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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
1
Contents February 2022
Contributors
Veracity Capital
21 Kelley Archer
On the Cover
25 Katie Caldwell
In 2018, Michael Collopy and the other Veracity founders started the firm to tailor to a specific client niche: Goal-oriented clients who need personal financial advice and investment management. Right, Michael, son Will and wife Katrina.
39 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 16 Mary Elliott
19 Greg Fonzeno
32 Jessica Forrester
Pages 28 & 29
Cover photo by SQS Photography.
42 Barbara Jacoby
8
18 Harry Johnston
Have a Green Thumb?
SmileUp! Foundation needs help with garden beautification at the YMCA.
10
Meet The Wanderer
This county resident learns more about our community on daily walks and shares wonders hiding in plain sight.
35 Susannah MacKay 34 Rob Macmillan
12 Margaret Miller
49 Dr. Haiden Nunn 8 Tonya Riddick
48 John Rodgers 36 Susan Schulz
30 Elisabeth Stubbs 40 Diane Walton
10 The Wanderer
In Every Issue 4 Around Canton
20 Celebrations 22 Local News
24 Noteworthy
26 Everyday Angels 34 Rob’s Rescues
38 Dining Guide 44 School News
48 Library Events
14
Black History Month
History Cherokee helps us reflect on the contributions of Cherokee County’s African American community. 2
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
50 Community Calendar
52 Cherokee Photo Club
54 Directory of Advertisers
LIVING WISER IN RETIREMENT
N
ever underestimate the impact that a wise decision can have over time. Even in retirement, our choices can determine how well we continue to live in the future. If you’re considering moving to a retirement community, it’s never been more important to make a wise decision — one that takes into consideration all of the aspects that contribute to a happy, healthy lifestyle. At St. George Village, we take pride in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, with a wide range of activities, services and amenities to address individual needs. Additionally, our LifePlan structure offers the peace of mind that comes with protection of financial assets as well as the assurance of continuing care. A decision to move to St. George Village is a choice to live confidently and independently in retirement. Learn more about how St. George Village can be a wise investment for your retirement. Call Stacy at 404-558-6100 for details. Visit us at stgeorgevillage.org, and on Facebook to get a closer look at our lifestyle of active engagement. *St. George Village is Roswell’s only LifePlan community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing neighborhoods. 11350 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 | (678) 987-0410 | stgeorgevillage.org AROUND CANTON | February 2022
3
Around Canton Letter From the Editor
I hope each of you has been enjoying a healthy and blessed start to 2022. After sharing this space in December with our outgoing president, Patty Ponder, and in January with our new president, Kim Dahnke, I’m back! My mother-in-law will be happy to see this. Bless her! I think she’s my biggest fan — at least, of what I write for this space each month. I’m excited for this new year, but in more ways than the hope it brings for a healthier, happier world. At Aroundabout Local Media, we have many good things in store for you in 2022. I won’t share them all with you at once; I don't want to overwhelm you with too much goodness! Our biggest and most immediate change is the new platform we’ve adopted for our Readers’ Choice contest, thanks to the professionals at Second Street. They’ve mastered the art of contests like Readers’ Choice, and work with publications across the country. We made the decision to take Readers’ Choice to the next level after examining our mission statement, and making sure we are doing the most we can do to help local businesses grow and prosper. We’re committed to walking alongside our local business owners and service providers, helping them gain as much exposure as possible in the community. During Readers’ Choice 2022, those entrepreneurs will have access to numerous tools to promote themselves during the contest, including free images to download on their social media outlets to encourage nominations and voting. Also, they will have more options through advertising to ensure their businesses are top-of-mind for the voters. And, last but not least, voters have a chance to win a prize! Doesn’t a $500 Visa gift card sound good? Visit https://aroundcantonmagazine. com/readers-choice-2022 for more details. I’d be remiss if I didn’t wish our puppies a happy first birthday! On Feb. 3, 2021, Lulu gave birth to eight little bundles of joy, and we’re thrilled to be the adoptive parents of two of them. Happy birthday, Bertie Ruth and Ellie Mae! You’re getting older now, so it’s time to slow down. Seriously. Please slow down. Put a cap on that energy … technically, you no longer are puppies. But, we love you anyway!
Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@ AroundaboutMagazines.com.
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
READERS’
CHOICE Award 2022
Nomination phase starts 9 a.m.
March 1
For details, visit www.aroundcantonmagazine.com.
What’s New
Strongside (www.the-strongside.com) and Alpine Leather (http://alpineleather.co) have opened at The Mill On Etowah, 141 Railroad St. For updates on openings and events, visit www.etowahmill.com. Dwayne Waterman recently was sworn in as the new Canton city councillor for Ward 3, taking the place of Nick Estes. In a recent newsletter, Canton Mayor Bill Grant referred to the following projects set for 2022: Waterman • Completion of the primary river walk trail connector from Heritage to Boling Park by this summer, linking the city’s three major parks along one multiuse path. • Completion of the Archer Street Parking Deck in downtown by May, including a solar canopy to power 10 electric vehicle charging stations and significant energy credits for City Hall. • Completion of Harmon Park improvements and expansion, including a Mini-Pitch Soccer Field. • Launch and initial funding for phase one of the new tax allocation district to enhance redevelopment from Exit 16/Hickory Flat Highway through other areas downtown in need of revitalization.
What’s Coming
The final virtual public input meeting for the Northeast Cherokee Parks Plan Update is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 9 on Zoom. The plans include a 102-acre parcel in Free Home for the future E.W. and Edith Cochran Park, a 538-acre parcel on Yellow Creek Road along the Etowah River, and the Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area, a 23-acre parcel on Ball Ground Road at the Etowah River. The meeting will feature a brief summary about project site conditions and conceptual drafts for each site. Those interested in participating will need to register ahead of time on the project website. https://tsw. mysocialpinpoint.com/ne-cc-parks-plan. Residents have until March 2 to review the final round of plans and provide feedback online. To submit input online or register for the public input meeting, visit www.cherokeega.com, and click on NE Cherokee Parks Plan from the homepage, or go to the project website.
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
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Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com
Around Acworth | Around Canton | Around Kennesaw Around Woodstock | TowneLaker
Our Mission
Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.
Get Results With Us As a marketing consultant for over 30 years, I have worked with hundreds of advertising companies. Every so often I come across a company that stands out and just GETS IT! The team at Aroundabout Local Media is professional, flexible and easy to work with! — Derek Ritchie
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President Kim Dahnke 770-615-2779 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com Managing Editor Katie Beall 770-852-8481 katie@aroundaboutmagazines.com Assistant Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com Graphic Designer Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
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www.aroundcantonmagazine.com AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Around Canton, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. A total of 17,000 free copies are distributed monthly; approximately 16,600 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 400 placed in racks around the community. Many readers catch the latest edition online each month. Around Canton welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th of each month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Canton, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Canton 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 2022.
Volume 9, Issue 11
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
7
SmileUp! Ambassador Phillip Thomas gets experience playing in the dirt.
Volunteers Needed for Garden Project
BY TONYA RIDDICK
There is no better way to give back than to do so by beautifying your community. The SmileUp! Charitable Foundation is using its young volunteer base to redesign and maintain the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA Garden, and are looking for local garden enthusiasts, young and old, to flex their green thumbs. This is a great opportunity for adults to use their passion for gardening to guide our young volunteers, helping them transform the G. Cecil Pruett YMCA grounds into a SmileUp! Rock, Container and
Herb Garden, in conjunction with local community organizations and businesses. This also is a wonderful way to get your children involved in volunteerism, by introducing them to SmileUp! and all we do to make an impact in this world.
• Through Feb. 26: Mural Design Challenge.
Volunteers will submit artwork for a garden mural, where the winning design will be permanently installed at the new SmileUp! Happy Garden. • March 5: Garden Cleanup. Help clean up to prepare for the new garden. • March 12: Garden Beautification. Gardeners, young and old, will assemble the rock, herb and container gardens. • March 26: Painting Day. Paint garden murals and rocks for the rock garden.
At SmileUp!, we envision a world where young people are leading the charge in volunteerism, and that starts with YOU! Visit our website, and follow us on social media today! To help or learn more about how you can sponsor this event with gardening materials, email info@ smileupfoundation.org. All sponsorships valued at $250-plus will have name/business displayed as part of permanent garden installment.
From left, Lily Jacobs, Tonya Riddick, Alena Ezell and Kendall Hinson. 8
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Tonya Riddick is executive director of SmileUp! Charitable Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. www.smileupfoundation.org.
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DER
Exploring Our Backyard A Closer Look at The Rarity Around Us
BY THE WANDERER
I’ve had a notion for some time now that we fail to appreciate the uniqueness of our backyard. We learn about the Roman Empire or World Wars I and II, and our existence seems mundane. We visit natural history museums, and gawk at dinosaur bones or the skulls of saber-toothed tigers. Yet, for some reason, the hummingbirds in our yards, or the occasional sighting of a deer or a fox, seem insignificant. This year, I’d like to acquaint you with parts of our county you may have overlooked, such as tiny fish found nowhere else in the world, the largest moonshiner in our state’s history and the Georgia Gold Belt. The place you call home is as historic, significant, unique and meaningful as the Rock of Gibraltar or the Scottish glens. It contains creatures as unique as the marsupials of Australia or the penguins of Antarctica, and it has a history as rich and as long as Mesopotamia or China, although not as well documented. Cherokee County was named for the people our European and African ancestors displaced in the 1830s, when the first U.S. gold rush drove them to take the Cherokees’ land and push them west of the Mississippi River. And, yet, the river that runs through our county, the Etowah, is derived from a word used by the Muskogee Creek (the people the Cherokee drove out of the area), meaning town. These people hardly were the first to be here. A trip to the Etowah Indian Mounds in Bartow County will introduce you to a Mississippian culture that dominated the region from 1,000 to 1,500 A.D., establishing fish weirs and agricultural fields that allowed for cities, villages and towns — encircled in fortifications, with populations in the hundreds or thousands — to flourish. The uniqueness of this place is not limited to the past. It is with us today, if we have the desire to see it and the wisdom to appreciate it. Did you know that there are two species of darters, tiny fish no longer than your index finger, only found in Cherokee and the surrounding counties? Notohonatus etowahae (the Etowah darter) and Etheostoma scotti (the Cherokee darter) are each around 2.5 inches long, live 3 to 4 years, and inhabit the small, clear freshwater creeks that feed the Etowah River and Allatoona Lake. They’re endangered by mankind, whether it’s the building of dams flooding what was a creek, or the building of subdivisions, resulting in silt from runoff polluting their streams. But, they are there and, when well managed, they thrive. 10
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Etowah darter. Photo by Robert Lamb.
Walk the trails behind Barnett Park, running through the BridgeMill community in Canton, and you’ll see these little wonders anywhere along Downing Creek where a suitable riffle (a rocky or shallow part of a stream or river with rough water) allows for spawning from mid-March to June. Breeding males develop so much color that you easily could mistake males and females for different species. Just outside your door is a world like no other. The Georgia Department of Conservation has more information on the Cherokee and Etowah darters, including information on preserving the species. Did you know our county seat once was set afire by Union soldiers? Did you know that the first western-style blue jeans in Japan actually were made here and sold in Japan under the trade name Canton Denim? Did you know that the only man ever to serve four terms as governor of Georgia made his home in Canton? Let’s wander through Cherokee County and uncover the wonders it is hiding in plain sight. Come hit the trail with me! The Wanderer has been a resident of Cherokee County for nearly 20 years, and constantly is learning about his community on daily walks, which totaled a little more than 1,800 miles in 2021. Send questions or comments to wanderingga@gmail.com.
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©2019. Equal Housing Opportunity. The amenities and features described and depicted herein are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. Actual development may not be as currently proposed. References to housing products, builders and prices are subject to change without notice as well.
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Each set includes a 6-foot sleeping mat, a sitting mat and a pillow.
Turning Trash Into Treasure
BY MARGARET MILLER
Plastic grocery bags are considered by some to be a nuisance. In many municipalities, they are not recyclable, so they are difficult to dispose. However, there is a local group of women who use these bags to create sleeping mats for the homeless. They call themselves the Plarning Angels. Plarn means plastic yarn made from plastic bags. The Plarning Angels were created when Cecile Peters saw a news account of high school students creating mats from plastic bags as an extracurricular
The Plarning Angels, top row, from left: Cecile Peters and Ann Johnson. Bottom row: Stephanie Key, Karen Albro and Laurell Williams. 12
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
activity. In 2019, she gathered some of her friends, who have loving and kind hearts, to work on this project. They taught themselves how to create yarn from the bags and how to crochet mats and pillows. The timeconsuming activity consists of collecting bags, cutting them into strips, creating plarn balls and crocheting the materials into mats and pillows. It takes around 1,000 bags and one month to complete a set. A set consists of a 6-foot sleeping mat, a sitting mat and a pillow. The sitting mat and pillow are rolled into the larger mat, with straps attached for easy transport. “We do the preparation process throughout the year to have the finished products ready for the fall season,” Peters said. “The sets are given to organizations during the months of November and December.” The group has donated sets to the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans and Project U First. According to Peters, the feedback from recipients is always a pleasant shock. “They seem surprised when they see the finished products and feel the soft texture,” she said. “They are very grateful and appreciative.” For more information, or to be part of the project, email c2aka@yahoo.com. For simple, step by step directions on converting plastic bags into sleeping mats, visit www.youtube.com. Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.
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Cynthia Durham and Priscilla Strickland
C elebratin g
BLACK
Cynthia Durham
HISTORY
MONTH Each year, History Cherokee celebrates Black History Month by bringing to light significant people and places of the African American community over the decades. Here are some snapshots from its #BlackHistoryMonth Facebook posts through the years. Special thanks to History Cherokee for providing historical information. For more details and posts like these, follow @CherokeeCountyHistoryCenter on Facebook, or visit www.historycherokee.org.
Priscilla Strickland
In 1956, Cynthia Durham and Priscilla Strickland were the first African American students to integrate Cherokee High School. These young women wanted to broaden their educational experience, and after much discussion with their family and the principal of the school, the two decided to attend Cherokee High. In the book, “Cherokee County, Georgia: A History,” the two recalled being treated poorly on their first day. “I remember us coming in one of the back halls and coming down the hall. It was as if everyone in the school had converged there, and as we walked down the hall, they backed out of the way,” Strickland said. Although the women recalled difficult times, they both agreed they had no regrets being the first to integrate the school. Teachers Doris Yarborough, Bill Teasley, Sarah Donley and Helen Mauldin were fondly remembered by the two students for their support during that time.
Medical Detachment Mobile 40th
As we tell the stories of Cherokee County’s AfricanAmerican community, we wanted to share this photo from our collection. This is the Medical Detachment Mobile 40th in France during World War II (Black Company, also listed as Truck Company).
Feb. 15
Lecture With Marshall Shepherd
Join History Cherokee with Marshall Shepherd for a compelling lecture and discussion, “The Extreme Weather-Climate Gap: A Discussion at the Intersection of Race, Income, Vulnerability and Resilience.” It’s a great opportunity to learn about contemporary topics during Black History Month. The free event begins at 7 p.m. at the Rock Barn in Canton. Register at https:// historycherokee.org/events.
@DrMarshallShepherd @marsh4fsu
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Back row, in the middle is Technician Fifth Grade Walter Keith; front row on the right is Cpl. Willie Jones; back row, second from left is Pfc. William Brown; front row, second from right is possibly Raymond A. Foster. Walter Foster, father-in-law of George Emerson, is in the back row on the right.
The 1958 sixth-grade class, first row, from left: Robert Johnson, Patricia Tanner (Tanny), Emma Cantrell, Mary Davis, Johnnie Burgess, Lula Paden, Estell Lay and Delores Foster. Second row: Sammie Holmes, Joe Keith, Sammie Roper, Thomas Holmes, Gussie Pickens, Gene Pitts, James Patrick (Patrict), Wayne Keith and John McMickens.
Ralph J. Bunche School
Around Cherokee County, we know Ralph J. Bunche as the namesake of the Ralph J. Bunche school. Bunche is known for his work as a peace mediator; he became the first Black American to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 1950. Bunche started as a segregated high school that was integrated in the late 1960s. However, the history of the school dates back nearly a century prior. Hickory Log School is believed to have been started in 1870 on land donated by Amos Keith. The original Hickory Log school later became the Cherokee County Training School, and was then replaced by Ralph J. Bunche. Gertrude Herbert served as the first principal in 1956, and students from Canton, Waleska and Woodstock attended the school. Students living within 1.5 miles of the school would walk, and students living farther away took a bus. Students participated in fine arts programs on the district, regional and state levels, winning several first- and second-place honors in drama, music, track and basketball. The school is still in operation today, serving Head Start, pre-K and preschool students. History Cherokee is a nonprofit organization engaged in the collection, preservation and interpretation of Cherokee County. Through strong community partnerships, relevant educational programming, intentional collecting practices and historic preservation advocacy, we strive to: • Serve as a trusted community resource for Cherokee County history. • Inspire our audience to become empathetic and engaged citizens in their communities. • Cultivate a love of learning and understanding about our shared past. History Cherokee will be opening the much anticipated Cherokee County History Center in 2022. The History Center will engage with Cherokee County’s rich and diverse past through comprehensive and interactive exhibits, as well as serve as a cultural epicenter dedicated to preservation, research and education.
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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TEENS UNITE!
Teen Advisory Board members read and do crafts with classes at Thrive Special Needs Ministries.
Library System Values the Voice of Area Youth BY MARY ELLIOTT
The Sequoyah Regional Library System’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an appointed group of teens that functions like a student government. TAB members help plan and implement young adult library programs, participate in volunteer service projects, earn volunteer hours, and help in the selection of new young adult materials for the library. TAB is a great way to have fun, make friends and become an integral part of the library system. TAB members also develop leadership, public speaking and writing skills, which look great on any college or job application. Additionally, members may be eligible to earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the White House for volunteer services completed during the TAB year. The TAB term runs from August until July, unless there are openings on the board, in which case the term can start upon interview and acceptance of the applicant. The board is open to all students ages 12-18 who reside in Cherokee, Gilmer and Pickens counties. TAB meets four to five times during the 12-month period, and meeting attendance is mandatory. These meetings generally take place on weeknights, ending by 7:30 p.m.
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
What Has TAB Done?
Teen Library Programs •Festival of Trees Fandom and Gaming Programs • Mario Kart 8 Tournament • Harry Potter Yule Ball Outreach Opportunities • Thrive Special Needs Ministries: First Baptist Church Woodstock • Art Appreciation Programs (Teen Art Appreciation Night) • Lego Robotics and STEAM, and so much more!
How to Get Involved
Interested teens can apply on the library’s website on the Teen Info Hub page, www.sequoyahregionallibrary. org/teenhub. After the application is received, the applicant will be contacted to start the interview process.
Mary Elliott is the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s teen services specialist. She oversees TAB and travels to all Cherokee County library branches to host teen programs and events.
Meet the
2021-22 TEEN ADVISORY BOARD “My name is Lenata Tombari, but my friends and family call me Nata or Lena. I’m a senior at Georgia Cyber Academy, and I joined TAB to bond with my peers over literature and create various ways to uplift our local community.” “My name is Anna Henderson. I’m a senior at Timothy Ministry. I wanted to join TAB so I could help people experience the joy of going to their local libraries like I do.”
“Hi! I’m Piper Duncan. I’m in 12th grade at Pickens High School. I wanted to join TAB in order to plan community events where teens can meet and have fun. As a kid, I loved the library’s programs, so I love giving back to the community!” “Hi! I am Manik Durani, and I am in seventh grade at Mill Creek Middle School. I joined TAB because I want to interact with my community and compare likings with each other.”
“Hi! I am Maulik Durani, and I am a senior at River Ridge High School. I joined TAB because I want to share my passion for books with others and spread happiness in my community through literature.” “Hello! My name is Morgan Gosdin, and I’m a senior at The King’s Academy. I wanted to join TAB to find a way to share my love of reading with other students in my community!”
“My name is Talyn Mesner, and I’m the regional board operations chairI am a sophomore at Gilmer High School and am on the varsity cross country team. My enthusiasm for reading and Dungeons & Dragons, along with my interest in getting experience on a committee and volunteering, is why I wanted to join TAB.”
“Hi, my name is Ila Prabhuram, and I’m the regional board chair for this year’s TAB. I’m a junior at Etowah High School. I’m part of TAB to not only get involved in various literacy opportunities, but to give back to the community that’s impacted and shaped me in so many ways. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment on the board, and I look forward to what’s to come!” “Hi! My name is Rosemary Bragg, and I’m a homeschooled eighth grader. I wanted to be involved in TAB because I love reading, and I want to help people in my community find out about all the great things that the library has to offer!” “My name is Emily Flair, and I go to River Ridge High School. I wanted to join TAB to be more involved with the library I grew up in, and to get more people wanting to spend time at the library!”
“My name is Victoria Marin, and I am in seventh grade at Mill Creek Middle School. I joined TAB just recently, and they have been so kind and welcoming to me! I joined to become more in touch with my community and library, and to get service hours.” “My name is Unity Thornton. I’m a junior at Compass Prep Academy. This is my fourth year as a member of TAB. From a young age, I always loved going to library programs. I think TAB is great, and I have enjoyed how it has allowed me to be a part of the inner workings of the library, make friends with similar interests and learn how to plan events.” “I’m Makena Dubois, the Cherokee County projects chair, and I’m in 11th gradeat Creekview High School. I wanted to get involved in TAB because I wanted to help teens get more involved in the library and the community, as well as myself. I’ve always loved the library and wanted others to love it as much as I do. I’ve been in TAB for three years, and I couldn’t imagine not being a part of this wonderful group!”
Not pictured: Regional Board Vice Chair Marlayna Macking, and board members Walker Stone, Sophie Salzar and Nicholas Brown. AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Prepare for Takeoff
Airport Expansion on the Horizon BY HARRY JOHNSTON
We have a jewel in north-central Cherokee County, hidden from most of us. The Cherokee County Regional Airport is there, just south of Ball Ground. It is the sixth largest general aviation airport in Georgia, based on the number of planes there. The airport opened in 1966, built with a $61,000 federal grant and an equal amount of local matching funds. It is owned and managed by the Cherokee County Airport Authority. The authority, a separate legal entity from the county government, was created by the Georgia Legislature. To keep it nonpolitical, four of the seven seats on the authority board are appointed by the Cherokee County Grand Jury. The other three are appointed by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. The runway initially was 3,414 feet long, serving primarily hobby flyers and a few small business aircraft. The first hangar and a small airport office were built in the 1970s. The authority assembled $34 million in federal, state and local funds around 2006 for a major expansion. The runway was extended to 5,000 feet, allowing light business jets to operate. A beautiful general aviation terminal was constructed, 18
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
along with more and larger hangars. The airport is an economic engine for the county. The planes based there generate approximately $700,000 in property tax, and that number will increase as the number of planes grows. The airport provides an important front door for economic development prospects. We have many great things going for us in Cherokee County, but we don’t have enough good jobs for our people. Most workers leave the county for work, reducing their quality of life and congesting our roads. We need to continue to attract quality local jobs, and the airport is a key part of that effort. Another round of expansion at the airport is in the works now. While the 5,000-foot runway allows most corporate jets to take off and land, they often can’t do so with a full load of fuel and passengers. Shortly after completion of the first expansion in 2011, the county bought and donated land to the authority to
extend the runway to 6,000 feet. That will allow most planes to operate with full loads. The first phase, scheduled to begin in the next few months, will extend the runway to 5,500 feet. Most of the earthwork already is in place for that length. The runway also will be widened from 75 to 100 feet, and new lighting and control systems will be installed. The final expansion to 6,000 feet, expected over the next few years, will require major earth moving. It will involve rerouting some roads, including a new road to connect Bluffs Parkway to the airport — opening up a new area for economic development. Our airport will get even better, and become a better job creator. If you haven’t already, take a ride to Exit 24 off I-575, and take a look. As always, I’m interested in your thoughts on this and other subjects. Email me at hjohnston@ cherokeega.com.
Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.
Free Safety Checks Can Save Lives BY GREG FONZENO
Before boating season begins this spring, consider getting a free vessel safety check, so you can avoid an embarrassing and potentially costly encounter with law enforcement. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary helps boaters inspect their vessel to ensure required safety equipment is in good, serviceable condition and the required number of each piece of safety gear is on board. The free vessel safety check is performed at your boat by a certified vessel examiner, at a mutually convenient time, and takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat.
What’s in It for Me?
Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a decal that informs law enforcement and other safety agencies your boat is in full compliance with federal and state boating laws that year. Best of all, every vessel safety check is 100% free of charge!
What if I Don’t Pass?
If your boat does not pass, no citation is issued. Instead, you are provided a written report on how to correct any discrepancies.
Why Receive a Vessel Safety Check?
The peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and, in an emergency, you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help. In many cases, boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels that undergo a vessel safety check every year. All decals and safety checks expire Dec. 31 of the year they are inspected. They also are void should the owner or operator fail to maintain the vessel’s equipment, or the vessel itself, to the standard at the time of the safety check.
What Type of Items Are Checked?
• Lifejackets • Registration and numbering • Navigation lights • Ventilation • Backfire flame arrestor • Fire extinguishers • Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.) • Sound producing devices • Battery cover and connections These items are required by Georgia and federal regulations and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard or local law enforcement.
How Do I Find an Examiner?
Visit the Coast Guard Auxiliary I Want a VSC website at https://bit.ly/3fAyuGI, and complete the form. The site will locate the closest volunteer vessel examiners within 30 miles of your location, and they will contact you to set up a safety check.
Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and vice commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake.
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678-486-1111 AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com March deadline is Feb. 10.
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David and Lisa Yelverton
David – Feb. 25; Lisa – March 3 Happy birthday!
Joshua
Happy 22nd birthday, Jordan! This is your year! Love, Mom, Dad, Joshua and Julia
Addison
Carson Sollenberger
Connor Sollenberger
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Happy third birthday! Love you bunches! Daddy, Mommy and Elliott
Zoe Rose Moylan
Age 11 on Feb. 15 Happy birthday! We love you so much and are so proud of you! 20
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Jordan
Happy 18th birthday, Joshua! We love you and are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Jordan and Julia
Age 15 on Jan. 17 Happy birthday!
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Jan. 10 Happy birthday!
A Home Built With You in Mind BY KELLEY ARCHER
At some point, you come to the realization that it’s time to look for a new place to call home. Maybe your family is growing, and you’re in search of much-needed extra space, or maybe it’s time to downsize into a home that fits your life today. No matter the reason, you’ll likely find yourself asking, “What are the benefits of buying a brand-new house?”
1.
You won’t get caught up in the hunt.
2.
Reputable and award-winning builders await.
Homebuyers looking at available inventory on the market find themselves in the inevitable hunt for resale homes that seem to be a good fit for their needs, only to learn that multiple offers already have been submitted before they have a chance to take a tour. Often, this leads to settling on the location of the place you’ll call home, or feeling pressured into making an offer too soon. When you decide to build a new home, you’ll never feel rushed through the process.
investments you’ll make in your life, so you’ll want to be sure you’re investing in a quality house, built by a name you can trust. New-home communities rely on reputable home builders to create quality spaces behind each and every front door.
3. Everything is ready for you on day one.
With construction complete and keys in hand, you’ll be amazed as you walk through a home that meets your family’s every want and need. After working side by side with your home builder to choose your features, fixtures and finishes, what once was a dream comes to life in the form of your new home. Then, it’s time to sit back and relax in the house built just for you.
Kelley Archer is the marketing director for Great Sky in Canton.
A home purchase is one of the most important
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Local News Art Contests Open to Middle, High Schoolers Middle school students are invited to enter the 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark Contest. The state winner will receive $150, and 10 district winners will each receive $100. High school students can enter the 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau High School Art Contest. The state winner will win $250, one state runner-up will receive $150, and 10 district winners each will receive $100. Both contests are open to all public, private and homeschool students. The bookmark contest, for students in grades 6-8, involves students drawing onto a blank bookmark a picture that depicts some aspect of Georgia agriculture. Students may use crayons, markers or colored pencils to create their bookmark that illustrates agriculture. Only one entry per person. The art contest, for grades 9-12, requires submissions to be done on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper and should be created in the colors black, white and gray. Contestants may use a variety of media to create their artwork, including graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, pen-and-ink, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Interested students or teachers should contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for an official entry form and contest rules at 770-479-1481 ext. 0. All entries must be received at the Cherokee County Farm Bureau Office by Feb. 18.
Library System Gets New Executive Director Angela Cortellino has been named the new executive director of the Sequoyah Regional Library System, replacing the recently retired Anita Summers. Cortellino has served as deputy Angela Cortellino director for the library system since 2016, after joining the staff in 2015 as public services director. She also has worked in public libraries in Hall and Lumpkin counties. She has a master’s of science degree in information technology from the University of Tennessee School of Information Science, and is a member of the Georgia Library Association, where she serves as advocacy chair. She was awarded the Georgia Library Professional Commendation for Outstanding Service in 2021 and was chosen as one of the 2021 Cherokee County Top 10 Under 40 Professionals to Watch. www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org. 22
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Jose Luna
Jesslyn Rollins
Honoring Cherokee’s New, Expanding Businesses
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development recently held the third annual Movers & Makers Reception at The Mill on Etowah, honoring seven of Cherokee’s new and expanding businesses. The annual event brings together Cherokee By Choice investors to connect with company executives and hear firsthand about their corporation’s journey to success and growth within the community. This year’s honorees represent a large scope of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, food and beverage, energy and film. The 2021 Movers & Makers Honorees are Biolyte, Caire Incorporated, CaliFino Tequila, Chart Industries, Cobb Industrial Incorporated, Quest One Aerospace, Stream MOKO and Northside Hospital Cherokee. Honoree Jesslyn Rollins founded Biolyte – the IV in a bottle – in Canton, alongside her physician father, Dr. Trey Rollins. The multi-million-dollar hydration company continues to experience record growth with their products available in bigbox retailers such as Target, Publix and Kroger. Rollins said, “Being in Cherokee By Choice has positively impacted Biolyte in so many ways. Cherokee has supported Biolyte by allowing us to grow at every stage of our company’s life cycle. Now, we are moving into a nearly 50,000-square-foot facility, and Cherokee has absorbed every single milestone and challenge that we’ve had to undertake, helping us elevate and grow to the next level. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” CaliFino Tequila, another honoree, began its East Coast operations in Canton at Thrive Coworking. The company, in collaboration with Agave Fino Distributors, is now expanding into a new distribution warehouse at The Mill on Etowah. The award-winning tequila company and its distribution partner continue to see a 30 percent increase in tequila sales every quarter. “The support system we have in Cherokee is unlike anywhere else,” said CaliFino Business Representative/ Ambassador Jose Luna. “The participation and support of the local community has helped us grow organically in ways we were never expecting. Cherokee has welcomed us, and it truly feels like home.” To learn more about Cherokee’s new and existing industries, visit cherokeega.org.
County Farm Bureau Wins State Awards Cherokee County Farm Bureau (CCFB) was recognized for its outstanding member programs during the 84th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Convention held Dec. 5-7 on Jekyll Island. William Grizzle is the CCFB president. CCFB received the GFB McKemie Award in the organization’s large membership division. The McKemie Award is the highest honor awarded to a county Farm Bureau in recognition of its efforts to promote agriculture in its local community and is a memorial to former GFB President W.J. McKemie. CCFB received a $1,500 cash prize for winning the award. “Cherokee County Farm Bureau has gone above and beyond in the work it did this past year to promote agriculture in its community. It’s a pleasure to recognize the county for the hard work they have done,” GFB President Tom McCall said. CCFB also received the GFB Outstanding Legislative Award, which recognizes efforts the local Farm Bureau made to make legislators and public officials aware of issues facing farmers. Don Keeter chairs the CCFB Legislative Committee. The committee hosted a Legislative Appreciation Breakfast in 2019 at the Art Barn Farm, followed by a tour of the farm’s petting zoo and a visit to Mariposa Farms, an equine boarding and riding facility. The event gave local farmers a chance to interact with elected officials or their office representatives. The committee held an in-person political forum in 2019 and a virtual forum in 2020 to give candidates who ran for office each year a chance to share their platforms with local residents.
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, left, with Cherokee County Farm Bureau President William Grizzle and Legislative Committee Chairman Don Keeter.
The Okefenokee Swamp is under threat by a proposed mine.
River Adventures Announces New Schedule
Georgia River Network, Georgia’s only statewide advocacy organization dedicated solely to protecting Georgia’s water, hopes to introduce more than 600 people to the state’s waterways during 2022 through a series of paddle trips and boater safety training sessions. Georgia River Network, which created Paddle Georgia, a canoe/kayak camping adventure that attracts more than 300 people, is adjusting to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by offering a series of small-group monthly adventures through November. The organization has two-day weekend canoe/kayak camping trips planned for the Okefenokee Swamp and St. Marys River this month, Alapaha River in March, Ohoopee River in April, and a one-day Etowah River trip in May. More than a dozen additional trips also are scheduled. Registration is open, but spaces are limited on each trip to approximately 30 participants. For more information, contact Joe Cook, Georgia River Network’s Paddle Georgia coordinator, at joe@garivers.org or 706-409-0128.
Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Offers Scholarships
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $65,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field. The GFA awards scholarships in the following categories: Scholarship for Agriculture, Cheyenne Heard College Scholarships (For more information contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau Office at 770479-1481 ext. 0.), Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture, Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for all scholarships, applications and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted with the application. The scholarship recipients will be announced in the spring. The GFA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders for success in Georgia agriculture. The foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing agricultural careers, funds leadership development programs and projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture. AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Toys for Tots Rakes in Thousands of Toys
A large crew of volunteers loaded the toys and bikes onto trucks.
Resident Receives Gift of New Roof
Janice Sisk has a new roof over her head, thanks to local real estate agent Sarah Terrell, and a special holiday giveback campaign - Shingle All The Way - by Woodstockbased Terminus Construction Group. Sisk’s husband, Steve, died from brain cancer last summer; the family has lived in Towne Lake more than 25 years, and Steve was a pillar in the community. He was in charge of maintenance for Hobgood Park, where he was well-known and loved by players and their families. He also drove a school bus to supplement their income and provide insurance for his wife and three sons. Part of Terrell’s nomination: “Steve has had a positive impact on many kids through coaching and/or on his bus over the years. Janice is now trying to maintain Hobgood and applying to drive a bus to help ends meet. Their house really needs a new roof, but Janice can’t afford one. I would love to surprise her with a new roof.” Watch a video created by the female-owned business at www.facebook.com/terminusconstructiongroup. Steve and Janice Sisk with their three sons. 24
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Thousands of toys were collected this year in Cherokee County during the annual Toys for Tots campaign, coordinated by Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 toys - more than in years past - were donated, along with more than 80 bicycles. A truck with a 26-foot long trailer was filled to capacity with boxes and bags of toys. After delivering the cargo to an area processing center, the truck returned to pick up more boxes and bikes. Battalion Chief of Support Services, Marc Liscio, stated numerous businesses, schools and local events assisted the fire department with their annual toy drive this year, including Belnick, Chart Industries, IsoTech, Sarah Kendall with Edward Jones, Southeast Restoration, Ball Ground Elementary, Clark Creek Elementary, Holly Springs Elementary, Hickory Flat Elementary, The March of the Toys Parade in Ball Ground and the Canton Christmas Parade. Toys for Tots is a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Maj. Bill Hendricks.
Layers of Support Behind Woodstock Arts’ Success BY KATIE CALDWELL
Never has the strength of our community been so evident as it is today at Woodstock Arts. Our organization has been on an unbelievably fast track for growth, through community partnerships, construction of new venues, new programming and more, with local support for the arts in Woodstock remaining the driving force. We are so grateful for the motivation inspired by our donors, sponsors and visionaries (volunteers), to keep going even as the world keeps trying to throw additional punches. In the midst of rearranged lives and priorities, due to all we have powered through together over the past couple of years, our visionaries continue to give their time and talent to showcase the arts, which are so vital to our community. One who especially comes to mind is Rebeccah George, recently named Volunteer of the Year for 2021. She creates vibrancy at the Reeves House, Lantern Series and theater, whether she is working at the front of an event or behind the scenes on numerous teams with board or staff members. Rebeccah embodies
From left, Woodstock Arts Executive Director Christopher Brazelton, board President Katie Caldwell and John Wieland pose with the fundraising gala check. Photo by Rebecca Blackwell.
Fundraising Gala Coming Soon! A partnership with John Wieland and his team at JW Collection, through the Reeves House, has instigated a transformation in Woodstock Arts. It has provided not only a new venue, but also allowed an expansion of art disciplines, as well as opportunities for our community. Woodstock Arts is holding a fundraising gala on Feb. 26, presented by the JW Collection. We are honored by the support and collaboration, and look forward to celebrating together!
the heart of our organization, inspiring and encouraging so many others to get involved with the arts in Woodstock! We recognize that our passion for community engagement as an arts nonprofit only is achieved fully through the outstanding partners and individuals that make the arts such a force for good. Whether you give your time, financial resources, knowledge or staggering talents, we consider it a privilege to be inspired continually by you — our community! Our mission statement at Woodstock Arts is to engage the community with relevant art experiences every day. We believe wholeheartedly in the unique ability of art to unite and connect people. Check out our upcoming productions, exhibits, events, classes and more at https://woodstockarts.org, including “A Chorus Line, High School Edition,” Feb. 4-13, and the latest Reeves House exhibit, “New Media: Art + Technology,” opening Feb. 17. Katie Caldwell serves as the president of the Woodstock Arts Board of Directors, and lives in the heart of downtown Woodstock.
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EVERYDAY “Nobody stays recovered unless the life they have created is more rewarding and satisfying than the one they left behind.”
- Anne Fletcher
We have written about addiction many times. The effects of someone’s struggle with drug addiction stretch out far beyond them. Their immediate family also feels the impact when their loved one has a drug or alcohol problem. Whether it is a child, parent or spouse, addiction alters the lives of anyone who loves the person. As we begin 2022, we share a plea for help for a neighbor whose life has been rocked by addiction. Everyday Angels would love to assist this sweet couple during a difficult season. We will accept grocery and gas cards to help with the costs of caring for extended family and to help with the daily commutes for treatment. We pray for healing for both the grandpa and daughter and for strength for the sweet wife and grandmother. We look forward to sharing a victorious followup story. 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, email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Dear Everyday Angels: I write to you out of concern for dear neighbors and friends who have been dealt with more than their fair share over the years, especially recently. Throughout the past 20-plus years, I have lived a few houses down from a wonderful couple with three children. One of their kids struggled with serious addiction issues that created turmoil in what was supposed to be the golden retirement years. They tirelessly tried to get help for their daughter over the years and kept her children while she spent months in and out of rehab facilities, and then, long term when their daughter was incarcerated. During this time, this wonderful Christian couple reverted back to parenthood while in their late 60s, praying that this time, things may be different when their daughter returned. I have always admired their dedication to their family no matter how unfair it seemed. I recently learned that the husband, dad, grandpa was diagnosed with prostate cancer, stage 3. His treatment began before the holidays. A group of neighbors got together and are planning to assist with meals for them, since the grandmother is busy caring for her husband and two young grandchildren. She is tired and weary. It saddens me to see such wonderful people having to endure this all at once. They are allowing us to help them but would have never asked. We are doing as much as we can for them, but I would love to do more. We would love to help pay some of their bills, groceries, gas, etc. and relieve some of the stress from their hectic lives. They do not deserve all they have been through and continue to go through. Any little bit of assistance you can provide would be great encouragement for them.
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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The team at Veracity Capital.
Boutique Approach Allows Firm to Serve Clients’ Individual Needs As an employee-owned, registered investment adviser, Veracity Capital offers its clients a boutique wealth management service through comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Two of the firm’s distinctions are:
— A philosophy that financial planning drives investment decisions. — The founders have an extensive background at a large investment bank.
In 2018, Michael Collopy and the other founders left a large investment bank to start Veracity Capital, with the goal of tailoring their services for their client niche: Goaloriented clients who need personal financial advice and investment management. “We felt we had the experience to build a service that was an improvement for the clients we serve,” said Collopy, who is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). “We also wanted the challenge and excitement that comes with starting a business. It was the perfect recipe and timing for our team to create Veracity Capital.”
Advisory services offered through Veracity Capital, LLC, a registered investment adviser. 28
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Who Are the Clients? “Veracity means devotion to truthfulness. By name and by nature, we seek truth, accuracy and what is best for you as our client.” This thorough, truthful and time-sensitive approach allows Collopy and his partners to dive deep with each client to meet specific needs. The Atlanta-based company has offices across the country; advisers generally work with clients who fall into one of three categories.
1.
2.
e typical client is a corporate employee with Th employee benefits that they need help navigating, such as RSUs (restricted stock units), stock options and deferred compensation plans, among other benefits. While valuable, benefits often are confusing. “We find that, sometimes, employees are not maximizing their benefits because they don’t understand the plans, so we spend time helping clients maximize their benefits, building investment portfolios and a financial plan to meet their goals,” Collopy said. s a natural progression, retirees seek advice from A Veracity Capital. When clients who are corporate employees and business owners reach retirement, they can count on Veracity Capital advisers to help them through financial planning and investment management.
3. Veracity also works with business owners, another
demographic that is served best by a holistic approach. “Owning a business comes with a certain set of risks and complications,” Collopy said. “As business owners, that’s an area we’re comfortable giving financial advice.”
Meeting Needs Now
adviser’s office, or online via a webinar, an option that has become popular. Having a variety of meeting options is important for businessmen and women who are busy with careers, juggling a family and other priorities. “We could meet in person for breakfast on a Saturday morning at a local restaurant, or hold a virtual meeting on a Thursday evening after dinner,” Collopy said. “That sort of service is tough to find in general, and certainly tough to find within a larger corporation, which is part of the reason we built the firm this way.”
An Eye on the Future The firm’s holistic approach gives advisers a chance to pull together the big picture for each client, and identify gaps that may adversely affect the future. For example, a client may have a great investment portfolio, but if they don’t have the proper insurance coverage, or if they don’t have a will and other estate planning documents, they have gaps in their financial plan. In addition to building a holistic financial plan, the ongoing management is a key to success. “It’s common to have tax planning opportunities and portfolio adjustments during any given year. These are areas we feel add value, and are easier to quantify for clients,” Collopy said. Attention to detail, viewing the bigger picture and safer investments have paid off for the relatively young company. “We strive to help clients achieve financial confidence and peace of mind, and we are thrilled to be serving our local community to that endeavor,” Collopy said. “As we’ve all seen, this community has had tremendous growth over the past few years, and we feel fortunate to be a part of it.”
Michael Collopy
PHOTO BY SQS PHOTORGRAPHY
The uniqueness of the employee-owned firm allows flexibility, which Collopy said is appreciated highly by clients. Veracity advisers meet with clients regularly to discuss their goals, financial plans and investment portfolios. These meetings can be in person at the client’s home, in the
2859 Paces Ferry Road, Suite #635, Atlanta, GA 30339
678-685-3265 www.veracitycapital.com
SPONSORED CONTENT AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Love Starts at 6 Ways to Show Your Home Some Love BY ELISABETH STUBBS
Home is more than the house where you live. Home is a place where you are comfortable, where your people are, where you can relax and be totally yourself. Home is what you make it, with your style, creativity, love, and your choices! When decorating your home, start from the bottom up. The floor is your room’s foundation. It sets the tone for other furnishings in the room. Flooring choices are decisions you make that will last years and years, so they are more important than say, a lamp or bedspread. But, where to start? Like a good pair of shoes, what’s underneath your feet is vital to the look and feel of your home. There are many options, and how you use your space will dictate the best option. Do you prefer hardwood, porcelain tile, laminate, luxury vinyl plank or carpet? Select your flooring first, and other finishes once the flooring is determined. If new floors aren’t in your plan this year, here are six easy, less expensive and less permanent ways to show your house some love.
1. 2.
Conceal worn flooring. Use an area rug to cover dirty carpet or scratched wood floors.
Tidy the entry. If your entry doesn’t already have storage, add a few hooks, a rack or tray for shoes, and a basket to collect stray items.
3.
Make your kitchen counter a place of peace. It’s natural for the kitchen counter to accumulate stuff. It starts innocently enough: a blender for smoothies, your coffee pot, a cutting board, a bowl of fruit. But, there comes a point when a cluttered counter becomes a magnet for more clutter, and soon, your counter is swamped with stray rubber bands, incoming mail and half-finished homework.
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Start fresh by removing everything from the counters. Put away anything that has a home, and clean the surface. Then, selectively put back the few items you use daily or find beautiful and inspiring. Better, isn’t it?
4.
Freshen up the front porch. Clean up porch furniture, launder or replace cushions, sweep and mop the porch floor, and lay down a new welcome mat.
5.
Plant a living centerpiece. Why fuss with flowers when you can have a green centerpiece that’s just as interesting but lasts indefinitely? Plant one or more shallow containers with a variety of succulents, and line them up along the center of your dining table for a fresh look. If you don’t love succulents, anything green will do.
6.
Clear bedroom clutter. A clean and serene bedside makes for more restful sleep. Remove everything from your nightstand, as well as anything piled on the floor beside it, and wipe down the table. Put away any extra books, magazines, stray pens and old water glasses. A bedside table is another great spot for a beautiful houseplant. If you like, add a candle, too. Follow these tips to show yourself and your home some Valentine’s Day love!
Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Little River in Olde Rope Mill Park. Photo by Ariosta Widner.
7
Affordable Ways to Celebrate
BY JESSICA FORRESTER
Valentine’s Day conjures up images of couples exchanging heart-shaped cards, roses, boxes of chocolates and, sometimes, expensive jewelry. But, the holiday doesn’t have to be about spending money on gifts! Spend time with those you love instead, with activities that are sure to last longer than a box of chocolates. Here are seven ways to celebrate the day of love without breaking the bank.
Picnic in the park. 1. This activity works well for singles, couples, families and friends. Stop by your favorite
restaurant and get takeout, or go to the grocery store and pick up your favorite items to fill your picnic basket, bag or cooler. Choose a variety of fruits, cheeses, crackers and meats to make a charcuterie board, or toss some Lunchables into your shopping cart. We won’t judge. As your destination, pick a park that offers a variety of seating, such as Olde Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, with swings and benches, or Etowah River Park in Canton, with picnic tables under the pavilion. While you’re there, take advantage of great views of the river and the walking trails throughout. For a complete list of parks in Canton, visit https://bit.ly/3JV2Otx. Whatever park you choose, don’t forget to bring a blanket or two.
Host a potluck. 2. Friendsgiving, who? Make way for Palentine’s Day. Throw a dinner party, and invite all your friends — singles and couples. Everyone can bring a dish, dessert or drink, to keep the cost minimal. It’s a low-pressure way to celebrate with those you love.
Volunteer at the animal shelter. 3. Who said Valentine’s Day is only for humans? Help spread the love to our furry
friends this month. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, or are interested in volunteering at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, visit www.cherokeega-animals.org/index.html. For more ways to volunteer in and around Cherokee, flip to Pages 34-36.
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Make an escape. 4. Escape rooms are immersive games in which players work together to find clues, solve riddles and puzzles, and
accomplish tasks to progress through the game and reach the goal. Instead of spending money on an expensive meal, eat cheap, and then make memories with those you love participating in an engaging activity. There are many escape rooms to choose from in Cherokee and surrounding counties, including Get a Clue Escape Games in Canton and Mindscape Escape Rooms in Kennesaw. Each escape room features a different theme, holds unique secrets and puzzles, and is a new adventure.
Window shop. 5. Woodstock and Canton have many things in common, a couple being unique small businesses and
shopping opportunities. Window shopping is a great way to spend time together and see what our cities have to offer, while sticking to a budget. Downtown Canton and Woodstock and The Mill on Etowah are growing, with stores boasting antiques, vintage records, niche clothing, home decor and more.
6. Hop in your car, and drive toward the best unobstructed views of the west. Bring snacks, or Chase the sunset.
stop for coffee, bubble tea or ice cream on the way. Navigate the county, and find the perfect sunset spot to come back to. Don’t forget to make a playlist of your favorite songs!
Photo courtesy of the Canton Theatre.
Explore the arts. 7. Woodstock Arts and the Canton Theatre offer a variety of events each month, including plays,
concerts, movie screenings and more. Turn to Page 50 for more details. Canton Theatre • Feb. 5: “Hidden Figures” • Feb. 11-13, 18-20: “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” • Feb. 26: Cody Bolden, Jonathan Peyton and Greg Shaddix
Woodstock Arts • Through Feb. 13: “Creative Kids” • Feb. 4-13: “A Chorus Line - High School Edition” • Feb. 17-April 17: “New Media: Art + Technology” • Feb. 18: iThink Improv • Feb. 19: The Lasting Laugh
Tip: Go cellphone-free. Enjoy time with your significant other, friends, family or by yourself without distractions.
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Rob’s Rescues This month, I interviewed Georgia Audubon Society Director of Education Melanie Furr. Georgia Audubon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates bird-friendly communities through conservation, education and community engagement.
What is a story that you love to tell about your job?
What are the main things the Audubon Society does?
How can people help birds?
Our mission is to build places where birds and people thrive. We make the environment better for birds, and make people want to connect with birds through educational programs, walks, habitat restoration work and installing native plant gardens in public schools.
What do you do at Georgia Audubon?
I manage all programs from preschools to senior centers. I talk to all audiences about matters relevant to birds. I have a unique hummingbird program, and I bring our resident hummingbirds, Sibley and Polly, to teach people about them.
How did you become interested in birds, and what did you study? I used to be a high school English teacher. I started wildlife rescue and volunteering at AWARE. I went on an Audubon bird walk, saw 45 different kinds of birds and realized there is so much to birds we don’t know. It was an epiphany moment for me.
I love connecting kids with nature. When I hear, ‘I’ve never seen a bird that close; I wish I could see this every day.’ I say, you can! It gives me a magical feeling.
Plant native plants that grow in Georgia. Bugs lay eggs on bushes, and birds will eat them. So, native plants are imperative. Treat windows. Every year, 2 billion birds fly into windows in North America. Keep cats inside. Cat saliva is toxic to birds. Even if a cat catches a bird and causes no structural damage, it will still infect the bird.
What should we do if we find an injured bird?
Keep it in a dark, quiet place. Do not give it food or water. Contact a wildlife rehabber by downloading the Animal Help Now app.
My favorite bird is a blue jay; what is your favorite bird?
My favorite bird is a cousin of the blue jay, the crow. They are closely bonded with their families and send alarm calls when danger is around.
What do you want people to know about Georgia Audubon, and how can people contact you?
We have free bird walks all around the city and would love people to join us. Schools are welcome to contact me to do a virtual hummingbird meeting. Visit georgiaaudubon.org.
Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
Rob with Melanie Furr and hummingbird, Sibley. 34
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This cat’s name is Cashmere. She is a gray cat who is 1.5 years old. She is an owner surrender; I am not sure why as she is a very sweet and friendly cat who probably would just like to hang around you all day.
This dog’s name is Franklin. His tag number is 633422. He is 2 years old and probably should be an only dog until he mellows a bit. He is a very sporty and active medium-sized dog. It took about 10 seconds to take the photo with him, which is usually not the case, so he is cooperative. He also will need some leash training, but, when that is done, I think he will be a very good dog. These animals are waiting for homes at Cobb County Animal Services, 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
Support Local Frontline Healthcare Workers BY SUSANNAH O. MACKAY
How can you get involved?
Just when we think that COVID-19 is finally in retreat, a new challenge comes our way. As frustrating and discouraging as it may be for the average person, imagine how draining and challenging it can be for our healthcare providers. For two years, they have served our community with tireless dedication and continued to provide the excellent care we needed through this difficult time. Did you know there is a way to give back and show them the same support? The Northside Hospital Foundation works across the metro Atlanta area to do just that. Currently, there is a listing on justserve.org that allows you to connect with coordinators at each of the Northside Hospital campuses to support frontline workers in urgent need of a morale boost. The foundation welcomes everything from bottled waters to boxed lunches, and notes of thanks to snack bags. These are such easy, safe ways to show support and kindness to those who have shown us so much.
Check out the listing on justserve.org for some ideas of how you can help. You can get involved as an individual or family, or invite friends, neighbors and local businesses, too. Even kids can get involved! Any donation or volunteer is welcome. This is a great way to give back, and keep them safe, when they need it most. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3eSYInr. JustServe.org is a free, nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprofit or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!
Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.
food, drink, music & more!
MARCH 24 - 27, 2022 | JIM R. MILLER PARK, MARIETTA, GA The Georgia Food + Wine Festival celebrates the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to its farmers, artisans, live musicians and more.
G E O R G I A F O O DA N DW I N E F E S T I VA L .C O M THANKS Corporate Sponsors
Official Sponsor
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OUR
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Presenting Media Sponsor
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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The Gift Foundation Makes Music Available to At-Risk Youth BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
Inside the instrument sales center at the Northwest Atlanta headquarters.
Music is a powerful force that inspires us, brings us hope, provokes memories and so much more. One of the most overwhelming illustrations of music’s influence over humanity happened on the Titanic, with the actions of bandmaster Wallace Hartley. He and his fellow musicians started playing music as the ship began to sink, to keep the passengers calm while the crew loaded the lifeboats. Survivors reported the band continued to play until the very end. Tragically, all band members perished. Song after song that they played served as their own requiem. That kind of impact illustrates why the Gift of Music Foundation in Cobb County was founded in 2015. After serving the community as a band director and freelance teacher for local marching bands, Chris Monroe, executive director/CEO, saw cut after cut in music programs. He launched the foundation as a response to the ongoing, nationwide decline in funding and lack of prioritization for music education. Monroe and his fellow leaders at Gift of Music work relentlessly to offer access to music for at-risk young people, by forming partnerships with music teachers, public schools and other organizations. “Music is too important for any student to miss the opportunity to learn,” said Scott Keefer, vice president and instruments program director. “It’s such a great feeling to see a child’s face light up when they are given their first real instrument. You can see the joy right away.” Gift of Music has a variety of ways to keep music a part of our children’s lives.
Gift of Music’s team meets with parents to provide instruments for their beginning students. 36
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• Access to instruments. Musical instruments are provided to beginner-level students. According to the nonprofit’s website, Gift of Music is the only source in our area for reduced price and free instrument rentals for those with qualifying financial circumstances. • Instrument donations. The foundation accepts unused band and orchestra instruments that are gathering dust in closets.
of Music Executive Director Chris Monroe explains options to a new band student and family.
• Instrument repair center. A full-service repair shop, open to the public at the Gift of Music Powers Ferry Road headquarters, handles any repair on most band and orchestra instruments. Best of all, the proceeds go directly to provide instruments and music education for kids. • Access to music education. Gift of Music has replaced school day music classes that have been eliminated by some public schools, providing students in grades three through five with a beginner instrumental program in an after-school environment at participating public schools. • Instrument sales. A great selection of used instruments is available at the retail center, at the foundation headquarters, and at the online store. All purchases provide vital funding for the music programs. • Instrument grants. Help is provided for musicians of all ages, with special circumstances, who have lost the opportunity to play music as a part of their lives. From lifetime musicians suffering with health issues, to victims of natural disasters who have lost everything, granting musical wishes always will be a part of the important work done at Gift of Music. “The need is different everywhere we go,” Monroe said. “At Gift of Music, we focus on the parents and partnerships with schools, to ensure that music continues to play a vital role in enriching our lives. Another goal in 2022 is to expand our services in Cherokee County. I encourage you to say yes to kids and music education.” The foundation’s headquarters is located at 2030 Powers Ferry Road SE, Suite 390, Atlanta, GA 30339, and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and weekends by appointment. info@giftofmusic.org. 888-551-0077 or 770-988-5075. giftofmusic.org.
Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.
CHUNKY SOUP · CHILI PASTA SAUCE · BEANS CORN · CANNED Meats CANNED Pasta · Rice Ramen Noodles Peanut Butter Cereal · Oatmeal Our urgent food supply is disappearing quickly! Can you donate today?
MARIETTA · 1280 Field Pkwy CANTON · 111 Brown Ind. Pkwy
www.mustministries.org AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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DOWNTOWN
Canton Dining Branchwater
Nava Taqueria
Downtown Kitchen
New Georgian Hills
Steak & Seafood 190 East Main St. 678-880-7540 www.bwsteakandseafood.com Steak & Seafood 140 E. Marietta St. 770-479-1616 downtownkitchencanton.com
Goin’ Coastal
Seafood 125 W. Main St. 770-479-3737 goincoastalseafood.com
Green Line Brewery
Craft Beer, Street Tacos, Pub Food 192 E. Main St. 770-213-4420 www.greenlinebrews.com
Local on North Eatery & Bar 170 North St. 770-213-8970 localonnorth.com
Magnolia Villa
Italian 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 108 678-880-8133 www.magnoliavillaitalian.com
Mamma Onesta’s Italian Italian 250 E. Main St. 678-880-7770 mammaonesta.com/canton-ga
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Tex-Mex 25 Reformation Parkway, Suite 106 770-213-8197 www.navataqueria.com
Southern 69 Waleska St. 770-479-8311 Facebook/GahillsRest2005
Panera Bread Sandwich Shop 205 W. Main St. 770-720-1565 panerabread.com
Queenie’s
Southern Cooking 151 W. Main St. 770-213-4897 eatatqueenies.com
The Salty Mule
Seafood 169 Church St. 770-213-4479 www.thesaltymule.com
5 Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC
There are five health symptoms women should never ignore: painful periods, abnormal bleeding, pain during intercourse, breast lumps and breast discharge. Many women wait too long to seek an evaluation. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your OB-GYN as soon as possible.
1. Heavy or painful periods.
You know what’s normal for you. Heavy or painful periods that are out of the ordinary could signal a problem. Many women have uterine fibroids or tumors that cause heavy or painful periods. There are other conditions that can cause painful periods, but it is important to be evaluated by an OB-GYN to determine the cause and alleviate symptoms.
2. Abnormal bleeding.
If you experience bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause, see your OB-GYN. Although abnormal bleeding can occur for different reasons, cancers like cervical or uterine are among them. Abnormal bleeding is what it sounds like, abnormal, and is nothing to take lightly. See your doctor as soon as possible for treatment, or to rule out anything serious.
3. Lumps in or around the breasts.
Regular mammograms and self breast exams are a must. Breast cancer can happen at any age, even if there is no family history. The earlier you are diagnosed, the better your prognosis. Do not put off getting regular mammograms, and see your OBGYN at least once a year for evaluation.
4. Pain during intercourse.
Pain during intercourse is not normal and could be a sign of a medical condition, such as endometriosis, which can lead to infertility. In addition to painful intercourse, watch for pelvic pain and pain when you go to the bathroom. There are treatments available, but you need to know what is going on with your body to be proactive.
5. Breast discharge.
It’s important to pay attention to your breasts. In addition to checking for lumps or changes in breast size or shape, watch for discharge. Discharge is a sign of breast cancer. Don’t put off getting checked by an OB-GYN who can properly evaluate you and order the appropriate images and tests. If you have symptoms that are not typical for you, or something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body. You know your body best and can sense when something may be wrong. Seeking treatment early helps ensure the best outcome possible. Make taking care of yourself a priority. You are too valuable to neglect.
Cherokee Women's Health Specialists, PC has eight physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
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Hellebores
The Roses of Winter BY DIANE WALTON
Hellebores are perennial plants that have evergreen foliage and colorful flowers, which are frost-resistant. The shape of the bloom resembles that of a rose, and some hellebores commonly are called the winter rose or Lenten rose. Bloom time depends on the species and the climate. However, the Lenten rose usually flowers around the period of Lent, blooming in the winter and into the spring, with blooms lasting two to three months. Much breeding has occurred with hellebores, and many cultivars are available. Flowers come in many colors, ranging from pure white to a deep, blackish purple. Some boast spotted or speckled blooms, and some cultivars bear doubled flowers. The easiest way to add a hellebore to your garden is to purchase a plant, or get a cutting from an existing plant. If you decide to use seed, be sure to collect seeds from the pods and plant them in a container, or somewhere outdoors during the summer months. Keep the soil moist, and you should have new plants the following winter or spring. If you decide to keep the seeds to plant later, they will go dormant and have to be stratified before planting, which may not work. When incorporating hellebores into your garden, consider planting location, soil, water, maintenance and division.
Pink hellebores provide a pop of color in a winter landscape.
1. Planting location.
Hellebores can grow in partly shady areas or in full shade (under trees). The plants need only a few hours of sun each day and do not tolerate full afternoon sun. Hellebores self-sow, and new plants may appear, but this is not an invasive plant. Clumps slowly expand by rhizomatous roots. The plants grow to 2 feet high and 2 feet wide.
2. Soil.
Soil needs to be rich with organic matter and well-draining. I have not used fertilizer, only compost and mulching, and my hellebores have been growing with beautiful blooms for the past five years. You can use an organic rich fertilizer if you do not have compost. If using this method, fertilize in the spring and early fall, but don’t over fertilize.
3. Water.
Hellebores are tolerant of dry soil, and will rot if they sit in water-soaked ground, so they do not need watering daily or weekly. I water my plants, if we have not had rain in 10-plus days, with stored rainwater only at the base of the plant.
4. Maintenance and division.
You do not need to prune a hellebore unless you want to pull off the dead leaves. I have never trimmed mine. Maintenance is very minimal, which is one reason why I love this plant. You may want to propagate your hellebores, which can be done by division. 40
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Looking for a club with a family feel? Join the Cherokee Soccer Association!
Adult, Special Needs & Youth Leagues Sprouts Soccer Boys & Girls 2-4 years old Six-week training session 55-minute sessions Emphasis on Fun!
Recreational Soccer Boys & Girls U5-U19 years old Two practice sessions weekly Develop skills to get past defenders, learn when to pass and how to score!
Top Soccer 8-25 years old with special needs Eight-week program Emphasis on development, training & participation.
Adult League Must be 18+ years old 7 v 7 format Spring, Summer & Fall programs Minimum eight games & playoffs
The best time to divide a plant is before flowering. I usually propagate in September or October. Dig up the entire plant and divide it, making sure you have two or more buds on the divided plant. Plant one portion back where it was previously, and plant the others in your garden, or put in a pot and give to neighbors and friends to enjoy. Note: The sap in hellebores can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning or propagating. The hellebore is not susceptible to many bug infestations, but aphids are the biggest problem. Aphid infestation can bring black death disease, which causes black streaks. Remove and toss out the plant if this happens. Treat the plants for aphids, so they do not spread to other plants. Hellebores are poisonous, and ingestion by a pet should not be fatal, but can result in illness. The taste is very bitter, so a pet probably would not eat a great amount. However, even though they are toxic, deer, rabbits and squirrels have been known to eat them. Since hellebores bloom early in the winter or spring, I plant companion plants around them, so I have continually flowering plants. I use hostas and coral bells. Other plants that can be used are native ferns, columbines and bleeding hearts. Who says you can’t have flowers in winter? Try planting hellebores to add colorful life to winter gardens. Diane Walton has been a Cherokee County Master Gardener for the past 14 years. She held the position of treasurer for 10 years and has presented several gardening seminars.
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Cherokee County: Investing Wisely in its Future BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
The Cherokee County School District, thanks to continued taxpayer support, invests wisely in the community’s future: our children. While the district achieved many important financial management milestones in 2021, several long-term goals also were realized. The district’s Office of Financial Management, which prepares all financial reports and the annual budget among many responsibilities, for the first time earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Financial Officers Association for its 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. An optional higher level of accountability, this report defines the gold standard in financial reporting. The certificate honors the highest level of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by an organization. To earn this recognition, an organization must submit a report that passes muster with an impartial panel that judges for high standards including “demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.” Additionally, due to fiscally conservative measures, the Cherokee County School Board learned it has the opportunity this spring to retire a bonds series from past borrowing for school construction and other capital outlay projects, more than 10 years ahead of schedule, avoiding $7.8 million in interest and further improving its fiscal position, which influences borrowing capacity and credit ratings. This accomplishment followed the news that, thanks to efficient budgeting, tax anticipation notices for short-term borrowing would not be needed to bridge the gap until property tax revenue arrives … avoiding additional interest. 42
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The foundation that allows these achievements begins with the school board’s stewardship. The annual budget development process set by the school board’s policy is zerobased, with requirements for every central office division and each school to reevaluate expenses in drafting requests for the next year. This school year, that included accounting for $9.4 million in the state government’s so-called educational funding “austerity budget cuts,” but still resulted in a balanced budget without the need for a property tax millage rate increase … the 11th consecutive year that the school board has not raised taxes! The district annually undergoes an external independent audit, performed by certified public accountants who visit district
offices and randomly selected schools. Auditors thoroughly review all financial records to ensure full compliance with accounting principles and local, state and federal financial reporting requirements. This practice is above and beyond the state government’s requirements for school district audits. The district last year received its eighth consecutive “clean” audit, with no findings of any noncompliance. Georgia’s Financial Efficiency Star Ratings measure school districts’ spending per student in relation to those students’ academic performance on the College and Career Ready Performance Index. Ratings range from a half-star to the highest rating of five stars. The district holds a rating of 4.5 stars, which is among the top 10% of school districts in Georgia.
Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children.
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School News
Students Interpret Play in ASL
Students in the American Sign Language Level 3 class at Cherokee High interpreted the school’s “Elf Squared” play in December. The play was presented by the drama program and Friends Club, and featured students with special needs in the cast. Audience members brought donations of canned food to help families in need in lieu of paying admission.
R.M. Moore Braves Build Masters team, from left, front row: Brock Cornelison, Hudson Zinger and Taha Benslim. Back row: Charlie Jacoby, Zander Hood, James Clarke, Coach David Cornn and Nicholas Stark. Not pictured: Sophia Fosselman.
Elementary Schools Get Little Free Libraries
The Cherokee County School District recently added more Little Free Libraries to its elementary school campuses. The libraries are open at Avery, Ball Ground, Boston, Holly Springs, Indian Knoll, Johnston, Macedonia, Mountain Road, Sixes and Woodstock elementary schools, with plans to install them at all elementary schools and preschool centers. This districtwide project follows the installation of Little Free Libraries at individual schools through school-based initiatives. With the cost sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia, the little library boxes are being built by high school students in the construction Career Pathway program. The library boxes are posted outside school buildings, holding books donated by Credit Union of Georgia customers and collected through school drives. The books are free for students and their younger siblings to borrow and return, on the honor system. These libraries are open to students after school and on the weekends, and parents are encouraged to join their children in visiting them and selecting books to borrow. The Office of Curriculum & Instruction proposed the project as a way to encourage students to continue reading, even when schools are closed on the weekends and during breaks. Early literacy is an important focus, with efforts ranging from offering free preschool and pre-K programs to adopting the Balanced Literacy research-based instruction approach for elementary school, which blends sight words, phonics, guided reading, read aloud and assessment strategies to develop and strengthen students’ skills. Credit Union of Georgia President and CEO Brian Albrecht, a Woodstock High School graduate, said his organization is excited to sponsor the libraries. “We believe that reading is crucial to student success, and we want to be able to give every child the opportunity they deserve,” he said. “Sponsoring Little Free Libraries gives the children of Cherokee County the chance to grab a book and read whenever they’d like – keeping the children excited about reading and learning.”
R.M. Moore Takes Lego League Title
The Clark Creek Elementary BrickMasters, R.M. Moore Elementary Braves Build Masters, Mill Creek Middle Lego Cats and Oak Grove Elementary Apex Eagles, earned trophies and advanced to super regionals at the Lego League regional competition, which featured 24 teams from public and private schools. R.M. Moore won the grand champion title, Clark Creek claimed the innovation project award, and Mill Creek’s Navy Team won the core values honor. Each elementary and middle school team designed and built a robot using the Lego Mindstorms system. Teams designed and programmed their robot to solve missions on a tabletop playing field, with models made from Lego bricks. 44
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From left, Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower, Assistant Principal Matt Harper, Media Specialist Jennifer Blakey and her husband, Credit Union of Georgia Cherokee Area Manager Jason Blakey, celebrate the installation of a Little Free Library at Avery Elementary School.
NEVER MISS A BEAT! From left, front row: Addy Hubbard and Josie Bice. Back row: Sawyer Bodden, Max Watson, Raegan McCulloch, Peyton Cash, Andrew Meyer and Kendall Jones of MUST Ministries.
Sixes Elementary Collects Donations
The Sixes Elementary School Student Council organized two school service projects to collect food and toys for families in need this holiday season. Students and staff collected 300 toys to be distributed by MUST Ministries.
Hickory Flat Students Celebrate
During the holiday season, Hickory Flat Elementary School held its annual Toys for Tots drive, which culminated in a schoolwide celebration. The assembly featured singing, dancing and special visitors.
UNDER THE STARS
Lantern Series
A CHORUS LINE: TEEN EDITION
FEB 3-13, 2022
NEW MEDIA EXHIBIT
FEB 17 - APR 17 COME EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF ART + TECHNOLOGY
UPCOMING: Theatre Classes
The tradition returns onstage Winter/Spring Registration Now Open
Sweat
60+ local artists in the Gallery
Theatre | Mar 4-20, 2022
From left, Karli Stewart, Eliza Foreman, Brinlee Puckett, Peyton McIntosh, Alyssa McDaniel, Mabry Amos, Kenley Boston and Lane Pitts.
Make a Change Club Holds Drive PLUS...
The Knox Elementary School Make a Change Club organized a Compassion Drive to collect toys, coats and cold weather accessories for students in need. The club collected enough gifts for 25 students, and the warm clothing drive continued through January.
Visual Arts Classes
Sister Act
The tradition returns onstage 60+ local artists in the Gallery
Ceramics | Painting | Mixed Media Ongoing
A Divine Musical Comedy Apr 22 - May 8, 2022
WOODSTOCKARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Crossing the Finish Line LoveLikeReed 5K Race a Success
On Dec. 12, the third annual LoveLikeReed 5K, a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier, raised nearly $16,000 to help prevent suicide in and around our community. Thanks to the participation and support of family members, friends, community members, new faces and anonymous donors, LoveLikeReed, a 501(c)(3), is able to provide financial assistance for mental health counseling. LoveLikeReed’s mission is to spread the word that it’s OK to not be OK, and that counseling can save lives. Reed Schonberger was a varsity track athlete and a sophomore at Etowah High School. He was a loving, smart, talented, well-liked and seemingly a strong and mentally healthy 15-year-old when he took his own life Dec. 19, 2018. What no one knew was that Reed was hurting … he was not OK. He didn’t talk about his pain, and didn’t show signs of depression, so no one knew he needed help coping with his challenges. He didn’t know that It’s OK to not be OK, but he knew how to love others well, which is why the foundation is called LoveLikeReed. For more information on how to secure counseling services, or to make a donation, visit lovelikereed.com, or email Reed’s mom, Amy Greene at amysbgreene@gmail.com.
Participants celebrate as they cross the finish line. 46
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Runners bolt at the start of the 5K.
Reed’s family poses at the third annual LoveLikeReed 5K at Etowah River Park in Canton.
From left, Dane Bower, Suzy Gebhart, Sam Lefever and Michael Cordak.
From left, Tanner Schonberger, JP Riesco, Mackenzie Smith and Justin Smith.
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@ the Library Sequoyah Regional Library System www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org
What’s Happening at Your Library? BY JOHN RODGERS
The month of February warms our hearts … when it’s not freezing outside, of course. Stay out of the cold at one of the Sequoyah Regional Library System branches, where you can find enough romantic events to fill a box of chocolates! All ages can create cards and crafts in Ball Ground on Feb. 8, at Rose Creek on Feb. 11, at R.T. Jones on Feb. 11, and in Hickory Flat on Feb. 14. Additionally, teens in grades 6-12 are invited to come to the Rose Creek library on Feb. 10 to help make Valentine’s Day cards for hospital patients. Whether you enjoy the holiday or simply enjoy spreading cheer, we’ve got something for everyone to celebrate. In honor of Black History Month, we’re celebrating black artists, musicians, scientists and superheroes with games, movies, art galleries and virtual reality. Enjoy the classic documentary “The Cry of Jazz” in Ball Ground on Feb. 10, a black superhero showcase at Woodstock’s library on Feb. 11, STEM activities at R.T. Jones on Feb. 17, a virtual reality experience about the civil rights movement in Ball Ground on Feb. 21, and a special art night at R.T. Jones on Feb. 25. For times, additional information and the full schedule of events, visit calendarwiz. com/sequoyahreglib, or follow @ SequoyahRegionalLibrary on Facebook. Also beginning in February is free tax preparation at the library. Need tax forms? The library system provides limited quantities of federal tax forms as a public service. Georgia tax forms are available online, and copies of some forms
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AROUND CANTON | February 2022
Senior citizens enjoy live holiday music, crafts and tasty treats at the R.T. Jones Winter Ball, hosted at Events On Main in Canton.
can be printed at the library. Visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org, or call your library for more information on tax form availability, free tax aid and how to make this tax season as stress-free as possible. Speaking of stress, is the e-reader or tablet you got for Christmas a little overwhelming? You’re not alone! Visit your nearest library, or visit Hickory
Flat’s senior technology workshop event on Feb. 15, to learn all about e-reading. Whether it’s enjoying your favorite magazines with Flipster or using the Libby app to download e-books and audiobooks, your library card provides access to thousands of titles to enjoy digitally. Make a date with a favorite book, and have a lovely month!
John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System.
Ask the Audiologist
A Good Price Point for Hearing Devices Dear Dr. Haiden,
I have been receiving fliers in the mail for hearing aids that cost $500. Honestly, I was surprised to see I could get devices at that price. I was speaking about this with my wife, and she said she saw several online options for hearing aids that were around the same price point. I was wondering if these devices are worth the money, and if they are a good route for my hearing loss. I have a hard time hearing the higher pitches, and people mumble all the time. Sincerely, Inquisitive Consumer
Dear Inquisitive Consumer,
Nowadays, we are calling this the wild west of hearing aids. This means that hearing amplification technology now comes in many different styles, technology levels and price points. Consumer-based marketing gradually has turned hearing aids into more of a commodity rather than a medical device. You must be careful, because not all the devices you read about or see online are considered hearing aids. A lot of the devices you would order through the mail are personal sound amplifying products (PSAPs). PSAPs simply are designed to amplify everything, including extraneous background noises you do not want to hear. In your case, with your hearing problems, something like this would not work. With online sales of amplification becoming more widespread, it is important to be cautious of internet scams. Unfortunately, many of these products are listed for sale against Food and Drug Administration guidelines, as these devices are medical devices and only can be fit and prescribed by a professional. When you purchase devices online, most places do not have the capabilities to program them for you. I would hate for you to spend the money, and not have anyone to help you with them. My advice always is to seek help with your hearing problems through a doctor of audiology, who can sit down with you, discuss your wants, needs and financial concerns when it comes to the technology. There are a variety of service plans to help patients with navigating the financial aspect of the hearing aid technology. Remember, unfortunately, sometimes you get what you pay for. Sincerely, Dr. Haiden Nunn
Dr. Haiden Nunn joined North Georgia Audiology in 2018. She earned her doctorate from the University of Louisville and her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.
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Around & About FEBRUARY
3 Trivia Night on the Green
begins at 7 p.m. Thursdays at The Mill on Etowah. Gather your dream team and compete for first-, second- and thirdplace prizes. www.etowahmill.com/events.
5
Enjoy a chocolate tasting at more than 15 stops along the Chocolate Walk, noon-6 p.m., in downtown Canton. Cost is $20. For more information and tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3flkz7b.
A feature showing of “Hidden Figures” begins at
7 p.m. at the Canton Theatre. Celebrate Black History Month with this inspiring story of the female African American mathematicians who revolutionized the space race. Tickets are $2. https://bit.ly/3qygkuj.
8 Coffee & Connections
The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s , for new members, provides the opportunity to network and learn more about the chamber. Doors open at 8 a.m. for networking, and the program starts at 8:15 a.m. https://bit.ly/3rmJMnw.
11, 18
“Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” directed
by Nancy Jensen, will be performed at the Canton Theatre Feb. 11-13, 18-20. This long-running absurdist comedy places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics and the celebrated painter set the art world afire. www.cherokeetheatre.org/shows.
15 Marshall Shepherd
Join History Cherokee for a lecture with on “The Extreme Weather-Climate Gap: A Discussion at the Intersection of Race, Income, Vulnerability and Resilience,” to learn about contemporary topics during Black History Month. The free event begins at 7 p.m. at the Rock Barn in Canton. Register at https://historycherokee.org/events.
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Join the Arbor Day Celebration, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Cannon Park in downtown Canton. Stop by for free seedlings, and to browse other plants. https://bit.ly/3zVJQhB.
Bolden, Jonathan 26 Peyton and GregCodyShaddix Three local acts,
, are performing at 7 p.m. at the Canton Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3ztFpuj. 50
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MARCH
Georgia Food + Wine 24-27 Festival The
, benefitting MUST Ministries, is coming to Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts, to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more. https://georgiafoodandwinefestival.com.
26-27 Fest15th annual Wing & Rock The
will be held noon-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Voted one of the Top 10 Food Festivals in the Southeast by Festival Rooster, the free, family-friendly event will feature a variety of chicken wings with bold sauces, as well as live music. www.wingandrockfest.com.
APRIL
2 Trail Run
Registration is open for Blankets Creek , 5-mile and 9-mile races. A portion of the proceeds will benefit SORBA Woodstock, for the continued maintenance of the Blankets Creek and Olde Rope Mill Park trails. http://mountaingoatadventures.com/blanketsrun.
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A skin cancer screening event will be held at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology — Cherokee in Canton. https://bit.ly/3FlClBI. To schedule an appointment, call 404-531-4444.
WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS Join Northside Hospital experts for a virtual health presentation every Wednesday at noon. www.northside.com/community-wellness/classes-events
Feb. 2: Dr. Parham Eshtehardi, Northside Heart Feb. 9: Dr. Sreedevi Veluvarti, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic
March 2: Dr. Deep Shikha, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic
LIBRARY EVENTS Feb. 8
www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org
Let your imagination shine, 4:30-5:30 p.m., at Hickory Flat Public Library’s Lego Lab in Woodstock. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Registration is not required.
Feb. 15
The Kids Book Club is reading “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio this month. The club is perfect for kids in grades 2-5 and meets virtually. Register online.
FALANY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Feb. 6
For tickets, visit www.facebook.com/ falanyperformingartscenter.
Pianist Daniel Shapiro, a leading interpreter of
Schubert, Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann and Brahms, performs at 3 p.m. Admission is free.
Feb. 12
Feb. 16
Forever Simon & Garfunkel celebrates the best selling duo in rock ’n’ roll history with humor, soaring energy, charm and laser-precise harmonies. Award-winning singer-songwriters Sean Altman and Jack Skuller bring the show to stage, beginning at 3 and 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 21
Feb. 18-27
Join Astronomy for Beginners, 6-7 p.m., for an introduction to the world of stars, planets and meteors. After the presentation, view the sky during a telescope demonstration at R.T. Jones Memorial Library. Registration is not required. The Adult Eclectics Book Club is meeting to discuss “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, 6-7:30 p.m., in the community room at R.T. Jones Memorial Library in Canton. Register online.
Feb. 28
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to compete in the Teen Super Smash Bros. Tournament at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 5-7:30 p.m. Register online.
CHEROKEE RECREATION AND PARKS AGENCY www.playcherokee.org Recreation Center: 770-924-7768, Aquatic Center: 678-880-4760
Through Feb. 7
Donations for Project Valentine, an annual collection of items for Empower Cherokee (a nonprofit social services organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities), can be dropped off at the Recreation Center. Items requested include chapstick, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, any art or music activities, sugar-free and regular candy, and holiday-related items. For more information, email bbjohnson@cherokeega.com.
Feb. 12
The 16th annual Guns & Hoses 5K, a certified race for the Peachtree Qualifier, benefits charities selected by the Cherokee Sheriff ’s Office and the Cherokee County Fire Department. This year’s race benefits Sheriff Frank Reynolds Charities, which is dedicated to raising money to help fulfill the needs of the people of Cherokee County, and the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, a nonprofit home serving young men in the foster care system. Registration is open; when registering, the runner can select which team (charity) he or she wants to represent.
“Oliver Twist,” based on Charles Dickens’ second novel, is performed by Reinhardt University Theatre students. Showtimes are 7:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3-5:30 p.m. Sundays.
Feb. 24
The Reinhardt University Wind Ensemble is
composed of advanced and versatile musicians who perform the finest large ensemble and chamber music literature. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 27
The Queen’s Cartoonists play music from classic
cartoons and contemporary animation. The performances are synchronized to video projections of the original films, and the band leads the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem and comedy. The performance begins at 3 p.m.
March 3-5
The University Opera is performing three nights, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Keep an eye out for details for each performance.
March 11
Red Cedar Review invites listeners to enjoy stories told through their music, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The acoustic band performs a blend of folk, country-blues and bluegrass.
March 19
Bee Gees Gold the Tribute is the ultimate salute and experience of seeing the Bee Gees in their prime, with the detailed vocal stylings of John Acosta (Barry), Daryll Borges (Robin) and Jeff Celentano (Maurice) as the brothers Gibb. Performances begin at 3 and 7:30 p.m. AROUND CANTON | February 2022
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Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to the winners of the January Competition “Round!”
Monochromatic
1st Martin Longstaff “Abandoned” 52
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Color Print
1st Dayle Geroski “Radiant”
2nd Dean Kelley “On Time”
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. Please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net for more information.
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Advertisers
For advertising rates and information Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com
February 2022
ACCOUNTING & TAX Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com Treasure Tax 678-888-4829 www.treasuretax.com
DENTAL 15
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ANIMALS/PETS Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
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ATTORNEYS Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
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AUTOMOTIVE BridgeMill Auto Care Canton: 770-720-0765 East Cobb: 770-641-9906
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BUSINESS SUPPORT
BridgeMill Dentistry 770-704-1812 www.bridgemilldentistry.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS 25
Your CBD Store Canton 770-704-0550 www.cantonga.cbdrx4u.com
Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com
HOME & GARDEN
EDUCATION/TRAINING Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu
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Kennsaw State University College of the Arts Inside front www.arts.kennesaw.edu ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Cherokee Soccer Association www.csaimpact.com
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Cherokee Theatre Company 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org
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Canton Business Club
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Downtown Canton www.cantonga.gov
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Georgia Food and Wine Festival 35 www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com
INWDSTK inwdstk.org/events
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Woodstock Arts woodstockarts.org
CREDIT UNION
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org
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LGE Credit Union www.lgeccu.org
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Edward Jones, Sarah Kendall 1 770-720-6245 www.edwardjones.com/sarah-kendall Veracity Capital Cover, 9, 28-29 678-685-3265 www.veracitycapital.com
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Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277 Enhance Floors and More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com
9 31
Levicor Tree Service 803-413-0884 www.levicortreeservice.com
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Mr. Junk 678-675-8651 www.mrjunk1.com
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Serious Tree Services 470-629-6675 www.serioustreeservices.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY SQS Photography 347-466-6575 www.sqsphotography.com
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PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com OPI OutPatient Imaging 404-225-5674 www.outpatientimaging.net
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REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Great Sky 770-704-0234 www.greatskyga.com
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Homeowners Financial Group 11 Matt Quagliana, 770-885-6060 www.homeownersfg.com/mattquagliana RESTAURANTS 7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant 7 www.7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com RETAIL Canton Jewelry 770-720-1965 www.cantonjewelry.com
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Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com
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Back cover
SENIOR LIVING/SENIOR SERVICES Lodge at BridgeMill, The Inside front 470-863-2690 www.bridgemillseniors.com Manor Lake BridgeMill 678-990-5055 www.manorlakebr.com
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St. George Village 404-558-6108 www.stgeorgevillage.org
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SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org
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Next Step Ministries www.nextstepministries.net
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er! Be A Winn
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Be A
! r e n Win
READERS’
CHOICE Award 2022
New THIS YEAR! Get an early start in promoting your business to be a Readers’ Choice winner in your category. Our contest will look a little different this year. Our goal is to maximize publicity for your business; we’ll provide tools to help you promote your business.
Dates to Remember Now Learn more about our 2022 contest at aroundcantonmagazine.com.
March 1-31 Nominations accepted. Top 5 in each category will move on to the voting phase.
May 1-31
Learn how to be a winner! Visit aroundcantonmagazine.com
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Voting!
July ISSUE Winners announced. (Top vote-getter and two finalists.)
