2 18 townelaker webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Expert Surgical Care for the Cherokee Community

Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates is a full-service practice specializing in general surgery. Our board-certified physician, Dr. Grant Wolfe, uses the latest minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic techniques to treat the full spectrum of abdominal, thyroid, and soft tissue disorders. Grant Wolfe, M.D.

Treatments offered for: • Hernias

• Skin and soft tissue lesions

• Gallstones and gallbladder problems

• Thyroid and parathyroid disease

• Breast masses and cancer

• Diverticulitis and colon cancer

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernias

• Stomach, adrenal gland, pancreas and spleen disorders

(770) 924-9656 • ncsurgicalassociates.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412, Woodstock, GA 30189

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Contents

48 & 49 On the Cover Cherokee Charter Academy photo by Rebekah Gregg

February 2018

Features

In This Issue

16 Survival Guide

08 Birthdays & Celebrations 94 Directory of Advertisers

Check out these ideas for winter break that will keep your kids

from crying “We’re bored” and you from pulling out your hair.

36 Seniors on the Move

Nathan Brandon tells us how a trip with senior citizens to

a World’s Fair set the groundwork for a life of helping our

older neighbors stay vital.

62 A Trail to Towne Lake

Community 18 24 72 80 81 86

Unity Award Winner Named Cyclists Heading to Downtown Scouting Opportunities Abound The Official Swearing In A List of Consignment Sales Recent Home Sales

There’s a new trail in Towne and if you follow the 1.2-mile

Resources

long, 10-foot wide path, you can walk all the way to

downtown Woodstock.

20 38 58 75

Summer Camp Fun - Already? Tips for “The Talk” A Haven for Children Dreams for Recovery

Advertising

Health

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

Schools

AroundAbout-Townelaker

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

@Townelaker

54 Water Safety, Winter-Style 56 Local Man Gets Second Chance

townelakermagazine

76 Robots Made From Legos 78 A New Kind of Valentine

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

AROUND TOWNE

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

From the Editor

We didn’t go into this issue with a theme in mind, other than acknowledging Valentine’s month here and there. But as we wrap up the magazine, I’m realizing there is a focus on loving our senior citizens. My friend Nathan Brandon does an amazing job of that and tells the story of one rainy World’s Fair trip and how that led to a career in caring for seniors. Read about it on pages 36-37. On pages 38-39, Cindy Nelson and Shelley Winter offer tips for helping our aging parents with their finances and avoid falling victim to scams aimed at seniors. I’m a voracious advocate for my Mom, and I’m learning so much from our contributing writers who share their wisdom to help senior citizens and their families navigate the often turbulent waters of aging. I hope you are learning from them as well. My mother celebrated her 94th birthday during the February production cycle. I could add that my husband reached his 60th year, but that really isn’t considered senior status, is it? Don’t answer that question. As a self-confessed, spoiled-rotten only child, I hope I am Candi and her mom celebrate with one making up for the of her favorites: an ice cream cake. temper tantrums and ornery attitudes that characterized my younger years. Add to the mix that I never wanted to leave my mother’s side. Bless her heart! I remember my pediatrician telling her she needed to hire a babysitter once a week and get away from me. See why I have a lot of making up to do? The advantage our Aroundabout Local Media staff has is that we are residents of this community, and get our magazines in the mail just like you do. We were readers long before we became employees. As your neighbors, we work hard to make sure the content of each issue is relevant, interesting, fun and uplifting for you. Reach out to us and let us know how we’re doing!

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 2018

2018 Comprehensive Plan

The second in a series of meetings designed for the Woodstock community to offer input on the city’s comprehensive plan is set for 6-8 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Chambers at City Center at 8534 Main St.

What’s New

According to www.marriott.com, the new Woodstock Fairfield Inn and Suites is opening this month. The 85-room hotel is located at 455 Parkway 575. The Butchers Block at 1025 Rose Creek Drive has changed ownership. The new owner is Tom McDaniel. A remodel is planned for the store, with modernized, upgraded lighting and store fixtures. Thousands of new inventory items will be added in the coming months, and smoked products will be introduced. www.thebutchersblock.biz

What’s Coming

Tuscany Italian Restaurant is in the process of completing a

backyard terrace with a view that should be complete this summer. The new space will have full bar service, a new menu, a brick pizza oven imported from Italy and custom built tables with fire pits. The restaurant is at 250 Cinema View Way, Woodstock. www.mytuscanyrestaurant.com.

What’s Closed

The Branches Boutique location at 2293 Towne Lake Parkway has closed; the shop at 370 Chambers St. in Woodstock remains open. Linden (Home, Gift, and Antiques) at 2340 Towne Lake Parkway closed at the end of January. While the retail store closed, Jane and Laurie will continue to do in-home consults, staging and holiday decorating, and Laurie will continue to show her antiques at the Scott’s Antique show monthly. jkaeser27@gmail.com, lindeninc@aol.com.

Look Who’s Coming to Georgia!

American Pickers plans to film in Georgia this winter, and the

show’s stars, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, are looking for places to pick. American Pickers is a History channel series that follows Mike and Frank as they hunt for valuable antiques. The guys search for sizeable, unique collections, learn the stories behind the treasures, and work to give these objects a new lease on life. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the pickers can look through, send the contact’s name, phone number, location and description of the collection to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST. Follow on Facebook at GotAPick. They only pick private collections, therefore malls, flea markets, museums, auctions and other businesses open to the public don’t qualify.

North Cobb Christian School

Your Children, Our Passion.

770.975.0252

4500 Eagle Drive • Kennesaw, GA NCCS admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

OPEN HOUSE DATES & TIMES on our website •••••••

ncchristian.org

PK3-12th www.ncchristian.org

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

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 with her beloved husband Lewis, now deceased, and their only son Taylor, who now lives and works in Sandy Springs. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and spends much of her time catering to two pampered American Eskimo dogs, Lea and Gidget.

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County since 2000. He performs improv comedy in and around Atlanta. He lives in Woodstock with his wife Justine, his son Beethoven 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.

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com Managing Editor Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

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 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 900 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. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2018. TowneLaker PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Volume 23, Issue 10

America’s Community Magazine TOWNELAKER | February 2018

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

COMMUNITY

Celebrations! Katie Bledsoe

Happy 16th birthday!

Wyatt

Happy 10th birthday! Love you, Mom and Dad

Abigail Brandt

Age 6 on Feb. 6 Happy birthday to our beautiful angel! We love you very much! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Hannah, Leslie, Aunt Melinda, Ashley and James

Dominick James Bruley Age 2 on Dec. 25 Happy birthday sweet boy! Love, Nana and Papa

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! E-mail to: Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com March deadline is Feb. 10. Please specify TowneLaker.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Benjamyn Moreland

Age 8 on Feb. 22 Happy Birthday to our favorite son! We love you more than you'll ever know!

Rachel Hugenberg

Sweet 16 on Feb. 5 Happy Birthday, Rachel!! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad and Elizabeth

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Keeping Hearts and Heads Warm Members of Bascomb United Methodist Church’s women’s group made 714 hats that were sent to Papa's Pantry, The Hope Center, Branan Towers, MUST Ministries and Kennestone Oncology. The ladies work on hats all year to distribute in hopes of warming heads and hearts.

Bascomb UMC members are, from left: Cyndee Fetzer, Linda Biddy, Brenda Crump, Catherine Hunsaker, Margaret Thomas, Sherra Carder, Paula York, Linda Davies, Halcia McLary, Sue Rowland, Denise Lewis, Marion Derryberry and Faithie Greene.

Marine Corps League Chooses New Leaders

Joy Peterson balanced work and raising her twins.

WellStar System, Employee Honored Woodstock resident Joy Peterson, a clinical pharmacist at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, has been given WellStar’s 2017 Working Mother of the Year award. The announcement was made along with the ranking of WellStar Health System as one of the top places in the United States to work, for mothers. The 10th consecutive year for this honor, Working Mother magazine placed WellStar on its 100 Best Companies List for its innovative work-life balance programs and emphasis on team member wellness. Peterson juggles the demands of her career while caring for her twin daughters. Her dedication to success and to her family earned her the honor. While caring for her young daughters, Peterson entered pharmacy school at Mercer University’s Gwinnett campus. Peterson joined the team at Kennestone as a post-graduate clinical pharmacy resident. Because of the work-life balance, Peterson never left WellStar. “It is so rare to have so many demands and a fulfilling career,” she said. “And I have a healthy home life! I am so blessed.” 10

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

New officers were named recently for the Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 in Woodstock. Rich Sabo was named commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 for 2018 while Richard Proof was named senior vice commandant and Robert Ekholm continues as junior vice commandant. The detachment was founded in early April 2008 by 16 Marine veterans, who are referred to as plank owners. The detachment received its national charter in September 2008. Current membership includes 122 Marine veterans, FMF Naval corpsmen and FMF Naval chaplains. It is Georgia’s largest and most rapidly growing detachment. One of the major events that the detachment sponsors is an annual “Rip” Masters Golf Tournament, set for May 7, with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m., at Cobblestone Golf Course in Acworth. Funds from this event go to sponsor worthy students for college scholarships. Open to the general public with a special emphasis on all veterans regardless of branch of service. For details, call Ron Welborn at 404-217-2246. Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Semper Fi Bar and Grille, 9770 Main St. in Woodstock.

From left: Rich Sabo, Richard Proof and Robert Ekholm.

SPORTS MEDICINE NEARBY FOR UNEXPECTED BUMPS.

Being active is great for your health, but sometimes it can lead to an injury. The Northside Hospital Cherokee Sports Medicine Program has a team of experts to diagnose and treat all types of musculoskeletal injuries. Their one goal is to get you back in the saddle enjoying life. For information visit Northside.com/Cherokee-Sports. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

YOUR LOCAL NEWS The Exchange Taps Into Topic of Self Care The topic of The Exchange on Feb. 8 will be Soul Keeping, featuring a fun yet meaningful discussion with Vikki Fraker and Elizabeth Pherson. Their dialogue will touch on the importance of women taking time to do something each day to recharge themselves, to take care of their souls. The topic of the gathering is based on the premise by John Ortberg that we each have an outer life and an inner life. Our outer life is the public, visible life — the one that everyone sees: our accomplishments, our work, and our reputation. Our inner life is not visible. It is where our secret thoughts and hopes and wishes live. Because our inner lives are not visible, they are easy to neglect. The Exchange meets at 7 p.m. at Venue 92, 12015 Highway 92 in Woodstock. Suggested donation is $10. RSVP at www.theexchangeus.org.

Gayle Bautz

Valuable Volunteer at the Senior Center Gayle Bautz has been named the 2017 Volunteer of the Year for the William G. Long Senior Center. She is the line dancing instructor, cooks, cleans, assists other cooks, is a member of the advisory committee, covers the office for the staff when needed, and much more. “We have an outstanding group of volunteers at the William G. Long Senior Center. We appreciate all of their hard work and dedication to our programs there. Our activities and programs at the center would not be nearly as successful without our volunteers,” said Preston Pooser, director of Woodstock Parks and Recreation.

Mini Grant Awarded to County Health Departments Health departments in the North Georgia Health District were awarded the 2018 Car Seat Mini Grant by the Georgia Department of Public Health Injury Prevention Program. Through the mini grant, Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield county health departments and local collaborative partners work together to provide car seats and education to financially eligible families. This program is funded by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to help ensure Georgia’s children are Child safety at the heart of the grant. safe while riding in motor vehicles. Since 2007, the education, car seats and booster seats provided through the mini grant have prevented serious injury or death and saved 344 of Georgia’s children who were involved in crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car seats reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent among infants, and by 54 percent among children ages 1 to 4 years, in passenger cars. Car seats offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash, and they are most effective when installed and used correctly. Nearly three out of every four car seats are not used properly, placing children at unnecessary risk. For more information, visit www.nghd.org and click on the locations tab.

City Earns Distinguished Budget Award

Mayor Donnie Henriques, middle, and City Manager Jeffrey Moon, right, presented Crystal Welch with her Certificate of Recognition. 12

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

In late 2017, the Government Finance Officers Association announced that the city of Woodstock has received the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award represents a significant achievement by the city for its commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. The guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as: • a policy document • a financial plan • an operations guide • a communications device Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. Crystal Welch, the city’s budget analyst, oversaw the city’s efforts to earn the award and was presented with a certificate of recognition for budget presentation by the GFOA.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Time to

Among the categories you can expect to find:

Restaurants American Asian Bakery Barbecue Breakfast Coffee Shop Dessert Fine Dining Italian Kid-Friendly Mexican Pizzeria Seafood

Retailers

Bicycle Sales Boutique Florist Garden Center/Nursery Gifts/Home Décor Jeweler Music Animal/Pet Supplies Liquor Store Pharmacy Specialty Foods Tires

Recreation & Entertainment Our 2018 voting opens at 9 a.m. Feb. 1. We hope you will take time out from your busy schedules to vote for your favorites in the categories listed here. Our local business owners bring so much value to our community - here’s a unique way to show our appreciation. 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.

As you vote, please 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. 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 Feb. 1 and ends at 5 p.m. March 10. 4. Winners will be announced in the April issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time.

5. Vote in as few or as many categories as you’d like. There isn’t a minimum number of votes required for your votes to count.

6. No more than five votes per category will be accepted from each IP address.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Dance Studio Golf Course/Club Gymnastics Center

Services

Adult Day Care/Respite Attorney Audiologist Automotive Bank/Credit Union Barber Shop Business Support Cardiologist Chiropractor Counseling Day Care/Preschool Day Spa Dentist Dog Training ENT/Allergy Center Equestrian Financial Adviser Funeral Home Gastroenterologist General Practitioner Hair Salon Health/Fitness Home Cleaning Home Improvement/Repair Insurance Interior Design Landscaping/Lawn Care

Music Venue Swim Lessons Theater

Massage Music Lessons Nail Salon Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ophthalmologist Optometrist Orthodontist Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Pediatric Dentist Pediatrician Pest Control Pet Grooming/Boarding Photographer Physical Therapist Plastic Surgeons Podiatrist Private School Realtor Senior Living Facility Travel Agency Tutoring Vacation Rentals Veterinarian

Happy Voting!

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TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Winter Break

Cherokee County schools will be on winter break Feb. 19-23. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together a list of some fun family activities to keep your kids and students busy and engaged. Remember, Feb. 21-23 are potential inclement weather make-up days for students.

@ the Library Rose Creek

4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock / 770-591-1491

Feb. 22

Games Galore at 2 p.m. Bring your own board games to play, or play one that belongs to the library. All ages and games are welcome; children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Woodstock

7735 Main St. / 770-926-5859

Feb. 23

Sing First at 10:30 a.m. These music and movement classes for children and their parents (divided into three sessions) are provided by music teacher Justine Lemmo. For ages 0-7; children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Crafternoon at 4:30 p.m. will feature knitting, continued from last month, with a focus on the purl stitch to make cozy hand warmers. For ages 9 and older; children aged 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 16

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Reader Colin has a blast with reading dog Zoey at the Rose Creek Public Library.

Hickory Flat

2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton / 770-345-7565

@ the YMCA

Feb. 20

Cherokee County YMCA

different manga series and related topics. This program will encourage reading and group discussion in a fun and innovative way. Refreshments are provided.

Feb. 19-23 at both Cherokee County branches. The focus is to provide a fun, safe environment for kids to explore new things, make new friends, and grow collectively and as individuals. Price is $31 each day for facility members, or $34 for nonmembers. www.ymcaatlanta.org/ymca-locations/ cherokee.

Manga Club at 5 p.m. Teens are encouraged to read and discuss

Feb. 22

Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Night at 6:30 p.m. There’s been a murder! Sherlock Holmes has been found dead, and it’s up to you to find out the whos, whats and wheres. Think you have what it takes to solve the mystery? Prizes will be awarded to the top sleuths. Refreshments will be provided. For all ages; children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Feb. 23-March 21

The Game Is Afoot. Ready to put your detective skills to the

School break camp for ages 5-12, daily 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

• At the Cecil Pruett Family YMCA

151 Waleska St., Canton, include: swimming, arts and crafts, nature hikes, playground, basketball/soccer/kickball, organic gardening, team-building games, and games and activities on the large field.

• At the Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA

ultimate test? Join the first interactive, multiplayer logic game. Grab your game board during Week 1 and then visit the library once a week to get a new clue. Using library and online resources, be the first person to solve the crime of the century. The game will end March 21 with a party for the players.

201 E. Bells Ferry Road, campers will enjoy: nature hikes, arts and crafts, building forts, playground time, basketball/ soccer/kickball, archery, field games, canoeing when a lifeguard is present, and a climbing tower when an instructor is present.

R.T. Jones

@ the Rec Center

116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton / 770-479-3090

Feb. 19

How Slimy at 3 p.m. Make your own slime! In this STEAM program,

mix, measure and stir to whip up slime to take home. For ages 9 and older; children aged 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Canton Eclectic Readers at 6 p.m. This month, the book club for unconventional readers will be reading “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly. Meeting in the Georgia Room.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks

School break camps include daily fields trips, indoor gym games, outside play, arts and crafts, and movie time. For more information on these camps, call 770-924-7768 or email Frankie Sanders at fsanders@cherokeega.com. Activities also are available at the Aquatic Center. www.crpa.net/camps/school-break-camps.

Reading Dogs at 4:30 p.m. Children age 6 and older can read to a

nonjudgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if the reader stumbles or makes a mistake. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session. Parents can register their child (two weeks in advance) for a 10-15 minute reading session.

Feb. 20

Drop-In Crafternoon at 3:30 p.m. Make and take home all the crafts you want. Get in touch with your creative side. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Feb. 24

Lego Club at 3 p.m. A different theme each month. Children may work alone or in teams to build Lego masterpieces, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. Lego and Duplo are provided. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Canton residents Steven and Grace get creative during a recent Lego Club event. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

MLK Unity Award Recipient Percy D. Vaughn

Percy Vaughn was given the MLK Unity Award during the 20th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast in January at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center. The annual event recognizes the legacy of one of America’s greatest civil rights icons and draws approximately 500 residents from all racial, political, social and religious backgrounds to promote unity among the citizens of the county. Here are the highlights of the award winner’s accomplishments.

Vaughn was born in Atlanta and graduated from Cornado High School in Lubbock, Texas. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge and his MBA from Atlanta University. After graduation, he worked for Ford Motor Co., fulfilling several managerial positions and increasing his responsibilities over his 10-year tenure. After leaving Ford in 1986, he worked with Hyundai Motor Co. in Atlanta and was promoted to general manager of the Southern Region within six years. In 1995, Vaughn opened the Southern region office for Kia Motors America in Atlanta, where he now serves as the executive director. The Kia Southern Region office has been the No. 1 region for the past 23 years and contributes 37 percent of total sales for Kia Motors America. Vaughn currently serves as chairman of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl board, where he oversees the Peach Bowl’s board of directors and board of trustees, which includes management of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the Chickfil-A Kickoff Game, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award. Vaughn previously served as vice chairman and has been involved with the bowl for six years through his time at Kia. Vaughn is also a member of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Club, received Father of the Year for 2013 from the American Diabetes Association, and is a board member for the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Vaughn’s devotion to children, charity and the community is evident in his service. He has been responsible for providing more than $20,000 a year to the Boys and Girls Club of Cherokee County for several years, and has been their fundraising event sponsor. Additionally, under Vaughn’s leadership, Carriage Kia became the 2017 title sponsor of the Allen Temple Annual Scholarship Golf Event, which provides scholarship funds for Cherokee County seniors. He also has been a major contributor to the SISTA elite golf event, which has sponsored young women in the arts and cancer awareness in Birmingham, Ala., for the past 10 years. Vaughn and his wife, Audree, have two adult children and enjoy spoiling their grandchildren.

Percy D. Vaughn

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

2018

Guide

Not to rush you, but summer break will be here before we know it. If you’re making plans for your family’s vacations, don’t forget to book a week or two of camp activities for the kids. Our annual guide of local summer camps should help you find overnight and day camps that work for your family. Register early since many camps fill up quickly.

Brainy Bytes Technology Camps

Camp Invention

STEM adventures await, whether you are looking to conquer robot, drone and minecraft challenges or wanting to create games, movies, 3D objects, websites and more. Weekly half-day and full-day camps for ages 5 and up start June 4. Locations throughout Cherokee and Cobb. 770-826-0449. www.brainy-bytes.com/nw-atlanta.

For children entering K-6th grades at Lyndon Academy, 485 Toonigh Road, Woodstock. June 11-15, July 9-13. Participants enjoy hands-on fun by designing and building prototypes, problem solving, exploring STEM concepts and learning teamwork. In partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 800-968-4332. www.campinvention.org.

Camp Gideon

Camp Juliette Low

A Christian camp located on Lake Allatoona that offers day and overnight camping programs for children and youth to engage them socially, spiritually and physically through a variety of outdoor activities. IMPACT Camp (co-ed, ages 12+) June 9-15, Discovery Day Camps (co-ed, ages 5-11) June 1115, 18-22, 25-29 and D24 Overnight Camp (co-ed, ages 7-13) July 2-6, July 9-13. Visit www.campgideon.com for more information, pricing and online registration.

An overnight camp for girls ages 7-17 that offers outdoor programs to foster self-confidence, independence, teamwork and leadership. Traditional camping, platform tents, outdoor adventure, fun and friendship await. One- and two-week sessions available June 3-July 28. Located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, Ga. For more info call 770-428-1062, email info@CJL.org or visit www.CJL.org.

Camp Splash The Woodstock Aquatic Center and Gold Swim school will host weekly Summer Camp Splash June 4 through July 20 for ages 5-12 with a of maximum 16 campers per week. Campers need to bring a packed lunch daily; snacks and water provided. Camp is $265 per week, $250 for multiple weeks, 10 percent off for siblings. To register, call 770-591-1998, email Frontdesk@goldswim.com, or online at www.goldswim.com.

Cherokee County YMCA Day Camps Summer camping experience available at the Woodstock and Canton locations. Full-day camp for ages 5-15, and half-day camp for ages 4-5. Traditional and specialty programs offered. Cost of traditional full-day camp is $170 per child per week. For more info, call 678-880-3502, email robertbe@ymcaatlanta.org or visit www.ymcaatlanta.org/coy.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Cherokee Tennis Center

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village

Tiny Tots Camp for ages 8 and younger Monday-Thursday 8:15-9 a.m. Cost is $50 per session. Includes tennis games, review of tennis fundamentals with the emphasis on fun. The USTA 10-and-under format uses smaller nets, softer/lower bouncing balls, and short courts tailored to younger players. Each camper will receive a prize each week. Day camp is for ages 8 and older, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.noon. Cost is $160 per session and consists of tennis drills, point play, game play and more. Each session will end with prizes and a pizza party. Campers will receive a T-shirt during the first week. Multiple-child discounts are offered. Camp dates are June 11-14, 18-21,15-28. July 9-12, 16-19, 23-26. Register online at www.cherokeetenniscenter.com or call 770-592-4582.

This organization has one of the oldest and largest arts education programs for young people in the region. Camps are taught by trained counselors, who introduce children ages 5-14 to the exciting world of the theater. Campers explore the craft of acting and learn the discipline of performing, as they develop their unique creative voices. Elm Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camps are to provide young people with performance and creative thinking skills that will serve them in whatever profession they one day choose. Campers develop poise, movement, speaking and acting skills as they explore improvisation, theater games, character development and the many other skills. Call 678-494-4251 for more information.

Georgia All-Star Gymnastics Day Camp Children will participate in gymnastics, arts and crafts, outdoor and indoor games, sprinkler time, watch movies, and have quiet time to read, rest or play alone. Children need to bring a snack and drinks for the morning and afternoon, and a sack lunch. Sessions are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekly May 29-July 27. Half-day and full-day rates available. Early drop-off (7-9 a.m.) and late pick-up (5-6 p.m.) available for additional $7. Located at 105 Arnold Mill Park, Woodstock. 770-516-2654. info@ga-allstars.com. www.ga-allstars.com.

Paper.Scissors.Cake.

Dance Imagination Fairytale Dance Camp is four hours of games, craft activities, snack, play time, tumble, lunch and dance. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in June and July. Call 678-445-2731 or check www.danceimagination.com for updates.

Dance For His Glory Camps will be held June 11-15 and July 9-13, and are available for ages 7-18. More information and registration available online at www.danceforhisglory.net.

Camps for ages 2-12 are broken down into three camp days and times. Toddler and preschool camps have weekly themes, while school-age children will explore painting, drawing, collage, mixed media and printmaking. No two camp sessions are alike. Located at 6687 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. For more details, visit www. paperscissorscakeartstudio. com, call 404-867-1630 or email paperscissorscake@ windstream.net.

Safety Town A summer camp with a pint-sized town where safety messages are taught by Cherokee County safety professionals to children entering kindergarten in the fall. Topics covered include water, poison and fire safety, stranger awareness, school bus, pedestrian and traffic safety, and more. Volunteers help run three one-week sessions at Bascomb Elementary School 9 a.m.-noon, June 4-8, 11-15 and 18-22. Cost is $80 per child per week and includes crafts, snacks and a T-shirt. For more information and registration forms, visit http://safekidscherokeecounty.org/. Contact director Ashley Arp cherokeecountysafetytown@gmail.com or 770-894-2151 for questions.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

2018

Guide continued from page 21

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Registration begins 9 a.m. April 16 770-924-7768, www.crpa.net

K.A.O.S. Camp

Adventure Teen Camp

At Recreation Center pavilion for ages 13-15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 16-20. Outdoor adventures including zip-lining, ropes challenge courses, canoeing/kayaking and more. Contact Jen Fischer, jlfischer@cherokeega.com.

Designed for individuals ages 6-22 with disabilities, sponsored by the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Association, will be held at Woodstock Elementary School May 29-July 27. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact Jen Fischer, jlfischer@cherokeega.com.

Teen Camp

Adventures Express Camp

Cherokee High School fast-pitch

Weekly camps May 29-July 27 at the rec center for kindergartenage 8 and Hickory Flat Elementary for kindergarten-age 12. 6:30-9 a.m. drop-off, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. camp activities, 4-6:30 p.m. pick-up. $130 weekly, $30 deposit per week due at registration.

Fishing Camp

The basics of fishing, strategies and tactics, and other skills will be taught to campers ages 9-14, June 4-8 and June 18-22. Campers will travel to new destinations each day. A cookout and fish fry will wrap up the week. Cost is $150 for each week. Contact Adam Fussell, cafussell@cherokeega.com.

At Recreation Center pavilion for ages 13-15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 2529. Fun trips to White Water, rafting, Six Flags, white water rafting and more. $250. Contact Jen Fischer, jlfischer@cherokeega.com. At Twin Creeks Softball Complex for ages 7-14, 9 a.m.-noon June 25-28. Glove, bat, cleats and athletic clothing needed. $130. Contact Kate Borden, kborden@cherokeega.com.

Champions Fast-Pitch Softball

At Twin Creeks for ages 7-14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 23-26. Glove, bat, cleats and athletic clothing needed. $125. Contact Kate Borden, kborden@cherokeega.com.

Xplosive Speed & Agility

For ages 6-15, 6-8:30 p.m. June 25-28. Participants will refine their techniques, increase speed, strength and agility for any sport. $95. Contact Neely Motijunas, nmotiejunas@cherokeega.com.

Gymnastics

At Recreation Center gym for ages 6-12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 2-3 and 5-6. $75 for two days, $140 for four. No camp July 4. Learn fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling. Contact Jen Fischer, jlfischer@cherokeega.com.

Challenge Island STEM-Wars

Summit Lacrosse

At Riverside Athletic Complex, ages 8-18, 9 a.m.-noon May 29-June 1. $160. Contact Adam Fussell, cafussell@cherokeega.com.

Waterlogged

At the Recreation Center pavilion for ages 9-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 11-15 and July 9-13. Water field trip daily. $250. Contact Frankie Sanders, fsanders@cherokeega.com. 22

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Camp for ages 6-11, 9 a.m.-noon June 11-15. Movie-inspired challenges, including building your own spaceship, droids and rockets. Includes all materials. $170. Contact Frankie Sanders, fsanders@cherokeega.com.

Magic Camp

At Recreation Center stage for ages 5-12, 9 a.m.-noon June 4-8, and ages 13 and older 1-4 p.m. June 4-8. Discover the art of magic including card and coin tricks, making objects appear and disappear, levitation and read a spectatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind. Parent show on Friday. Contact Frankie Sanders, fsanders@cherokeega.com.com or 770-894-2151 for questions.

From the Simplest to the Most Complex Vascular Care. Northside Vascular Surgery is a full-service vascular surgery and endovascular therapy practice that specifically focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the veins and arteries.

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Our compassionate, board-certified physicians, Dr. Catalin Harbuzariu, Dr. Siddharth Patel, and Dr. Edward Kang bring years of experience working at some of the leading institutions in the field, and offer minimally-invasive, state-of-the-art procedures to treat the entire scope of vascular diseases, from the simplest to the most complex. We offer three convenient locations to serve the communities throughout Greater Atlanta and North Georgia.

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TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Tour of the Southern Highlands

Woodstock welcomes cycling event back for the second year. and fast, straight, with a few 90 degree and 180 degree turns. Best The Tour of the Southern viewing will be in front of Arnold Highlands cycling stage race is Mill Elementary School, with an returning to the area this year. awards ceremony at the finish line. The weekend’s events will kick off Sunday’s High Country Road downtown March 2. Race consists of counter-clockwise The men’s and women’s pro laps around a 15-mile circuit. criterium prologue race will take The course starts and finishes place on a .8-mile course starting on Valley Street in front of Ball at Market Street, going clockwise Ground Elementary School. The taking a right on Hickory Street, a Stage 3 Road Race begins at 8:30 right on Paden Street, and a right a.m., with up to three fields on on Mill Street to return to Market the course at any one time. The Street. road course is glorious scenery of The public is invited to an infield rolling, pastoral terrain, and it is race watch party on the Elm Street epic, sporting short, challenging Event Green, where spectators climbs to separate the field, before will get a perfect view of all the the long, flowing downhills give it action. There will be Reformation a chance to come back together. Brewery craft beer, food trucks, Best spectator viewing on cornhole and more. This night also On the winner’s stand are, from left: Lauren Hall, Ruth the course will be at or near the Winder and Kate Buss. is the kickoff of the 2018 Friday corner of Valley Street and Beck Night Live season, so there will be a great atmosphere in Street, where Ball Ground City Hall sits by the Botanical downtown Woodstock to welcome competitors and their Gardens. There will be an awards ceremony and closing families. festival with food and activities following the men’s race. On Saturday, amateurs will join the action with the Merckx continued on page 88 Time Trial, beginning and ending at Arnold Mill Elementary School. The race consists of clockwise laps around a 5.3mile circuit. There will be one lap for Stage 1, Merckx TT, Stacy Brown is the marketing and tourism coordinator and multiple laps, dependent on category or class, for the for the City of Woodstock. She can be reached at circuit race. Competitors will go off at 30-second intervals, sbrown@woodstockga.gov. beginning at 7:30 a.m., for a 2-mile out and back of fast, flat BY STACY BROWN

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

WellStar and Mayo Clinic. Working together. Working for you. Achieving our vision of world-class healthcare is even closer now that we are a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, an innovative collaboration which brings the expertise of Mayo to our patients. As the first and only member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in metro Atlanta, our depth of specialty care is enhanced with new resources and tools while keeping patient care right here at home. Innovation. World-class care. WellStar. For more information, please visit wellstar.org/mayo. For physician referral, please call 770-956-STAR (7827).

WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for its innovative care models, focused on improving quality and access to healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice, homecare, as well as 11 inpatient hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-forprofit, WellStar continues to reinvest in the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments.

We believe in life well-lived.

Rob’s Rescues For the Cherokee County Council of PTAs (CCCPTA) 10th annual Presidents and Principals Luncheon to Celebrate the Season, the Cherokee County schools PTAs and principals collected items for Rob’s Rescues. I would like to thank all the schools and PTAs that donated stuff and to Ms. Kathy Strom, Ms. Monica Orrico, Ms. Amy Krumrey, Ms. Heather Shaw and Ms. Beth Morrish of CCCPTA and also the Freedom Middle School PTA for choosing Rob’s Rescues this year. They collected so much. Exactly what was collected is on my website. We packed 46 blessing bags for the homeless people that live on the streets of Atlanta with their pets with blankets, food, gloves, bowls, treats, protein bars, toothbrushes and paste, gum, wipes and more. These are being distributed on the streets in Atlanta by Pet Buddies Food Pantry, Lifeline and W-Underdogs.

Rob with Zena.

At the moment there are no dogs at the shelter, but that changes all the time. Cobb County Animal Control has lots of dogs if the Cherokee County Animal Shelter has none. Anyway, they always have cats. Zena is about 2½ years old. She was brought to the shelter because the owners were moving in with their father and the father is allergic to cats. Zena is super nice to people and would make a good pet. She is very unusual looking.

Rob with 46 blessing bags filled with contributions from the Cherokee County Council of PTAs and Cherokee County schools.

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.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Tiger is about 3½ years old. They say he is good with children, just not small children. He might be a little shy and nervous of you but after a while he would be fine and a perfect cat for you. Tiger has been at the shelter since July 2017 so really deserves to find someone.

Follow Rob on Facebook!

@robsrescues

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

EVERYDAY

Everyday Angels has been how much we appreciate that sharing community stories gift. Thank you to the teachers and needs for 17 years. During from Oak Grove who made sure this time, we have entered the that my other children had the world of some of the bravest, love and attention they needed yet broken, hearts and lives. when their mommy could not be We form a personal connection there for them. as people share their pain and “We want to thank the Makefears as we follow, pray for and A-Wish Foundation for providing encourage them. us with priceless memories However, sometimes the together. I can still hear her stories do not end as we hope laughter. I am thankful to Diem’s and pray. Last month’s story father, Dae, whose love for his of Diem Kwon, the 5-year-old children made co-parenting Clark Creek Elementary student easy. Finally, to my rock, my diagnosed with Glioblastoma, husband, Kyle Dutcher, who was one of those stories that insisted that I leave my job to remind us that God’s plans are care for Diem as he stepped up not always our plans. Between to make up the difference. He the time her story was written continues to hold me as I cry and and sent to print, her health reminds me to breathe through Top right, Diem, Sa’reon (her twin sister) with big brother Zavair. drastically changed as Diem’s my pain. It didn’t end as we had Above, Aloni with Diem. organs began to shut down. hoped and prayed, like so many Sweet Diem spent Christmas morning in the arms of Jesus, other innocent children who suffer from childhood cancers. This leaving her family and friends heartbroken. We were concerned journey was life-changing in many ways. It has opened my eyes that a story was in the January issue without the update. to the need of more cancer research for our children who have However, Aloni, Diem’s mom, assured us that the story would so much life ahead of them. Our children are worth more than 4 honor her sweet daughter and bring awareness to Glioblastoma percent of government research funding,” Aloni said. and the need for more childhood cancer research. As we begin 2018, Diem and the stories of so many others “We are trying to cope the best we know how. Every day is a remind us of what truly matters. We have been given this one life, new day – some better than others for all of us. Looking back, one opportunity, to make a positive difference. Make it your daily our hearts are full as we reflect upon all the love and support intention to choose LOVE and THANKSGIVING, taking nothing for our Diem and family received from our community. During granted while making it your mission to selflessly serve others. Diem’s short life, she touched so many people, and for that I am “USE YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS TO SERVE OTHERS.” 1 Peter, 4:10 thankful. Her ‘tribe’ rallied around us all and was there for us until her last breath,” Aloni said. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since “There were so many of them that we had to relocate to 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit another room to accommodate everyone. We want to thank www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations everyone who joined us on this difficult journey. I must thank to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go my dear friend, Cory Patterson, who was there since the day of to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within Diem’s diagnosis; the Clark Creek Elementary counselors and your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to teachers who loved us through it all and made sure our van had aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification. heat as we traveled back and forth to radiation. I cannot tell you 28

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

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TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Travel Resources

The Okefenokee Swamp is one of “Georgia’s 35 Natural Wonders” I am documenting over the next two years. Spring and fall are great times to visit!

Accommodations

Ted & Alease’s delightful B&B, the Inn at Folkston, is a welcome oasis in southeast Georgia. Amazing homemade breakfasts.

Guided Tours

Okefenokee Adventures offers guided kayak tours and boat rides. Book overnight excursions into the swamp. They supply the guide, the kayaks, all the meals and camping supplies.

Birthday in the Swamp BY ANN LITREL

I’ve told the story of my 50th birthday, when my sister Jane booked us a five-day trip in March to Nebraska, where we sat in a duck blind before dawn in sub-freezing temperatures, to witness one of the 10 Great Animal Migrations of the world – 400,000 great sandhill cranes migrating north to their winter breeding grounds in the Arctic. We watched as great clouds of birds with 6-foot wingspans circled the sky, dawn and sunset, over their nighttime roosting site in the shallows of the Platte River. As they called to one another, the sounds of their voices filled the sky. I’ll admit, it was spectacular. And cold.

Sheila, self-proclaimed "Swamper" and Okefenokee guide. 30

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

So, for Jane’s birthday this past November, I wanted to measure up with a comparable getaway. For sheer one-upmanship, I liked the sound of a swamp trip. Specifically, Okefenokee Swamp — the largest freshwater swamp east of the Mississippi, located in the middle of nowhere in South Georgia. I figured there was no way to top the spectacle of a great animal migration. I was hoping for alligators (and not too many mosquitos). I booked us a guided, three-day kayak trip, during which we would ferry our supplies in our boats, and camp each night on platforms raised above the swamp waters. As it turned out, there were alligators. Every hour. Everywhere. But there were also surprises. Our guide, Sheila, was a piece of living history – a selfproclaimed “Swamper,” whose family had lived in the trackless swamp going back almost 200 years. Sixty years old, she is a member of perhaps the last generation to know so many of the old settler stories, a trove of tales she shared with us about life in the swamp as it once was. As she led our kayaks through the maze of water trails, she often stopped us to point out countless strange bird calls, and name the source of each. In one instance, she pulled up to a hummock of ground where she stripped some leaves from a bush, wetted and crushed them, and showed us “poor man’s soap,” lathering in her hands. As for the alligators: One woke us with a huge bellow somewhere just beside our platform at dawn the first morning. And, as Jane and I paddled through a narrow channel the second

afternoon, a big 12-footer slid from the grasses into the water just in front of our kayak. Jane and I froze — and then strained to stop our kayak. We knew he must be in the water just ahead of us. We called anxiously to Sheila behind us. Nonchalantly, she paddled up, glanced at the teatinted shallows, and said, “Looks like he has enough room down there to stay out of your way. Go ahead.” The real Okefenokee was not at all what I had pictured. There were moss-draped trees and dark waters, but there were also wide prairies, mirrors of glass-like water covered with pools of blooming water lilies under the sun. Great shining white egrets perched in watch tower trees above the water, and the healthy waters were alive with fish and turtles and frogs. At sunset the final night, like an unexpected benediction, we heard the strangely familiar bird cries across the swamp from our platform. Sheila pulled out her binoculars to let us look, and there, heads and necks bobbing above the marsh grasses, were four sandhill cranes, settling down for their evening roost in the water. For Jane’s birthday, nature had graced us once again – so we could see the sandhill cranes, 1,000 miles from Nebraska, for another birthday celebration.

Ann is an artist who lives in Towne Lake with her husband Dr. Michael Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Around & About FEBRUARY Project Valentine

The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency is taking donations for Project Valentine through Feb. 10. Items requested include: chapstick, 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. The items will be include in gift bags for the Cherokee Training Center and Eagle Point. Donations can be dropped off at the Recreation Center at 7545 Main St., Building 200 in Woodstock. Contact Lindsey Collett at 770-924-7768 or lcollett@cherokeega.com for more information.

In celebration of Arbor Day, the city of Woodstock is giving away seedlings and tree care guides 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Woodstock Parks and Recreation office, 105 East Main St., Suite 142; City Hall annex at 12453 Highway 92; Dean’s Store at 8588 Main St. and the senior center at 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.woodstockga.gov.

Idea meets 7-9 21 Ap.m.Novel at East Main Cafe

(inside Audio Intersection) in Canton. Six authors will read excerpts from their novels about love, from the classic happily-ever-after to classic barriers to love. This event is free and open to the public. Door prizes. BYOB.

Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute is offering a prostate cancer screening for men ages 45-75 at 5:30-8 p.m. at Northside Hospital Forsyth Cancer Center, 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 140 in Cumming. The screening will determine the risk of developing prostate cancer. Free parking. Other qualifications are that men have not had prostate cancer before or an exam within the past year. Registration is required. Call 404531-4444 to schedule an appointment. 32

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

and Beaus 24 Beauties Mother-Son Bash, with a

DJ playing your favorite songs. Enjoy quality fun together with a candy bar buffet, cornhole, craft station, prizes, photo booth, snack bar and bounce house. Pre-register by visiting www. crpa.net. Price is $40 per couple, $10 per additional son. Contact Frankie Sanders, fsanders@cherokeega.com for more information.

Guns & Hoses 5K will pit the Cherokee County Fire Department (Hoses) against the County Sheriff’s Department (Guns) in a good-spirited fundraiser, hosted by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. Proceeds from the Hoses will go to Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, a nonprofit home serving young men in foster care. The Guns are competing for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Foundation, dedicated to helping local families. For details, contact Kate Borden at 770-924-7768 or kborden@cherokeega.com. http:// gunshoses5kandfunrun.blogspot.com/

MARCH of Faith launch 17 Branches party is a drop-in planned for

6:30-8:30 p.m. at Blank Stage Acting Studio, Highway 92 in Woodstock. Guests can learn more about the new faith-based nonprofit created to hold community events with a focus on families, faith, fellowship and leadership. For details, contact Brandon Roberts at 678-232-7488 or brandon@branchesoffaith.org.

& Walk 9 a.m.-noon 24 Wag at Pawtriots Park, located in

Patriots Park at 1485 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. A morning of a onemile wag and walk, breakfast items for sale and doggy treat bags. $5 per dog, pre-registration required. 770924-7768. www.crpa.net.

Preschool Registration

Open at Timothy Lutheran Church and School, 556 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Classes for children ages 21 months - 5 years, including transitional Kindergarten. Traditional school day is 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with extended hours 8 am. - 3 p.m. 770-924-7995. barbara.bowler@ comcast.net. www.tlcwoodstock.org.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Feb. 1, March 1

Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast: 7 a.m. February

sponsor is Chattahoochee Technical College. March sponsor is Edward Jones Investments, offices of Ned Castleberry and Kelly Geiken. Breakfast meetings offer current and future chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. Held at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. Register by emailing gini@ cherokeechamber.com or online at www.cherokeechamber.com.

Feb. 7

B.L.A.S.T.T. Workshop: "Build Your 12-Month Marketing Plan and Social Media Calendar" presented by business and marketing coach Stephanie Hines. Cost: chamber members, $30; future members, $45. Register online or email brandy@ cherokeechamber.com.

Feb. 8

Power Hour, 10-11 a.m. for fast-

paced networking with fellow business leaders, takes place in the chamber board room. $5 for members, $10 future members, payable at the door, no advanced registration required. Sponsor is Cobb EMC.

Feb. 13

Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30

p.m. at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. Presented by AT&T. Cost: members, $5; future members, $10. Registration due Feb. 9. Register online or email brandy@cherokeechamber.com.

Hair Colour TRENDS BabyLights, Balayage

and

Ombre Gorgeously Coloured Hair is here for all to enjoy

Cobb County’s Premier Hair Colour Salon

Expertise comes through studying and practicing a craft at the highest levels. As a Colour Specialty salon, all of élon Salon’s stylists undergo intensive training in all facets of hair colour and hair care from the very best colour educators in the industry, including the owners of élon who are award winning instructors. They are prepared to create the hair style of your dreams.

Masters of Hair Colour Trends

Hot trends for winter hair colour are variants of the Balayage method of colouring. Ombre, Babylights, and Balayage create incredible looks based on the hand-painted, sweeping techniques of Balayage that has enjoyed profound popularity. élon was one of the first salons in Atlanta to bring Balayage to their clients over 20 years ago. During that time, élon has built upon the knowledge already acquired and been effortlessly able to perform all the variations with mastery. Make an appointment today at élon Salon and discover for yourself the artistry of Cobb County’s premier colour salon. If you need to drop a hint to a special someone about a Valentine’s gift, or purchase a gift for a loved one, élon Salon Gift Cards are a beautiful gift to give and receive.

Photo: Hair cut, colour and style by élon Salon.

Hair Colour Specialists

facebook.com/elonsalon instagram.com/elonsalon1 youtube.com/elonsalon

770.427.8698 • www.elonsalon.com • 695 Piedmont Rd • Marietta GA 30066 TOWNELAKER | February 2018

@ the Library WOODSTOCK

Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Parkway • Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 • www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Feb. 14

Quilting Club Block-of-the-Month Project at 10

ages 16 and older.

a.m. Gather with other friends interested in learning to quilt. This program is designed for those interested in trying a new craft and provides instruction in sewing a different 12-inch block each month. For ages 16 and older. Registration required.

Tuesdays, Fridays

Feb. 15

7735 Main St., Woodstock, 770-926-5859

Mondays

Coloring Group at 10 a.m. All materials are provided. For

MahJongg Meetup at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Fridays.

Learn to play American MahJongg, based on the ancient Chinese tile game. Whether you’re just starting out, honing your skills, or an advanced player, this is the group for you.

Wednesdays

Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m. is designed for families

with children of all ages, and is followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Thursdays

Sit & Stitch at 10 a.m. Enjoy the friendship of other creative

people.

Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. is designed

for families with children of all ages, and is followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Feb. 1

Learn to Play MahJongg at 1 p.m. Instructions of the game are provided in four consecutive sessions for individuals interested in learning how to play American MahJongg. Registration required.

Feb. 4

Introduction to Acrylic Painting at 3 p.m. This program

DIY Duct Tape Roses at 5:30 p.m. Teens can use duct tape and pencils to create a post-Valentine’s Day craft to foster fun, creativity and art appreciation.

Feb. 17

STEAM Saturday: Snow Slime Lab at 3 p.m. Make “snow” slime, build it into a snowman and watch it “melt.”

Feb. 18

creative projects, for ages 16 and older. Registration required.

Feb. 20

Book Discussion Group at noon. Enjoy coffee,

conversation, and a book discussion with new friends. This month’s selection is “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. All ages are welcome; new members are encouraged.

provides an introduction to painting with acrylics for anyone interested in starting a new hobby. All materials are provided. For ages 16 and older. Registration required.

Feb. 6, 13 & 27

Tuesday Night Tutors at 6 p.m. Join teachers and volunteers from Woodstock Elementary School in our youth department as they help children struggling with homework, projects and school assignments.

Feb. 10, 24

Inklings Writers Critique Group at 11 a.m. Love to write, but need some feedback? All writers interested in joining a group to share writings, ideas and feedback are invited to attend.

Feb. 12

Toddler STEAM: Bee Bots at 11 a.m. Bee Bots are exciting, fun robots that introduce coding to young children. Explore coding and having fun in this toddler STEAM lab. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. 34

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Family storytime at Woodstock.

ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491

Tuesdays

Knit and Crochet at 1 p.m. Bring your needles and yarn and be prepared to have fun. No prior knowledge is required.

Wednesdays

Crayons and Conversation at 1 p.m. Drop in to de-stress and get

your creative juices flowing. Socialize over a tabletop game (such as Scrabble or MahJongg) or color a picture. Players and colorers of all skill levels are welcome.

Reading Dogs at 4:30 p.m. Children 6 and older can read to a non-

judgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if the reader stumbles or makes a mistake. Children are asked to select their reading material before their scheduled session. Parents can register their child (two weeks in advance) for a 10-15 minute reading session.

Feb. 3

3D Printing Workshop at 3 p.m. See what 3D printing is all about in a basic overview of the library’s new innovative technology and all of the possibilities it presents. Participants will learn how to use the printer, how it works. One guest will get a souvenir. For all ages; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Feb. 6

Seed Starting: Getting Your Garden Going at 11 a.m. Get a jump start on your summer garden by starting seedlings. Learn about soil health and the benefits of soil testing, timing and planning your gardening. Sponsored by the UGA Cherokee County Extension Agency. For all ages; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Feb. 10

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

An outdoor pickleball game in progress.

Staying Healthy in the Senior Years

It didn’t take long for Nathan Brandon, fresh out of seminary, to realize that he shouldn’t underestimate senior citizens. All it took was a trip to the World’s Fair with an active group of senior adults to set him on a course that would ultimately benefit him in his retirement years. While Brandon retired in 2015 as director of Cherokee County Senior Services, he is as active as ever. We asked him to tell us how he got involved working with seniors and what inspires him to keep busy exercising every day of the week.

What’s your background with seniors in Cherokee County? “We moved to Canton in 1982 from seminary, and I was hired as a staff minister at First Baptist Church, Canton. That job also had responsibilities with senior adults. That was my first experience. It was incredible! My first trip with them was to the World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tenn. It rained like a cow urinating on a flat rock! I thought the seniors would be miserable. WRONG! They outran us and insisted on a fire when we returned to the condo. It only got better. In 1986, I went to Berea College for training in the Body Recall exercise programs for older adults. It was a hit and soon our senior group included many seniors from the community. From that experience, I eventually went into work with seniors through the assisted living industry. It was my pleasure to work with families to help their loved ones thrive in a safe and enjoyable environment. 36

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

“I transitioned from assIsted living work to direct the Cherokee Senior Services Agency. We served many adults who did not have the means to chose assisted living. Through providing meals on wheels, homemaker services and case management, we were able to help seniors stay in their homes longer. Then, about four years ago, I started the Body Recall exercises for the seniors we served.”

What prompted you to help seniors pursue exercise? “I felt like our programs took care of personal needs and material needs but lacked the physical needs of our seniors. Body Recall stresses emphasis on strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in order to sustain independence as long as possible. Since that first class in February of 2013, the program has grown significantly. We now meet in the Boys and Girls Club gym across from senior services [office on Univeter Road in Canton]. Their director, Keisha Day, has been very supportive. She allows us to use the gym each morning for exercise as well as Pickleball. “Recently, in May of 2017, I was introduced to Pickleball. It’s a combination of racquetball and tennis and badminton. It’s perfect for older adults, of which I am now a member, who want some cardio exercise without excessive running. Our group now plays five days a week in the Boys and Girls Club gym. We invite beginners to come and play without being intimidated by the competition.”

Is transportation an issue? “Transportation for seniors is the number one biggest challenge. Independence requires the ability to travel to doctor appointments, grocery shopping and worship. We started the volunteer driver program at senior services that still provides rides for seniors at no cost. It’s a delicate balance for families to discourage their senior from driving, yet can’t provide transportation when needed. The ‘talk’ about driving is second only to moving out of one’s home.”

Explain the benefits of exercise for senior adults. “As we age, we can experience challenges to our normal or youthful range of motion, flexibility, balance and coordination. If we continue to move, we’ll be better able to deal with these natural changes in our physical abilities.”

What if someone has never exercised? “The first step you can take is walking. Set realistic, measurable goals to help you start a meaningful exercise program. (The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency offers a Silver Roamers program for seniors to remain active and enjoy fellowship. Call or visit 770924-7768 or visit www.crpa.net.) “Every exercise program should include a combination of cardio and weights. It may be wise to have supervision if you have a medical history that prevents cardio work without supervision. And remember that it’s important to stay hydrated. A balanced nutrition program and proper hydration will enable most older adults to enjoy an exceptional quality of life.”

Nathan Brandon encourages Wayne Page as he works out in the new pocket park, an exercise area built with a $43,000 grant from Northside Hospital. The park was constructed at the Canton senior center at 1001 Univeter Road.

Cherokee Senior Services classes: Body Recall

8:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club, 1082 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-720-7712. www.bgcma.org/club/mimms/. Free.

S.A.F.E.

Strength and Flexibility Exercises held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. www.woodstockga.gov/92/WilliamG-Long-Senior-Center. Free.

Pickleball

9:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club gym. Free.

Parachutes are among the equipment provided by the Cherokee County Senior Center for Body Recall classes. Participants also use foam balls, resistance bands and wooden dowels they call “magic wands.” TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Help Aging Parents Handle Their Finances BY CINDY NELSON

Children of aging parents become concerned when they notice their parents having trouble paying bills on time, or staying on top of their finances like they used to. When the late fees start piling up, it can really add up to a big issue. The threat becomes even greater if there are more serious underlying medical or psychological issues. Sometimes a parent will reach out to a loved one for help, but how do you step in? There are serious liability issues with just adding your name to a parent’s account. Check with your parents if they’ve added your siblings to their accounts because it can mean that money will bypass the will (and probate) when a parent passes. In that case, money would go to the co-owner on the account, causing a disruption of your parent’s intentions and lots of expensive fighting in court. A better way to help your parents is to get a durable power of attorney for finances, which gives you authority to help manage their affairs without actually being an owner on the accounts. There are four key steps in getting legal authority to help with your aging parents’ finances.

Hold a meeting. Gather your family and speak with your parents about them granting authority to someone to help with their finances. If they currently aren’t comfortable giving the authority, a durable power of attorney with “springing powers” can be executed now and becomes effective when certain triggering events occur. Depending on your family dynamics, it may be a good idea to let siblings know of your parents’ intentions now so that fighting over it later doesn’t occur.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Make it official. Once your parents agree to the process, legal documentation of the powers they are granting should be made clear through a durable power of attorney for finance, (DPOA). The DPOA should be witnessed and notarized by “noninterested parties,” which means don’t use spouses, children, grandchildren, siblings or people that could benefit from the document being improperly executed.

Safekeeping. In Georgia, DPOAs are not required to be registered with the county when they are created, so it is important to offer a copy to the financial institutions that you may eventually have to interact with once the power of attorney is first executed. This can avoid detrimental delays if your parents become unable to manage their affairs and the financial institution gives you any pushback on your powers, or if the document becomes misplaced or damaged.

Use the Authority. Once you have the powers granted to you, remember to sign as agent for them and not just your name (i.e. John Doe as agent for Mary Doe) to help avoid potential liability for yourself. In order to use the powers granted in the DPOA, the document has to be accepted by the financial entity. If you are having problems getting a bank or brokerage firm to accept your power of attorney, you may have a recourse under Georgia law.

While a DPOA is only part of the puzzle, you’ll have peace of mind that you have legal authority to help them manage their finances.

Cindy Nelson is an Elder Care Law Attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 900-200, Woodstock, GA 30189, www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.

Give LOVE,

Preventing Senior Scams

BEAUTY

BY SHELLEY WINTER

Unfortunately, seniors can be easy targets for fraud. Scams threaten seniors’ assets and independence, and can cause emotional and physical harm. Fraud can happen over the phone, via mail, in person or on the internet. Senior citizens are more readily available to scammers, because they tend to be home during the day, read their mail and answer the phone. Seniors often are lonely, so they may be glad someone is calling. They may think it is rude to hang up. Scammers may call about a problem with an account and ask for updated information or a password. If the senior gives out personal information, such as verifying their Social Security number, scammers can match that with phone numbers, home address, etc., and take out home loans or open credit cards. Charity calls also are common, with callers stating they are from a reputable organization, asking for donations. Sometimes, fraudulent calls are for medical supplies. Callers will take medical cards or personal accounts and charge for supplies that are never delivered. Sweepstakes and prizes also are a common mailed scam. Scammers may come to a senior citizen’s house to make home repairs or pretend to be from a utility company. They may enter the home and steal valuables or pretend to make unnecessary repairs for large sums of money.

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Here are a few ways to protect your elderly loved one’s assets: • Remind them to never give out personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security numbers, unless they initiated the call. • Get your loved one an unlisted number. You also can put their number on the National Do Not Call List. • Insist they hang up immediately if they get a solicitation call. • Shred documents such as bank statements, credit card statements and offers. • Post a “No Solicitation” sign on the senior’s front door. • If you live in a different state, have a trusted friend or neighbor check on your loved one. Often, scammers prey on individuals they feel are more isolated, so their scam will go unnoticed. Seniors are under attack daily from criminals who attempt to steal their money, identification or property. Don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement if you think someone has or is trying to scam your loved one. If they have been the victim of fraud, they may be embarrassed or fear losing their independence. Be patient with your loved one, but act swiftly to prevent a lifetime of savings from being taken by a criminal.

Shelley Winter, community relations director at Oaks at Towne Lake, has worked in assisted living/memory care communities since 2008. 770-592-2195. shelley@oaksseniorliving.com. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Fear Must Not Inhibit a Financial Strategy DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Fear affects investors in two distinct ways. Too often, it persuades investors to make questionable moves. Every so often, a bulletin, headline or sustained economic or market trend will scare them and make them question their investing approach. If they overreact, they might sell low now and buy high later – or, in the worst-case scenario, they derail their whole investing and retirement planning strategy. Besides the fear of potential market shocks, there also is another fear worth noting – the fear of being too involved in the market. People with this worry are often superb savers, but reluctant investors. They amass large bank accounts, yet their aversion to investing in equities may hurt them in the long run. Impulsive investment decisions tend to carry a cost. People who jump in and out of investment sectors or classes tend to pay a price for it. A statistic hints at how much: Across the 20 years ending on Dec. 31, 2015, the S&P 500 returned an average of 8.91 percent per year, but the average equity investor’s portfolio returned just 4.67 percent annually. Fixedincome investors also failed to beat a key benchmark: In this same period, the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index advanced an average of 5.34 percent a year, but the average fixed-income investor realized an annual return of only 0.51 percent.1 This data was compiled by DALBAR, a highly respected investment research firm, which has studied the behavior of individual investors since the mid-1980s. The numbers partly reflect the behavior of the typical individual investor who loses patience and tries to time the market. A hypothetical “average” investor who merely bought and held, with an equity or fixedincome portfolio merely copying the components of the above benchmarks, would have been better off across those 20 years.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

In monetary terms, the sustained difference in performance could have been hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings for an investor across a lifetime, given compounding.1 Other people are held back by their anxiety about investing. They become great savers, steadily building sixfigure cash positions in enormous savings or checking accounts – but they never sufficiently invest their money. That confusion comes with a severe potential downside. Just how much interest are their deposit accounts earning? Right now, almost nothing. If they invested more of the money they were saving into equities – or some kind of investment vehicle with the potential to outrun inflation – those invested dollars could grow and compound over time to a degree that idle cash does not. A large emergency fund is a great thing to have, but it can be argued that a tax-advantaged retirement fund of invested dollars is a better thing to have. After all, who retires on cash savings alone? Tomorrow’s retirees will live mainly on the earnings generated from the investment of the dollars they have saved over the decades. Seen one way, a focus on cash is financially nearsighted; it ignores the possibility that even greater abundance may be realized through its sustained investment. Fear dissuades some people from sticking with a longterm financial strategy and discourages other people from developing one. Patience and knowledge can help investors contend with the fears that may risk hurting their retirement saving prospects. continued on page 88

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.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

RESTAURANT

CUISINE

Casual and Upscale Restaurants

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

Cancun Mexican Grill, 4430 Towne Lake Parkway 770-693-4680

Mexican

open

full bar

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

American

open

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad/ Sandwiches

open

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885, familytradition.net

Homestyle Cooking

closed

GameDay Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754, gamedayfresh.com

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/ Chinese

open

full bar

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

Keegan’s Public House, 1085 Buckhead Crossing #140 770-627-4393, keegansirishpub.net

Irish/Pub

Sunday Brunch

$$-$$$

open

full bar

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

Mexican

open

full bar

Steakhouse

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Southern

closed

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/

$-$$

open

beer/wine

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

Pizza/Subs/ Bakery

$-$$

open

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Chinese

$-$$

open

Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Dr., 770-592-9969 see ad on pg 27

American

Sunday Brunch

open

full bar

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

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

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

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

Volcano Steak & Sushi, 2990 Eagle Drive 678-498-7888, volcanowoodstock.com

Asian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

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

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

LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com Maple Street Biscuit Co., 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy #160 678-903-2161, maplestreetbiscuits.com

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Song’s Garden, 4451 Towne Lake Parkway 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

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

TOWNE LAKE AREA DINING

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Kids and Boxes, A Match Made in Heaven BY MATT NEAL

It’s several weeks after Christmas, and my son still finds enjoyment with all the stuff. I don’t mean the actual gifts, but the boxes they came in. Even as we started early spring cleaning he was in our way, sneaking cardboard out of the recycle bin and hoarding it someplace. And then, seemingly overnight, a gigantic box fort emerged in our living room. It looked quite eclectic, made with a crazy assortment of colors and sizes. It had a turret so he could point a Nerf gun and fire on the enemy. His friends came over and great battles ensued. For the most part, the actual presents he received were barely used. At first I was disappointed. He played with them for a few weeks, then they sat in his room. I remembered something though: Childhood is the place where imagination flourishes best, and allows young minds to expand and try new things while learning about their world. My son used his chore money to buy duct tape and yardsticks. He used them to reinforce the cardboard wings of a plane with a 6-foot wingspan. He threw it off our second

story deck countless times, each time repairing it and adjusting it until it glided with perfection. He figured out what things like rudders and stabilizers are, and how they work. And he did it all with cardboard I meant to discard. My daughter was always the same way. Old boxes and packing material would be transformed into elaborate dollhouses. When she was young, I could see she liked dollhouses so I bought her a plastic one for her birthday. However, the magic was lacking without her own work and creativity. That was a powerful lesson to me. That shiny plastic thing with its gadgets and features meant less than her own creations, simply because the ones she made came from inside her, and from her hard work. continued on page 88

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

Getting Your House in Order BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

The Christmas decorations are put away. The house always seems a bit naked for a few days, but, then, a peacefulness seems to permeate. Everything is back in place, clutter gone and the basics restored. There’s a lot to be said for the “basics.” I remember, years ago, when I worked in sales. I was taught that, when things seemed to stop working, yet busyness continued, STOP, LOOK and LISTEN. Remember yourself as a teen when your task was to clean your room. Just one room, and you couldn’t leave until the job was finished. Oh, the pain! And the attitude! It probably began with a time of sulking, lying on the bed. I didn’t have a TV in my room. And there were no devices such as in-home computers, tablets or cellphones. All I had was a clock radio; just me and the music. It wasn’t all that pleasant in the beginning. Yet, after the temper tantrum passed and motivation kicked in, I would begin tackling the project … handling one item at a time. Clothes, shoes, books, papers — all the clutter had to be restored to its rightful place. When the job was done, not only did I earn my freedom, my spirits actually were lifted. STOP: This is the hardest. When you are maintaining speedier-than-light mode, stopping — really stopping — 44

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

seems nearly impossible. Call it a “mini retreat,” or a series of minis. This is time that is for you only. Shut yourself away and energize. Don’t answer any calls or texts. Keep the TV off, but put on your favorite music. LOOK: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” If you haven’t heard this phrase, embrace it. The problem with clutter is that items are either not in their place, or they have no place! This is a time for trash bags, donation boxes and storage bins. Start small, one room at a time. Preferably, a space that can become your retreat. LISTEN: As you make small decisions on the cleanup project you are tackling, listen to your own voice. What is your vision for the area? What is its function? What can you do today to create beauty? Certainly, this is an oversimplified scenario. Most projects will take planning, preparation and implementation. Another phrase to remember: “The hardest part is just getting started!” 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.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

To Improve or Not to Improve? That Is the Question.

BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

We meet with soon-to-be sellers every week, and the question we most often are asked is, “What improvements to my home will get me the highest return?” We approach this question differently, depending on the home’s immediate needs and the seller’s budget. We put improvements into two categories: recommended and optional. The recommended improvements help a prospective buyer see the potential of a home, without being concerned about repairs they will need to make after buying it. The optional improvements actually will elevate the perceived value of a home, helping it sell faster and for more money.

Recommended Improvements

Improve your curb appeal. Rotten wood, damaged garage doors and peeling paint are items that likely will come up on a home inspection, so it’s best to address them before marketing the home. Dressing up your yard’s natural areas with fresh pine straw or bark is a good idea. Add a little color with flowers that will thrive in the months you have your home listed.

Neutralize colors. We strongly recommend repainting any rooms that have wallpaper or aren’t neutrally colored. We typically recommend Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige or Agreeable Gray for the walls, and white for the trim and doors.

Clean or update flooring. If the carpet is in good condition, and a neutral color, it can be steamcleaned. If hardwood floors are scratched and worn, you can have them refinished for about $1.80 per foot, and they will look like the day they were installed. We recommend using a dark stain. It goes very well with the above mentioned paint colors, and buyers love it. If you have dated linoleum in the kitchen or master bathroom, you should consider replacing it with tile. This costs an average of $7 per foot.

Optional Improvements

Get rid of polished brass. If you wait long enough, polished brass might come back into style, but, for now, it’s an indication of a home that hasn’t been updated since the ’90s. We recommend changing out door knobs, light fixtures and plumbing fixtures with bronze or nickel. Items that affordably can’t be replaced can be painted bronze or nickel.

Consider a low-cost kitchen makeover. Many clients have had great success selling their home by repainting the kitchen cabinets, swapping out the hinges and knobs, and installing granite countertops. There are numerous sources for granite that charge around $30 per square foot and this often includes the sink.

Don’t forget the bathrooms. Like in the kitchen, you can repaint cabinets, swap out hinges and knobs, and replace the countertops. Bathroom countertops tend to be smaller and less expensive than in the kitchen, but if granite proves to be too expensive, white cultured marble tops can cost less and be very attractive with a thicker, decorative edging.

Kurt and Sheila are a top-producing real estate team that lives in Towne Lake and has served Cherokee County for more than 15 years. www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Even the biggest goals start with simple steps... COUNTRY Financial® helps you take simple steps today with personalized insurance and financial services that can have a big impact on your family’s future. When you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help. #TakeSimpleSteps

Jessica D. Hughes, CFS®

Financial Representative 4504 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 102 A Holly Springs, GA 30115-7459 www.countryfinancial.com/jessica.hughes jessica.hughes@countryfinancial.com (678) 535-5273 0118-028

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

A PUBLIC SCHOOL OF CHOICE C

ustomization and choice are key ingredients behind the success of every student at Cherokee Charter Academy. As Cherokee County’s only charter school, Cherokee Charter Academy (CCA) offers kindergarten through eighth grade. The school opened in August 2011, with the goal of giving families in the area a choice about education. “We are fortunate to have access to a great charter school in Cherokee County. I count my blessings each day knowing my children are getting the best possible education customized to each of them individually,” one parent said.

CHEROKEE CHARTER ACADEMY

2126 Sixes Road, Canton, GA 30114

678-385-7322

School hours: K-8, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Office hours: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. www.cherokeecharter.org @cherokeecharteracademy @CherCharter 2011

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

What is a charter school? Charter schools are tuition-free public schools of choice, and in Georgia are governed by the Georgia Charter Educational Foundation. They are held accountable through the demonstrated academic success of students and for upholding the promises made in their charters.

Cherokee Charter Academy is accredited by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), and the school is managed by Charter Schools USA, one of the oldest education management companies in the United States. Why choose CCA? One feature of the school that many parents and students find helpful is the 22:1 student to teacher ratio. With smaller classroom sizes, teachers are able to provide an individualized learning approach for students. CCA and its teachers believe every child is unique, which is why every student receives a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). Learning plans are designed to address an individual student’s strengths and weaknesses. PLPs empower students to track their own progress, and are developed as a collaborative effort between teachers, parents and students, along with other staff members who may be involved with

PHOTOS BY REBEKAH GREGG

a student’s academic achievement. “At CCA, we strive to create a positive, family environment where students can not only learn at his or her personal level, but be challenged. All students have access to hands-on, rigorous lessons with appropriate supports in place to help them be successful,” Principal April Wallace said. The school is STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) focused, with yearlong problem-based learning projects at each grade level. Some of these projects have included student-managed gardens, raising chickens and a middle school community farm on which students soon will break ground. CCA offers students a wide variety of before and after-school enrichment activities that include: athletics, theater, music, aerospace engineering, Science Olympiad, Beta Club, student government and Lego robotics, to name a few. Teachers and staff members at CCA

also believe parent involvement is crucial in a child’s education and encourage parents to be their students’ biggest cheerleader. There are many parent volunteer opportunities available, providing increased parent visibility in the school, and showing students that they are supported in their academic endeavors. Each teacher at CCA has a bachelor’s degree and is certified in the state of Georgia; many have advanced degrees. “No other school will work harder to meet your child’s needs. From differentiated instruction, to an individualized personal learning plan to small group to one-on-one and tutoring, we will fight to help your child realize their potential,” a CCA fourth-grade teacher said. How do I enroll my student? Open enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year will end Feb. 28. Applications can be filled out online at

www.cherokeecharter.org. If the number of applications submitted by the deadline exceeds the number of seats available for any grade level, a system-generated, random lottery will be processed to determine who is offered a seat at the school. Applications for the current school year will be accepted through the end of the academic year. Applications submitted for this school year will not be valid, roll over, or be processed in the 2018-2019 lottery. A new application must be submitted during open enrollment in order to be considered for the next academic year. The school’s current total capacity is 1,100 students, and CCA is hoping to open its doors to Cobb, Bartow and Pickens counties for the 2018-2019 school year. Tours are offered at 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. No appointment is necessary. Sponsored Content

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Election Adventures May primary can take its toll on the legislative session. BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

This is my sixth year as your voice in Georgia’s House of Representatives. We’ve accomplished so much in six short years, but it amazes me how fast the time has disappeared. I have written articles for the TowneLaker during my entire time in office, and I treat it as a window into the issues pressing on my mind the most at the point of writing. As I write this, we are about to start the 2018 session, and the leading concern in my mind is the 2018 election. The upcoming May primary can color a legislative session that lasts from January to April, especially considering this is the first open gubernatorial election in eight years. Gov. Nathan Deal has reached his term limit, which has created a Wild West in Georgia politics for the 2018 election season on both sides of the aisle. On the right, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, State Sens. Hunter Hill and Michael Williams, and newcomer Clay Tippens are vying for the Republican nomination. On the left, State Reps. Stacey Abrams and Stacey Evans are seeking the Democratic ... there are nomination. When you see that occasionally many people with current titles running for the highest elected some truly office in Georgia, it means clever there will be a rather large game of musical chairs taking conservative place. reforms thrown In addition to an open governor’s seat, these into the mix. candidates have created open races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and more than a dozen legislative seats. Now, keep in mind, qualifying (the weeklong period in which candidates pay fees to have their names placed on the ballot) won’t take place until March, so this list is subject to change. Each candidate has been campaigning for some time, though, and has amassed significant support in their own corners. Barring unforeseen events (which almost seem guaranteed in this day and age), by the time you read this article, the field of candidates likely won’t have changed dramatically. So, how does this affect the legislative session? Sitting legislators and statewide officers are not legally allowed to raise funds to campaign for any state office during the legislative session. That’s why several of the legislators on the list above (Stacey Abrams and Hunter Hill, so far) have 50

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resigned their seats. The same prohibition on fundraising does not apply to other candidates, only those currently in office. That creates a very interesting dynamic when you have a mix of elected and unelected candidates vying for the same seat. The next campaign finance disclosure is due Jan. 31, and we’ll gain insight about who can afford to ride out the legislative session, and who can’t. Keep in mind: Our legislative session isn’t a set calendar. It could end in March or May, depending on how the chambers coordinate and schedule. That can create significant financial risk for candidates who decide to stick it out. These dynamics can be a little spooky, but they also present a great opportunity. As these candidates present legislation to aid the narratives of their campaigns, there are occasionally some truly clever conservative reforms thrown into the mix. As I’ve been reflecting on and praying about the upcoming session, I started in fear for the pain and chaos that election cycles like this can cause in a legislative body. Yet, the more I consider the upcoming session, the more optimistic I am. There’s nothing like a little chaos to get people thinking outside the box, and, while policy makers and policy influencers across the state are walking on eggshells in anticipation, I remain cautiously optimistic that some genuine conservative reforms are on the horizon. I’d encourage you to start vetting the candidates. The primary will be here before you know it, and each of those men and women is asking for the privilege to lead our state into the next decade. The bright side of having that many candidates already in office is that they have records to examine. Compare their actions with the rhetoric from their campaigns. After qualifying has ended, I’ll pull together a write-up with a summary on each of them for you. In the meantime, hold on to your hats: This year is certainly shaping up to be an adventure! As always, if you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cellphone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@ caldwellforhouse.com. You also can 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!

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 2018

The Anatomy of

Going Gray

BY TIM TIMMONS

We tend to think of gray hair as being something that hits women in their 40s or 50s; those first telltale signs of aging that seemingly come from nowhere, popping up in wiry threads all over our heads. For some women, those grays come in much earlier, and we spend the next few decades waging a color war against those silvery intruders in our otherwise brunette (or blonde, red or black) locks. Women who color their hair to cover the gray sometimes reach a point where the gray hair at the temples, front of the hairline or along the part show up faster and are more numerous than they used to be. The darker the hair color, the more noticeable the gray. The plus is that there are products to help cover the gray between colorings, or you can choose to color more often. The drawback is that all this processing can lead to dry, brittle hair. For these reasons, some women decide that the extra expense, not to mention the amount of time and effort it takes to hide the gray, are no longer worth it. Not only that, but they see other women who look great wearing their natural gray, which can lead women to the big question of how to grow out gray hair hold on to a sense of Before you start and style in the process. the growingWhen you think about the transition between out process, coloring your hair and consider a letting your hair grow out to its natural gray, one changeover to a concern is how awful it will blonde or light look during the process. No one wants that line brown shade ... of definition that draws attention to our hair. If you want to go natural and aren't ready for such a drastic step, here are a few ways to make the transition a little less dramatic. Before you start the growing-out process, consider a changeover to a blonde or light brown shade, so the new light gray, silver or white growth won't be as noticeable. When choosing your new shade, your colorist will pick a color that complements your skin tone. Part of keeping your hair healthy requires getting it trimmed regularly, but when it comes to growing out your hair, getting a haircut also serves the purposes of cutting off 52

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the old color. You might want to consider a shorter hairstyle, at least temporarily. Short hair will let you accomplish the task of growing your hair out sooner rather than later. Even with the lighter color, and shorter hair, the gray will still show as your hair grows. It won't be as noticeable but it will still be there. Natural sunlight or bright lighting will highlight the gray even more. If you would rather camouflage the new growth a little more, you can temporarily hide it by using a non-permanent hair color. This will wash out over the course of five or six shampoos so it will have to be reapplied until the old color is cut off and the gray is completely grown out. This will help you ease into your new look with your dignity and fears intact. Another way to ease into it is to have your hair highlighted. You can start with heavy highlights and gradually decrease them as your gray hair comes in. Talk to your hair professional for advice on the best approach. No matter which approach you take, it will take patience. During the process you're sure to get comments from family and friends. Some will think it's great, while others may say things like, "You're too young for gray hair." Don't let peer pressure sway you from what you really want. Many women are very happy with their new look when they return to their natural color â&#x2C6;&#x2019; even though the natural color is now gray.

Tim Timmons is the owner of Salon Gloss Woodstock. Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industry experience includes positions as trainer/educator, celebrity stylist and beauty consultant for the Grammys and MTV video music awards.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Water Safety is a Year-Round Concern CONTRIBUTED BY U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, MOBILE DISTRICT

Public safety is the No. 1 priority of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Corps urges anyone planning to be on or around water to practice boating and water safety throughout the year. Life jackets save lives and should be worn at all times by anyone in a boat, including those who are waterfowl hunting or fishing. Statistics show that nearly 90 percent of those who drown were not wearing a life jacket, and nearly two-thirds didn’t plan to be in the water. If you plan on being outdoors near or on the water, dress appropriately for the water temperature — not the air temperature — because you could find yourself capsized or thrown from a boat. You could be in cold water and unable to swim, because, in a short amount of time, your muscles will get cold and you will lose the ability to rescue yourself. Many suspected drowning victims actually die from cold water immersion instead of hypothermia. Hypothermia is still something that you should be aware of. It is a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Violent shivering develops, which may give way to confusion and a loss of body movement. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Operations Center for Water Safety advises that the danger to individuals immersed in cold water increases as water temperature decreases below normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F). Cold-water immersion follows four stages: cold shock, swimming failure, hypothermia and post-rescue collapse. Most cold-water drownings are attributed to the first two stages. 54

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If you fall into cold water, remember the 1-10-1 rule. Cold shock will pass in about 1 minute. This is an initial deep and sudden gasp, followed by hyperventilation. During this time, concentrate on not panicking and getting breathing under control. Over the next 10 minutes, you will lose the effective use of your fingers, arms and legs. During this time, concentrate on self-rescue initially, and, if that isn’t possible, prepare to have a way to keep your airway clear to breath and wait for rescue. Even in ice water, it could take about one hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia. It is critical to wear a life jacket to keep afloat and keep your head above water. Life jacket styles are available for many activities, including hunting and cold weather. Float coats come in many colors, including camouflage for waterfowl hunting, and for those who boat when air and water temperatures are cool. In addition to wearing a life jacket, there are some things you can do to delay hypothermia. The Heat Escape Lessening (HELP) and Huddle positions help conserve body heat. If alone in cold water, pull your knees up to your chest and wrap your arms around your knees. If you are with other people, huddle together as close as possible, and wrap your arms around each other. It is important for all boaters to wear a life jacket, avoid boating alone, tell someone where you are going and when you will return, check the capacity plate and don’t overload your boat, dress for the water temperature, and know how to minimize heat loss if you end up in the water. Life jackets worn … nobody mourns. Learn more at PleaseWearIt.com.

Towne Lake Business Association Setting you up for success is one goal of the Towne Lake Business Association. Our monthly lunch-n-learns are designed with this in mind as we bring in speakers who give workshops that inspire us to grow in all areas of personal and business development. Our other goal is to raise funds for area high school seniors. Your past commitment has allowed us to give scholarships for entrepreneurial spirit and leadership roles. This year we are adding a work-based learning scholarship through the Pathways program at Etowah, River Ridge and Woodstock High. Thank you to CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE for being our Title Sponsor for 2018. We are grateful for their continued support. To donate to the scholarships or to join the golf tournament on March 23, please contact any of the board members or call Gloria Snyder 678-431-2691.

February Lunch-n-Learn When: Where: Cost: Speaker:

Tuesday Feb. 20, 2018 12:15-2:00 pm Tavern at Towne Lake Hills E. $14 ( includes lunch ) Matt Granados, CEO & Founder of Lifepulse, Author and Lifelong Student of Intentionality Workshp title: Transform Your Time Thank you for supporting our community by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokeeâ&#x20AC;?

www.tlba.org

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Five Pillars Of Hope Five Pillars of Hope was established in 1998 to transform how people think about their health. Gloria Snyder and her team of entrepreneurs have been doing meaningful work by showing how easy self-care is and the benefits of preventing disease. Through a partnership with Nikken International Inc., its mission is to show we can be healthy by choice, not chance, by integrating products that replicate nature into our workspace, classrooms and homes. The mission includes helping optimize potential by living a balanced life through a healthy mind, body, family, society and finances. For more than a decade, Snyder has committed to raising scholarship funds for local high school seniors through the Towne Lake Business Association, where she is a board member and director of the scholarship program. Snyder has spoken to groups in the fitness industry, business associations, support groups and classrooms ranging from elementary to the college level and support groups. To set up a speaking engagement for your organization, contact her at fivepillarsofhope@gmail.com or 678-431-2691.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Patti and Scott Yapp with Dr. Jinu Kamdar (center).

Quick Action Gives Local Man a Second Chance Quick response after such a devastating accident and proper treatment is essential to the patient’s recovery. Scott had a head injury, broken ribs, bruised lung, broken thigh Patti Yapp looked out a lake house window. The calm bone, broken leg and shattered hips. But that wasn’t the waters reflected the sun. Her husband, Scott, and his brother biggest threat to Scott’s life: He lost six pints of blood. laughed while they played on their jet skis. It was a perfect “He came to us with a very low blood pressure, barely day on Lake Allatoona. alive,” said Dr. Jinu Kamdar, a WellStar trauma surgeon. “He Something gave her pause and she glanced out the window was hanging on by a thread.” again. What she saw chilled her to the bone When someone has a bleeding emergency, that hot summer day. Two jet skis collided. When someone minutes can mean life or death. In Scott’s Bodies flew. A sunbeam formed a spotlight has a bleeding case, a series of surgeries was needed to to reveal their empty jet skis, rocking on repair his broken bones, and an intensive the water. emergency, care team nursed him through the critical “I looked over my right-hand shoulder,” minutes can mean days and weeks after the surgeries. Scott said, remembering the moment “There were a host of nurses. I was in five before the crash. “My brother wasn’t there. life or death. or six rooms as I progressed through my I took a quick turn. In a couple seconds, he care. Different doctors would come see me. had moved from my left side to my right Everybody was really thoughtful, and I could tell and feel that side. I didn’t take that second glance. I went into a sharp I was the priority. I’m glad they chose to do what they do turn and he had nowhere to go. He T-boned right into me with their lives. It made a difference in mine,” he said. and that’s pretty much when everything went dark.” A few years later, Scott jokes that Patti won’t let him on On the dock, Patti called 911. another jet ski. But, he is thankful for her quick thinking and “I yelled at the first boat I saw,” Patti said. “Please, go help the medical care he received. Fully recovered, he enjoys the my husband!” sunshine, the water and his family more than ever. A boater found the men; Scott’s brother was OK. But the “Scott had that fighting spirit; he kept on fighting, and collision crushed Scott’s body. Paramedics rushed him to the that’s why he’s here today,” Dr. Kamdar said. nearest trauma center, at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. SUBMITTED BY WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEMS

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Supporting Children When They Need It Most BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

“You are loved ... always.” This beautiful, hand-painted sign is the first thing you see when you walk through the doors of The Children’s Haven in Canton. While interviewing the executive director, Deidre Hollands, I learned this message is behind everything done for the children The Children’s Haven (THC) serves — those plunged into the foster care system. “The children and families that come before us do so at the worst possible moments in their lives. As we strive to protect children and find safe and permanent homes, we need the assistance of concerned members of the community,” said John B. Sumner, chief Juvenile Court judge. The mission at TCH is simple: to promote the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse and neglect. The staff and volunteers are fully committed to building successful children by providing comprehensive abuse prevention and treatment programs in four ways.

Prevention

TCH is working with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia to develop innovative prevention programs using research-based models that prevent primary abuse, like home visitation for newborns and a 1-800-CHILDREN helpline for anyone concerned about a child.

Safety

The supervised WellStar Family Visitation Center offers a home-like environment for children to visit with parents, siblings and extended family while they are separated by child welfare involvement. The area includes a kitchen, a living room and playroom filled with toys for kids of all ages. The viewing area is inconspicuous, behind one-way glass, and equipped with adequate video monitors to keep all involved safe, yet comfortable and at ease.

Advocacy

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provide focused child advocacy so that no child lingers in the foster care system without the security of a safe, nurturing and permanent family. Advocates work with parents to access services they need to stabilize their lives and improve their parenting skills so that their family can be reunited. When reunification is not appropriate, advocates quickly help to find relatives or adoptive parents who can provide a permanent and stable home.

Support

Children need compassion and guidance to prevent the trauma of abuse and out-of-home placement from defining their lives through later destructive choices. Supportive enrichment opportunities improve a child’s social, emotional and educational functioning. “It was hard to make the decision to become a CASA advocate,” said Olga E. Phillips, a CASA since 2009. “My main fear, as is the fear of all of us who volunteer, was to become so emotionally involved with the children I would be serving that I would want to adopt them all and fail at being practical on my recommendations to the court. As it turns out, no matter how much I would want to take these children home with me, they all want their own parents.” 58

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The Children's Haven in Canton.

Success Stories

• A four-month-old boy went into foster care after his mother was arrested on drug charges. His father expressed an interest in gaining custody, but Family Services needed to be sure he was a fit parent. The father was referred to TCH and started visiting his son under the watchful eye of staff members at the WellStar Family Visitation Center. The father demonstrated his ability to appropriately care for his son. Father and son were brought together. • A teen girl was acting out and running away. It took the advocate months of visits before enough trust was built for the girl to feel safe enough share what was really happening: sexual abuse by the grandmother’s boyfriend. She was removed from that horrible environment, and has been adopted into a loving family, is thriving in high school, is and captain of the cheerleading squad. Phillips sums it up best: “If you were wondering if taking a few hours out of your week to advocate for a child in foster care can really make a difference, now you know. Yes, it does. You can change a child’s life. Is there a better job than that?” If you are interested in volunteering or training to be a CASA, contact The Children’s Haven at 770-345-3274 or info@casacherokee.org. Donations needed include: pajamas, socks and underwear (check the website for monthly drives), as well as monetary donations. Another fun way to support TCH is to run in their Superhero 5K at 8 a.m. May 12 at Etowah River Park. Runners can register at Active.com. For more information, visit: www.cherokeechildrenshaven.org.

Susan Browning 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 Woodstock City Church.

White Spots on Teeth Can Be Avoided DRS. ANDY AND AMBRE KRAGOR

One common question asked by wearers of braces is, “How do I prevent white spots on my teeth once my braces come off?” Before answering, it is important to distinguish the difference between white spots caused by braces and other types of white spots. White spots on teeth can be caused by genetics, nutrition, an excessive intake of fluoride or certain types of medications taken while the teeth are developing. There sometimes is very little one can do to avoid these types of white spots. However, good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are the most predictable ways to avoid white spots during orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic white spot lesions appear as small forms of cavities. The spots are caused by plaque buildup on the teeth, which causes decalcification — or loss of hard minerals on the teeth. Removing plaque from the teeth is important, because the bacteria in plaque produce an acid that begins to dissolve the mineralized surface of a tooth. This is the same acid responsible for cavities if someone drinks too many soft drinks. While the risk of getting white spots is greater during braces, white spots can occur without orthodontic treatment in the absence of proper brushing and dental care. Once the spots appear, they are likely permanent and can be corrected only by a restoration by your dentist. Luckily, orthodontic white spots are 100 percent preventable with proper oral care. Learning the right techniques for brushing, flossing

and inspecting your braces is imperative to maintaining beautiful teeth for life. Here are five tips to avoid white spots on your teeth: Keep your teeth clean. Brushing a minimum of twice daily, rinsing after meals and flossing daily prevents buildup between the teeth and brackets, where most of the plaque starts to form. Protect your teeth. In addition to using a fluoride-containing glue for bonding braces, you also can utilize a fluoride seal prior to getting your braces put on. Having good oral hygiene prior to getting braces is the key here. Use extra fluoride. Fluoride varnish can be used in-office to coat the teeth and protect the enamel, or an at-home fluoride rinse also will help. Ask your dentist or orthodontist for the best overthe-counter products. Use an electric toothbrush. The extra vibration helps loosen plaque, making it easier to keep your teeth clean. Use a water flosser. While it doesn’t replace manual traditional flossing, it does help remove the plaque and debris between the teeth and below the gumline, where it is hard to reach.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

Drs. Andy and Ambre Kragor are husband and wife orthodontists who practice in the Towne Lake/Woodstock area. 770-485-8827. www.KragorOrtho.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Dermal Fillers vs. Traditional Facelifts BY JAMES HALEY, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

The fountain of youth may be just around the corner. Actually, the truth is that there have been tremendous advancements in non-invasive cosmetic procedures. All-natural dermal fillers have become more popular as their incredible benefits have become apparent. These products are made from natural elements found in the skin, elements that decline with age. Using these products as fillers produces a lasting positive benefit - stimulating skin to rejuvenate itself without having to go through the pain and long recovery of plastic surgery.

The Downfall of Traditional Facelifts

A traditional facelift requires a substantial investment of money and involves a long recovery period, usually about six weeks. There are risks associated with anesthesia and undergoing surgery. We have all seen the pictures of celebrity facelifts gone bad, and you always run the risk of becoming disfigured or scarred in some way. When done properly, a facelift can have great results, but there is considerable pain and recovery time.

no downtime. In the aging process, skin loses elasticity and shape. The face begins to sag. Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, are injectable gels made from hyaluronic acid, a hydrating substance that your body produces naturally. Injecting different types of these fillers under the skin immediately adds volume and reduces wrinkles and deep folds. Different types of fillers are formulated for each distinct purpose. Some add volume and contour to the cheeks, reducing lines and giving the face an overall lift. Others add volume to the lips and fill in the lines around the mouth. There also are fillers for deep lines such as the nasolabial folds or marionette lines (the downturned lines from the corner of your mouth to the jawline). The results are not only instant, but can be quite dramatic. Your face is the most visible part of you, and dermal fillers can help give you a more youthful and refreshed look.

The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

James Haley, M.D. is a double board certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

Natural dermal fillers are an excellent way to achieve a rejuvenated youthful appearance, with virtually no pain and

Telephone Tips for Hearing Aid Users BY DR. SARAH LICHT

The overall sound quality and clarity of a phone conversation can depend on many factors, including cell service, unfamiliar voices and even the environment around you, the listener. These factors can be even more daunting to someone who has a hearing loss. Many patients with hearing loss struggle to talk on the phone, because they can’t see visual cues from the speaker. Here are some recommendations to make communicating over the phone easier: • Ask the person on the other end of the line to speak slower, not necessarily louder. • Reduce the background noise as much as possible.

Landlines

Ask your audiologist if you have the telecoil feature (also known as “t-coil”) in your hearing aid. This is a small, copper coil that allows you to enhance the signal from a telephone call. Sometimes, this feature is automatic, or you may have to activate it manually.

Most individuals with hearing loss tend to hold the phone exactly where they did before they had hearing aids. However, the sound coming out of the telephone needs to be lined up with the hearing aid microphones, which can be located on the top of your hearing aid. 60

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Cellphones

Most hearing aids now have direct connectivity with cellphones. Some only connect with iPhones, while others connect with Androids. Depending on your hearing aid, you may need an intermediary device to connect to your phone.

Use FaceTime or Skype to communicate with loved ones. Visual cues help your brain fill in the information that your ears may not hear. One free option that may help is CaptionCall, a special phone that captions the conversation and displays the text on a large screen for the listener to read. The program is funded by the Federal Communications Commission as part of the Americans With Disabilities Act. An audiologist is required to sign a certification form verifying that the individual has hearing loss. Otherwise, all that is necessary is an internet connection and a standard home phone connection. The CaptionCall organization will install the device in your home. There are also mobile CaptionCall options available for a cellphone or iPad. Communicating with loved ones who are far away can be an obstacle for many people with hearing loss, but the available options help reduce the stress of phone communications.

Sarah Licht, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2016.

Telltale Signs of Furnace Trouble BY DAN JAPE

Our furnaces have gotten quite a workout keeping us warm during the last few months of cold weather. Make sure to properly maintain your unit and watch for signs of trouble. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 18 years, with some builder-grade furnaces failing is as few as 10 years. Even if your furnace is producing heat, there could be some problems lurking beneath the surface.

Rising Energy Costs Over time, your furnace will need to run longer just to produce standard comfort levels. Furnaces that have been in operation for more than 15 years start to suffer from this kind of problem. If you have maintained your furnace properly yet see continuous rises in energy bills, you are probably spending more money than is necessary.

Slipping Comfort Levels Furnaces that have reached their expiration date tend to slip on performance drastically: You may discover cool air blowing through your home during the winter. The furnace’s air cleaning and processing functions may have lost their use. If you’ve had your home performance audit and your furnace’s parts checked but your HVAC still can’t keep up with your demands, it’s likely time for full furnace replacement.

Carbon Monoxide Dangers Homeowners who are unaware of a broken carbon monoxide detector may have small amounts of the odorless, colorless gas leaking into their home. A study conducted in Michigan found one-quarter of carbon monoxide deaths were related to furnaces and other heating systems. Stuffy air, high levels of soot and black streaks near vents and a yellow flame (rather than a blue flame) are signs that carbon monoxide levels have become dangerously high.

Increase in Illnesses Family members exposed to higher levels of carbon monoxide will immediately get flu-like symptoms, headaches and a feeling of nausea. However, other illnesses may reflect a poorly functioning heating system. Extra dust in the air, as well as excessively dry conditions, hint at a furnace with a lackluster operation. In this situation, anyone suffering from respiratory issues or allergies will encounter a great deal of discomfort.

Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. He can be reached at 770-594-9969. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Happy Trails and Happy Tails

Jeremy Loudin, Elaina Shorrock and Logan braved the cold temps to check out the newest Greenprints trail.

Austin Johanneson, age 4, and Braiden Bean, age 8, take a break from riding their scooters to share a smile with us.

The newest multi-purpose trail in the Greenprints Trail System officially opened to the community Jan. 4 with a ribbon cutting. The Towne Lake Pass Trail extends from Woofstock Dog Park, located at 150 Dupree Road, to Towne Lake Hills South. The 1.2 mile, 10-foot-wide trail connects Towne Lake residents to the Noonday Creek Trail, which runs from Market Street in downtown Woodstock to Highway 92. On a recent winter day, we ran into many families and fourlegged friends enjoying the new trail. Since the trailhead is located at the dog park, it’s a natural extension for canines and their owners looking to spend time outdoors. The project was funded using Woodstock's portion of the county's 2008 parks bond proceeds. The $2.86 million multipurpose trail connection was built by Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. “This trail is a vital connection for the city of Woodstock’s Greenprints Trail System. The new trail runs northwest from the dog park, under I-575 and through the wooded area near Woodstock Middle and High schools until it reaches Towne Lake Hills South,” said Woodstock Parks and Recreation Director Preston Pooser. “The project also includes concrete sidewalks along Towne Lake Hills Drive South from the trailhead to Woodstock High School and Towne Lake Hills South Drive to Towne Lake Parkway.” In 2016, the city of Woodstock and Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a joint resolution dedicating the trail to former Woodstock City Council member Tessa Basford, who passed away in 2014. See trail system map on page 64.

The Barsh family explored the new trail together. From left, Bill, Will, Caroline, Georgia and Melissa. Right, Grant and Lori Abbott hit the trail with their dog Shelby. 62

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Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques cuts the ribbon to officially open the Towne Lake Pass Trail.

Michele Pierce shared that she started running the Greenprints Trails in 2014, and has lost 20 pounds so far.

Janet and Adam Lefever, along with Winston, at the trailhead, which is located at Woofstock Dog Park. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Visit our website for more information on these or other trail projects. greenprintsalliance.org 64

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Brett Waits, founder and CEO of Plae and Plae Hard

The Lunch Circuit 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 14 The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock 30188 770-345-0600 Tickets available at http://circuitwoodstock.com/ or the event page at www.facebook.com/circuitwoodstock/.

Plug Into the Circuit The Lunch Circuit is a monthly exclusive gathering where aspiring and current entrepreneurs can meet to eat, build community and learn the stories behind successful Cherokee County entrepreneurs. The event is powered by Fresh Start Cherokee, hosted by Cherokee Office of Economic Development and held at The Circuit Woodstock, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock 30188. Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s featured entrepreneur is Brett Waits, founder and CEO of Plae and Plae Hard, headquartered in downtown Woodstock. Get the full story behind Waitsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unique company and gain behind-the-scenes access to his entrepreneurial journey. The Lunch Circuit is held in The Circuit office, the restored former Woodstock Elementary School on the Chattahoochee Technical College campus. The 3,000-squarefoot innovation space is a gathering place for students, burgeoning and established businesses to meet, consult, advise and explore new opportunities. For more information, visit www.circuitwoodstock.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Maintaining a Healthy Weight at Any Age BY MARCUS SHANAHAN

Here are a few essentials to maintain your weight at any age:

You may have hit that pivotal age when it seems harder to lose extra pounds. How does age really affect metabolism and weight loss? Your body burns calories all day, even when you are sitting or sleeping. This is your resting metabolic rate, the minimum amount of energy needed for your heart to beat, lungs to breathe, etc. Every decade your resting metabolic rate decreases about 5 percent. Let’s say, at age 30, your resting metabolic rate is 1,200 calories. At 40, it would be 1,140 calories. To maintain your current weight, you would need to decrease your calorie intake (or If we are not extra through exercise) by mindful of what burn about 100 calories a day. If our metabolism slows we eat, it is about 5 percent every 10 years, easy to grab an then why do we gain so much weight as we age? Life becomes extra 100-200 complicated — children, work, calories a day. aging parents — and we let it get in the way of taking care of ourselves. Self-care slips further down the list. We also have access to food 24/7. If we are not mindful of what we eat, it is easy to grab an extra 100-200 calories a day. While that may not sound like much, it can add up to 10-20 pounds a year. We tend to lose muscle mass as we age. In part, this is because we are not moving and using those muscles as much. Muscle burns a lot more calories than fat. One pound of muscle burns 35-50 calories per day, without doing anything, while a pound of fat burns 5-10 calories daily. Women are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to retaining muscle mass (partially due to dieting and inactivity). Women can lose muscle two times faster than men. So, ladies, lift weights to keep muscle mass and your metabolism burning.

• Eat regularly throughout the day and space out your calories. If you consume 1,600 calories, eat three meals that are 400 calories each and two snacks that are 200 each. • Consume good fats, which promote weight loss. Good fats are those high in monounsaturated fats: olives, nuts, avocado, and oils from these foods. • Increase your protein intake. Eating more protein will boost your metabolism and help maintain muscle. • Drink more water. Water can help curb appetite. Our bodies often give us the “I am hungry” signal when we are really thirsty. Being adequately hydrated also helps the body eliminate fat. • Sleep more. Getting enough sleep is crucial for your body to repair and recover. The body is a much better fatburner when well rested. • Plan meals. Make a plan – or plan to fail. Food can be the hardest part of a fat loss journey. Don’t underestimate the need to plan to stay on track. • Don’t go shopping without a list (or go shopping hungry). Without a list, all kinds of unnecessary things can “jump” in your cart, or you can get halfway through the week and not have the items you need to stay on track. • Do activities that build muscle. Cardio work is good for keeping the cardiovascular system healthy and working well; however, you need to build muscle in order to lose fat effectively and maintain fat loss.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Marcus J Shanahan is co-owner of R2 Total Fitness. He has more than 30 years of experience in personal training, nutrition and meal prep expertise.

Two Locations Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides compassionate, comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins, Dr. Shalini Shah, and Dr. Nancy Doelling, 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.

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics Offers: • Exceptional Care: Board-certified physicians. Attentive & complete care for children birth - 18. • Timely Access: Same-day appointments available. Shorter wait times. • Efficient Follow-up: Timely feedback and reports. Next day test results available.

Holly Springs 684 Sixes Road, Suite 220 Holly Springs, GA 30115

Call for an appointment (678) 388-5485

Towne Lake 900 Towne Lake Pkwy, Suite 306 Woodstock, GA 30189

Norths Im

Call for an appointment (770) 852-7720

Visit Us at NorthsideCherokeePediatrics.com Exit 11 (Sixes Road)

HOLLY SPRINGS TOWNE LAKE

Jamie Rollins, MD

Shalini Shah, MD

TOWNELAKER | February 2018 oh ns on

Ros wel l Rd .

Nancy Doelling, MD

Cherokee P hotography Club Striking images, taken by photography club members on a 2017 trip, capture the grandeur of Nova Scotia. Members take one major trip a year, in addition to several local ones.

Bill Cornelius

Brenda Clapp

Percy Clapp

Cassandra Bickel 68

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Karen Beedle

Kim Bates

Karen Beedle

Percy Clapp

Floyd Moody

Peter Den Boer

Floyd Moody

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Reduce Pain Through a Lifestyle Makeover BY AMBER YORK, DC

You made it through the holidays and at this point you are either moving full steam ahead on those new year resolutions or you have decided to wait until next year to try again. If you are like me, maybe you have decided on a lifestyle makeover − eating right, staying active and living a pain-free life. What you may not realize is that those three things are connected. It should be no surprise that diet and exercise can play a huge role in how you feel, but what you eat and how you move also can help you get past last year’s aches and pains. Research has shown that what we eat is a significant contributor to chronic inflammation. Foods such as sugar, vegetable oil, dairy products, refined flour, artificial sweeteners and processed meats are a few of the items that may be causing unwanted pain due to inflammation. Although food is often looked at solely in terms of its impact on weight gain, it’s also the safest, most effective and cheapest way to preserve and restore overall health. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet that includes fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and cherries, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and collards can help regulate your body’s inflammatory response and ease joint pain. Of course diet and exercise go hand in hand, and a

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

healthy dose of daily activity has regularly demonstrated positive effects. Even the Arthritis Foundation recommends range of motion, flexibility, endurance and strengthening exercises to reduce pain. While all of that movement can help maintain and improve the joints, new research has shown that 20 minutes of daily exercise can reduce inflammation, as well. This particular study showed that 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise, including brisk walks, were sufficient to produce an anti-inflammatory response. Since joint pain can be attributed to inflammation, either local or systemic, diet and exercise are great ways to naturally and effectively help regulate your body’s inflammatory response. Please keep in mind pain, whether acute or chronic, can be an indicator of other serious conditions, so it is always recommended that you consult your trusted healthcare provider for an evaluation and to discuss changes in your health routine.

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

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Auto Injury Case Worth? BY JAMES IMBRIALE ESQ.

You are in an auto wreck. You are injured and decide to hire an attorney to pursue medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering settlement. Clients ask us all the time what their injury is worth for settlement. And, like any attorney worth his or her salt, the answer is ... it depends! There is not a simple answer to this because of many factors. Clients do not want to hear this, because they want to be certain of what to expect. At our office, we like to underpromise and then overperform. We like to give clients the worst case scenario â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that this will take a lot of time (at least nine months to settle and then another year to two years should we have to file suit against the defendant because the liable insurance company is just being unfair with their offer to settle, which is often the case.) It depends on your injury. One possibility is a soft tissue injury (no broken bones, no torn ligaments or tendons), also known as whiplash with neck and back pain. Or, you may have broken bones, torn ligaments and tendons and/or herniated discs, both verifiable by an MRI report. It depends on the doctors who treat you. Chiropractors are fine, but insurance companies also want to see corroboration from a medical doctor or orthopedic specialist or neurologist. It also depends on the length of time you are in treatment, and whether you improve or make a full recovery. A full recovery is worth less than ongoing pain after maximum medical improvement from reasonable and necessary treatment. Also, do you still have daily impediments to doing chores and household duties? The more permanent the injury, the more it is worth. It depends on your medical records. Auto insurance companies do not care about what the attorney says or what the plaintiff says about their condition; they only care about the medical opinions of independent, uninterested third parties. Your records are everything to an injury case. This is not a time to be stoic when you visit the doctor. If you say you are fine and/or greatly improved, that goes in the records, and the insurance company questions paying for significant pain and suffering if you say youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve improved. Make sure to tell your doctor every symptom you are experiencing. If you are forgetful, write down your complaints for the doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist, and ask that it be included in you medical records. It depends if there were aggravated circumstances. Did the defendant leave the scene? Was he or she driving under the influence? These facts typically add value to settlements; often, many thousands of dollars can be added on top of medical expenses and lost wages for these claims. continued on page 88 James Imbriale is a personal injury attorney at Hartman-Imbriale LLP. He has strictly practiced personal injury law for 27 years, and he works and lives in Towne Lake. 678-445-7423. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Appalachian Trail District scouts prepare to lay wreaths at the Georgia National Cemetery, a project that’s part of Wreaths Across America.

Scouting for Fun in Cherokee BY LEE SMATHERS

In 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was established as a way to encourage young men working in factories during the Industrial Revolution to get out and enjoy nature. They were given the opportunity to explore the woods, scavenge the fields and learn outdoor survival skills they could put to use for the rest of their lives. In Cherokee County, the Boy Scouts of America still is going strong and is a great place for young men to continue to explore, scavenge and learn. But, today, scouting offers much more than that. Beginning at the first grade level, Cub Scouts is the family’s first exposure to scouting. The program promotes family participation and encourages everyone to take part in developing an exciting environment, with lots of great activities. The annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby will be held at Carriage Kia on Olde Rope Mill Park Road at 8:30 a.m., Feb. 10. Cub Adventure Quest, held Aug. 25 this year, is a day filled with shooting BB guns, bow and arrows, and more. This year’s theme is Let the Games Begin and will feature tons of Olympic-inspired games and activities. The Boy Scouts also are stepping things up a notch. In January, Troop 8880 from Canton went to Escalade Climbing for a climbing merit badge lock-in. On Feb. 24, Troop 241 in Canton is encouraging other troops to join them in taking the Polar Bear Plunge — walking into the lake in full uniform posting the American flag. Other troops 72

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in the area are busy with preparation hikes for attending multiple high-adventure camps across the country this year. In March, there will be a spring Camporee for all the troops from the Appalachian Trail District to join in celebration of scouting. Venturing is yet another scouting opportunity offered in this area, and is available to coed participants, ages 14-20. Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youths, adult leaders and organizations in their communities. Local community organizations establish a venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youths pursue their special interests, grow and develop leadership skills, and become good citizens. Venturing crews can specialize in a variety of vocation or hobby interests. Sea Scouts, a specialized segment of the venturing program, was organized to address members' boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. Sea Scout units, called "ships," focus on sailing and cruising either sailboats or power vessels. Most ships hold formal meetings continued on page 88

Lee Smathers is district executive of the Appalachian Trail for the Atlanta Area Council of the Boys Scouts of America. 770-989-2885. www.atbsa.org.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

FAITH

Marriage Moments

Valentine’s Day a Time to Honor Your Spouse BY BILL RATLIFF

As I think about Valentine’s Day, I am reminded of a couple that I love and respect who represent commitment and dedication to each other. Brandon and Paige have been educators in Cherokee County schools. I met each of them prior to their wedding. Paige was an outstanding softball and basketball athlete in high school and college. Brandon was a football and baseball player in high school and college. I got to know each of them at church. At a certain point, neither of them were married or dating. I suggested they consider seeing each other as I saw that Paige and Brandon English. they had a few things in common. Both were committed Christians and outstanding athletes with a passion for life. They began dating, having fun and praying together about their future. They came to me one day to schedule their wedding. In their premarital counseling, I suggested they do something at their wedding ceremony that symbolized who

they were. At the end of the ceremony when they were presented as husband and wife, Brandon picked up Paige and carried her all the way down the aisle. After their wedding, they continued in their teaching careers, had two precious children and were deeply involved in their church and community. Brandon battled cancer for 12 years. It included some very low times as well as some miraculous times of healing. Brandon went to be with the Lord the week of Christmas 2017. As a couple, Brandon and Paige lived out the marriage vows, “For better or for worse, in sickness and in health.” continued on page 88

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

Make 2018 the Year of Service BY REV. DR. JOSEPH N. COUSIN, SR.

Seven months ago, my family and I were blessed to relocate to Woodstock as God directed us to begin our ministry at Allen Temple Church. The Allen Temple family greeted us with open arms, kindness and, most of all, a spirit of service. The people are excited to serve, and are always looking for opportunities to serve God and God’s people. In fact, the spirit of service is so prevalent that we have embraced the mission that we are a church that is “AT” Your Service. With this in mind, I believe that for “But it shall not be so each of us, 2018 should be among you. Whoever the year of service. would be great among In Mark 10:43-45, we find you must be your Jesus talking about service. servant, and whoever He states that among those among you would who believe in him it is different because if we want be greatest must be to be a leader, we must first servant of all. For even learn to be a servant. In fact, the Son of Man came even Jesus came not to be not to be served, but to served, but to serve others, serve, and to give his life and he exemplified this as as a ransom for many.” he gave his life so that we Mark 10:43-45 (MEV) might be redeemed. Jesus challenges each of us to be 74

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servants and to make our lives reflect the spirit of servanthood. My sisters and brothers, as we begin this year, I ask that we would all consider making 2018 our year of service. This year, please take the time to look for opportunities to serve and make the most of these opportunities. Take a moment to serve within your church or religious organization as opportunities arise. Take time to serve your friends, family and even strangers as we are challenged to be servants. Most important, look for and use every opportunity to serve within your community. Through your service, you will make our community better; you will inspire others to serve, and you will fulfill the mandate set forth by Jesus Christ. If we all make 2018 our year of service imagine how much greater our community will be. Please join me, the Allen Temple Church family, and the entirety of God’s Kingdom as we make 2018 our year of service. Remember, we are to model ourselves after Jesus. And we, like Jesus, did not come so that we would be served. We came that we would be able to serve others, and make a difference in our community.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr. is pastor of Allen Temple AME church in Woodstock. www.allentempleame.org.

Event Benefits Towne Lake Nonprofit

Dallas and Cindy Donald with parents Darlene and Jerry.

A benefit for the Woodstock-based Cindy Donald Dreams of Recovery Foundation and BlazeSports America, two nonprofit organizations that serve people with disabilities, is set for 7:30-10:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Olde Towne Athletic Club in East Cobb. Cindy sustained quadriplegia after an accident at her home in 2005, when she was sunbathing in her driveway and her father, Jerry, came home from work and did not see her. Because of Cindy’s reliance on catheters, her mother Darlene founded Donaco Medical Supply, which is hosting the event. Cindy’s brother and Canton resident Dallas Donald is general manager of Donaco, a family-owned Towne Lake business that specializes in urological products. Cindy’s experience with physical therapy and insurance limits on therapy led her to create a nonprofit organization she named the Cindy Donald Dreams of Recovery Foundation. The nonprofit awards monetary grants to patients who are recovering from spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries so they can receive extended physical therapy. BlazeSports America is the legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and provides adaptive sports for children and veterans with physical disabilities. Cynthia Frisina is the executive director and has a teenage daughter with cerebral palsy who is training for the paralympics in track and field. As a fully inclusive event, there will be participants, as well as attendees, at the ball who have disabilities, including dancers from Full Radius Dance, an Atlanta company with professional dancers who use their wheelchairs in their performance. In addition, the disc jockey hired for the event was born with cerebral palsy. Purchase tickets at http://2018valentinesball.eventbrite.com/?s=80939752. Several sponsors have purchased tickets and donated them to participants of BlazeSports America. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can contact Holly CothranDrake at holly@donacomedical.com.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

SCHOOL & SPORTS

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Kudos & Congratulations Do you know a student, teacher, parent volunteer, school group or team who deserves a “shout out”? Please send their picture and the details to jackie@ aroundaboutmagazines.com.

From left, Levi Little and Bennett Keel of Woodstock Elementary watch as Woodstock Middle School student Bryce Jones checks out his robot.

Two local First Lego League teams are headed to the First Lego League Super Regionals. The Woodstock Elementary School WESbotics team and E.T. Booth Middle School Booth Bot Builders accumulated enough points to advance to Super Regionals. The following teams won titles in their categories: • Woodstock Elementary’s Team 1982, coached by Debbie Pinion, won the Robot Design Award for Group A. • E.T. Booth Middle School team Booth Bot Builders, coached by Dillon Armbruster, won the Project Award for Group A.

Lauren Hunter, left, and Emily Craig from Woodstock Elementary watch their robot attempt the missions.

In First Lego League competition, each team designs and builds a robot based on the Lego Mindstorms system. The robots are designed and then programmed by the team to solve a set of missions, which are laid out on a First Lego League playing field with models made from Lego bricks. Each team also completes a research project affiliated with the tournament theme (this year’s is Hydro Dynamics), where they research and analyze a problem. Awards are given for Robot Design, Core Values, Robot Performance, and Project.

Summer Feeding Program Needs Volunteers The school district’s School Nutrition Program is seeking potential new partners for its annual Summer Feeding Program. Local nonprofit organizations, churches, summer camps and other groups that serve Cherokee County children in need are invited to learn more at a meeting 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at the School Nutrition Office, 135 Mountain Brook Court, Canton. Contact 770-7218419 for more information. 76

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Congratulations to the 27 future nurses who were inducted into the Cauble School of Nursing and Health Sciences Jan. 7 during the inaugural White Coat Ceremony held in Flint Hall at Falany Performing Arts Center on Reinhardt University’s campus. Cauble School of Nursing and Health Sciences founding dean Dr. Glynis Blackard, thanked those who were involved in the creation of the program and to the students and families who supported one another during an arduous process. “Even though you are a student-nurse, this coat is symbolic of what it means to be a nurse. As you don this coat, I am hopeful you accept the responsibility that comes with this article of clothing. I hope you accept it with humility,” Blackard said.

Drew Waters

Drew Waters, an Etowah High School class of 2017 graduate, was honored last month as the Atlanta 400 Baseball Club’s 2017 Metro Atlanta High School Player of the Year. Waters was drafted by the Atlanta Braves last spring.

Rachel Gondek accepts her coat during the inaugural White Coat Ceremony at Reinhardt University. Photo by Jeff Reed.

Navy JROTC Commanding Officer Katlyn Deveau has been awarded a Marine Corps Scholarship to The Citadel worth approximately $183,000. The Citadel, also known as The Military College of South Carolina, is one of six senior military colleges in the United States. Students, who are known as Cadets, undergo four years of ROTC training in a branch of the armed services. Approximately 30 percent of Cadets graduate as commissioned officers.

From left, runner-up fourth-grader Ian Brett, Principal Paula Crumbley and winner Christian Gibson.

Carmel Elementary School fifth-grader Christian Gibson won the school spelling bee by correctly spelling the word vegetation. He will advance to compete at the county-level spelling bee sponsored by the Georgia Association of Educators. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

A New Kind of Valentine BY JOSEPH LEMMO

People often celebrate love in February. Though most people may focus on the romantic form of love, I would like to challenge to give notice to one of the additional not-so-commercialized forms of love … the love of teaching. Still with me? Good, I was afraid I might lose you since teaching might not be as electrifying as roses, chocolates and a date night. But since I have your attention let me try The capacity to “romance” you a bit about the love of teaching others. of love The capacity of love teachers have teachers have for teaching their students is magnificent. for teaching At its core, it is a relentless, their students unconditional kind of love, is magnificent. similar to the love of one’s own children, minus the biological attachment of course. Beyond popular belief, teachers are not the only individuals who should have a love of teaching though; parents, in fact, are a child’s first teachers. During the early months, parents will teach their children many skills and

behaviors. The greater the parents’ love of teaching their children, the greater the positive effects the teaching will have – an observation I’ve learned to be true based on 18 years of teaching more than 2,000 students. Beyond parents and teachers, coaches also require a love of teaching. Coaches at all levels will only truly be successful if they actually love teaching. A love like that has the potential to inspire athletes of all ages to develop outstanding athletic skills as well as exceptional character qualities. In the end, the love of teaching is not just for teachers, parents and coaches, it is for everyone! Children often teach their parents, friends teach other friends, strangers teach other strangers, and we even teach our pets to do fun and crazy things! Teaching is all around us! Therefore, this February you should make teaching your valentine! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County since 2000. He performs improv in the Atlanta area. He and his wife have one son.

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.

Meeting Feb. 23, Topic TBA For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

Ridgewalk Pkwy

To I-575 Exit 9

Woodstock Community Church

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta at Nike

Woodstock

T Public Library

Public Parking Lots

Dobbs Rd

- park in marked spaces only

Trolley Routes outlined in red

City Center

Pkwy

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa) St

Trail

er St

Mca

bb d Rd

Reeves St

tim

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

ry St

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Fowler St

Hicko

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

Wheel

Oak St

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T T

Elm

Map

in St

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E Ma

day C

To GA Hwy 140

Noon

T Park at City Center Arnold Mill Rd

Mill

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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 4-10 PM Sundays 2-6 PM

Chattahoochee Technical College

Kyle St

TROLLEY SCHEDULE:

Main

Trolley Stop

T St

On-Street Parking

Main

Rope Mill Rd

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

Pade n St

PHOTO BY BEN REES WWW.FALCONAERIALS.COM

Welcome to

To GA Hwy 92

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Brian Wolfe with wife Nancy and their children.

Warren Johnson, sworn in by Judge Phillip Taylor, with wife Andi, son Alexander and daughter Abby.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Official! New and returning city council members Colin Ake, Warren Johnson and Brian Wolfe were sworn in recently, as well as Mayor Donnie Henriques. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM

Woodstock's city council and mayor, from left: Warren Johnson, David Potts, Colin Ake, Mayor Donnie Henriques, Tracy Collins, Brian Wolfe and Rob Usher.

Mayor Donnie Henriques, wife Jan and brother Bobby Henriques with his wife Mary.

Top, right: Sojourn Community Church pastor Trent Chambers officiates the swearing in of Colin Ake, with wife Nikki, son Owen, 3, and daughter Lealynn, 1, at his side. Above, council members take their seats. 80

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Consignment Sale Guide It’s strategic planning time for moms, dads and grandparents looking for bargains for their little ones. Here’s a list of sales in Cherokee and neighboring counties that should help as you map your plan of action.

March 1-3

All 4 Kids Cobb County Fairgrounds

Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock Info: http://all4kids.com

March 8-10

All 4 Kids Cobb County

Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta Info: http://all4kids.com

March 9-10

Due West Treasure Chest

Times: 9:30 a.m.-7.p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: 3965 Due West Road, Marietta Info: www.duewest.org

March 9-10

Mt. Bethel UMC

Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta Info: www.mtbethel.org

Born Again Blessings

March 15-17

Cumming First UMC

Times: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Location: 770 Canton Highway, Cumming Info: http://cfumcga.com/kids-consignment-sale/

Green With Envy

Times: Preview Thursday night, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Location: TBD in Alpharetta or Cumming area Info: www.greenwithenvykids.com

March 15-18 Angel’s Attic

Times: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Johns Creek UMC, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Info: www.johnscreekumc.org

March 16-17

Canton First Baptist Kids Sale

Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Location: 1 Mission Point, Canton Info: www.fbckidssale.com

CCC MOPS

Times: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Cumberland Community Church, 3110 Sports Ave., Smyrna Info: www.cccmopssale.com

Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: Riverstone Church, 2005 Stilesboro Road NW, Kennesaw Info: www.bornagainblessings.com

Roswell UMC

March 10

March 22-24

Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta Info: www.nowamom.org

Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Mount Paran North Church of God, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta Info: http://all4kids.com

Tots to Tweens

Times: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell Info: www.roswellumc.org/rumck

All 4 Kids East Cobb/Marietta

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Wintertime Cornhole

The CornholeATL winter league returned to Woodstock Jan. 10. It might have been dark and little chilly, but players and spectators enjoyed the party-like atmosphere on the Elm Street Park lawn located behind Truck and Tap. The winter cornhole league lasts for seven Wednesdays, and the community is invited to watch and cheer on their favorite players and teams. For more information, visit the website www.cornholeatl.com or on Facebook at @CornholeATL.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM TOWNELAKER | February 2018

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Casual and Upscale Restaurants

RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY Canyons American no $ $ open 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern Modern no $$ $$$ open 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone see ad on pg 29 Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican no $ $-$$ open 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243

SPIRITS RESERV. Beer/Wine no

Full bar

8 persons +

Full bar

yes

Full bar

yes

Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com

Tapas/Sushi

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

Italian

open

Full bar

Diner

$-$$

open

Weekends

only

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Beer

Mad Life Studios 8722 Main St madlifestageandstudios.com

Southern

$-$$

$$-$$$$

open

Full bar

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

Southern

Sunday Brunch

$$$$

open

Beer/Wine

yes

Sat./Sun. Brunch

open

Full bar

6 persons+

Sunday Brunch

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Pure Taqueria Mexican 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 Rootstock and Vine 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstockandvine.com

Wine bar Tapas

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Salt Factory Pub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225

Gastropub

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

Semper Fi Bar and Grille 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com

American

open

Full bar

English Tea room

closed

yes

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Italian

Sunday Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com 84

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20 * denotes advertiser

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING

Elm Street

Play Like a Kid BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW

Have you ever wished you could be a kid again? To not have to work all the time and just play? Kids have it easy, don’t they? Not always. Over the years, there has been an increase in student work from schools and pressure to succeed in testing. This has resulted in children studying so much that they do not have time to play and be a kid, except for holiday breaks. When I was little, I used to play with dolls and toys, taking them on crazy adventures full of magic and mystery. I would play outside with my brothers and their friends, exploring woods and riding bikes down steep hills. I miss those days, but now, I’m blessed to play “house” with my almost 5-year-old daughter. I feel lucky sometimes. I work in a field that challenges my creativity every day and allows children to do the same. I had the chance to play when I was younger and I can still play When we now. Not many individuals get play, we these opportunities or have the courage to express themselves, are more and I wish they could. open to all Our February musical, “School of Rock,” delves into the topic of possibilities. children working and studying so much that they don’t get a chance to be themselves. Their parents are constantly pressuring them to be “good students” and pay a lot of money for them to go to a prestigious private school. Dewey Finn, a fake substitute teacher/rock enthusiast, discovers the students’ true talents and encourages them to help him create a rock band. He also encourages them to believe in themselves, have courage, and that play can be just as important as work. Albert Einstein stated, “Play is the highest form of research.” Brainstorming, which can be an enjoyable and highly productive form of play, is among the best creative activities. When we play, we are more open to all possibilities. Assumptions about our limitations disappear. You don’t have to be a child to still play. Whether you have kids or not, I encourage you to join us, Feb. 1-4, to see “School of Rock.” The message behind this show is clear: it’s never too late to believe in your potential. It’s performed by our SPOTLIGHT cast, ages 10-18, and they have proven to be a talented bunch of students who like to play.

Siobhan Brumbelow is on staff at Elm Street. She currently holds a BA in Theatre from Brenau University and toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

FEB 1 - 4

FRI - SAT AT 7:30PM SUN AT 2:00PM Rated PG-13 Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SPRING CLASSES Registration Open Now

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

REFERENCE

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN DECEMBER

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Tour of the Southern Highlands continued from page 24

The ToSH is a three-day professional and two-day amateur cycling stage race. It’s a USA Cycling-sanctioned Pro/Am, with a full schedule, as well as a USA Junior National Team selection race. It’s the only United States Junior National Team selection race east of the Rocky Mountains. Participants and their families travel from as far as California to compete. “Downtown Woodstock is happy to have Tour of the Southern Highlands back this year,” Tourism Manager Kyle Bennett said. “The restaurants and shops are delighted to welcome competitors and spectators, alongside Friday Night Live eventgoers, with great sales and specials, and a fantastic atmosphere.” Positioned at the beginning of March, The ToSH attracts some of the top athletes in the sport and serves as perfect preparation for more racing throughout the region and across the country. Go to visitwoodstockga.com/tosh or visit www.toshsr.com for more information.

What’s My Auto Injury Case Worth? continued from page 71

Generally speaking, most soft tissue cases without aggravating circumstances or good medical records are worth the cost of medical treatment plus lost wages plus another few thousand for pain and suffering — maybe another $5,000 if your records are good. The reason is that auto insurance companies are well versed in the typical awards for soft tissue cases. Juries do not give a lot of money for whiplash, since they never understand the true pain that it involves unless they have been in a wreck themselves. More serious claims, like broken bones, herniated discs that involve surgery or epidurals, or nerve ablations are worth more, depending on the circumstances. I’ve seen these cases settle for six figures up to multi-millions if surgery and serious permanent injury was involved.

Fear Must Not Inhibit a Financial Strategy continued from page 40

Securities offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a registered investment adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya Inc. or MarketingPro Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Citations. 1 - zacksim.com/heres-investors-underperform-market/ [5/22/17]

Kids and Boxes, A Match Made in Heaven continued from page 44

When I was 11 years old, a giant box once became my favorite toy for weeks. It was a spaceship with a round window, rocket fins, the whole works. I can’t say I actually went into space and made new discoveries, but I felt like I had. To quote Mark Twain: “He felt much as an astronomer feels who has discovered a new planet − no doubt, as far as strong, deep, unalloyed pleasure is concerned, the advantage was with the boy, not the astronomer.”

Valentine’s Day a Time to Honor Scouting for Fun in Cherokee continued from page 72

conducted in either full dress or work uniforms. Swimming, lifesaving, first aid, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sailing and Seamanship, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses are taught by the ship’s own officers. For more information about the Sea Scouts, including how to join or start a Sea Scout ship in your area, please visit SeaScoutsAtlanta.org. The Appalachian Trail District encompasses Cherokee and Pickens counties. There are 64 units in the district, including packs, troops, crews and ships, with more than 2,200 youths. To learn where a unit meets in your area, go to www.atlantabsa.org and select the JOIN SCOUTING drop down tab. There, you can select the type of unit you’re interested in. You also can call 770-988-8820. 88

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

continued from page 74

They never claimed to be a perfect couple, but they claimed a perfect savior. They persevered an intense commitment to each other and to the Lord no matter what the circumstances. Their commitment is best stated in 1 Thessalonians 3:8, “For now we really live, since you stand fast in the Lord.”

Date Your Mate Take advantage of this Valentine’s Day to do something special that honors your mate and shows them how much you really love them. Use your imagination.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Ahimsa House helps domestic violence victims 24-hours a day get their pets to safety. 404-452-6248. www.ahimsahouse.org.

Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats. 770-704-PAWS (7297). www.theanimalproject.org.

Pet Buddies Food Pantry provides pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs to families in need. 678-310-9858. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org.

Angel House Girls Home, residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn self-sufficiency. 770-479-9555. www.angelhousega.com.

Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org.

Safe Kids Cherokee County offers free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808. www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org.

Anna Crawford Children’s Center, dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through prevention and intervention services. 678-504-6388. www.cherokeechildadvocates.org.

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618. www.goshenvalley.org

Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness, helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560.

Green Shelters America animal rescue group. 770-712-4077. GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com. www.GreenSheltersAmerica.com.

CASA for Children has programs to increase safety and improve educational, social and emotional functioning of children impacted by abuse. 770-345-3274. www.casacherokee.org. CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations, sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. 770-592-8072. Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 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. Bill Queen 404-441-3508. www.cherokeefca.org. Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115. admin@cchumanesociety.org. www.cchumanesociety.org.

Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia, 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. 770-633-4451. www.hhyr.org. HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. 678-391-5950. www.hqmg.org. HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 770-924-0864. info@hopectr.com. www.hopectr.com. HOPE Center — Seeds Thrift Store offers men, women & children’s clothing, furniture & other home goods. 770-517-4450. www.seedsthriftstore.com.

Cherokee FOCUS works to improve lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. 770-345-5483. www.cherokeefocus.org.

Life Connection Ministries provides humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com.

Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. 770-345-5312. 770-345-5320. www.cherokeega.com/senior-services.

Matthew E. Russell Foundation establishes literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org.

Cherokee Young Life for high school students, meets Monday nights at Bradshaw Farm clubhouse, 7853 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 104, Woodstock 30188. 678 653-5707. www.cherokeecounty.younglife.org. Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. 678-640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com. Companion Animal Connection 678-493-9847. www.adoptapet.com.

MUST Ministries provides 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, the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org.

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

Never Alone provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org.

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

Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. 770-592-1227. www.nextstepministries.net.

Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org.

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

Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. 770-842-8893. www.funds4furryfriends.com.

Papa’s Pantry, a year-round food ministry that includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. 770-591-4730. www.papaspantry.org.

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Offers mission trips. 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. 478-397-5542. www.theblueribbonfoundation.org. Volunteer Aging Council helps raise funds for seniors in Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. 770-310-3474. www.vac-cherokeega.org.

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

AA Meetings Canton: 9:30 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Mondays at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html. Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton: 8 p.m. Thursdays at St Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays Al-anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2208, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-516-3502. American Heart Association - Cherokee Division 678-385-2013. American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695. A-Typical Parkinson’s Education and Support Group Meets 2-4 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month at Resurrection Anglican Church, 231 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. 954-830-7274. sbr4psp@gmail.com. Caregivers Alzheimers Spousal Support Group Meets: 12:30 p.m. first Tuesday of every month for lunch at Benton House of Woodstock, 3385 Trickum Road. 678-494-4500. woodstockinfo@bentonhouse.com. 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. 770-366-7515. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644. www.sixesumc.org. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House, 678-459-2347. www.MinistryHouse.org. Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660. www.celebraterecovery.com. Cherokee County Support Group for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs. 404-402-0571, 770-337-0294, jhmom88@comcast.net or christystephenson@msn.com. Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org. Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders. 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. 770-793-7818. Georgia Canines for Independence. 404-824-4637. gcidogs@aol.com. www.gcidogs.org. Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors through small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. 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). 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. 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. 678-315-7686. 770-517-0191. MOMS Club of Woodstock-Towne Lake momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com www.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. 770-924-4777.

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 678-662-2366.

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. www.cherokeelp.org.

Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program Contact Jim Lindenmayer at Jlindenmayer80@gmail. com or 678-983-7590, or Mike Satterly at 404-680-2412.

Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. third Saturday at Jump Kitchen & Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock 678-882-0915. www.cherokeecounty.gop.

Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 404-663-4663.

Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton. 770-592-7811. jkconkey@gmail.com.

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. 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 770-345-3288. www.rockbarn.org. Citizen Oversight and Education 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. 770-345-8687.

Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. 678-677-2589.

Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy. 20. 770-393-1766. Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com, www.pilotinternational.com.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 770-480-4179.

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. 678-493-3618. Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-345-8687. Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Meets: Various times during the year. Schedule at www.cherokeechamber.com. 770-345-0400. Gini@CherokeeChamber.com. Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. www.cherokeetoastmasters.com. The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. 678-7896158. www.xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/. Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 678-389-3887. www.tlba.org. Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7-8:30 a.m. Fridays at Freight Kitchen & Tap, 251 E. Main St., Woodstock. 404-816-3377. www.powercore.net. Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at Tavern at Towne Lake. info@womenofwoodstock.com. www.womenofwoodstock.com. Woodstock PowerCore Team Meets: 7 a.m. on Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-952-5000 ext. 20.

Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at Chick-fil-A, 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall. 770-294-0922. Republican Women of Cherokee County 678-520-2236. www.rwccga.com.

RECREATION & HOBBIES

Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events, outings. rrkelly@bellsouth.net. 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. Cherokee Community Chorale 678-439-8625. www.cherokeechorale.org. Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton. 770-704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org. Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803. www.caes.uga.edu/extension/ cherokee/mastergardeners. Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org.

Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock. www.townelakerotary.com.

Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com.

Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 678-428-6514.

Cherokee Music Teachers Association 770-720-1701. www.cherokeemta.org.

Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991. www.serviceleague.net. South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-926-3522. Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-715-3375. www.townelakeoptimists.com. Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. 770-926-8336. Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club www.woodstockjwc.org. Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. 770-906-2958. Woodstock Preservation Group 770-924-0406. http://preservationwoodstock.com/.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS

Cherokee County Democratic Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs. 770-345-3489. www.cherokeedemocrats.com.

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

Cherokee Soccer Association 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 chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. Les Marmitons, for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org. Neighbors and Newcomers of Towne Lake (NNTL) is a social club for residents of 30189 area code. 770-855-9623. www.nntlclub.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, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. TOWNELAKER | February 2018

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.HeritageCanton.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org Rising Hills Church 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock www.gorhc.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.ecamarietta.org Saint 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 Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell

770-642-0434 www.bethtikvah.com Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

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

LUTHERAN

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

ORTHODOX

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

PRESBYTERIAN

Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564, www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869, www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-3558 , www.heritagepres.com Trinity 1136 Trinity Church Road www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074, www.woodstockpcusa.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com

St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com

UNITED METHODIST

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

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Rd. Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100 www.unitynorth.org

OTHERS

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road Canton, GA 30115 770-475-9628 www.antiochcanton.org Antioch Church 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.antiochchurch.life

Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841 www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135 www.fdvida.org God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 452 Milton Drive, Canton 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com

Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 8534 Main Street, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092 www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Advertisers

For advertising rates and information Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com

February 2018

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Merry Mac Dog Training 770-579-3865 www.MerryMacDogTraining.com

Sassy Paws Pet Boutique 678-275-2126 www.sassypawspb.com

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.Debranski.com Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com Limbocker Law 678-401-6836 www.limbockerlawfirm.com

AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

C & T Auto Service 770-928-5940 and 770-926-4276 www.CandTAutoService.com

Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 7 678-505-8907 www.FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail 27 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com 94

TOWNELAKER | February 2018

Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com

élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com

Canton Dental Town 770-627-7260 www.dentaltownsmiles.com

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

Salon Gloss and Spa 770-693-6968 www.salongloss.biz

Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Salon & Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com

BEAUTY SALON & SPA

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC Inside front 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com

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

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

Downtown Buzz 78 770-592-6056 www.mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz Towne Lake Business Association www.TLBA.org

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Papa’s Pantry 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Ribley Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

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

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 41 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com Towne Lake Family Dentistry Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554 and 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

Cherokee Charter Academy Cover, 48, 49 678-385-7322 www.cherokeecharter.org North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES

COMPUTERS

DENTAL

EDUCATION 73

CHIROPRACTIC

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

Kragor Orthodontics 770-485-8827 www.kragorortho.com

Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

Cynthia Cline, CPA 404-748-1082

Country Financial 678-535-5273

Evolve Bank & Trust 45 Andrea Meador, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer Office 770-924-2451, Cell 770-714-9227 www.getevolved.com

Hill & Hill Financial,LLC 770-672-0402 www.hillandhillfinancial.com Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA 678-919-1250 jjacksoncpa.com

Hustle House 330-416-2817 www.HustleHousehw.com

R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277 CFM Electrical 678-614-9661 ClearView window cleaning & pressure washing 770-926-1960 www.ClearViewAtl.com Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com

5 57

RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com Eyes on Towne Lake 770-702-5996 www.eyesontownelake.com

PHOTOGRAPHY/PRINT/DESIGN Darleen Prem Photography 770-354-0675

J. King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com

Rebekah Gregg Photography 23 678-637-7518 www.rebekahgreggphotography.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES 39

www.cherokeeim.com North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center

770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com

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

Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com

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

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

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-00459

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics

678-388-5485 Northside Cherokee Inside Front

770-924-9656 www.ncsurgicalassociates.com Northside Hospital Cherokee

770-292-3490 70

770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Rebound Physical Therapy 678-445-9799 www.ReboundPTClinic.com

Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.magnoliadreamcottage.com

Soliel Laurel Canyon 678-880-3071

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

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Cherokee County Tennis Assoc. www.cherokeetennis.org

Cruise Planners, Kathy Faisal O:678-445-5235,C:770-231-7033

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

Etowah High School Tip-Off Club www.etowahbasketball.com

Guns and Hoses 5K 31 770-924-7768 http://gunshoses5kandfunrun.blogspot.com TLBA Golf Tournament www.TLBA.org 678-431-2691

Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 www.FireStoneRestaurants.com Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910 smallcakeswoodstock.myshopify.com Tavern at Towne Lake 770-926-6097 www.tavernattownelake.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING

www.NVS-GA.com Plastic Surgery Center of the South

www.NorthsideCherokee.com Northside Vascular Surgery

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

RESTAURANTS/FOOD

northsidecherokeepediatrics.com Surgical Assoc.

Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cvr 404-954-2486, 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheilateam.com 57

Cherokee Internal Medicine

WellStar Health System 770-956-7827 www.wellstar.org/mayo REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

678-238-0301

Designs by Fitzgerald 404-376-5443

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

OPTOMETRIST

HEALTH & FITNESS Club Pilates 770-400-9557 www.ClubPilates.com/woodstock

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

FUNERAL SERVICES Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

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

Nature’s Corner Market 678-310-2532 www.naturescornermarket.com

SENIOR LIVING/ SERVICES Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com TOWNELAKER | February 2018

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

Patty Ponder

Katherine Amick

Christie Deese

Candi Hannigan

Jackie Loudin

Carla Caldwell

Michelle McCulloch

Laura Latchford

Denise Griffin

At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information. Photos by J King Images.

Karen and Jon Flaig TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,400

TOWNELAKER | February 2018