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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Contents
48 & 49 On the Cover
Limbocker Law Firm, Attorney Brian Limbocker Photo by J. King Images
February 2019
20
22
Features
In Every Issue
10 Readers' Choice 2019
4 8 12 28 33 36 40 54 58 72 74 77 80 84 90 92 94
Nominations are being accepted for our annual
contest. Check out the details and nominate
your favorites around Woodstock.
20 We Asked, You Responded
Seniors, veterans, foster children and more
were pampered at Christmas, thanks to the
faithfulness of our readers.
22 Summer (Yes, We Said It) Camps
It’s not too early to plan this summer’s
schedule; coveted spots fill up quickly.
86 Oh, How We Love Our Pets!
It's obvious our readers are devoted to their
pets, which come in all shapes and sizes.
Around Towne Celebrations Community News Towne Lake Dining Guide Greenprints Trail Map Everyday Angels Community Calendar TLBA Library Events Ribbon Cuttings School News Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide Recent Home Sales Rob’s Rescues Clubs & Orgs Church Listings Directory of Advertisers
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Contributors 38 Don Akridge 81 Christopher Brazelton 24 Michael Caldwell 34 Dakota Carruthers 56 Dr. Matthews W. Gwynn 57 Dr. James Haley 73 Barbara P. Jacoby 18 Kurt & Sheila Johnson 45 Harry Johnston 60 Betsy Khuri 61 Dr. Ambre Kragor 55 Dr. Sarah Licht 16 Jim Lindenmayer 62 Ann Litrel 67 Deidre Parker 32 Lisa Randall 70 Bill Ratliff 78 Lynne Saunders 64 Susan Schulz 52 Elisabeth Stubbs
Advertising
89 Teddy the Spaz Man
Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.townelaker.com TowneLakerMagazine
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
@Townelaker
50 Tim Timmons 44 Shelley Winter 66 Dr. Amber York townelakermagazine
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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AROUND TOWNE
The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake
Letter From the Editor
What's Coming
It was a beautiful Friday afternoon. The rain had stopped, the sun was out and the temperature was climbing above 50 degrees. It was the perfect time to run a few quick errands and get some fresh air. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who had this idea. A few of the drive-through lanes at the bank were busy, so I pulled into the last one, stuffed the tube with my card and paperwork, and greeted the cashier. I sat there for awhile, enjoying the breeze with my window down, checking my Facebook page and singing along with the Commodores on the radio. I lost track of time. Until I heard the little voice coming through the speaker: “Ma’am, did you hit the send button?” Oops. There I was … all prepared with my papers in order for my bank transactions, my to-do list by my side for the next few stops. But I wasn’t going anywhere until I hit the send button. We had a good laugh about it. I’m sure the people walking into Publix a few lots over could hear us carrying on. The teller made me feel better by saying I wasn’t the only one who’d done that, and certainly wouldn’t be the last. I wished her a happy birthday - when you spend that long with someone you really get to know them - and drove off still chuckling. It was a funny moment, for sure. But also a reminder that it may be time to hit the send button on a few other things in my life. My gym bag is packed, and in my car, in fact. My 2019 to-do list is still on my desk. What am I waiting for? I’m a great procrastinator, especially after the holidays. We have three early January birthdays in my family, so how can I start to eat healthier when I know we’ll be celebrating with dinner out and special desserts? Lisa Randall has some advice for those of us having a tough time kicking off that healthier lifestyle: find an activity that’s fun and doesn’t feel like work. Cherokee’s trails will be busy this year with almost monthly events — check them out on page 32. Our experience is that you shouldn’t procrastinate when thinking about winter break and summer camp opportunities. Those spots fill up quickly! Let us help you with our comprehensive listings on pages 22-23, and 26 and 27. And no matter what you do, be sure to celebrate National Love Your Pet Day on Feb. 20! See our collection of furry (and scaly) friends on pages 86-87. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go ahead, hit the send button, and have a fantastic February!
According to Woodstock City Manager Jeff Moon, Torrid will be opening a store at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, in Suite C-360. Details on the opening date weren’t available at press time. Cherokee County Commission approved variances for the German grocer Lidl to build a 29,136-square-foot store on 3.17 acres at the southwest corner of Bells Ferry Road and Eagle Drive.
What's Closed Sweet River Soap Bar at 8636 Main St. in Woodstock closed last month. The store recently had changed its name from Sweet River Rough River. Sew Main Street Quilt Shop at 8816 Main St., and the Whole Nine Yarns at 8826 Main St., are closing, and have liquidation sales planned through mid-February. Visit each shop’s Facebook page for the details.
Congratulations! Katherine Amick has been named director of marketing for Aroundabout Local Media. Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques has written his first book, “Social Actions: A Vietnam Story,” which was published by Yawn’s Publishing in Canton. The fictional novel is inspired by Henriques’ experience in the Vietnam War. The book is available through Yawn’s Books & More in Canton and on Amazon.com.
What's Changed Executive Editor Candi Hannigan is a self-professed cat lady, shown here with Bunny, who joined the family October 2017 from the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, and John Henry, adopted from her son Drew.
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Designer Cleaners at 2455 Towne Lake Parkway is under new ownership. Min Son and Borim Choi are the new owners. Hours are 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. 770 592-2990.
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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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 coauthor Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com.
Scott Coleman is the owner of Coleman Home
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 Director of Marketing Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@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
Services, a residential construction firm based in Towne Lake. He and his wife Lisa have three grown children and have lived in Towne Lake for 23 years. Scott and Lisa are supporters of the local special needs community. Scott enjoys the outdoors, cooking and his annual fishing trip to Alaska.
Bettie Sleeth has lived in Towne Lake for more than 12 years, and helped start the Kiwanis Club in Cherokee County. She's been active in service leadership programs in Cherokee County schools, helping bring Key Clubs to Etowah, Sequoyah and Creekview high schools and a Circle K club at Reinhardt University. She's active at her church, Hillside United Methodist, and serves in many community service projects and activities. 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. Anthony Hughes, raised in St. Petersburg, Fla., has been a special education teacher since 2001. He teaches at E.T. Booth Middle School and moved to Woodstock in 2015 with his wife Jessica and sons Jacob and Gavin. They are excited to be a part of the Towne Lake community. Depending on the season, they spend a lot of time at any of the area’s sport fields or enjoying Lake Allatoona. 6
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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 15,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 800 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 2019. TowneLaker 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Volume 24, Issue 10
America’s Community Magazine
Breathe Easier! Sleep Better! Get Healthier! CherokeeLungAndSleep.com
Our board-certified physicians have helped thousands over the years breathe easier, sleep better and get healthier. Using the latest in nonsurgical care, lifestyle therapies and stateof-the-art medical devices and medications, our patients are served with the most advanced pulmonary and sleep disorder care possible. Additionally, we treat or supervise critical care treatment and ICU patient care.
Our Canton Office Has Moved! 678-493-2527 460 Northside Cherokee Blvd. Suite 130 Canton, GA 30115 Located in medical office building on Northside Hospital Cherokee campus
New Woodstock Office Now Open 770-852-7740 900 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 206 Woodstock, GA 30189
Dr. Akhil Vallabhaneni
Dr. Matthew Haack
Located on Northside-Cherokee Towne Lake Medical Campus
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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COMMUNITY
Celebrations!
Rachel Leona Grimes
Born Jan. 2 to Robert and Rebecca Grimes. Sister to Kayden. Granddaughter to Frank and Donna Pudysz, and Bob and Maureen Grimes.
Hailey
Happy 13th birthday! We love you and are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Colby, Luna and Ringo.
LIVE MUSIC
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LIVE BLUES 6-10PM
StoveTop Slim
Jackie and Dave Loudin
Happy Anniversary! 29 years and counting … the adventure continues!
ROMANCE Bryson
14FEB
Happy third birthday! We love you the most!
Thursday Congratulations!
Megan Barie and Ian Barcala are engaged! They will be married July 20.
120 CHAMBER S ST ., WOODST OCK , GA 30188 770.926.6778 FireStoneRestaurants.com
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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Rachel Hugenberg
Age 17 on Feb. 5. Happy birthday, Rachel. We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad and Elizabeth. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
E-mail to: Jackie@ AroundaboutMagazines.com March deadline is Feb. 10. Please specify TowneLaker.
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Restaurants
Now Accepting Nominations! It’s time to nominate your favorite businesses and service providers in Cherokee County. Go to www.townelaker.com and click on the Readers’ Choice logo to begin. Nominations will be accepted Feb. 1-28; none will be accepted after 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Voting on the nominees will be held April 1-May 10. Our local business owners bring so much value to our community - here’s a unique way to show your appreciation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1.
While most of us spend a fair amount of time in bigbox retailers, we want to keep the focus of Readers’ Choice on local small businesses and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit.
2.
As you make your nominations, 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.
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Make nominations in as few or as many categories as you’d like.
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
American Asian Barbecue Breakfast Coffee Shop Dessert Fine Dining Food Truck Italian Kid Friendly Mexican Pizzeria Seafood
Retail
Animal/Pet Supplies Bicycle Sales Boutique Consignment Store Florist Garden Center/Nursery Gifts/Home Décor Jeweler Liquor Store Pharmacy Specialty Foods Thrift Store Tires
Medical Services
Audiologist Cardiologist Chiropractor Dentist Dermatologist ENT/Allergy Center Gastroenterologist General Practitioner Obstetrician/Gynecologist Optometrist/Ophthalmologist Orthodontist Orthopedic Pediatric Dentist Pediatrician Physical Therapist Plastic Surgeon Podiatrist Surgeon Veterinarian
Recreation & Entertainment Community Theatre Dance Studio Equestrian Golf Course/Club Gymnastics Center Music Venue Outdoor Festival Summer Camp Swim Lessons
Other Services
Accountant Adult Day Care/Respite Attorney Automotive Bakery Bank/Credit Union Barber Shop Business Support Carwash Counseling Day Care/Preschool Day Spa Dog Trainer Financial Adviser Fitness/Health Club Funeral Home Hair Salon Health/Wellness Home Cleaning Home Improvement/Repair Insurance Interior Design Landscaping/Lawn Care Mortgage Lending Music Lessons Nail Salon Pest Control Pet Boarding Pet Grooming Photographer Private School Realtor Senior Living Facility Travel Agency Tutor
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Film Festival Officially an International Event The inaugural Etowah Film Festival, set for May 23-26 at the Historic Canton Theatre, had received 53 entries at press time, with several from other countries, classifying the event as an international festival. The event includes a Friday evening filmmaker’s reception, Sunday morning patron brunch, and screenings through the four days of the films, which will be entered to win in the following categories: best documentary (short or feature), best environmental subject (short or feature), best narrative short, best narrative feature, and best student short. Organizers Laine Wood and Brent Lambert-Zaffino were inspired to begin the festival since Cherokee County is now a camera-ready community and has hosted more than 100 production crews for movies, television shows and videos, Wood said. “Our area colleges and high schools all have film/ media-related degrees and classes,” she said. “The film festival also will generate thousands of dollars in economic impact for the Canton area and throughout the county, making it a win-win for everyone involved.” To purchase a ticket or to volunteer, visit www.EtowahFilmFestival.com.
YOUR LOCAL NEWS The First in a Few Ways
Baby Declan and mom Kelly.
The first baby of 2019 born at Northside Hospital Cherokee made his arrival at 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Declan Douglas Fuller, the first child of Kelly and Chase Fuller, weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces. “It is pretty cool to have the first baby. I didn’t think we would make it to 2019,” said Kelly, who was due Dec. 22. Chase said, “It’s exciting for his birthday to be 1/1 or the New Year and born at 1 a.m. That will always be easy to remember.”
Support Groups Available through Operation Home Front Cherokee Veterans Community (CVC) is organizing support groups for families of deployed military members through its Operation Home Front. An informational meeting is set for 1011:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at First Baptist Church Woodstock, Building A (the chapel building) at 11906 Ga. Highway 92. Coffee and doughnuts will be served, and a play area will set up for children. RSVP to veteransministry@fbcw.net or call 678-570-5828. The CVC is committed to creating support groups in the
community, behind the motto: “We are standing strong shoulder to shoulder and we are stronger standing together than when we are standing alone.” CVC also helps veterans’ families with minor home repairs, car issues and more that may arise. The group collects items that are distributed to the deployed veterans through Operation Rally Point’s Rally Boxes. There is no charge for services offered through CVC. For more details, visit www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org.
Members of the Georgia National Guard 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team — Bravo Troop 1-108 Cavalry Squadron and their families gather at the armory in Canton. 12
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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YOUR LOCAL NEWS Sequoyah Library System Unveils New Logo
From left: Angela D’Agata of the Cherokee County DUI/Drug Court; Dee Dee Doeckel of Drug Free Cherokee; Lisa-Marie Haygood of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation; Ester Lopez of the Council on Alcohol and Drugs; Jessica Moss, Cherokee County Solicitor General; Sonia Carruthers of Cherokee FOCUS/Drug Free Cherokee, and Dr. Gregg Raduka of the Council on Alcohol and Drugs.
Commissioners Approve Social Hosting Ordinance On Dec. 19, the Cherokee Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the proposed Social Hosting ordinance amendment, which will hold party hosts accountable for underage drinking in their homes. Social hosting is defined as events where people over the age of 21 allow underage drinking on their premises. Hosts would be responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent underage consumption of alcoholic beverages. The ordinance would fill in certain gaps in state law and provide a deterrent to underage drinking in the county, as well as provide enforcement power to local authorities. Jessica Moss, retired Cherokee solicitor general and chairman of Drug Free Cherokee (DFC), spearheaded the efforts. Moss said the ordinance will not affect the existing law allowing parents to let their own children drink at home under their supervision. Only those adults who host parties serving alcohol to minors, or do not stop a gathering with underage drinking from happening at their home, run the risk of prosecution, she said. DFC is an arm of Cherokee FOCUS, a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of families and children in our county. “It was the effort of the DFC community partners, such as the solicitor general and organizations such as the Council on Alcohol and Drugs, represented by Ester Lopez, that worked well over two years to assure that this was an ordinance that would be beneficial for Cherokee County,” said Sonia Carruthers, executive director and CEO of Cherokee FOCUS. County officials say the change in law will protect Cherokee’s children better, and was approved by a unanimous vote from county commissioners at their final meeting of the year. 14
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
The Sequoyah Regional Library System, which serves Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer counties, has unveiled a new brand identity and logo in celebration of its 60th anniversary in 2018. Designed in-house, the new logo incorporates visual elements that reflect the library system’s heritage and namesake, while emphasizing the ideals of its mission and vision. The logo’s circular leaf motif utilizes familiar shades of green and blue from previous iterations, and symbolizes the “talking leaves” that inspired Sequoyah to invent the Cherokee syllabary in the early 19th century. The leaves also represent the diverse community served by the library system. The launch of this new branding coincides with the library system’s new strategic plan, which will be implemented through 2021. “The vision of our libraries is to be the community’s dynamic destination for discovery,” said Anita Summers, director of Sequoyah Regional Library System. “This new logo was chosen from hundreds of possible designs because we feel it most effectively demonstrates the values outlined in that vision. It bridges the best of who we are today with the best of who we’ve always been.” Along with the logo reveal and rebranding, the mission has been modified: “Connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create.” www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org.
Writers Meet Monthly to Offer Support, Share Ideas The Christian Authors Guild (CAG) is kicking off its 19th year serving aspiring writers in Cherokee County. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, in Woodstock. Each meeting features timely topics of interest presented by expert guest speakers and published authors. Visitors are welcome, and refreshments are served. Annual dues are $30. The CAG also hosts the one-day Saturday Coffee & Quill Writers Conference in September at the same location. Members receive discounted admission. For more information, contact www.christianauthorsguild. org or email dianabaker215@gmail.com.
Mark Wills Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry Woodstock resident and country music artist Mark Wills has been inducted into membership of the Grand Ole Opry, one of the biggest honors in the country music industry, and a goal of his since he was a child. “Vince Gill said it so well when he invited Mark to join the family last month, citing Mark as being one of Opry’s great supporters and a proponent of what the Opry stands for,” said Sally Williams, senior vice president, programming and artist relations/Opry general manager. “We are glad to call him family and look forward to Mark entertaining Opry audiences and sharing his passion for the Opry for years to come.” Wills, a multi-platinum, 16-time Billboard single chart-topper and ACM award-winning artist will kick off the 2019 Woodstock Concert Series on May 11 at the Northside Cherokee Amphitheater. Achieving his first chart-topping success at age 23, Wills has released seven albums. The Woodstock resident has been married to Kelly for 22 years and has two daughters. www.markwills.com. Ten-year Opry member Craig Morgan, left, welcomed Mark Wills to the Opry family. Photo by Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry.
The Kind Approach
770-575-8800 www.ChloesAutoRepair.com 6422 Bells Ferry Rd #100 Woodstock, GA 30189
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Help for the Homeless
Female veteran is back on track, with help from the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans program. BY JIM LINDENMAYER
Lyndsey Jennings never thought she would find herself homeless after her two-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, and then married life, but that's exactly what happened to her. There is no doubt that homelessness remains a problem in the United States, and the number of homeless veterans remains high, to our embarrassment. Too many of our heroes remain on the streets, despite the national and statewide programs that exist to help them. It’s important to note that it’s not only male veterans at risk. The homeless rate among female veterans is high; more attention needs to be directed at this problem. According to a study conducted by Project Muse in 2010, female veterans were three to four times more likely to become homeless when compared with nonveteran women. The primary causes include unemployment, disability, poor health and lack of treatment for PTSD and/or anxiety problems. Like many homeless female veterans, Lyndsey’s symptoms could have and should have been detected during her time in the military. Her journey started after she was labeled with ADHD by her recruiter, but, during her two years of service, her condition went untreated. After leaving the military, she married and had children, but was in an abusive relationship: She ended up in a battered women’s shelter. Unable to take care of her two boys, Lyndsey put them up for adoption. She continued to struggle, and found herself living for almost a year in her car with her daughter. Last summer, while she and her daughter were living in a rental basement apartment for a short time, Lyndsey called me and asked for help. The day she called, her SUV had broken down in a church parking lot just outside of Canton on Highway 20. I knew that this veteran needed a lot of help, and that it needed to be done a day at a time. 16
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Vet Lyndsey and daughter with Santa.
Over the next couple of weeks, we worked on a plan to address one issue at a time, starting with vehicle repair, and moving on to securing housing and food, a review of her veterans benefits, and then finding her a job. I enlisted a number of local and federal support groups to help, including MUST Ministries in Canton, led by Kendall Jones. I reached out to HOPE Atlanta for housing; this agency offers Supportive Services for Veterans with Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) in Cherokee County. Other support programs also were supportive of Lyndsey, but an appeal has been made to the Veterans Administration, which claims she did not serve 24 consecutive months of service, making her ineligible for veterans benefits. Today, she has a job, and, through the SSVF program and donations to the
Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program, we have been able to help her pay her monthly rent. Recently, at a Cherokee Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Lyndsey was the beneficiary of a donation from a local unnamed donor, who is going to help pay her rent for a few months. It has been a long road for Lyndsey to get her life back and return to being part of the community. We applaud her for her progress, and we are expecting good things from her. One day, she will pay it forward to help another veteran. Our program does not do any charity work. Every veteran we help has earned it, whether they served two years or 20 years in military service.
Jim Lindenmayer is program director of the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program.
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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The perspective from a drone gives potential buyers a chance to see the home's best outdoor features.
The Advantages of Drone Video in Home Sales BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON
You might not be sure about showcasing your home from the sky, because it is not very large, or the appeal from above isn't that desirable. The truth is, any home effectively marketed with drone video can benefit from this unique exposure. Among the benefits of using drone video is the attention the videos attract on social media sites. The unique vantage point provided by a drone effectively showcases the home's best outdoor features and demonstrates what the neighborhood has to offer. This increased attention attracts more buyers and increases the probability of multiple offers, which always results in more money for your home. Our first drone video posted on Facebook was promoted and reached 4,696 potential home buyers. Of these “reached prospects,” 556 people either clicked, liked or shared the property's video with friends. Real estate advertising is typically uninteresting, and this first property went viral. Albeit on a small scale, we rarely had a listing receive better than a five percent click-through rate, and this was better than 10 percent. This property had multiple offers as it came on the market, and we give some of the credit to the pre-listing exposure it received on social media. It seems the movement of video on social media timelines attracts prospects to click and engage with the listing, unlike a set of static images. 18
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
The expression “a picture is worth a thousand words” could not be more true today. There is no better way to give a prospective buyer context for where an available home is located in the subdivision or on its lot. Is the golf course actually directly behind the home? Is the home truly walking distance to the pool, clubhouse or lake? In a two-minute clip or single photo, the buyer can see for themselves where the home is, relative to desired neighborhood amenities, and view the home’s best outdoor features. As drone photography becomes more and more commonplace in marketing real estate, buyers likely will expect drone footage with every listing. In order to utilize a drone for advertising real estate, the FAA requires the operator be licensed for the operation of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This does not mean your listing agent needs to be FAA-licensed, but it does require that they hire an FAA-licensed pilot to capture the footage, and this can cost a few hundred dollars. As a result, it may be some years before every agent is providing drone video for their clients’ listings.
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 2019
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Heroes
Our
Hometown
In our December issue, we ran a list of ways our readers could help local nonprofits and government agencies that work to enrich the lives of those less fortunate in our community. We shared the needs, and you — our hometown heroes — responded in a powerful way. Read on to see the good news about how you and your neighbors made a difference during the Christmas holidays.
Cherokee County Senior Services www.cherokeega.com
From Joy McEuen, Meals on Wheels representative “The Adopt a Senior program had a goal of collecting 350 gifts for the area’s elderly, and the community delivered! We were thrilled and humbled by this year’s response from the community. Alice Micham, Meals on Wheels supervisor, received dozens of calls from our customers saying how grateful and appreciative they were to be thought of this holiday season. This was truly a collaboration between the entire community and Cherokee County Senior Services that made this a very special holiday season for Cherokee County seniors! We are thankful for the TowneLaker’s support. We had numerous donors say they decided to help us when they saw the article.”
Meals on Wheels staffers Stacy Morton and Lisa Crowe with a few of the gifts. 20
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
An Adopt a Vet team visits the Canton Nursing Home.
Adopt a Vet www.legion.org
From Jim Lindenmayer, director of the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran program “We were able to assist 23 families with a total of 62 children, as well as 230 senior veterans in assisted living and nursing homes, 14 veterans and their families living at home, and four veterans in a hotel. None of this would have been possible without all the donations and the families that sponsored the program. Additionally, we provided 60 blankets and winter clothes to the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) in Atlanta, which is a shelter that supports housing of homeless veterans. Our program has sent several long-term homeless veterans to this organization, as there are no shelters in Cherokee County. The blankets were donated by Nelson Elder Care and a local cub scout who did this as part of his merit badge requirement. “On Dec. 9, we held our annual veteran’s pancake breakfast with Santa, and had 165 attendees. Toys were provided to all the children who attended, as well as a great breakfast of pancakes, bacon, juice, milk and coffee. The event was held at the Cherokee County Senior Center at 1001 Univeter Road, and the site was provided by Tim Morris and Pat Kenny from the center. We also passed out over 1,000 pounds of food and other toiletries to the various families of veterans in need during the holiday. The food for the breakfast was provided by IHOP, Ingles and Target. “Lastly, through American Legion Post 45’s car donation program, we were able to present to homeless Navy veteran Michael Gates a vehicle that will allow him to find a better job than his current fast-food job.”
Cherokee Family Violence Center
Hugs for Seniors
From Stephanie Villasenor, outreach coordinator
From Lindsey Collett, special events and marketing coordinator
“We are so touched at the overwhelming number of donations during the holidays. I have no doubt that the information provided in the Aroundabout magazines contributed to that. We are truly appreciative of all the contributions your readers made to CFVC. I am pleased to update you that we currently are stocked for the following items that we requested: new pots and pans, plates, Tupperware, towels and washcloths, white twin sheet sets, pillows and new socks. “As for currently needed items, we are looking for large trash bags, light bulbs and office supplies, like copy paper, regular file folders and purple file folders. Donations of these items, while not exciting, will help us reduce overhead costs for the agency, so that we can use more of our funding dollars for direct client services.”
“We had about 260 blankets and 200 pairs of socks and house shoes, plus some miscellaneous items such as pajamas. We donated to the Canton Nursing Center this year.”
www.cfvc.org
Goshen Valley Foundation www.goshenvalley.org
From Executive Director Stacy Cooper “We are so appreciative of the way that the community responded to our requests for assistance with Christmas gifts for our 46 boys. We had almost 300 gifts ordered through Amazon, and many others provided. Over 2,000 people from Cherokee County came in November and December to provide meals, help decorate, play flag football, assemble welcome baskets for our new boys, donate food and clothing, and assist in wrapping ALL those presents. We could NOT do Christmas at Goshen without the generosity of Cherokee County! I love our community!”
www.crpa.net
MUST Ministries — Cherokee www.mustministries.org
From Kaye Cagle, vice president of marketing and public relations The annual MUST toy shop in Canton served 494 families, including 1,365 children, during the Dec. 1-15 Christmas project. Among the donations were more than 700 bicycles given for children in Cherokee and Cobb counties, where another toy shop was open for MUST clients. Children received hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, underwear, socks and other necessities in addition to toys, Cagle said.
Secret Santa
www.cherokeesanta.com From Lisa Wheeler, Secret Santa director, and Brooke Ford, DFCS director The Secret Santa program of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) for Cherokee County makes sure each foster child has Christmas presents. In 2018, more than 400 foster children and families in Cherokee County were served through the generous support of community organizations, churches and individuals. Gifts ranged from cribs and baby items for the youngest children, and popular toys and bikes for toddlers and school-aged children, to laptops and tablets for older teens and college students, according to Wheeler. “The generosity of our sponsors went above and beyond what we have seen in years past and we were able to serve every child in care right up until the day before Christmas.” In addition to Secret Santa, the agency received donations from Knox, Little River and Free Home elementary schools. “We were the recipients of the toys donated during the December Good Morning Cherokee Chamber Breakfast, and we had the Holly Springs police drop off toys from their Stuff-a-Truck event,” Ford said. “This year’s efforts were VERY successful, and we were able to help a lot of Cherokee families have a brighter holiday due to the generosity of this wonderful community.”
The Children’s Haven
www.CherokeeChildrensHaven.org From Marcie Smith, executive director
Lots of presents for the boys at Goshen Valley.
“We had the sweetest family bring bags of new clothes, diapers and brand new coats over! They mentioned that they read about the need in your magazines. Thank you so, so much! We appreciate you!” TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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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.
2019
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 STEM adventures await, whether you are looking to conquer robot, drone and minecraft challenges, or wanting to create games, movies, 3-D objects, websites and more. Weekly half-day and full-day camps for ages 5 and up are available at locations throughout Cherokee and Cobb. 770-826-0449. www.brainy-bytes.com/nw-atlanta. Camp Gideon A Christian camp located on Lake Allatoona offers day and overnight camping programs for children to engage them socially, spiritually and physically through a variety of outdoor activities. IMPACT Leadership Camp (co-ed, ages 12-plus) June 9-14, Discovery Day Camp (co-ed, ages 5-11) June 10-14, Camp Remix (co-ed, overnight ages 8-12, day campers ages 5-11) June 17-21, 24-28 and D24 Overnight Camp (co-ed, ages 7-13) July 1-5. Camp Invention For children entering 1st-6th grades at Lyndon Academy, 485 Toonigh Road, Woodstock, 770-926-0166. June 10-14 and July 8-12. 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. www.invent.org/programs/ camp-invention. 22
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Camp Juliette Low An overnight camp for girls ages 7-17 that offers outdoor programs to foster selfconfidence, independence, teamwork and leadership. Traditional camping, platform tents, outdoor adventure, fun and friendship await. One- and two-week sessions available starting June 2. Located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, Ga. For more information, call 770-428-1062, email info@ CJL.org or visit www.CJL.org. Cherokee County YMCA Summer Summer camp experiences available at the Woodstock and Canton locations. Traditional day camps, overnight and specialty programs offered. For more information, call 770-5916092 or visit www.ymcaatlanta.org/coy. Cherokee Tennis Center Tiny Tots Camp for ages 8 and younger Mondays-Thursdays 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, MondaysThursdays 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $160 per session, and the camp 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 run from June 3 through July 25. Register at www.cherokeetenniscenter.com or call 770-592-4582.
Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Camps are taught by trained counselors who introduce children, ages 5-14, to theater and theatrical performance. Campers explore acting, singing and dancing, and learn the discipline of performing, as they develop their unique creative voices. Elm Street’s camps provide young people with performance and creative thinking skills that will serve them in whatever profession they pursue. Campers develop poise, movement, teamwork, and speaking and acting skills as they explore improvisation, theater games, character development and other areas. Each camp ends with a performance for family and friends, as well as a special viewing of Elephant & Piggie's “We Are In A Play!" in June sessions (weekly June 10-28) and “The Wizard of Oz” in July sessions (weekly July 8-26). Call 678-494-4251 for more information. Paper.Scissors.Cake. 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 oneweek sessions at Bascomb Elementary School, 9 a.m.-noon, June 3-7, 10-14 and 17-21. 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 at cherokeecountysafetytown@gmail.com or 770-894-2151 for questions.
Summer Camp Splash The Woodstock Aquatic Center and Gold Swim school will host weekly sessions June 3 through July 19 for ages 5-12, with a maximum of 16 campers per week. Campers need to bring a packed lunch daily; snacks and water provided. Camp is $275 per week, $250 for multiple weeks, 10 percent off for siblings. To register, call 770-591-1998, email Frontdesk@goldswim.com or visit www.goldswim.com. The Stables at Towne Lake Summer camp for ages 5-14 emphasizes having a pleasurable experience through safe riding techniques and making new twoand four-legged friends. Participants engage in riding, learning, crafts with qualified instructors and some of the best kid-loving horses around. Cost is $350 per week, with early registration discounts. Camp dates run from June 3 through July 26. For more information, call 678-704-7099, email info@ thestablesattownelake.com or visit www.thestablesattownelake.com. The STEM Hangar For children entering grades K-5 in the 2019-20 school year (must be at least 5 years old as of the first day of camp). Camp dates are June 3-July 26. Offering full day-full week, half day-full week, and half day drop-in, with general themes: robotics and programming, coding and web design, aviation/flight camp, video game design, crazy mad science, art studio and more. Detailed descriptions will be posted, along with open enrollment, on or before Feb. 18. Camps at The STEM Hangar, 120 Arnold Mill Park, Suite 400, Woodstock. 678-304-0088. https://bookeo.com/ thestemhangar. Allen Temple AME Teams of Science & Sports (TOSS) offers a variety of activities for children ages 5-12, who can practice Christian values, explore scientific principles (with a STEM focus), and participate in various sports (basketball, volleyball and others). The Allen Temple Christian Academy offers activities for children ages 15 months to 4 years. Allen Temple AME is in Woodstock at 232 Arnold Mill Road. 770-926-6348. www.allentemplesummercamp.com.
Cherokee Recreation and Parks Registration begins 9 a.m. April 16 770-924-7768 www.crpa.net
K.A.O.S. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 3-July 26 at Woodstock Elementary School. Designed for individuals ages 6-22 with disabilities, sponsored by the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Association. Adventures Express Summer Day Camp Takes place June 3-July 26 at the Recreation Center and at Hickory Flat Elementary gymnasium. Cost is $150 weekly per child. $30 weekly nonrefundable deposit. For children in kindergarten through age 8, and ages 9-12. Registration begins April 22 Mini-Action Break 7 a.m.-6 p.m. July 29-31 for children in kindergarten through age 12. Cost is $100. Held at the recreation center. www.crpa.net. Fishing Offers the basics of fishing, strategies and tactics, and other skills will be taught to campers ages 8-13, June 3-7 and June 17-21. Campers will travel to new destinations each day. A cookout and fish fry will wrap up the week. Cost is $160 for each week. Art Enrichment 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 3-July 26, with weekly registration, at the Free Home Fire Station. Ages 3-5 meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, $50 per week. Grades K-5 meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, $75. Girls and Dolls S.T.E.A.M. Meets 9 a.m.-noon June 10-14 at the BridgeMill Fire Station. For ages 6-11. $175. Intro to STEM with Lego materials Meets June 17-21, 9 a.m.-noon for ages 5-7 and 1-4 p.m. for ages 8-11 at the BridgeMill Fire Station. $160. Junior Tennis Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. weekly in June at Cherokee Veterans Park. $45/week. Tennis Morning Out For ages 4 and older meets Mondays in June at Cherokee Veterans Park. $20/day. Waterlogged At the Recreation Center pavilion for ages 9-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 24-28 and July 8-12. Water field trip daily. $250. Adventure Teen At Recreation Center pavilion for ages 13-15 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22-26. Outdoor adventures including zip-lining, ropes challenge courses, canoeing/kayaking and more. $250. Teen At Recreation Center pavilion for ages 13-15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 15-19. Fun trips to White Water, rafting, Six Flags, white-water rafting and more. $250. Xplosive Speed & Agility For ages 6-15, 6-8 p.m. June 24-27. Participants will refine their techniques, increase speed, strength and agility for any sport. $95. Gymnastics At Recreation Center gym for ages 5-12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 1-3. $40 daily, $115 for three days. Learn fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling. Magic June 3-7 at the BridgeMill Fire Station for ages 5-12, 9 a.m.-noon and ages 13 and older 1-4 p.m. Discover the art of magic, including card and coin tricks, making objects appear and disappear, levitation and reading a spectator’s mind. Parent show on Friday. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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A Refresher on the General Assembly BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL
As you read this, our General Assembly is almost a month into the 2019 legislative session that started Jan. 14. We have inaugurated a new governor and lieutenant governor. Our House and Senate have welcomed 30-plus new members. The Georgia State Capitol is a very different place, and the legislature is hard at work on its only constitutionally mandated responsibility − passing a balanced budget. That budget will account for more than $50 billion of Georgians’ hard-earned money to support public education, transportation infrastructure, public safety, higher education and much more throughout our great state. With so much happening, it seems like a great time for a refresher on what the General Assembly is, what it does and how you are represented. In Georgia, we have one of the oldest legislatures in the United States. Our Georgia General Assembly has been meeting for longer than the U.S. Congress has been in existence. It is comprised of a House of Representatives and a Senate.
Georgia House Districts - 2012
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
The Georgia State Senate is made up of 56 members from across our state. In Cherokee County, we are split between three state Senate districts: the 14th, 21st and 56th. Currently, the 14th Senate seat is held by Sen. Bruce Thompson of Bartow County, the 21st Senate seat is held by Sen. Brandon Beach (my senator) and the 56th is held by Sen. John Albers. The Georgia House of Representatives is made up of 180 members from around the state. We have five House members representing at least a portion of our county in the 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 46th House districts. The 21st is represented by Rep. Scot Turner of Holly Springs, the 22nd by Rep. Wes Cantrell of Woodstock, the 23rd by Rep. Mandi Ballinger of Canton and the 46th by Rep. John Carson of Marietta. It is my honor to represent the 20th House district, which encompasses all of downtown Woodstock, Towne Lake, a portion of Acworth and the southern half of the Sixes area. In Georgia, we have a “part-time” legislature. I use the quotation marks purposefully, as it really comes down to how you define part time. Yes, our legislative session lasts only 40 days, spanning three to four months. We start the second Monday in January, and finish late March or April most years. What is often underestimated though is the constituent services work, committee work, legislative planning, public meetings, and more that are completed through the remainder of the year. The last time I tracked my hours, I was spending an average of 30-40 hours per week on the role when the legislature was not in session. During the legislative session, legislative work often takes 80-100 hours or more per week. As a Georgia legislator, our salary amounts to $17,341 per year, which means that most members also have a private sector career. I spend my normal business weeks at the 12-employee software and application firm that my business partner and I have built here in Woodstock. This format of legislature creates, what I think is, our General Assembly’s greatest feature: a room full of workingcitizen legislators. We live and work under the laws and taxes that we pass, just like our constituents. The financial incentives are aligned to ensure we work toward good policy rather than re-election. Is it a perfect system? Heavens, no. Is it better than a full time, full salaried legislative system? I believe so. Our job is fairly simple on paper. We appropriate
Georgia Senate Districts the $50 billion-plus annual budget to operate the government in the state of Georgia. We also introduce, debate and pass legislation to amend the 80-plus volume Official Code of Georgia Annotated (state law). This is all done during our legislative session. Throughout the rest of the year, much of our official work is spent preparing for the coming session and helping constituents navigate the behemoth of state government. As you find yourself interacting with the state, please don’t ever hesitate to call on me or any of the colleagues I’ve listed. You can always reach out to me on my personal cell phone 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. Please also know that while we’re in session, you’re more than welcome to come visit the Gold Dome. If you call me ahead of time, I’ll be glad to give you a tour around your Capitol building! 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 2019
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Breaking the Boredom of
Winter
Winter break for Cherokee County schools is Feb. 18−22. For families planning out-of-town vacations, keep in mind that Feb. 20-22 are potential inclement weather make-up days for students. We’ve listed some local day camps, as well as some ideas for stay-at-home activities. Enjoy the break!
Feb. 18-19
YMCA School Break Camp, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. for ages
5-12, Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA, 201 E. Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Cost for facility members $34 per day per child, program members $40 per day per child. Each day campers should bring: lunch, two snacks, refillable water bottle, backpack, jacket and closed-toed shoes. Register in person or online at www.ymcaregistration.com.
Feb. 18-22
Non-Stop Action Camp, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. for ages 5-13. Recreation Center Gym, 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock. Cost is $170 per child. To register visit www.crpa.net/camps/school-break-camps.
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Feb. 18-22
Camp at The STEM Hangar. Offering full-day/full week, half-day/full week, and half-day drop-in for children currently in kindergarten through fifth grade. 120 Arnold Mill Park, Suite 400, Woodstock. STEM students will enjoy discovering all aspects of the facility including: robotics, engineering, inventing, aviation, science labs, art studio, computer-based coding and game design. Morning sessions and afternoon sessions provide different experiences. Space is limited. Register at bookeo.com/ thestemhangar or call 678-304-0088. Cherokee County Aquatic Center Splish Splash Camp,
7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. for ages 5-13. Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. Cost is $175 per child. All children will be assessed at 9 a.m. on the first day of camp. Any child unable to swim 25 yards unassisted in 7 feet of water, will be sent home. Refunds will not be available. Each day, campers should bring: two snacks, refillable water bottle, swimsuit, two towels, goggles and a change of clothes. To register visit www.crpa.net/camps/school-break-camps.
Taking a Break at Home Staying local for this year’s winter break? Here are some ideas for getting out of the house, as well as spending some quality time together at home.
1. Explore local state or national parks.
Hike up Kennesaw Mountain or visit one of the state parks nearby; many of them would make a great day trip. www.stateparks.com/georgia_parks_and_recreation_destinations.
2. Visit local museums or historical societies.
There are several state historical sites and museums within a short drive of Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Historical Society is also a great resource. www.rockbarn.org. Just don’t let the kids know they might be learning something.
3. Try new recipes.
Cooking with your kids can be a great way to bond and sneak a few math lessons in, as well (measuring ingredients is a fun way to teach fractions). Visit Pinterest to find a recipe that appeals to everyone. www.pinterest.com.
4. Go to the library.
Our library system provides an extensive list of services for the community that goes well beyond books. Visit www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org to learn more or check out the list of activities available through your local library this month on pg. 58.
5. Do a craft project you’ve been thinking about trying. Get out the glue gun, scissors, tape, etc. and plan a family craft.
6. Find indoor fun like bowling or miniature golf.
If the weather won’t let you enjoy outdoor activities, find a place where the kids can burn off some energy indoors.
7. Try a new restaurant.
We have plenty of great eateries in our area. Take the whole family, or get a sitter and make it a date night.
8. Plan a Netflix binge.
Check out the latest family-friendly releases, and get cozy on the couch with a bowl of popcorn.
For more activities and events taking place during the week of Feb. 18-22, see the community calendar on page 40.
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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TOWNE LAKE AREA DINING CUISINE
BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS RESERV.
Cancun Mexican Grill, 4430 Towne Lake Parkway 770-693-4680
Mexican
no
$
$
open
full bar
no
Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com
American
no
$
$
open
no
no
Chinese
no
$
$-$$
open
no
no
American Irish
no
$
$$
open
full bar
6+
Mexican
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
no
Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885, familytradition.net
Homestyle Cooking
$
$
$
closed
no
no
GameDay Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754, gamedayfresh.com
American/Burgers
no
$
$$
open
full bar
yes
Thai/Sushi/ Chinese
no
$
$$
open
full bar
no
JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road 678-445-7730, jdsbbq.com
Barbeque
no
$
$-$$
open
no
no
Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Road 770-790-5740
American
no
$
$$
open
full bar
yes
Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494, johnnyspizza.com
Pizza/Pasta/ Salad
no
$
$-$$
open
full bar
no
Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-5264, kanihouse.com
Japanese Steak/Sushi
no
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
yes
Sunday $$ $$-$$$ open full bar Brunch
no
China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671, chinafun88.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 Towne Lake Parkway 678-238-1899, iloveizumi.com
Keegan’s Public House, 1085 Buckhead Crossing #140 Irish/Pub 770-627-4393, keegansirishpub.net La Parrilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606, laparrilla.com
Mexican
no
$
$$
open
full bar
LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway Steakhouse no $ $$ open full bar 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com Maple Street Biscuit Co., 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy #160 678-903-2161, maplestreetbiscuits.com
no call ahead seating
Southern
$-$$
$-$$
no
closed
no
no
Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331, mellowmushroom.com
Pizza/Pasta
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
NY Style Deli & Pizza, 2340 Towne Lake Parkway 678-426-7004
Pizza/Subs/ Bakery
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
no
no
Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches
$
$
$-$$
open
no
no
Chinese/Japanese
no
$
$-$$
open
beer/wine
no
Chinese
no
$
$-$$
open
no
no
Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Song’s Garden, 4451 Towne Lake Parkway 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com
Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Drive American see ad on pg 31 770-592-9969 The Place, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901, theplacebargrill.com
Sunday $ $$ open full bar Brunch
no
Bar/Grill
no
$-$$
$$
open
full bar
no
Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com
Italian
no
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
10+
Volcano Steak & Sushi, 2990 Eagle Drive 678-498-7888, volcanowoodstock.com
Asian
no
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
full bar
no
full bar
yes
WOW Pho & Grill, 6422 Bells Ferry Rd Vietnamese no $-$$ $-$$ open 678-383-6099, wowpho.com
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
coming soon
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
RESTAURANT
Casual and Upscale Restaurants
Just bring this card, or snap a photo of it. New patients only. Monthly payment depends on initial investment (down payment) made. May not be combined with other offers. Some restrictions may apply.
Woodstock-Towne Lake 145 Towne Lake Pkwy Suite 201
(770) 592-5554
DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com
Canton
205 Waleska Rd Suite 1-A
(770) 345-4155
Michael D. Williams, DMD, MS Dana Fender, DMD
Same Day Braces 0% Interest
Se habla EspaĂąol Owned and operated by Dana Fender, DMD | Dana E. Fender DMD PC.
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Spring 2019 Consignment Sales 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.
Feb. 28-March 2
March 8-9
March 14-16
9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Adults, who donate $5 cash to missions at the door, can shop at 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning. (No donation needed for children.) Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. http://all4kids.com.
Little Lambs
Born Again Blessings
2-8 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Marietta First UMC, 56 Whitlock Ave., NW. www.lil-lambs.org.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Riverstone Church, 2005 Stilesboro Road NW, Kennesaw. www.bornagainblessings.com.
Cumming First UMC
Due West Treasure Chest
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cumming First UMC, 770 Canton Highway, Cumming. cfumcga.com/kids-consignment-sale.
9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. 3956 Due West Road, Marietta. www.duewest.org.
March 1-2
NOWAMOM
God’s Little Sprouts
8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Trinity UMC, 814 West Ave., Cartersville. www.godslittlesprouts.com.
March 7-9
All 4 Kids, Woodstock
9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday;9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Adults, who donate $5 cash to missions at the door, can shop at 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning. (No donation needed for children.) His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock. http://all4kids.com. 30
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
March 9
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. www.nowamom.org.
March 14-16
Johns Creek UMC Children’s Sale 6-8 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Johns Creek UMC, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek. www.johnscreekumc.org.
All 4 Kids, Marietta
March 15-16
RUMC Consignment Sale
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. Roswell UMC, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. www.roswellumc.org/rumck.
Canton First Baptist Kids Sale 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Canton First Baptist Church, 1 Mission Point, Canton. www.fbckidssale.com.
Two Locations
Providing compassionate and comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins 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, efficient follow up and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle.
NorthsideCherokeePediatrics.com
Holly Springs 684 Sixes Road, Suite 220 Holly Springs, GA 30115
678-388-5485 Towne Lake 900 Towne Lake Pkwy, Suite 306 Woodstock, GA 30189
Northside/ Imag
770-852-7720 Exit 11 (Sixes Road)
HOLLY SPRINGS TOWNE LAKE
Ros wel l Rd .
Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home
J
oh TOWNELAKER | February 2019 ns on Fe rry
31
Mark Your Calendars
Details at www.mountaingoatadventures.com. March 16 Rope Mill Spring Thaw: 4-mile and
10-mile trail run at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock. Shirt and coffee mug for all 4- and 10-mile runners. Free half-mile kids 10 and under race. Fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock.
April 20 Battle of Blankets Creek: 5-mile and
The scene at the 2018 Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon.
Discovering a Healthy Lifestyle on the Trails BY LISA RANDALL
So, you’ve made a commitment to be more active, but find it hard to stick to a new routine or exercise plan. Many adults lose motivation for working out at the gym because it feels too much like work. Two of the best ways to stay motivated are to find an activity that you enjoy and develop a specific goal, or get involved with a group of people with similar interests who will motivate you to keep up your routine. After several years as host to running and biking events, I’ve seen so many people go from never running or biking on a trail to initiating a complete lifestyle makeover after participating in their first event. It doesn’t happen overnight. Over time, these folks, who once considered themselves nonathletes, have found an enjoyable way to stay active and find camaraderie among people with similar goals. It all begins with taking the plunge and signing up for that first event. Start small, with an event that is 3 to 5 miles. Most adults can walk this distance in less than 1.5 hours, so, even if you have to walk most of the event, it’s a start, and hikers are encouraged to participate. Knowing that the event is on the horizon provides a goal, and motivation for most people to get out and practice ahead of time, especially in the colder winter months. Another tip is to sign up with a friend who has a similar goal. One of continued on page 88 32
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
10-mile trail run at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton. Shirt and event headband for all runners. Free half-mile kids 10 and under race. Fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock.
Blankets Creek Dirty: 15-mile and 30-
mile mountain bike race at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton. Shirt and event pint glass for all pre-registered riders. Fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock.
May 25 Sutallee Trace Trail Challenge:
4.5-mile and 10-mile trail run at Boling Park in Canton. Shirt and surprise swag item for all runners. Free half-mile kids 10 and under race. Fundraiser for Boy Scout Troop 241.
June 8 Assault on Garland Mountain: 10k
and half-marathon trail run at Garland Mountain Horse and Hike Trails in Waleska. Shirt and surprise swag item for all runners. Free quarter-mile kids 10 and under race. Fundraiser for Friends of Garland Mountain Trails.
Oct. 12 Blankets Creek: 3- and 6-hour mountain
bike race at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton. Shirt and pint glass for all preregistered riders. Solo, 2- or 3-person teams. Fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock.
Nov. 9 Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon and 3.3-mile
trail run at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock. Off-road duathlon with 5.5-mile mountain bike/3.3-mile trail run/5.5-mile mountain bike race. Shirt and coffee mug for pre-registered participants. Solo, 2- and 3-person team divisions for the duathlon. Fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock.
GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM
Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, Š OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Visit our website for more information on these or other trail projects. www.greenprintsalliance.org
Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street.
It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.
Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass - This approximately 1.2 mile trail connects the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It runs from the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South to Woofstock Park.
Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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PTV Registration Due by March 1 BY DAKOTA CARRUTHERS
If you are a frequent visitor to downtown Woodstock, you may have noticed what appear to be golf carts being driven down the road. During the past several years, residents have begun to operate these types of vehicles on public roads, prompting Mayor Donnie Henriques and the city council to direct the community development staff to develop a local ordinance to provide common sense and practical safety regulations for Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTV), shown here, also known as modified golf carts. Unlike standard golf carts, which are prohibited on public streets, PTVs can operate on public streets under certain provisions. Modified golf carts are golf carts that are mechanically altered to meet the definition of a PTV. The process of drafting this new ordinance began in the summer of 2017 and was adopted in September 2018 after intensive research, which included reviewing applicable state law as well as ordinances from other jurisdictions around the state and nation, examining best practices of implementation, and reviewing studies and industry standards related to golf cart and PTV safety. Staff members worked in collaboration with the Woodstock Police Department, receiving valuable input and recommendations. PTVs must be street legal with certain fully functioning automotive-style safety equipment. The state has certain regulations in place but leaves most other regulatory aspects up to local municipalities. For example, state law requires PTVs to stay on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. These state laws are included in the new city ordinance, along with enhancements from police and community development staff including the seatbelt requirement for passengers age 15 and younger, and a restriction on operating them on a sidewalk or trail. Seatbelts for 34
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
these vehicles was one of the most researched topics when determining safety regulations. Staff proceeded diligently and carefully with recommendations, considering PTVs would be sharing the road with other motor vehicles. A registration process also was built into the ordinance, which is designed to aid PTV owners with compliance certification, while assisting the police department in enforcing the regulations. Registration is free and simple. Anyone intending to drive a PTV in the Woodstock city limits can come into our office, located on Highway 92, and fill out a short form providing personal, vehicle and insurance information to receive a decal with a registration number. A full PTV and Modified Golf Cart Ordinance and other helpful information also will be provided. Make sure to bring a photo of your PTV with you and register before enforcement begins March 1. If you have any questions, contact me at dcarruthers@ woodstockga.gov. Dakota Carruthers is the process planner for Woodstock's Community Development Department and is a proud, lifelong resident of Woodstock. Email her at dcarruthers@woodstockga.gov.
To Your PTV 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays Woodstock City AnnexDevelopment Services Offices 12453 Highway 92, Woodstock 30188
Have the make, model, color, serial number, photo of the PTV and insurance documents ready when registering. Registration runs through February, enforcement begins March 1. Failure to register PTVs is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000. Questions: Call 770-592-6036, email dcarruthers@ woodstockga.gov or visit www.woodstockga.gov.
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EVERYDAY
“When you make one other human simply see they aren’t alone, you make the world a better place.” ― Lysa Terkeurst On the afternoon of Dec. 30, 2018, Brian Keller’s New Year’s plans quickly changed. “Brian and his girlfriend, Dawn, were visiting her children in rural Kentucky, preparing to travel back to Georgia to be with Dawn’s mother following the passing of her husband on Dec. 28. Brian was riding a motorcycle owned by Dawn’s son to a local gas station when the wind off a large truck and the wet road caused Brian to lose control and be thrown from the motorcycle. Thankfully, he was not struck by any other vehicles and was wearing a helmet, but his physical injuries are extensive. Emergency personnel at the scene made the decision to call in a lifeflight for Brian and he was transported to Vanderbilt Medical in Nashville,” said his sister, Valerie. Brian was admitted with severely broken bones in both legs, a fracture in his spine and some swelling in his brain. Since that night, Brian has undergone several surgeries and skin grafts with more to come. “The doctors and surgeons here have been amazing, and our family intends to keep him with his medical team at Vanderbilt for as long as possible, then move him back to the area once all surgeries are complete and rehabilitation is underway,” Valerie said. Brian’s parents, Lawrence and Joyce Keller, have been traveling back and forth to Nashville to stay by his side and recently rented an Airbnb near the hospital for the remainder of January and beyond. 36
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Brian with daughters, Olivia, seated, Hannah, top left, and Emma.
“Brian and I come from a very close family. We were born and raised in the area and our family’s roots run deep here,” Valerie said. Brian is 45 and a single dad to three daughters, Hannah, Emma and Olivia, who are his world. He graduated from Sprayberry High School and Chattahoochee Technical College, where he learned his trade. He is an auto body tech at Gerber Collision on Bells Ferry Road, and a member of Carmel Church in Woodstock. “Brian is the type of person who's always happy and laughing, never meets a stranger, always helps his friends, and is positive despite his trials. We hope we can all help him maintain that through his long recovery ahead.” As Brian recovers from his many surgeries, he will require extensive physical and occupational rehabilitation. “He, like most of us, has limited savings, lives paycheck to paycheck, and didn’t have accidental injury insurance. Currently, we are working to keep his medical insurance active (COBRA is expensive), pay for his vehicle and other bills, and relocate his belongings to my
parents’ home. It’s expected that when he does come home, it will be to our parents’ home, which will require some modification, equipment and supplies, and any costs of transporting him back, some of which may not be covered by insurance. “We are hopeful that my brother will walk again with no permanent issues resulting from his spinal and other injuries, but that will take some time. Please keep Brian in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to pray for his recovery and pray for the skilled surgical and orthopedic teams that will mend his broken body. We will not let his spirit be broken though. We are optimistic and hopeful and believe that prayer and positivity go a long way in these difficult times,” Valerie said. The Keller Family has created a GoFundMe account in support of Brian and his rehabilitation process. We invite our compassionate community to rally around Brian and his family as they begin 2019 in very different place than they had planned. You may contribute through Everyday Angels or by following https://www.gofundme.com/6nmvd20.
Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
37
Why Do You Need a Will? DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFPŽ, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
It may not sound enticing, but creating a will puts power in your hands. According to the global analytics firm Gallup, only about 44 percent of Americans have created a will. This finding may not surprise you. After all, no one wants to be reminded of their mortality, or dwell on what might happen upon their death, so writing a last will and testament is seldom prioritized on the to-do list of a Millennial or Gen Xer. What may surprise you, though, is the statistic cited by personal finance website The Balance: Around 35 percent of Americans age 65 and older lack wills.1,2 A will is an instrument of power. By creating one, you gain control over the distribution of your assets. If you die without one, the state decides what becomes of your property, with no regard to your priorities. A will is a legal document by which an individual or a couple (known as testator) identifies their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death. A will typically can be broken down into four parts.
1. Executors.
Most wills begin by naming an executor, someone who is responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in a will. This involves assessing the value of the estate, gathering the assets, paying inheritance tax and other debts (if necessary), and distributing assets among beneficiaries. It is recommended that you name an alternate executor in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the obligation. Some families name multiple children as co-executors, with the intention of thwarting sibling discord, but this can introduce a logistical headache, as all the executors must act unanimously.2, 3
2. Guardians.
A will allows you to designate a guardian for your minor children. The designated guardian you appoint must be able to assume the responsibility. For many people, this is the most important part of a will. If you die without naming a guardian, the courts will decide who takes care of your children.
3. Gifts.
This section enables you to identify people or organizations to whom you wish to give gifts of money or specific possessions, such as jewelry or a car. You also can specify conditional gifts, such as a sum of money to a young daughter, but only when she reaches a certain age.
estate in equal shares among your heirs, or you can split it into percentages. For example, you may decide to give 45 percent each to two children and the remaining 10 percent to your sibling.
A do-it-yourself will may be acceptable, but it may not be advisable. The law does not require a will
to be drawn up by a professional, so you could create your own will, with or without using a template. If you make a mistake, however, you will not be around to correct it. When you draft a will, consider enlisting the help of a legal, tax or financial professional who could offer you additional insight, especially if you have a large estate or a complex family situation. Remember, a will puts power in your hands. You have worked hard to create a legacy for your loved ones. You deserve to decide how that legacy is sustained. 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 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 - https://news.gallup.com/poll/191651/majority-not.aspx [4/24/18] 2 - https://www.thebalance.com/wills-4073967 [4/24/18] 3 - https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/namingmore-one-executor.html [12/3/18]
4. Estate.
Your estate encompasses everything you own, including real property, financial investments, cash and personal possessions. Once you have identified specific gifts you would like to distribute, you can apportion the rest of your 38
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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.
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39
Around & About FEBRUARY
7
Silver Roamers trip to the Center for Puppetry Arts, leaves
at 8 a.m. from the Boys and Girls Club and 8:30 a.m. from the recreation center. Cost is $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers, and includes transportation, guided tour and lunch. 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.
Through Feb. 9
The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency is collecting items for Project Valentine. Items needed include: chapstick, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, any art or music activities, candy (sugar-free and regular), and other holidayrelated items. They’ll be packed into goody bags and delivered to the Cherokee Training Center and Eagle Pointe. Drop off donations at the recreation center at 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. www.cherokeega.com.
Show at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, 9 Craft Woodstock. For more details, visit Latimer Hall Arts and Crafts Show on Facebook.
River Runner Roll Clinics for Veterans 13, 22 Team are held 11 a.m.-noon at the Cherokee County
Aquatic Center, 1200 WellStar Way, Canton. Family members are invited to attend. For details, contact Jen Fischer at jlfischer@ cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768.
Parent’s Night Out is 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the 14 Cherokee Arts Center, 91 North St., Canton. The
arts center is holding a Camp Imagine Date Night/Art Class. Tickets are $25 per child, plus $5 supply fee. Pickup is no later than 8:30 p.m. www.cherokeearts.org.
Day Seedling Giveaway, 15 Arbor 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The city will give
away 275 crepe myrtles, 275 dogwoods and 250 redbud seedlings. A free booklet with information on caring or and planting trees and pruning existing trees is available at www.woodstockga.gov. Seedlings can be picked up at City Hall annex at 12453 Highway 92, Woodstock Visitor’s Center at Dean’s Store, 8588 Main St., and the William G. Long Senior Center at 223 Arnold Mill Road.
19
The Cherokee County Historical Society will present a program called “Camp Rieley: Cherokee County’s Forgotten CCC Camp” at 7 p.m. at the Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Highway in Canton. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Local historian and Reinhardt University professor Dr. Donna Coffey Little will be the guest speaker. For information, contact Gabe Taylor at 770-345-3288 or gtaylor@rockbarn.org, or visit www.rockbarn.org.
& Hoses Fun Run and Walk starts and ends at 23Guns Hobgood Park, with fun run beginning at 7:30 a.m. and
5K at 8 a.m. $10 pre-registration for fun run, $25 for 5K. Prices increase $5 after Feb. 8. Email lcollett@cherokeega.com for more information.
Passport to Employment is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 27 free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Cherokee
Chamber of Commerce at 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. Receive individualized professional help with resume building, interview tips, job search strategies, online job applications, and access to mobile career lab workstations. Spanish translation available. 770-345-0400. www.cherokeechamber.com.
American Heart Month February is American Heart Month, a fitting time to share a few classes offered in Cherokee County, and resources for others in the metro Atlanta area. Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (770-924-7768, www.crpa.net) partners with the American Red Cross to offer a variety of programs. Online classes also are available through www.redcross.org. Also check www.heart.org to find a listing of CPR classes in the metro Atlanta area.
Red Cross Lifeguard Training
Red Cross Babysitting + Pediatric CPR
You must be 15 years of age by the last day of class and be able to complete the following skills on the first day of class: • Swim 300 yards continuously • Tread water for 2 minutes, legs only • Retrieve 10 pound brick from 7 feet of water
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 and Feb. 22
The class, held at the aquatic center, provides youth (ages 11-15) who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training will help participants to develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe and help children behave; and learn about basic child care and basic first aid. 40
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, Feb. 18-20 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 9, 16, 23 This class, held at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 WellStar Way in Canton, offers an American Red Cross Lifeguard/ First Aid/CPR for Professional Rescuer nationally recognized certification.
Come prepared to swim every day, and be on the floor for training. Please bring a packed lunch or you may purchase food at the concessions stand.
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Check the website for a full list of all medical and aesthetic services www.governorsmedicine.com. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
41
Around & About
continued from page 40
ELM STREET THEATER www.elmstreetarts.org
Feb. 16
MARCH Friday Night Live series begins in Woodstock, 6-9 p.m. At press 1 time, the theme hadn’t been determined. Tour of the Southern Highlands (ToSH ) is 1-3 2019 scheduled, with host cities Woodstock and Ball Ground. The ToSH is the only Pro/Am stage race east of the Rockies that doubles as a Junior National selection race, according to www.endurancesportswire.com. The race draws more than 500 pro/elite, masters and amateurs for up to three days of racing and boasts more than $12,000 dollars in cash and prizes. ToSH also gives young athletes a chance for selection to represent the United States internationally. For more details, visit www.bikereg. com or the tour’s Facebook page.
13
The Cherokee Career Expo, hosted by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development and the Georgia Department of Labor, will be held 2-6 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The event attracts more than 40 of the county’s top employers and provides job-seekers with on-site resume review assistance from 1-2 p.m.
17
The Cherokee Chorale will perform “Arise” at 3 p.m. at Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Conductor Scott Martin will lead the chorale in a performance of “High Lonesome Bluegrass Music,” featuring the Chuck Nation band. For ticket information, visit www.cherokeechorale.org.
29-30 gov for details.
Canton Art and Wine Walk. Watch www.cantonga.
ONGOING
iThink Improv Troupe Show at 8 p.m. Tickle your funny bone and spend your Saturday night with an Improv Comedy show fit for the entire family.
Feb. 21
Brew HaHa at Reformation Brewery at 7 and 8 p.m. Belly laughs plus beer on tap with iThink Improv Troupe every third Thursday. Join the local performers for improv games and loosen up those go with the flow vibes, plus 20 percent off your favorite pours all evening.
Feb. 22-24
Guys and Dolls: A Benefit Concert. The classic
musical gets the concert treatment with performances by Elm Street and Impact Dance of Atlanta. Featuring unforgettable songs such as "Luck Be A Lady," "I've Never Been in Love Before," and "If I Were A Bell," a portion of proceeds benefit arts education. Friday/Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday show at 2:30 p.m.
FALANY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER www.reinhardt.edu/falany
Feb. 8
Tara Winds at 8 p.m. The all-adult symphonic band
is celebrating more than 30 years, and is composed primarily of musicians from metropolitan Atlanta, but it draws total membership from instrumentalists throughout Georgia.
Feb. 15
Canton Main Street Mixer
Downtown Canton business owners meet every other month at various businesses. 770-704-1548. www.cantonga.gov.
Sinatra Forever at 7:30 p.m. Rick Michel, who has performed and headlined in Las Vegas since 1981, will present the show that focuses on the music of Frank Sinatra.
Morning INfluence
Feb. 21-24
Meets the last Friday of each month at 8 a.m. at the Cherokee Chamber@City Center in Woodstock. Breakfast is served. The event includes a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by greater Woodstock or Cherokee County officials on important issues or services offered that affect the community. www.inwdstk.org.
The University Theater presents “The Secret Garden” at 7:30 p.m. nightly, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This semester’s musical production by students in the Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in musical theater degree.
Small Town Creatives (STC)
The University Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m.
STC is for creative professionals (designers and makers), and alternates between a morning event and an evening event every other month. The morning events are the third Friday and the evening events are the fourth Tuesday. www.inwdstk.org.
YPOW AM
Young Professionals of Woodstock meet 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Copper Coin. www.inwdstk.org. 42
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Feb. 26 Feb. 28
Tapestry, the Carole King Songbook at 7:30 p.m. This show recreates the sound and vibe of a King 1970s’ concert experience following her legendary album, “Tapestry.” Audience members will be transported back to the iconic image of the album that sold 25 million copies in 1971.
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FEB 15, 16 7:30-10:30 PM
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No tickets needed. Just show up and have a great time.
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Signs It May Be Time to Stop Driving BY SHELLEY WINTER
One of the most difficult decisions seniors and their loved ones face is whether or not the senior is safe to drive. Reflexes slow in our later years, and we may not realize that we can’t react like we used to. As people age, vision and hearing loss, cognition, motor function, medications and medical conditions can affect driving abilities, and impact seniors, as well as other drivers. While there are natural changes to our brains and bodies as we age, the question of when it is time to limit or stop driving is not about age. It’s about the ability of the driver. Older drivers have a lifetime of driving experience, and value the independence that driving provides. Seniors often connect the loss of their ability to drive to an end of independence. It’s important to remember that limiting or stopping driving can be a difficult and sensitive discussion. A good way to start the conversation is to observe your loved one driving, and look for warning signs of unsafe driving. Some warning signals that indicate a person should stop driving include: • Dents or scrapes on the car, mailboxes, fences, garage doors and curbs, or other signs of accidents. • Multiple traffic tickets or warnings in the past year. • Difficulty with road signs, backing up or making turns, as well as forgetting turn signals, or running stop signs. • Getting lost.
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
• Other drivers frequently honking. • Difficulty in maintaining or changing traffic lanes. • Delayed response to unexpected obstacles. • Becoming easily distracted while driving. If you’ve noticed your loved one showing some of these warning signs, it may be time to talk with them. Be thoughtful when you approach the topic, in order to have a productive conversation. Many seniors resist giving up their cars, and find it difficult to give up the freedom and independence that comes with driving. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing — for our aging loved ones to live a long, safe, happy life. If you have noticed your loved one having difficulty driving, but they deny problems during your conversations, your loved one’s doctor may be able to help, or be willing to give you a referral for a driver safety evaluation with an independent agency. It’s important to keep elders engaged in activities they enjoy, and offer other options for transportation.
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.
The New Term Is a Good Time to Assess BY HARRY JOHNSTON
As we begin a new term on the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, it’s a great time to take stock of our county’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Cherokee has a long list of strengths. Some are pure gifts from God, including our fabulous geography and climate, and our location where metro Atlanta meets the Appalachian Mountains. Our community has had a hand in creating others. Our schools are top-tier. We have five vibrant, thriving cities, and enjoy low unemployment. Your county government is in superb shape, financially. Our combined county-controlled tax rates are now the fourth lowest of all 159 counties in Georgia! We have better cash reserves and less debt than most other counties. Yet, our public safety and most other services rank with the best in the state. In much of the county, we have managed our growth and development better than most fast-growth counties. We have a land-use plan in place that, if followed, allows reasonable growth, preserves our quality of life, and gives infrastructure and services a chance to keep up. I believe these strengths make Cherokee County one of the best places in the world to live. One weakness is the fact that some of our roads, mostly state highways, are severely congested and in need of expansion. While Highway 20 is about to be improved from Canton to Cumming, as is a section of Bells Ferry Road, including Little
River Bridge, planned improvements to Highway 140 are still too far away. Too many of our citizens have to leave the county each day to work, reducing their quality of life and crowding our most congested roads. Our greatest opportunity is for the cities, county and our citizens to come together around a growth and development plan that allows high-quality and a moderate quantity of residential growth, while bringing good jobs. It’s a plan that identifies and funds infrastructure and services to keep pace with the growth. I think we’re on the cusp of achieving this kind of unity. It’s my No. 1 goal as your commission chairman. Our greatest threat would be failure to manage our growth and development. We need to plan, fund, and provide infrastructure and services necessary to support it. We’ll never all agree on all the details. Those who make their living from development naturally want more, and most others will want less. The threat is that we let those differences divide us to the point that we squander this golden opportunity to make Cherokee the best it can be. We simply can’t let that happen.
Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.
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Limbocker Law Firm
Tackling even the toughest cases with care, attention to detail
P
rospective and current clients of Limbocker Law Firm don’t have to worry about being shuffled through a telephone maze when calling the office. Each call is answered personally by attorney Brian Limbocker or his wife Julie. It’s the first indication of the care and attention to detail that the firm’s owner promises each client. “It’s because we care. We are a small firm that specializes solely in bankruptcy (consumer and business) and personal injury,” Brian Limbocker said. “Due to our small size, we offer awesome customer service and attention to detail. Our clients are not just a number or a file with our firm. They are part of our family. We strive to achieve the results the client wants, and even strive to achieve more than what the client anticipates us doing.” The attorney has been practicing law for 17 years. Since he began in 2001, Limbocker has handled consumer bankruptcy cases, helping dissolve debts ranging from $7,000 to more than $5 million. On the personal injury side, Limbocker recently obtained a settlement for $650,000 for a client injured in an automobile accident.
BANKRUPTCY
“I handle Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 cases, and I’ve tackled business cases and represented creditors in bankruptcy court. Many of our consumer cases are tax bankruptcies, in that our clients are able to discharge some, if not all, of their tax debt. “I advise my clients to file for Chapter 7, if possible; it’s a quick bankruptcy in that it eliminates most debts and provides a fresh start within three and a half to four months. If someone does not qualify for Chapter 7, either because of high income or the potential of losing assets, a Chapter 13 could be very beneficial. Chapter 13 consolidates unsecured debts, like credit cards and medical bills, taxes, car payments and others. It also stops foreclosures and repossessions, and allows my clients to keep all of their assets. A Chapter
LIMBOCKER LAW FIRM 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Bldg. 100, Ste. 140, Woodstock, GA 30189
678-401-6836
www.limbockerlawfirm.com
13 is designed to put you in a better situation than you are currently in. “We don’t take just the easy cases. I have handled many difficult cases that other attorneys have turned down. We grab the tough cases and run with them. We’ve helped a lot of people file for Chapter 7 who were told by others that they didn’t qualify.”
PERSONAL INJURY
“I handle cases with injuries sustained in accidents involving cars and big trucks, slip and fall injuries, and wrongful death situations. Basically, if you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, I can help. The most important thing to remember is not to wait too long to contact an attorney after you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, and never talk to the other side’s insurance company without speaking with an attorney first. “We know that obtaining compensation is important for you. You have medical bills to pay, and your ability to earn has been undermined by the injury. In addition, you may be suffering psychologically from the wounds you have received. That’s why we always seek maximum Sponsored Content
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compensation for serious injuries. All personal injury cases are undertaken on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe us nothing until we produce a positive outcome for you.”
PERSONAL ATTENTION IS TOP PRIORITY
Limbocker has represented clients in north metro Atlanta since 2001. While he worked for a nationwide firm from 2005 to 2008 — opening and managing the Atlanta office for three years — the attorney found himself doing more managerial work than practicing law. “I didn’t meet with clients or go to court that often. It was boring, and I hated it,” Limbocker said. “I wanted to get back to meeting with people, really helping them.” That desire led him to open Limbocker Law Firm in May 2008. Initially, the main office was in Marietta, with a satellite office in Woodstock, but, as more and more clients came from the Woodstock area, he decided to move the main office to Woodstock in 2012. The move made the commute more convenient for his clients, as well as his drive from his Towne Lake home.
PHOTO BY J. KING IMAGES
Brian and Julie Limbocker
Limbocker earned a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University, and received his law degree in 2000 from Mississippi College. He also has a master’s degree in tax law from the University of Denver. “My tax expertise, along with years of experience working with a large law firm, uniquely qualifies me to advise clients on personal bankruptcy, business bankruptcy, foreclosure and other debt relief issues,” Limbocker said. “I’ve also spoken widely and taught continuing legal education courses to other attorneys in Georgia.” In keeping with the firm’s goal of helping create a better tomorrow for clients, a free consultation is available. “It’s better to know your options than to ignore them,” he said. “Time is of the essence, especially in personal injury cases.” To schedule a consultation, call 678-401-6836.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Though his firm is small, his reach is wide across metro Atlanta; Limbocker manages offices in Woodstock, Vinings and Duluth. Google ratings give him a 5 for each office, listing many positive reviews by thankful clients. “After searching many attorneys, Mr. Limbocker was the only who took my case. It was not an easy one, but he really helped with the situation, and the problem was solved. He was prompt in returning my calls and informing me of each step of the way, I highly recommend this firm.” — D. M. “In searching for a personal injury attorney, I had to wait a day or two before larger firms returned my call. I was impressed when Brian answered the phone and took the time to answer my questions immediately. I was very pleased with my decision to hire Brian Limbocker,
as he is extremely trustworthy and professional, and the result was a positive, satisfactory resolution.” — G. P. “Mr. Limbocker really helped me in my time of need. At that time, I was recently divorced, and all my debts hit me at once. Being a new single parent of three young children, all under 8, was super hard, being in the military. He worked with me on a payment plan, and I did a Chapter 13 then changed it to a Chapter 7. Now, 6 years later, I’m purchasing my first home; thanks for being caring and understanding. I will recommend him to anyone.” — A. O. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Hairstyles For the Ages BY TIM TIMMONS
Is there such a thing as an ageappropriate haircut? First of all, age is viewed differently than it used to be. Today’s women are viewed as more confident, independent and stylish, and they are changing the way we think about aging, style and tradition. Just because you start receiving your Social Security check, you don’t have to check your longer hair at the door. When deciding what type of haircut you should wear, based on your age, remember this: You should wear the hairstyle that makes you feel the most comfortable. To avoid the pitfalls of looking like you are trying too hard, here is a guide that will help you pick the hairstyle that will make you look like a million bucks − no matter your age.
20s
Whether your hair is curly, wavy or straight, short, medium or long, boho, sexy or vintage, worn in bold messy buns or casual ponies, the hair world is yours! Have fun and change it up often. Some words of advice. If you are a young professional and want to be taken seriously in the corporate world, you might opt for something on the shorter side, like a medium-length bob.
30s
You will need a hairstyle that is easy, low maintenance, but also on trend. You need to be able to style it easily for a board meeting and quickly put it up for a night on the town. It’s best to choose a medium-length style like a bob or a longer style with soft layers. When life transitions into starting a family and advancing in your career, you need to think about a hairstyle that fits your lifestyle.
40s
Women in this group will attest to one thing − they are way more confident than they were in their 30s. Your 40s are about reinventing yourself, and it’s the best time to explore a new hairstyle to express who you are. With your newly found confidence, it’s no longer about trends and certainly not about fitting in. Now, it’s all about a fabulous new you. It’s the perfect time for short whimsical pixies, asymmetrical lobs, or long flowy beach waves. Forty is the new 30!
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50s
There is no rule book that says you have to cut your hair shorter and wear your hair like your mother or grandmother did just because you've reached this chapter of your life. You can maintain your long hair and look fantastic, as long as your tresses are healthy and shiny. Regular in-salon treatments will do the trick. Bobs and bold, chic, asymmetrical styles are on the menu for you. Don’t be afraid to be bold and daring!
60s
and beyond
Unleash your inner silver fox on an unsuspecting world! Throw away old beauty rules. You are best suited for a classic bob, a long bob, shoulder-length hair and even sporty, spiky cuts. And yes, you can keep your longer hair. Keep it shiny with treatments, and don’t let it grow below your collarbone. It will look great in a sophisticated chignon. No one should have their haircut dictated to them, and definitely not because of something as arbitrary as age. After all, it’s just a number.
Tim Timmons is the owner of Salon Gloss Woodstock. Tim’s industry experience includes positions as trainer/educator, celebrity stylist and beauty consultant for the Grammys and MTV video music awards.
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A Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words BY ELISABETH STUBBS
One of the biggest obstacles in a home improvement project is visualizing what it will look like once completed. There are so many choices, it’s confusing, and you don’t want to make an expensive mistake. It’s easier to work with a designer, but most of us don’t have that type of budget. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Discover your style.
The first step is to spend some time fine-tuning your taste and learning what you like. We find most clients are visual − it is easier to describe what we like with pictures rather than words. Years ago, we tore pages out of magazines and kept them in a folder we would carry around. The internet now offers many tools to help you find what you love. There also are online decorating quizzes that can help you define your taste and get you moving in the right direction. For example, it’s helpful to realize you don’t like modern/contemporary styles before you visit an avant-garde showroom in Buckhead.
Find inspiration.
Many manufacturers and retail stores have Facebook and Instagram pages filled with pictures of products, recent installations and completed projects. You can get plenty of inspiration on the website Houzz, and you can save pictures you like in ideabooks. For those who prefer Pinterest, there are lots of great pictures there. Create boards to organize what you like. Download the apps to your phone or tablet, and the photos always are with you when you are shopping.
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Visualize the space.
You also can Google phrases such as "gray hardwood floors in living room" for images that will help you visualize how a product will look in a large area and save it as a picture in your phone. And don't forget about online room visualizers. Many product manufacturer websites offer the option to "see in my room." First, select a specific product and color, then upload a picture of your room, and you can view the product you like in your room.
Visit model homes and showrooms.
Other ideas include visiting model homes in nearby new subdivisions, and ask if you can take pictures. Visit design centers and showrooms, but call ahead to make sure there are room vignettes in the store to make sure it is worth the drive. Tell the salesperson that you are in the beginning stages of your project so you don’t take up too much of his or her time − most work on commission. When you are ready to purchase, you can show the pictures you have taken and your design boards to the salesperson, and chances are he or she can point you directly to the products you like.
Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
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Towne Lake Business Association It is February and fundraising is in full swing for our area high school seniors! Golfers and sponsors alike are needed for our Annual Golf Tournament next month. One goal of the Towne Lake Business Association is raising scholarship dollars so please join us in these fundraising efforts. We award scholarships for entrepreneurialism, leadership, and work based Learning to seniors at Etowah, River Ridge, and Woodstock high schools. These driven young men and women are the future leaders of our community and we want to show how much they are appreciated. To apply for a scholarship, donate funds, or offer an internship to an area student, please contact us at www.tlba.org February Lunch 'n' Learn TOPIC: The Power of Social Media Marketing in 2019: Add Six Figures to your Bottom Line and Never Feel Stressed doing it. SPEAKER: Stephanie Hines, Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, Business and Marketing Coach WHEN: Tuesday Feb. 19, 12:15-2 p.m. WHERE: The Tavern at Towne Lake Hills East COST: $14 (includes lunch) Guests are always welcome! Or join the TLBA for $75/year. For more information on membership and scholarships go to www.tlba.org
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TLBA SPOTLIGHT
Christian Brothers Automotive, located at 1930 Eagle Drive between Etowah High School and the Bells Ferry Road Walmart, opened in June 2009. Christian Brothers provides automotive services and repairs for all makes and models, foreign and domestic. Each staff member is certified by the National Institute for A.S.E. (Automotive Service Excellence). According to owner/operator Danny Branom, Christian Brothers is one of the few facilities in metro Atlanta that is able to update a vehicle’s computers, so car owners don’t have to go to a dealership for this service. Thinking of purchasing a used vehicle? The professionals at Christian Brothers Automotive can evaluate your intended purchase, so you know what you’re buying. Christian Brothers Automotive has been the winner of TowneLaker magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Automotive Repair Shop in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite Automotive Auto Mechanic in 2017 and 2018. Call 770-926-4500 to schedule your appointment.
Hear What’s Being Said This Year BY DR. SARAH LICHT
How were the holidays? Were you able to follow along with conversations and enjoy the holiday cheer with your family? Or, did you feel left out, not understanding what was said and constantly asking, “What did you say?” If that was you, it may be time to have your hearing checked. Hearing loss can lead to negative consequences such as reduced social interactions, depression and cognitive decline. One of the first steps to determine if you need hearing healthcare is to have your hearing checked by a licensed doctor of audiology. It is a quick and painless office visit that can determine where your hearing stands. It is always good to have a baseline, so your doctor can make an annual comparison. You should have an initial hearing test at age 50. If it is determined that you have hearing loss, it can be treated with hearing aids. Your audiologist also can talk to you about other options available to improve your hearing. Sometimes, hearing loss is better treated with medication or surgery, at which point an audiologist will refer you to an ear, nose and throat physician. It is important to remember that the sooner hearing loss is treated, the more successful you will be with hearing aids. If you are on the fence about whether or not you should have your hearing checked, answer these questions: 1. Do people seem to mumble or speak in a softer voice than they used to? 2. Do you feel tired or irritable after a lengthy conversation? 3. Do you sometimes miss key words in a sentence or frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
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4. When you are in a group or crowded area, is it difficult for you to follow the conversation? 5. Do you need to turn up the volume on the TV or radio louder than your family likes? 6. Is it difficult to carry on a telephone conversation? 7. Has someone close to you mentioned you may have a hearing problem? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we recommend a hearing evaluation, and an appointment with a doctor of audiology to help with your hearing healthcare needs.
Sarah Licht, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2016.
Towne Lake 3048 Eagle Dr.
Canton 140 Riverstone Pkwy.
Learn More At: www.CUofGA.org | 678-486-1111
#DoYouCU TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Stroke Can Affect Anyone, at Any Age BY DR. MATTHEWS W. GWYNN
Strokes no longer only affect the elderly, and they are not confined to overweight smokers who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Believe it or not, young people are at risk, too. A stroke is when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blood clot or bleeding. The results can be devastating at any age. Without treatment, cells in the brain quickly begin to die. These brain attacks can lead to serious disability or death. About 10 percent of the 800,000 strokes that happen in the U.S. each year strike adults younger than 45. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., killing nearly 140,000 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Your age is the biggest risk factor. Traditionally, those most susceptible are age 55 and older. But, if you’re younger, don’t assume you’re in the clear. Anyone at any age can have a stroke.
Some risks can be controlled. Some stroke risk factors are beyond your control, like family history — that means you’re at higher risk if a relative has had a stroke or a heart attack at an early age. However, there are ways to lessen or control your risk. One way is to work closely with your doctor to watch your blood pressure and control cholesterol levels. Also, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight and increase your physical activity to help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Choose to eat healthy meals that are low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, and that are high in fiber.
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Stroke is more disabling than fatal. Stroke remains a leading cause of disability in the U.S. In fact, the number of people having strokes, often with painful and debilitating after-effects, remains a major cause of concern. Patients should take part in a stroke rehabilitation program — which consists of physical, occupational and speech therapy — as soon as they’re strong enough. Delaying rehab for even several days can make a difference.
Recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Recognizing a stroke and seeking immediate treatment are keys to reducing the damaging effects. FAST is an acronym used to help detect and enhance responsiveness to stroke victim needs. • Facial drooping: A section of the face, usually only on one side, that is drooping and hard to move. • Arm weakness: The inability to raise one's arm fully. • Speech difficulties: An inability or difficulty in understanding or producing speech. • Time: Time is of the essence, and an immediate call to emergency services or trip to the hospital is recommended. If you or someone you know shows sudden symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Dr. Matthews W. Gwynn is the founder and medical director of Northside Hospital’s Stroke Center. For details about free screenings and stroke support groups, visit northside.com/strokecenter.
Hormone Disorder a Leading Cause of Infertility BY JAMES HALEY, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, recently has received a great deal of exposure in the media. Five percent to 10 percent of women in the United States suffer from this condition. It is one of the leading causes of infertility, yet fewer than 50 percent of those women are diagnosed correctly. That amounts to a staggering 5 million women!
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a genetic hormone disorder. It disrupts the menstrual cycle, often resulting in a woman not ovulating during her childbearing years. A woman with PCOS has reduced female hormones and higher than normal levels of the male hormone, testosterone. This imbalance can cause numerous small cysts to grow inside the ovaries (hence the name polycystic). These cysts house eggs that never have matured, due to the glut of male hormones inhibiting ovulation.
The Symptoms
PCOS often is missed as a diagnosis, but symptoms usually begin when a female reaches puberty and can include: • • • •
Obesity or weight gain. Skipping of periods. Excessive hair growth on face, neck, buttocks and chest. Difficulty becoming pregnant.
leading to insulin resistance and additional problems, including weight gain and susceptibility to developing diabetes. The overproduction of androgens, or male hormones, interferes with ovulation and fertility, also causing some of the masculine characteristics mentioned above. Not every woman diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome is overweight, but approximately 80 percent are. While PCOS causes weight gain for most patients, being overweight or obese does not cause PCOS.
The Treatments
Though it is a lifelong condition, and a leading cause of infertility in women, PCOS can be controlled, especially if treated early. Your doctor may recommend: • Healthy diet and exercise. A weight loss of even less than 10 percent can have a tremendously positive impact on ovulation and fertility problems. • If you smoke, stop. Smoking elevates androgen levels. • Medications. • Surgery when warranted. In vitro fertilization if pregnancy is desired.
Most PCOS sufferers (possibly all) produce too much insulin,
James Haley, M.D. is a double board certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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@ the Library HICKORY FLAT 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton • 770-345-7565
Feb. 1
Friends Crocheting at 10:30 a.m. Get in touch with your crafty side.
Feb. 2
Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Parkway • Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 • www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org
Feb. 6
Music and Moves with friends from Go Noodle at 10:30
a.m. Experience parachute play, music, gross motor skills and storytelling in one action-packed hour! Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Mahjong Meetup at 12:30 p.m. Meet with others to play American mahjong, based on the ancient Chinese tile game.
Feb. 9
Lego Club at 2 p.m. There is a different theme each month. Children may work alone or in teams to build Lego masterpieces, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. Lego and Duplo are provided. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Divorced Women’s Boot Camp at 10 a.m. This workshop provides an overview and discussion on legal and financial questions and concerns, with a therapist on hand to discuss the stress and impact of divorce.
Feb. 4, 11
Feb. 19
introductory course led by Jigna Patel. Registration is required.
robots hands-on with Dash and Dot, Sphero Sparks and Bee Bots. For ages 3 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Beginner’s Yoga at 10 a.m. See what yoga is all about in this
Feb. 5, 19
Reading Dogs at 10:30 a.m. Children 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 reading material before their scheduled session. Parents can call to register their child (two weeks in advance) for a 10-15 minute reading session.
Robot Free Play at noon and 2 p.m. Experience coding and
Manga Club at 5 p.m. Teens are encouraged to read and discuss
different manga series and related topics. This month, “My Hero Academia” will be read and discussed, along with drawing characters and competing in manga/anime-inspired group games.
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 58
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock • 770-591-1491
Wednesdays
Reading Dogs at 4:30 p.m. Children 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 reading material before their scheduled session. Parents can register their child (two weeks in advance) for a 10-15 minute reading session.
Feb. 8
Lunch and Learn with Master Gardeners at noon. Bring your lunch
and learn how to get your garden going. Be sure to pick up some free seeds from the Seed Library before you leave.
The Polar Express conductor checked guests’ tickets at the Woodstock Public Library’s reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic holiday tale.
WOODSTOCK 7735 Main St., Woodstock • 770-926-5859
Feb. 9, 23
Inklings Writers Critique Group at 11 a.m. All writers interested in joining a group to share writings, ideas, and feedback are invited to attend.
Feb. 13
Teen Anti-Valentine’s Day at 4:30 p.m. Teens grades
6-12 are invited to NOT celebrate love and romance with snacks, games, and more to entertain and keep your minds off of mushy-gushy romance. It’s sure to be a non-special day.
Feb. 14
Valentine’s Day Celebration. Stop in and celebrate
Valentine’s Day! There are holiday-themed storytimes at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Create Valentine’s crafts anytime during the day.
Feb. 17
Project Pinterest at 3 p.m. Explore Pinterest-inspired
creative projects.
Lego Club at 3:30 p.m. There is a different theme
each month. Children may work alone or in teams to build Lego masterpieces, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. Lego and Duplo are provided. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Feb. 19
Book Discussion Group at noon. Enjoy coffee,
conversation, and a book discussion with new friends. This month’s selection is “Still Life” by Louise Penny. All ages are welcome; new members are encouraged.
Cupcake Decorating Party at 6 p.m. Make treats for your sweets! All families are invited. Materials are provided. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Feb. 9
Lego Club at 3 p.m. There is a different theme each month. Children may work alone or in teams to build Lego masterpieces, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. Lego and Duplo are provided. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Feb. 11
Virtual Author Visit at 2 p.m. Listen to best-selling author Lisa See discuss her recent novel “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” during this tea tasting, author chat and Q & A session.
Feb. 12
Create a Winter Backdrop Night at 6 p.m. Teens grades 6-12 are invited to join the Cherokee County Teen Advisory Board in creating a Winter Backdrop for the Young Adult area at Rose Creek Public Library. Materials are provided.
Feb. 14
Science Club at 4:30 p.m. Help your children investigate their world and have fun using the scientific process. Valentine’s Day science experiments will be conducted focusing on color and reactions, as well as experiencing stories. For grades K-3; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Feb. 21
Fire Truck Visit at 11 a.m. Families are invited to stop by, check out a fire truck, meet the firefighters from Engine Company No. 20 and learn about fire safety. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Feb. 26
Pajama Storytime at 4 p.m. Put on your PJs, grab a fuzzy bedtime buddy, and enjoy nighttime stories, songs, crafts and fun. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Feb. 28
Safe Sleeping at 11 a.m. Learn what a safe sleep environment looks like, featuring safety information provided by Beth Elder of the Cherokee County Office of Fire and Emergency Services. Take home a grab bag with lots of good information. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Lego Robotics Club at 6 p.m. Teens grades 6-12 are invited to join in on some Lego fun! Take apart, re-build and program the library’s Lego Mindstorm robots. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Free Art Fridays
Sharing happiness through art. BY BETSY KHURI
Artists around the world are sharing their work with their communities through a global art movement called Free Art Friday (FAF). It's just a goodwill kind of thing. Every Friday, artists across the globe, create art and place it in random locations around their communities for people to find, take home and enjoy. Often the artwork is tagged, “I’m free. Take me home.” Some artists post pictures on social media with photo clues about where the pieces are hidden. Free Art Friday is about sharing happiness, and art always seems to do just that. I heard about FAF in downtown Atlanta, and I immediately thought that our quaint city would be a perfect place for the movement. There are so many wonderful people actively participating in our community. Free Art Friday is just another way to bring people together, and who doesn't love some extra happy in their day? With the help of my apprentice, Em Harris (Em Harris Ceramics), we have been spreading the Free Art Friday love. Every Friday we drop two or three pieces of art around town. We post photo clues on Instagram and Facebook, to help people find the artwork. We ask folks to take a selfie with the found art piece, and
If you find artwork tagged “I’m free!” it’s yours. Scarlett and Stella Nabors are happy to find their free art.
send it to us to be featured on our social media accounts. We have had so much fun watching the response and seeing the joy created by our efforts. Nothing makes us happier than to see a picture of someone holding our work with a huge smile on their face. We hope to continue to grow our Instagram and Facebook followings, so more people will learn about Woodstock’s version of FAF. The more the merrier! We also are looking for other artists and craftspeople to make contributions to our Woodstock movement. Anyone can participate. Just message us via social media or email betsyohart@gmail.com and you can be part of the fun. We are going to continue doing what we love ̶ making art. And, every Friday we are reminded that sharing our gifts with others is not only joyful for them, but that energy comes back to us twofold. And who doesn't love these three wonderful things? Free. Art. Friday. You can find Free Art Friday Woodstock on Instagram and Facebook at @fafwoodstockga.
Betsy Khuri is a local artist. Her studio, Betsy Oh Art, is located in Woodstock. She works mostly in clay, but dabbles in other mediums. Figurative sculpture is her main focus.
Betsy Khuri, left, with her apprentices Em Harris, right, and Emma Ramirez. 60
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The Health Benefits of Smiling BY DR. AMBRE KRAGOR
Your smile is one of the prettiest things you can wear. Orthodontics is one way to improve your smile, and the number of people seeking orthodontic treatment is on the rise. More people are looking to improve the form and function of their bite but also, for various reasons, their smile. A genuine smile can help you appear likable, attractive, intelligent and trustworthy. It also can help improve your mood and help you live longer. The research behind the health benefits of smiling has been documented.
1. Stress relief. A 2015 study in Psychological Science found that smiling during a stressful task can help lower your heart rate. This helps relax your body and mind. 2. Lower blood pressure. An article published in 2009
discovered laughter and smiling help with muscle relaxation, and a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
3. Improved mood. Having a bad day, or in a bad mood? A 2010 study has proven focusing your attention on smiling releases endorphins, which help to improve your mood. 4. Pain relief. Laughter and smiling help alleviate pain with
an endorphin-mediated opiate effect. In other words, they act
like a painkiller. This was studied in 2011 at the Mayo Clinic. Laughter also was shown to help increase pain threshold.
5. Stronger immune system. It is said laughter, which usually begins with a smile, is the best medicine. Mayo Clinic reports laughter and positive thoughts release signaling molecules in your brain that help fight stress and illness, while negative thoughts decrease your body’s immunity. 6. Better relationships. We naturally seem drawn to people who smile a lot. Smiling contributes to likability and trustworthiness. In a 2014 study, witnesses who smiled in legal trials were shown to be more likable and credible than nonsmiling witnesses. 7. Live longer. Happy people live longer. Smile intensity was discussed in a 2015 article and found to play a role in longevity. This means hold on to positive memories and smile. It may help increase your lifespan.
Dr. Ambre Kragor, and her husband Andy, are orthodontists who practice in the Towne Lake/Woodstock area. 770-485-8827. www.KragorOrtho.com.
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True Love and Tuscany A little over a year ago, when my husband Michael and I were planning our 30th anniversary, I was confronted with a Big Marriage Dilemma. Michael and I are empty nesters, settling into patterns that probably will shape our lives over the next decade or two. Michael likes his work as a doctor and surgeon, and I like my work as an artist. Whatever the day, our typical morning starts early with drinking coffee together and talking about our upcoming work projects. At night, we exercise together at the gym. We cook something healthy (unless we decide to cheat). More often than not, we drink a glass of red wine. It’s a simple life. I guess you could say we’re fortunate, in that we enjoy our work more than taking big trips or buying stuff. Michael actually believes he enjoys travel — as long as it doesn’t involve a long plane ride. Or sightseeing. Or inconvenience in any form. I’m not sure what that leaves, but, the upshot is, we don’t have a big bucket list of trips planned together. This leads me to last year’s dilemma. A friend was planning a girls’ trip, a glorious week in Tuscany. I could stay with her and another friend — for free! All I had to do was buy a plane ticket and show up.
Cortana Street. 62
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ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM
BY ANN LITREL
A view of Cortana.
The timing was horrifying. It was mid-October. Michael and I were celebrating our 30th anniversary with friends and family on a Saturday night. And the Tuscany girls’ trip started … the very next day. Hmmm. Even as independent as Michael and I are, this seemed a bit of a stretch. Celebrate marriage and true love, then leave the next day for Italy with girlfriends. I broached the topic of the girls’ trip a bit tentatively. And, without hesitation, Michael gave his blessing. “Annie, just take the opportunity.” So, I did. Sally, her friend Barbara and I traveled to Tuscany, staying in Sally’s Cortona apartment high atop the ancient wall of the city. Every night at sunset, we drank wine on the terrace, looking out over the Tuscan valley far below. By day, we toured the glorious churches, marveled at the art, explored the countryside all around. I was feeling guilty, of course, for being there without Michael. I called or texted every day to let him know I missed him. I told him I was enjoying the trip, of course, but I made sure to mention the parts I knew he would hate — the long plane ride, the crowded airport. All the sightseeing we were doing.
I was in heaven. I sketched and took hundreds of photos. Sally, a lifelong art collector and born art director, took me to the choicest vistas for painters. I promised to give her a piece of art once I got back from the trip. I returned and — life being what it is — it took me a full year before I began painting the beautiful scenes of Tuscany. (Sally, of course, got her pick as the hostess.) The other day, I set the rest of them out in my studio, a couple dozen paintings in all. Michael surveyed the landscapes, the churches and Cortona scenes, and, for a fleeting moment, I thought he might be sad that I had gone without him. He was silent for a moment, seeming reflective. And, then, finally he spoke: “Babe, this is beautiful.” He added, almost as an afterthought, “And thanks again for not dragging me with you.”
Ann Litrel is an artist, writer and certified Master Naturalist. She works in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.
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SmileUp Engages Children to Help Children BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
Smiles have incalculable worth, but cannot be bought. As the anonymous writing, “The Value of a Smile” states, “It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature’s best antidote for trouble.” When Tonya Riddick founded the SmileUp Foundation last year, she set out to accomplish all of this and more, through children in our community. SmileUp’s mission is to get children involved in volunteerism by partnering with charities and outreach organizations that focus on children, ultimately bringing purpose and lots of smiles into young lives. Riddick puts a lot of energy into serving children. As a busy mom of two, she has been involved in children’s ministry for 16 years. She envisions a world where kids are helping kids and leading the charge in volunteerism. “Helping those in need accomplishes a lot in the lives of those who get involved,” she said. “It builds leadership skills, promotes empathy, increases self-confidence, and enhances social skills. It has also been proven scientifically to combat depression and anxiety. Every child has a purpose, and something to offer to the world. My goal with SmileUp is to get children in their purpose so they will have clarity throughout life.”
These SmileUp volunteers decorated the Children's Haven for Christmas.
At SmileUp, kids help kids through awareness, advocacy and action in three main ways. • Partnering with charitable organizations that advocate for young people. • Handling the logistics involved in creating volunteer opportunities for youths with these charities. • Contacting registered volunteers based on the ages that best fit the opportunity. The SmileUp nonprofit officially launched in September 2018. The debut events involved the young volunteers painting faces at a November chili cook-off benefit for the food pantry Never Alone. They also decorated the headquarters of
Volunteers Hannah Cato, left, and Kailey Bridgette prepare to paint faces for Never Alone at the Eagle Watch Chili Cook-off. 64
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the Children’s Haven for Christmas, where the family time visitation center offers a safe and comfortable place for foster children’s court-appointed visits. To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Riddick dedicated Jan. 21 as SmileUp’s hallmark day of service. Partnering with Together We Rise, SmileUp kids provided 100 decorated duffle bags for foster children. Don’t let your children miss out on these wonderful opportunities to learn skills that will serve them the rest of their lives. To get involved with SmileUp or make a tax deductible donation, visit www. smileupfoundation.org or email info@ smileupfoundation.org. The mailing address is: 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620-237, Woodstock, GA 30189.
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.
We provide trusted, compassionate and exceptional care to patients with GYN cancers and other related conditions. Our experience in gynecologic oncology, combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques, means that our patients can rest assured knowing they are in the best hands possible.
Conditions We Treat
• Pelvic Masses • Ovarian Cancer
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• Cervical Cancer • Endometrial Cancer
980 Johnson Ferry Road NE Suite 900 Atlanta, GA 30342
• Endometrial Hyperplasia • Endometriosis
4 Convenient Locations
Marietta
780 Canton Road Suite 405 Marietta, GA 30060
Call 404-459-1900 for an appointment with Dr. Gerald A. Feuer in Atlanta & Marietta.
Canton
460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard Suite 400 Canton, GA 30115
AtlantaGynOnc.com
• Uterine Fibroids • Pelvic Adhesive Disease
Towne Lake
900 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 302 Woodstock, GA 30189
Call 770-721-9400 for an appointment with Dr. Michelle A. Glasgow in Canton & Towne Lake.
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Stop Your World From Spinning BY AMBER YORK, DC
Have you ever experienced the sensation of being off balance, or had a dizzy spell that felt like the world was spinning? Chances are you were feeling the effects of vertigo. Vertigo quite literally can throw your world for a loop and leave you feeling terrible. While vertigo most commonly is associated with issues related to the inner ear, there are many variations of vertigo. The three main causes of vertigo are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease and vestibular neuritis. BPPV is the most common, and can cause episodes of mild to intense dizziness, which are triggered by changes in your head’s position. This might happen when you tip your head up or down, or turn right or left, while lying in bed or simply sitting upright. The inner ear is responsible for sending signals to the brain related to your head and body movements, relative to gravity, thus helping you keep your balance. Those signals may become interrupted when tiny calcium particles (you may have heard them referred to as crystals) clump or become stuck in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Symptoms may include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea and vomiting. While BPPV can increase your risk of falls, it rarely is considered a serious condition. However, it can be quite bothersome, due to the unpredictable occurrence of symptoms.
Most episodes of dizziness last less than a minute, but can return, even after symptoms have been gone for some time. When should you seek care? If you are experiencing recurrent, severe, prolonged or unexplained dizziness, a trip to your primary care doctor is warranted. There are many common treatments for vertigo, including physical therapy to strengthen the vestibular system; medications, such as anti-inflammatories or steroids; and chiropractic care. There are generally two types of treatments a doctor of chiropractic may focus on to help relieve your symptoms, starting with a chiropractic adjustment. Adjustments can help your nervous system operate at its maximum potential, and remove interference along the pathways to the brain to help your body function better. The second is the Epley maneuver, a treatment that helps clear the calcium deposits that have settled in the canals of the inner ear, by focusing on a series of movements of the head and neck. If you are experiencing vertigo, talk to your doctor to rule out potential causes, and to find a treatment that will keep your world from spinning.
Dr. Amber York is a Life University graduate specializing in low force adjusting at Towne Lake Family Chiropractic.
EAGLE WATCH IS CELEBRATING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2019! Membership at Eagle Watch offers: •
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*The O.N.E. program and corresponding benefits are subject to certain restrictions and exclusions. Alcohol, service charges and applicable taxes are excluded. Participating clubs subject to change. Benefits are subject to the benefit terms and conditions, which may be found on clubcorpnetwork.com. All offers are subject to availability. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. Call for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 1218 EA
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The Importance of Winterizing Your Vehicle BY DEIDRE PARKER
I know what you’re thinking. This is Georgia: It only gets cold for a week, so why do I need to winterize my vehicle? That’s a great point because usually when we think of winterizing something, we are preparing for extreme weather situations. While our Georgia winters generally are mild, there are several maintenance services and inspections included in winterization that are important to make sure your vehicle will last through the winter, and longer.
Oil Change. Everyone should know you need to do this at specified service intervals, and with good reason. There are pieces of metal moving in parallel with a block of metal at very high speed. Oil makes sure they don’t get stuck together. Battery Test. Cold weather is tough on batteries. It’s a great idea to go ahead and have your battery tested before it fails, because failures always happen at the worst time. Inspect and Top Off Fluids. This is a great way to find a problem before your car leaves you stranded. Many automotive failures will leave indicators of trouble in the fluids. Brake Inspection. This is another inspection that should be done regularly. The pads and shoes are designed to wear out. When they’ve reached the recommended wear limit, they should be replaced for your safety.
Tire Rotation. This is the easiest way to extend the life of
your tires.
General Safety Inspection. Checking bulbs and indicators, hoses and belts is critical for finding issues before they are a bigger problem. Radiator (Antifreeze) Coolant Service. This is the most critical piece of winterizing your vehicle. You need to have your coolant replaced at regular specified intervals, and/or conditions. Just before winter is an excellent time to ensure that the fluid will not freeze if it does reach the freezing point. If your coolant is old or doesn’t have the right mix of water to coolant, it can rust the inside of your engine. Emergency Kit. In case of extreme weather or a breakdown, be sure to have the following items on hand: jumper cables, flashlight, first-aid kit, gloves, boots, hat, warm coat, bottled water and nonperishable snacks. Just think of the snowpocalypse we had a few years back. What items did you wish you had with you?
Deidre Parker, owner-operator of Chloe's Auto Repair, holds an ASE certification and has extensive experience in the area of automotive repair.
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2 0 1 9 At a Glance
If getting organized is one of your new year’s resolutions, this comprehensive calendar should help. We’ve included the dates for school breaks, city festivals and community events as well as national holidays.
APRIL
FEBRUARY Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb.
1: Readers’ Choice nominations begin 2: Groundhog Day 3: Super Bowl in Atlanta 9: ACT at Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, River Ridge, Sequoyah high schools 14: Valentine’s Day 15: Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, Woodstock 18: President’s Day 18-22: Winter Break 20-22: Inclement Weather Makeup Days 23: Guns and Hoses fundraiser
April 13: Holly Springs Easter Egg Hunt
April 14: Palm Sunday April 15: Tax Day April 19-27: Passover April 19: Good Friday April 21: Easter April 24: Administrative Professionals Day April 26: Relay for Life, E.T. Booth Middle School April 27: Greenstock Day and Recycling Event
MARCH March March March March March March March March March
1: Friday Night Live series begins in Woodstock 6: Ash Wednesday 9: SAT at Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, River Ridge high schools 10: Daylight Saving Time begins 13: Cherokee Career Expo 17: St. Patrick’s Day 20: First Day of Spring 22-23: Wing and Rock Festival in Canton 29-30: Canton Art and Wine Walk
APRIL April 1: Readers’ Choice voting begins April 1-5: Spring Break
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ACT at Cherokee, Creekview high schools
MAY May 1: Holly Springs Job Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 3: Canton First Fridays begin May 4: SAT at Cherokee High School
Derby Day at the Rock Barn
Woodstock Farmers Market opens
Holly Springs Great American Cleanup
May 4-5: Canton Festival of the Arts May 5: Cinco de Mayo May 11: Woodstock Concert Series – Mark Wills
Possible opening of Canton Farmers Market
May 12: Mother’s Day May 18: Bacon ‘n’ Banjos in Woodstock May 29: Last Student Day, Cherokee County Schools May 27: Memorial Day Ceremony in Woodstock
SEPTEMBER
MAY May 30: Sequoyah High graduation 4 p.m.
Sept. 30: Rosh Hashana begins
Cherokee High graduation 8 p.m.
OCTOBER
May 31: Etowah High graduation 4 p.m.
Creekview High graduation 8 p.m.
JUNE June 1: Woodstock High graduation 9 a.m.
River Ridge High graduation 1 p.m.
SAT at Woodstock High School
June 8: Woodstock Concert Series – TBD
ACT at Cherokee, Woodstock high schools
June 14: Flag Day June 16: Father’s Day June 21: First Day of Summer
Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct.
JULY
NOVEMBER
July 4: Fireworks displays in Woodstock, Canton July 13: Woodstock Concert Series – TBD
AUGUST Aug. 1: First Day of School Aug. 6: Police Night Out in Woodstock Aug. 10: Woodstock Concert Series - TBD
SEPTEMBER Sept. 2: Labor Day and School Holiday Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Brown Bag Concerts in Woodstock Sept. 8: Grandparents’ Day Sept. 11: Woodstock’s 9/11 Day of Remembrance Sept. 14: Woodstock Concert Series - TBD Sept. 23-27: Fall Break Sept. 23: First Day of Fall Sept. 28-29: Riverfest
1: Scarecrow Invasion in Woodstock 5: Holly Springs Autumn Fest 9: Yom Kippur 12: Woodstock Fire Station No. 14 Open House 14-20: Sukkot 14: Columbus Day, School Holiday 19: Canton Family Fun Day, Children’s Safety Expo 22-30: World Series 26: BBQ & Brews and Boos 31: Halloween KidsFest in Woodstock
Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.
3: Daylight Saving Time ends 5: Election Day. No school. 9: Canton Inferno Chili Cook-Off, Veterans Day parade 11: Veterans Day 16: Recycling event in Woodstock 25-29: Thanksgiving break 28: Thanksgiving
DECEMBER Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.
6: Holly Springs Tree Lighting 7: Holly Springs and Woodstock Christmas parades 13: Shop with a Hero in Woodstock 22-30: Hanukkah 23-Jan. 6: Christmas break 25: Christmas 26-Jan. 13: Christmas tree Chip & Dip
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Marriage Moments
Differences Matter BY BILL RATLIFF
I once heard a wife say to her husband, “I love you, but why are we so different?" This is also the title of a book by Tim LaHaye on the benefits of personality differences within the context of marriage. LaHaye states on page 104 that five assertions by married couples are essential: 1. Being different is normal. 2. Living in a world of contrasts isn't all bad. 3. Differences do produce conflict. 4. Differences need not be fatal to any marriage, no matter how serious. 5. With God's help, two people who are different but complementary can learn to live happily ever after - if they want to. As I consider differences in marriage, I can't help but think of my parents. My dad was athletic and extremely competitive. At one time, he was the club champion at our golf course. My mom was nonathletic and maybe one of the worst golfers I have ever known. Yet, she was so gracious and people loved to play golf with her, including me. She even taught my wife how to play golf. My dad was known for always wanting to lead. My mom would let others lead, but developed into a capable leader. My dad was a hypochondriac, but my mom rarely complained about her health. My dad was deeply emotional, but rarely shared it, except anger. My mom shared her emotions freely with confidence. My dad was a disciplinarian, but my mom was full of grace. My mom was an avowed Democrat, while my dad was a staunch Republican. They disagreed on politics but frequently kidded about this difference. My dad was all about respect, and my mom was all about compassion. My mom and dad had lots of differences, which I believe made their marriage strong. They have both passed on now, but they left behind three strong children, seven blessed grandchildren and eight awesome great-grandchildren. My parents' marriage was not perfect and they had conflict, but they predominantly were a blessing to each other and to all who knew them. Ephesians 2:10 lets us know that ..."we are God's masterpiece created in Christ Jesus for good works." Therefore the ways you are different from your spouse show how unique you are, and contribute to the miracle of oneness in your marriage.
Date Your Mate Take a personality assessment. You can find many free ones online. Share with each other the strengths and challenges you find in your temperament.
Bill Ratliff is a pastoral counselor and certified life coach. Contact him at billratliffcatalyst@gmail.com or www.billratliffcatalyst.com.
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Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 • www.cherokeechamber.com
EVENT CALENDAR Feb. 7
Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast
7 a.m. breakfast meetings offer current and future chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. Advance single registration: $17. On-site registration: $22. Future member: $30.
Feb. 12
Business After Hours 4:30-6:30
p.m. Presented by AT&T at Synovus - Woodstock Branch, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. Members $5, future members $10.
1
Feb. 13
Coffee & Connections for New Members, 9-10:45 a.m. in the chamber board room.
Feb. 27
Passport to Employment is set
2 RIBBON CUTTINGS
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1. Eagle Business Credit 615 Molly Lane, Suite 130, Woodstock 678-905-1321, www.eaglebusinesscredit.com 2. Your CBD Store 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 120-B, Woodstock 770-627-3512, https://cbdrx4u.com/find-us/georgia/woodstock
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
for 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free and open to the public. Receive individualized professional help with resume building, interview tips, job search strategies, online job applications, and access to mobile career lab workstations. Spanish translation available.
Feb. 28
Power Hour, 10-11 a.m. Networking with fellow business owners at the chamber board room. Members $5, future members $10.
Clearing the Air on the Dangers of Vaping BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
No matter what you call it — vaping, Juuling, e-cigarettes — or how harmless the devices may seem, let’s clear the air: These are dangerous devices not permitted in schools. The Cherokee County School District takes vaping as seriously as any other tobacco product or marijuana, and the repercussions to a student’s health and school record are not worth the risk. We’re spreading this message directly to students in our schools, but we need parents’ help. A national study released in December reported one in five high school students has tried vaping. The majority of student disciplinary tribunals held by the school district, so far this school year, have been focused on vaping and distribution of vaping devices and oils, with punishments as tough as expulsion.
What is vaping? It’s the most common way to refer to using a “smokeless” tobacco device to inhale vaporized nicotine or other drugs from oil. While initially shaped like cigarettes, most vaping devices now look like a pen (the blue device in the photo above) or flash drive, or are designed to mimic other common items such as a pack of gum or a lipstick tube. What’s in the vapor? The vapor comes from an oil, which primarily contains nicotine. Flavorings are added to many oils, which make them even more appealing to younger users. Some oils are made from cannabis and contain the same mind-altering THC as illegal recreational marijuana. What’s the danger? There are two dangers to consider: the danger to your child’s health, and the danger to his or her success at school.
Research shows that, while vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional tobacco products, it is still too harmful for doctors to recommend as a tool to quit smoking (they advocate a regulated nicotine replacement therapy if a quitting aid is needed). Nicotine is a drug: It causes harm to users’ hearts and respiratory systems, and additional negative impacts to still-developing children and teenagers — including damage to cognitive development. Long-term effects of vaping are unknown, which should be cause enough for alarm. If that’s not enough, consider the immediate risks of vaping oils. Often, the contents are unknown, possibly contaminated, and possibly dangerous. A child or teen can overdose on THC and other drug-laced oils, and end up hospitalized or worse. The danger to your child’s success in school is clear, as the school district has zero tolerance for vaping. Students found using or distributing vape oil will face disciplinary action. We encourage students and parents to report vaping and the distribution of vaping devices and oils to our SafeSchools Alert System (https://cherokeega.safeschoolsalert.com), which can be used anonymously, with tips made by text, email, phone call, online message or mobile app.
What should you do? Talk to your children about the dangers of vaping. Keep up with what they’re doing in their bedroom and bathroom when the door is closed, what’s in their backpack, and who they’re hanging out with. Clear the air — you’ll be glad you did.
Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Georgia Pre-K Registration Starts Earlier Open enrollment for the Cherokee County School District’s Georgia Lottery Pre-K Classes program begins earlier this year to provide parents more time to seek other preschool options if their 4-year-old does not win a spot in the lottery drawing for the program’s limited seats. Parents can apply between 8 a.m. and noon, Mondays through Fridays starting Feb. 4 through March 1, at participating schools. Names will be drawn at 3 p.m. on March 6 to fill available spaces. Cherokee County schools participating in the Georgia Lottery Pre-K Classes program include: Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy, Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy, Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy, R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy and Johnston Elementary School Preschool Center. For more information and a list of required documents, parents should contact the front office of the school where they plan to enroll their children.
Lessons in the New Year Cherokee County School District students have been sharing what they’ve already learned in the new year. With graduation right around the corner, Etowah High School senior Madeline Fisher said, “So far, 2019 has taught me to become more responsible and to take action.”
These pre-schoolers are excited about the earlier dates for registration.
Teachers Engage in Professional Learning Opportunities Teachers were back at work on the Monday following the holiday break, wrapping up first semester grades and preparing for students to return. Many also engaged in professional learning opportunities to bolster classroom techniques and strategies. More than 100 Cherokee County School District teachers attended a workshop on understanding social emotional learning and its impact on student attitude, behavior and achievement. Teachers learned how to maintain a classroom environment where students can feel safe and build resilience, especially those students who have experienced trauma in their personal life and may be struggling. Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy teacher Virginia Diederich, center, discusses one group's findings with Erin Reece, left, of Carmel Elementary and Melissa Prater from Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy. 74
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Three Convenient Locations: We are a full-service vascular surgery and endovascular therapy practice that specifically focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the veins and arteries. Our compassionate, board-certified physicians, Dr. Catalin Harbuzariu, Dr. Edward Kang, Dr. Siddharth Patel, and Dr. Brooks Whitney bring years of experience working at some of the leading institutions in the field, and offer minimally-invasive, state-ofthe-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. We offer state-of-the-art care in providing the full-spectrum of vascular and endovascular services for:
• Aortic Aneurysms • Carotid Disease
• Peripheral Artery Disease • Renal & Mesenteric Disease
• Venous Disease • Dialysis Access • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
980 Johnson Ferry Rd. Suite 1040 Atlanta, GA 30342
460 Northside Cherokee Blvd. Suite 100 Canton, GA 30115
1505 Northside Blvd. Suite 2400 Cumming, GA 30041
770-292-3490
NVS-GA.com TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Georgia Farm Bureau Art Contest Cherokee County students in grades nine through 12 are invited to enter the Georgia Farm Bureau Art Contest. Artwork should be drawn in black ink or dark soft lead pencil on an 8 1/2 x 11-inch piece of white paper, and should be camera ready. All entries must be received at the Cherokee County Farm Bureau office by Feb. 15. Drawings will be judged on how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in Cherokee or Georgia’s agriculture industry and artistic merit. For more information, an official entry form and contest rules, contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau office, 770-479-1481, Ext. 0.
Valuable Info at Annual Agency Fair The annual Agency Information Fair for parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers of children with special needs to learn more about services in the community will be held 2:30-5 p.m March 21 at 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock, GA 30188. The event is free. Resources for preschool through adult post secondary options will be available. For more information, contact Debby CartyCambell at debby.carty-campbell@cherokee. k12.ga.us, 770-721-8523 or visit the school district’s website: www.cherokeek12.net/ News/ccsd19agencyfair.
Feb. 18-22
Winter Break Back to School After the Break Students from Carmel Elementary, who live in Etowah Valley Estates, didn’t let the fact that it was time to go back to school get them down. Here they are “hanging out” together at the bus top. 76
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING
Casual and Upscale Restaurants
RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY Canyons American no $ $ open 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsfresh.com Century House Tavern Modern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Copper Coin Coffee American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 coppercoinwoodstock.com see ad inside front, 43
SPIRITS RESERV. Beer/Wine no
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
8 persons +
$
$
$
open
Full bar
no
Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. 9550 Main St. Brunch 678-498-8243 11-1:30 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com
$
$-$$
open
Full bar
yes
Fri./Sat. only
$$
open
Full bar
yes
$$
$$
open
Full bar
no
J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no 315 Chambers St., 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer 150 Towne Lake Parkway Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Mad Life Studios Southern no $-$$ $$-$$$$ open Full bar 8722 Main St. madlifestageandstudios.com Partners II Pizza 8600 Main St. 678-224-6907 partnerspizza.com/woodstock-ga
Pizza
no
Weekends only no
no
no
$$-$$$
open
Beer/Wine
no
Pure Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 Brunch puretaqueria.com/woodstock 11-3
$$
$$
open
Full bar
6 persons+
Reel Seafood Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 reel-seafood.com
Sunday Brunch 10:30-3:30
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Rootstock and Vine 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstockandvine.com
Wine bar Tapas
Sun. Brunch 11:30-3
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Salt Factory Pub Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225
Sat./Sun. Brunch 11-3
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
no
Semper Fi Bar and Grille 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com
American
no
$
$
open
Full bar
no
English Tea room
no
$$
no
closed
no
yes
Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com
Variety of Food trucks
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
Craft Beer
no
Sunday Brunch 10:30-2
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Vingenzo’s Italian 105 E. Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Fire Stone Wood-fired Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill Brunch 11-3 770-926-6778 see ad on pg 8 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com 10:30-3
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Choosing to Live With Heartitude BY LYNNE SAUNDERS
I begin each year choosing a new word on which to focus. Some years I’m on it. Other years, well, not so much. As I began to ponder this year’s challenge, many words came to mind. I’ve used some before, like intention and focus. The word I chose for 2019 is heartitude. I am the founder of Papa’s Pantry, a local food assistance program that also helps people find jobs and understand cash flow. When we meet new families, we gently ask questions to discover why they do not have enough to eat. Their answers reveal the root problems, which we try to help solve with onsite training and personal mentoring. We try to get to the heart of the matter. The heart is the central or innermost part of something. It defines our existence. To do something with heart is to do something with focus, intention and gusto. The “itude” is the real part of attitude. Character often is defined by attitude. We all know people who brighten a room when they walk in. Heartitude means living with an attitude of intentionally loving others. We can choose to be distracted by frustrations, which can sour our attitude. Or, each day, we can choose to have a loving heart to lead our attitude, no matter our circumstances.
ECONOMICS OF TOURISM Hosted by IN WDSTK at the Morning INfluence Friday February 22, 2019 // 8 AM The Chambers at City Center RSVP: INWDSTK.ORG/EVENTS
78
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
You don’t have to work in ministry to live with heartitude. This February try thinking out of the box. Look at those near you. Is there a new mom or a shut-in who is sick or elderly? A friendly hello, with a spur of the moment gift and time spent together will brighten their day and yours. Can you pay for the meal for the people in the car behind you in the drive through? How about donating time or money to a favorite charity? There are hundreds of ways to live with heartitide. Choosing kindness will transform the way you look at people and the way you feel about yourself. Try journaling your heartitude path before bedtime. Think about the interactions that impacted you the most and how you felt when you chose to show kindness. Do you feel increased fulfillment? The impact you make will have long lasting effects, far beyond today, and you can start now. 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 2019
79
TowneAREA Lake Sales for December 2018 TOWNE LAKE HOMES SOLD IN DECEMBER List Price
Address
Subdivision
$229,900.00
306 Allatoona Ridge Road
Allatoona Shores
4
3.5
$250,000.00
228 Ascott Lane
Belmont Trace
4
2.5
$235,000.00
515 Wallnut Hall Cove
Brookshire
3
2.5
$238,000.00
323 Santa Anita Avenue
Brookshire
3
2
$299,900.00
4018 Mount Vernon Drive
Centennial Place
3
2.5.5
Days on Market
Sales Price
1988
33
$218,000.00
$82.20
2005
7
$248,000.00
$120.16
2003
9
$235,000.00
$117.38
2002
34
$232,000.00
$164.54
2015
16
$285,000.00
$118.95
Beds Baths Yr Built
$$/sq ft
$269,900.00
4281 Moccasin Trail
Deer Run
4
2.5
1999
64
$250,000.00
$299,900.00
4083 Dream Catcher Drive
Deer Run North
4
3.5
1994
79
$300,000.00
$80.00
$259,000.00
832 Eagle Glen Crossing
Eagle Glen
4
2.5
1997
13
$253,250.00
$107.31 $137.33
$245,500.00
211 Eagle Glen Court
Eagle Glen
3
0
1994
33
$245,000.00
$439,900.00
1010 Fairway Valley Drive
Eagle Watch
5
3.5
1992
26
$420,000.00
$106.09
$414,000.00
1045 Longwood Drive
Eagle Watch
5
3.5
1992
28
$400,000.00
$110.28
$415,000.00
3240 Eagle Watch Drive
Eagle Watch
5
3.5
1992
115
$410,000.00
$119.88
$300,000.00
3115 SANDHURST Drive
Eagle Watch
4
2.5
1991
1
$300,000.00
$134.77
$255,000.00
1125 Etowah Valley Lane
Etowah Valley Estates
3
2.5
1992
6
$255,000.00
$150.53
$255,000.00
423 Etowah Valley Way
Etowah Valley Estates
5
3
1993
23
$255,000.00
$155.30
$224,000.00
705 COPPER TRACE Way
Golden Hills
3
3
1997
92
$224,000.00
$78.32 $100.00
See all the photos and details of these sold listings at www.TowneLakeListings.com $229,900.00
106 Hearthstone Drive
Hearthstone
4
3
1995
103
$232,000.00
$165,000.00
221 CEDAR MILL Lane
Magnolia Walk
3
2
1984
3
$167,500.00
$117.79
$250,000.00
513 Mirramont Place
Mirramont
3
2.5
2001
18
$254,450.00
$119.01 $113.37
$197,000.00
565 Victoria Road
None
3
2.5
1990
76
$195,000.00
$236,900.00
631 Driftwood Drive
Port Victoria
4
2.5
1988
19
$230,000.00
$87.12
$239,900.00
206 Rose Creek Point
Rose Creek
4
3
1990
5
$239,000.00
$131.75
$230,000.00
502 Silver Maple Lane
Spicers Grove
4
3
1994
19
$210,000.00
$103.91
$250,000.00
1010 ATHERTON Lane
Sturbridge
3
2
1986
77
$250,000.00
$73.92
$300,000.00
803 Chase Point
Summerchase
4
2.5
1992
9
$296,000.00
$90.85
$199,900.00
3037 Richmond Road
Sumter Ridge
3
2
1980
4
$203,800.00
$157.74
$275,000.00
1513 Brookridge Drive
The Arbors
5
2.5
1991
8
$258,000.00
$85.97
$215,900.00
210 Rose Cottage Drive
The Cottages at Towne Lake
3
2
1999
4
$210,000.00
$158.13
$349,800.00
405 Falling Water Avenue
The Village at Towne Lake
4
3
2007
44
$342,600.00
$145.17
$202,500.00
1015 Braddock Circle
The Woods at Colony Crossing
3
2
1990
20
$202,500.00
$162.26
$339,000.00
610 VILLA ESTATES Lane
Towne Lake Hills East
3
2.5
1998
61
$339,000.00
$141.13
$695,000.00
3028 Golf Crest Lane
Towne Lake Hills North
5
5.5
1999
56
$670,000.00
$127.40
$375,000.00
357 Ironhill Trace
Towne Lake Hills West
4
3.5
1996
68
$368,000.00
$106.42
$205,000.00
708 Wind Song Trace
Wood Wind Station
3
2
1981
16
$194,000.00
$126.30
$275,000.00
4005 Watkins Glen Drive
Wyngate
4
2.5
1990
17
$260,000.00
$108.70
$258,900.00
7044 Surrey Drive
Wyngate
5
3
1995
115
$242,000.00
$110.00
$281,103
80
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Elm Street
Halfway Through the Journey BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON
It is February, which means a few things: • We’ve all probably fallen short of our resolutions. • People are panicking about planning a date on Feb. 14. • For us at Elm Street, it is the halfway point through our Season of Journey. It is crazy to write that because halfway for us means figuring out the details of the next season, which starts in August, while finishing this season strong. Our seasonal themes are a fun way to pull our programming together under one umbrella, but they also are themes we feel our community can enjoy, learn from and grow. Naturally, we also try to think about and learn from our themes. It seemed appropriate to talk about this since most New Year’s resolutions aren’t a quick fix. They are a journey and, since many of us struggle with those pesky resolutions, I thought I would share some of what we have learned. Here are some tips on how to value the journey so what you want to achieve isn’t so goal driven.
1. Get specific. With your overall goal and your roadmap for getting there, it’s important to be specific. Writing down “procrastinate less” or “lose weight” won’t get you anywhere. 2. Break it down and start small. The best way to get to your overarching goal is to break down big habits into minigoals and milestones. You can’t rely on motivation alone. 3. Figure out your blockers. What distracts you on a dayto-day basis? What’s holding you back? Come up with tactics to get yourself back on track if you lose your way. 4. Reflect daily. You must work to keep the journey in mind. Actively thinking about your motivations every day will remind you of why you started in the first place. You also can check in on a weekly or monthly basis to assess what you’ve gotten out of your journey thus far. 5. Carve out time. Set aside time every day. Don’t neglect it — it’s how you’ll make progress. Simply, you prioritize what you schedule. 6. Celebrate the progress and enjoy the journey. When it’s not all about the goal, you can take it all in (and take what you’ve learned with you). Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy the journey and eventually reach your goal. As far as a date idea in February, we will see you at “Guys and Dolls,” a fun date and you get to see how the show’s quirky characters achieve their goals.
Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.
UPCOMING AT ELM STREET
JAN 31-FEB 3 THURS/FRI/SAT AT 7:30PM SUN AT 2:30PM
Presenting
Par tner:
FEB 22-24
FRI/SAT AT 7:30PM, SUN AT 2:30PM
ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | February 2019
81
Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to the winners in the competition "Faces!"
Digital Projection:
1st Martin Longstaff "Sack Race"
2nd Kim Bates "Another Face in the Crowd"
Monochromatic:
3rd Eillene Kirk "Angel Kisses"
1st Percy Clapp "Whittling. Top right, 2nd David Ferguson "Man Behind Glass"" 82
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
HM Chastaine Kendrick "Christmas Show"
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 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net.
3rd Eillene Kirk "Light Up the Darkness"
HM Chastaine Kendrick "Pensive"
Color Print:
2nd Becky Sapp "Corn"
1st Judy Vlass "Chattanooga Bound"
3rd Dayle Geroski "Abbey"
HM Percy Clapp "Please Sit Down" TOWNELAKER | February 2019
83
Rob’s Rescues This dog's name is Mickey. He is 7 years old and was brought to the shelter in November as a stray. This dog is curious but not demanding. He looks very young and healthy for his age and is a good size for a house dog. He is very sweet and happy walking on a leash. He may not be the best with cats but he is a perfect dog otherwise. This cat's name is Leo. He is 5 years old and is a big cat that needs to lose some weight. He came to the shelter because his owner died. This cat is orange and came to the shelter in the beginning of December. He really likes to lie on your lap. He is great with everyone and would be a great cat because he would love you whoever you are.
I interviewed Cindy Foster and Bo Pollard of the Georgia Animal Project (GAP). www.theanimalproject.org.
What does the Georgia Animal Project do?
We are a nonprofit spay and neuter facility. Our goal is to keep dog and cat populations, as well as euthanasia rates, down. I went to a conference a long time ago, and we talked about how high the levels of euthanasia are in Georgia. Twenty years later at the same conference we were still talking about the same thing. This was an ah-ha moment for me. I had to do something about this. There is a 65 percent euthanasia rate for cats going into shelters in Georgia. Prevention and education are the keys to doing something about this.
What would you like people to know about you?
Our goal is to make sure that we don't have a surplus of animals in the community. We serve customers from all over and try to keep the barriers to people wanting to come here limited. When we created the GAP, we wanted it to be a good-feeling clinic with a warm atmosphere. Appointments are required. We started in 2006 in a small warehouse room and saw 250 animals a year. Now in our new facility (310 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground), we see 4,500 animals a year. Our challenge is the need to expand, given the overwhelming need for low cost spaying and neutering.
How many volunteers do you have?
We use volunteers for special events, but need trained staff for our work. The Grey Project is part of our volunteer network.
Do you spay and neuter more dogs or cats and about how many?
We spay and neuter 55 percent cats and 45 percent dogs; about 300500 combined per month. Cats can reproduce at an alarming rate.
How did the Georgia Animal Project start? We started in 2006 in a small warehouse. If anyone is interested in starting a spay and neuter clinic we can definitely provide help with a business model and advice.
Do you have a favorite story to tell? When we decided to start the GAP, we just took the first step, and it just grew organically from there. We just
continued on page 88 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.
Follow Rob! Georgia Animal Project: Bo Pollard, Cindy Foster, Rob Kimmer, Rob, Joshua Leslie and Chris Haight. 84
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
@robsrescues
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
85
Love Is In the Air
It might be more accurate to say love is in the hair, fur, feathers, scales, etc. Feb. 20 is National Love Your Pet Day, and, in celebration, we asked you to share photos of your beloved pets. You did not disappoint! It is clear that we like to spoil, pamper, baby and, yes, LOVE our furry family members. While we didn’t have room to feature every photo we received, you can see them all on our website www.townlaker.com. You also can help spread the love by posting your photos, tagging us on social media and using the hashtag #NationalLoveYourPetDay. If you are looking to add a pet to your family consider adopting. Check out Rob’s Rescues on page 88 to meet the animals he is highlighting this month. And, for the humorous adventures of the much loved social media hound Teddy the Spaz Man, turn to page 85.
Hank and Mable share a quiet moment with their family’s foster child. Top right, Blitzer enjoys three-second belly rubs.
Otis plays it safe at the lake in his life jacket.
Hazel the boxer and her new fur sister Harley the German Shepherd. 86
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Madison and Murray celebrate together. Left, Yoshi is spoiled with baths in the sink.
Zoe likes to hang out in downtown Woodstock. Top left, Claire and Baxter.
Jordan and her baby duck, Quacker.
Charles Xavier (left) and Milo keep watch over the squirrels.
John Henry knows he is loved − the sign says so. Top right, Bunny always celebrates Christmas.
Darcy sits up and waits on a treat from Lauren. Top right, ChaCha smiles for the camera.
Dogtor Dre after a hard day of protecting his pack.
Toby is happy to provide tech support for his owner David.
Lucky the bearded dragon enjoys piggyback rides.
Baby Daisy the donkey and her loving owner Laurie. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Discovering a Healthy Lifestyle on the Trails
Rob’s Rescues
the main reasons people like to participate in organized events is for the social aspects and camaraderie. The excitement of being part of an organized event gives most people a psychological boost, and allows them to push themselves a bit harder than they could on a practice run. The top 15 percent or so of runners are focused on their result, but the other 85 percent are out to have fun, enjoy one another’s company and to push themselves beyond the practice phase. Whether you run solo or with a friend, you all can share stories of your experience afterward. We have seen participants from ages 7 to 85, so it is never too early or too late to start. Thinking of giving it a try? We are blessed with an abundance of great trails in our area, so you do not have to travel far to find an event. All of these trails are open for practice (weather permitting), but check www.sorbawoodstock.org for the open/closed status of the Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Park trails if it has rained recently.
took action. The Humane Alliance of South Carolina said we wouldn't make it on our business model, but we went ahead and proved them wrong. It worries us that people are discouraged listening to advice like that. A small rural clinic does not need the business model of a central city model. If you live in a rural area and have a little funding, the GAP will encourage and help you to just go for it! Organizational focus is important. A spay and neuter facility must be just that - spay and neuter exclusively.
continued from page 32
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
continued from page 84
What advice do you have for me, and how can I and the community help you?
Keep going. Spread the word. We always need donations, for example: paper towels, unscented bleach, gallons of distilled water, unscented 13- and 30-gallon trash bags, Seventh Generation sanitizing wipes, notebooks, office supplies, etc. More information can be found on our website: www.theanimalproject.org.
A Little Bad, A Lotta Good BY TEDDY THE SPAZ MAN
Wow, I can’t believe we’re already a month into 2019! The holidays were an absolute whirlwind. We traveled to three states, ran on top of mountains, played hide-and-seek with my furry cousins and played lots of games. And of course, we visited tons of family, including one in particular that wouldn’t stop talking to me. We also ate lots of yummy food, and Grandma Woof Woof made her traditional three-layer coconut cake. This being the same coconut cake that I’d snuck chunks out of for the past two years. I was excited to continue my Christmas tradition, so as Grandma’s brood of sloths were in the living room watching TV, I ninja-styled it to the kitchen, where that glorious cake sat unprotected on the kitchen island. I knew it was wrong — I’m not an animal for cripes sake — but dang, it looked good. I also knew that if I did go through with it, it’d be a scene straight out of “A Christmas Story,” with Grandma Woof Woof chasing after me, sputtering unintelligible, choice words. I thought and thought about it and after an exhaustive 1.5 seconds, my hound hole descended on that delicious goodness with the ferocity of a mama bear on a fish. Undetected, I’d barely made it back to the living room when I heard Grandma Woof Woof gasp, then yell, “TEDDYYYYYY!” But as she stormed outta the kitchen, I
Above, Teddy teamed up with Rob’s Rescues to help animals in need. Right, Teddy hides with the help of his camo shorts.
Above, Teddy visited extended family, including the four-legged kind, during the holidays. Left, How can something so right, like coconut cake, be so wrong?
wasn’t worried ‘cause I’d already changed into my camo shorts — and there was no way she’d find me with those things on! Ha ha, sucka! I wasn’t totally bad during the holidays! I also gave back with my Rock the Sock sock drive. My Facebook fans donated 300 pairs of socks and my alma mater, Big Canoe Animal Rescue, donated more than 100, so we ended up donating more than 400 pairs of socks, which were given to those in need! Bananas! We also teamed up with Rob’s Rescues to help animals. With the help of our social fans, much-needed supplies were donated to The Grey Project and the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Now, Valentine’s Day is nearly here. With so many hotties vying for my attention, I decided to host a Furry Legs contest in the amphitheater downtown. As she-dogs of all shapes and sizes took to the stage to strut their stuff, it was Brianna’s furry gams that caught my eye. She would be my Valentine! Stay tuned to hear all about it.
Teddy the Spaz Man is a social media dog and not-sohumble Hallmark star living in downtown Woodstock with his pawrents and fur family. Facebook/Instagram: @teddythespazman.
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
89
REFERENCE
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.
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.
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.
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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. Safe Kids Cherokee County offers free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808. www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org. SmileUp! Charitable Foundation works to get children involved in volunteering with local charities that help children. www.smileupfoundation.org. 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. Abortion Recovery Helping those who have been impacted by abortion. 678-223-3519. 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 Assoc. - Cherokee Div. 678-385-2013. American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695. A-Typical Parkinson’s Education and Support Group Meets 6:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Ball Ground UMC, 3045 Canton Hwy. in Ball Ground. Contact Norma Schmidt at 770-366-9585. 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.
Male Veteran Support Group meets 6:30-8 p.m.
Thursdays at First Baptist Church Woodstock in Building "A" Room 260. Light snacks provided. 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. 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.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter. Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont. 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.
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 American Legion Post 45, 160 McClure Street, Canton. 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. Kiwanis Club of Greater Cherokee Meets: 8 a.m. first Monday, at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2107, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 678-468-9900. www.greatercherokeekiwanis.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy. 20. 770-393-1766. Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com. www.pilotinternational.com. Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 770-480-4179. Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock. www.townelakerotary.com. Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 678-428-6514.
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. Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com. Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org. Cherokee Music Teachers Association 770-720-1701. www.cherokeemta.org. Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187. www.csaimpact.com.
Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991. www.serviceleague.net.
Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com.
South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-926-3522.
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.
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.
Kingdom Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat.
Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club www.woodstockjwc.org.
Les Marmitons, for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org.
Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Monday at New Victoria Baptist, 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. 770-906-2958.
Neighbors and Newcomers of Towne Lake (NNTL) is a social club for residents of 30189 area code. 770-855-9623. www.nntlclub.com.
Woodstock Preservation Group 770-924-0406. http://preservationwoodstock.com/.
Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.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.
William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST
Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-7304 http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106 www.cantonadventist.org
AME
Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org
BAPTIST
Canton Bible Church 94 North St., Canton CantonBibleChurch.org Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive 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 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.HeritageCanton.com Hickory Road 2416 Hickory Road, Canton GA 30115 www.hickoryroad.org Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com
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Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org 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 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 Canton Church 110 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 678-285-3288 www.cantonchurch.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
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 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-345-8540 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, Canton www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org
Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.ecamarietta.org
Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074, www.woodstockpcusa.com
Saint Clement’s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org
Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com
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
ROMAN CATHOLIC
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 Ball Ground 3045 Canton Hwy, Ball Ground 770-735-6247 www.ballgroundumc.org
Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombumc.org Big Springs 2066 Sugar Pike Road, Woodstock 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
OTHERS
Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road, Canton 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 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 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestonesga.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 Bible Church 124 P. Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton lifebiblechurch.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com 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 New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com 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 St., 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 Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100 www.unitynorth.org 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 2019
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Advertisers
For advertising rates and information Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
February 2019
ANIMAL/PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com
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Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
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Towne Lake Pet Care 404-907-9778
Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.Debranski.com
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Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
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Limbocker Law Firm Cover, 48, 49 678-401-6836 www.limbockerlawfirm.com Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC Inside front 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630
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Chloe's Auto Repair 770-575-8800 www.ChloesAutoRepair.com
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Christian Brothers Automotive 770-926-4500 www.cbac.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898
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Salon Gloss 770-693-6968 www.salongloss.biz
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Salon & Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019
Towne Lake Business Association www.TLBA.org
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Levitt Orthodontics 770-516-6100 www.levittortho.com
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Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
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Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 27 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com
Papa’s Pantry 770-591-4730 www.PapasPantry.org
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Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 29 770-592-5554 and 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com
CHIROPRACTIC Ribley Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com
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Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 770-592-1877 www.townelakechiro.com
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Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900 www.ccrguys.com
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CREDIT UNION Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.CUofGA.org
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Giving Care Training Center 678-831-0830 www.givingcareathome.com
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Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.CitadelWealthCare.com
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Treasure Tax 678-888-4829 www.treasuretax.com
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FITNESS 19
HEALTH & WELLNESS 65
Canton Dental Town 770-622-1515 www.dentaltownsmiles.com
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Dentistry for Woodstock 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com
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Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com
EDUCATION/TRAINING
R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com
DENTAL
Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com
Towne Lake Family Dentistry Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
COMPUTERS
(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)
BEAUTY SALON & SPA
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CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS 5
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES
Jones Family Law 770-479-1050 www.JonesFamilyLawFirm.com
INWDSTK inwdstk.org/events
Kragor Orthodontics 770-485-8827 www.kragorortho.com
IVMD Hydration & Wellness www.ivmdsolutions.com
43
Your CBD Store 770-627-3512 www.cbdrx4u.com
63
HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR
13
Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277
5
Budget Blinds 678-540-1615 www.BudgetBlinds.com/Woodstock
63
CFM Electrical Services 678-614-9661
31
ClearView window cleaning & pressure washing 770-926-1960 www.ClearViewAtl.com
47
Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com
7
Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com
41
Eagle Watch Golf Club 404-960-9225 gary.weller@clubcorp.com
66
GYN Surgical Specialists 404-303-3157 www.GYNSurgicalSpecialists.com
39
Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org
81
Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 678-388-5485 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com
31
Etowah Eagles Football www.etowaheaglesfootball.com
75 75
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com
47
Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com
53
Northside Cherokee Surgical Assoc. 770-924-9656 www.ncsurgicalassociates.com
58
Etowah Eagles Tip Off Club www.etowaheaglesbasketball.com
Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490 www.thhmga.com
39
Northside Vascular Surgery 770-292-3490 www.NVS-GA.com
75
Georgia All-Star Gymnastics 770-516-2654 www.ga-allstars.com
L. Bean Interiors 770-824-8386
19
Perimeter North Medical Associates 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com
37
Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.MrJunk1.com
31
Plastic Surgery Center of the South 72 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net
Copper Coin Coffee Inside front, 43 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com
Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045
27
Primary Care Plus, PC 678-574-3000
67
Precision Painting & Remodeling 678-234-9668 www.precisionpaintingatlanta.com
41
Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 www.FireStoneRestaurants.com
25
Menchie's Towne Lake 770-924-4016
RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com
25
Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com
7
INSURANCE State Farm Agent Sheila Geist 770-924-3680 www.sheilageist.net
61
PHOTOGRAPHY J. King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com
45
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology 65 Atlanta, Marietta: Dr. Feuer 404-459-1900 Canton, TowneLake: Dr. Glasgow 770-721-9400 www.AtlantaGynOnc.com Atlanta North Dermatology & Skin Care 770-516-5199 www.atlantanorthdermatology.com Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists Woodstock: 770-852-7740 Canton: 678-493-2527 www.CherokeeLungAndSleep.com
46
7
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com Broadus Realty Group 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com
29
3
Coldwell Banker, Mahria Heller 44 O:770-429-0600, C:404-731-5748 www.homesbymahria.cbintouch.com Harry Norman Realtors, Gina Riggs 404-860-0159 770-422-6005
35
Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cvr 404-954-2486, 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheilateam.com Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.magnoliadreamcottage.com
63
Soliel Laurel Canyon 678-500-8099 www.SolielLaurelCanyon.com
57
Windsong Properties, Grace 770-516-3678 www.WindsongLife.com
71
78
TLBA Golf Tournament www.TLBA.org
54
Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910 smallcakeswoodstock.myshopify.com Tavern at Towne Lake 770-592-9969 www.tavernattownelake.com
8
47 8
31
RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Neighborhood Nest, The 17 770-485-5898 www.TheNeighborhoodNestGA.com Queen B’s Boutique & Studio 770-380-6794 www.QueenBsWoodstock.com
65
Queen Custom Couture 678-310-0257 www.QueenCustomCouture.com
39
Urban Renewal 678-398-7691 www.urcwoodstock
35
SENIOR LIVING/ SERVICES
RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT Cruise Planners, Kathy Faisal 678-445-5235
Guns & Hoses Fun Run & Walk
RESTAURANTS/FOOD
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities, Tara Daigle 404-925-6351
9
27
Lodge at BridgeMill, The 833-358-4220 www.TheLodgeAtBridgeMill.com
37
Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com
11
TOWNELAKER | February 2019
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Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.
Front row, from left, Laura Latchford, Christie Deese, Patty Ponder and Jackie Loudin. Back row, Michelle McCulloch, Denise Griffin, Candi Hannigan, Karen Flaig and Katherine Amick. Photo by Beth Fornuto.
At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.
TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,400
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TOWNELAKER | February 2019