2-23 Townelaker webfinal.pdf

On the Cover

Boca Walk-In Tubs

The primary feature of all tubs is a step threshold of 2 inches or less, far lower than the average clearance height for other brands, according to Boca Vice President of Operations Matt Denis, shown on the cover with Dominic Telymonde.

Pages 28 & 29

Cover photo by Brian Nejedly

Advertise With Us

Our business is your business. We succeed when you succeed. And our goal is to help community businesses thrive. Our marketing experts have experience on the national and international level. They’ll help you put together an advertising program that targets your market, and fits your needs, style and budget. Let us put our experience to work for you!

Why choose us?

• P ublishing in Cherokee County since 1996.

• Won Excellence in Customer Service and Small Business of the Year awards from the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.

• Marketing experts with national, international account experience.

• Editor ial team with 50-plus years’ experience with major metropolitan newspapers.

Get Started Today!

For sales inquiries, contact Jennifer Coleman

Vice President of Sales

470-263-8414

jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Around Towne

READERS’ CHOICE

2023

Readers’ Choice 2023!

Nominations open March 1

Stay tuned for more details.

See Page 43 for a link.

What’s Coming

Village Burger is under construction at 9550 Main St. in Woodstock, at the end of the shopping strip where Habanero’s Taqueria is located. No details were available at press time.

According to www.adairparkwoodstock.com, an Italian restaurant, Catalina Cucina , will open in the Adair Park Woodstock development. The restaurant will offer spaghetti, lasagna, fish, soups and beef ragu, as well as tagliatelle dishes and small, personalized pizzas. At press time, no opening date had been announced.

What’s Changed

Gondolier Pizza — Woodstock’s name has been changed to Dina’s Family Italian Restaurant and Pizza . The restaurant is at 10029 Highway 92, Suite 112. www.gondolierwoodstock.com.

What’s New

Kim Dahnke President 770-778-5314

kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Get Social With Us

www.townelaker.com

Graze Craze recently opened its first Georgia storefront at 2054 Eagle Drive, Suite 110, in Woodstock. Graze Craze specializes in handcrafted charcuterie boards and boxes of all sizes, with foods arranged for graze-style meals. On Facebook. www.grazecraze.com/woodstock-ga.

Jekyll Brewing , 8634 Main St. in Woodstock, has opened in the two-story historic Johnston building at the corner of Mill and Main streets. The brewery, which has two other locations in Alpharetta, offers a variety of year-round, seasonal and limited release beers and cocktails. www.jekylbrewing.com.

Kudos

Cherokee County’s Bryce Leatherwood won Season 22 of “The Voice.” The 22-year-old country music singer was on Blake Shelton’s team, and embarked on his professional singing career with a recording contract. Follow Bryce on Instagram (@bryceleatherwood) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/bryce. leatherwood.3).

Queenie’s BBQ , in Reformation Brewery, received a score of 100 on a recent health inspection and was awarded the Golden Spatula award, according to Atlanta News First. Reformation founder Spencer Nix said he knew he was partnering with “the best restaurateur in north Georgia” when he asked Queenie’s to join his space.

Letter From the Editor

Happy New Year, everyone! I know it’s the second month of 2023, but I’m writing this on Dec. 30. Remember how I said we work ahead? So, as I’m writing, I’m finishing the Christmas goodies. If you remember December’s letter, you know I like to eat, especially sweets. And, apparently, I love to eat while I’m working. It helps to know that — maybe that’s the first step in curbing weight gain this year.

You do know that food consumed while watching sports has no calories, right? Sort of like the food you eat at church suppers. So, enjoy the Super Bowl with a few of our favorite dishes (Pages 26-27).

I’m excited for 2023 to unfold, as we continue our support of local businesses. We started with our Best for Bridal contest in October and announced the winners in last month’s issues. On March 1, the nomination phase for Readers’ Choice opens, setting off a multi-month emphasis on celebrating the best of the best in our communities. You’ll find the poll on each magazine’s website. Here’s the timeline:

• March 1-31: Nominations accepted.

• May 15-June 30: Voting phase.

• August issues: Winners announced. We’ll bring back the Best for Bridal contest this October. While our Readers’ Choice polls focus on the businesses in the zip codes that each magazine

serves, we expand the territory for the bridal contest, since north Georgia is a common destination for weddings.

Speaking of love, our feature on Pages 20-21 has suggestions for a few ways to enjoy a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration while supporting local businesses.

Along with the tried and true comes the exciting and new. Those creaky wheels in my brain are always turning and, as a result, we’ll roll out new content throughout 2023 on subjects we’ve barely broached before. Stay tuned for more — I won’t spoil the surprises for you! Just check in here each month, so you’ll be among the first to know. My most faithful reader is my mother-in-law — thanks, Mom! But, if you’re out there and enjoy this column, I’d love to hear from you.

Speaking of old, I can’t believe I have a son who turned 33 last month. He doesn’t realize how lucky he is … as I was making a special birthday cake to deliver to the Catoosa County fire station, where he is a firefighter, I had a fleeting thought: I should put together goody bags for the other firefighters on duty with him on his birthday. I quickly dismissed the idea, but not until after I started wondering what special trinkets they would enjoy. So, one of Drew’s presents was not to act on that motherly instinct. You’re welcome, son.

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 27, Issue 4

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

PRESIDENT Kim Dahnke | 770-778-5314 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jennifer Coleman | 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Candi Hannigan | 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Donna Harris | 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTENT EDITOR

Jessica Forrester | 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Michelle McCulloch | 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTROLLER

Denise Griffin | 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com

PAGE DESIGNER Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Savannah Winn savannah@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

TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 16,400 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 15,800 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 600 are placed in racks in the community.

TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: TowneLaker, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, writers and other submissions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor/publisher. And the publisher makes no

claims to the validity of any opinions expressed by charitable, business or civic organizations mentioned, or statements made within the editorial content. The cover and inside related article, and other editorial-type submissions labeled SPONSORED CONTENT, are paid content. The publisher neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned in this magazine, nor does it guarantee any assertions made by the manufacturers or providers of such products or services, or claims regarding the status of such businesses. 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 2023.

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

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

March deadline is Feb. 5.

Please specify TowneLaker. Word limit: 25.

Age 10 on Jan. 23

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.”

To my cutie pie on her 10th birthday. I love you so much! Papa

Kayla

Happy birthday to our smart, bold and energetic girl. We love you!

God blessed us big time! Mommy, Daddy and Sissy

Rylin

Happy second birthday, Rylin! We love you!

Mom, Dad, Kobe and Mason

Brittyn

Feb. 28

Happy fourth birthday, Brittyn! We love you so much!

From Daddy, Momma, Madison, Matthew, Ashlyn, Aiden and Tristan

Happy third birthday, precious child!

We love you more than you’ll ever know. All of our love, Mom, Dad and Archie

Age 50 on Jan. 23

Happy birthday, Hope!

Hope Leak

Corbin Pellegrino

Eloise Aufray

Celebrating Y E A R S

BY MARGARET MILLER

On Jan. 31, Georgia Brooks celebrates her 100th birthday, and what a lot of living she has packed into a century.

At the age of 95, Georgia moved from South Carolina to Woodstock to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Michael King. She thrives on the attention she receives from her daughters, Diane and Karen, her sons-in-law, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her important roles of wife and mother, Georgia has been an educator, actress, painter and genealogist. She has been honored by organizations such as the Zora Neale Hurston Society, which was the first national society named in honor of a Black woman. This society described Brooks as “a visionary inseminator.”

She was born in 1923 to Samuel and Birdie McCain in Edgefield, South Carolina. She is the oldest of seven children, and her family relocated to Detroit, then to Brooklyn, then to Queens, New York, where they settled.

Georgia was educated in public schools, and she graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens. It was in high school that she met her future husband, Roosevelt Brooks. After graduating, they married and had Diane and Karen. Roosevelt was a motorman for the New York City Transit Authority before becoming a New York City policeman, a position from which he retired. Following his retirement, they moved to North Augusta, South Carolina. He and Georgia were married for 67 years at the time of his death.

Georgia earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Queens College after raising her daughters. Her involvement in the community included teaching preschoolers at Calvary Baptist Church in Queens for 26 years. She pursued her passion for the arts, mainly acting and painting. Now, she remains active and continues to paint.

Georgia appeared in many productions in Black theaters, and her paintings have been displayed at the 1964 World’s Fair, the North Augusta Municipal Building and, more recently, at the William G. Long Senior Center in Woodstock.

She also has a talent for genealogy, and was one of the founders of the MCain Family Reunion. She was able to trace her paternal family back to 1817.

Georgia’s paintings have been displayed at places like the 1964 World’s Fair.

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.

Acting is one of the hobbies that Georgia enjoys.

A Message From the

One of the most common questions I am asked is some variation of “What does a mayor do?” Article IX of Georgia’s Constitution guarantees to our residents and local government the right of “home rule,” or the ability for local governments to pass their own laws and govern themselves (within the constitutional bounds and limitations set by the Legislature). With more than 500 cities in Georgia, each possesses a charter granted by the General Assembly, and our right to govern is granted by the constitution and the Legislature. With so many cities — each one created in its own time, and by a different variation of the legislature to serve a different community — you have vastly differing charters and structures across the state.

These range from “strong mayor-council” structures, where the mayor serves as the chief executive and runs daily operations (e.g., Atlanta), to “weak mayor-council,” where the elected officials share daily operations, to Woodstock’s form of government: the council-manager system. I once heard City Manager Jeff Moon explain our city’s governing structure by comparing it with that of a publicly traded company. And, to date, that has been the best way I have heard to explain it (not to mention the comparison pulled at my private-sector heartstrings in all the right ways).

Woodstock has an elected City Council of six members and an elected mayor. For our corporate comparison, consider this body the board of directors. In a Fortune 500 company, the board ultimately is responsible for the company and sets policy direction, but its members do not run daily operations. For this purpose, they hire an experienced professional to serve as CEO, who then will hire business unit leaders. Here, in the 28th-largest city in Georgia, we call that CEO our city manager. The city manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council and has complete administrative authority over the city’s operations, including the hiring and firing of department heads. He drafts the budget, administers city functions and

advises council members. The council, like a board of directors, is responsible for overseeing administrative activities, assessing performance and setting policies. It passes laws, adopts a budget and holds the civil servants accountable. In the same way a board is tasked with looking out for shareholder interests, it is the council’s duty to keep the residents and their interests front of mind in all things.

So, what does the mayor do? The charter states that I shall preside over all council meetings, be the official ceremonial head of the city, have the power to administer oaths and take affidavits, and sign all contracts, laws, etc. on behalf of the city. I also am granted a veto power, which can be overridden by the council with a simple majority vote. And, I am granted a vote on the council, but only in the case of a tie.

Practically, if we look back to our corporate comparison, I serve as the chairman of the board. A quick Google search will tell you that a board chair’s responsibilities are to head the board of directors, provide leadership to the firm’s executives and other employees, lead the charge on big-picture decisions and set the tone for the corporate culture of the company. These outline the job description fairly, in my opinion. My role is that of facilitator. I ensure that the staff has the resources from the council that it needs in order to execute the elected officials’ vision for the city, and I work to make sure that each council member’s objectives for the city are a part of a larger agenda to be executed. It is my job to build a coalition and set the policy agenda for our city moving forward, and it is, in my opinion, the best job in the world.

As I just have completed my first year as mayor, I want to say thank you for the honor of serving our families. If you ever have ideas for ways I could be doing this job more effectively, please don’t hesitate to call on me.

— Mayor Michael Caldwell

Michael Caldwell is the 31st mayor of Woodstock, a retired state legislator, member of the Georgia Technology Authority, partner at Black Airplane, husband to Katie, and father to Oliver, Elizabeth and Charlotte.

A Community of Care on a Mission to Heal

At Northside Hospital, you can look forward to new beginnings, look ahead to comeback seasons, and look up for hope and strength. Led by our expertise in maternity, heart, cancer, orthopedics and more, you can move into tomorrow with confidence knowing there is a community of care at Northside that’s guided by one clear direction, a mission to heal. For a healthier future together, look to Northside Hospital.

Opportunity Awaits at the

When it comes to quantifying the positive impact of the film industry, we often think about how much money Marvel spent while in Canton or how many off-duty deputies Netflix employed during the “Ozark” four-season run. Though important, these measurables are not the only ones to consider. Many Cherokee-based film professionals and businesses reaped the benefits, as well.

Take Richard Ruiz, for example. In 2018, Ruiz established Ol’ Time Barber Shop in Towne Lake. His business expanded when he and his team were hired as on-set barbers. “We learned to take care of the client’s needs by making our business mobile and keeping projects confidential,” said Ruiz, who also plans to list his shop as a potential film location. “It has that old iconic barbershop look.”

120 vehicles were in film productions across the United States, including the hit “Yellowstone” prequel, “1923,” starring Harrison Ford.

Indiana Jones may have asked“

Why’d it have to be snakes?” But, for Kim Mross, snakes are a welcome sight. Mross, who resides in eastern Cherokee, gained notoriety for her expertise in removing undesired snakes from neighbors’ yards. This ultimately shifted into snake wrangling – a production role where she combs outdoor sets, such as “The Walking Dead,” to gently relocate snakes prior to filming. “It’s just the craziest thing ever,” Mross said. “Who’d have ever thought you could make a living like this?”

BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Five years ago, the Cherokee Film Summit was established to cultivate a film ecosystem that supports big dreams and bold actions by bringing business owners, film professionals and creatives together for “reel community connection.” Since then, the annual event has launched careers and inspired gearshifts and has exponentially grown our local film industry – and our economy – in ways we never imagined.

Delivering iconic looks is what Holly Springs natives Jeff and Angela Chattin specialize in. Previously auto collectors with an occasional film gig, the couple shifted into high gear after supplying vehicles for Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” leading to the incorporation of JC Picture Cars LLC in 2019. “It’s incredible that we are involved with some of the most recognizable names in film through our antique cars,” Jeff said. “Who would ever have imagined this?” In December 2022, more than 80 of their

For some, the path into the industry has been more intentional. Screenwriter Cheryl McKay Price dreamed of being in the biz since she was a little girl. Upon relocating from Los Angeles to Woodstock eight years ago, the acclaimed screenwriter immersed herself in our community, instructed at the Cherokee Film Summit, and wrote award-winning screenplays – all the while, dreaming of one day filming one of her projects locally. Last year, that dream came true when she launched Stone Impact Media to produce faith-based and family content, filming her six-episode series “These Stones” almost exclusively in Cherokee County – providing exponential economic impact via production expenditures and by employing local crew. (Read more on Pages 16-17). “I was able to film here because of the gorgeous locations, tremendous production value and incredible resources throughout our community,” McKay Price said. “This is what Cherokee By Choice means to me.”

Whether you are seeking a career in the film industry or own a business that has the potential to support film production, the 2023 Cherokee Film Summit is the place for reimagining the possibilities. Opportunity awaits.

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment as well as industry retention and expansion in Cherokee County.

JC Picture Cars driver Brandon Wright is dressed up and ready to roll in this 1909 Kissel Kar SemiRacer 660 — one of many vehicles Cherokee-based JC Picture Cars provides for period films.

QUIET ON THE SET

Bringing TV

Production From Los Angeles to Woodstock

In 2021, I wrote an article for this publication about the Christian Worldview Film Festival, held at First Baptist Church Woodstock. I ended that article with this hope: “My desire is to see more movies made right here in Woodstock. Soon, I hope we can hear that familiar chime, ‘Quiet on the set.’”

I couldn’t have imagined that, just more than a year later, I’d be in production on a streaming TV series, “These Stones,” a faith-based, modern story with a biblical twist. However, during September and October 2022, we got to hear “Quiet on the set” all over Cherokee County. (You can read more about the show at stoneimpactmedia.com. Follow on social media to keep up with the show, see behind-the-scenes clips and be notified when it is released.)

Ever since my husband, Chris, and I relocated to Woodstock from Los Angeles in 2015, it’s been on my heart to create something here. While I’ve written movies and TV specials since moving here, none of them has been produced in Georgia. I wasn’t on those teams as a producer, so I didn’t have control over that.

This time, it was different. An opportunity came up to form Stone Impact Media with some friends and business partners in California —

Jeanette and Sam Towne and Mike Burns. They were open to us starting this venture in Cherokee County, to take advantage of Georgia’s generous film incentives and to film where our county is so beautiful. Jeanette introduced me to her pastor, Tim Stevenson, who wrote a book with Peggy Porter, called “These Stones.” We loved it so much, we decided to adapt it into a series.

Our team sought out Kennesaw filmmakers Drew Waters and Erin Bethea at Argentum Entertainment, who have been guest speakers at the Cherokee Film Summit in previous years, to help us produce the show here.

And, in January 2022, I started writing six episodes of what we hope is the first of many seasons. I even wrote large portions of the script with specific locations already in mind.

I often see posts on community Facebook pages or Nextdoor, an app for neighborhoods, asking to which production the yellow directional signs in Cherokee County are referring. This time, those questions were about our signs: STONES.

It meant the world to me to bring a creative project here, to add to our economy by hiring local actors and crew, or booking out-of-towners in local hotels or Airbnbs in downtown Woodstock. (Many said they want to move here now!)

For this first season, we had 25 filming days; 19 were in Cherokee County, mostly in Woodstock and Canton. We filmed in a few neighborhoods, for footage of family homes of characters, and our main set was a beautiful farm property in Canton, near Lathemtown, also home to Dolly Parton’s “Heartstrings” TV series. First Baptist Church Woodstock’s Thrift Store took center stage in each episode, and the River Park neighborhood is where we staged a medical waiting room, faked a boutique travel agency and used the town square gazebo.

We also filmed at the Rootstock restaurant, in the parking lot of the Woodstock Arts Theater, and at Dupree Park, Chattahoochee Technical College and Circle of

BY CHERYL MCKAY PRICE

Actress Madeline Carroll looks at the cross on the Canton farm property, which originally was built for an Easter music video shot for First Baptist Woodstock.

Friends Cafe. Molly Mercer and her crew at the Cherokee County film office let us stage a 911 call center inside their office. Our final two nights of filming were hosted by Twelve Oaks Landscaping in Canton, where we staged a homeless encampment near silos.

The local filmmaking work doesn’t end there; I built my post-production team from Cherokee County residents. When we called “that’s a wrap,” I realized I only had used just more than one tank of gas over

the entire five weeks of filming — an unexpected benefit of making something right here in our “live, work, play” community. It’s an experience I hope to repeat many times in Cherokee County, because there’s no place like home.

Filmed Around Town

Filming at Twelve Oaks in Canton.

Cheryl McKay Price writes faithbased movies, TV shows and novels. She and her husband, Chris, have called Woodstock home since 2015. Their Woodstock-based production companies are Roads & Rivers Media and Stone Impact Media.

Filming at the Woodstock Arts Theatre.

The crew prepares to film at the Canton farm.

Cheryl McKay Price and Susan Rohrer, “These Stones” director, at Twelve Oaks in Canton.

Filming inside Rootstock.

Artist Spotlight

Sasha Hurtado

Describe yourself and your journey.

I’m from Dallas, Georgia, and I’m MexicanAmerican. I just turned 19, and I’ve always loved music. I grew up singing in church, chorus and local talent shows. I then joined an audition-only performing arts group. I started taking guitar lessons and gigging at 14. I also started writing my own music. It began as a fun hobby, then became something much more.

How has performing in Woodstock influenced your evolution as a musician?

I always tell people MadLife is one of my absolute favorite places to play. I remember playing there for the first time and being shocked by how interested and excited people were to hear me sing. In many gigs, you’re just background music; people don’t pay much attention or care. However, at MadLife, (the community) appreciates live music, which was awesome to experience. The other local musicians that play there are some of the sweetest people I’ve met and are so supportive of one another, which also is something I hadn’t seen before.

Describe your recent experience on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Being on “The Voice” Season 22 was a life-changing experience for me. I grew so much in my relationship with God. I developed my confidence. I still can’t even believe I get to say I made the Top 16. It was a roller coaster of emotions. It’s scary to put yourself out there for the whole world to judge and critique you. However, with all the hate comes a new wave of love and support. I gained thousands of new fans and people who have followed me to support me outside of the show.

The show taught me that even if you think it’s your worst performance, someone is connected to it. That helped to settle my perfectionist mindset and taught me to enjoy the moments I get onstage. The show is a remarkable accomplishment and a memory I will cherish forever, but it doesn’t define my career. It’s the work you do after that counts. Every artist continues to grow and improve with time, and I can’t wait for the following chapters of my career!

What songs represent your most influential music?

There isn’t a song of mine that is my most influential music. They are all like little milestones or events that I went through in different periods of my life.

We all turn to music because it’s comforting to have something perfectly expressing our feelings. Writing is like an outlet for me. I turn to it when I have things that I want to say. It’s therapeutic to put everything you’re feeling at that moment into a song.

I’ve received messages from people telling me they relate to a song I wrote and that it helped them. This is validating because you hope people connect with your music or feel something when listening to it, as I did with other artists’ music growing up. It’s a full circle.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

The most valuable lesson I have learned is to keep going and stay focused on the why. There are thousands of people trying to do the same thing. It’s easy to get caught up in the number of followers, streams, likes, etc. The likelihood of being “successful” is slim, but it’s why you do it that keeps you going. Until the Lord closes doors and tells me otherwise, I will continue to pursue music wholeheartedly, because it’s what I love to do.

What advice do you have for young artists?

My advice to other aspiring artists would be to go for it, enjoy it and don’t let little hurdles in your career steer you off course! Coming from personal experience, you will have bad performances, hit some wrong notes, write some bad songs, look back and think, “What the heck was I thinking?” None of those things define your career or you as an artist. You are going to continue to learn and grow. That’s the art of creating. Enjoy what you do, and do it because you love it!

SUBMITTED BY MADLIFE STAGE & STUDIOS

Through Service 3 Ways to Give Love

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

As soon as the end-of-year holiday decorations clear the shelves, Valentine’s Day candy and decorations fill the aisles. But, showing love to others is a lot more about time and attention than it is about sweets and trinkets — especially for some very important members of our community: children! There are many easy ways to support their needs, and there are three newly listed projects on justserve.org to help you accomplish just that.

1. Sponsor a meal. The Children’s Haven holds a monthly meal for teens to meet with Chin Up mentors. As they gather for a meal, they also engage in life skills activities, such as cooking, gardening and financial literacy. You can help by sponsoring their meal. Involve friends or family to make this important opportunity possible for teens in our area (https://bit.ly/3WIXrUi).

2. Donate books for children. The Cobb Collaborative engages stakeholders in a communitywide reading initiative that brings together families, educators and community partners to improve childhood literacy. Drop off books at their Smyrna office or have books shipped from their Amazon wish list. Books for newborns to fifth-graders especially are needed (https://bit.ly/3VFztbe).

3. Volunteer at a mobile pantry. The Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully (CHOICES) does extensive work in the metro Atlanta area to build awareness and provide resources for children affected by obesity. You can help by volunteering at the CHOICES4kids Mobile Food Pantry (https://bit.ly/3GggfDc).

Be sure to check out these great opportunities — and more! — on the JustServe website. Or, for additional ideas, join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers public Facebook group. You can show some much-needed love to local kids with simple acts of service.

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.

Ways to Celebrate

Valentine’s Day in

is in the A ir 8

Cherokee County

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

In 2020, Valentine’s Day became the most popular day to get engaged, according to The Knot Worldwide. Typically, Christmas Day had held the top spot, but COVID-19 has altered a variety of trends, including increasing the number of outdoor proposals. Although the pandemic brought many tragedies, it hopefully has helped us cherish time spent with loved ones and become more meaningful in how we express our love. At ALM, that means supporting local businesses and sharing the love with some of our advertisers.

So, think outside of the box (of chocolates) this month. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your significant other, Palentine’s Day with your friends or Galentine’s Day with your girls, here are eight local ways to spend quality time with those you love.

Take in a play. Woodstock Arts and the Canton Theatre are home to a variety of events each month, including plays, of course! Bring your valentine to see “Murder on the Orient Express” at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, Feb. 10-26 (https://woodstockarts. org), and “An Evening of Culture: Faith County II” at the Canton Theatre, Feb. 3-12 (www.cherokeetheatre.org).

2. Go to a wine tasting. Stop by the Gifted Ferret, a unique shopping and events boutique in Woodstock, for a wine tasting. The Red Party — Artisan Wine Tasting begins at 5 p.m. Feb. 11 and Valentine’s Sip and Paint begins at 3 p.m. Feb. 12. To register, or to look for more events, visit https://thegiftedferret.com.

3. Spend the day at a museum. The Cherokee County History Center documents the history of our county, spanning from Native American inhabitants to the industries, people and events that shaped the area into what it is today. Stop by the museum, equipped with interactive galleries, a local history library, an education center and more, Wednesdays through Sundays. https://historycherokee.org.

Photo courtesy of the Canton Theatre.

Photo courtesy of History Cherokee.

4. Shop for jewelry. Choosing engagement rings, necklaces and earrings isn’t always easy. But, you can have fun, and get to know your partner’s likes and dislikes, by visiting a few stores near you. The folks at Canton Jewelry (www.cantonjewelry.com) and Cultured Brilliance (https://culturedbrilliance.com) can help you navigate the ins and outs of selecting a symbol of your love. And, if you’re single, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat yourself!

5. Furnish your current (or future!) house. Find inspiration for furnishing your home at Southern Sky Home Outlet. The Woodstockbased store is a gathering place for design ideas, a onestop-shop for home furnishings and a respite from the daily grind. What’s more romantic than planning for your future, or giving your home a well-deserved makeover? https://southernskyoutlet.com.

6. Enjoy dinner and a show. MadLife Stage & Studios’ restaurant offers a selection of small plates, salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Grab a bite to eat and catch one of the many shows this month, including:

• On the Border — The Ultimate Eagles Tribute, Feb. 3-4

• Sun and the Stars — Presley, Orbison, Cash, Lewis and Perkins Tribute, Feb. 12

• The Purple Madness – Prince Tribute, Feb. 14

• Hank Williams Jr. Tribute – All My Rowdy Friends, Feb. 17

• Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi Tribute, Feb. 24 For more details, visit https://madlifestageandstudios.com.

7. Explore the power of perspective. Visit the Reeves House for craft beer, coffee or wine, and to experience an elemental exhibition, “Corrina Sephora: Echoes of Ecology,” through Feb. 26. For this exhibition, Sephora drew on experiences and encounters with an Native American tribe, the Lakota Sioux, and created a series of boat sculptures that evolve into inanimate objects. https://bit.ly/3ZedUkM.

8. Hunt for treasure and history. Browse the collection of antiques, furniture, jewelry and gifts at Cotton Mill Exchange in downtown Canton. Strolling through more than 45,000 square feet of space within the 118-year-old cotton mill will give you and your date plenty of time to connect. Whether it’s your first date or 50th, the vintage and modern merchandise, from hundreds of artisans and small-business owners, will provide plenty of talking points. www.cottonmillexchange.net.

Roger Brainard performs at MadLife Stage & Studios.

Photo by Carey Hood.

The Reeves House Visual Art Center features free, rotating art exhibits.

Cotton Mill Exchange is full of antiques and handcrafted gifts.

Road Work Update: Paving the Future

BY HARRY JOHNSTON

Roads are among Cherokee County’s biggest challenges, with 1,300 miles of county roads to maintain and improve, in order to meet the growing demand. It’s equally important to work with the state on improvements to our state highways.

Using state grant funds in 2022, we repaved 12 miles of county roads, including sections of Arnold Mill, Bells Ferry, Hickory, Kellogg Creek, Beavers and Johnson Brady roads. Another 13 miles were repaved using special-purpose local-option sales tax funds, including roads in the Creekside, Middlebrook, BridgeMill, Lovingood, Sturbridge and Eagle Watch neighborhoods.

Besides the usual maintenance work last year, the Cherokee County public works team also repaved Wrights Mill and Upper Bethany roads, and rebuilt Little Road, as well as the stream crossing and related section of Wyatt Road.

Reconstruction of the second bridge on Union Hill Road was completed, as well as the bridge on Transart Parkway. Roundabouts were completed to replace inadequate intersections on Woodstock Road at Victory Drive, Holbrook Campground Road at Birmingham Highway, and Wiley Bridge at Cox Road. The intersection of East Cherokee Drive at South Holly Springs Road was expanded, and we built the first phase of the Towne Lake Parkway multiuse trail. Although we’d rather leave state highway work to the state, we expanded the intersection of Highway 140 at East Cherokee Drive. It’s the first of several county-led projects planned on Highway 140, to keep it functioning until the state can rebuild the road in 2035.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) continues working to six-lane Highway 20 from Canton to Cumming. GDOT did the toughest work in the toughest section, from Interstate 575 to Scott Road, and should finish that section this year. Work on the second section, from Scott Road to Union Hill Road, is scheduled to run into 2024, but might be finished this year. GDOT then plans to shift to the Cumming end of the

highway, completing the sections between Union Hill Road and the Forsyth County line in 2026. Then, the department’s plan is to begin a project to four-lane Highway 20, west of Canton and into Bartow County.

Using state funds, we will repave 14 miles of county roads this year, including in the Orange Shoals, Northlake, Tamarack, Crabapple Springs, West Ridge, Copper Creek, Emerald Forest, Kingston Square, BridgeMill and Towne Lake Hills North neighborhoods. We might expand this list using local funds.

Other major county road projects planned for 2023 include roundabouts on Union Hill at Lower Union Hill Road and on Sugar Pike at Batesville Road; reconstruction of Hames Road, including a roundabout at Jett Road; reconstruction/expansion of the three-way intersection of Kellogg Creek Road, Woodstock Road and Victory Drive; and reconstruction of Rhine Road and Shoal Creek Road. The in-house public works team plans improvements to Rampley Trail, Huey Barnes Lane and Mount Carmel Church Lane.

We also hope to begin construction on two more Highway 140 projects this year. One is a county-funded expansion of its intersection with Hickory and Batesville roads. Another is a joint county-state project to add turn lanes in the section along Avery and Scott roads.

This year, we hope the state begins construction on the long-awaited replacement of the Bells Ferry Road bridge at Little River, and to four-lane Bells Ferry north to Victoria Road. Although Bells Ferry is no longer a state highway, GDOT generously has agreed to pay for the construction costs if the county buys the necessary right of way.

Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He’s a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner. Email him at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.

Summer Arts Intensives

NEW! OVERNIGHT Options Available

Department of Dance*

June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight - $580

Department of Theatre & Performance Studies*

June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight - $580 Acting | Musical Theatre | Design/Tech

Bailey School of Music*

Strings | Choral/Voice June 5-9 | Day - $295 | Overnight

Trumpet | May 31-June 2 | 1-5 p.m.

Percussion | May 31-June 2 | 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $125

School of Art & Design

June 5-9 | Day - $295

Visual Storytelling in Comics and Sequential Art

3D Digital Modeling and Character Development

Original 2D Character Design

Basic Patternmaking & Construction in Textile Design

New this year is our option for OVERNIGHT! Stay overnight on the Kennesaw campus and experience what it might be like to major in the arts at KSU. Enjoy meals at the award-winning Commons and get to know other high school students who are passionate about the arts.*

More Precious Than Gold

How Dan and Lucinda Riley Traded Wealth for Freedom

BY THE WANDERER

Mark Twain went out West during the California Gold Rush, and, as was the case with most of those who did so, the only real wealth he returned with was the rich memories of his many adventures, some of which found their way into his stories. His experiences there gave rise to two of his more popular quotes, the first of which is “A mine is a hole in the ground with a liar standing next to it.” The second: “When everybody is digging for gold, it’s good to be in the picks and shovels business.”

The tale of Dan and Lucinda Riley is one, like Twain’s, where the wealth they found wasn’t exactly the wealth they were looking for. The details of this fascinating story came to my attention thanks to Valdosta State University history professor David Williams’ 1991 Georgia Historical Quarterly article on African Americans and the Georgia Gold Rush, and his book, “The Georgia Gold Rush: Twenty-niners, Cherokees and Gold Fever,” published by the University of South Carolina Press in 1993.

The discovery of gold on Cherokee land was a significant factor in Georgia’s displacement of the Cherokee people in the 1830s. And, when the confiscated

lands were sold via lottery, a fair number of people were buying parcels in hopes of finding gold. During this time, around 99% of African Americans in Georgia were slaves. For the 1% known as free people of color, their luck in the lottery was equally nonexistent, because, while free, they were not classified as citizens and were not eligible to enter the lottery.

But, African Americans did participate in the effort to find gold. According to Williams, a great many farmers found that using their slaves to placer mine (separating gold from sediment) in the streams and rivers on their property during the winter season generated some income once the growing season ended. People who had no suitable property to mine but owned slaves could hire them out to work for others. However, actual tunnel mining was very dangerous, and a fair number of slave owners refused to do it, out of fear of losing their slaves to an accident. One example was at the Franklin Mine in Cherokee County, where an entire work crew of slaves was killed when supporting timbers failed and the roof gave way. Suffice it to say, the discovery of gold

Franklin Gold Mine. Photo courtesy of History Cherokee.

was almost as much of a curse for African Americans in Georgia as it had been for the Cherokee. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and the story of Dan and Lucinda Riley is one of them.

A few slave owners allowed their slaves to keep small portions of the gold they found. One in particular, James Scudder, allowed that any gold slaves found during the day was his outright. But, if a slave chose to work through the night, whatever was found overnight was his or hers to keep. Scudder required that they sell it back to him, but, in doing so, a slave with the ability to pan for gold by torchlight actually could earn enough money to buy his or her freedom. Dan and Lucinda, who were among Scudder’s slaves, did exactly that. After buying their freedom from Scudder, and thereafter working as sharecroppers in fields near Franklin Mine by day, they continued to supplement their income by panning for gold at night.

In 1849, shortly after hearing great tales of gold in California, Dan found what he termed “coarse, ragged” gold in a stream adjacent to the Scudder property. He was smart enough to realize that this meant the vein itself must be nearby (it hadn’t been polished and smoothed by the action of water). Before long, he located the vein on a hill alongside the stream. He dug down a little and found the telltale quartz veins where Georgia gold typically resides. And, as the saying goes, “his pan had color.” In fact, his pan had a whole lot of color.

He noticed some of Scudder’s slaves working on the other side of the stream. Afraid they’d discover it, too, he carefully covered it back up and removed any trace. He sold the gold he’d found the next day for $70. Dan and Lucinda used the money to head west to California, where they’d heard the amount of gold dwarfed what was being found in Georgia.

However, they didn’t strike it rich in California, and the Gold Rush eventually played out. After a great many years, Dan decided that they should return to Georgia and instead work the vein he’d located and hidden many years before. They returned, but, despite years of searching alongside the creek, Dan and Lucinda never were able to rediscover the rich vein left behind. As they grew old, they enlisted the help of a nearby farmer named Richard Carnes. A part-time miner himself, he helped them search, and continued to look on his own after they’d passed away. The vein never has been found, and, more than a century later, some folks in the area still tell the tale of “The Lost Mine.”

Dan and Lucinda Riley never struck it rich — or did they? Gold gave them a life filled with travel and adventure. I imagine Dan, late in life, smiling at his wife and saying, “We sure have had a pretty good run, haven’t we, Cindy?” Most important, gold gave them their freedom, which is worth far more.

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 2,000 miles in 2022. Send questions or comments to wanderingga@gmail.com.

6

Recipes for the

super

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

If you’re making a spread of appetizers for your Super Bowl party, here are six touchdown-worthy recipes, with six ingredients — or less! — to make preparations for the big game as smooth as possible. If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthier… let’s just call this a cheat day. Don’t throw a flag yet; spinach is an ingredient in one of the recipes.

Slap Your Mama Dip

Ingredients

• 1 pound sausage, hot

• ½ white onion, finely diced

• 1 pound Velveeta

• 2 cans tomatoes and diced chilis

• 1 packet taco seasoning

Directions

Brown the sausage and onions, drain. Add the sausage and onions, cubed Velveeta, cans of tomatoes and diced chilis (do not drain) and taco seasoning to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted. Then, turn the knob to warm or serve.

Bye-Bye Bacon Bites

Ingredients

• 30 butter crackers (about 2 sleeves)

• 10 slices bacon

• 1 cup brown sugar

• cayenne pepper

• black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Set a wire rack into an aluminum-foil-lined baking sheet. Place the crackers (I use Club) on the wire rack, leaving a little space between. Slice the bacon into thirds, and place a piece on each cracker. Scoop a generous amount of brown sugar over the bacon, then sprinkle with cayenne and black pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until sugar melts and bacon is crisp.

bowl

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Ingredients

• 1 package cheddar bay biscuit mix (including seasoning packet)

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 pound sausage, uncooked

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl, and mix until well incorporated (I use a stand mixer). Shape mixture into 1-inch balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.

Pizza Baguettes

Ingredients

• 1 baguette

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• 6 ounces mozzarella

• pepperoni (or preferred toppings)

Directions

Heat the oven’s broiler. Split the baguette longways. Arrange on a baking sheet, cut side up. Place on a rack in the middle of the oven, and broil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees. Spread ½ cup of sauce onto each side of the bread. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Bake for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bread is crisp.

Spinach-Dip-Stuffed Crescents

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained

• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 2 cans crescent rolls

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-by-8 baking dish. Combine artichoke hearts, spinach and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Mix in cheese, and transfer to the dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven, and allow a few minutes to cool.

Raise the oven temperature to 375. Unroll one package of crescent rolls and place on a baking sheet. Press the dough seams together with your fingers. Spread the dip over the dough, to your liking. Leave a ½-inch border along the edges. Unroll the second package of crescent rolls and place on top of the spinach mixture. Press the edges down to form “sealed” dough. Bake for 18 minutes, or until golden. Serve cut, in small squares. If you have spinach dip remaining, you can use it as a dip for the stuffed crescents.

Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients

• 2 cans chili

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread softened cream cheese in the bottom of a 13-by-9 baking dish. Pour chili on top, then sprinkle cheese over the chili. Bake for 20 minutes.

National Company, Hometown Roots

Cherokee County residents in the market for a walk-in tub have a distinct advantage if they purchase a Boca walkin tub. While the Woodstock-based company has a national footprint – selling and installing tubs across the country – every facet of tub production runs through Boca’s local factory.

“From ownership, to office personnel, to the manufacturing process, all Boca employees are locally based,” Boca President Bruce Hollinger said. “In an industry that trends toward importing pre-manufactured parts while focusing only on sales, Boca takes pride in owning every step of its sales, production and shipping process.”

Boca opened its doors in 2008 as a family-owned business. While ownership changed in 2019, the business remains family-owned. The need for walk-in tubs has grown as the trend in senior housing has moved away from traditional assisted

living toward homes and complexes that provide privacy and independence.

“Boca is committed to offering a tub that optimizes safety, cleanliness and therapy, and focuses on offering these solutions to those wishing to age in place,” said Internal Sales Manager Anna Nardone.

Happy Customers

The customer base has more than doubled since Hollinger, Matt Denis and Dominic Telymonde purchased the company. The goal is to continue to grow its dealer network and overall footprint of customers in the coming years. By focusing on its unique manufacturing and customization process, while continuing to stress top-tier customer service, Boca is eager to continue to provide a safe and luxurious bathing experience.

Common tub features such as the jetting system or light and aromatherapy are comforting, but Boca’s MICRO THERAPY system has been described as life-changing by several tub owners.

Most consumers research purchases online or through an inhome presentation, but Boca’s plant allows customers to see, testfit the sizes, and custom-build their tubs in person, with no need to open up their house until the day of installation.

“A recent purchaser called in just weeks after installation to rave about the instant improvement in her life,” Boca Installation Coordinator Alissa Robichaux said. “After years of struggling with rough and dead skin on her feet that had become difficult to live with, her condition was immediately improved, and MICRO THERAPY continues to be a staple of her bathing routine.”

Local residents can tour the factory by scheduling in-person appointments or simply walking in. Tub features and more information is available on the website, www.bocawalkintubs.com.

Technician Jacob Musser attaches hoses to a tub unit.

Hollinger, in front, center and the team in the Woodstock manufacturing facility.

WHAT MAKES BOCA TUBS SPECIAL?

Low Threshold. The primary feature of all Boca tubs is a step threshold of 2 inches or less, which is far lower than the average clearance height for other brands on the market, according to Boca Vice President of Operations Matt Denis.

“While each tub from all manufacturers is unique, Boca is the only manufacturer producing tubs that can be installed onto a subfloor,” he said. “All other walk-in tubs sit on built-up frames. So while the exact step threshold varies with every tub, Boca is the only one able to promote a height of 2 inches since all others must be placed on top of a frame.”

Internal Frame Design. Boca is the only internal frame tub on the market, according to Hollinger. Each tub has a 1-inch steel rim around the top, and marine-grade, gel-coated fiberglass throughout. Building the tubs with an internal frame instead of placing them on an external frame allows the tubs to be installed directly onto the subfloor of most project sites, and adaptable to any floor plan. Most installations are completed within a day.

MICRO THERAPY System. An option for any Boca tub is the MICRO THERAPY system, which produces millions of microscopic bubbles that clean skin pores over the entire body, eliminating the need for scrubbing or shifting for anyone with mobility issues. It also serves as therapeutic treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.

Fully Customizable. Seven sizes of tubs are offered, and each can be outfitted with features such as air and water jets, a rainfall showerhead attachment, a heated seat and even a built-in sound system, among many other options.

Longevity. With nearly 15 years in business, Boca’s owners are proud there are still Boca tubs in use from 2008 that have required only routine maintenance over their lifespan. All tubs come with a lifetime warranty, and the area around Woodstock is covered by fast and dependable locally based installers and service technicians.

Woodstock resident Anthony Sant’Anselmo grew up in Los Angeles, California, with a love for movies. He works as a “South Park” animator, and he is a writer and director. His father is co-creator of the ‘80s toy Teddy Ruxpin and he would take Anthony to his office on weekends — that’s where he found his love of writing.

Anthony completed a four-year project: turning his basement into an ‘80s video “store,” Mondo Video!, equipped with a kids section, home gym, kitchen and more. Get to know Anthony and what inspired him to start the project in Part 1 and look for Part 2 in the March issue.

Transforming My Basement Into an ‘80s Video Store

BY ANTHONY SANT’ANSELMO

When we drove our 26-foot moving truck into our new neighborhood one evening in 2017, fireworks were being shot high into the sky from almost every driveway. We felt that it was quite the welcoming committee from Woodstock. Of course, it was the Fourth of July, but, nevertheless, it was like that scene in a movie where the main characters finally reach their destination and all is well. My wife and I searched far and wide around Atlanta for the right home, in the right town. We wanted that idyllic, charming Southern downtown, with a real sense of community, but with the spoils of, perhaps, a Costco nearby. Little did we know, one would actually manifest a few years later! Stumbling upon Woodstock, however, we knew we had found something special.

Cut to Flashback Sequence:

I’ve loved movies as long as I can remember. I’m the kind of guy who would pause “Home Alone 2” and order, “a lovely cheese pizza just for me,” and eat it during the same time Macaulay Culkin ate his, to have a sort of 4D experience. (And, likewise, with the KFC scene in “Mr. Mom.”) As I’m writing this piece about taking a basement and creating something fun and over-the-top, it made me think back to the fourth grade, where I had to construct a volcano at home for a class project. My dad and I built the

largest and, probably, most obnoxious volcano model ever made — complete with a surrounding town and residents being decimated by lava — like some scene from a ’70s or ’90s disaster movie. It took four people to carry it to the classroom.

Fast-forward to 2004; I commissioned one of my best friends, Martin Nilchian, to create a 360-degree “Goonies” mural on the bedroom walls of my apartment. As a massive fan, I had a specific vision of turning my room into a total cavern, where each wall would be dedicated to a scene from the film. The bedroom door was the bone organ, with the skeleton and piano keys — I still have that door! — and, upon entering, there were images of booby-trap boulders hanging from chains on one wall, a treasure chest and skeletons on another, a depiction of the pirate ship (The Inferno) and the waterfall chutes nearby. Shortly thereafter, I bought a black Jeep Cherokee and replicated the Fratellis’ getaway car in the film with “bullet holes the size o’ matzah balls” in the back. So, this fascination of getting

as close to movies as possible, by using artistry and fabrication, has been an ongoing thing in my life.

Growing up on the West Coast, we didn’t really have basements, and it was important that our new house in Woodstock have one, so I could use it as a creative workspace. I’d had home offices before, but the thought of utilizing a basement was totally next level — and Fabienne wanted to take the lead on the direction of the main house, so it was a deal! I looked at the opportunity as a blank canvas to create something fun that would inspire me daily as a writer-director. But, the million-dollar question was, to create what exactly?

There are seven rooms in the basement, and I knew that certain areas needed to be functional: a production office, a gym and a home theater. Those became useful pretty quickly, but I had trouble figuring out what to do with the main room, initially thinking I’d use it as a movie prop area. Then, I pivoted to wanting to replicate “The Haunted Mansion” in that space. I started researching the

The main section is outlined with bright, neon lightning, as well as shelving and standing aisle racks for VHS tapes.

proper wallpaper, lighting effects and items I’d need to help bring it together: candelabras, gothic furniture, even animatronic squawking crows. Still, it didn’t sit right, and simply would have been decor, rather than decor plus functionality.

When I got the idea to build an actual video “store,” it sounded like the most fun idea ever for the basement. When I was 5 years old, I knew I wanted to make movies — and nothing has changed. A lot of my earlier movie memories stemmed from the independent, mom-and-pop video shops that existed pre-Blockbuster Video. No two looked alike. They celebrated cinema, and there always was someone who knew something about the film you wanted to rent — no matter the genre.

The plan was to treat the project as if I were creating a movie set and really lean into the visual side of it. That way, my kids would know what a video store was kind of like, and I also could use it as a working set for my own film and video projects: ’80s tribute online accounts and a weekly movie podcast. (Because, there just aren’t enough movie podcasts already on YouTube!)

I wish I had footage of when I shared my glorious plans with Fabienne. Suffice it to say, she was supportive — with, maybe, a slight eye roll, ha ha. But, I could live with that, because I believed in myself! Even though I was embarking into the total unknown … OK, this is probably the part where I should cram in four years of building into a montage. (Cue super-rad ’80s song “Push It to the Limit” to pump up the underdog!) But, before I could take any sort of victory lap, I went through every DIY challenge — stay tuned for next month’s issue!

If you have a basement that is not being used to its full potential, ask yourself what your dream basement would be. It’s a blank slate to create something cool that inspires you daily, so make it count. Woodstock has the tools, materials and, if needed, craftsmen, to help you realize your goal. If you’re not sure how to achieve something, turn to YouTube, check out some tutorials, and learn by doing.

The kids section, Mondo Kideo!, is dedicated to kids movies, toys and posters.

The ‘80s gym celebrates the workout craze, wrestling, skateboard films, beach movies and more.

“In 2019, while at work, I received a phone call from my doctor confirming my pregnancy. I dropped to my knees and thanked God for the gift of motherhood. I had waited a long time to start my family,” Canton resident Kris Thompson said.

Like all expectant moms, Kris had dreamed of play dates, birthday parties, Santa visits and all the wonderful experiences that were ahead for her new family. Nothing had prepared her otherwise. But in September 2019, her little boy was born a month early, and from the moment he was born, everything was an emergency, Kris said.

“Benjamin was born unable to breathe, with a collapsed trachea, detached esophagus, bilateral blocked nasal cavities and clots in his brain. He coded often at the hospital. He was immediately taken to NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] before being transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), where he spent the first five months of his life,” Kris said.

Ben was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, a disorder that affects many areas of the body. Several of the features common in the disorder: coloboma, heart defects, atresia choanae (also known as choanal atresia), growth retardation, and inner and outer ear abnormalities that cause deafness and balance issues. Additionally, he showed signs of Dandy-Walker syndrome, a congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum (an area of the back of the brain that coordinates movement).

The first five months of his life were spent at CHOA. He had 13 surgeries and was released to go home at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been in isolation ever since due to being diagnosed with an immune deficiency, which means he doesn’t build antibodies and is constantly sick.

“I thought I had been through a lot in my life, including much abuse and loss early in my own life. But compared to Ben, I really haven’t been through anything. He’s endured more in three years than most people in three lifetimes. It is hard enough to have a special-needs child, but caring for him with no help while the world is in complete isolation takes it to another level,” Kris said. “Our journey has been difficult and lonely. There isn’t one impairment; there are so many, and they all affect the other. Setbacks, infections, UTIs are all roadblocks for his progress.”

Today, at 3 years old, Ben cannot walk, talk or eat and is deaf and blind with many kidney, heart and immune deficiency issues requiring around-the-clock care. His impaired vision is worsening because he won’t tolerate his glasses and eye patching. He needs intensive speech therapy for feeding and communication as well as occupational and physical

therapies, but therapies have been delayed because of constant sickness. Kris fights back tears when asked what is needed. “Benjamin is my full-time job, requiring every ounce of me. He needs uninterrupted therapies in order to make progress. Our funds have been depleted, and our marriage has been challenged. It is bigger than us at times. Deductibles, copays, medications and therapies add up quickly. There is so much that our son needs that we are unable to provide for him. We are determined to fight through these health challenges so that our sweet little boy can have a wonderful life,” she said. “He has come so far but has a long way to go.”

Benjamin and his family need encouragement. They need prayers, support and love to push them through this difficult season. They need our compassionate and caring community to rally behind them like we do so well.

Three-year-old Benjamin still faces many challenges.

Care Is Important in Your 20s

BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

For many young girls, the transition from pediatrician to primary care physician takes place during their early teens, and often it is the primary care doctor who has initial discussions about hormones or birth control. However, during this time, and before a girl reaches her early 20s, she should see an OB-GYN annually, to begin developing a relationship with her doctor and for important gynecological screenings.

Your early 20s are an important time to establish healthy routines and habits that can last your entire life. Finding an OB-GYN you are comfortable with — and building a relationship where you can talk openly — is so helpful in creating a long-term healthy lifestyle.

The best time for a young woman to get established with an OBGYN is before a health crisis arises, or before she decides to become pregnant. Women in their 20s should have annual pelvic and breast exams and a Pap smear to check for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. With all types of cancers, the earlier they are detected, the better the prognosis. In addition to routine screenings, OB-GYNs often detect other underlying conditions, especially anything hormone related, including:

• Hormone imbalances

• Pelvic pain

• Menstrual irregularity

• Endometriosis

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Thyroid disorders

• Depression

• Anxiety.

OB-GYNs are highly trained to detect and treat female health issues, as they undergo extensive training specifically in women’s health — four years of undergraduate school for their bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school to become a medical doctor, and four years of residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Many have further training in a subspecialty or for certification in certain surgical techniques.

Young women have so many questions about their sexual health, menstrual cycles and hormones. A trusted OB-GYN can help them understand and take charge of their own bodies. It also is easy for young women to assume breast or cervical cancers are mostly found in older women. But the truth is that cancer can develop at any age, and early detection is critical.

For optimum women’s health care, getting established early on with an OB-GYN is critical.

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC has seven OB-GYNs and five advanced practice providers, with offices in Canton and Woodstock.

Rob’s Rescues

These animals are at Cobb County Animal Services, waiting for homes.

This dog’s name is Coco. She is a great dog, because she is very sweet and walks well on a leash. She is a medium-sized hound dog who would love anyone, and anyone would be lucky to have her. She would make a family very happy, and she would be very happy to get a home outside of the shelter. She warmed up so quickly when we talked to her and took her for a walk. I really like this dog.

Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.

This cat’s name is Momo. He is 4 years old and a pretty large orange tabby. He seems like a lovely cat who would be content to just sit with you. He is peaceful and has no crazy energy. He would be a nice and calm companion.

I recently was invited by Cheri Sherill to be a guest of the Cat Club at Holbrook Retirement Community in Acworth. I went to meet the members, and I enjoyed talking to them about their cats (and, in one case, a bird). We also talked about the importance of spay and neuter, and opportunities for volunteering in the community. They were very nice people, and I enjoyed meeting them. I told them about volunteer opportunities at Cobb County Animal Services and Furkids. Stay tuned for my Furkids interview in the March issue!

with members of the Cat Club,

Rob

at Holbrook Retirement Community in Acworth. Front row: Cheri Sherrill, left, and Betty Edwards. Back row, from left: Joan Blanchancy, Kay Chalmers, Martha Miller, Linda Ryan, Larry Miller and Lucy Faint.

Reflecting on Ice Storms and Simple Faith

BY STEVE COLEMAN

If you’ve lived here for a while, you will be well familiar with snow and ice experiences in metro Atlanta. Images of cars stranded on the highways, and stories of children and teachers spending the night in schools have grazed the national media.

Growing up in South Carolina in the 1970s, I remember an ice storm in ‘73 that turned our small state on its head. I was 7 years old, and a family friend picked up my family, along with the contents of our freezer. He loaded us in his truck to drive us to another family’s home, where we stayed for several days. Multiple families converged on this home because of a gas stove (uncommon in our town) and plenty of charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill.

As a youngster, I believed this to be a great adventure — and it was! We played in the snow (mostly ice and slush) and watched our parents thaw and cook feasts from food stored on the screened porch.

I do not remember worrying about when the power would come back on, whether the food supply or the charcoal would run out, or if we had enough blankets. Why? I knew my parents would take care of me. I had complete trust that my needs would be met by those who were responsible.

In the book of Philippians, Paul acknowledges he had troubles. He references life’s difficulties and confirms

God’s created beings have problems with circumstances, relationships and obedience. Paul wrote: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

Paul affirmed a truth: We can have complete trust our true needs will be met by the one who is responsible. Whatever the struggle, the storm or the situation, God is in control of all things. That control does not mean he will prevent all storms and struggles from coming our way; it means he always is at work and can be trusted to guide us through those struggles with peace.

We don’t need to worry about our present or future circumstances. There is no issue, no mountain, no obstacle or circumstance you can’t face with the God of the universe as your protector and guide. Trust him today, and trust him enough to let him define a good day, a good week and a good struggle.

Fostering Change: Concurrent Case Planning

BY CHARLICE BYRD

Last month, my article noted that the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has reported 350 children are freed for adoption (the birth parents’ rights have been terminated by the state). In order to be eligible for adoption, certain milestones must be met.

Children in care have a case plan goal of reunification, adoption, another planned permanent living arrangement and/or independent living. The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (https://bit.ly/3idNj72) established specific time frame goals after finding the number of children sitting in care “adrift” were not finding permanency. When children enter care, parents typically are offered a case plan of reunification. The time window allows the family to complete necessary tasks to reduce or eliminate safety concerns and place the child(ren) back into the home.

Concurrent case planning is a type of permanency planning in which reunification services are provided to the family of the child at the same time an alternative permanency plan is made for the child, in case reunification efforts fail (www.childwelfare. gov). Concurrent case planning was introduced to “hope for the best and plan for the worst.” Parents with a history of poor choices and unsuccessful outcomes qualify for a concurrent case plan. This means parents must get it together in a timely manner, or the children will be freed for adoption. However, concurrent

case planning is not always used. When it is not, parents have 12 months (and, often more) to start and stop court-ordered tasks while children wait in foster care for the family to reunify.

With case manager turnover and poorly trained workers who do not document “reasonable efforts” or ensure parents have been given timely referrals for services, children wait. As time passes, kids become increasingly frustrated with being in a temporary situation and the never-ending promises of returning home “soon.” As weeks turn into months, and months turn into years, many children sit in care at the mercy of case managers.

As time passes and behaviors increase, children often are moved from a foster home to a base, additional and/or maximum-level facility, and some ultimately are moved to a psychiatric residential treatment facility. Next month, I will discuss how we can help ensure the agency tasked with child welfare best serves children taken from bad situations, and sets them on a path to success.

Steve Coleman is an associate pastor and worship pastor at Wildwood Baptist Church in Acworth.

Rep. Charlice Byrd represents Georgia House District 20. If you have any feedback, call 404-557-2218, email charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov or engage on Facebook.

• Feb. 7 | 5:30 - 7:30

Tavern at Towne Lake 1003 Towne Lake Hills E. Woodstock, GA 30189

• Feb. 9 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Copeland’s of New Orleans 1142 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW Kennesaw, GA 30144

• March 7 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Venue Marietta 855 Church St Marietta, GA 30060

Please RSVP by Feb. 4 for Feb. sessions or Feb. 28 for March session by calling 470-467-2621 or emailing info@nelsoneldercarelaw.com.

The sessions will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Nelson Elder Care Law 2230 Towne Lake Parkway | Building 1200, Suite 120 Woodstock, GA 30189 | NelsonElderCareLaw.com

Around & About Around & About

MARCH

11

Save the date for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation Gala. Visit www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org for details.

16

18

FEBRUARY

0 2 Trivia Night on the Green begins at 7 p.m. Thursdays at The Mill on Etowah in Canton. Gather your dream team and compete for first-, second- and third-place prizes. www.etowahmill.com/events

0 9 An Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group meets at 11 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at Little River Methodist Church in Woodstock. Wheelchair-accessible. 770-926-2495

11 The eighth annual Father and Daughter Dance, presented by Etowah Lady Eagle Lacrosse, will be 6-9 p.m. at the Etowah High School gym, in Woodstock. There will be music, games, raffles and prizes. https://bit.ly/3jpeBHC

Save the date for the Downtown Canton Chocolate Walk. Watch for details at www.cantonga.gov/events.

12

Shop for locally made goods at Maker’s Mash, a pop-up shop featuring local artisans, 1-6 p.m. the second Sunday of the month, at Reformation Brewery in Woodstock. https://visitwoodstockga. com/events

25 GlowBand presents Experience the Eagles , 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., at the Canton Theatre. The Atlanta-based group specializes in exceptional vocals, brilliant harmony and noteperfect music. www.cantonga.gov/events

23

The 2023 Cherokee Film Summit, hosted by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, is set for 5-9 p.m. at the Yanmar Evo Center in Acworth. cherokeega.org

Registration is open for the Garland Mountain Trail Run, 6-mile and 13-mile races, in Waleska. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Garland Mountain Trails.

https://mountaingoatadventures.com

The Georgia Food + Wine Festival is back at 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

24 Bascomb’s Spring Carnival begins at 6 p.m. at Bascomb Elementary School in Woodstock. Keep a watch for volunteer sign-up information and details at https://bit.ly/3WL8hsq.

25 The two-day 2023 Etowah Wildlife Expo will be noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at The Mill on Etowah in Canton. More details to follow. www.etowahmill.com/events

The two-day, 16th annual Wing & Rock Fest will be held noon-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. The free, familyfriendly event will feature a variety of chicken wings with bold sauces, as well as live music.

www.wingandrockfest.com

27 Registration is open for the inaugural Golf2Grow Golf Tournament, to be held at Fairways of Canton. Proceeds will help send four kids to summer golf camp. www.golf2grow.com

2022 Cherokee Film Summit. Photo by Chris Price.

John and Anita Spisak. Photo by Teena Coogle Photography

RECREATION

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency

www.playcherokee.org // Recreation Center: 770-924-7768, Aquatic Center: 678-880-4760

Through Feb. 8

Donations for Project Valentine will be given to Empower Cherokee, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and can be dropped off at the Rec Center, 7545 Main St., Suite 200, Woodstock. Items include ChapStick, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, sugar-free and regular candy and more.

Feb. 11

The 17th annual Guns & Hoses 5K, a certified race for the Peachtree Qualifier, will benefit Sheriff Frank Reynolds Charities, which raises money to fill needs in the community, and the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, a nonprofit home for young men in the foster care system. When registering, the runner can select which team (charity) he or she wants to represent.

Woodstock Parks and Recreation Programs

woodstockparksandrec.com // 770-592-6000, Ext. 1955. Registration is required for all programs. Fees are $5, unless otherwise noted.

Feb. 11

Essential Gardening: Growing Mushrooms. Join Howard Berk of Ellijay Mushrooms, 10 a.m., at 223 Arnold Mill Road, to learn how to grow mushrooms at home.

Love Rocks! Gather to paint river rocks and distribute them throughout the city, 11 a.m. at 223 Arnold Mill Road. The activity is free, but registration is required. Supplies are limited.

Feb. 15, March 1

Discovering Pickleball gets you ready to play pickleball — and you will, by the end of the session. Equipment is provided. The class starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Dupree Park pickleball courts.

Feb. 23

History in Woodstock. Celebrate Black History Month by learning about the desegregation and integration of Cherokee County, with History Cherokee’s Harvee White, 7 p.m. at 223 Arnold Mill Road. Participants also can enjoy coffee and dessert.

Feb. 25

Essential Gardening: Edible Landscape. Learn how to incorporate delicious plants into your landscape. Join Josh Fuder and the Cherokee Master Gardeners, 10 a.m., at 223 Arnold Mill Road. Participants will receive a plant or seeds to plant at home.

William G. Long Senior Center woodstockparksandrec.com // 678-445-6518

Minimum age for all programs is 50. Registration is required.

Feb. 10: Black History Luncheon, noon-2 p.m. Cost is $10.

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Prom Luncheon, noon-2 p.m. Cost is $10.

Feb. 15: Mardi Gras Murder Mystery, 2-4 p.m. Cost is $5.

Feb. 28: Day Trip: Marietta Museum and Tour, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $10.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

MadLife Stage & Studios

Events listed are held monthly at 8722 Main St., Woodstock. http://madlifestageandstudios.com

Feb. 7: Country Dance Night, featuring The Honky Tonkers, 7 p.m. Dance lessons start at 6 p.m.

March 4: The Jett Hearts — A Tribute to Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, 10 p.m.

March 17: The Troubadour Project: ’70s Rock Revival — Queen, Zeppelin, Bowie and more, 7 p.m.

March 25: R.E.M. Tribute — Dead Letter Office, 7 p.m.

Woodstock Arts

www.woodstockarts.org

Through Feb. 26

“Corrina Sephora: Echoes of Ecology” is an immersive exhibit at the Reeves House that explores the themes of loss, transformation and the interconnectedness of all things.

Feb. 3

The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe is ready to get its audiences rolling down the aisles with laughter. Recommended for ages 10-plus (content).

Feb. 4

The Lasting Laugh is a monthly comedy series that brings in Atlanta-based comedians, with Jessica It’s All Good as the host. Recommended for ages 12-plus (content).

Feb. 10-26

“Murder on the Orient Express” follows detective Hercule Poirot as he tries to solve who killed one of the passengers on a luxurious train. Recommended for ages 10-plus (content).

Cherokee County School District

https://bit.ly/3CeUdPf. Contact the school front office for information. Performances are at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Feb. 3, 4

“Little Mermaid Jr.” Dean Rusk Middle School. There also is a 1 p.m. matinee Feb. 4. Tickets: to be determined.

Feb. 9, 10

“Mystery on 13th Street.” Woodstock Middle School students perform at 6:30 p.m. at Woodstock High School. Tickets: $5.

March 10, 11

“Junie B. Jones Jr.” Academy Street Theatre Group performs at River Ridge High School. Tickets: $5.

“Mamma Mia” Etowah High School. There also is a 2 p.m. matinee March 11. Tickets: $10.

New Faces Join the School Board

BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

The Cherokee County School Board is made up of six members, elected by posts, and a chair who is elected countywide. With the retirement of longtime board members Mike Chapman and Clark Menard, the community had the opportunity to elect two new representatives. Susan Padgett-Harrison and Erin Ragsdale won those elections and took the oath of office in January.

They join an award-winning group of elected officials, who collectively have served nearly 50 years.

The board holds monthly public meetings at which they handle business, including approving policy changes, the annual budget, significant expenditures (such as construction projects), new curriculum adoption, hiring the superintendent of schools and much more. As part of this governance role, they research issues, undergo annual training and maintain constituent communications.

Board members also serve the community in many other ways, such as through participation in school activities — ranging from serving as academic competition judges to volunteering as guest readers to speaking at career day events.

Chair Kyla Cromer of BridgeMill is in her 10th year on the school board and her ninth year as chair. A former elementary school teacher and longtime PTA leader, she is mom to two Cherokee County School District graduates.

DISTRICT 1: Kelly Poole of BridgeMill joined the board in 2015 after longtime service with the PTA. She is an accountant and mom to two CCSD graduates.

DISTRICT 2: Patsy Jordan of Yellow Creek served CCSD during her career as a school custodian, school bus driver and teacher. After retiring from CCSD, Jordan joined the board in 2012 and now teaches for Mountain Education Charter High School in Dawson County.

DISTRICT 3: John Harmon of Hickory Flat joined the board in 2014 after serving the community as a youth sports coach and Hickory Flat Elementary School Council member. A business manager, he and his wife share five children, and three are CCSD students.

DISTRICT 4: Robert Rechsteiner of southwest Cherokee, known by his professional wrestling career nickname Rick Steiner, joined the board in 2005 after serving the community as a youth sports volunteer. A Realtor, he is dad to three CCSD graduates.

DISTRICT 5: Erin Ragsdale of Towne Lake began her service in January, bringing to the role experience as a teacher, speech language pathologist and school and community volunteer. She and her husband, Trey, who is chairman of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, are parents to two CCSD students.

DISTRICT 6: Susan Padgett-Harrison of Canton took office in January. She served as an educator with CCSD for 30 years, in roles including teacher, assistant principal, Cherokee High School principal and district curriculum supervisor and assessment director. An adjunct Kennesaw State University professor and longtime community volunteer, she and her late husband, the renowned CCSD music teacher and band director David Harrison, raised three CCSD graduates, including two who now serve as CCSD educators. She has 12 grandchildren.

Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children.

Susan Padgett-Harrison

Erin Ragsdale

Front row, from left: District 1 member Kelly Poole, chair Kyla Cromer and District 2 member Patsy Jordan. Back row: retired board member Clark Menard, District 3 member John Harmon, retired board member Mike Chapman, District 4 member Robert Rechsteiner and Superintendent of Schools Brian Hightower.

Shop With an Eagle Connects Students, Community

BY HAILEY WEINER

Dec. 3 marked Etowah High School’s Shop With an Eagle (SWAE) event, and students spent the day bringing joy and cheer to the community. They covered the cafeteria with wrapping paper, ornaments and tinsel, until it was no longer recognizable. Small children filed in and waited at decorated tables, preparing for the holiday celebration. Every year, Etowah hosts this event, a day where kids from underprivileged families get to enjoy crafts, games, Santa Claus, food and a Christmas show. Students and staff spend the weeks prior fundraising, shopping for the kids and preparing for the event. Along with the fun activities, the mentors (Etowah students assisting at the event) give the junior Eagles (kids) and their families bags of presents, and supply them with extra food and necessities to help them through the holiday season. Following the event, the mentors write a letter to the child they were paired with, thanking them for the great day and wishing them a Merry Christmas.

“I did SWAE because it was something that I have never done before, and it sounded like it would be a great experience. I liked how everyone that participates in the event gets something out of it, and everyone can have fun with each other while doing so. My favorite activity during the main event would

be the game section, because my junior Eagle (and I) played bean bag toss the whole time. And, even after 20 minutes, he did not want to stop playing,” sophomore Satya Prabhuram said.

SWAE’s main goal is to spread joy to the community and provide those in need with a happy holiday season, allowing parents not to stress about providing food and clothing for their families. Many of the kids in the program do not get the privilege of having bundles of presents under the tree each year, like others in the community. Typically, their parents are focused on just having enough to make dinner each night. However, this day helps take the stress off their shoulders and allows them to focus on enjoying the fun in the Christmas season.

“I enjoy SWAE because it is a really fun experience for, not just the kids, but for everyone. What I love

most about the event is that we are helping less-privileged kids that are so grateful for every little thing they are getting out of SWAE. It is honestly a great environment for everyone, and we all have a ton of fun,” junior Kira Stevenson said. Those who enjoy serving the community, want more volunteer hours, or like working with children are best fit for SWAE.

“SWAE is an amazing experience. It is a great way to give to the community. I love seeing the joy on all of the kids’ faces as they do the fun activities,” freshman Victoria Sprecher said.

If your Eagle missed the deadline to apply last year, do not fret. Opportunities to get involved with SWAE will return near the end of 2023. Students with questions about the event can visit Kristy Wiggins in room 7206, Donell Osborne in 7205 or Mystic Henderson in 3202.

Hailey Weiner is the head of staff. She aspires to pursue a career in journalism or law, and her dream is to make it to New York.

Holly Jolly Vibes was the 2022 Shop With an Eagle theme.

School News

Teams Succeed at Regional Robotics Competition

Three Cherokee County School District teams earned trophies at the regional First Lego League robotics competition. The Mill Creek Middle School Lego Cats (Navy Team) and the R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy Robotic Warriors won the Core Values trophy in their brackets, and the Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy BrickMasters won the Innovation Project award and advanced to super regionals. At the competition, each team designed and built a robot using the Lego Mindstorms system. Students programmed their robot to solve missions on a tabletop playing field, with models made from Lego bricks. Each team also completed a research project to analyze and solve a problem; this year’s theme was developing solutions to improve how energy is produced, distributed, stored and used.

Students Selected for Elite Flight Academy

Etowah High School Air Force Junior ROTC cadet Luke Foresman and Cherokee High School Air Force Junior ROTC cadet Andrew Solano recently won the competitive Air Force Chief of Staff 2023 Flight Academy Scholarship, valued at $25,000. Cadet Sydney Watson of Cherokee High has been selected as an alternate.

The Flight Academy is an eight-week summer program designed for Air Force Junior ROTC cadets to earn privatepilot certification. The program’s overall goal is to improve the recruitment, retention and diversity of the Air Force and aviation industry. For more information, visit www.airuniversity. af.edu/Holm-Center/AFJROTC/Flight-Academy.

Oak Grove’s Denise Lewis Wins Game Changer Award

Oak Grove Elementary media specialist Denise Lewis received the 2022 Game Changer Award for Instructional Support. Lewis, a 22-year educator and past Innovation Zone Media Specialist of the Year recipient, also was praised by Principal Penny Valle for her leadership in developing a 21st century media center and earning Common Sense national digital citizenship certification for the school.

Art Contest Open to Middle Schoolers

Entries for the Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark Contest, depicting some aspect of Georgia agriculture, must be received at the Cherokee County Farm Bureau Office by Feb. 10. The contest is open to all students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Prizes include a $75 gift card for the first-place county winner, a $50 gift card for the first-place school winner (in every county school that enters), $159 for the state winner and $100 for 10 district winners. Interested students or teachers should contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for an official entry form and contest rules at 770-4791481, ext. 0. If you would like volunteers to pick up your bookmarks, email rcstargel@gfbco.org.

From left, Etowah High Junior ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Stephen Bergey, cadet Luke Foresman and Tech. Sgt. Ciarra Malto, another instructor.

From left, Principal Penny Valle and Superintendent of Schools Brian Hightower congratulate Oak Grove media specialist Denise Lewis, joined by her husband, Mark, on earning the 2022 Game Changer Award for Instructional Support.

The Clark Creek team members celebrating success at the regional First Lego League competition, are, from left: Jordyn Artis, Lilah Baker, Jahnavi Bellamkonda, Rijo Beniston Raja, Gabriel Davis, Tanmay Doppalapudi, Alisa Hills, Patrick Paladines, Luke Williams and Samara Yussuf.

• Zoe’s Kitchen

• Pet Supermarket

• Steven’s Nails

• LongHorn

• Chili’s

• Tuesday Morning

• Bullocks Wine & Spirits Warehouse

• Keegan’s Irish Pub

• Capri Nails

• China Fun

• Urban Renewal Consignment Boutique

• La Parilla

• Tuscany

• Starbucks

• Izumi Asian Bistro

• Small Cakes

• Smoothie King

• Jersey Mike's Subs

• Perfect Touch Nail Salon

• K Pop Korean BBQ

• Sakura Jiu Jitsu

• Tea Time

• Johnny’s NY Style Pizza & Subs

• SoHo Bagel

• Sassy Paws Pet Boutique

• Elite Nail Spa

• Nature’s Corner Market

• Peking & Tokyo

• GameDay

• Volcano Steak and Sushi

• Peace Love and Pizza

• Fashion Ten

• L’Amour Nails

• Kani House

• Pike Nurseries

• Maple Street Biscuit Co.

• Learning Express Toys

• Hollywood Feed

• Menchie's

• Panera

• Towne Lake Nails

• Brazillian Wax

• Bruster's Ice Cream

• Cheeseburger Bobby's

• Mellow Mushroom

• Nana Thai Eatery

• Making Waves Salon & Brazillian Wax

• Distinctive Lashes & Beauty Bar

• Towne Lake Pharmacy

• Pro Nail & Spa

• Mr. G’s Cigar & Tobacco Shoppe

• Your CBD Store

• NY Style Deli & Pizza by Mansi

• Family Tradition

• GP Nails

• Cancun Mexican

• Song’s Garden

• The Little Hen Children's Boutique

• Goodwill

• Dollar General

• Big Smokeys BBQ & More

• Hawks Nest Gaming

• K9 & Kitty

• JianKang Spa

• Studio 55 Dance

• A Food Mart

• Spring’s Smoke Shop

• Soo-Good Restaurant

• Ol’ Time Barber

• Paper.Scissors.Cake.

• Edible Edification

• Animal Atlanta

• Superior Motorsports

• The Butcher and A Baker

• Donovan’s Irish Cobbler

• El Ranchero

• Sandy’s Nail Spa

• BT Collectibles

• Furniture Fashions

• Wild Birds Unlimited

• Dollar Tree

• Wow Pho & Grill

• Shake by the Lake

• J.D.’s Bar-B-Que

• Fantasy Nails

• Big Apple Nail

• Marco’s Pizza N

• Palm Beach Tan

• Cynergi Boutique O

• The Gifted Ferret

• No Longer Bound Thrift

• GoFoFa

• The Happy Taco

Flowering Maple Shrubs for Indoors and Out

BY MARC TEFFEAU

There is a very interesting subtropical shrub known as flowering maple that can be grown as a houseplant. Common names also include Chinese bellflower, Chinese lantern and Indian mallow. The plant is a member of the Abutilon genus, not the Acer genus, which contains maple trees. It is called flowering maple because the plant’s leaves are similar in appearance to maple leaves. It is commonly found in subtropical areas such as South and Central America, where it grows as a perennial.

Abutilon is a large group of more than 200 species of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae). The mallow family includes well-known plants like cotton, hibiscus, hollyhock, okra, rose of Sharon and the marsh mallows found in wetlands. The flowering maple has blooms similar in shape to hibiscus flowers.

Flowering maples were considered an old-fashioned plant that fell out of favor with gardeners. They were popular during the Victorian era, hence another name, parlor maple. These flowering plants were first among the “softer” plants grown in chilly Victorian parlors. I came across the plant in October 2018 when my wife, Linda, and I were on a tour of the Biltmore Estate Gardens in Asheville, North Carolina. A couple of different cultivars of the flowering maple were in the Biltmore greenhouse, including an heirloom variety that Biltmore had bred, named Biltmore Ballgown.

As a result of extensive breeding efforts, a variety of beautiful cultivars have been produced with lovely bell-shaped flowers in orange, salmon, red, white, yellow and bicolored hues. The generally solitary, pendant flowers are borne on long stems from leaf axils or near the branch tips on

the current season’s growth. The flowering maple’s lantern-like buds open to cup- or bell-shaped flowers that may be up to 3 inches in diameter.

Some of the cultivars also have variegated foliage, and it is interesting to note this variegation is a result of a virus that does not harm the plant. The Abutilon mosaic virus is transmitted by seed, grafting and the Brazilian whitefly.

Abutilons are an easy plant to grow indoors. For this use, I would recommend the smaller cultivars. Light requirements range from full sun to very light shade. Flowering maples need a well-drained, peat-based potting soil. They do not require fertilization over the winter. Watering requirements indoors are to keep the soil slightly moist, but do not overwater. Usually, only a monthly watering is needed during the winter. They tend to get rangy. So, to prevent this from happening, pinch the tops of the branches in the spring to encourage a more compact habit.

Besides being grown as a houseplant, these shrub-like plants also can be used as an annual in the landscape and as container plants during the warm growing season in our area, where they will bloom from June through October. If you want to grow the plant as an annual, it does well in full sun to partial shade. It also can be employed in hanging baskets. Most species require moderate watering, although some need a little more moisture.

You can enjoy flowering maples inside and out by growing it as a container patio plant during warm months and then bringing it in to overwinter as a houseplant.

As for temperature, these plants prefer a cooler room during the winter.

There are several Abutilon cultivars available, including Canary Bird, Fireball, Boule de Neige, Kirsten’s Pink, the Bella series and Kentish Belle. If you are interested in speckled and variegated foliage plants, look for cultivars A. striatum thompsonii or Souvenir de Bonn.

Flowering maples are not known to have any significant insect or disease problems outdoors in the landscape. However, inside as a houseplant, it can become susceptible to the usual list of houseplant pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, scales, whiteflies, and spider mites. If one of these pests shows up on the plant, treat it as you would usually treat a houseplant pest.

If you would like to propagate, the plant easily will root from stem-tip cuttings. A rooting hormone will increase your chances of success. Take cuttings in the spring and place in seed-starting soil in a warm, bright room.

When young, flowering maples tend to grow fast. As a result, they may need to be repotted a couple times a year. Older flowering maples tend to do better being somewhat pot-bound, as this tends to encourage them to grow more vigorously and have a better bloom set.

Marc Teffeau, a retired professor and horticulture specialist with the University of Maryland Extension, has been a Holly Springs resident for nine years and a Cherokee County Master Gardener since 2015.

Bloom of the Biltmore Ballgown.

The flowering maple, Biltmore Ballgown.

The Arts Are Our Heartbeat

BY LIBBY WILLIAMS

Woodstock Arts has a mission to engage the community with relevant art experiences every day. As a staff, we constantly are asking how we can make art more accessible. In our theater season, we always have a show around the corner. When one closes, the curtain rises on the next one, offering accessibility through numbers. You don’t have to worry about perfectly aligning your schedule around seeing a show; there will be one waiting for you.

The most hands-on way to find yourself engaged at Woodstock Arts is through our education department. Our class list is expanding, as we bring in new local artists and educators to share their love of their mediums. From improv, to pottery, to jewelry making, anyone easily can jump into a new passion. Right now, we are gearing up for our first winter break camp this month. Usually, with our summer camps, you have to pick between visual arts and theater, but not this time!

Our winter break campers get the best of both worlds, as they draw, paint, sculpt, sing, dance, act and do improv.

As the weather gets warmer, the Event Green will defrost and launch into action. We have missed gathering for the Lantern Series, our outdoor concerts focused on bringing unique artists to Woodstock, but the wait is almost over. We also are looking forward to the showcase of our first 48-Hour Film Festival March 18. In the meantime, join us for a video game tournament or movie night, as we patiently wait for spring.

The Reeves House is the last piece of our puzzle. Getting coffee is a part of a lot of our everyday routines, and when you get your morning latte from us, you are engaging with art. Our current exhibit, “Echoes of Ecology-Prayers and Rituals,” features metalsmith Corrina Sephora. This exhibit has brought a plethora of multimedia pieces to our space that will draw you right in and leave your jaw on the floor. The most exciting part of this exhibit is that Sephora will be creating a permanent sculpture on the Reeves House grounds, using community metal donations. The sculpture will be revealed on the exhibit’s closing night, Feb. 26. We hope to see you there and to have you connect with your community through art as much as possible this year.

Libby Williams is the marketing manager for Woodstock Arts. Connect with us on social media, @woodstockgaarts, to always be the first to know about upcoming events!

Our winter break campers get the best of both worlds.

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

Feb. 8, 22

Help your child build confidence by scheduling a 15-minute appointment to read to Zoey the Reading Dog, 4:30-5:30 p.m., at Rose Creek Public Library. Register ages 6 and older online.

Feb. 11

Visit Woodstock Public Library for Yoga at the Library, 11 a.m.noon. Certified yoga instructor Jigna Patel will guide you to a state of total relaxation in this free hourlong session. Bring your own mat. For ages 17 and older.

Feb. 13

The Adult Ecletics Book Club is meeting to discuss “Open Season” by C.J. Box, 6-7:30 p.m., in the community room at R.T. Jones Memorial Library.

Feb. 18

Stop by Rose Creek Public Library’s Lego Lab, 3-4 p.m. Legos are provided. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Feb. 25

Break out of the book club box and join the Themed Book Club to discuss your book at Woodstock Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. For this month, choose any book less than 300 pages. All adult readers are welcome.

Feb. 28

The Tween Book Club meets the last Tuesday of the month at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 4:45-5:45 p.m., to go over books through discussion, games and more. This month’s book is “Maniac Magee” by Jerry Spinelli. This club is best suited for ages 10 and older, or for those at a fifth-grade reading level or higher. Registration is required.

Programs, Tools, Books

You Can’t Help But Love

BY KARA RUMBLE

Fall in love with all your library has to offer this month! There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for your next favorite read, the perfect resource for a research project or a fun program to brighten your day.

Are you an entrepreneur (or aspiring entrepreneur) looking for tools to help you grow big ideas? The library has you covered. Explore our website’s e-library, where you can find free Grow with Google courses to sharpen your skill set, as well as insightful business information via the Reference Solutions database. Have an idea and don’t know where to start? Our Entrepreneurship Learning Initiative will walk you through the steps of starting your own business — from idea, to business plan, to action. The library also can support you as you bring your ideas to life — check out a sewing machine, use our 3D printers, or check out a Chromebook and Wi-Fi hot spot.

If you’re looking for free ways to have fun, check out our Library of Things and the event calendar. The library’s puzzles and board games (available for checkout) are perfect for a fun night at home. If you want to get out and about, make sure to explore this month’s library programs, featuring the regular storytimes, art programs, book clubs galore and more! Visit www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org for more details.

If you love reading and fun activities, join us on Beanstack, a free app where readers can log their reading and earn digital badges. (Sometimes, they also win prizes along the way!) This month, we are holding a Black History Month Challenge, in addition to our ongoing Beanstack Challenges: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, for families with children not yet in kindergarten, and Knowledge Base, a challenge for all ages that shares great opportunities for participants to attend exciting, educational programs.

Whether you’re using the library from the comfort of your home, or regularly visit one (or more) of our library locations, we enjoy providing our community with what you need to explore, learn and create.

A child shows off her art at an R.T. Jones Memorial Library storytime.

Kara Rumble is the deputy director of the Sequoyah Regional Library System.

Patrons get creative at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library painting program.

This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the TowneLaker magazine!