whatever Riley’s body produced to cause this change cannot be reproduced. Riley held the hope that they would share with other patients and parents. “With that, we felt whole and finally felt a full understanding of what had taken place,” Keri said. Today, Riley is back in school and in the fourth grade. His tumor remains but his cancer is gone. “We continue his appointments as though he is a former cancer patient in remission. It is our prayer that Riley grows into his tumor without much pain and, of course, that his cancer does not return. We will likely have medical bills the rest of our lives – God willing - but that means that we still have our son,” Keri said. Keri and Eddie know that God’s timing saved their son. If they had gone forward with the risky surgeries, they may have lost him. “The Lord revealed everything at the right time and placed people in our lives to help along the way. There is no mistake that so many coincidences can only be explained as the Lord,” Keri said. Riley accepted the Lord less than a month after his return from New York. To GOD be the Glory! Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

Tell Them You’ve Built It and They Will Come BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

Government doesn’t create jobs. Government’s role in a healthy economy is to establish a regulatory and tax environment that facilitates business growth. This is the mindset that I use while serving as a member on the state House’s economic development and tourism committee. My goal, whether at the Capitol or meeting with business owners from around Georgia, is to learn ways that we can get government out of the way and pave a path for Georgia’s entrepreneurs to thrive. Several years ago, I had a meeting with the United Kingdom’s consul-general at his office in Atlanta. Economic development and potential roadblocks to British investment in Georgia were chief among the topics I planned to discuss that day. Being me, I opened like this: “I have been to the United Kingdom and it appears that there are a large number of employed people there. I want to understand what keeps those companies giving Brits jobs rather than moving their operations here.” He started with a laugh, then gave me an answer I did not expect to hear. Although we hear that our biggest hurdles when it comes to economic development are transportation, education and taxation, when trying to attract international investment one of our biggest issues is that the firms don’t even know Georgia is here. When Europeans picture the United States, they see Boston, New York City, Chicago, California, Texas and maybe Walt Disney World. They miss Georgia altogether. I spoke once with a student interning in Atlanta on a foreign exchange program from Edinburgh, Scotland. After asking what most surprised him about Atlanta once he arrived, his answer was that it was a city! “I had pictured banjos on porches, but you have restaurants!” Indeed we have restaurants, but we need to better communicate just how much we have to offer. Site Selection magazine has rated Georgia the No. 1 state in which to do business for three years in a row, but if no one knows what we’ve built, we’ll be No. 1 for businesses without any firms actually doing business. This is the point in the article where I can show off our jobs-focused governor for a moment. From trips around the world to an agenda focused on job growth, his administration has done a great job taking Georgia from being a good state in which to own a business to a great one. In addition to the governor’s work traveling the globe to bring economic attention to Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development is also award winning. It continues to do phenomenal work tracking down and bringing new investment to our state. One silver bullet that we have maintained is the film tax credit in Georgia. For those who haven’t heard about this tax credit yet, several years ago the General Assembly decided to go after continued on page 85 Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Dramatic Change It Doesn’t Have to be Permanent BY VENÉSSA LANIER

At some time or another, many women wish to change their hair without permanently making a change. This was the request of this month’s makeover models. Sarah Jess and Kelsey wanted to make changes that aren’t permanent, and each had a different reason. Kelsey, a Fitness Barre Instructor, is planning a summer wedding and wants to wear her hair up on her wedding day. Since she got engaged, she has been growing out her stylish chin-length bob. She has now reached an in-between length and her hair lacks the fullness of her once shorter style. Yet, her hair is still not long enough to pull up, a must while she teaches her fitness classes. On the other hand, Sarah Jess is an artist and mother to a busy 3-year-old boy. As a working mom, she enjoys expressing her creativity by wearing her hair in many different styles. She said she’d enjoy a “fun color” and told us her son would like her to have “super power blue” put in her dark hair. Hair extensions offer the style each of our models wanted without making a permanent change. Extensions are affordable and growing in popularity for all women, not just celebrities. They create fullness, increase length or add dimensions of color to hair. A new hairstyle that keeps the hair healthy is easy to get with high quality hair extensions installed by a trained stylist. Extensions come in many different colors and textures that blend with any hair type. Sarah Jess can have her “fun color” without needing to lighten her dark hair to receive a bold color. A benefit to using extensions for color is that extensions will not fade as natural hair would. Stylist Heather Tucker added wefts

Kelsey

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Sarah Jess

of blue hair sporadically throughout Sarah Jess’ hair for that “super power blue.” When Sarah Jess wears her hair up in twists and braids, the blue pops through and gives her hair an edgy, fun color. Extensions can also lengthen hair. Kelsey wanted to be able to pull her hair up while teaching fitness classes. Salon and spa owner Venéssa Lanier added small wefts of extensions to the front sides of Kelsey’s bob. This created length in the front so that Kelsey can style her hair differently during the in-between stage of growing her hair out. Kelsey’s new look is natural and subtle. The extensions give her a change as she grows out her hair for her August wedding. Her hair also will look great as she attends the events leading up to her special day. Esthetician Amy Chandler chose bold colors to enhance Sarah Jess’ beautiful eyes. She used Golden Ginger eyeshadow over the eyelid and then defined a dramatic smoky eye using Blue Lapis shadow. In order to keep the focus on Sarah Jess’ eyes and balance out Sara Jess’ dramatic look, Amy chose Agave Nectar, a nude color for her lips. Kelsey’s brown eyes are naturally striking, so Amy gave her a classic cat eye defined with black liner and a Lemon Spice shadow to make her eyes sparkle. Amy covered Kelsey’s lips with a bright lip liner, Dragon Fruit, topped with a Pink Lotus lip gloss for added shine. Sometimes, a subtle change is all we need, and sometimes adding a “super power blue” is exactly what is needed to beat the winter doldrums.

Venéssa Lanier is the 24-year owner of Salon and Spa Venéssa, which is committed to providing personalized services to guests in a luxurious setting located in downtown Woodstock. www.salonvenessa.com

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Rob’s Rescues This dog is Scarlett. She is really friendly. My mom thinks she will be the best dog in the world for someone. Scarlett comes when you call her. She is 4 years old and is a terrier mix. She came to the shelter as a stray. This cat’s name is Maura. She is the only cat left in the shelter at the moment. She is 4 years old and likes to sleep a lot. She is 8 pounds and she is a domestic shorthair mix. My family threw a party at Featherstone’s just before Christmas. The Cherokee High School band played Christmas music and I had a Rob’s Rescues bin there. There was a lot of food in the bin at the end of the party. The food from this bin was given to the Homeless Pet Foundation. I will talk more about them next time.

Thank you

to reader Lisa Sammons for the very generous donation sent to Rob’s Rescues. It will be given to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter.

Rob’s Rescues

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

now has a Facebook page!

I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com.

4474 Towne Lake Pkwy | Woodstock, GA 30189 770.924.4777 | www.hillsideumc.org TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

No Hot Water?

Check Before Calling a Plumber BY DAN JAPE

Whether it is the dead of winter or a midsummer morning, the feeling of freezing cold water in the shower can ruin your day. If you find that you have no hot water in your home, there are several easy ways to troubleshoot before calling a plumber. Make Sure Circuits Aren’t Tripped (For Electric Water Heaters) Make sure the water heater is plugged in and turned on, and that the circuit to your water heater hasn’t been tripped. This requires you to move the switch into the “off” position and then turn it back on. Most panels are clearly labeled, but you may need to go through each one to find it. Electric heaters may also be unplugged, so check whether the connection is secure and the fuse powering the outlet is not blown. Relight the Pilot (For Gas Water Heaters) Heaters running on natural gas will have a bright blue flame with a bit of yellow when the pilot light is set correctly. For propane heaters, the flame will be a mixture of blue and green with a bit of yellow. New heaters have automatic pilot-lighting systems, so it is unlikely that your pilot light will go out. If you have an older heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to light the pilot. Call a plumber if you are unsure. Check the Thermostat on the Water Heater Thermostats may malfunction and force the temperature of the water below the level you consider comfortable. Check your water heater’s thermostat setting. With an electric heater, you will have to remove the inspection panel to locate the thermostat. Be careful because there is high voltage wiring in the area. Water heaters come with a preset temperature, but you can change it as low as 110 degrees F or as high as 140 degrees F, depending on your household’s needs. Lowering water temperature also will reduce your energy bill. Look for a Hot Water Leak Water leaks will be obvious if you have a traditional standby tank because you will see water marks at the base of the heater. Small leaks will affect water temperatures as well as your water and heating costs every month. Get in touch with a plumber to correct a leak quickly. Examine Your Water Use Heated water tanks have a limited amount of water available for showers before they need to refill. You may have turned on the hot water right after each member of your family took a shower and left the tank empty. The same problem pops up when you visit a vacation home and turn on the electric supply. There is a delay before you will get hot water in the shower or dishwasher. Tankless water heaters make sense for homeowners who want a constant supply of hot water without worrying about a tank filling. The tankless system saves energy and water and serves as the greenest option on the market.

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Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. He can be reached at 770-594-9969.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

New Location, Accepting New Patients

We are proud to announce that we are expanding to provide services in both the Holly Springs and Woodstock communities. Our family friendly practice is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care possible, and offers treatment for sports-related injuries, concussion management and effective, minimally-invasive treatment procedures for all types of musculoskeletal conditions.

Northside/Da Imaging

Services Offered:

HOLLY SPRINGS WOODSTOCK

Exit 11 (Sixes Road)

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• Treatment of pediatric, adolescent and adult patients • Prevention, evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries • Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the upper and lower extremities • Total joint replacements (hip, knee, ankle & shoulder) • Diagnosis, evaluation and management of concussions • Fracture care

NEW 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 320, Woodstock, GA 30189 son Fe rr y Rd 684 Sixes Road, Suite 130, Holly Springs, GA 30115 . (770) 517-6636 • northsidecherokeeortho.com

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

A Sure Sign of Valentine’s Date Night BY MATT NEAL

There’s something about seeing a young man in the grocery store buying flowers that makes me smile. All the signs are there – the date outfit, the nervous appearance, the fact that he’s buying only flowers and breath mints. It’s either a first date, or it’s Valentine’s Day. I see myself in my youth as I tried to impress a young lady. I’m willing to bet that young man spent an hour at the car wash, vacuuming and cleaning his car. He probably even spent the extra 50 cents for the exotic air freshener. He’ll leave early so he won’t be late to pick her up. Then he’ll circle the block a few times because he arrived too early. And finally, he will wait 20 minutes before she makes her appearance. If she lives with her parents, those 20 minutes will be the most awkward of his life as he chats with her dad. When my wife and I first started dating, for our first Valentine’s Day I came up with the ultimate date night in downtown Atlanta. We started with dinner at Dante’s Down the Hatch when it used to be below Underground Atlanta. We finished the evening with drinks and dessert at the Sun Dial. So we went from below the city to the top of the city. Yes, I thought that was clever. On one of our first dates, she wanted to impress me as well. She made a cheesecake from scratch and we had dessert at her place. I know all these years later my sweet wife is probably

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

wondering when I’m taking her back to the Sun Dial. But I’m still wondering when she’s going to make me another cheesecake. What may surprise young men to discover is that their dates are likely as nervous as they are. That’s a good thing. It means they’re interested in you. It’s no fun being someones Valentine’s Day Backup Plan. I would rank that a notch or two below being alone on Valentine’s Day, which actually wasn’t that bad. If I could have done things differently, I wish I hadn’t put so much pressure on myself to make Valentine’s Day the perfect date. There are so many casual things to do that don’t involve spending a lot of money or driving to someplace far away. Some of the things we enjoy now are going for a hike in the woods, or staying home and trying a new recipe for an exotic meal that we cook together. But for you young men, you still can’t go wrong with a card, flowers and your best date outfit.

Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived in Woodstock with his wife since 1999. He can be reached at www. mattnealwriter@yahoo.com.

Call (770) 852-7720 for an appointment

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Northside Cherokee Pediatrics is proud to announce the addition of a new office in the Northside Towne Lake Medical Building to better serve the Woodstock community. Currently offering back to school check-ups and physicals, our board-certified physicians offer the quality one-on-one care you demand to keep your child happy and healthy including short wait times, same day appointments, and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle.

Dr. Shalini Shah Welcoming new patients!

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Northside Pediatrics offers:

• Continuous Care. Patients are able to see the same provider at each visit to ensure continuous and seamless care for your child.

new office

HOLLY SPRINGS WOODSTOCK

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• Timely Access. We offer same-day appointments whenever possible for sick patients.

Exit 11 (Sixes Road)

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• Board-certified in Pediatrics. Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides excellent care to children in every stage of development, from infancy to adolescence.

900 Towne Lake Parkway, erry R d. Suite 306 Woodstock, GA 30189 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Medical Malpractice is Complex, Costly to Prove BY JAMES IMBRIALE

If you suffered an injury due to a Georgia health care professional’s improper medical treatment, you may have a claim for medical negligence, aka medical malpractice. Malpractice occurs when a medical professional such as a doctor, dentist, nurse or hospital violates the “standard of care” when treating you, thus causing an injury or even death. The standard of care is a generally accepted set of standards and practices used by medical professionals to treat patients suffering from a specific ailment or disorder. The standard of care will vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s age or overall health. The standard of care is determined by an affidavit by another expert in the same field. When you file a malpractice claim, you will have to prove that the doctor’s violation of the standard of care caused your injury. This can be difficult to prove since many times the doctor’s defense will be that the patient’s pre-existing medical condition caused or contributed to the injury. The doctor’s attorney may argue—particularly when the patient is elderly— that the patient’s medical history is what led to the injury. Or, the attorney will commonly defend the case by saying that despite the negligence of the doctor, the patient was in such bad health prior to the procedure that it was inevitable for the patient to suffer the injury in question anyway. These defenses work because 90 percent of malpractice cases that go to a jury trial are won by the doctors. Jurors generally have deep respect for medical professionals. However, many of the clear cases of medical negligence are settled just prior to trial, but that is after several years of depositions and litigation. Thus, these claims require use of extensive expert witnesses who are familiar with the same field of medicine. Every medical malpractice lawsuit requires an affidavit of a medical professional in the same field of medicine to sign off on the precise violation of the standard of care. This often forces

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

attorneys to find experts from out of state, since most doctors within the same community are not willing to implicate a colleague. We hear time and time again that the patient has a new doctor who firmly told the patient that the previous doctor committed malpractice, but when the previous doctor’s attorney asks the new doctor to sign off on this in writing, he or she refuses and backtracks on the comments made to the patient. Malpractice suits are expensive and time consuming. Since these cases are typically handled by the attorney on a contingency basis (if the attorney doesn’t recover any damages he doesn’t get paid), attorneys who practice this field often are extremely picky about taking on cases. These cases cost at the minimum $25,000 to $50,000 to bring in court and many times $100,000 or more. The attorney advances these costs and only recoups these costs if the case is won. Thus, a seasoned medical malpractice attorney will only take a case that has significant damages (i.e. death or serious permanent injuries) and lock solid liability (i.e. a clear violation of the standard of care as accepted by the medical community at large). Probably one of the most common phone calls we get at our law office is medical malpractice. We always refer these calls out to several expert medical malpractice attorneys—you want to hire one who has previously handled dozens of these cases since they are so complex—who are excellent at this field. They generally accept only one in 100 cases because of the pitfalls of this legal practice. Unfortunately, this results in most cases continued on page 85 James Imbriale and Jeff Yashinsky, personal injury attorneys at Hartman – Imbriale LLP, have strictly practiced personal injury law for the past 24 years and work and live in Towne Lake. 678-445-7423.

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Lifestyle

Changing Gears

Let’s See What The New Year Brings BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

After many years of writing strategic tips about finding employment, this year I will be changing gears. It’s not that I’m out of advice or new ideas … often, it is easy to keep doing what you’ve always done. However, it’s time to shake things up and offer a different perspective. How radical are these gears that are changing? Not sure yet, after all, it is still a fairly new year. At my core, I am a teacher. I love to share inspiring knowledge. So, I may write about a variety of topics, but more as a life coach rather than a job coach. Let’s take New Year’s Resolutions - I’m not a fan. I think they are a trap for disillusionment and negate our psyche. After the holidays, aren’t we all just too tired to transcend into our dream image overnight, with just a turn of the calendar page? Instead I advocate that we take January to simply decompress. Take the Christmas decorations down when ready, not on a time frame that is acceptable to someone else. I can’t sit down to experience the beauty of the Christmas tree until after the gifts are unwrapped and family dinner is over. January is a wonderful time to detox from the onslaught of heavy food, drink, parties and pressures. It is not a time to make like changing/altering decisions. If you made resolutions that have already been broken, congratulations! January should

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

simply be a steppingstone into the rest of the year. And, if planned well, will catapult to a strategic rest of the year. I recommend that new year’s resolutions be defined and implemented in February. By this time, January’s disappointment has derailed self-esteem. Forgive yourself. Love yourself! You couldn’t win that battle in January. It just wasn’t possible. Instead, use those emotions to strengthen your resolve to make important, necessary changes that will improve the quality of your life. By this time, your refrigerator should not have any leftovers of non-healthy foods. Your bank book should have recovered from the holiday over-spending. Whatever the “what” is for you, now is your time to get started. To stay motivated, take classes and find online resource information. YouTube continues to amaze me with available information. Are you changing gears, too? I pray for you the very best. Keep Making Progress!

Lynne Saunders is director of Papa’s Pantry (www.papaspantry.org) and the Master’s Training Center. She can be reached at 770-591-4730.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Gray Hair BY TIM TIMMONS

Last year silver locks crossed into the mainstream, with a slew of models, music stars and street style icons going prematurely gray. Nature’s hair curse was reclaimed as the coolest color job around. This year’s obsession with the gray area takes its inspiration from the blue rinse brigade. Gray hair has gone from dreaded to desired as young women and men across the country head to salons to ask for silvery finishes. Everyone from Kelly Osbourne, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Nicole Richie and Hilary Duff have stepped out with gray locks in the past year. Even Pink has gone gray. And the trend for silver hair isn’t slowing down. It’s an unconventional look, but it works well on a lot of skin tones. It also seems to have transcended personal style: Everyone is going gray-classic, conservative clients are changing to gray hues just as quickly as trendsetting fashionistas. Gray has been a popular choice among those who religiously read fashion blogs, while bohemian girls put it in braids and add flowers. Even the Goth girls go for it. Up until recently, black was the go-to hair color for the Goth set, but now they are opting for the gray trend instead. We have seen the muted tone is also ideal for a minimalist aesthetic. Along with this new trend comes many questions from our clients regarding this current phenomena. Here is the lowdown if you are considering a change to the current gray craze. Can anyone dye their hair gray? The easiest way to answer this question is simple, “not really.” It’s really not recommended for dark brown or black hair because it would be extremely difficult

Nature’s hair curse was reclaimed as the coolest color job around.

to lift it light enough past the yellow tones in the hair, which is needed for the gray toner to take properly. If the hair is not lifted past the yellow stage, the toner will leave you with an undesired muddy effect. How should you prep for a gray hair makeover? If you have brown hair, it would probably take about two to three sessions to get your hair white enough to take the gray toner. Our salon recommends at least three weeks between sessions to lighten the hair. Can it be colored gray after my hair is lightened? The hair needs to be fully lightened and then once it is free of any yellow tones it can be toned with a gray or silver toner. Can you color your hair gray yourself? You will see popular brands of home hair color in your local grocery store that offer this current trend. The process involves careful professional lightening and the use of toners that are selected on the basis of how light the hair lifts, so it’s probably best to have it done in a salon. If it turns out that your attempt goes wrong (and it probably will), we will be there to assist you in fixing your misfortune. Can it be done as an ombré? The principles for achieving a gray ombré are the same as a normal ombré- hair is lightened evenly to the palest yellow and then toned. It just depends on the toner….how deep you want it, if you want it steel-like, if you want it more violet, more blue or light and silvery. How about aftercare? What’s the best shampoo for gray hair? The aftercare process is important - use a shampoo designed specifically for silver or gray hair. These shampoos have a temporary toner built in to help you maintain the fresh vibrancy of your new color. Also, be aware of the level of commitment that it will require to maintain your new color. You should be prepared to be at the salon every three to four weeks for root lightening, toning, hair treatments and home maintenance products.

Tim Timmons is the owner of Salon Gloss Woodstock. Tim’s industry experience includes positions as trainer/educator, celebrity stylist and beauty consultant for the Grammys and MTV video music awards.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Are Gen Xers Planning for Retirement the Right Way? Some are planning wisely, but others are beset by mistakes. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Generation X has become the new “sandwich” generation. Many Americans born during the years 1965 and 1980 are finding themselves caring for aging parents and raising kids at once, with little time to devote to their personal finances or their retirement planning. Broadly speaking, that time shortage has hindered their retirement saving and planning efforts. Some members of Gen X are on track to reach their retirement money goals; others are making mistakes that may greatly undermine their progress. What kind of mistakes, specifically? Procrastination. In a recent survey of 36- to 49-year-olds commissioned by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, 39 percent of respondents said they would prefer to tackle retirement investing when they were nearer to retirement age.1 If you are in your 30s or 40s, this is a mistake you cannot afford to make. When it comes to retirement saving, time is your friend—perhaps the best friend you have—and the earlier you start, the more years of compounding your invested assets can receive. That is not to say all hope is lost if you start saving and investing at 40, however. You just have to save considerably more per month or year to catch up. A very simple compounding example bears this out. Let us take a 25-year-old, a 35-year-old and a 45-year-old. From this day forward, each will contribute $1,000 a month for a 10-year period to a retirement account yielding 7 percent annually. At the end of those 10 years, they will stop contributing to those accounts and merely watch that money grow until they turn 65 (not recommended, but again this is a simple example). Under these conditions, the person who saved for just 10 years starting at age 25 has $1,444,969 at 65. The person who saved for 10

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

years starting at age 35 has $734,549, and the person who saved for 10 years starting at age 45 has only $373,407.2 Raiding the retirement fund. Think of your retirement fund as your financial future, or at least a large part of it. Many instances may tempt you to draw it down: your children’s education expenses, student loan debt, eldercare costs. Refrain if at all possible. Work on creating an emergency fund so you can avoid this (if you already have one, great). Every loan you take from a workplace retirement account leaves you with fewer invested dollars, fewer dollars that may grow and compound faster than inflation via the equities markets. Your 40s, in particular, represent a prime time to ramp up your saving effort as your salary and/or compensation presumably increase. Undervaluing catch-up contributions. Beginning in the calendar year you turn 50, you are permitted to contribute an extra $1,000 to your IRA per year, and an extra $6,000 per year to a typical 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan. An extra $1,000-$6,000 per year may not sound like much, but if you have both an IRA and a workplace retirement plan, this gives you a chance to save an additional $50,000-$100,000 (or more) for retirement between now and when you presumably wrap up your career. Those dollars can benefit from compounding as well. Even the opportunity to direct an additional $1,000 into an IRA each year should not be dismissed. Sadly, some savers will enter their 50s continued on page 85 Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

Senior Sense

Marriage and Friendship BY DELIA HALVERSON

What happens to a boyfriend after the wedding bells ring? What happens to a girlfriend after the proper “I do”? Why should tying the knot nullify friendship? All too often a husband and wife turn their backs on friendship after the wedding – or this may happen some years after the wedding. Instead of a change in relationship, the marriage should bring an addition to the relationship, even after many years. If friendship is removed from marriage, the give and take becomes a shove and grab. Some of the loveliest marriages I know are second marriages among people of retirement age. Often these are based on friendship as well as love. Each person has a need for the other, and each one brings something in the way of friendship to the other. My dad and stepmother decided their second marriage was, “an altogether new ballgame.” Besides a love for each other, there was an enjoyment in each other’s company. They cultivated this friendship. He gave a little; she gave a little. He often got up and made breakfast in the morning, allowing her to sleep a little longer. She tolerated his idea of planting eating peas along the front walk. My husband is the best friend I have. He was a friend before he became a husband. That doesn’t mean we’ve not had some disagreements. Friendship makes marriage livable. Like any friendship, there is work to keep it flourishing. We enjoyed some of the same things when we married. Other things we’ve grown to enjoy together. And other things we’ve learned that one of us enjoys more than the other (in our case, certain TV shows). I must guard myself from thinking, “What is he doing for me?” and turn my mind to thinking, “What can I do for my friend?” I take pride in him, and because he is having back problems, I try to relieve him of things that cause it to hurt more. He is my friend. He encourages me in my new ventures. I’m his friend. Many people have suggested that a marriage works better if a date night is scheduled on a regular basis. I’m sure this is true if we can leave the disagreements behind during those date nights. The term “mate” sounds too scientific. I prefer to consider my husband a friend for life. As Webster puts it, a friend is “one attached to another by esteem, respect and affection.” Add that to a deep love, and there’s a marriage being built. Ours is 53 years along, and still building.

Each person has a need for the other, and each one brings something in the way of friendship to the other.

Delia writes books and leads workshops internationally. She and her husband settled in Woodstock after living in eight states. Their children and grandchildren live nearby. TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Beware of False Promises on Your Way to the Top BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH

Each month I’ve written about the steps you can take to get started in an acting career. You’re probably very savvy and already know that you should not work with any agent, manager or casting director who promises to help you if you first pay them. That’s a very basic scam that you should avoid. However, there are more subtle ways that people will try to get you to part with your money. Many cities, including Atlanta, have companies that promise to put actors in front of casting directors of very popular television shows. They typically highlight shows that are popular with children. This is a practice employed by those who know parents will typically do anything for their children. Once accepted into these programs, participants are given months of acting and modeling training, as well as help in getting headshots. The next step is a “talent competition” where participants perform for said casting directors. All of this comes at a hefty price. Typically the casting directors at performances are only assistants who have no real say in actual casting. And even if

The bottom line is that there is no shortcut to this career.

Towne Lake Business Association Thank you so much for all that participated in our Second Annual Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Fundraiser! It is but because of you, we are able to make dreams come true for our local high school seniors and gift them with this scholarship. Thank you to our local businesses and individuals that sponsored a lane! Your involvement keeps these scholarship wheels rolling. Thank you to Gloria Snyder for chairing this event, and the other leaders that help put the event together and run smoothly: Ms. Tyler Verlander, Danny Branom and Marc Replogle. TLBA’s Lunch-N-Learn Workshop Speaker: Stephanie Hines: Business and Marketing Coach Topic: “Market Smart, Budget Time, Profits Rise” Workshops are presented by leading business speakers geared toward our local business owners and supporters. We welcome visitors! Where: “The Grille” at Towne Lake Hills When: Tuesday, February 16, 12:15-2 p.m. Cost: $12.00 (lunch included) Find us on Facebook! www.Facebook.com/ TowneLakeBusinessAssociation Thank You for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee!” 44

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

they are true decision makers, they have thousands of actors in Los Angeles to choose from and don’t need to fly anywhere else to find talent (they are often enticed by the free vacation). Companies that offer this sort of program will attempt to persuade potential participants with success stories. However, out of the many years and thousands of participants, only a few examples can be given of actors who have found success through these programs and those actors probably would have found success no matter what. What you don’t know is that while practices like these are technically legal, they are not ethical. For the costs involved in joining such a program, you could get exceptional training from actual professionals in the industry. The bottom line is that there is no shortcut to this career. It’s cliché, but true: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Please do not be enticed to part with your money for promises of quick success. Put in the hard work and you will be rewarded.

Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Cherokee County with her family. Jessica is also an actress and producer. JessicaLeighSmith.com and Facebook.com/NotFinishedInc.

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Cost of Assisted Living Contributed by Assisted Living Locators

If you have not planned for senior living care, you are not alone. Few people do, either because they think they won’t need it or because they want to save their assets for their children, and believe that government subsidies will cover any care they need. Many people assume Medicare will pay for assisted living, only to find out it does not. Pat Godfrey Assisted living costs vary based on the apartment size and types of services needed. The basic rate may cover all services (all-inclusive pricing) or there may be additional charges for special services (tiered pricing). Most assisted living residences charge on a month-to-month lease arrangement, but a few require long-term arrangements. The average cost for a private room in an assisted living community is $3,000 per month, which is half the cost of a shared room in a nursing home. Assisted living costs vary from state to state, typically ranging from $2,000 - $6,000 per month. In addition to private funds, several options that could help pay for assisted living include long-term care insurance policies, veterans aid and attendance benefits, life insurance policies, bridge loans, reverse mortgages, and Medicaid programs. Pat Godfrey, an eldercare adviser for Assisted Living Locators, has more than 19 years of experience in the senior industry. Pat can be reached at 404-921-0064 or Pat@AssistedLivingLocatorsATL.com. www.Assisted-Living-Atlanta.com.

The Missing Piece of My Life’s Puzzle BY SEAN KAUFMAN

It just fits. It always has. From the first time I told her I loved her, to the first time our lips touched - I knew I had discovered the missing piece of my life. There was this huge hole of emptiness – right in the center of my chest. There was love before Jacqueline, but the focus was more on loving me rather than the one I supposedly loved. The impact Jacqueline has had on my life is just the start. We are a blended family, and to see the impact on our children is incredible. Her love and fight for our children warms my soul and theirs, for that matter. Valentine’s Day is a special day, one which recognizes San Valentino (St. Valentine) who was a Roman priest. At the time, Rome did not encourage young men to marry because of the belief they would be better soldiers without families. St. Valentine married couples in secret anyway and was captured, imprisoned and tortured. While in prison, St. Valentine would go on to restore a little girl’s vision. His last written words before his execution in 269 AD was to that little girl – “From your Valentine” (inspiring the romance today). Being someone who loves God with all my heart and has the desire to serve him with all I have, it is not easy to publically share this. My family is blended and I am on my second marriage. For years, I have felt as though I failed and should feel guilty for being remarried and finding happiness. If St. Valentine was here, I believe he would remind everyone that there are good times and there are bad times in any marriage. Simply said, it won’t be easy and you will at times suffer. But suffer to what degree? Abuse? Neglect? Having your children witness a relationship that you can only pray they never have? Jacqueline is not someone I should feel guilty about. Though some in society and formal acquaintances wish this to be the case, it isn’t. Jacqueline is my missing piece and a piece nobody else could have ever filled. She has restored my sight – just like St. Valentine – bringing me home, making me a better father, a more engaged husband, and closer to God. She is my Valentine and someone I choose to honor, love, and respect in the years to come. Jacqueline, thank you for restoring my sight – for being my missing piece – for loving our family. Happy Valentine’s Day my love. From your Valentine.

Sean Kaufman, an expert in behaviour change, specializes in life coaching and workforce motivation and owns The Texting Coach and Behavior-Based Improvement Solutions. sean@seankaufman.com TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Chambord Margarita

is a Nice Valentine’s Treat

Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than good food and drink. Here is a delicious fruity margarita that is good for Valentine’s Day or any spring occasion. We use Chambord, but any raspberry flavored liqueur works well. You can also substitute with a blackberry flavor if you like. 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila 1 ounce Chambord 1 1/2 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice 1 ounce agave or simple syrup In a shaker, add ice and all ingredients, shake well. Rim margarita glass with sugar, if you choose. Fill glass with ice. Pour margarita over ice. Sip and enjoy (responsibly)! Caron and Alberto

Caron and Alberto Catalán, owners and managers of Papa P’s, have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. www.papa-ps.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Find the people living in poverty in these pictures. That’s right. You can’t. Poverty isn’t always easy to spot. In fact, people at the end of hope are just like you.

Donations needed now Financial donations New socks and Underwear · Blankets www.mustministries.org 1407 Cobb Parkway N. Canned meat Marietta, GA 30061

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Feature

Personal Attention Offers a Custo M

photo by J. King Images

Meet the Team Elisha Burrell, (not pictured) front office manager since

2014, has extensive experience in customer care and account management.

Jeanie Kapcsos, payroll specialist since 2011, holds a degree from the University of Toledo.

Laurie Wild, business project manager since 1992, holds a degree from Kennesaw State University.

Dianne Farrior, tax director since 2012 and enrolled agent since 1999, retired from the Department of Labor and Statistics.

Joseph Parker, president and executive tax director, holds a degree from Kennesaw State University.

Patrick McCord, tax director since 2015, is a retired CFO from the University System of GA.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

any people do not recognize the fact that taxes are the biggest expense in life. Most of us take time to plan for other important things such as marriage, buying a home or saving for retirement, and we easily lose sight of the importance of tax planning. Summit Financial Solutions and its team of qualified tax and financial professionals can help you and your business stay informed of the latest updates. President and Executive Tax Director Joe Parker and the professionals in the Woodstock office are eager to find the best solutions for each client. Joe’s personal experiences as a young business owner fuel his passion for helping others. At a young age, he started a company servicing fire hydrants. After a successful first year, he was surprised to learn that he owed a substantial amount of income taxes. The same thing happened the next year, which prompted his need to gain as much knowledge as available for small business owners and their tax burdens. That proactive approach paved the way for his work today as executive tax director of Summit Financial Solutions. His focus is to help others avoid the surprises that he faced. “We should always seek advice whether we feel lost or not,” Joe said. “Think of a snow globe: we each live in our own and the snow inside is our emotions. Someone looking from the outside can see things much more clearly than the person on the inside. Sometimes the advice may be painful, but likely it is what’s best.” Joe joined the staff of Summit Financial Solutions in 2002 and eventually bought the business. Services available at Summit Financial range from Tax Preparation to Strategic Business Planning.

Tax Planning and IRS Representation Tax planning and preparation form a winning combination for Summit’s successful individual and business clients. Summit Financial’s experienced staff will develop tax strategies that take advantage of new tax laws and legislation. “We solve tax problems for individuals and business owners every day. Our goal is to help you pay as little as legally possible,” Joe said. To some degree, all aspects of your financial picture have potential tax implications. Working with the team at Summit Financial Solutions can help you put the pieces together in a way that is most beneficial.

om Plan for Each Client Accounting/Payroll Services The staff at Summit Financial provides clients with financial information in a timely and accurate manner. Meaningful, well-organized financial records ensure that you have important information to make decisions for your business. Summit offers preparation support for: • General ledger and financial statement preparation. • Bookkeeping (monthly/quarterly/annually). • Accounting system setup for new businesses. • Business tax return preparation. Payroll processing can become a small business owner’s worst nightmare. Summit’s professionals can assist in implementing the controls necessary to ensure a reliable, efficient and effective payroll system. All necessary payroll

checks and payroll tax returns are prepared in a timely manner.

Strategic Business Planning New businesses are often created by individuals who want to turn their passion into a money-making venture. However, there can be a gap between knowledge of the skill or trade, and the expertise needed to run a successful business. Summit Financial professionals offer assistance with Business Entity Selection, Business Succession Planning, Cash Flow and Budgeting Analysis, Financial Projections, Sales Tax Support, and other services. To learn how Summit can help you with your tax or business planning questions, call 770-9288100.

Summit Financial Solutions 1816 Eagle Drive, Woodstock GA 30189

770-928-8100 Hours:

January-April 15: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday April 16-Dec. 31: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday

www.sfsga.com On Facebook Summit-FinancialSolutions-Inc

Did You Know? Student loan interest paid by Mom and Dad: Generally, you can deduct interest

only if you are legally required to repay the debt. If parents pay back a child’s student loans, the IRS treats the transactions as if the money were given to the child, who paid the debt. As long as the child is no longer claimed as a dependent, he or she can deduct up to $2,500 of student–loan interest paid by Mom and Dad each year.

Childcare credit: You can qualify for a tax credit worth between 20 percent and 35 percent of what you pay for childcare while you work.

State taxes paid last tax season: Did you owe taxes when you filed your 2014 state income tax return? If yes, remember to include that amount in your state-tax deduction on your 2015 federal tax return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks. Jury pay paid to employer: Many employers continue to pay employees’ full salary while they serve on jury duty, and some impose a quid pro quo: employees have to turn over their jury pay to the company. The IRS requires the employee to report their jury pay as taxable income. To even things out, you get to deduct the amount you give to your employer. In 2015, Congress made the better-for-you American Opportunity Credit permanent. This means that the first four years of college for all students a credit is available. This tax credit is based on 100 percent of the first $2,000 spent on qualifying college expenses and 25 percent of the next $2,000 … for a maximum annual credit per student of $2,500. Credits for energy saving home improvements: Installation of alternative energy equipment, such as solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines, can create a tax credit of 30 percent of the total cost (including labor) of such systems installed through 2016.

Legal fees to secure alimony: Most legal fees concerning divorce are not deductible. Since alimony is taxable income, you can deduct the part of the lawyer’s fee that is attributable to settling the amount and the fee attributable to tax advice.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Out & About

Through Feb. 26

Registration is open for adult spring softball, flag football and basketball leagues at the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.

Ongoing

Camp Gideon registration is open for the following sessions: Impact Leadership Training March 18-20; Princess Camp April 22-24; Impact Camp June 18-24; Discovery Day Camps June 20-July 8; Knights Camp Oct. 28-30. Camp Gideon is a Christian camp and retreat facility on Lake Allatoona. For more information, visit www.campgideon.com.

Feb. 3

Public registration for Bascomb United Methodist Preschool opens 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday. The preschool is located at Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-0397. www.BascombPreschool.org.

Feb 5-7, 12-14

[title of show] - The Musical, a play by the Atlanta Theatre Collective, will be presented at the Historic Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. The musical received a Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical in 2009. Begins at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Adults $15, seniors and children ages 10 and younger $12. info@ atcwoodstock.com. www.atlantatheatrecollective.com/tos.

Feb. 7

Sunday Wibit Days at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1-5 p.m. Price of daily admissions. Open Wibit days are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 15 and 17. Children must be able to pass a 25-yard swim test to use the Wibit. The center is at 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-924â&#x20AC;?7768. www.crpa.net.

Feb. 13-14

Ice skating rink in downtown Canton, open for skaters 2-7 p.m. $10 includes skate rental and 30 minutes of skating. Group rate is $8 per person for 10 or more skaters. Sponsored by Canton Main Street Program and Canton Tourism. For more information, see the Canton Historic Downtown Loop page on Facebook.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Feb. 15-18

American Red Cross Lifeguard Class for ages 15 and older will give the participant an American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR for Professional Rescuer, nationally recognized certification. Must be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes legs only and retrieve a 10-pound brick from seven feet of water to take the class. Cost is $200. www.crpa.net.

Feb. 15-19

February Break Camp for ages 5-12 will be held at the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. Daily field trips are planned. Children will need two snacks and a drink daily. Hours will be 7-9 a.m. drop off, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. camp activities, 4-6 p.m. pickup. Cost is $130. To register, call 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.

Feb. 17

Safe Sitter course is a medically accurate, up-to-date babysitting course that teaches life and safety skills to ages 11 and older. The course will be held 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Northside Hospital-Cherokee, 130 Oakside Court, Canton. The $35 cost includes the sitter kit and workbook. To register or for more information, contact Lana Mayfield at 770-345-2295 or lana.mayfield@northside.com.

Feb. 18

American Red Cross Babysitting class will be taught 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for ages 11-15 at the Cherokee County Recreation Center, 7545 Main St. Cost is $55. Students will learn important child care skills that include feeding, interviews, food preparation, first aid, safe play and more. Children will have an interactive, hands-on experience. Participants will receive a babysitterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handbook and official certification. Does not include CPR. Bring a sack lunch. For information, call 770-924-7768.

Feb. 20

Wild game dinner featuring deer, quail, squirrel, moose and elk will begin at 6 p.m. at Bascomb United Methodist Church with guest speaker Joey Hancock. Evening also includes a silent auction. Tickets are $25 adults, $10 children ages 12 and younger. Bascomb is at 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock 30189. www. bascombchurch.org.

Feb. 20

Mac Powell and Mark Lee of Third Day are hosting an unplugged concert at 7 p.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church to benefit MUST Ministries. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered at www.itickets.com. A generous sponsorship from Glory Haus allows the concert to be available at a low cost to youth and school groups, FCA and campus ministries and others interested in an acoustic night of praise and worship. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket—new or gently used—to donate to those in need. A private Meet and Greet at 6 p.m. and VIP seating is available for $20. Free seedling and tree care guides will be given away 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the following locations: Woodstock City Hall annex, 12453 Highway 92; Woodstock’s Magnolia Hall, 108 Arnold Mill Road; the William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, and the Woodstock Visitor’s Center/Dean’s Store, 8588 Main St. Eight hundred seedlings will be given away, including red bud, river birch, sabal palm, bald cypress and overcup oak.

Feb. 26-27

Apples on a Plate will be a part of the Art @ The Mill exhibit.

Art @ The Mill is a new art show to showcase the talents of artists of any age. The exhibit will be in the Historic Mill, 141 Railroad St., under the tower, in Canton. Hours will be 6-9 p.m. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 19. For details, find Art @ The Mill on Facebook or visit www.libertyhillumc.org.

Feb. 27

Once Upon a Dive-In Movie begins at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center. The center will provide floats or you can bring your own noodle or clear inner tube. The center is at 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-924‐7768. www.crpa.net. Guns and Hoses 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run will be hosted by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, and participants can choose the team they wish to support: the Cherokee County Fire Department (Hoses), which will give proceeds to the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, or the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department (Guns), which will donate to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Foundation. Cost: Fun Run is $10 before Feb. 12, and $15 after. 5K is $25 before Feb. 12, and $30 after. For more details, call Kate Borden at 770-924‐7768 or email kborden@cherokeega.com. http://gunshoses5kandfunrun. blogspot.com/

March 2

Cherokee County United Way Women of Distinction breakfast is planned for 7:30-9 a.m. at the Wheeler House. Nominees are being accepted for women in the community who have distinguished themselves in four areas: time, talent, treasure and legacy in Cherokee County. For more details, call 404-526-8468 or email wburke@unitedwayatlanta.org.

March 10-13, 17-20

Mamma’s Wake, a Broadway Bound production by Steve Holbert, is a Southern family comedy that will be performed at the Canton Theater. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. Group pricing for 10 or more. 770-720-2698. TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

At the Library www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org February Family Storytimes

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. at Rose Creek and R.T. Jones, 3:30 p.m. at R.T. Jones Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. at Woodstock Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. at Ball Ground, Hickory Flat and Woodstock, 3:30 p.m. at Woodstock Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. at R.T. Jones

February Lap Sit Storytimes for ages 1-3 Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. at Rose Creek and R.T. Jones, 11:30 a.m. at R.T. Jones

Every Monday

Feb. 1

Valentine’s Day Ceramics presentation begins at 6 p.m. at R.T. Jones. Helene Maloy, from A Piece of Time Ceramics in Ball Ground, will give a presentation about ceramics. Participants can choose to pay $5 cash to decorate a ceramics piece for Valentine’s Day. Helene will take the piece back to her business to finish it and will bring it back before Valentine’s Day. Call 770-479-3090, ext. 228, to register.

Feb. 3, 17

Free Career Help will be offered 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 3 and 17 at R.T. Jones. The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board’s Mobile Career Lab will be at the library to assist with job search, information about training opportunities and access to computer workstations. Services are available for age 16 and older.

Happy Hour for Happy Caps 10-11 a.m. at the Woodstock library. Bring soft yarn and your caring heart. Join us in this new volunteer project. Cap-making guidelines will be provided. Caps are given to people who lose their hair during cancer treatment or from other medical conditions.

Feb. 3

Every Tuesday

Feb. 4

Knitting and Crocheting Group meets 1-3 p.m. at Rose Creek. Let Mrs. Darlene help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn and be prepared to have fun. No registration or prior knowledge required.

Every Wednesday

Scribbles and Scrabbles gathers 2-4 p.m. at Rose Creek. Drop by and de-stress. Get your creative juices flowing by playing a game of Scrabble or coloring a picture. All materials will be provided. All skill levels are welcome.

Every Friday

DIY Friday at R.T. Jones, drop in between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bring yarn and needles if you knit, or tools for making jewelry. The program is a great chance to work on your craft of choice, meet other crafters, share your DIY skills and maybe learn some new ones. Brownbag lunches welcome.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Jewelry Making for Beginners at 6 p.m. at Hickory Flat. Learn basic jewelry making and design when you join us for a fun project-based class and make a great piece of jewelry. Learn the basics and discover the artist in you! Fancy Nancy Soiree for children ages 3-8 at 4 p.m. at Rose Creek. Play stupendous games, make an exquisite craft, and listen to a “Fancy Nancy” favorite. Wear your most posh outfit and accessories. Space is limited. Call 770-591-1491 to register.

Feb. 6, 18

Drop-In Crafter-Noon will be 2-4 p.m. Feb. 6 at R.T. Jones and 2-4 p.m. Feb. 18 at Hickory Flat. For all ages who enjoy crafting with paper, glue and crayons. All materials will be provided. This drop-in program requires a participating adult.

Feb. 6, 13, 21

LEGO Club offers children the chance to work alone or in teams to make their own special creations, which will be displayed at the library until next month’s meeting. Meets at 2 p.m. Feb. 6 at Hickory Flat, 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at Rose Creek and 2 p.m. at Woodstock. There’s a new theme each month. All ages are invited; 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Feb. 7

Coloring Social allows you to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon with your family and friends at R.T. Jones. Drop in between 2 and 5:30 p.m. with grandparents, aunts and uncles to spend the day with your family at the library. Crayons, pencils, markers and coloring pages will be provided. Light refreshments will be served but you are welcome to bring your lunch/snack as well. Children younger than 10 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feb. 9

Grown-Up Storytime because storytime is not just for children. Noon at the R.T. Jones library. Local actress Teresa Harris reads aloud short stories that are geared toward adults. This month’s theme is Valentine’s Day. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. so bring your lunch, knitting or crocheting, or just sit back and listen. Bookmark Book Club at 4 p.m. at the Woodstock library encourages young readers to rack up six accelerated reading points and have fun doing it. Current discussion is on the Georgia Book Award nominee “This Journal Belongs to Ratchet” by Nancy J. Cavanaugh. Registration is required. Call 770-479-3090, ext. 233, to register. Books vs. Movie/TV Show at 6 p.m. at Woodstock. Never judge a book by its movie! Teens and tweens in grades six and up are invited to join us for fun games, trivia and activities related to their favorite book/movie adaptations. Call 770-479-3090, ext. 233, for details. Join the new Crocheting Club that will meet 6-7 p.m. in Ball Ground. Joyce Jacobs will teach beginners how to crochet. Bring your needles and yarn. Call 770-735-2025 for more information. No registration required.

Feb. 11

Library BINGO Book Club lets you decide what to read and when. We provide the criteria, you choose what to read while filling up your bingo board. Meetings are the second Thursday of every month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Rose Creek. Come discuss the book you read for the month. Attending meetings is not mandatory. New members are always welcome. For details, call Amy at 770-5911491.

Feb. 17

Fun Fusion Bead Crafts allows ages 9 and older to show off creativity as they make a piece of art with fusion beads. 2-4 p.m. at R.T. Jones. All materials will be supplied. Call 770-479-3090, ext. 233, for more information.

Feb. 20

Chess & Chat is an informal chess group that meets monthly 1-2 p.m. at R.T. Jones. No need to register, just drop by and see who is interested in playing a game.

Feb. 21

Social Sundays is available 2-5:30 p.m. at R.T. Jones for an afternoon of gaming or adult coloring. A selection of games is available to use as well as pencils, crayons and coloring pages. Most games are appropriate for ages 10 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments offered. Call 770-479-3090, ext. 228, for details

Feb. 29

Open Mic Night for teens and tweens in grades six and up begins at 6 p.m. at R.T. Jones. Participants can sing, recite poetry, share a story, crack us up with your comedy skills—whatever you want to share! Not a performer? Come enjoy the entertainment and cheer on your friends! Snacks will also be provided. Call 770-479-3090, ext. 233, for more information.

Library Locations: R.T. Jones, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-479-3090 Hickory Flat, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-7565 Rose Creek, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-1491 Woodstock, 7735 Main St., Woodstock. 770-926-5859 Ball Ground, 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-2025 TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

Breaking the Winter Break for Cherokee County schools is Feb. 15−19. For families planning out-of-town vacations, keep in mind that Feb. 17−19 are potential inclement weather make-up days for students. Here are some day camps available through the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (CRPA) Non−Stop Action Camp, as well as some ideas for stay-at-home activities. Enjoy the break!

February 15-19

Feb. 17

Non−Stop Action Camp, sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency for ages 5-12, will cost $130 per child. The week will be spent doing daily field trips. Children will need two snacks and a drink each day. Children must keep up with their belongings and money. CRPA is not responsible for any items brought from home, including money. No electronics at camp (including Game Boys and cell phones). For more information contact Kate Borden, kborden@cherokeega.com. or 404-445-6931.

Star and Strikes, 11:30 a.m.−2:30 p.m. We will spend one hour bowling, and one hour of unlimited games (non-ticket machines). You can send your child with extra money for the ticket games, but it is not required. Lunch is not provided.

Feb. 15 Sparkles Family Fun Centers, 10:30 a.m.− 3 p.m. Skates are included but children can bring money for more advanced skates or can bring skates from home. Lunch is provided (pizza and a drink). Children also can bring money for extra snacks or games. Please wear socks.

Feb. 16 Jumping World USA, 11:30 a.m.− 2:30 p.m. Please wear comfortable athletic clothing to jump in. Jeans are not allowed. Socks will be provided by Jumping World. Lunch is not provided. Please make sure to download the waiver from the Jumping World website www.jumpingworldusa. com/Kennesaw/waiver.html or pick up a waiver on Feb. 15 from the CRPA check-in desk. Your child cannot participate without a signed waiver.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Feb. 18 Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, 10:30 a.m.−2:30 p.m. Kids will have one free hour of arcade games (non-ticketed games), XD Dark Ride and Junior Track Kart Racing (must be 8 years old to participate on Kart Track). Pizza lunch is included. Your child may bring money for ticketed games or other activities. Please pick up the waiver at the CRPA check-in table. Your child must have one to participate.

Feb. 19 Chuck E. Cheese’s, 11:30 a.m.− 2:30 p.m. Each child will receive 16 tokens. Children can bring money for extra tokens and snacks. Lunch is provided (two slices of pizza, unlimited soft drinks).

For more activities and classes taking place during the week of Feb. 15 − 19, see the community calendar on pg. 50.

Bo red o m o f Wi nt e r Taking a Break at Home Staying local for this year’s winter break? Here are some ideas for getting out of the house as well as spending some quality time together at home.

Ideas:

Explore local state or national parks. Hike up Kennesaw Mountain or visit one of the state parks nearby; many of them would make a great day trip. www. stateparks.com/georgia_parks_and_recreation_destinations Visit local museums or historical societies. There are several state historical sites and museums within a short drive of Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Historical Society is also a great resource. www.rockbarn. org. Just don’t let the kids know they might be learning something.

Try new recipes. Cooking with your kids can be a great way to bond and sneak a few math lessons in as well (measuring ingredients is a fun way to teach fractions). Visit Pinterest to find a recipe that appeals to everyone. www.pinterest.com.

Go to the library. Our library system provides an extensive list of services for the community that goes well beyond books. Visit www.sequoyahregionallibrary. org to learn more or check out the list of activities available through your local library this month on pg. 52. Do a craft project you’ve been thinking about trying. Get out the glue gun, scissors, tape, etc. and plan a family craft. This is another great excuse to visit Pinterest!

Plant an indoor windowsill herb garden. Pick up seed packets and supplies at your local home improvement or hardware store. This is a fun and easy way to get your kids involved in gardening.

Find indoor fun like bowling or miniature golf. If the weather won’t let you enjoy outdoor activities, find a place where the kids can burn off some energy indoors.

Try a new restaurant. We have plenty of great eateries in our area. Take the whole family or get a sitter and make it a date night.

Go ice skating. Check out the ice skating rink in downtown Canton over Valentine’s Day weekend (www.cantonhdl.com) or The Ice Forum in Kennesaw (make sure to visit their website for the public skating schedule. www.iceforum.com).

10.

Go to the movie theater or rent movies. Check out the latest releases at the local theater or cozy up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy a movie at home that the whole family can watch.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Feature

Historical Roots Connect Local Communities BY BETSY TROPE

In honor of Black History Month, the Cherokee County Historical Society offers a profile of two of the earliest African-American communities in the area: Pearidge and Nineteen, located off Highway 140 between Canton and Waleska. Pearidge, originally known as Keith’s Ridge, was founded by freed slaves, many from the Keith plantation. One of these freedmen, Philip Keith, reportedly acquired a large parcel Members of the Keith family were among the first settlers of the of land just north of Canton, part of which he Pearidge—originally Keith’s Ridge— donated for a school, church and cemetery. community. Dave Keith (back row, Three families—Keith, Bates and McMickens— left) and his nephew Philip founded formed the core of the community. Many the Hickory Log Church. descendants of these families continue to live in the neighborhood. same site as a consolidated Founded in 1872 by Philip and Dave Keith, the Hickory Log Baptist Church, which Keith elementary and high school current church building was constructed in 1957. established with his uncle Dave in 1872, was for all African-American The congregation continues to play an active role in originally housed in a log cabin; the school the Pearidge and Nineteen communities. students in the county. and cemetery of the same name were nearby. Students from Pearidge The current brick building, located on Belletta Drive, was and Nineteen walked to the new school, while those constructed in 1957. from Waleska, Woodstock and other communities were The Hickory Log School, established as early as 1870, transported by bus. The name of the school was changed was a focal point of the community because education was in 1961, honoring Dr. Ralph Bunche, the first Africanimportant to the American Nobel Peace Prize recipient. former slaves. The In addition to the school and church, Pearidge was home first school was built Feb. 16 to a thriving business and social scene. A movie theater, of logs and replaced The Cherokee County cafés, a nightclub, barber shop and Georgia’s first African in 1916. In 1956, Historical Society will host a American-owned Texaco station created a self-sufficient a new facility—the history program featuring Leslie community. In the 1950s, the area came to be known as Cherokee County Barker Thomas, president of Pearidge instead of Keith’s Ridge. According to legend, a Training School— the Georgia Chapter of the Trail visitor noted a pea patch that had yellowed and failed to was built on the of Tears Association, 7 p.m. at produce, commenting that “this place is so poor it won’t the Rock Barn, 658 Marietta even grow peas!” Highway, Canton 30114. The Nineteen community, between Pearidge and Canton, supposedly drew its name from the local moonshine industry, and the police practice of ignoring stills producing no more than 19 barrels. Located closer to Canton, Nineteen had a more mixed population, even before the integration of the local theater and schools in 1964-65. Despite encroaching development since the early 1990s, Pearidge and Nineteen remain tight-knit communities with a strong African-American identity.

Hickory Log School was renamed Cherokee County Training School in 1956. All African American students in the county attended school on this site until the integration of Cherokee High School in 1965. 56

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Canton native Betsy Teasley Trope earned master’s degrees in Egyptology from Johns Hopkins University and in heritage preservation from Georgia State University. She is program manager at the Cherokee County Historical Society.

Introducing the new Cancer Center at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Redesigned inside and out to ensure our vision of world class cancer care is experienced by both patients and families. By changing patient flow, adding new services and enhancing the overall care experienced, a new focus on Mind/Body/Spirit has arrived. With a recognition by Becker Hospital Review’s “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs”, our redeveloped cancer program offers: •

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Lifestyle Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com

CUISINE American

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS no

open

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Parkway American no $ $-$$ open full bar 770-592-7676, chilis.com China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671, chinafun88.com Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616 Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885, familytradition.net Featherstone’s Grill, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club 770-592-9969 GameDay Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754, gamedayfresh.com

RESERV. no call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad/ Sandwiches

closed

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Homestyle Cooking

closed

American no $ $-$$ open full bar Casual

special events

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/ Chinese

open

full bar

yes

JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road 678-445-7730, jdsbbq.com

Barbeque

$-$$

open

Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Road 770-790-5740

American

open

full bar

yes

Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494, johnnyspizza.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-5264, kanihouse.com

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

Mexican

open

full bar

Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Parkway 678-238-1899, iloveizumi.com

La Parrilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606, laparrilla.com

LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway Steakhouse no $ $$ open full bar 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com

call ahead seating

Marco’s Pizza, 2068 Eagle Drive 678-213-2100, marcos.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331, mellowmushroom.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

NY Style Deli & Pizza, 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, 678-426-7004

Pizza/Subs/ Bakery

$-$$

open

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com

*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway

Mexican/Irish 770-592-3100, papa-ps.com see ad pg. 8 Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com

Sat.&Sun. $ $ open full bar brunch

large groups call ahead

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Song’s Garden, 4451 Towne Lake Parkway 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com

Chinese

$-$$

open

The Place, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901, theplacebargrill.com

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

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TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Lifestyle

And THE WINNER Is... BY CLAIRE FROST

February marks the season leading up to everyone’s favorite TV event. (Don’t think touchdowns. Think Tinseltown.) Yes: Award Season! We’d all love the opportunity to be showered with accolades in elegant formal wear, but alas, there is no Oscar for “Most Graceful Mom on a Trip to Target with a Toddler.” We can, however, get in on the fun by hosting an Oscar viewing party fit for the stars. Here are my suggestions for an Oscar party that’s sure to be a night to remember without breaking the bank.

Lights, Camera, Action

Swanky events always begin with a star-studded guest list. Every Evite site has award show-themed invitations for your VIPs, from vintage theater style (red and white popcorn cups) to art deco glamour (black and white screen stars) to glitzy and gold (Hollywood Walk of Fame). The invite world is your oyster. Have your pick!

Who Are You Wearing

Encourage your guests to look the part. Formal wear adds glamour and excitement and is an especially fun way to view the show and enjoy the evening.

Smile for the Camera

A red carpet photo booth is a must to capture everyone looking their best. Designate a spot in your home for the paparazzi to be stationed and place a large red poster board on the ground to mark it. Use a few to form a “red carpet” walkway to the photo booth. Create a backdrop with wrapping paper taped at the ceiling and falling down to the floor. Use starry paper, plain package paper, or a glitzy metallic gold. You can pick up photo booth props at most party stores, or you can make your own with a little imagination. • Bowties/Black Ties: Cut bowties/ties out of black construction paper and glue to wooden dowel. • Oscar: Glue action figures’ feet to a piece of cardboard and spray paint them gold. • Megaphone: Cut a director’s megaphone shape out of construction paper and glue to wooden dowel. • Popcorn Cup: Cut striped scrapbook paper in shape of a cup. Cut yellow paper in popcorn shape and glue to top. Glue to wooden dowel. • Director’s Film Marker: Cut clapper board from cardboard and fill in with the details of your party. Color in black and white. (People are sure to “take two” pictures with this!) • Star: Cut a star out of gold construction paper and glue to wooden dowel.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Craft Services (Food and Beverages)

It’s a star-studded gathering, but you’re not a five-star chef. Keep your menu simple by creating a sandwich bar with a few Hollywood touches. • The Main Course: Provide the usual options like turkey and ham, but offer some swanky toppings, like spicy arugula, grilled romaine or thinly sliced pear. The Best Production award goes to the creator of the yummiest looking sammie. • Sides: Any dip will do with the right twist. For example, Cheesy Rom-Com Dip, or Hollywood Hummus. Serve your dip with circular-shaped crackers and label those as Film Reels. (It’s a cheap pun, but it works in a pinch!) Or you can go with the vintage theater experience and create a popcorn bar. Provide snacks found at theaters as your food. A fun label for Twizzlers could be Velvet Ropes. • Cheers: A cocktail or champagne bar is a must. What black-tie event is complete without a champagne toast? Provide fruit options to be added to the bubbly and you’re good to go. And the Award Goes To

Every award show must have a big winner. Check out these game options: • And the Nominees Are: Print out a list of the big awards (keep it brief, maybe 10 categories tops) and allow your guests to choose who they think will take home the prize. At the end of the night, the person with the most correct guesses wins. • Fashion Police: If you’re more into the fashion than the awards (like me), make a game of choosing the best-dressed. Everyone picks who they think will slay on the red carpet before it starts. Party attendees vote at the end and whoever picked the winning look wins. • I’d Like to Thank the Academy: Create an acceptance speech mad libs and have your guests fill it out. At the end of the night (or during a lull in the awards ceremony, because let’s face it, there are some) have your guests give their own personal thank-yous.

Happy Watching! Claire is the editor of House of Frost, a blog juggling family, fashion, food and furnishing with a little sparkle. HouseFrost.com

Health & Wellness

New Technology Gives Hope to High Risk Patients BY AMAR PATEL, M.D.

Heart valves play an important role in the transportation of blood through the circulatory system. Mitral valve regurgitation—or leaky valves—can develop during the normal aging process. Doctors often recommend surgery to fix the problem when the leakiness becomes severe, but some patients aren’t eligible for surgery due to other conditions. They are forced to live with poorly treated symptoms and repeated hospitalizations. Thankfully, a new technology called MitraClip offers these people a treatment option and a better quality of life. To better understand what a mitral valve does, imagine that it is an opening with double doors that open and close. The doors open to allow blood to travel from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Then the doors swing closed, ensuring the blood doesn’t flow backward. As people age, those metaphorical doors aren’t always able to shut, causing blood to flow backward and pool. This causes the heart muscle to work twice as hard to pump enough blood through the body. In severe cases, the additional stress causes an enlarged heart and leads to heart failure. Many people with this condition may have no symptoms at all. Others may have shortness of breath, fatigue and swollen legs. These symptoms often continue, even when treated with medicine. Although surgery is highly successful, some patients are considered to be of prohibitive risk, including those with

severe lung or liver disease, renal insufficiency, right ventricular dysfunction, a history of chest radiation or stroke, or those who may be considered too frail. Fortunately, the MitraClip procedure has become available for some patients who aren’t candidates for traditional mitral valve surgery. MitraClip is the first minimally invasive solution for patients with degenerative mitral valve regurgitation. The interventional cardiologist clips the valves (the doors in our earlier example) together for decreased backflow of the blood and better overall blood flow. The success rate for the procedure is 95 percent, and the procedure offers a solution to patients who have had no options in the past. The treatment is now offered at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, which has one of the nation’s top cardiac programs. People with mitral valve regurgitation should discuss with their cardiologist whether surgery or the MitraClip procedure is right for them. In any case, anyone experiencing chest tightness or pain, exhaustion or swelling in the legs should see a doctor right away.

Board certified in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology, Amar Patel, M.D. serves patients at WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine. 770-590-4180.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Health & Wellness

It May be Gross, But it’s Helpful BY DR. AMY HARDIN

This winter has been brutal for colds and coughs. Congestion has been the pits with all of these colds, so this month’s article is all about that lovely gross subject: SNOT! The fancy doctor term is mucus. This is a slimy sticky substance that lines your nose, lungs and even your gastrointestinal tract. Your nose and sinuses make about a quart of mucus a day even when you’re well. Mucus keeps everything moist and helps warm the air you breath. It also protects the lungs from things like dust, dirt, pollen and germs. Viruses attack the cells lining the respiratory tree during a cold. Your respiratory tree gets inflamed, multiplies the numbers of cells making mucus and therefore you get a much larger amount of mucus production. More blood is feeding these cells, which is why you often see bloody noses during colds. Oh, and what is dried mucus? Boogers! Green mucus is good early on in a cold. This is infection fighting cells mixed with mucus. There is nothing that completely gets rid of mucus during colds, but we can help make kids more comfortable with things like saline spray, humidifiers and steamy showers to help loosen things up. Afrin is a no-no. If used more than three days, it can make congestion worse. A giant squirt of saline up a nose loosens the mucus and allows big kids to better blow and

breathe more comfortably. Little kids who can’t blow can be helped with a bulb syringe, or a fancy suction device like the NoseFrida or a Graco battery suction machine. These devices are gross to use, but really give the babies lots of relief. Like the big kids, sending a lot of saline (about 2cc) in each nostril before suctioning helps you get out more mucus. Pediatricians wish there were cold medicines that worked. There aren’t. This includes homeopathic meds and essential oils. Some can actually be dangerous, which is why the FDA took them off the market for the under 2-year-old crowd. So, as much as mucus is gross and makes life miserable, it’s there to help. If it gets to be too much, the above treatment can help make life better while you’re waiting the couple of weeks for the cold to abate. Worsening cough, work of breathing, colds lasting longer than two weeks, or new fever with colds need a call to your pediatrician.

Dr. Amy Hardin has been a pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics in Woodstock for more than 20 years. www.northsidepediatrics.com.

There is Hope for Tinnitus Sufferers BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.

Patients who have tinnitus have many descriptions for what they are hearing. “My ears ring all the time!” “I am constantly hearing crickets!” “It sounds as if a tea kettle is going off in my ears!” “A train is roaring in my ears!” “I hear patriotic songs in my head.” According to the American Tinnitus Association, tinnitus is defined as “the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present.” We know that tinnitus comes from the brain. One theory is that the brain is searching for the sound it no longer hears as well. I am still amazed at tinnitus patients, who have been told they just need to live with the condition and that nothing can be done for it. This is not true. While there are no known medications to cure tinnitus, there are solutions to effectively manage it. The first step is a hearing test. Approximately 85 percent of tinnitus sufferers have some degree of hearing loss. A thorough hearing examination is the first step 62

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in identifying and managing tinnitus. Even if you do not feel that you have trouble hearing, ruling this out is the first step. Your audiologist will run a series of tests on your auditory system, review the results with you and create a plan of action. You may be sent to a medical doctor for a follow-up visit or taught strategies for coping. Often the strategic plan will include some sort of sound therapy from a hearing device that also has sound therapy or a sound machine. Even if you’ve been told nothing can be done to help you, don’t worry. A hearing professional can work with you for a solution to bring relief for you or your loved one.

Approximately 85 percent of tinnitus sufferers have some degree of hearing loss.

Jan Henriques, Au.D. a board certified audiologist and lead provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock, has been practicing since 1985. www.YourHearingLink.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Health & Wellness

Diabetes Is a Gateway to Gum Disease BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Diabetes is a medical condition that causes high blood sugar levels and affects 300 to 400 million people in the world. The most common symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. If you have or develop any of these symptoms, you should consult your medical doctor. People with diabetes know the disease can harm the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other important systems in the body. It can also cause problems in the mouth. Diabetes can weaken your mouth’s germ-fighting powers allowing bacteria to multiply and produce a heavier accumulation of dental plaque, the main cause of gum disease. High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can cause existing gum disease to get worse. At the same time, gum disease can make diabetes harder to control. Although many symptoms of diabetes are noticeable, those associated with gum disease are less noticeable. Since gum disease typically does not hurt, most people don’t notice they have it until the condition becomes serious. Here are some warning signs: • Bleeding gums when you brush or floss. Bleeding gums are not normal. Even if your gums don’t hurt, get them checked. • Gums that have pulled away from teeth. Part of the tooth’s root may show, or your teeth may look longer.

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• Red, swollen or tender gums. • Pus between the teeth and gums when you press on the gums. • Bad breath. • Permanent teeth that are loose or moving away from each other. • Changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite. • Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges. Gum infection is caused by acid in the mouth that destroys the gum attachment around teeth and ultimately destroys bone support. This leads to abscesses, serious chronic infections in the mouth and loose teeth that may require extraction. Diabetic patients should maintain routine dental visits and be monitored for gum disease. In many cases, diabetics may need dental check-ups once every three months to monitor active infections and watch for slower healing rates. Controlling blood glucose levels is key to managing and preventing mouth problems for people with diabetes.

Dr. Scott Harden, a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry, has served Woodstock for more than 21 years. 770-926-0000. www.FountainViewSmiles.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Health & Wellness

Children Face Greatest Risk for Scoliosis BY AMBER YORK, DC

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curve of the spine. There are two distinct classes of these curves: non-structural and structural. A non-structural scoliosis involves a Normal temporary curve of the spine; usually Spine caused by pain, muscle spasm or uneven leg lengths. A structural scoliosis refers to a fixed curve of the spine where there is rotation of the vertebrae present and can be caused by unknown factors or a specific disease or condition. In the structural scoliosis, vertebrae of the thoracic and/ or lumbar spine rotate and twist giving an appearance of the letter “C” or “S” to the spine. The most common scoliosis, up to 80 percent of cases, falls under the structural category and is known as idiopathic; meaning that its cause is unknown. Idiopathic scoliosis affects children from birth to age 18, with an increase in occurrence between ages 10 and 18. Adolescent females are at the greatest risk of developing scoliosis during this time due to their rapid rate of growth, although it is observed in males as well. Mild scoliosis may go unnoticed as it typically does not create pain. Physical observations such as uneven shoulder, waist or rib

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cage heights, a protruding shoulder blade or body tilt may be signs of scoliosis. Once suspected, a medical and family history, physical exam and X-rays can confirm the diagnosis and determine Spine with the location and magnitude of the curve. scoliosis Surgical and non-surgical treatment depends on age, location and severity. For curves under 25 degrees, observation and monitoring until the child has fully grown is recommended, whereas curves 25-45 degrees may require a back brace to help slow or stop the progression of the scoliosis to avoid surgical intervention, which may become necessary if the curve reaches more than 45 degrees. Other non-surgical treatments such as therapeutic exercise, chiropractic adjustments and electrical stimulation help in strengthening and straightening the spine, and relieving associated pain.

Dr. Amber York is a Life University graduate specializing in low force adjusting at Towne Lake Family Chiropractic.

Balanced Hormones Help With Weight Loss BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO

The start of the new year comes with the opportunity to begin a journey to shed some pounds and get in shape. However, if you, like many others, have struggled to lose weight or keep it off, then your unbalanced hormone levels may be partly responsible. Hormones control every aspect of weight loss. This includes your metabolism (the body’s process of burning calories), how and where your body stores fat, your appetite and even your food cravings. 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 and keep it off. An under-functioning thyroid gland can be especially problematic. The hormone produced by the small gland in the neck works to convert oxygen and food calories into energy. When the gland is not operating at its optimum level, your metabolism slows down, and so does 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 medication, and sometimes the addition of the synthetic hormone liothyronine (T3) to levothyroxine (T4), can be very effective treatment options for hypothyroidism. When an underactive thyroid gland goes untreated or undertreated 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. If losing weight and getting in shape is part of your New Year’s resolution, do not let hormone imbalance work against your effort. A simple blood or saliva test is all it takes to identify and correct your imbalance. For information on functional medicine doctors to help balance hormones, contact our pharmacy.

If losing weight and getting in shape is part of your New Year’s resolution, do not let hormone imbalance work against your effort.

O. Julius Quarcoo, a pharmacist for 22 years, is owner of Towne Lake Family Pharmacy, which offers compounding and regular prescriptions. 770-635-7697. townelakepharmacy@yahoo.com. TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Faith

Helping People Into the Pool of Health a nd Wellness BY SUSAN SCHULZ

“I was in a very bad place when I came to see you the first time. I had pretty much given up on life, and suicide was looking like a good option. Because of your care and knowledge, I feel, today, like my old self but better ... Thank you for saving my Nurse Practitioner Sara Keeley examines a patient. life.” This patient testimonial reveals the depth of healing that goes on at Bethesda patients. We also are renovating our Community Clinic (BCC), a God-based, dental clinic which will reopen in mid501(c)(3) nonprofit health care center in 2016.” the Holly Springs area of Canton. The BCC Other significant achievements: medical staff goes above and beyond the • Through generous contributions call of duty by offering a low cost alternative The spacious waiting room at Bethesda Community Clinic. of individuals in our community, for health care to the poor, uninsured and churches, and local organizations, Bethesda has given gift cards underinsured. for health care services to uninsured children, many through Nurse practitioner Karen Fegely started the clinic in 2011 the Give a Kid a Chance back-to-school outreach in July, and to with the charge of nurturing broken bodies and broken souls Cherokee County school nurses to give out at their discretion. with the goal of healing both. The first outreach was held in • Free care for veterans and seniors partnering with Triadthe Canton Cold Weather Shelter. After the shelter lost its S.A.L.T., the residents of the Cherokee County Violence Center, occupancy permit, Fegely continued to see patients in their and the North Georgia Angel House. homes, in churches and even in parking lots when necessary. By For more information on services available at Bethesda September 2011, Bethesda had settled into a permanent home Community Clinic, call 678-880-9654 or visit: www. at 107 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 100, Canton, GA 30115. bethesdacommunityclinic.org. Dr. Lee Jacobs, M.D. is the medical director. Physicians and staff members at the clinic offer physical exams, pediatric care, women’s health care, blood work and labs, diabetic education, chronic disease management, counseling services and more. “The clinic continues to grow, expand their hours, and see more patients each year. We served more than 4,200 patients in 2015,” executive director Danny West said. “We have a diabetes incentive program (through a grant from the Kaiser Foundation) that provides diabetic education and free insulin for many

The clinic is in the Holly Springs community, near the water tower off Highway 5. 68

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Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher, author, wife, and mom of three grown children. She lives and plays along the Etowah River and loves serving at Watermarke Church.

That Christmas Feeling BY THE REV. DR. JOHN BEYERS

I write on New Year’s Day. For many of us, Christmas is long past. Although the Christmas season officially lasts for 12 days, from Christmas Day until Jan. 6, most of us seem determined to put away our decorations just after Christmas. Strangely, some believe that having one’s decorations up after New Year’s Day is bad luck. Bad luck? As a little boy, I well remember listening to a particular Perry Como Christmas record in my grandparents’ collection. I still associate Perry’s warm voice with Christmas. One phrase of a lesser-known song has stayed with me across the years: “What a blessed place the world would be, If we had the Christmas feelin’ all year!” Those lyrics connect in my heart with this famous line by the transformed Grinch in Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”: “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. “Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!” Perhaps a lot more! While I was studying at Emory’s Candler School of Theology, I was introduced to the writings of Dr. Howard Thurman (1899– 1981). Dr. Thurman was an influential African-American author, philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader. He served as dean of chapel at both Howard and Boston universities for more than two decades and wrote 21 books.

After his death, his book “The Mood of Christmas” was published. In it, Dr. Thurman writes this poem: The Work of Christmas “When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among all people, To make music in the heart.” What a great thought for these bleak mid-winter days—the work of Christmas is just beginning! Let’s get to work! Happy New Year! Dr. John Beyers has served in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1987, and currently is senior pastor of Hillside UMC. He can be reached at jbeyers@hillsideumc.org.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Faith

Marriage Moments: Characteristics of a Christ-Like Union BY BILL RATLIFF

When I was a young newly married man with a beautiful bride, my goal was to be a partner in developing a perfectly Christ-like marriage. I admit that through the years sometimes our marriage has been very Christ-like, but also many times very lacking. My understanding of a perfect marriage was one where there would never be any conflict. I realize I had unrealistic expectations of what qualifies as a Godly marriage. I now believe a Godly marriage is one where you “consider it all joy when you encounter various trials.” • It is one which “bears with one another and forgives each other.” • It is one which is “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow it anger.” • It is one which “delights in the abundance of peace.” • It is one which “overlooks an offense.” • It is one which “blesses and doesn’t curse.” • It is one which “speaks evil of no one, is not contentious, is gentle and shows all humility.” • It is one which “rejoices in hope, endures in troubles, and continues steadfastly in prayer.” • It is one which has “the Spirit of power, love and self-control.” • It is one which “serves others.” These annotated Scriptures from the World English Bible inform us of what a Godly marriage ought to be.

COME HERE. FEEL BETTER.

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770-427-0368 | www.nw-ent.com Canton Location: 13 Reinhardt College Pkwy Canton, GA 30114

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Woodstock Location: 960 Woodstock Pkwy | Suite 100-101 Woodstock, GA 30188

Early in our marriage, I remember an older couple who modeled a Christ-like marriage. This couple was not perfect but intentional about how they lived as a couple. They were intentional about serving at their church. There were intentional about serving other people in their home (my wife and I were often the recipients of this) and they were intentional about serving their family and, most of all, God.

Date Your Mate: With Valentine’s Day in mind, I was perusing a book that spoke about romance and how it really can make a difference. While it is not always easy to do, planning romantic ideas and dates makes life special. One thought is to re-create some of the moments that made you fall in love. Make a plan to visit some special places you liked, listen to music from when you first met, look at pictures that remind you of those special moments. Hopefully, before long the romantic sparks will be flying.

Bill Ratliff is the senior pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He can be reached at 678-445-8766 or bratliff@tlcchurch.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

School & Sports

A Novel Idea: Finishing With a Strong Ending CREATIVE WRITING ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY JOE LEMMO’S 7TH GRADE E.T. BOOTH LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS

We have been featuring different story elements from Mr. Lemmo’s students, who are working on writing novels. This month’s focus is on creating a strong ending. As Waynlor read the letter, the dark threads began to fade. The sky that used to be dark as ebony was now misty. When the darkness was about to completely vanish, Waynlor’s face scrunched up in anger. “This means NOTHING!!!” he screamed in rage. “Even if he did Jedidiah Davis have a change of heart, I can never forgive him for what he did to me. He ruined my life!” “And you can start a new, better one here.” said Heath. “Heh heh, you honestly think that you can convert me from my ways?” laughed Waynlor. “I will make everyone pay. I will liberate this world with fear!” “And we will protect it!” replied Heath. A chant came from the Cavinets, who were all making wishes. “I wish to protect the world.” “I wish the world will see light again.” The heart, hope and courage from the Cavinets’ wishes grew so bright and powerful that the darkness was being pushed away. “No, no, noooo!” screamed Waynlor. Eventually, the light from the Cavinets engulfed the entire Arctic Circle. When the light faded, Waynlor and the darkness were gone. Ryan was about to stop and turn back. He at least slowed down to a walk. But he had already made up his mind. It was time for him to face the consequences of his actions, once and for all. Even if it meant humiliation in front of everyone he had ever known. They turned Jordan Fansler a corner, and right there before them was Ryan’s father. He stared at Ryan with his disapproving eyes and smiled at the same time. And then the smile faded, and his dad lifted a fist. He was about to scold Ryan with everything he had, but before he could, Ryan cut in. It would be the first time ever that Ryan had admitted to his father that he was wrong. But the only way a relationship with him and his dad would work out was if he swallowed his pride. So Ryan apologized. “Dad, I’m sorry,” he said, “I was selfish, angry and wrong to run away like that. I won’t ever do it again.” Ryan had managed to keep a straight face through the whole thing, but his dad was almost crying. He then spoke, “I forgive you...” were the only words uttered. Then Ryan’s dad stretched out his arms and gave Ryan a hug. “Don’t ever do that again!” he spoke sternly. “Come on … let’s go home.” Ryan turned and waved to Flower, then the Thwarshes walked into the woods and headed home. 72

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After Ara’s death, the radicals stopped. Without Cordelia, they had nobody to guide them into war. Cerys and I gathered a few people for a funeral. It wasn’t much, but somehow it was enough. Ara would have loved it. A few doctors who had treated my family of illness agreed to perform an autopsy on Ara to Faith Porter see what the cause of death was. I’m no doctor, but from what they told me, I connected the dots to find out the cancer had spread to her heart vessels and caused her to have a heart attack. We got to say our last goodbye four days after her death. I have cried so much, there are no more tears left. Since Cordelia had killed my parents, that left Cerys for the throne. She confessed she couldn’t handle the responsibility and passed it onto me. My first act as king was to dissolve the system completely. Kids no longer had to be held captive in cells. Everything worked out. The people of Kinger were happy, and so was I. I accomplished what Ara wanted ever since she was injected. Liberty. The past is in the past, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Hi. You probably haven’t realized, but I haven’t written in you for about three years. I know. I promised that I would try. So here I am. Life has been crazy. I’m in a nice home, with a nice family. It’s great. If you remember, man if I remember, my father was not a good guy. The people Kiana Walker who helped me get out of military school called social services and told them I needed some help. I was then transferred to a nice family who cares for me. I have a little brother, and it’s great. I’m glad I found you. You were in the bottom drawer of my nightstand. Over the last few years, I always thought about writing in you, but I never did. I think I’m going to leave you on a good note. Maybe one day I’ll write in you again, but for now I think I’m going to stop. Perhaps I’ll learn how to express my feelings into life. I know it’s really weird to see me be very serious about something, but I feel that you’ve played a major role in developing me. Thank you journal. Hope to write in you soon.

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County for the last 15 years.

Graduation Schedule for Class of 2016

The times and dates have been set for the Cherokee County School District Class of 2016 high school graduation ceremonies, which will take place at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, located at 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, 30188.

Deadline Approaches for PTSA Scholarship Applications

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BMW and MINI Specialists 204 Bell Place, Woodstock, GA 30188 770.310.2381 bavarianrepair.com service@bavarianrepair.com

The deadline for the Etowah High School PTSA scholarship is 3:15 p.m. Feb. 27. Applicants must be a graduating senior and a current member of the Etowah PTSA to be eligible. The application is now available at http://etowahptsa.org. Application packets must be turned in to the PTSA scholarship box in the counselor’s office. Late entries will not be accepted and incomplete or falsified applications will be eliminated. Each application will be subject to blind judging. This scholarship program is designed to recognize seniors who are members of the Etowah PTSA and have demonstrated academic success, exceptional leadership, and outstanding school and community involvement.

Students Learn Through Holiday Service Projects Cherokee County schools practice giving to others throughout the school year, with many of these efforts concentrated during the holiday season. Projects are selected at the school level, with many choosing to take on a variety of school-wide collection drives, as well as efforts unique to individual classes and extra-curricular clubs. First-graders at Carmel Elementary School collected 30 blankets and 29 jackets, as well as pants, hats and gloves as part of their Learn and Serve Project. Assistant Principal Kim Hagood said, “The project provides opportunities for meaningful discussions and builds positive character.”

Students pictured are: Landen Brown, Elisa Cockrell, Reese May, Zach Tenney, Alex McArthur, Ben Yee, Olivia Austin, Gabriella Singer, Jonah Kish, Rhiannon O’Connell, Peyton Davis and Lee Drawdy. TOWNELAKER | February 2016

School & Sports

Senior Bowl

More than 400 Cherokee County high school seniors participated in a final football game and halftime show at the second annual Varsity Brands Senior Bowl. The cardinal team, coached by Woodstock High School coach Brent Budde, dominated the night with a 44-7 performance over the white team, coached by Sequoyah High School head coach James Teter. Participants from all six county high schools were part of the football teams, marching band and flag corps, cheerleading squad and JROTC color guard. Team captains Bronson Rechsteiner, left, and Quoreals Smith, right, wished each other good luck as they met in the center of the field. The two Eagles played on opposite sides of the ball for the night.

Cheerleaders from all six high schools formed one squad for the night.

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Woodstock Middle School winners at the county Social Studies Fair included, from left, Alanis Broussard, first place; Ella Elbeck, first place; Julia Farrier, second place; Itzel Franco, second place; and Tess Cope, second place. Not pictured: Virginia Beyers, second place.

Middle School Students Win at Social Studies Fair Several Woodstock Middle School students placed in Cherokee County School Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Social Studies Fair. Overall, county schools had 44 first-place awards and 32 projects selected to advance to the Northwest Regional Social Studies Fair. Through the annual event, students completed a research project and explored social studies in the areas of sociology, psychology, history, anthropology, economics, geography and political science.

Bascomb Program Promotes Reading Bascomb Elementary School promotes reading and a love of books through the Book Buddies program. Fourth-graders in teacher Diane Hughes’ class regularly meet with first-graders from teacher Jodi Kosten’s class to work on reading First-grader Luke Lloyd, left, reads together. with fourth-grader Bryce Adams.

Brother and Sister Place in Climbing Competition Emma Hunt, a seventh-grader at E.T. Booth Middle School, and her brother Ethan, a freshman at Etowah High School, both recently competed in USA Climbing’s American Bouldering Series Rock Climbing Divisional Championships as a part of the High Point Climbing Team. Ethan placed ninth and Emma placed fifth in their divisions, which included participants from five other states. Emma will be competing in the USA Climbing ABS National Championships in Madison, Wisc., this Ethan, coaches Wills Young and Lisa Rands, and Emma. month.

Students Sarah Kinder, left, Jerricka Kent and Caitie Mader celebrate their win with waffles.

Students Enjoy Sweet Reward Joe Lemmo’s seventh grade class at E.T. Booth Middle School recently enjoyed a sweet reward from a community partner. The Waffle House on Highway 92 at Interstate 575 provided a free breakfast during school to the class with the highest percentage of daily attendance for the month. An employee of the restaurant demonstrated how the signature waffles are made while cooking waffles for all of the students in the class. Increasing attendance is part of the school’s annual School Improvement Plan.

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

School & Sports

SENIOR PROJECT Honors Local Veterans Cherokee High School Junior ROTC Cadet Maj. Robin From left, event organizer Cadet Maj. Robin Sweat; Steve Major, who served in the U.S. Sweat recently combined her interest in future military Air Force; Cadet Col. Nathalie Jaimes, who assisted with the event; and Kelly Hudson and Pitt Watts, both U.S. Army veterans. service and her desire to honor local veterans into a senior project. Cherokee County School District high school seniors are Army veterans from the Vietnam War. required to undertake a project that explores a potential area of Sweat and Cadet Col. Nathalie Jaimes led the forums, and the study and career field. Through the project, they also have the veterans introduced themselves before taking questions from the opportunity to be creative and involve the community. cadets. Questions varied from “What was your most memorable Sweat, who is considering a military career, wanted to create an experience?” to “Which branch of service has the best chow?” opportunity for herself and fellow cadets to honor veterans and (The consensus was Navy chow.) hear their stories. Hall served as a member of the Navy’s Underwater Demolition “Our veterans have a lot to give by sharing their experiences, Team, a precursor to today’s Navy SEALs. He was 17 years old and I wanted to bring them into the classroom in a forum-type when he volunteered to serve. setting,” she said. “I had to get written permission from my parents to enlist,” he Sweat worked with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign said. “My mom was reluctant to sign, but I was very persistent. Wars and neighborhood organizations to invite veterans to She finally agreed, but insisted I tell the recruiter that I not be participate in a series of forums, which were organized based sent overseas. Six months later, I landed on Normandy Beach, on the era of service. So far, a forum has been held with World June 6, 1944 … D-Day.” War II and Korean War veterans, as well as with Vietnam War Moore answered the question: “When you are engaged veterans. A forum with post-Vietnam War veterans is also with the enemy, do you ever think about the person you are planned. combatting?” Participants have included Al Hall, who served in the U.S. Navy “When you are face-to-face with the enemy, you take on during World War II; George Moore, a a position of kill or be killed,” Moore U.S. Navy vet from the Korean War; Joe said. “You don’t look at the enemy as an Ledbetter and Steve Major, who served in individual, but as a foe to overcome in order the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War; for you and your comrades-in-arms to live and Kelly Hudson and Pitt Watts, U.S. and fight another day.” Principal Todd Miller said the forums have been beneficial for students. “This is Speaking during one of the forums are veterans, from left, Al Hall and George Moore, a tremendous opportunity for our cadets,” both U.S. Navy veterans, and Joe Ledbetter, he said. “I am not aware of another format who served in the U.S. Air Force. that gives them a direct path to veteran experiences.” Sweat said when she began planning her project in the fall, she wasn’t sure what to expect from the experience. “I have gained much more appreciation for the sacrifices our military men and women endure during their time in the military,” she said. “This helped me to solidify my goal of being a member of the armed forces, and I hope to serve with distinction as many in our county have done.” Cadets had the opportunity to hear the veterans share their experiences.

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Downtown Woodstock

Cherokee Photography Club

Congratulations to the winners of the North Georgia Camera Club Council 2015 shootout.

1st Brenda Rehrig “Up Up and Away” Topic: Up in the Air

7th Bill Ohlemueller “We are not with her” Topic: Bad Hair Day 78

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

3rd Jim Kirk “Coffee Bags” Topic: Weight & Measures

7th Sarah Kruger “Clock Weight” Topic: Weight & Measures

3rd Peter Kilpo “Jazz” Topic: Motion

3rd Joey Thompson “Pie in the Sky” Topic: Up in the Air

9th Judy Vlass “Wigged Out” Topic: Bad Hair Day

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. 9th Kim Bates “Swinging” Topic: Up in the Air TOWNELAKER | February 2016

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Welcome to

photo by Darleen Prem

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

Ridgewalk Pkwy

To I-575 Exit 9

Woodstock Community Church

Trolley Routes outlined in red

T Dobbs Rd

Rope Mill Rd

- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only

On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only

City Center

Pkwy

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa) St

Trail

er St

n St

Mca

ar d Rd

Reeves St

tim

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

ry St

iley

Pade

Fowler St

Hicko

Reformation Brewery Fri 6:00-close Sat 2:00-close Sun 2:00-close

Wheel

Oak St

le St

T T

Elm

Map

in St

reek

E Ma

day C

To GA Hwy 140

Noon

T Park at City Center Arnold Mill Rd

Mill

ffee

Lake

Route and schedule subject to change Check downtownwoodstock.org/trolley for more info

Cham bers

Town e

Wall

To I-575 Exit 8

Mark et S t

Fridays 6-10 PM Saturdays 2-10 PM Sundays 2-6 PM

Chattahoochee Technical College

Kyle St

FALL 2015 SCHEDULE:

Main

Trolley Stop

T St

Public Parking Lots

Woodstock

T Public Library

Main

The Outlet Shoppes

T at Atlanta at Nike

To GA Hwy 92

r Pe

ns ki

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Downtown Woodstock

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. Canyons American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern Modern no $$ $$$ open Full bar 8 persons + 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican no $ $-$$ open Full bar yes 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 Hot Dog Heaven American no $ no open no no 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no Fri./Sat. $$ open Full bar yes 380 Chambers St. only 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no $$ $$ open Full bar no 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no Weekends 315 Chambers St. only 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer no 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas Southern Sunday no $$$$ open Beer/Wine yes 108 Arnold Mill Rd. Brunch 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com Pure Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. $$ $$ open Full bar 6 persons+ 405 Chambers St. Brunch 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood Seafood Sunday $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar yes 8670 Main St. Brunch 770-627-3006 Salt Factory Pub Gastropub no $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar no 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 Tea Leaves & Thyme English no $$ no closed no yes 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 Tea room tealeavesandthyme.com

Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Village Market & Cafe 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

American European

$-$$

open

Beer/Wine

limited

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

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

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

Elm Street:

Talking About the Hard Stuff BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

This may blow your mind, but I love art. I know, I work at a cultural arts facility so I understand that this may come as a surprise. The reason why I love it is that art is so fluid and adaptable to many different people. I say this while also believing that art cannot be all things to all people. In fact, I don’t think there is much out there that can do this. But what I love about the theater in particular is that actors bow, the curtain closes, the stage lights go out, and as people leave you can see one person walking away teary-eyed from nostalgia, and the next still chuckling at the joke from the end of the show. Theater can’t be all things to all people, but it can be something for anyone. Even more, art can be used for different purposes. Theater can be solely for entertainment, or for a cause, or merely to teach a lesson. It is so versatile. But every now and then a show comes along where all of those goals are achieved. A piece that is comical, authentic, entertaining, important and relevant—all wrapped into one show. That is why we are excited about “Next to Normal” this month. “Next to Normal” is a rock musical nominated for 11 Tony awards, and it also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama. Why? Because it is all of the things listed above, but it is also very real. When the show first opened, audiences walked away from the show taking what they needed: entertainment, sadness, a lesson, etc. But most importantly the show was authentic. That authenticity had audiences walking away and talking about the issues at hand. Talking about the hard stuff. You see, when we researched what shows needed to be done, we noticed that there are not many resources for mental illness in this area. “Next to Normal” is about a suburban family dealing with mental illness. It’s a hard subject to talk about—especially when there are not many programs or support groups. Elm Street can’t be all things to all people, but we can get people talking about things. The show is phenomenally entertaining, but it is also important. Wildly important. We will be partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Georgia (NAMI-GA) on this project. Please keep an eye out for this show and more information about our partnership with NAMI-GA.

Theater can’t be all things to all people, but it can be something for anyone.

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, works as the operations director for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK Presenting Partner:

Community Partner:

FEB 19 - MAR 6 Fri/Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

CAMPS & CLASSES ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Downtown Woodstock

The Spirit of Giving Continues in Woodstock BY JENNA HILL

Many people consider the holidays the best time of year to give back. While that is a wonderful time to open wallets and hearts to make sure families have an easier holiday season, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make giving a way of life all year. Main Street Woodstock Inc. has many initiatives available throughout the year to accomplish this goal. Main Street Woodstockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business development committee ENDOW (Educate, Network and Develop Opportunities for Woodstock) completed a successful fundraiser for Shop With a Hero in December, and is currently working to raise funds to benefit a computer lab at the Reeves house at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. ENDOW has exciting plans for 2016 to make a difference in Woodstock. You can get more information on how to become involved with ENDOW at www.downtownwoodstock.org The design committee for Main Street Woodstock is GROW (Green Reaps Opportunity for Woodstock). GROW is continuously working to improve the landscaping and design in downtown Woodstock. One major beautification project GROW has undertaken is installing art benches throughout the downtown area. Using the $4,000 raised from the 2015 Scarecrow Invasion, GROW purchased three benches from a store in Ball Ground

called Wild Cat on a Wing. The benches, which add a whimsical design element to downtown Woodstock, are part of a series that will be installed over the next few years. If you are interested in volunteering with GROW check out www.downtownwoodstock.org/grow/ YPOW, or Young Professionals of Woodstock, is the group designated for the younger generation. Members conducted a food and coat drive for a local non-profit in the latter part of 2015 and plan to help many other charities in the future. Members also will sponsor educational and social events throughout the year. You can learn more at www.downtownwoodstock.org/ypow/ If you would like more info on how to become involved with Main Street Woodstock visit www.downtownwoodstock.org or email jehill@woodstockga.gov.

Jenna Hill is a Tourism Information Coordinator at the Woodstock Visitors Center. jehill@woodstockga.gov

Date: February 26 Topic: Downtown Mural For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

downtownwoodstock.org/downtown-buzz 84

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Are Gen Xers Planning for Retirement?

Tell Them You’ve Built It

not knowing about catch-up contributions or not valuing them enough—but you will consistently make them, right?3 Not planning with the “end” in mind. Many Gen Xers are saving for retirement without defined financial objectives. They do not yet know how large their nest egg needs to be in order to generate worthwhile retirement income. They have not really thought about what they want their money to accomplish. Even using a free online retirement calculator (there are some really good ones) might yield some food for thought. Forgoing consultations with financial professionals. One of the demerits of DIY investing is the learning curve. Investing for retirement without any help is akin to trying to find a street address without help from a map: you might get close, you might get there, but most of the time you may not know how close or far away you are from your goal. A meeting with a financial professional can lead to an overview of where you stand, and give you a firm idea of what you need to do as you pursue your retirement goals further. The good news? Gen Xers are making a solid effort to save. In the aforementioned Transamerica survey, 83 percent of Gen X respondents said they were building up a retirement fund, and 20 percent of them had amassed more than $250,000 in retirement savings prior to age 50.1

California and New York’s corner on the entertainment market. We accomplished this by offering tax incentives to firms who would bring their movie and television productions to Georgia. The timing worked so that Georgia began offering it at about the same time that the economically challenged California and New York were exploring ways to increase state revenues rather than grant tax breaks. The success has been tremendous. From the “Hunger Games” films to episodes of the TV show “The Walking Dead,” more and more large franchises have chosen Georgia as the place to produce their media. The state estimates that it has generated nearly $6 billion in economic impact because of the investment. Regardless of the direct financial benefits to Georgia, there is one particularly interesting benefit. It turns out that people outside of the United States watch movies, too. Those movies, now filmed in Georgia, are bringing lots of attention our way. It’s starting to impact the way international firms view our state, and may have a tremendous impact on business growth in the coming years. As always, I am looking for ways to better attract investment in Georgia and am open to your suggestions. If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@ caldwellforhouse.com. You can also meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly!

continued from page 42

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2014/08/28/7-retirement-mistakesgen-x-is-making/print/ [8/28/14] 2 - moneyunder30.com/power-of-compound-interest [2/27/15] 3 - shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/articles/pages/2016-irs-401kcontribution-limits.aspx [10/22/15]

continued from page 25

Medical Malpractice is Complex continued from page 34

being rejected—there may be definite malpractice, but the injuries and potential recovery are not significant enough to justify the monetary investment and substantial time in the case by both the attorney and client. However, there are still many cases out there that meet this threshold. Patients who have such cases must bring their claim in court, in Georgia, within two years of the negligent act or omission by the doctor or hospital. This is known as the statute of limitations. After such time, the claim is forever barred. If you are successful in your lawsuit, then you can receive compensation for medical costs, past and future costs, lost wages and pain and suffering, which are generally substantial if your case meets the threshold requirements.

Voting starts March 1st! TOWNELAKER | February 2016

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN DECEMBER

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, ÂŠ OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street.

It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2016) - This approximately 1.2 mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2016) - This 1 mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Reference

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

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

Sen. David Perdue (R)

B40D Dirksen Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 perdue.senate.gov

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)

131 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20510 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 isakson.senate.gov

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

202-456-1414 fax: 202-456-2461 202-224-3521 GA: 678-248-6444

202-224-3643 GA: 770-661-0999

State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)

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

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

404-463-1378

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

678-523-8570

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

678-576-2644

Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22 wes@cantrellforhouse.com

770-722-7526

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23

404-656-0254

scot@turnerforhouse.com

mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov

Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 john.carson@house.ga.gov

404-656-0287

Superior Court 678-493-6260 678-493-6270 678-493-6240

State Court Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

678-493-6490 678-493-6480

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

L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman

lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Steve West (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com

Brian Poole (R) District 3 bpoole@cherokeega.com

Scott Gordon (R) District 4 sgordon@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

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

678-493-6431 678-493-6431

Probate Court 678-493-6160

Sonya Little

2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Brian Hightower 221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 brian.hightower@cherokee.k12.ga.us

www.cherokeega-sheriff.org 678-493-4100 fax: 678-493-4228

678-493-6400 fax: 678-493-6420 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us 770-479-1871 fax: 770-479-1236

Kyla Cromer (R) (Chair)

678-493-8088

Kelly Poole (R) District 1

678-895-9044

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

770-893-2970

John Harmon (R) District 3

404-462-4950

kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us

john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R) District 4

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Clark Menard (R) District 5

770-721-4398, x4370 770-928-0341

Mike Chapman (R) District 6 mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us City Government Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood

770-704-1544

Juvenile Court

770-735-8055

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner

clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Judge Keith Wood (R)

Commissioners

kelly.poole@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Cherokee County Courts Chief Judge Jackson Harris Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Ellen McElyea

www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001

swest@cherokeega.com

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 11 238 Cannon House Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20515 202-225-2931 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 GA: 770-429-1776 loudermilk.house.gov

michael.caldwell@house.ga.gov

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

www.canton-georgia.gov

Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker

Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing

770-345-5536

District Attorney Shannon Wallace

678-493-6250 678-493-6280 770-479-1488

Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

678-493-6511

Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

770-592-6001

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

www.hollyspringsga.us. www.woodstockga.gov

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 770-345-0400 Cherokee County Government:

Animal Shelter Business Licenses Clean & Beautiful Commission Commissioners Courthouse Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation

Taxes:

770-345-7270 770-721-7810 770-517-7650 678-493-6000 770-479-1953 678-493-6077 770-479-0418 770-479-9011 770-479-1953 678-493-6101 770-345-5312 678-493-6120

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax 678-493-6400 Woodstock Office 770-924-4099 Voter Registration 770-479-0407

Children/Family:

Anna Crawford Children’s Center Bethesda Community Clinic Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry

770-345-8100 678-880-9654 770-720-7712 770-479-1804 770-345-5483 770-720-3581 770-345-3274 770-720-3610 770-924-0864 770-479-5397 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 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center

770-479-1703 770-345-7920 404-616-9000 800-222-1222 770-704-2610 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

Parks and Recreation:

BridgeMill Athletic Club 770-345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA 770-591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency 770-924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club 770-591-1000 Hobgood Park 770-924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. 770-926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park 770-926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club 770-592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. 800- 753-2264

Pets:

Animal Control 678-493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions 770-345-7270 www.cherokeega-animals.org Cherokee County Humane Society 770-928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic 770-924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends 770-842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) 770-928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org

Post Office (Woodstock)

www.usps.com 800-275-8777

Recycling Center 770-516-4195 Sheriff’s Department 678-493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Utilities:

Atlanta Gas Light Co. 770-907-4231 www.aglc.com AT&T 404-780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority 770-479-1813 Comcast 770-926-0334 Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com

Urgent Care Facility

American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock 770-200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy 404-851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton 678-661-3166 Wellstar Urgent Care 678-494-2500

Woodstock, City of:

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

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall 770-592-6000 Fire Department 770-926-2302 Police Information 770-592-6030 TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Reference

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-7304 http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106 www.cantonadventist.org

AME

Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org

BAPTIST

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 www.crossroadspbc.org Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448 www.newvicbaptist.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com

CHURCH OF GOD

Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.com Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org

EPISCOPAL

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Road, Roswell 770-641-3000 www.bethhallel.org

LUTHERAN

Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-503-5050 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.tlcwoodstock.org

ORTHODOX

St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-485-0504 www.stelizabethga.org

PRESBYTERIAN

Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564 www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869 www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-3558 www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074 www.woodstockpcusa.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org

Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com

New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org

UNITED METHODIST

BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org

North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org

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

Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com

Church at North Gate 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.ngca.org

Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org

Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org

Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net

Revolution 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombchurch.org Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.ngumc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org

Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.info Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com

Sojourn Community Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Soul Medicine 3725 Sixes Road Canton Soulmedicinesunday.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 678-880-9092 Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org

OTHERS

Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv

Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org

Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com

Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com

Momentum 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv

Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | February 2016

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, 678-493-3618 Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock Contact: Marci Zied 770-345-8687 Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock www.cherokeetoastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets: 8:30 a.m. third Thursday at J Christopher’s, 315 Chambers Street, Woodstock. Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. Contact: Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 http://xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/ Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. Contact: 770-615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Friday at Freight Kitchen & Tap, 251 E. Main St., Woodstock. Contact: Marc Replogle 770-952-5000, ext. 20 or 404816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House helps victims of domestic violence 24-hours a day who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 404-452-6248 www.ahimsahouse.org Angel House Girls Home is a residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn self-sufficiency. Contact: 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com Anna Crawford Children’s Center is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and protecting and serving children and families through prevention and intervention services. Contact: 678-504-6388 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Bethany Place is a transitional home for single women, unwed mothers. Contact: 770-479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org CASA for Children promotes the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse through programs that increase their safety and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning. Contact: 770-345-3274 www.casacherokee.org CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Contact: 770-592-8072 Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. Contact: 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Contact: Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: 770-928-5115 or admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org Cherokee FOCUS works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. Contact: Sonia Carruthers 770-345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. Contact: 770-345-5312 or 770-345-5320 www.cherokeega.com/senior-services Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. Contact: 678-640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com Companion Animal Connection Contact: 678-493-9847 www.adoptapet.com

MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org Never Alone Outreach provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. Contact: 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. Contact: aaeverydayangels@gmail.com

North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. Contact: 706-253-6303 www.ngapregnancy.org

Feed My Lambs, Inc. provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. Contact: 770-795-9348 office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net

Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry, which also includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. Contact: Lynne Saunders 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org

Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness in North Georgia by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter 770-842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. Contact: 770-704-PAWS (7297) www.theanimalproject.org Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly backto-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. Contact: 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org Green Shelters America animal rescue group. Contact: 770-712-4077 or GreenSheltersAmerica@ gmail.com www.GreenSheltersAmeric.com Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: 770-587-9697 www.habitat-ncg.org Healing Hands Youth Ranch offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and healing. Contact: Jennifer Simonis 770-633-4451 www.hhyr.org HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. Contact: 678-391-5950 www.hqmg.org HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: 770-924-0864 or info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com HOPE Center — Baby & More Thrift Store offers adult and children’s clothing. Contact: 770-517-4450 www.babyandmorethriftstore.com Life Connection Ministries helps empower and provide humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. Contact: Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com Matthew E. Russell Foundation works to establish literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. Contact: Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org

Pet Buddies Food Pantry helps families in need by providing pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs. Contact: 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County provides free child safety seat inspections by appointment. Contact: 770-721-7808 www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. Contact: 770-516-1108 www.servone.org The Blue Ribbon Foundation fosters a national dialog toward finding the cause, cure and prevention of ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. Contact: Tom Prior 478-397-5542 http://theblueribbonfoundation.org Volunteer Aging Council is a nonprofit that helps raise funds for the seniors of Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. Contact: 770-310-3474 www.vac-cherokeega.org VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Contact: Irma Martin 678-662-2366 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Contact: Andrew Yrabedra 404-663-4663 CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Lunch is $15. Contact: Rich 770-926-1944 Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room). www.saltcherokee.com Cherokee County Historical Society Contact: 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org Citizen Oversight and Education Contact: 678-520-2236 citizenoversighteducation@yahoo.com

Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. Contact: Marcie Zied 770-345-8687

Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com

Junior Service League of Woodstock Contact: 770-592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org/

Cherokee Community Chorale Contact: 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org

Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy 20 Contact: Lynda Goodwin, 770-393-1766 or Lynda@ edgoodwinassociates.com www.pilotinternational.com Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 770-480-4179 Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Featherstone’s Grille at 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock www.townelakerotary.com Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 678-428-6514

Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton Contact: 770-704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org

Service League of Cherokee County Contact: 770-704-5991 http://serviceleague.net South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. Contact: 770-926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club. Contact: 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. Contact: 770-926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Contact: 770-906-2958 POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democratic Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs Contact: 770-345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock http://cherokeelp.org Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. third Saturday at Jump Kitchen & Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock Contact: 678-882-0915 http://cherokeecounty.gop Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli 770-378-8232, conradquag@gmail.com www.teapartypatriots.org/groups/cherokee-tea-partypatriots/ Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton Contact: 770-592-7811 or jkconkey@gmail.com Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at the Chick-fil-a on 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall Contact: Bill Dewrell 770-294-0922 Republican Women of Cherokee County Contact: 678-520-2236 www.rwccga.com Recreation & Hobbies Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events , outings Contact: Rob Kelly rrkelly@bellsouth.net

Cherokee County Master Gardeners Contact: 770-721-7803 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/ mastergardeners Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey 770-720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association Contact: 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. www.christianauthorsguild.org Kingdom Riders, a forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome. Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. Contact: 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Contact: 678-445-6518 SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AA Meetings Canton Meets: 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock Meets: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. http://www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton Meets: 8 pm Thursday at St Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock Meets: Tuesday Al-anon and Alateen 8 pm Thursday Al-anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. Contact: Reba. 770-516-3502 www.ga-al-anon.org/district-number.php?district=17 American Heart Association - Cherokee Division Contact: 678-385-2013 American Red Cross metro chapter Contact: 770-428-2695 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets: 10 a.m. - noon first Thursday of each month at Northside Hospital—Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: 404-843-1880

Celebrate Recovery Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. Contact: 770-366-7515 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist Contact: 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House Contact: 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton Contact: 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Cherokee County Support Group Provides support for people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, etc. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Rd, Holly Springs Contacts: Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@ comcast.net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 christystephenson@msn.com Cherokee County Special Olympics Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association For pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock www.cherokeeministers.org Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock Contact: Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Georgia Canines for Independence Contact: 404-824-4637, gcidogs@aol.com www.gcidogs.org Grace Valley Ministries Connects pastors by offering small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. Contact: 727-251-7690, info@gracevalleyministries.org www.gracevalleyministries.org Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Contact: Jeannie 770-919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter For people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. Contact: nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church Contact: Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770-517-0191 MOMS Club of Woodstock-TowneLake Contact: momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: 770-924-4777 Unlimited Possibilities Support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly 678-677-2589 TOWNELAKER | February 2016

TOWNELAKER

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

J RAY, CPA, PC 404-994-5102 www.JRAYCPA.com

Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA 678-919-1250 jjacksoncpa.com Summit Financial Solutions 770-928-8100 www.sfsga.com

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ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.Debranski.com

Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 678-445-7423 www.hartman-imbriale.com

Limbocker Law 678-401-6836 www.limbockerlawfirm.com

Salon Gloss 678-483-8900 www.salongloss.biz Salon Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com

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BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Downtown Buzz 770-592-6056 www.downtownwoodstock.org/ downtownbuzz

Towne Lake Business Association www.TLBA.org

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS JSL of Woodstock 770-547-1884

Must Ministires

CHIROPRACTIC

AUTOMOTIVE

Joint Chiropractic, The 678-214-4449 www.thejoint.com

North Georgia Functional Medicine 678-556-5117 www.northgeorgiafm.com

Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

Bavarian Repair 770-310-2381 www.bavarianrepair.com

Optimum Health 770-516-7477 www.optimumhealthrehab.com

C & T Auto Service 770-928-5940 www.CandTAutoService.com

Ribley Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

Christian Brothers Automotive 770-926-4500 www.cbac.com

Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 770-592-1877 www.townelakechiro.com

Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 45 678-505-8907 www.FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail 30 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA

CHURCHES Hillside United Methodist Church 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org

EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION Grant Academy, The 770-926-7827 www.thegrantacademy.net Master’s Training Center, The 770-591-9588 www.TheMasterTrainingCenter.com North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org

Park View Child Care and Montessori School 21 770-926-0044 www.parkviewmontessorischool.com

Carpet Dry-Tech 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com

Towne Lake Academy North Campus: 770-928-6162 South Campus: 770-928-9134

Towne Lake Driving School 678-494-2200 www.TowneLakeDrivingSchool.com

Dynamic Clean Team 404-414-7743

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Jyl Craven Hair Design 770-345-9411 www.jylcraven.com

Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com

Massage Envy 770-974-0880 www.MassageEnvy.com

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

32 Dental Practice 29 770-423-1132 www.thirty-twodental.com Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC 8 678-810-0881 www.BringBackSmiles.com Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 25 770-517-0444 www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com Fountain View Family Dentistry 65 770-926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 33 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com Spillane Orthodontics 42 770-928-4747 www.SpillaneOrtho.com Towne Lake Family Dentistry Dr. Ray Morgan Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.RayMorganDMD.com Williams Orthodontics 53 770-592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

Ralph Iossa, Piano Instructor 973-519-6863 www.woodstockpianolessons.com

CLEANING SERVICES

Azure Salon & Spa 770-345-8280 www.AzureSalon.net

DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

FUNERAL SERVICES

COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900 www.ccrguys.com

Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations Inside front 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

Center for Yoga, The 770-517-5212 www.yogafamilytree.com

Plae Hard www.plaehard.com

PHIIT Club at R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR Atlanta Prestige Flooring 770-516-3227 www.atlantaprestigeflooring.com

AquaDoc Plumbing 770-516-9000, www.plumdr.com

Blue Horizon Air Conditioning & Heating 678-279-2244 BHCool.com Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277 Cloud Communications & Security 678-576-3076 cloudtelecominc.com

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Coastal Interiors 404-731-5748

Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com

Grout Doctor, The 678-383-1311 www.GroutDoctor.com

Hammocks Heating & Air 770-794-0428 www.HammocksHVAC.com

Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490 www.thhmga.com

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.MrJunk1.com

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

Precision Painting & Remodeling 678-234-9668 www.precisionpaintingatlanta.com

Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com

SOTO Remodeling 404-376-5443

INSURANCE Insurance Group of the Southeast 770-854-0385 www.insurancegroupse.com

Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping 404-520-0710 www.excavationandlandscaping.com

Overstreet Lawn Care 770-861-7272 www.overstreetlawncare.com

RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com

Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 770-591-9500 www.townelakevets.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

PHOTOGRAPHER J. King Images Inside Front 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 770-726-8948 www.NorthGeorgiaHearing.com North Georgia Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, Dr. Bret Hintze 770-999-0804 www.NGFAR.com Northside Hospital -Cherokee www.northside.com Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (770) 517-6636 northsidecherokeeortho.com Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 678-388-5485 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com

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Northside Cherokee Women’s Specialists 37 770-926-9229 NSHCherokeeWomensSpecialists.com Northwest ENT & Allergy Center 770-427-0368 www.nwent.com

Perimeter North Family Medicine 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 46 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 770-592-9065 www.johnromanlutz.com

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy 770-635-7697 www.TowneLakePharmacy.com

Wellstar 770-956-STAR (7827) wellstar.org

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES

Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

Rebound Physical Therapy 678-445-9799 www.ReboundPTClinic.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Tomlinson Team, The Cathy Tomlinson: 770-365-6193 or 678-494-2953, 770-517-2150 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Donna Charitat: 770-309-0253, 770-517-2150, www.MyAgentDonna.com Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cvr 404-954-2486, 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheilateam.com Magnolia Cottages by the Sea Linda B. Lee, 850-319-8050 www.magnolisdreamcottage.com

Reflection Lake Nantahala Kristine Flaig, 828-321-3101 www.reflectionlakenantahala.com

Southeast Mortgage 770-279-0222, ext. 719 Todd Littlejohn: 678-662-3451

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Cruise Planners, Kathy Faisal 678-445-5235-Office 770-231-7033-Cell

Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org

Etowah Eagles Basketball www.etowaheaglesbasketball.com

Etowah Eagles Lacrosse

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK Butchers Block 770-517-2225

Papa P’s 770-592-3100 www.papa-ps.com

Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Dismero Red Line 678-398-4008

Rudi Fine Jewelry 678-445-2626

Spirited 678-214-5304 www.spritlala.com

WATER DELIVERY Golden Rule Spring Water 404-444-6292 www.goldenrulespringwater.com TOWNELAKER | February 2016

photo by J King Images

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

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.

From left Michelle McCulloch, Patty Ponder, Jon and Karen Flaig, Candi Hannigan, Denise Griffin, Laura Latchford, Jackie Loudin and Christie Deese.

We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,000

TOWNELAKER | February 2016

770.591.7929

www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com February is... National Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dental Health Month. ADA recommends children visit a dentist six months after eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday. This first visit is a great opportunity to educate parents on proper homecare, inspect the mouth for oral injuries, cavities, or other problems.

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