March 2012 Issue by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Simple Solutions for Women

TowneLaker | March 2012

March 2012

Volume 17, Issue 11

42 Featured Articles

Around Towne. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

David Richitelli

Remembering a leader in our community.

62 50 & 51 On the Cover Cherokee Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Specialists, PC. , Front row (left to right): Dr. Mike Litrel, Dr. Peahen Gandhi and Dr. Jorge Lense. Back row: Dr. Fonda Webb and Dr. Pearl Hwang. Photo ÂŠ 2012 Jack Tuszynski/ PhotoJack.net

Scouts

Amazing opportunities for boys and girls.

Summer Camps

Plan your summer fun for the kids!

74 Tennis

In Every Issue

Youth tennis is evolving.

Community News. . . . . 10 & 12 Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Everyday Angels. . . . . . . . . . . 24 Event Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . 26 TLBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 You Can Make A Difference. . 72 School Information . . . . . . . . 77 Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Community Numbers . . . . . . 88

A digital version of the magazine, along with information on how to contact us, submit a story or photo, or advertise is available at www.townelaker.com.

Elected Officials. . . . . . . . . . . 90 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . 94 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Contributing Writers

Patty Ponder is the Market Director for TowneLaker. She can be reached at (770) 615-3322 or patty@townelaker.com. 2

TowneLaker | March 2012

Don Akridge..............................................16

Dr. Jared Lasseigne...................................56

Chicka Elloy...............................................64

Katie Lawrence.........................................57

Jason Fleeman..........................................76

Scott Lemmon..........................................32

Ashley Gillis..............................................67

Dee Locklin...............................................60

Dr. Scott R. Harden...................................54

Cindy Morrow...........................................38

Dr. Amy Hardin.........................................58

Bill Ratliff..................................................78

David Hecklemoser...................................41

Doug Rohan..............................................36

Shelley Herod...........................................40

State Sen. Chip Rogers..............................20

Robyn Hohensee......................................39

Lynne Saunders........................................45

Sheila & Kurt Johnson...............................15

Dr. Doug Thrasher.....................................79

Kara Kiefer..........................................34, 44

Lauri Wischner.........................................46

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

AROUND TOWNE by Kara Kiefer

Kara is the Editor of Townelaker magazine. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and their two sons Brandon and Garrett. Feel free to send your comments or questions to editor@townelaker. com.

People Places and Pleasures that make Towne Lake

The , The The All you have to do is read this page to know the happening place right now is downtown Woodstock. Sixteen years ago, the biggest attraction for my family and me was the train. I can recall shopping at Wal-Mart (when it was located on Highway 92) with my then-two-year old, hearing the train and rushing out of the store to see it lumber down the tracks. Today, it’s a totally different downtown Woodstock! The train still creeps through, but now there are eclectic and unique retailers, fitness options and fantastic and varied restaurants. In response to reader requests to have more information about the downtown Woodstock area, we will be including a Main Street Woodstock section every month starting in April. We hope you will find it edifying as well as entertaining

What’s New? Woodstock Art & Glass will celebrate its grand opening on March 2 and 3 at 8670 Main Street (in the former Priest Furniture location). The grand opening will include special giveaways. The shop creates glass jewelry and will carry other jewelry from Chamilia as well as local artists and will feature an art gallery, glass art studio and lamp work supplies. Visit www. woodstockartglass.com. Cupcakelicious, a new cupcake store, will open in March at 8654 Main Street (former home of Val’s Happy Shack and Betsy’s on Main). The sweet shop will carry eight standard flavors and two rotating ones. Visit www.cupcakelicious.net and find the store on Facebook.

What’s Coming? On February 7, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Cherokee County Aquatic Center. The Center will be located at I-575 at Sixes Road, and construction should be completed by December 2013. The Center will include a 50-meter competition pool with spectator seating for 700, an indoor 75-foot recreational pool, two indoor poolside classrooms/party rooms, and a lobby and seating area with pool overlook. The outdoor leisure pool will include an aquatic play structure, water cannons, and more. There also will be a concession stand, family restrooms and locker rooms. If you’re like me, you’ve been wondering what is going into the yellow and green house in front of J. Christopher’s in downtown Woodstock. Wonder no more. The Century Tavern will be opening in this quaint location. The owners also own Salt, located in downtown Roswell. There’s been a lot of activity at the former location of the “baby” Publix on Towne Lake Parkway. We have learned that Tuesday Morning will be relocating from its current location on Parkside Lane.

What’s Closed? HoneyButter in downtown Woodstock closed its doors in early February, without warning. The Virginia Highland location remains open at this time.

Who’s Celebrating?

Nerd Patrol recently opened, offering residential and commercial PC repair in your home or business. For more information or a free quote, please call owner Cary Barron at (404) 697-3300. Panera Bread opened in late February. The eatery is located at 2265 Towne Lake Parkway. For more information, call (678) 813-4809 or visit www.panerabread.com.

What’s Moved? Pineapple Park relocated to 240 Chambers Street in February. Be sure to stop by and see the larger space filled with unique items for your home! Call (678) 494-8494 or visit www. pineapplepark.com. 4

TowneLaker | March 2012

Woodstock Pharmacy recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of being in business with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Other downtown celebrations included honoring the 100th anniversary of the train depot (currently Freight Kitchen & Tap) and the building that houses Woodstock Pharmacy.

• Plumbing Repairs • Remodeling • Water Heaters • Garbage Disposals • Gas & Water Lines • Ice Makers • Polybutelene Water Line Replacements

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TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

Community Board The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders, from different walks of life. Our Board assists us in many ways including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Our Board consists of five members: Dr. Doug Thrasher, Colin Morris, State Senator Chip Rogers, Gay Grooms and Dr. Scott Harden. Dr. Doug Thrasher — Doug is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He has lived in the Towne Lake area and served at Hillside for five years. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Eagle Watch, and they have two married children and four precious grandchildren. Doug can be reached at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org.

Colin Morris — Colin is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to three children whom she describes as “two ninja sons and one dog-loving daughter.” She and her husband have lived in Woodstock for the past 12 years, and she grew up in Marietta.

Chip Rogers — Chip presently serves as our Senate Majority Leader. He has lived in metro Atlanta for 40 years, Cherokee County for 10 years, with his wife and four children. His mother, father and brother also live in Cherokee County.

G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds. Gay can be reached at director@elmstreetarts.org

Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 24 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children. Congratulations to Scott & Kathy on their recent 25th “silver” wedding anniversary.

Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. Market Director Patty Ponder patty@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3322 Executive Editor Kara Kiefer editor@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3309 Art Director Michelle McCulloch art@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3307 Digital Marketing Director James Ball james@trustworkz.com, (770) 615-3310 TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It is distributed free to approximately 14,400 homes by mail to all Towne Lakers. An additional 1,800+ are placed in racks around the community. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2012. TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by Trustworkz Inc. Franchise Opportunities Available: www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 17, Issue 11

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

Celebrating Moms! At TowneLaker, we feel that each and every mom is her family’s “Mother of the Year.” For this reason, we would like to honor as many of our moms as possible for our May issue with a special pictorial celebrating all mothers! We are looking for photos of our Towne Lake area moms with their children. The photos can be from babyhood through present day. If you don’t have children, we also would love to share your photos of you and your mom, even if it was in the 70s! Here are the guidelines: 1. Please ensure all submitted photographs have identifications listed for each person in the photo. 2. Please submit the photos via email to editor@townelaker.com or by mail to: Townelaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock GA 30189.(Please include a selfaddressed stamped envelope for photo return) 3. The deadline for submissions is April 10.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Organizations Seeking Host Families

Greenprints to Host Streetfest 2012

Two organizations, LEC (Loisirs Culturels à l’Étranger) and World Heritage Student Exchange Program are seeking host families for exchange students from across the globe. LEC has 25 French teens who will be coming to the Atlanta area July 5 –25. Local resident Linda Farmer, along with a French chaperone, will oversee the program. World Heritage is looking for host families for high school boys and girls from Scandinavia, France, Germany, Italy, Thailand, China, South Korea, and the former Soviet Republics for the 2012-2013 academic school year. For more information on the LEC program, contact Linda at (770) 973-2452 or lgfarmer@aol.com. For more information on World Heritage, contact Amanda Swatling at (770) 634-8350 or 1-800-888-9040 or visit www.whhosts.com.

Greenprints Alliance is pleased to announce that its third annual Streetfest will be held on Saturday March 24 in Downtown Woodstock. “Streetfest has become our signature fundraising event and is really a celebration of not only the work we are doing as a group, but of the Downtown Woodstock community as a whole,” said Jennifer Stockton, Executive Director of Greenprints Alliance. The event will begin with the Challenge Four Adventure Race followed by a day of food, drink, art, activities and music on East Main Street and Chambers Street. The headline musical guest will be Jeffrey Steele. For more information, please call Jennifer at (404) 435-1699 or email her at jennifer@greenprintsalliance.org.

Events to Aid in Animal Assistance

Yoga Studio Featuring Local Artist Works

Funds 4 Furry Friends, founded by local resident Gina Jeter, assists animals in a variety of ways, including medical treatment in hardship situations, funding for organizations that benefit animals and funding for endeavors that benefit the welfare of animals. On March 2 - 4 and April 6 – 7, the foundation will sell specialty items at the Woodstock Antique Market (corner of Bells Ferry Road and Highway 92, in former Hobby Lobby building). On March 24 and April 24, the foundation will hold a flea market sale in the same location. To donate to any of the events, please contact Gina at (770) 842-8893.

Hillside to Offer Free Tutoring Hillside United Methodist Church will be offering free academic tutoring on Wednesdays from 6-6:30 p.m. for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Senior high students, with adult supervision, will help children with math, reading, and language arts. Students should bring current schoolwork in the subject being tutored. For more information, please email Pat Walker at pwalker@hillsideumc.org.

Local artist Sheila Roth’s artwork will be on display and for sale at The Center for Yoga for the month of March. This exhibition is inspired by her love of animals, yoga, and nature. The Center for Yoga is located at 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1204 (near Tuesday Morning) in Towne Lake.

Keep up-to-date with our community! Join the TowneLaker fan page at www.facebook.com/aroundabouttownelaker. 10

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Local Church Opens Clothing Closet

Local Girl Cast in Annie

Heritage Presbyterian Church recently opened a no-charge clothing closet for those in need. There is clean, gently-used clothing available for men, women and children of all ages. The hours of operation are Tuesdays, 1 – 3 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and those who presently are qualified for the Heritage Presbyterian Church food pantry are automatically qualified. An appointment is necessary for first time visitors. For more information, visit http://www.heritagepres.com/ clothing-closet.

Water Authority Announces Contest Winners Grace Kearney pictured with actress Sally Struthers.

Grace Kearney, a homeschooled fifth grade student, recently performed as an orphan in Annie at the Fox Theater. Grace performed for the entire run of 11 shows and played alongside Sally Struthers.

Freight Kitchen Holds Ribbon Cutting

Left to right: CCWSA Environmental Affairs Specialist Lori Forrester, Jamie Rule and Etowah Principal Keith Ball.

Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) recently announced the winners of the 2011 water quality/ conservation photograph and sticker design contests. Jamie Rule, a junior at Etowah High school, won the photograph contest. She was presented her framed photograph and $50 at Etowah High School in front of the administration. Jamie’s photograph will be displayed at CCWSA main office and facilities. Tianna Francis, a fifth grade student at Johnston Elementary School, won the sticker design contest.

Freight Kitchen & Tap recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony. Freight is located at 251 E. Main Street. Visit the restaurant on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FreightKitchenTap.

Keep up-to-date with our community! Join the TowneLaker fan page at www.facebook.com/aroundabouttownelaker. 12

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

Happy Birthday!

Paisley Rene’e Graaff

Graham Weaver

Age 2 Age 10 on March 4 Happy Birthday Sissy! Son of Judy and Hugh God Blessed our family the day Weaver you were born! Love, Daddy, Mommy, Haden, Brubby and Lalie

Colby Kuleszynski

Contest Corner

Age 3 on March 26 Son of Amy and Chris Kuleszynski Brother of Colton

Nevaeh Woods

Age 6 on December 13 Daughter of Brittany and Wesley Brittany Woods Sister of Jyle, Jazmin, Jezzariah and Wesley Jr

Joshua Carson

Age 17 on February 17 God bless you always! Love, Daddy, Momma and Ashley

Ansley Giesler

Age 5 on March 17 Daughter of Kristen and Kyle Sister of Lauren

Congratulations to JoAnn Kaser (below left) for being the first to find our hidden picture on page 70 of the February issue. Congratulations also to Dennis and Derek Beasley (below right) for being the first to spot the phrase “CPAP? or No CPAP?” on page 41. JoAnn won a free burger at Canyon’s and Dennis and Derek won a gift certificate to Hot Dog Heaven.

T.J. Hummel

Age 10 on March 25 We love you! Dad, Lucia and Nick

Ellie Kearney

Age 14 on March 6 Happy Birthday! All our love, your family!

Ella Bristow

Colton Kuleszynski

Nicholas Anastasi

Presley Roe

Age 3 on March 24 Happy Birthday Elly Belly! We love you so much! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Cameryn

Age 2 on March 13 Son of Amy and Chris Kuleszynski Brother of Colby

Age 10 on February 14 Age 5 on March 6 Son of Connie and Rich Happy Birthday Monkey! Anastasi Love Mom, Dad and Big Sis Kylie

continued on page 18

March’s Finds: Be the first to find the phrase: “Rounding Up Some Great Kids”

Find the hidden picture:

If you know the answer to the contest question or find the hidden picture, be the first to call (770) 615-3325 or e-mail editor@townelaker.com. Please provide your name, contact phone number or email address. Contest rules: A player is eligible to win once every 12 months.

TowneLaker | March 2012

A Down Market is the Best Time to Trade Up! by Sheila & Kurt Johnson There are several reasons why so many Towne Lake homeowners are taking advantage of this market to trade up to a home they could have only dreamt of owning in 2007. Some of these reasons are as follows: The gap between what you can sell your home for and trade up to is narrowing. Your home is likely show ready and able to attract a higher percentage of its potential market value, while the home you would consider buying may be “distressed,” vacant and/or unfurnished. The gap in price between your occupied home in good condition and a “trade up” foreclosure home is even less now because the more expensive foreclosures have suffered a larger percentage reduction. This can be attributed to the lack of available buyers in the higher price points. In other words, the more expensive the home, the more the banks have to discount the price to attract from a pool of fewer buyers. Kurt and Sheila are Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE) with Keller Williams. More info can be found at www.KurtandSheila. com and www. ShortSalers.com

The ride up in value will be much more rewarding in a home that took a larger fall coming down. Here’s something to think about. A home in Towne Lake recently sold for $410,000. This home sold in 1999 for $692,700. When home prices recover, is it even possible for YOUR home to appreciate $280,000 or more? This was a lovely home but was “distressed” and had to be sold. Could you stomach selling your home for $40,000 less than it was worth at the end of 2007 if you could replace it with a home that could appreciate $100k or more? More wealth will be created when the housing market recovers than in any other time in our history. Today’s low interest rates are putting more expensive homes within your reach. Consider a homeowner with a $200,000 mortgage at 6 percent interest on a home that is now worth $150,000. This same homeowner can buy a $260,000 home for about the same payment at today’s rates of 3.75 percent. A $260,000 home in this market is quite an upgrade for the homeowner that spent $200,000 before 2007. Also, how nice would it be to lock in a continued on page 83 TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

RMD Precautions And Options Meeting your obligations and finding some opportunities by Don Akridge, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – Emory University Alumnus After you turn 70½, the IRS requires you to withdraw some of the money in your retirement savings accounts each year. These withdrawals are officially called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

Don Akridge is President of Citadel CPA, Financial Planning & Investment Services founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707.

While you never have to make withdrawals from a Roth IRA, you must take annual RMDs from traditional, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, pension and profitsharing plans and 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans annually past a certain age. If you don’t, severe financial penalties await. If you are still working as an employee at age 70½, you don’t have to take RMDs from a profit-sharing plan, a pension plan, or a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan. Your initial RMDs from these accounts

20% OFF your purchase! Excludes dog/cat food. Expires 3/31/12

TowneLaker | March 2012

will only be required after you retire. However, you must take RMDs from these types of accounts if you own five percent more of a business sponsoring such a retirement plan. You must take RMDs from IRAs after you turn 70½ regardless of whether you are still working or not. The annual deadline is December 31, right? Yes, with one notable exception. The IRS gives you 15 months instead of 12 to take your first RMD. Your first one must be taken in the calendar year after you turn 70½. So if you turned 70½ in 2011, you can take your initial RMD any time before April 1, 2013. However, if you put off your first RMD until next year you will still need to take your second RMD by December 31, 2013. Calculating RMDs can be complicated. You probably have more than one retirement savings account. You may have several. So this gets rather intricate. • Multiple IRAs. Should you have more than one traditional, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, the annual RMDs for these accounts must be

“

You must take RMDs from IRAs after you turn 70 � regardless of whether you are still working or not. calculated separately. However, the IRS gives you some leeway about how to withdraw the money. You can withdraw 100 perecent of your total yearly RMD amounts from just one IRA, or you can withdraw equal or unequal portions from each of the IRAs you own. • 401(k)s and other qualified retirement plans. A separate RMD must be calculated for each qualified retirement plan to which you have contributed. These RMD amounts must be paid out separately from the RMD(s) for your IRA(s). • Inherited IRAs. The same applies; a separate RMD must be calculated for each inherited IRA you have, and these RMD amounts must be paid out separately from RMD(s) for your other IRA(s). This is why you should talk to your financial or tax advisor about your RMDs. It is really important to have your advisor review all of your retirement accounts to make sure you fulfill your RMD obligation. If you skip an RMD or withdraw less than what you should have, the IRS will find out and hit you with a stiff penalty: you will have to pay 50 percent of the amount not withdrawn. Are RMDs taxable? Yes, the withdrawn amounts are characterized as taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code. Should you be wondering, RMD amounts can’t be rolled over into other tax-deferred accounts and excess RMD amounts can’t be forwarded to apply toward next year’s RMDs. What if you don’t need the money? If you are wealthy, you may come to see RMDs as an annual financial nuisance, but the withdrawal amounts may be redirected toward opportunities. While putting the money into a savings account or a CD is the usual route, there are other options with potentially better yields or objectives. That RMD amount could be used to: • Start a grandchild’s education fund. • Fund a long-term care insurance policy. • Leverage your estate using life insurance. There are all kinds of things you could do with the money. The withdrawn funds could be linked to a new purpose. So to recap, be vigilant and timely when it comes to calculating and making your RMD. Have a tax or financial professional help you, and have a conversation about the destiny of that money. Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Created by 1st Global or Peter Montoya, Inc. for use by our financial advisors. TowneLaker | March 2012

Happy Birthday!

Sierra and Makayla Tanner

Age 11 on March 16 We love you, Papa and Nana

Avery Madigan

Gavin Armstrong

Age 2 on March 20 Son of Arlesa and Adam Brother of Jordan

Cameron Olson

Age 3 on March 26 Age 17 on March 4 Happy birthday sweet pea! Son of Judy and Troy We love you Olson Mommy, Daddy We love you and are and Rowdie so proud of you!

Madalynn Franz

Age 9 on February 1

Elizabeth Grace Loftin

Age 1 on March 8 Happy Birthday to our beautiful princess! We Love You! Mom, Drew, Papa, Nan and Little Bit

Ryan Peters Age 20 on March 19 Son Lori and Chris Peters

John Sepe

Age 50 on February 14 Happy Birthday the love of my life! You truly are a â&#x20AC;&#x153;SWEETHEARTâ&#x20AC;?.. Loved by Kimberly and Sami Sepe forever and always.

Dalton Peters Age 14 on March 20 Son Lori and Chris Peters

Nicole Kendrick

Age 21 on March 18 Happy 21st Birthday! We Love You!!! Mom and Hamm

Weddingss Belinda Fant and Reed Harrington

were married on August 20, 2011

Dryden Connor Markovic

Age 1 on March 18 Happy first birthday sweet boy! We love you so much! Love, Mommy and Dada

TowneLaker | March 2012

Robert Finley

Celebrated on February 21 Happy Birthday Daddy!

Ginger Finley

Celebrating on March 10 Happy Birthday Mom!

Matthew Holland and Lauren Wells were married on October 7, 2011.

Lauren Peters

Age 14 on March 20 Daughter of Lori and Chris Peters

Leah Markovic

Age 29 on March 19 We love you!! Wife of Josh and Mom of Dryden

Births Lucia Elaine “LuLu” Born on January 15, 2012 6 lbs., 2 oz. Granddaughter of Barb and Tom Horton

Emma Grace Sullivan Born on January 20, 2012. 7 lbs., 15 oz., 18.5 in. Proud parents Sheryl and Joey Sullivan

Brady Quentin Woodward Born on January 29, 2012 7 lbs., 6 oz., 18.5 in. Proud parents Natalie and Jason Woodward

Daniel Robert Ellis Born on January 11, 2012 7 lbs., 14 oz., 20.5 in. Grandparents Ginger and Robert Finley

Engagement

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Adams announce the engagement of their daughter, Erika Rae Adams, to Chase Greene, son of Ms. Debe Greene of Marietta and Mr. Robert Phillip Greene of Los Angeles, CA.

Anniversaries Lee and Lonnie Ayers will celebrate 72 years of marriage on March 24

Marisol and Gary Thompson will celebrate 4 years of marriage on March 23 Pictured with their son Jonathan

Jeanette Donovan and Rick Smith will celebrate 26 years of marriage on March 22

Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free!

E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com. • April deadline is March 10.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

Education Legislation by State Senator Chip Rogers I would like to thank everyone involved with this magazine for the continuing opportunity to share thoughts on the issues of our day. In sharing these, I place myself in a position to be supported or criticized for my views, and after ten years of writing, I have many examples of each. Perhaps the issue that engenders the most passion is education. Chip Rogers is the State Senator for our district. You can call him at (404) 463-1378 or fax him at (404) 657-9887. You also can e-mail Chip at Chip@ SenatorChipRogers. com. Chip also serves on the TowneLaker Community Board.

Originally, I never thought I would be drawn to education legislation. I should have known better. My father retired after 32 years working at Cobb County Schools. My mother retired as a public school teacher. I have a brother who serves as a principal in Fulton County Schools and another brother who works for the Georgia Department of Education. It must be in my DNA. Yet it is not my DNA that has forced me into the position of “Champion of Choice” as some call me, but rather the facts of where America is headed if we do not fundamentally change how we educate our students. In Cherokee and Cobb Counties, we have excellent school systems thanks to the hard work of students, parents, and dedicated teachers. Unfortunately, this “island of excellence” does not exist across Georgia or the United States. First, I must state unequivocally that I support every form of excellence in education. Yet even the best school fails to work perfectly for every child. We must focus on creating as

TowneLaker | March 2012

“

We must focus on creating as many options as possible and strive to individualize education as opposed to industrializing it, which has been done since the 1920s. many options as possible and strive to individualize education as opposed to industrializing it, which has been done since the 1920s. Whether children attend public schools, public charter schools, home schools, private schools, online schools, hybrid schools, or any combination thereof is of secondary concern to what must be our primary concern — excellence in results. America’s only opportunity to remain the world’s lone superpower resides in our next generation being the most educated in the world. Unfortunately, this warning call is not new; in fact, it’s almost 30 years old. “A Nation at Risk,” released by the Reagan Administration in 1983, was called by education historian Diane Ravitch, “the most important education reform document of the 20th century.”

Education Secretary Terrel Bell declared upon the release of the report: “The educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people.” The report also famously stated: “If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war. As it stands, we have allowed it to happen to ourselves.” President Reagan considered education performance an American crisis. According to Dick Carpenter, professor of Education Leadership at the University of Colorado, in the two years following the release of “A Nation at Risk,” President Reagan delivered more than 50 education-related speeches. In every speech, he spoke of educational freedom through choice, vouchers, and tax credits. In President Reagan’s first speech immediately following the release of “A Nation at Risk,” he stated: “I believe parents, not government, have the primary responsibility for the education of their children. Parental

authority is not a right conveyed by the state; rather, parents delegate to their elected school board representatives and state legislators the responsibility for their children’s schooling… So, we’ll continue to work in the months ahead for passage of tuition tax credits, vouchers, educational savings accounts, voluntary school prayer, and abolishing the Department of Education. Our agenda is to restore quality to education by increasing competition and by strengthening parental choice and local control.” Sadly, the clarion call for reform has been largely ignored by policy makers. The preferred approach seems to be more money. The decade before and almost three decades after “A Nation at Risk” taxpayers dramatically increased funding for education. From 1970 to 2007, per pupil spending in the United States, adjusted for inflation, increased from $4,000 to more than $9000 per student. Unfortunately, during this same time, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores in reading had almost zero change. So where do we go as a state and as a nation? Next month I’ll share prescriptions for educational excellence from the Gates Foundation, the Friedman Foundation, and the Center for an Educated Georgia.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Feature

David Richitelli “David’s life filled the holes in our hearts and will continue to do so go forward…” Steve Light.

There are those among us who quietly and steadfastly make a difference in the lives of others. They lead by example; they volunteer not for personal recognition but because it’s in their DNA to give back, and they leave a lasting impact on the lives they touch without even realizing the difference they have made. One of those people was David Richitelli, who lost his battle with Mantel Cell Lymphoma on January 28, 2012. He was 51 years old. David was many things to many people: family man, community leader and coach. He was a husband to Melody and father to two sons, Dante, age 14, and McClain, age 16. For the past two years, David served as HOA President for The Arbors subdivision. Most people know David from his involvement with the youth basketball program in the Etowah High School district. When Dante was in the first grade, David took over the basketball program at Bascomb Elementary School. - David didn’t limit his involvement to just Bascomb students, however. David sought out high school basketball players, boys and girls, and taught them how to

TowneLaker | March 2012

referee, run the clock and keep scorebooks. This was a great opportunity for these players to give back to the programs they came from and not only learn new skills but to have jobs, which previously had been difficult for them to find due to the players’ rigorous athletic schedules. He expanded his program to the other elementary feeder schools including Boston, Oak Grove and Chapman (now Chapman Intermediate), and he worked with local vendors to keep the costs of uniforms and trophies down for parents. David continued his leadership when his children moved to Chapman Intermediate School, running the basketball program there as well as staying involved at the elementary school level. David was asked to coach the Etowah

Junior Eagles basketball program, to prepare the boys for high school ball. He coached Danteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team and assistant coached --a second Junior Eagles team that was formed to allow more boys to play at that level. David was dedicated to all his young players, on and off the court, touching their lives in ways he would never come to know. David also touched the lives of children worldwide. Through a company he worked for, he recruited and coached a soccer team in a tournament for children in Poland, two years in a row. There was no stronger evidence of the role David played in the many lives in and around the Towne Lake area than at his service. More than 800 people came to Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visitation, and not one seat was left open at his funeral. Fifty student athletes attended the service dressed in their uniforms, and all served as honorary pallbearers. Melody is now mother and father to her young teenage sons, but she realizes the community will be with her every step of the way to lend assistance and guidance where needed. She and the family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they received.

An account has been established to assist the family at Bank of America. If you wish to donate, checks and donations can be made to the David Richitelli Benefit Account, accepted at any branch.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

Everyday

“Every experience God gives us; every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” —Corrie ten Boom

Last month, Everyday Angels shared the tragic story about local teen Tyler Rolison, who miraculously survived an auto accident in late December. Today, Tyler is at Shepherd’s Spinal Center and, as we write this, remains in his Halo. Doctors are waiting for his vertebra to heal before scheduling surgery. Tyler and his mom Pam continue to face unknowns and Pam was recently let go from her job. Uncertain of her future - where they will live, how she will get a handicapped accessible vehicle without a job -is weighing heavily on her. While she demonstrates great faith, it is

Back in November of 2007, Eli Brown, then a 20-year-old young man, was involved in a five car collision, resulting in Eli receiving a severe brain injury. After spending six months in a coma and with hard work and therapy, we are happy to report positive progress. Eli’s mom, Tanya Brown, reports: “Eli continues to make progress with the help of his aide, who is really pushing him to make strides, and he can now pull himself to a standing position for a few moments at a time. On February 22, he had surgery to correct his feet. We are hoping this will enable him to stand for longer periods of time and help develop his upper body strength and stamina.” Eli’s mom shares on her blog: Prior to Eli’s accident, he was drifting aimlessly down an unproductive path. As parents, we thought he slept too long, worked too little and we often only saw him when he needed gas money or food. When he began to speak after the accident, the first words he said, over and over, were, “I love you.” We are so proud of Eli and where his hard work and determination has taken him. Progress can be slow, but it is progress, nonetheless. We also invite you to view Tanya Brown’s blog whenever you want to be inspired and

Please visit www.townelaker.com/everydayangels to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

TowneLaker | March 2012

often shadowed by the fear of unknowns and her lack of control over the future. Grateful for her son’s second chance, Pam knows in her heart that God is faithful. Pam and Tyler would like to thank everyone who has prayed for them and supported them through this challenging time. With great support from our community, Everyday Angels has collected enough funds to pay for several months of rent, and someone has generously offered the family an electric wheelchair when they are ready for it. Tyler continues to work hard in therapy and has had some tingling in a few of his fingers, which is encouraging. Tyler and Pam are uncertain of when Tyler will be able to go home or where their home will be once he is released from Shepherd’s. Everyday Angels will follow Tyler’s progress and continue to accept donations on behalf of him and his mom, Pam. . Writing about Tyler brought back memories of a previous article we had written about a teenager’s near-fatal collision in 2007.

Eli Brown

keep up with Eli’s continued progress at tanyasbraindrops. blogspot.com. While it is difficult to wrap our minds around the despair and helplessness of a parent faced with these circumstances, Tanya Brown can. Wearing those shoes for five years has greatly qualified her and Eli to serve as an inspiration and guide for Tyler and Pam. Everyday Angels is happy for the opportunity to connect these two families together.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

EVENT CALENDAR:

March & April

Through March 30

March 2 – 4

March 10

Lenten Fish Fry Time: Every Friday, 5 – 7 p.m. (except Good Friday) Location: St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road, Canton Information: Take out or dine in. Adults $6; $3 for children 10 and younger. Proceeds benefit St. Clement’s community outreach ministry.

Woodstock Market and Show Times: Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: 5500 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Information: More than 65 vendors. Call (770) 517-7771 or visit www.woodstockmarketshow.com

Girl Scout Parade

March 2 Friday Night Live — Mardi Gras

Figure Drawing in Color Location: 8594 Main Street, above Outspokin’ Bicycles Information: All skill levels welcome. Email Kristina at 81artist@comcast.net for complete information.

March 8 – 10 Time: 6 – 9 p.m. Location: Downtown Woodstock Information: Downtown merchants will be open late with specials and fun all relating to the theme of Mardi Gras. Call (770) 924-0406. Movie Night Under the Stars We are Marshall Time: 6 – 9 p.m. Location: Woodstock High School football field Information: Donations appreciated. “Save a Life” bracelets will be on sale for $5. All proceeds will benefit the Johnny Foundation, a local charity that promotes suicide prevention and awareness. Concessions will be available. Bring blankets and chairs.

March 2 – 3 The Blessing Line Kids’ Consignment Sale Times: Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon Location: First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Hwy 92 26

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Due West Treasure Chest Children’s/Teen Consignment Sale Times: Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: 3956 Due West Road, Marietta Information: Gently used children’s, juniors’ and teens’ clothing, including formal wear. Call (678) 318-1908 or email duewesttreasurechest@yahoo.com.

March 9 –10 Hillside UMC Consignment Sale Times: Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: 4474 Towne Lake Parkway

March 9 – 18 Robin Hood Times: Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Location: City Center, 8534 Main Street Information: All seats $9 if purchased online; $11 at door. Call (678) 494-4251 or visit www.elmstreetarts.org.

Time: 11 a.m. Location: Downtown Canton Information: Open to all Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Alumni. The parade will end with a picnic and sing-along in Heritage Park. To RSVP or for more information, email starlilygs@comcast.net.

March 14 Bascomb Preschool Registration Opens Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday – Friday Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road Information: Classes for toddlers, twos, threes and fours. Call (770) 926-0397 or visit www. www.bascombpreschool.com

March 16-17 Lil’ Blessings Consignment Sale Times: Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon Location: Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 North Main Street, Kennesaw Information: Visit www.kfbc.org

March 18 Cherokee Chorale Spring Concert Time: 3 p.m. Location: Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Scott Mill Road Information: Adults $10; $5 students. Call (678) 439-8625 or visit www. cherokeechorale.org for ticket locations.

March 22 & 27 Learn About Virtual Gastric Band Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Location: Georgia Hypnotherapy Associates, 6478 Putnam Ford Drive, Ste 125 Information. As seen on “Dr. Oz.” Presentation is free but registration required due to limited seating. Email requested date and number attending to GeorgiaHypnotherapy@live.com or call (678) 938-7274.

March 29 & 30 Cherokee County School District Kindergarten Registration Times: Thursday, 3:30 – 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – noon Locations: All Cherokee County elementary schools Information: Registration for Kindergarten and first grade students entering the school system for the first time. Visit www.cherokee.k12.ga.us for requirements.

April 6 & 7 Passover Seder

March 22 – 24 Heritage Presbyterian Garage Sales Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Information: Proceeds will benefit community and church projects. Visit www.heritagepres.com.

March 26 Red Cross Blood Drive

Time: Location:

3:30 – 7:30 p.m. Carmel Elementary School, 2275 Bascomb Carmel Road

Location: Chabad Jewish Center, 4255 Wade Green Road NW, Ste 120, Kennesaw Information: Whether you are a Seder veteran or have limited to no Seder experience, the Chabad Seder offers a wonderful experience. Call (678) 4607702 or visit www.JewishWoodstock.com

Send Your Community Calendar Events to editor@townelaker.com. April deadline is March 10. TowneLaker | March 2012

TowneLaker | March 2012

Community

TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The April 9 application deadline for the Towne Lake Business Association’s (TLBA) 10th Annual TLBA Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Awards is a little more than a month from now. Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to two graduating seniors, one each at Etowah and Woodstock High Schools. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated entrepreneurial enthusiasm and spirit, in addition to academic achievement, during his or her high school career. Please be sure to contact your school counselors today and ask for an application. You may also request an application by emailing donaldekyle@gmail.com or calling (770) 615-3350. The topic of our February Lunch ‘N’ Workshop was “Why Sales People Fail...and What You Can Do About It!” We want to thank Glenn Carver of Sandler Training for the presentation.

Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop

Tuesday, February 21, 12:15 — 2 p.m. The Emerging Reality of Immigration, Hiring, And the World of Do presented by Dawn Stastny of Stellaris Group. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events at (770) 615-3350. We welcome our newest members, Elaine Interactive, Renasant Bank and Mountain Lakes Insurance. As always, thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” Visit us at tlba.org.

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TLBA Spotlight Five Pillars of Hope — Gloria Snyder Five Pillars of Hope is Gloria Snyder’s home based business, a business that allows her the opportunity to continually make a difference for her family and the families in her community. For the past 13 years, she and her husband have shared the value of living in a Certified Wellness Home. Their home required no remodeling to be improved but rather they chose to incorporate technologies to enhance their family’s well being. It has been Gloria’s pleasure to witness the subtle benefits others have experienced from being exposed to a healthier environment. Breathing clean negative ion air, drinking, cooking and bathing in mineral rich alkaline water and getting deep restorative sleep have improved the health of every member of the families fortunate enough to have learned what the Snyder’s know. That preventative healthcare works. Gloria doesn’t just imagine what it would be like to live in a healthy community where children are not exposed to so many toxins; she’s doing something to make it a reality. Healthier classrooms are a reality in other parts of the country; Gloria believes our community deserves wellness homes and classrooms too. She is the VP of the GA Wellness Association and the President of the Towne Lake Business Association. Anyone wishing to investigate just how easy it is to improve so many of today’s health challenges may contact Gloria and set up a time to tour her wellness home at (678) 431-2691.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Springt ime Lifestyle

A Challenge for Wild Birds by Scott Lemmon

Many people believe that once springtime weather arrives, it’s time to stop feeding their backyard birds. “Warmer weather is here – now the birds can fend for themselves. And besides, I wouldn’t want them to become dependent on my feeders.” But this is a common misconception. Spring actually is one of the most difficult and stressful times of the year for wild birds. After surviving the long, barren winter, birds still face the challenge of finding food. Birds’ natural food supply is at its lowest point of the year. Insect populations are low, and the few remaining wild fruits, berries, seeds and nuts are either hidden or undesirable. Their natural food supplies peak in the fall, when it’s harvest time.

March’s unpredictable weather doesn’t make life any easier. Sunny, warm, spring-like days can rapidly give way to cold, damp and even icy conditions that can push birds to the brink. Providing food throughout the spring is as important as winter feeding. The birds are expending a great deal of energy migrating, courting and building nests at this time of the year when their natural food supplies are close to being exhausted. In the springtime, a reliable food source makes your yard even more enticing to birds looking for a nesting site. So by providing food now, you’re more likely to be lucky enough to observe fledglings at your feeders in the coming months. Food that is loaded with fat and calories is the best prescription for birds struggling to survive the gap between winter and spring. The best seeds for providing high-energy levels are black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, peanuts and safflower. Suet is also a high energy food which is invaluable when birds need many more calories to keep their bodies warm. These and mealworms are a beneficial substitute for the scarce insects many birds would eat if they could find them. But as much as we’d like to think so, wild birds aren’t totally dependent upon our offers of food. It’s only approximately 2530 percent of their overall diet. Feeding them is more for our pleasure, bringing them in closer so we can enjoy the beauty they bring to our backyards all year long.

Scott Lemmon can be reached at (770) 928-3014 or by e-mail at wbuwoodstock@comcast.net. TowneLaker | March 2012

TowneLaker | March 2012

Chesterfield’s At The Lodge

Fine Dining at Canton’s Prestigious Senior Independent Living Residence

by Kara Kiefer

Recently, I accompanied a friend of mine on a tour of senior independent living residences. Her parents were relocating here from out of state, and they were interested in finding a 55+ active adult community that included an amenity-rich environment and maintenance-free apartment living.

Re-Opening Soon in a New Location

We visited three or four complexes, and they all offered approximately the same amenities and carefree lifestyle. There was one, however, that really stood out to the both of us, and it was because of the food! We are two girls who definitely enjoy dining out, and when the dining part of our visit felt more like eating at an upscale restaurant, we knew we had just found our number one suggestion for her parents — the Lodge at BridgeMill. Residents at the Lodge can either prepare their own meals or join others in a country club-like setting at the downstairs restaurant, Chesterfields. Chesterfields offers residents a continuously changing menu for lunch or dinner created by Executive Chef Craig Regan and Chef Mark Holliman in a warm and comfortable setting, attended to by professional and attentive servers. Residents have the choice of lunch or dinner, and each day, residents have a choice of several threecourse meals. On the day we visited, we started with an elegant shrimp cocktail, followed by a choice of bistro filet, BBQ bacon- wrapped shrimp or crab stuffed tilapia with sides that included phyllo doughwrapped asparagus and risotto. For those who prefer a glass of wine or other adult beverage with their meal, Chesterfields offers a full bar. We each ordered something different so we could sample a variety of choices. The bistro filet was cooked to a perfect medium temperature, tender enough to cut with a fork. The crab- stuffed tilapia was by far my favorite- delicate and light. My friend commented more than once that this was exactly the type of food and atmosphere her parents would enjoy. We also learned that residents can enjoy catering services for special entertaining events, either in their apartment or a private dining room. Chesterfields is just one of the many amenities offered at the Lodge at BridgeMill, but for the foodies like me, my friend and my friend’s parents, it’s one of the most important. If you are researching adult independent living residences for yourself or a loved one, be sure to make an appointment at the Lodge at BridgeMill and be sure to arrange to be there for a meal!

TowneLaker | March 2012

Lifestyle

Hosting A Party Might Keep Your Child Safe, But Your Liability Could Be Costly by Douglas B. Rohan, Esq., ROHAN LAW, PC While we are not yet into Prom season, this topic came to mind as one of the items I wanted to address before the end of the school year. Parents have a number of reasons for wanting to host a party for their teens. You may think that keeping them in your house is the safest way to let them enjoy an active social life while you still keep an eye on them. Another possibility is that you want to help host a party to get on their good side during a time when they seem to be pulling away. Or you might simply be looking for a way to keep them happy in these last few months or years that they are still under your roof.

create a whole host of new problems, both legally and socially. Providing alcohol to any teen other than your own makes you responsible for anything they may do the rest of the night. One of the significant criminal penalties for this act is a six-month license suspension. There likely will be probation, fines and of course personal and professional consequences. You should not be buying alcohol for your teen’s friends.

No matter what the reason, the number one thing you need to remember is BE THE PARENT. Your teen has a lot of friends and can make more friends. But you are the only parents he or she will ever have. Your role is not to keep him or her happy or make him or her like you. Your role is to educate your teen and instruct him or her in how to be a responsible adult. Therefore, the decisions you make during the teen years will go a long way towards outlining your (and society’s) expectations over the next few years of your teen’s life as he or she goes off to college and into the world.

The more serious issue comes at the end of the night. It’s that drive home that can truly turn someone’s life upside down. If someone is either drunk or under the influence of drugs when leaving your house after a party, you could be held liable for his or her actions, even if you did not provide the alcohol or drugs. The negligent act is letting them leave. That is where you could get into trouble.

Doug Rohan lives in the Walton community with his wife, Julia, and three daughters. He is a bi-lingual attorney and owner of Rohan Law, PC where he specializes in Criminal Defense and Workers’ Compensation claims. He also is a member of the Around Walton Community Board. You can email Doug at doug@ rohanlawpc.com.

As a result, you need to think carefully about what kind of party you want to throw, what behavior you want to allow, and finally what risks you are willing to take. What I wanted to address here is the risk to you as the parent hosting the party. Once you place a group of teens under your roof, you are responsible for what they do and how they do it. While we don’t like to think about it, the truth is that unless you perform a strip search of each guest upon his or her arrival, you have no idea what is being brought into the party. You may feel that if the teens are going to drink, allowing them to drink under your roof is safer. However, this Pandora’s Box will 36

TowneLaker | March 2012

Even if you don’t buy alcohol, the guests might bring it to the party. Worse yet, they might bring drugs. The real danger is in pill form. You can smell someone lighting up a joint or drinking alcohol, but a little pill in a pocket can make it into someone’s mouth without you even noticing. In truth, you will probably be in another room thinking that it is enough to be on hand in case someone needs you. You are probably in bed watching a movie or upstairs reading a book. After all, it’s not much fun to have a party while mom is in the corner staring at everyone waiting for someone to do something wrong.

So what are we as parents supposed to do? We are not qualified to determine if someone is ok to drive, and we certainly don’t have any authority to detain someone if we think he or she is impaired. I know this is probably going to be seen as going overboard or at the very least unwelcome by your guests, but I think the only way to absolve yourself of liability is to arrange with an off-duty officer to come screen the revelers before they drive home. A small investment on your part to hire someone for an hour could save you tens of thousands of dollars (or more) and a lot of heartache if someone is hurt or killed on the way home from your party. A jury would be much more likely to absolve a parent of responsibility if this step were taken. Consider the alternatives when talking with your teen about the next party. Make sure you have measured the risks and weighed your options.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Lifestyle

Velvet over Steel by Cindy Morrow

Cindy writes freelance from Woodstock where she has lived since 1990. She welcomes ideas for her column and can be reached at cindy.morrow@gmail. com. Her website is www.cindymorrow.net.

I met Sandy Reed in my work with Cherokee County foster children. Sandy and Michael run Bethany Place, a home for hurting and displaced mothers and their children. I had arranged an interview with Bethany Place for a mother whose kids were in DFACS custody, but it didn’t go so well. The mother I’d referred would not quit making excuses. This disqualified her from entering the home from the get-go. At Bethany Place, hard truths about how the women ended up in their varied situations are never denied, but are always swathed in love.

“The women living here are completely humble and teachable,” Sandy said. “That’s because they have pretty much ruined their lives and the lives of their children to end up here—but they take responsibility for that—and want to break the cycles of poverty, ignorance, and violence.” Like I said, velvet over steel. Bethany Place was founded in 1988 by the Reeds. They were so moved by the needs of the less fortunate that they collected food, clothing and household goods in an attempt to meet the many needs of women and children in their community. Soon they noticed prevalent trends between poverty and abuse and realized that, although meeting physical needs was important, for most it proved nothing more than a “band-aid” effect.

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In 1990, the Reeds took what used to be a chicken coop and created a home with a positive family environment. Most women at Bethany Place have had their children placed in DFACS. Many women come to the home out of drug rehab, domestic violence or simple immaturity or ignorance. Bethany Place nurtures not only the physical needs of women and their children, but also provides them an opportunity to recognize and break past patterns and create a better future. Through education, a positive home atmosphere, discipline and responsibility, Bethany Place offers such women the opportunity to become productive, secure and financially stable members of society through hard work, dedication and determination. In 24 years they’ve housed 1,900 women. At press time they have fifteen residents, ranging in age from 5 months to 83 years. And they do it without ever taking a penny in government money. Even women qualified for food stamps are told don’t bother— God will provide. And He does; so much so that Bethany House has a food pantry that serves four local churches. What’s their biggest need? “Money,” Sandy said. “Our needs are met, but we struggle to make the utility payments and put gas in the vehicles.” “We love these women and children, and they come to love it here, but this is the hardest thing they will ever do. But when they make it through, they’ve changed not only their life, but the lives of their children—and grandchildren.” And now, you’ve met Sandy. For more information, visit www.bethanyplacehome.org.

Libraries Rock by Robyn Hohensee Recently, I went to the Rose Creek Public Library to browse for some interesting books to read. It had been ages since I had been to the library, and I felt it would do me some good to get back into the routine of regularly checking out books. Upon entering the library, I instantly felt the old familiar feelings of excitement, awe and respect that I felt when I Robyn Hohensee has entered the library as a child. My best resided in Towne Lake memories of school are of the time with her husband Todd we spent in the school library with our for 17 years. She is teacher, Mrs. Sullivan, and the school currently working on a librarian, Mrs. Bellville. These two children’s book and an women helped to nurture my love and adult fiction novel. Aside from writing, great respect for literature and excellent Robyn enjoys knitting, writing. I will always remember Mrs. listening to music, Bellville reading Ramona The Pest by watching movies and Beverly Cleary to my second grade class. observing life in the Her passion for books and reading aloud Towne Lake community. to children brought the character of Feel free to contact her Ramona to life in such a way that I felt at Robyn561@yahoo. like I knew this trouble-prone girl. Mrs. com. Bellville also read books such as Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, Thank You, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish and There’s Always Room For One More by Dieter Schubert. I was mesmerized by the worlds in which these characters lived. My mom would let me check out these books from the public library, and I would read them over and over again. Today, as I looked for books by Virginia Woolf and Edith Wharton (I am devouring the classics again), I see how much the library has changed from the long ago days of my youth. The wooden file cabinets do not exist anymore and hand stamping cards for each checked out book are a thing of the past too. Computers have made finding books and checking them out much more efficient. Looking around the library, I see people of all ages using the computers for their own purposes, and I am amazed at how far technology has advanced since the 1960s and 70s. In those days, I would have to make a trip to the library to reserve a book or to renew it. Now I can do that online. The public library is one of any community’s greatest resources. It provides books for people of all ages and reading levels, free of charge. It houses endless information on any subject, teaches children respect for books and fosters a love of reading like it did for me years ago. My wish is that this wonderful institution does not become replaced by e-books and Kindles. I am all for technology and progress, but not at the expense of books, one of the greatest inventions of man-one that can never be replaced.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Lifestyle

Spring Free of Clutter by Shelley Herod It’s March, and that means it’s time to start the spring cleaning. Spring cleaning allows us to freshen up our homes for the warmer months ahead.

Shelley lives in Towne Lake and owns her own interior design company. She can be reached at (770) 2355640.

The biggest step to spring cleaning is getting rid of clutter. Once the clutter is gone, the cleaning process is much simpler. I have found it helpful to use the container method— four containers labeled “trash,” “donations,” “storage,” and “find a home.” • Trash - Just like it sounds; it needs to go in the trash. These items are determined to be broken, torn, and/or useless to anyone.

• Donate - Generally this container holds items that “you might use someday.” Typically, you rarely use them if ever, but to someone else, this could be just what they are searching for. This container is also where you place items that you would like to sell in the next garage sale or online. • Storage - These are items that you need throughout the year but not on a regular basis. Examples of these items are out-ofseason clothing, holiday décor, camping equipment, etc. Make sure when you store these items that you place like items in the same containers and label the containers of their contents. • Find a Home - Many of us already have this container on the stairs, the kitchen counters, in the dining room, etc., but it is not particularly appealing to look at clutter everyday. These items simply need to be put away instead of in a holding cell until someone breaks down and carries them to their proper resting place. If you cannot determine a good place for items in this

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Sake by David Heckelmoser

David Heckelmoser is a Towne Lake resident and professional member of the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Specialist of Wine CSW, Atlanta Chapter Sommelier Les Marmition.

Just the way it takes a special kind of grape to produce a good wine, making excellent Sake requires the use of a special type of rice. Sake is referred to as a “rice wine.” However, unlike true wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting the sugar naturally present in the grapes, Sake is made through a brewing process more like that of beer. Wine generally contains 9–16 percent alcohol, and Sake can range from 17–20 percent alcohol.

How is Sake made? It starts with a certain kind of rice called Shuzo Kotekimai. The rice grain is larger and contains less protein and lipid than the ordinary rice we eat. The rice used for making Sake is not usually eaten. Also the quality of the rice, due to the water used and climate present during its production, are crucial factors in making quality Sake. The rice is first milled and polished to remove the fat, protein, and oils from the exterior

of the rice grains, leaving behind starch. The sugar needed to produce alcohol must first be converted from starch. The milling process is called Seimaibuai (pronounced “say my BOO eye”). The more the rice is milled before being used, the higher the grade of Sake. In premium Sake, typically 40–50 percent of the grain must be milled away.

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scouting Feature

Scouting provides amazing opportunities for boys and girls, from Kindergarten through adult hood. Children who participate in scouting learn about serving their community, gain leadership experience, learn to work as a team as well as how to accomplish individual goals and gain friendships that can last a lifetime. Children can join scouts at any age, and there are many boy and girl scout troops throughout the Towne Lake area. To find one near you or get more information, visit www.scouting.org or www.cpds.org (Cherokee/Pickens district) for boys and www.girlscouts.org for girls.

Brownie Troop 2353

Cub Scouts Pack 94

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Cub Scouts Pack 6410

Cub Scouts Webelos Pack 6410

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Lifestyle

The Letter by Kara Kiefer

Kara Kiefer is the Editor of TowneLaker. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and sons Brandon and Garrett.

When was the last time you sat down and wrote a letter to someone? If you’re like me, it’s literally been years. Ever since email and texting have become prevalent, writing anything by hand has gone by the wayside. In fact, there are some school systems out there that will no longer be teaching cursive writing. Personally, I think that’s going too far — everyone needs to know how to sign, not print, his or her name. But there is no denying that hand written letters and penmanship is becoming a lost art.

And because very few people take the time to write a letter or even a short note in a card, when you do receive such a gesture, it stands out and makes quite an impression. Recently, my dad went through knee replacement surgery. The surgery, while fairly common and routine, proved to have much more of a difficult recovery and rehabilitation for him because of existing health issues. He grew weary and frustrated with his slow progress, and while his friends and family emailed him and wanted to know how he was doing, he had no interest in email. He’s always been a little “old school,” and never fully embraced emailing, and forget about texting! When I asked my mom if there was anything I could do for him, she said simply, “Write him a letter. Not an email, but a handwritten letter. He would love that.” So I sat down, with a pen that had not seen any more action

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Who would have thought such a simple gesture would mean so much? then the occasional writing of a check, and started to write. And you know what? It was hard! My fingers were no longer adept at holding a pen for any length of time, so they cramped. Being reliant on “spell check,” I had to look up more than one word to ensure I was spelling it correctly. I penned approximately one half page, and then had an idea. My family would help. I enlisted my husband and son to continue the letter. In the end, my dad received a letter with three authors. I addressed it (another fading art!) and sent it. After my dad received it, he immediately called to tell me how much he enjoyed the letter. It wasn’t that it was filled with earth shattering news, but he loved the fact we each took time to actually write something to him. There’s a lot of personality that comes through in one’s writing that can’t possibly be portrayed in an email or text, and that’s the part he enjoyed. If I had to guess, that letter has remained on his nightstand. Who would have thought such a simple gesture would mean so much? The next time you want to do something special for someone, try writing a letter. It doesn’t have to be a piece of literary genius or even have everything spelled correctly. Write it from the heart, and you will touch a heart.

Job Application Follow-Up by Lynne Saunders

Lynne is the founder and executive director of Papaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pantry and The MastersTrainingCenter. com in the Towne Lake area. For more information, you can contact her at lynneatthepantry@ yahoo.com. Employment Strategies Core Concepts classes and Advanced Coaching sessions are offered bi-weekly. Call (770) 591-4730 for the schedule and more information. Papaspantry.org.

Looking for employment in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market is like running a race. It is important to establish a consistent pace to maximize your endurance. Unfortunately, most people approach their job search like sprints with quick starts, exhaustive bursts of energy, relatively sudden endings and rest periods to nurture bruised egos from disappointments.

Write a professional letter similar to a cover letter. How you initially applied for the position should determine your message. Most companies require an online application through a job search website or their own specific site as a first step. If that is the case, let the hiring manager know you have fulfilled this first part of the process and are eager to interview. Summarize your skills, education, and experiences that qualify you as a perfect candidate. Include a copy of your customized resume originally uploaded. Be sure all written documents have been carefully proof read to avoid careless mistakes.

If this sounds like you, rest assured, there is a solution, but it will require an adjustment in strategy. Job seeking involves many steps: acquiring job postings and leads, creating a resume, applying for the position and follow up.

If the job posting offers an email or physical street address, that indicates a potentially less formal approach. It can be appropriate to follow up with an email or personal visit. Dress professionally for an impromptu meeting, and keep it brief. Ask about the hiring process and timing of when they hope the new employee will begin if you are able. Present your resume and references. Appear flexible and speak with confidence.

Follow up? Absolutely! I cannot tell you how many times this simple step has secured the desired position. Most people apply, apply, apply, then wait, wait, wait. When weeks tick by without a reply, it becomes harder to start again.

After an application and/or resume have been submitted for a position in which you are highly interested, keep your eye on the company and posting. If you have not had a reply within two weeks of your application, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up! Do some research within their website or make a phone call to identify the name of the hiring manager.

A hand-written thank you note after meeting a company representative is a courteous and professional touch. Take your time to ensure neatness and confirm your desire to join their team!

TowneLaker | March 2012

Lifestyle

A Simple Pet by Lauri Wischner

Lauri Wischner is a Towne Lake resident who left her sales career behind to be a stay-at-home wife and mother. Contact her at laurihiking@yahoo.com.

of those iconic stores.

My favorite guilty pleasure at the beach is strolling through those giant kitschy beach stores found along the main strip of any beach town on the Gulf. They’re the stores with surfboards on the roof, colorful flotation toys displayed outside and oversized neon-colored signs plastered in the windows screaming “TWO T-SHIRTS FOR $10! EVERYTHING 40% OFF!” It’s where you can buy almost anything made out of seashells along with teeny-weeny bikinis you hope your daughter never asks to wear. It’s also where we migrate to at least once each beach trip so my daughter can pick out her beach souvenir. Little did I know last year, that I’d get more than I bargained for at one

For some reason, the beach has a way of nudging you into letting your guard down as a parent. It might be the breezy, carefree days or too much sun, but whatever the cause, in our family, the rules really get relaxed at the beach. So last year, when my daughter combed the entire beach store and decided what she wanted most for her souvenir was a live hermit crab, my usually over-sensible self thought it was a cute idea. Why not let her be a kid and have a fun beach memory? She named the crab Cupcake and beamed with new-owner pride for hours that night at the beach condo.

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Oh man, I thought, another animal to feed and clean up after and guess who was most likely going to be doing all this? Cupcake slept in her cage next to her that night. “She might get lonely, “ my little one reasoned. The next day, I came to my senses and wondered what I had done. Oh man, I thought, another animal to feed and clean up after and guess who was most likely going to be doing all this? To my surprise, however, Cupcake has been the ultimate in simple pets. She doesn’t make noise, she’s not smelly and doesn’t need shots or walks. We can leave her for a few days unattended as long as we load her up with food and water. She’s cute and entertaining when we take her out and let her walk around and explore the world. We did have a scare when she molted and we thought she had gone to crabby heaven, but that aside, Cupcake’s been the perfect pet. I’m glad I let my guard down that day and even more glad that my daughter’s still at the age where what she covets most from the beach store is a hermit crab and not one of those tiny bikinis. I hope it always stays that way.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Feature

The Technical Expertise of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Providing Simple Solutions for Women Suffering with Common Problems In many cases, these common conditions can be easily treated in-office with innovative new procedures performed in just a few minutes.

“Because women are so accustomed to ‘putting up’ with pain or discomfort, physicians have to listen carefully to the patient when she comes in,” said Dr. Mike Litrel, CEO and founding partner of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Canton and Woodstock. As Dr. Litrel explained, one of the key things to know about women as patients is that “women suffer needlessly. The first step we take at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is to ask the right questions — and to listen. Oftentimes, we see a new patient who has been putting up with a problem so long that she’s just stopped hoping for a solution. She may feel much older than she actually is simply from letting the problem go on for so long. It could be something as easily treatable as chronic pelvic pain or an abnormally long period or bladder leakage, but left undiagnosed and untreated, it starts to drag her down day after day.”

According to Dr. Peahen Gandhi, many women just don’t know help is available. “I might see a woman who’s had several children, and now she’s living with an abnormal menstrual period or a leaky bladder. While it’s interfering with her physical activities, she thinks it’s ‘normal’ because perhaps her mother or a sympathetic friend told her it was just part of being a woman and getting older. They may even tell her that she can’t do anything about it and to just get used to it. Of course, that isn’t true. In fact, I’ve had patients say that they feel 10 years younger once their problem was properly diagnosed and treated.”

Top three health problems for women can be resolved – often right in the office

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure Featured on the TV show The Doctors

Women’s health specialists, including the physicians and nurses at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, often encounter the same three common health conditions among patients: • Heavy periods or prolonged bleeding • Bladder leakage and pelvic pressure • Pelvic pain, cramps and discomfort

Many common health conditions among women, including pelvic pain, discomfort and endometriosis, no longer require a full hysterectomy and can even be treated without any hospital stay. As Dr. Litrel explained, one of the physicians at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists was brought on specifically for his technical innovations in the field of women’s surgery. “Dr. Jorge Lense has been a pioneer in perfecting the technique for the single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy [SILS],” he said. “The incision is made through the belly button so there is no visible scar.” Dr. Lense travels internationally, teaching the technique to other GYN surgeons, and he was highlighted last March on The Doctors.

Dr. Lense adds, “Technology is always changing. Robotic surgery is another cutting edge option we’ve added for our patients — for the more complicated surgeries that can’t be performed laparoscopically. The robot assists the very delicate motions that are part of some Left to Right: Dr. Jorge Lense with Clinical Manager advanced GYN procedures. Angel Bobo. Dr. Lense has been featured on “The The surgeon still has total Doctors” show and at conferences nationwide step-by-step control, but for his innovations in minimally invasive, single the robot adds even more incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). precision.” 50

TowneLaker | March 2012

Left to Right: Dr. Fonda Webb and Dr. Peahen Gandhi prepare to perform a simple ten minute office procedure for a patient experiencing 10 days of menstrual bleeding each month.

Obstetrics: Giving Moms the ‘Royal Treatment’

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists’ Obstetrics care is led by senior physicians Dr. Jorge Lense and Dr. Mike Litrel. Together, the OB team has delivered more than 10,000 babies, including high-risk pregnancies, twins and triplets. The board-certified OB/GYN staff also includes two highly experienced midwives who, along with Drs. Lense and Litrel and the entire medical staff, offer new and expectant moms the “royal treatment” in obstetrics care.

Health Built Into the Patient-Doctor Relationship

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is affiliated with Northside Hospital-Cherokee, where patients are provided with highly personalized care in the O.R. as well as in private delivery suites featuring Jacuzzis for laboring Moms. “Some of our moms have described their delivery experience as “giving birth at a spa,” Dr. Litrel said. “Everyone at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists works together to develop a personal and caring relationship with our patients. Our philosophy can be summed up with these three points: We respect our patients’ time. We’re honest. Most importantly, we treat our patients with the care that we would want for ourselves, our friends, and our families.”

Premium services for expectant moms include on-staff nutritionist for pregnancy health, breast-feeding help from a certified lactation counselor Did you miss reading Dr. Litrel’s story this month in the after delivery, TowneLaker? Let him know! Sign up to receive new stories weight-loss services in the Cherokee Women’s e-newsletter at http://www. to help shed postcherokeewomenshealth.com/newsletter.html pregnancy weight gain and more. In addition, Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is one of a select group of Obstetrics practices that is fully accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine for Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound, allowing expectant moms to observe their baby in realtime 4-D ultrasound. Dr. Litrel said the Cherokee Women’s is one of the select practices advanced ultrasound service is also an in north Atlanta certified by AIUM, the American important tool for the early detection of Institute of Ultrasound Medicine. The expert pelvic cancer and ovarian cysts. Photos © 2012 Jack Tuszynski/ PhotoJack.net

ultrasound service at Cherokee Women’s is also an important tool for the early detection of pelvic cancer and ovarian cysts.

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC Canton: 227 Riverstone Drive Woodstock: 100 Stone Forest Drive, Suite 200 Phone (770) 720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

Physicians: Michael Litrel, MD • Jorge Lense, MD • Peahen Gandhi, MD • Pearl Hwang, DO • Fonda Webb, MD (Joining August 2012)

Mid-Level Providers: Susan Griggs, RN, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife • Jodi Toledo, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife Kelly A. Franckowiak, RD, LD, CLC, Registered Dietitian TowneLaker | March 2012

The New Year is Underway. Don’t let another month go by searching for a job the old fashion way. The rules changed!

themasterstrainingcenter.com/jobhunt/

MTC

THE MASTER’S TRAINING CENTER 6551 Commerce Pkwy, Woodstock 30189

770-591-9588

TowneLaker | March 2012

Health & Wellness

You’re Never Too Old for Great Dental Care The Value of Maintaining Your Teeth by Dr. Scott R. Harden After nearly a quarter century of performing dentistry, it is still exhilarating to get up and go to work every morning. I love being able to help people, and the best part is improving their dental health and positively impacting their lives forever. One example is a sweet elderly woman named Francis. Francis was emphatic that there had to be a better solution to her dental needs than what she had received about five years ago. She wore an upper complete denture that didn’t fit well or complemented her outgoing personality. “These teeth are for an old person, yellow and short,” she said. Francis had five teeth remaining on her lower jaw, several of which were badly decayed and ready to break off at the gum line. Her lower partial denture had metal clasps that had damaged these teeth from heavy chewing stress and poor bone support. Dr. Scott Harden is a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry and has served the Towne Lake area for more than 21 years. He is a Dental Advisor for two nationally renowned dental research companies. You can reach him at (770) 926-0000 or visit FountainViewSmiles. com.

It is wonderful to have patients that really care about their teeth and have insight and enthusiasm about an outcome they desire. It is even more wonderful to realize that this 85-year-old woman is not disgruntled by her age, her past dentistry or her lack of teeth. She is open-minded and optimistic. A new upper complete denture replaced the old upper complete denture and truly made her look 30 years younger. Francis was actively involved in the process of choosing the whiteness, shape and length of her teeth. The teeth were even set in wax and tried on first to gain her full approval. One stunning difference for 54

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It is wonderful to have patients that really care about their teeth and have insight and enthusiasm about an outcome they desire. Francis was the concept of making sure her upper denture teeth followed the contour of her lower lip, which is crucial for a resulting elegant smile. Francis’s five remaining lower teeth required extraction since they all had severe periodontal disease. Francis was educated about her mouth, her treatment options and the cost. She was able to make her decision very easily and did not waiver in what she wanted. She stated, “I like the concept of implants in my lower jaw and having bridges put over them to provide me teeth that are as close to what God gave me.” She digressed to explain about the old days and how poor dental care was back in the 1930s and 1940s when she was growing up. “Dentists used to pull teeth back then that could easily be saved today.” Francis had multiple implants placed in her lower jaw and connecting bridges to replace all of her missing teeth. The end result for Francis was complete satisfaction that went beyond her expectations and gave her the feeling of “having teeth and the ability to chew just like when I was a young lady.” Francis shared two important aspects to her experience. One, “you’re never too old for great dentistry.” Two, “I wish I would have done this for myself years ago.” Ironically, she represents one of the most youthful people I’ve ever met, for any age, not to mention 85 years old. It’s only natural that Francis’s teeth should feel as youthful as she does. Thank you, Francis for adding to my enthusiasm for my dental career.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Health & Wellness

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beat This Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cold, Naturally by Dr. Jared J. Lasseigne

For more information, contact Dr. Jared at Discover Chiropractic in Towne Lake (770) 516-9900.

It is known that colds are caused by viruses. There are more than 200 different viruses that can produce the common cold. Some, such as the rhinovirus, are found to be responsible for 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds. These colds commonly occur in the early fall, spring and summer. Another common type, corona virus, is probably to blame for most winter and early spring colds.

weather may also result with drying of the nasal membranes, making them more vulnerable to infection. People tend to spend more time indoors when the weather is cold, thus increasing the chance for exposure to germs. Factors other than weather that may predispose you to pick up a virus include psychological stress, which can lower your

The impact of cold weather on colds has been studied repeatedly. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, none of their studies have shown that weather conditions or getting chilled or overheated affect either the development or severity of colds. The weather can play an indirect role. For example, most viruses that cause colds can survive better when the humidity is low. The humidity is usually low in the fall and winter. Cold

TowneLaker | March 2012

continued on page 82

Put the Bounce Back in Your Step Not Your Stretch! by Katie Lawrence, MPT

Katie Lawrence is a physical therapist at Rebound.

Stretching is an important part of any exercise routine. People often skip stretching, but stretching is believed to have multiple benefits. Stretching can help improve flexibility and may decrease your risk for injury by allowing the joints to move through the full range of motion. Stretching may also decrease muscle soreness and tension as well as increase physical and mental relaxation. Other proposed benefits include improved posture, relief from pain, enhanced muscular coordination, and greater circulation of blood in various parts of the body.

Although there are many proposed benefits of stretching, you must perform the stretches correctly. Technique, for all exercises, is key in avoiding injuries. Here are some tips for basic stretching. Muscles should be warm before stretching so stretch after a strengthening workout or as part of your cool down. Focus on large muscle groups such as the calves, thighs, hips, lower back and neck. You should also stretch any other muscles you regularly use in your sport or exercise activities. Also, do stretches on both sides, do static stretches, and do not bounce with the stretches. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds to allow the muscle fibers to relax and lengthen. Repeat each stretch 3-5 times. Stretch to the point of tension in the muscle without pain. If you experience pain, back off the stretch until the pain is gone. Be consistent with stretching, and it will regularly will help you achieve the best results. If you stop continued on page 82

TowneLaker | March 2012

Health & Wellness

Diagnosing and Treating Ear Infections by Dr. Amy Hardin

Amy Hardin is a pediatrician in Towne Lake at Northside Pediatrics. Her youngest daughter plays lacrosse and will have IMPACT testing before the season starts. Check out Northside Pediatrics’ new website at www. northsidepediatrics. com and follow them on Facebook at Northside Pediatrics!

Despite our mild winter, we are definitely “ramping up” into sick season. Lots of colds, fevers, sore throats (mainly all viral right now), and it’s been a wicked season for bronchiolitis, a wheezing illness that make some babies really suffer. Luckily, no true influenza has been seen yet there’s definitely time to get your flu vaccine!

One of the things that come with all of the respiratory illnesses is middle ear infections. Middle ear infections usually come first from congestion in the nose, which after several days leads to Eustachian tube collapse (the collapse of your ear’s internal drainage tube), fluid collection behind the eardrum, and then this fluid turning into pus. Children that have pus under pressure behind their eardrums definitely feel pain, run temperatures, and are generally pretty cranky, especially at night when laying on their backs, which builds up even further pressure. Most ear infections are caused by bacteria with a small percentage being viral. Once the congestion is gone, the internal drainage system opens up and the ear infection goes away naturally. More than 65 percent of the time, the kids are completely back to normal within a few weeks. You’ll often see us offering this option or a shorter course of antibiotics with older kids (whose drainage systems are larger to start with than a baby’s).

TowneLaker | March 2012

When we need to use antibiotics, we try to start with the most mild antibiotic that works (Amoxicillin), and then if there are recurrences, we end up having to use more broad spectrum antibiotics. Sometimes, if we run out of liquid oral antibiotic choices, we give daily shots of muscular antibiotics for three days. If this happens, often it’s time to get our friends, the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) docs, involved. Who needs to see the ENT’s? The experts believe a referral is needed if a child has six ear infections in a six month period, or an ear infection that won’t go away for three months. If we run out of oral antibiotic choices too, we will often call our local pediatric ENT group to help discuss choices with our parents. An ear tube is a small plastic drainage tube about the width of a piece of dried spaghetti which opens up the middle ear space so it can drain externally if the kids do get ear infections. Luckily, the vast majority of kids have the normal number of three to six ear infections per year in the first couple years of life, and then they outgrow them. continued on page 82

TowneLaker | March 2012

Health & Wellness

Tax Time with Betty by Dee Locklin It’s tax time. For some people, that is really bad fiscal news. For others, like me, it is an annual reminder that we are extremely disorganized.

Dee Locklin is retired from Georgia State University. She lives in Towne Lake with husband Lewis and son Taylor in a cluttered home filled with love and lots of dust bunnies. Contact Dee at dlocklin89@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Every January, I pledge to set up well-labeled manila files to track monthly expenses in numerous taxdeductible categories. I then plan to place in those files - meticulously and regularly - the numerous receipts, statements, deposit slips, mileage logs and other documents that one needs in order to file the dreaded tax return. My motivation for establishing and managing this system usually wanes around mid-January.

All this stuff wasn’t so hard when everything was paper-based. But I’ve caved in to the green crowd and now receive my monthly statements online. My bank and cell phone provider assured me that I could download statements from any previous 18 months, but they clearly lied because I tried to do this and the electronic result was not pretty. So now it’s necessary to mark the calendar and download important, tax-related statements each month. Then I have to remember where I electronically filed them. Then I have to print out hard copies for my manila files because my computer could very well crash, leaving me without the documents I need to keep the IRS happy.

TowneLaker | March 2012

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All this stuff wasn't so hard when everything was paper-based. Fortunately, I have Betty. She is the wise woman who helps me file my taxes each year and has done so since we moved to Woodstock in 1998. Betty calms me down as I enter her office each year with my manila files full of loose receipts, cocktail napkins marked with odometer readings, and scratch pads filled with manual calculations of earnings from employers who failed to provide wage statements by the January 31 deadline. Know that I am the most honest taxpayer in the history of the earth. Having worked in the public sector for decades, and given my basic motivation to be a good citizen, I report every single penny of earnings and probably claim about half the deductions to which I’m entitled. But my cluttered life results in really disorganized record keeping. The documents exist, but gathering them is an annual marathon. Nevertheless, I gather enough cocktail napkins each year to satisfy Betty, who manages to make sense of my previous year’s ability to meet my basic responsibility as a citizen. She then reminds me of the user-friendly software available for clutter bugs like me. I’ll buy the software if it’s tax-deductible. But my experience with electronic solutions tells me it won’t be pretty. BesidesI believe it’s high time the IRS accept the efficiency of the cocktail napkin and declare it a legitimate expense document. File those taxes, neighbors. And good luck.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Feature

Summer Camps To be included in April’s Summer Camp guide, please email your information to editor@townelaker.com by March 10.

Arts

Earth Paint and Fire

Dates/Day: Wednesdays, May 30-August 8 Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $21-30 per session Information: Sibling discounts. (770) 592-4114, www.earthpaintandfire.com

Eagle Watch Tennis Camps

For all camps, contact Amanda Hall at (770) 926-8508 or email amandahall724@gmail.com to register. Visit www.eaglewatchtennis.com to download forms.

10 & Under Dates: May 29-31, June 4-6, June 11-13, June 18-20, June 25-27, July 9-11, July 16-18 Days/Times: Monday-Wednesday 9:30-10:30 a.m. Cost: $50 per child per camp week Information: Children should bring a 25” or shorter racquet.

8 & Under Dates: Days/Times:

12 & Under Dates: Days/Times: Cost:

Sports

TowneLaker | March 2012

Cost: $50 per child per camp week Information: Children should bring a 23” or shorter racquet.

May 29-31, June 4-6, June 11-13, June 18-20, June 25-27, July 9-11, July 16-18 Monday-Wednesday 8:30-9:30 a.m.

May 29-31, June 11-13, June 25-27, July 9-11 Monday-Wednesday 10:30 a.m. - noon $75 per child per

camp week Information: Children should bring a 26” or shorter racquet. 14 & Under Dates: June 4-6, June 18-20, July 16-18 Days/Times: Monday-Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – noon Cost: $75 per child per camp week Information: This Camp is for the Novice- Intermediate 14U child seeking to “fine-tune” strokes and strategy while making tennis fun. USTA JTT State Championship Warm Up Camp: Dates: July 23-26 Days/Times: Monday-Thursday, 9 - 11:00 a.m. Cost: $99.00 per child Information: This Camp is for all the juniors who qualified for the USTA Georgia Junior Team Tennis State Championship held in Macon July 27-29.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Health & Wellness

Is It In Your Blood? by Chicka Elloy Family is family — annoying, loving, sweet, vindictive, suppressing, depressing, fun, intense and questionable. Whatever is the case for your lovable crazy’s; my hope is that you love them no matter what. Here are eight tips for fostering some sanity back into your immediate or extended family life this month. Chicka Elloy lives in Woodstock with his wife and two sweet caramel daughters. He writes for USA Today Education and was voted #1 Daddy Blogger by Parents.com - Contact him through www. thefrequentflyerfather. com.

1. Be your imperfect self: In a world that wants you to be slimmer, faster, smarter and more “snuggie,” remember who you are. Spend more time with those who make you smile and less time with those who you feel pressured to impress. Would you rather your punk sister know you for who you are trying to be or who you really are?

2. Show everyone kindness and respect: Hurt people tend to

TowneLaker | March 2012

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Respecting loved ones, strangers and enemies with kindness is a gift that takes you places and moves this world forward. hurt people. Respecting loved ones, strangers and enemies with kindness is a gift that takes you places and moves this world forward. Although to get noticed, should not be your motive, people can’t help but take notice of kindness and respect. 3. Follow through: If you say you’re going to do something, do it! If you can’t, won’t, and don’t, then fess up! Avoid playing with someone’s feelings just because you’re unsure of yours. 4. Rev up: Be open and give the people in your life the continued on page 83

events | portraits photo journalism fine art 770.617.7595 by appointment

kbphotoart@comcast.net

TowneLaker | March 2012

Hippie Travels by Ashley Gillis

When my husband first told me that we would be camping under the desert stars I asked, “Will I be able to shower and blow dry my hair?” I know that does not sound very earthy or hippie like, but remember that I told you I’m one step from germaphobe...stink is not high on my list either So began my research on the Wadi Rum desert. Like me, you may relate to it as the backdrop for the 1962 Oscar winning film Lawrence of Arabia. Ashley Gillis has a Master’s Degree in If you are a history buff, like my Instructional Design husband, you relate to it as the Arab and recently left the Revolt headquarters lead by Prince corporate world to Faisal Bin Hussein and British Officer become a full time small T.E. Lawrence. No amount of research business owner and part time consultant or pictures in the learning and could have development industry. prepared She lives in Eagle Watch me for that with her husband Ken, first sunset daughter Jordan, son Hayes and Breeze the glance of rescue dog. its mighty perimeter. Lawrence’s description rang true, “...vast, echoing, and god-like.” We arrived at the Bedouin campsite just after nightfall. Stepping out of the car, I could not help looking toward the infinite sea of stars shining above me. Already I knew this would be a special night. Silky stringed instrumentals played in the campsite’s central gathering tent. Our Bedouin hosts served a traditional meal of roasted lamb kabobs with rice. We ate the tasty meal relaxed on pillows surrounded by several vacationing families and foreign travelers like ourselves. Conversations buzzed, children laughed, and plans for the next day’s adventure were discussed. As the meal drew to a close we had made fast friends with folks from Australia and Israel. After dinner, our host set up shisha pipes among the groups. A shisha pipe, better known as a hookah, is a water pipe used to smoke flavorful tobacco. This tradition dates

back more than 500 years and is a staple in Middle Eastern family culture. One family in particular stood out from the rest. Gathered were three generations, with the eldest sitting closes to the pipe. Old and young engaged in conversations, played board games, and genuinely savored each moment of their gathering. I listened as the elder told a story of his first adventure to the desert. He described building the campsite, cooking food and mapping the desert stars with his father. Not one person wore head phones, talked on a cell phone or used a touch pad to communicate. It was as pure as the desert sand. The next morning, I felt totally exhilarated to see what the desert’s perimeter had promised. From the visitor’s center, we were loaded into the back of an ancient jeep and headed off on a six hour tour through Wadi Rum’s very unforgiving terrain. Our tour guide, who may have been all of 16, drove us to amazing sites. Lawrence’s Spring, named after T.E. Lawrence, was a 20- minute vertical rock climb. The spring was surrounded by shade trees and a parade of goats drinking the fresh water. Um Forth was a rock bridge that offered an amazing panoramic view of the desert canyons. All along the tour we were astounded at how nature had carved this rock and sand into a masterpiece. The desert is a timeless place that astounds you with its beauty. We left the desert, but the desert did not leave us. A tradition was born from our experience; our deck is now the Bedouin tent. We make it a point each month to gather our kids, sit under the stars, tell stories of the past and disconnect from today. The kids roast marshmallows, and we smoke our shisha pipe. What a joy it is when my son often asks, “Mom, are we smoking marshmallows tonight?”

TowneLaker | March 2012

Schools & Sports

school news Woodstock Teacher Named Science Teacher of Year Jennifer Forsyth, biology teacher at Woodstock High School, was named the Georgia Science Teachers Association (GSTA) 2012 High School Science Teacher of the Year. Jennifer teaches Honors and AP Biology and Scientific Research II. GSTA’s Science Teacher of the Year award recognizes ongoing excellence in teaching science and commitment to its improvement. The award is given annually at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. To be eligible, a teacher must have more than four years of experience and be nominated by a supervisor or peer. “Cherokee County is fortunate to have dedicated, talented teachers like Jennifer Forsyth,” said Dr. Frank Petruzielo, Superintendent of Schools. “She brings an amazing level of energy and enthusiasm to the classroom every day, and she is very deserving of such statewide recognition from her peers.”

Senior Project Gathers Coats for Needy High School senior, B. J. Newberry, organized a coat drive for his senior project. First Baptist Church of Woodstock received the donations for its Care Ministries Clothes Closet. Parr Pinkard (right) and Eugenia Smith (left) with First Baptist Church and student B.J. Newberry.

Woodstock Grad Awarded Leadership Membership Etowah High School graduate Cortney Johnson was recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization at the University of Alabama. Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development and professional fulfillment. Cortney is the daughter of Cindy and Steve Johnson.

Carmel Students Make Toys for Shelter Dogs As part of Carmel Elementary School’s nationally recognized Learn and Serve program, Mrs. Emanuel’s first grade class recently made homemade dog tug toys to be given to the Cherokee County Humane Society. The students took assorted colored strips of fleece and braided them together to create the tug toys. Carmel Elementary is the State School of Character for 2011-2013. 68

TowneLaker | March 2012

Schools & Sports

school news Cherokee Charter Academy Excel at Technology Fair

Etowah Students Named as Merit Finalists Two Etowah High School students were named as National Merit Scholarship finalists for 2012. Those students are Matthew Bird and Phillip Litrel. Congratulations! Left to right: Phillip Litrel, Principal Keith Ball and Matthew Bird.

Woodstock DECA Students Attend Region Competition

Front Row: Jaxson Johnson, Second row (left to right): Ben Adams, Sarah DeAngelo and Isabella Parris. Third row: Teacher Wendy Burel, Jaxson Cromwell, Parker Ford, Collin Hindt and Braxton Willis.

Students from Cherokee Charter Academy (CCA) took home first, second and third place awards for Animated Graphic Design at the Cherokee County Schools Sequoyah Regional Technology Fair. The event spotlighted talented technology students countywide. First place was awarded to Ben Adams and Jaxson Cromwell, second to Jaxson Johnson and Braxton Willis and third place to Isabella Parris and Sarah DeAngelo.

Chapman Celebrates Perfect Attendance Students

Left to right: Rani Tilva, Meagan Anstett, Zack Pippin, Ra’kiya Gifford, Leon Castillo and Jessica Matula.

Six Woodstock High School marketing students attended the 2012 DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Region Competitions. The students competed in a variety of events focusing on conceptual knowledge and presentation skills used in the marketing industries. The six students who attended were senior Jessica Matula, who placed first in Restaurant and Food Service Marketing; junior Zack Pippin, placing first in General Marketing Testing; sophomore Ra’kiya Gifford, placing second in Job Interview; sophomore Rani Tilva, who competed in Retail Merchandising; freshman Leon Castillo, who competed in Marketing Math Testing; and senior Meagan Anstett, who competed in Business Services Marketing. The event included approximately 250 students from high schools in Cherokee County, Fulton County, City of Atlanta and DeKalb County. 70

TowneLaker | March 2012

Chapman Intermediate School rewarded students who have maintained perfect attendance through the first semester. Left to right: Assistant Principals Carolyn Students Daugherty and Dan Fuller, Charles Gilliam, enjoyed a Principal Susan McCarthy and Sirsha Dettmar. party with refreshments from a Partner in Education, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. In addition, from those perfect attendance students, names were drawn to honor one boy and one girl with bicycles provided by Chapman’s School Advisory Council Member Clyde Holmes. Sirsha Dettmar, a fifth grader, and Charles Gilliam, a sixth grader, were the recipients of the mountain bicycles.

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Visit us on the web at DiscoverRehab.com TowneLaker | March 2012

Schools & Sports

Madlibs In this month’s You Can Make A Difference, the students tried something different and invite you to play along. First, look at the story and the parts of speech that are missing. Next, fill in your own words without reading the content of the story. Finally, read your creation and have a good laugh. This exercise is called Madlibs, and if you would like to share your Madlib, please email it to Joe Lemmo at mrlemmo@gmail.com.

Cindy Fridley

P.J. McFarlane

I love my ___ (noun), but I hate it when they pull pranks on me. I am a very ___ (adjective) sleeper and on top of that, I walk and talk in my sleep. I once woke up as I was ___ (verb) down the stairs. One ___ (noun) I had two friends spending the night and when I woke up in the ___ (noun) I was ___ (verb) to see ___ (noun) written all over me. I had a giant curly mustache on my face, but believe me, I’ve been in ___ (adjective) situations. When my ___ (noun) spent the night I woke up on the ___ (noun), I was ___ (adjective) because I thought they pushed me. They ___ (verb) to me how I was sleepwalking and talking. Tiffany, my friend, said, “You were sleepwalking. You walked up stairs and into your ___ (noun). We ran after you to get you to come back up stairs. I went up to you and you ___ (verb) your arms around my neck and said I was your ___ (adjective) friend. I have many more crazy sleepwalking stories, like the time I found my ___ (noun) in the freezer!

‘Twas a ___ (adjective) and chilly day! All was well in the small town of ___ (noun). The sound of ___ (noun) chirping and the roar of ___ (noun) filled the air. A typical summer afternoon, all was ___ (adjective), when all of a sudden…Ninjas! They’re everywhere! At least ___ (adjective) of them! They appeared out of nowhere, ran into the streets and attacked innocent ___ (noun)! Who will save them? Just then, as if on cue…Super Shorty, the height challenged superhero, burst from the crowd and ___ (verb) the ninjas. But the ninjas didn’t give up. They threw razor sharp ___ (noun) right at super shorty, but he easily caught the ___ (noun) with his ___ (noun). The ninjas realized that they couldn’t win. They cried all the way back to ___ (noun) embarrassingly. Wait a second…embarrassingly! Is that a word? It sounds like a word….anyway, super shorty saved the ___ (noun)!

I was walking through the ___ (noun) when I thought I heard someone ___ (verb). I tried to see who it was, and ended up taking a ___ (noun) I don’t usually take. From a distance I saw a ___ (noun) dancing with light red hair wearing a green suit and hat. I thought he was just a ___ (adjective), confused man. Then I realized he was no bigger than a ___ (noun). He was a ___ (noun). I’ve heard they are lucky, so I started to chase him. Just then I heard someone yell “___ (verb)!” and that’s when I realized they were filming a ___ (adjective) commercial. I was so ___ (adjective). If you ever see a ___ (noun) with red hair in a ___ (adjective) commercial, it was me!

Aubrey St. John

Laura Hinchey 72

TowneLaker | March 2012

My grandfather has told me many ___ (adjective) stories. All of them make me ___ (verb). There is one though that really stands out. My grandfather went to the ___ (noun) and told him that he had been ___ (verb), but they didn’t make a sound, nor did they ___ (verb). The doctor reached into the ___ (noun) and pulled out a bottle of ___ (noun) and told him to take them, and when he ran out, to come back. A few ___ (noun) later, my grandpa returned with an ___ (adjective) bottle of pills and said, “Doc, why do I have to take these pills? They ___ (adjective) nasty!” The doctor responded and said, “Now that your sense of ___ (noun) is cleared up, let’s work on your ___ (noun)!” When my grandfather finished telling me this story, I started cracking up. I will never forget it!

TowneLaker | March 2012

Schools & Sports

sports News Woodstock Middle Walks for Juvenile Diabetes Woodstock Middle School held a Juvenile Diabetes Research Ashley Stephens was one of Foundation (JDRF) Walk to Cure the many supporters and Diabetes during PE classes. raised more than $200 for Representatives from JDRF JDRF. visited the student body and shared information about Type I and Type II diabetes, nutritional eating habits and exercise. Along with the walk, a competition was held between grades to see which class, through donations to JDRF, could purchase the most paper sneakers by making donations to JDRF. The sixth grade won. Walk donations combined with the sneakers purchases totaled more than $1,600.

Student Athletes Participate in National Signing Day

Etowah Announces New Head Football Coach Left to right: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo, Dave Svehla and School Board Chairman Mike Chapman.

Etowah High School announced Dave Svehla will be the new head football coach, replacing coach Bill Stewart. Coach Svehla has 13 years of head coaching experience in Illinois and Nebraska. He has produced eight state playoff appearances, including two to the quarterfinals and one to the state semifinal. “I want this program to be more than just what happens on the turf on Friday nights. I want it to be something that our players are proud to be a part of, and something they will remember the rest of their lives,” said Coach Svehla. He and his wife of 18 years, Cheri, are the proud parents of three children: daughters Taylor (14) and Avery (8) and son Jackson (12). Outside of football, Dave enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys watching his own children compete in sports.

Etowah Student Wins Bowling Tournament Nathan Parrott, a student at Etowah High School, won a bowling tournament and received a $150 prize. He bowled for a Woodstock Junior Bowling League for 6-17 year olds. Congratulations!

Etowah Golf Team Ready for Season

Forty-six Cherokee County School District student athletes were recognized in a ceremony for signing scholarship commitment letters to compete at the college level. The following students from Etowah High School signed letters: Baseball —Bran Sansing, Caleb Woods and Tim Yandel. Cross country — Avery Pitts. Football — Trevion Ashford, Barrett Burns and Devonte Wheaton. Soccer — Payton Donley. Swimming — Lauren Searcy. Tennis — Nicole LaDuca. Volleyball —Megan McGuinness and Jenna Wilt. Wrestling — Jeremiah Lutz. The following students from Woodstock High School signed letters: Soccer — Samantha Thomas, Arista Hott, Natlie Leone and Caitlin Tongco. Tennis —Nicole Nielly and Tiffany Meyers. Swim — Erika Staskevicius and Rebecca Lombard. Baseball — Cole Watson. 74

TowneLaker | March 2012

Left to right: Coach Phil Dutko, Philip Strickland, Jason Hammaker, Nick Budd, Jake Hagerty, Jake Forbes, Josh Colley, Cole Kirkpatrick, Troy Kumpand, Trenton Sanders and Adam Cross.

The Etowah High School golf team will start with seven returning members, three new freshmen, a new coach (Phil Dukco) and team manager. Coach Dukco stated, “This team has two characteristics that every high school team looks for — young and talented.”

TowneLaker | March 2012

Schools & Sports

The USTA Pathway For Children by Jason Fleeman

Jason is a USPTR professional, a USTA Georgia Tennis Professional of the Year and director of junior tennis programs at a local club. Jason can be reached at jasonfleeman@gmail. com.

As the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Chairman for Junior Competition in Georgia since 2005, I have been wearing a bulletproof vest for the past few years. 10&Under tennis (previously named QuickStart) was introduced in Georgia tournaments in 2009, much to the dismay of many adults. There was a small minority of coaches and parents who felt creating a clearer pathway for a young child’s success meant truly changing how junior tennis is perceived. USTA Georgia and Southern mandated the changes to 10&Under tennis in 2011. The remaining 41 states followed suit a full year later in 2012.

I have told this story many times. When Director of Competition Rick Davison told me in 2005, “We need to change Georgia’s approach to how we develop 8-12 year olds…” I thought his suggestions were crazy — foam balls, red balls, orange balls, green balls? It sounded like we were going to corral children into Chuck E Cheese to teach them tennis. However, unlike most coaches at the time, I decided research and education would guide me in deciding what was best for a child’s tennis development. Instruction and technique are extremely important to all ages, but let me make it clear what USTA is truly after with the 10&Under initiative: FUN, and helping a LOT of kids have it! What brings a child back to tennis class each week: FUN! In addition to programs led by 10&Under USTA trained coaches, “Play Days” are being introduced which are a great way for kids to play tennis in a fun, non-elimination, yet somewhat competitive environment. In just a couple of hours, kids can experience serving, rallying and scoring in an informal atmosphere.

TowneLaker | March 2012

The variables that establish a successful 10&Under Program are: • Court size - 10’s 60’ x 36’ - 8’s 36’ x 18’ • Racquet length - 10’s 25” or smaller - 8’s 23” or smaller • Compression ball - 10’s Stage 2 - Orange (approx. 50%) - 8’s Stage 3 - Red (approx. 25%) • Play based teaching So what is “Play based teaching?” It means Pros are following the USTA established guidelines of having students working cooperatively together. In other words, no lines, no lectures, and no laps. Being honored as a Regional Coach at several USTA Training Centers in 2011, my eyes have been opened to the possibilities of how successfully a child can be in placed on the correct path. In 2012, USTA Georgia decided to have 12&Under divisions at the lower levels use Stage 1 balls. There are two types. One is the “green & yellow” 75 percent compression ball and the other is the “green dot” 86 percent compression ball. Both balls are approved for 12s competition, but USTA has not confirmed which ball is “best.” Cherokee Tennis Programs supporting the USTA guidelines will have one or both Stage 1 balls as part of their developmental Programs for 11 & 12 year olds. USTA will soon publish competency videos for 8U, 10U, & 12U players. It will be important not to rush a child through his/her development. Regardless of how successful they are, let them learn, develop, and have fun in their age group using the proper equipment. Success will continue to build confidence. It is not a false sense of accomplishment; it is a way to guarantee a child is truly developing the way he or she should.

SCHOOL INFORMATION Public Schools Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ carmel-es Chapman Intermediate School 6500 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-6424 Principal: Susan McCarthy www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ chapman-es Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road Canton, GA 30114, (678) 385-7322 Principal: Vanessa Suarez cherokeecharter.org E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etbooth-ms

Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road Acworth, GA 30102, (770) 974-6682 Principal: Dr. Jennifer Scrivner www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA. 30189, (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Bob Hahn www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 592-3500 Principal: William Sebring www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-hs Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms

Private Schools Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org High School Principal: Rod Kirby Middle School Principal: Hal Scripka Elementary School: Robert Lester Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92, Acworth, GA 30102 (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah

Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 924-6260 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es

Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road Acworth, GA 30102 Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd. Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org

Cherokee County School District 2012 Calendar at a Glance

March 16 April 2-6 May 25

No School, Teacher Work Day Spring Break Last Day of School Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12.ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

TowneLaker | March 2012

Faith

Marriage Moments by Bill and Donna Ratliff

Bill Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He can be reached at (678) 445-8766.

We recently participated in a marriage study at our church. The focus of the class was to help couples learn more about the opposite sex and the ways their brains work differently. The study was from the book Men are like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in your Differences by Bill and Pam Farrel. We had a lot of fun, but most importantly, we learned a few things.

Men are like waffles in that they often think in boxes. They move from one box to another, focusing on what is most important at the moment. Women are like spaghetti in that their thoughts are all over the place. Spaghetti noodles are all over the plate, yet are always touching each other. For women, it seems that every thought is connected to every other with the multiplicity of things going on in her life. Men seem to have a “nothing box.” They can go to that box when they need to de-stress and think about nothing. This may happen as they sit in the recliner or seemingly just “veg out.” Women, on the other hand, would love to have a “nothing box,” but that seems

to be impossible. Their ‘noodly’ brains are racing with thoughts that connect each aspect of their lives 24/7. For them to de–stress, they like to talk about the problem and process through it. If a man is in his “nothing box” recharging his batteries, and his wife is in talk mode, there is a collision. She thinks he doesn’t care and isn’t listening. He thinks she is just over the top and won’t let him relax. The reality is they both have different needs, and both are valid. Understanding waffle and spaghetti differences can help couples reconnect. The Bible teaches us to appreciate each other’s differences in Romans 15:7: ”Accept one another just as Christ has accepted you.” Date your Mate: Take your mate treasure hunting at the Goodwill store. Hold a friendly competition. Each of you needs to have $10 to spend. See who can find the best ‘treasures’ with your meager budget.

Join us anytime Easter weekend! Friday April 6 Secret Church Simulcast - 7pm in the Chapel Saturday April 7 5pm in the Worship Center & 7pm in the Chapel *Special Guest, Grammy-nominated artist, NewSong

EASTER AT

Childcare available for 4 years & younger

Sunday April 8 9am in the Worship Center & 11am in the Chapel *Special Guest, Grammy-nominated artist, NewSong Childcare available for 4 years & younger

facebook.com/woodstockhub 78

TowneLaker | March 2012

@fbcwoodstock

11905 Highway 92 - Woodstock, GA 30188 - 770.926.4428 - fbcw.org

In the Red by Dr. Doug Thrasher Recently, I was reading some of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s writings, and in the reading found something that really spoke to me and, I believe, to us all. Dr. King wrote that every one of us lives eternally “in the red.” What he meant by that is that every one of us owes somebody for what we have become and where we are today. Dr. Doug Thrasher is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the TowneLaker’s Community Board. You may contact him at dthrasher@hillsideumc. org.

Who do you owe?

When I look at my life, a number of people whom I owe just jump out at me. First, I think of my parents. Mom and Dad sacrificed so much for me, including paying for a college education. More than that, they taught me values and were foundational in helping me grow in my faith. I think of friends over the years have blessed me with their support and love. I think of teachers and preachers who took time out of their schedules to answer my questions and sometimes just listen. And, I also must remember the people in congregations that I have served as Pastor. I owe a lot of people for all the prayers and sacrifice necessary to be in ministry as a church. I am “in the red.” I can look at my life and see people I owe so much to who have invested themselves in me to help me to become the person that I am. People like Debbie, my wife, who has helped me grow in faith, grow in ministry, grow as a husband and father and grandfather. I am “in the red.”

“

We serve others because we love God and realize all God has done for us and because we realize we are "in the red" and need to pay forward the love and help we have received in our lives. And so are you. We all owe somebody. And we all are “in the red” when it comes to salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ. The question is, what are you going to do about it? For Dr. King wrote that when we realize we are “in the red,” then that should motivate us to do something for somebody else and help them in the same way we have been helped. This is what serving is all about. We serve others because we love God and realize all God has done for us and because we realize we are “in the red” and need to pay forward the love and help we have received in our lives. So, who will you help? I love you all and am “in the red” to you for all your prayers and support.

TowneLaker | March 2012

Faith

TOWNE LAKE AREA RELIGIOUS SERVICES Baptist

Jewish

Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner

Chabad Jewish Center 14255 Wade Green Rd NW, Ste 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144, (678) 460-7702 Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat of each month at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat of each month at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWoodstock.com, www.Facebook.com/ JewishCenter

First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth (770) 917-9100 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Paul Vance New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 10:50 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Monty Guice www.newvicbaptist.org South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert

Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Episcopal Church of the Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta, (770) 928-7916 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Rector: Rev. Paul McCabe www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler 80

TowneLaker | March 2012

Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life Ministries” Messianic Jewish Fellowship 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (678) 936-4125 Saturday Hebrew Literacy & Bible Study: 10 a.m. Saturday Shabbat Service: 11 a.m. Rabbi Gary Maxted www.tlchaim.com (partnering with TLC Church, Woodstock, GA)

Lutheran Celebration of Grace Lutheran Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 503-5050 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Sunday School: 9 a.m., Faith Formation: 9 a.m. Pastor: Virginia Krekling www.CelebrationofGrace.org Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.gslutheran.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien

Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org

Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Cynthia Parr

Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Larry Niese www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com

United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Millie Kim www.bascombumc.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Chris Bryant www.coahumc.org

Presbyterian

First United Methodist Church of Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 926-6440 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Over 50s meet 1st Saturday each month at 11:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude Herbert

Cherokee Presbyterian Church, PCA 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton (770) 704-9594 Sunday Services: 9 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday School: 11 a.m. Pastor: Alan Lutz www.cherokee-pca.org

Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:25 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org

Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street, (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Little River United Methodist Church 12455 Highway 92, (770) 926-2495 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Bill Coady www.littleriverumc.info Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Jim Buckman www.sixesumc.org

Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church Meeting at Woodstock Middle/High School (770) 517-2977 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Pastor: Mat Garcia www.bridgepointechurch.org Celebration Church 340 Towne Lake Parkway, (678) 461-9626 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Larry Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 12:30 p.m. Sacrament Meeting: 2:15 p.m. Bishop Phil Karski Canton Ward, 3459 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 10:20 a.m. Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. Bishop Scott Harman Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org Covenant Christian Center 330 Adam Jenkins Memorial Blvd, Canton (770) 345-0307 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Apostle Kito J. Johnson www.CityOfCovenant.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White Freedom Church Meeting at Barber Middle School 4222 Cantrell Road, Acworth, (770) 529-6006 Sunday Services: 9:45 & 11:30 a.m. www.freedomchurch.tv Pastor: J.R. Lee His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, (770) 405-2500 Party on Sunday: 10 a.m. www.hishandschurch.com Jubilee Church (Newfrontiers) Meets at Kell High School 4770 Lee Waters Road, Marietta, (678) 471-1930 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. www.jubileechurch.us Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth (Cherokee Corners) (404) 663-1828 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5, (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv

Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org Pointe Church, The Hasty Elementary, 205 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, (404) 557-9640 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Brian Jones www.myfriendschurch.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Greg Goebel www.resurrectionwoodstock.org Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway, (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Messianic Jewish Fellowship (Tikvah l’Chaim): Saturday 10 a.m. The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m. Celebrate Recovery: Friday 6 p.m. Sr. Pastor: William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Unity Christ Church 2871 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, (770) 422-9552 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Terrence Padgett www.unitycc.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Small Groups: 6 p.m. Wednesday Meal: 6 p.m.; Worship: 6:40 p.m.; Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Aprenda Ingles Gratis (Free ESL): Lunes 7 — 9 p.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Lewis Stark www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael TowneLaker | March 2012

Put the Bounce Back in Your Step - Not Your Stretch!

Sake continued from page 41

continued from page 57

stretching, you will lose the benefits of the activity. Abnormally tight muscles can also negatively affect your posture. For example, tight pectoral muscles will round the shoulders forward, placing increased stress on the neck and upper back. This also applies to the lower body. Tight musculature in the lower back and hip areas can limit range of motion of the lower back, resulting in back pain. This loss of mobility may limit your ability to perform functional activities such as bending forward or to completely straighten your back while standing. How flexible are you? Many factors can affect flexibility. Internal factors include age, gender, bone structure, the type of joint, elasticity of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin. External factors include the temperature of your environment, the time of day and the clothing you are wearing. Although there are many views on stretching, it can play an important role in everyday life and overall health for people of all ages and fitness levels. If you are unsure how to begin a stretching routine or have questions about the stretching routine you already have in place, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting more gain than pain!

Sake ranges in light to full body somewhat like wine but without a large scale of variance like a Cabernet is to a Pinot Noir. From lighter to fuller bodied in this order are: Ginjo, Daiginjo, Junmai, then aged Sake. Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai Ginjo, and Junmai are of better quality. Junmai often has a fuller, richer body and above average acidity. Ginjo Sake is much more delicate, light, and complex. Honjozo often makes a good candidate for warm Sake and is often a bit lighter than other Sake. Futsuu-shu Sake is the equivalent of “table wine” in the wine world and makes up about 80 percent of all Sake that is made. Not unlike wine, premium Sake means increased quality, price, complexity, and fragrance. Ginjo and Daiginjo are premium Sake and are best enjoyed slightly chilled. Warming and overchilling premium Sake tends to mask or destroy its refined flavors and aromas. Matching food and Sake is just like matching food and wine. In general, Sashimi, shellfish, shrimp, light white fish or raw fish will work well. A classic Junmai would go well with a tempura dish. Avoid very spicy food with Sake. Try a Ginjo with your sushi or a Junmai Dai Ginjo with your California Rolls. Aged Sake is one of the richest styles and is almost Sherry-like. Until next time, cheers!

Let’s Beat This Year’s Cold, Naturally Diagnosing and Treating Ear Infections continued from page 58

Being in the cold weather (with or without a hat) does not cause ear infections. Unfortunately Cold and flu medicines don’t help, nor do chiropractic treatments or ear candles. Also, an ear infection is NOT just a red eardrum. Pus has to be seen to be diagnosed with a true ear infection. To limit ear infections, avoid catching colds. Unfortunately, being in daycare increases the risk for colds by a factor of two to three. However, removing children from daycare is not always a realistic option for working families. Another thing that decreases the risk for colds is breast feeding. Breast milk is the best! Smoking around children increases the risk for ear infections too (even if you “only smoke outdoors”), so quitting smoking is a good thing for you AND for your kids. Finally, the routine vaccines make kids less at risk for catching the classic germs that cause ear infections. If you think your child has an ear infection, call your pediatrician.

TowneLaker | March 2012

continued from page 56

general immunity, and allergies that may interfere with our normal defenses in the nose and throat. How can we prevent a cold? • Wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap, especially when you have been in public areas or around someone who is fighting a cold. • Avoid touching your nose or eyes. • When possible, avoid people who have a cold at least until the fifth day of their illness, when they should be less infectious. If you have a cold: • Get plenty of bed rest. Lack of sleep and too much stress can make the body weak. • Stay hydrated; this keeps nasal passages moist, making them better defenders against viruses. • Take vitamin C, which functions as a powerful antioxidant. It has a role in the repair and regeneration of tissues and may also support healthy immune function. • Avoid contact with others. • Drink non dairy fluids.

Is It In Your Blood? continued from page 64

information they need, rather than expecting them to know the unknowable. Information is the grease that keeps the engine of communication functioning. 5. Leave petty arguments alone: Someone else doesn’t have to be wrong for you to be right. Sometimes, being right leads to righteousness, so ask yourself if winning today is going to matter two weeks from now. 6. Allow others to make their own decisions: Don’t judge others by your own past. What might be bad for one person might change another person’s life for the better. Allow people to make their own mistakes and their own decisions. 7. Be interested versus interesting: Less advice is often the best advice. People don’t always need your advice; they need a listening ear and accountability. What they want to know is often already somewhere inside of them. Hear them and lead them to find the answer through questions. 8. Back yourself: One of the most painful things in life is losing yourself in the process of loving others too much. When was the last time someone told you that you did a good job? When was the last time that ‘someone’ was YOU? If being a successful child is challenging, I cannot wait for them to see, feel and taste what we adults struggle with. Believe the best and take care of your family this month. When a Dad is in, everyone wins.

A Down Market is the Best Time to Trade Up! continued from page 15

historically low interest rate on a home that would meet or exceed your present and future needs? The conditions are ideal for trading up if you have the equity to do it. Call your Realtor for a comparative market analysis to see if you can afford to sell your home and take advantage of this trade up opportunity.

www.thedailyvalue.com

to receive money-saving group coupon offers in your email inbox featuring only local businesses! TowneLaker | March 2012

RECENT CONSUMER PRODUCT RECALLS TowneLaker wants to help keep you and your family safe. The following items have been recalled by their manufacturers in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Infant Rattles Lee Carter Co., of San Francisco, CA, is

voluntarily recalling approximately 25,000 infant rattles. The rattle’s handle is small enough to fit into a child’s throat, posing a choking hazard and violating federal rattle standards.

Lunch Boxes. California

Innovations Inc. of Toronto, Canada, is voluntarily recalling approximately 248,000 expandable insulated lunch boxes with freezer gel packs. Gel that contains diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can leak out of damaged freezer gel packs, posing a poisoning hazard if ingested by children or adults.

Portable Electric Heaters.

Kaz USA Inc. of Southborough, MA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 19,000 Honeywell Surround Select portable electric heaters. The heater’s internal housing, including the fan, heating element and circuitry, can detach, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Floor Lamps. Big Lots, of Columbus, Ohio is voluntarily recalling approximately 43,700 five-light floor lamps. The wiring for the lamp’s light sockets can become exposed, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers. In addition, use of the recommended standard 40 watt light bulbs can generate excessive heat, which can melt the double plastic shades over the bulbs.

LED Flashlight Set. BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. of Westborough, MA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 41,000 LED Flashlight and Battery Sets. The flashlights can heat up, smoke or melt when turned on, posing fire and burn hazards. Also, Target Corporation of Minneapolis, MN, is voluntarily recalling approximately 55,000 6-pc. LED flashlight sets. When turned on, the flashlights can heat up, smoke or melt, posing fire and burn hazards.

High Chairs. IKEA North

America Services LLC of Conshohocken, PA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 169,000 (133,000 in the U.S. and 36,000 in Canada) ANTILOP high chairs. The high chair’s restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the child.

Portable Gas Grills. Uni-O (Xiamen) Industries Corporation of Xiamen, China is voluntarily recalling approximately 4,530 O-Grill portable gas grills. The regulator on the grill can leak gas which can ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Bed Frames. The Land of Nod, of

Morton Grove, IL is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,600 Blake bed frames. A child’s torso can become lodged in the gap between the footboard’s top rail and the mattress, posing an entrapment hazard to the child.

For more information on these and many other warnings issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, visit www.cpsc.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. 84

TowneLaker | March 2012

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations ABWA-Women Empowered Through Synergy Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Location: J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: abwasynergy@hotmail.com American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: Keller Williams Realty, 220 Heritage Pkwy Contact: Steve Monahan, (770) 712-4077 Website: www.CherokeeToastmasters.com No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday morning at 7:30am Location: Corner Bistro off Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: Stephanie Natarus, (770) 928-2700 stephanie@livinginsured.com Website: http://www.meetup.com/No-Fee Referral-Network-Woodstock North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Location: Zest and Zing, 6687 Bells Ferry Road Contact: Dr. Steve Green, (770) 427-2799 Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 Website: www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377 Website: www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & Third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Barbara Bonatucci, bonatucci@gmail.com Website: www.womenofwoodstock.com Woodstock Business Networking Group Meeting: Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. Location: Atlanta Bread Company on Highway 92 Contact: Lee West, (770) 591-7101 Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Latimer Hall Contact: info@woodstockcba.com

Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hour, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 Website: www.ahimsahouse.org Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika. org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org 86

TowneLaker | March 2012

Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Location: 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org

American Legion Post 316 Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366

Cherokee County Animal Shelter Auxiliary Contact: (770) 704-PAWS or ccasa4paws@yahoo.com Website: www.ccasauxiliary.org

Beta Sigma, Kappa Chi Chapter Meeting: Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact: Maria Kuhn, vccibaker@aol.com or April Bolle, (678) 327-7233

Cherokee County Aspergers Syndrome Support Group Website: www.CCAspies.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115, admin@cchumanesociety.org Website: www.cchumanesociety.org CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS. Cherokee County Special Olympics Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Location: CrossRoads Middle/High School Contact: Colleen Konwick, (770) 517-7101 Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 Website: www.cacadopt.petfinder.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: Candice Knight, (770) 795-9349 Website: www.feedmylambs.net Genesis Adoptions Contact: Lindsay Kirk, (770) 517-0043, Website: www.genesis-adoptions.org Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia. Contact: (770) 345-1879 Website: www.habitatncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com Website: www.hopectr.com Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: Shari Koch, (770) 218-1997 Website: www.hospiceadvantage.com iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 Website: www.iCORorphans.com MUST Ministries Contact: Kim Loesing, (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 Website: www.papaspantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. Website: www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: Chad Arp, (678) 493-4343 Website: www.cherokeesafekids.org The Wildlife Sanctuary — Ellijay, Ga., to advance the conservation of indigenous wildlife species and habitats. Contact: (706) 276-2980 Website: www.thewildlifesanctuary.com

Junior Service League of Woodstock 24 hour information line: (770) 592-3535 Kiwanis Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (678) 494-4841 Website: www.kiwanisofwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766, Lynda @edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meeting: Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch) Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@ southernco.com Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 Sons of the American Legion Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Church Contact: Charles Tucker, (678) 643-0794 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Terry Morrison, (770) 715-3375 Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (770) 926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958 Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: (770) 993-3145 or (770) 926-0627

Civic Organizations

Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158

AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50 and older. Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944

Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663

Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Second Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Holly Springs Train Depot Website: www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: First Saturday at 9 a.m. Breakfast served Location: Lodge at BridgeMill, 10451 Bells Ferry Rd. Contact: (678) 809-1411 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meeting: Second Sunday at 4 p.m. Location: Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Pkwy. Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli (770)592-6545 Website: cherokeeteapartypatriots.org

Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Meeting: Third Tuesday Contact: Carolyn White, (770) 926-6756

Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275

Singles of Towne Lake 35+ holds monthly mixers. Contacts: Lisa, (770) 597-3430 LisaR789@bellsouth.net

Hearing Loss Resource Group Contacts: Cathy, (678) 483-9135 WoodstockSHHH-info@phydeaux.org

Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization. Meeting: Third Sunday at 1 p.m. Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464

JDRF Cherokee Pickens Family Support Group for families of children with Juvenile (type 1) diabetes. Meeting: Second Saturday Location: River Green Subdivision Facilities Contact: Tom, (770) 345-4864, Tom@brushwithart.com

Republican Women of Cherokee County Meeting: Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (404) 747-3353 Website: www.rwccga.com

Support Organizations

Recreation & Hobbies

Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Meeting: First Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Atria, 1000 Professional Way Contact: Atria Woodstock, (770) 926-0119

Airstream Caravan Club Website: http://home.windstream.net/topofga/ Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044

Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131

Allatoona Gold Panners Location: Creeks around Lake Allatoona Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044 rrkelly@bellsouth.net

Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551

Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: Studio 101 101 Emma Lane, Woodstock Contacts: Madeline Hall, (678) 754-8482 www.artsalliance.org

Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: (404) 843-1880

Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 Website: www.addlaughter.com

Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com

Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting First Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: BridgeMill Community Center Contact: Jim Millsap, PIO, (770) 928-8590 Website: www.cherokee-ares.org/ccars Cherokee County Arts Center Meeting Fourth Friday at 10 a.m. Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 Website: www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Saddle Club Meeting Third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Family Tradition, Hickory Flat Contact: Tamma Trump, (770) 655-0819 Website: www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group Website: www.TCCSAG.org Cherokee Fencing Club Meeting: Beginners, Wednesdays at 5 p.m.; Club, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Location: Recreation Center, Main Street Contact: Andy McCann, (678) 494-9750 Website: www.cherokeefencingclub.com Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Melanie Williams, (770) 345-2983 Website: www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Contact: Dan Baldwin, 770-846-4843 Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com

Location: 6683 Bells Ferry Road, Suite H Contact: Ramona Nichols, (404) 735-3647

CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 Website: www.casaforchildren.org Cherokee Autism Spectrum Support Group A support group for families with children on the autism spectrum. Contact: Heidi at hcf67@comcast.net or Renee at mrjperrelli@yahoo.com Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org Website: www.fosteroradopt.org C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org Depression and Bipolar Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: 8534 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: (770) 560-7112, healthymoods@aol.com Website: www.Myspace.Com/healthymoods Emotions Anonymous Meeting: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contacts: Cindy, (770) 928-6554; Sherry, (770) 926-1889 Fellowship of Companies for Christ International Meeting: Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7 a.m. Location: Woodstock Family Restaurant Contact: Randall Hill, (770) 516-5887 Georgia Canines for Independence Meeting: First Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tues. at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7p.m. Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30189 Website: https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Tues. a.m. or Wed. p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: (770) 926-4428, www.fbcw.org Mothers & More Meeting: First & Third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Kroger at Towne Lake Contact: Michelle Wise, (770) 720-8834 Website: www.woodstockmm.com National Alliance for Mental Illness Family Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays, 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Jill, (404) 394-1229 or Patrick, (678) 654-2091 Website: www.nami.org NWAtlantaMommies.com Play dates, mom’s night out, and online support Meeting: Weekly Contact: Stephanie Peterson, (678) 653-1418 admin@nwatlantamommies.com Website: http://www.nwatlantamommies.com Overeaters Anonymous Meeting: Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Location: H.O.W. Place, behind fire station on Bells Ferry Road at Old Bascomb Court Contact: Lois, (770) 592-6421 S.N.A.P. offers resources for children with special needs. Meeting: Second Monday from 10 — 11:30 a.m. Location: 100 Hickory Circle, Holly Springs Contact: (770) 720-4068 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899 Towne Lake Area Moms Group is a newly formed and active group for moms and their babies (newborns to toddlers) Contact: Melanie Website: www.TowneLakeArea.com TowneLaker | March 2012

Reference

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

(770) 345-0400

Parks and Recreation:

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

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

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration

(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (770) 479-0407

Cherokee County Government:

Taxes:

Children/Family:

Anna Crawford Children’s Center Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)

(770) 345-8100 (770) 720-7712 (770) 479-1804 (770) 345-5483 (770) 720-3581 (770) 720-3610 (770) 924-0864 (770) 479-5397 (770) 591-4730 (678) 413-8400

Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)

(770) 926-7155

Georgia State Patrol

(770) 205-5400

Health Department

(770) 345-7371

Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center

Libraries:

Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock

Non-Emergency 911

TowneLaker | March 2012

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

Pets:

Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Lost Pet Hotline (770) 615-3333 Pet Buddies Food Pantry www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org

Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com

(800) 275-8777

Recycling Center

(770) 516-4195

Schools: see www.townelaker.com for complete listing Board of Education (770) 479-1871 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Sheriff’s Department (678) 493-4200 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm Utilities:

Hospitals:

(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100 (770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org (770) 591-1491 (770) 479-3090 (770) 926-5859

(770) 479-3117

Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com A T & T (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power (888) 660-5890

Urgent Care Facility

Wellstar Urgent Care

Woodstock, City of:

(678) 494-2500

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

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6025

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

Sincerely, Your Friends at TowneLaker

The

TOWNELAKER

Community

TowneLaker | March 2012

ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government:

President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)

Senate Russell Courtyard-2 Washington, D.C. 20510 Website: http://chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: http://isakson.senate.gov

Rep. Tom Price (R), District 6

P.O. Box 425 Roswell, GA 30077 Website: http://tom.house.gov e-mail: use contact form on website

(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461

Commissioners: Buzz Ahrens (R), Chairperson

e-mail: lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Harry Johnston (R), Post 1 (202) 224-3521 fax: (202) 224-0103

e-mail: hjohnston@cherokeega.com

Jim Hubbard (R), Post 2

e-mail: jhubbard@cherokeega.com

Karen Bosch (R), Post 3 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999 fax: (770) 661-0768

e-mail: kbosch@cherokeega.com

Jason Nelms (R) Post 4

e-mail: jnelms@cherokeega.com (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570

Cherokee County School System

Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo

Rep. Rob Woodall (R), District 7

P.O. Box 769, 110 Academy St., Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us e-mail: drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us

State Government:

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

Website: www.woodall.house.gov

Governor Nathan Deal (R)

(404) 652-7003 fax: (404) 652-7123

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 Website: www.cherokeega-sheriff.org e-mail: rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

Senator Chip Rogers (R), District 21

(404) 463-1378 fax: (404) 657-9887

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little

State Capitol, Room 111 Atlanta, GA 30334 Website: www.gov.state.ga.us e-mail: chip@SenatorChipRogers.com

Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27

e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov

Rep. Charlice Byrd (R), District 20

e-mail: charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov

Rep. Sean Jerguson (R), District 22

e-mail: sean.jerguson@house.ga.gov

(678) 493-6001

(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602 (404) 656-0126 fax: (404) 463-2793 (404) 656-0287

Cherokee County Courts:

100 North St., Canton, GA 30114 e-mail: slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 8681 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30189

(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236

(678) 493-4200 fax: (678) 493-4228

(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420 (770) 924-4099 fax: (770) 924-9567

Board of Education: Robert Wofford (R), Post 1

(770) 704-4398, x4374

Mike Chapman (R), Post 2

(770) 704-4398, x4372

e-mail: robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Superior Court: Chief Judge Frank C. Mills, III Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea

(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240

State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr. Judge W. Alan Jordan

(678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490

e-mail: janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Magistrate Court: Judge James E. Drane III (R)

(678) 493-6431

e-mail: rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Probate Court: Judge Keith Wood (R)

(678) 493-6160

e-mail: rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Juvenile Court: Judge John B. Sumner

(678) 493-6250

Kim Cochran (R), Post 7 (Vice-Chair) e-mail: kimgcochran@gmail.com

Clerk of Courts: Patty Baker

(678) 493-6511

City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

e-mail: mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Michael Geist (R), Post 3

(770) 928-3315

Janet Read (R), Post 4

(770) 516-1444

e-mail: michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R), Post 5 (Chair)

(770) 704-4398, x4370

Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby

90 North Street, Suite 310Canton, GA 30114

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners 90 North Street, Suite 310 Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokeega.com 90

TowneLaker | March 2012

Rob Usher (R), Post 6

e-mail: dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com (404) 362-1600

(770) 592-7864

(770) 592-6017

Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association (Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas)

(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6013

Douglas Properties

117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188

(770) 926-3086

Spring Free of Clutter continued from page 40

container, then you might need to reconsider if these are really necessary essentials. I travel from room to room with my sorting containers searching through closets, drawers, cabinets, and storage boxes. The most effective way to get this project accomplished is to determine ahead of time which rooms you would like to conquer on a particular day. After the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is complete, dispose of trash immediately, take the donate box to the garage, label and load the storage containers, and deliver items in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find a Homeâ&#x20AC;? box to their proper place. This will help you not second guess your decisions. Now that the clutter has been removed, take a walk around your home with a notebook. In each room, make a specific list of items that need attention. From your lists, once again determine which rooms will get attention on which days. Trying to do everything at once will be overwhelming, so having a plan will allow you to have stopping points throughout the process. With determination and a plan, the process will be over before you know it. Then you can sit back and enjoy the results!

TowneLaker | March 2012

Reference

Towne Lake Homes Sold in January

TowneLaker | March 2012

classifieds Computer Repair 11 Years of IT Experience with industry certification. Residential, commercial, PC Repair in your home or business, wireless security, firewalls, virus removal, OS reinstalls, optimizations & upgrades. Fast response, guaranteed satisfaction & low rates. Call Nerd Patrol for a free quote (404) 697-3300.

For Rent Apartment. $600 utilities included one occupant ONLY on lake (770) 516-2563.

Travel Trailer. 2006 30’ Springdale, sleeps 8, slide out, full kitchen, GREAT condition, $12,500. Call (404) 425-8198.

HELP WANTED Hair Stylists Needed/Booths Available. Best rate in Towne Lake. Ayesha (404) 579-5823. Retail Account Representative Needed. Ability to perform multi-tasks, computer literate, excellent customer service record. Earn $400 weekly. All the applicants should send resume to amo_ techinc@live.com.

Health & Beauty For Sale Estate Sale. Many household items including sofa, desks, chairs, mirrors, pictures, decorative items, antique items, beds. Call for appointment (770) 924-3233.

L’Bri Pure n’ Natural Skin Care is safe, effective, and affordable. Aloe vera is the first ingredient. Order your free 7-10 day supply skin care samples at www.elizhedman.lbri.com S/H only $6.75. Elizabeth Hedman, 678-402-8559.

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Home Services Penny Clean "One Woman Show." Residential, commercial, moving and deep cleans. Reasonable rates, 25 years experience. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. (678) 494-3602. Greg the Painter. Foyers, Bathrooms, any room: Winter Discounts, excellent references. (678) 5317500. Local experienced electrician available for commercial and residential projects. Contact Scott Massey (770) 869-4691 or scott.massey@ yahoo.com Custom Home Decor Sewing. Window treatments, pillows, bedding, etc. Call Caron, (404) 372-1706, www.caroncreates.com Classified Ads WORK! You’re reading them!

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CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THE 10 th FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH'S ISSUE! TowneLaker | March 2012

Reference

Advertisers Directory Attorneys/Legal Services Kathleen McGillick, Attorney at Law Merino & Associates, LLC (770) 874-4600

Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Road (404) 626-9926

Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500

C&T Auto Services (770) 926-4276

Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail (770) 592-8102

Banking/Financial Services Back Cover

Citadel Professional Services, LLC Inside Front (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Suite 440, Kennesaw

Gina M. Cole CPA, P.C. (770) 592-1717

Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 749-7200 www.ccrguys.com

TrustWorkz (770) 615-3275 www.TrustWorkz.com

Automotive

Currie Financial & Tax Services, LLC (770) 635-8631

Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in the TowneLaker

Computers / Web Services

75, Back Cover

Best Possible Mortgage (404) 456-2317

Support Local Business Owners and this Magazine

5 35

Cleaning Services

Dentists/Orthodontists

Elite Nail Spa (770) 926-6222

Hair 718 (678) 905-4081

Salon & Spa Venessa (770) 591-2079

Skin Essentials by Marilyn (770) 928-1314

The Sundance Massage Center (678) 591-5066

The Wild Orchid Salon (770) 924-4010

Dr. Jerry Smith, Orthodontist (678) 905-0300

Fountain View Dentistry (770) 926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 200, Suite A

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260

Home Improvement/Repair & Service

S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS (770) 924-8848

Bryan Plumbing Services (770) 826-5277

Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD (770) 517-0444

Coleman Home Services (770) 294-9667

Towne Lake Family Dentist Inside Back Cover (770) 591-7929 120 N. Medical Pkwy, Building 200, Suite 100 Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554

Education/YOUTh Instruction

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. (770) 974-2390

Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428

Handy Handyman, The (404) 316-1490

Access Education Towne Lake Driving School (678) 494-2200

Mr. Junk 1-877-MR-JUNK1

Bascomb United Methodist Preschool (770) 926-0397

Nelson Painting & Home Improvements (678) 283-8171

Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991

Bits, Bytes & Bots Summer Camp (770)826-0449

Peach State Handyman (404) 324-2372

Image Maids (770) 627-4670

Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044

52, 63

Pike’s Professional Painting (770) 516-0045

Noble Services (770) 363-0303 www.nobleservicesga.com

57, 63

Plumbing Doctor, The (770) 516-9000 Precision Painting (678) 234-9668

Rejoice Maids Service (678) 905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com

The Goddard School (770) 516-0880

Real Estate Renovations & Repairs (770) 480-4823

Health & Beauty

Chiropractors Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation (770) 516-9900 www.discoverrehab.com

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

TowneLaker | March 2012

Amber Klippel, LMT (770) 365-5106 Azure Salon & Spa (770) 345-8280

Big Apple Nail & Spa (770) 516-9996

Bon Vivant (770) 516-9100 www.bonvivantsalon.com

Roswell Woodstock Plumbing (770) 663-0600

insurance Mountain Lakes Insurance (770) 926-9444 www.mountainlakesinsurance.com

Towne Lake Insurance Services (678) 494-8038

Landscaping/Lawn Maintenance Color Magic Group (404) 925-8425

Landscape Matters (770) 403-5813 Lawn Squad (770) 591-4745

33 41

Pet/Veterinarian Services & Supplies Animal Atlanta (770) 591-0007

Animal Hospital at Towne Lake (770) 591-9500

Cherokee County Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA460.html 1015 Univeter Road, Canton

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital (770) 924-6746

Atlanta North Dermatology (770) 516-5199

Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists,PC Cover, 50, 51 (770) 720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

Innovative Health & Wellness (770) 926-4646 www.innovativehealthandwellness.net

Progressive Audiology Center Inc. (770) 592-4744, (706) 253-7244

Rausch Family Practice (678) 384-7305

Rebound Physical Therapy (678) 445-9799 www.ReboundPT clinic.com

Towne Lake Eye Associates (770) 926-2858

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697

Wellstar Medical Group (770) 956-STAR

Woodstock Medical Weight Loss Inside Front (678) 501-5008 www.woddstockmedicalweightloss.com Woodstock Physical Therapy (770) 516-9191

Physicians and Medical Services

Georgia Lung Associciates (770) 514-7550

www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

65 9

John Lutz, PhD (770) 592-9065

Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery (770) 425-7575 111 Marble Mill Road NW, Marietta

Meridian Surgical (770) 704-6101 3755 Sixes Road, Canton

Northside Hospital – Cherokee (770) 720-5100 201 Hospital Road, Canton www.northside.com

Northside Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (770) 928-0016

Pearle Vision (770) 592-7100 9801 Highway 92, Woodstock

Pinnacle Orthopaedics (770) 926-9112

Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242

Butchers Block (770) 517-2225

Chesterfield’s at the Lodge (678) 880-8261

Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills (770) 926-6097

Hot Dog Heaven (770) 591-5605

Izumi Asian Bistro (678) 238-1899 www.iloveizumi.com

Tuscany (678) 453-0888

TwoSome Place (770) 924-4124

Retailers & Miscellaneous Services

Photographers Julee Hester Photography (770) 310-4259

Kim Bates Photography (770) 617-7595

Jack Tuszynski www.photojack.net

Real estate & related services Keller Williams, Kurt & Sheila Johnson (404) 954-2486 www.kurtandsheila.com

Bullock’s Wine & Spirits Warehouse 1050 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock (678) 445-5222 www.bullockswine.com

Back Cover

Prudential Georgia Realty (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953

Recreation and Fitness

Bill Clements— CobbEMC

Cash for Broken Cars (404) 392-7586

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251

First Baptist Church of Woodstock (770) 926-4428

Fun Signs Surprise of Atlanta (678) 756-5105

Master’s Training Center (770) 591-9588

Rotary Club of Towne Lake

Signature Private Jewelry (404) 783-7272

Acworth Art Festival www.acworthartfest.com

Towne Lake Business Assoc.

The Gifted Ferret www.TheGiftedFerret.com

Ember Hot Yoga (770) 485-5583 www.emberyoga.com Etowah Eagles Basketball www.etowaheagles.com/basketball

Etowah Eagles Football www.etowaheaglesfootball.com Steps Dance Center (770) 516-1363

Totally Running (678) 275-2282

Woodstock Wolverines www.woodstockwolverinesfootball.com

Townelaker is Mailed Directly to 14,300 homes in the Towne Lake area

Call Patty for rates & info today! (770) 615-3322 patty@townelaker.com

Woodstock Hippie Shop (770) 517-2620

Restaurants/Food & Drink Bar-B-Cutie (770) 924-9491

61, 63

Seniors Hearthside (770) 852-2225 1561 Stone Bridge Pkwy. www.HearthSideTowneLake.com

TowneLaker | March 2012

Animals & Pets Animal Atlanta

Landscaping 16

Landscape Matters

Lawn Squad

Automotive

Medical & Dental

Aspen Falls Auto Spa

Christian Brothers Automotive

Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

C&T Auto Services

Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery

Park Pediatric Dentistry

Pearle Vision

Towne Lake’s Car Wash & Detail

Cleaning & Home Services

Towne Lake Family Dentistry

Inside Back

Progressive Audiology

Carpet Dry Tech

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy

Image Maids

Woodstock Medical Weight Loss

47 5 Inside Front

Mr. Junk 21 Rejoice Maids 21

Miscellaneous

Health & Beauty Atlanta North Dermatology Big Apple Nail & Spa Bon Vivant Salon Ember Hot Yoga Hair 718 Salon Innovative Health & Wellness Skin Essentials by Marilyn The Sundance Massage Center The Wild Orchid Salon Totally Running

53 48 13 69 35 9 47 52 19 41

Coleman Home Services

Hammock’s Heating & Air

Nelson Painting and Home Improvement

Roswell Woodstock Plumbing

The Plumbing Doctor

TowneLaker | March 2012

Cherokee Computer Guys

Gina Cole, CPA, PC

Park View Montessori

Woodstock Hippie Shop

Restaurants/Food Bar-B-Cutie

Butchers Block

Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills

Hot Dog Heaven

Izumi Asian Bistro

Home Improvements / Repair

Bascomb UMC Preschool

Tuscany

TwoSome Place