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G E T R E S U LT S IN TIME FOR SUMMER

Our programming is based on proven science to ensure our members get the results they ’re look ing fo r. Tr y u s o u t F R E E F O R T W O W E E K S , a n d s e e h o w P L A E H A R D c a n h e l p y o u g e t t h e re s u l t s y o u’re l o o k i n g fo r. C a l l u s a t 6 7 8 . 4 0 8 . 2 2 4 1 fo r d e t a i l s o r c h e c k u s o u t o n l i n e a t p l a e h a r d . c o m .

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

March 2016 Volume 3, Issue 5

Mayor’s Note

Updates on amphitheater, downtown parking plans.

14 Night to Shine

Magical event filled with joy, happy faces and a visit by Tim Tebow.

16 Readers’ Choice

Here’s your chance to support your favorite local businesses.

17 Career Expo

Advisors, local employers will be available to help job seekers.

24 Consignment Sales

Plenty of bargains for thrifty moms in search of a good deal.

30 Summer Camps

Grab your calendars and make plans for adventures for your kids.

53 Eggs-stra Fun

Lots of options for Easter egg hunts to satisfy our youngest residents.

55 Leading by Example

Teens train for their roles in tobacco-free advocacy.

Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Don Akridge

Venéssa Lanier

Around Woodstock

Kyle Bennett

Ann Litrel

Siobhan Brumbelow

Ribbon Cuttings

Dr. Michael Litrel

Michael Caldwell

Rob Macmillan

Birthdays

Irene Macmillan

Community News

Matt Neal

Everyday Angels

Northside Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute 49

Community Calendar

Premier Group

Restaurant Guide

Jim Ray

Faith

Lynn Saunders

School News

Cherokee Office of Economic Development 17 Caitlin Cross

Ann Garvin

Ivan Garcia

Delia Halverson

Dr. Scott Harden

Donnie Henriques

Dr. Jan Henriques

Susan Schulz

Sean Kaufman

Jessica Leigh Smith

Recent Home Sales

Tim Timmons

Advertisers Index

Josh Keenum

www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com

36 & 37 On the Cover

Madisonn Ave. Boutique for girls.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Community

AROUND WOODSTOCK The

From the Editor

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Woodstock

Cherokee County is a great place to live. Our county’s theme Where Metro Meets the Mountains - alludes to the proximity of Atlanta to the south and the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains just north of us. If you still need to be convinced, check out the news tab on the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce website. You’ll see story after story proclaiming good news. “International Company to Relocate to Cherokee County” “Woodstock Named Green City by ARC” “Milestones Tests Results Above State Average” “Cherokee County Cities Make Safest Cities in Georgia List” “Cherokee Poised for Economic Opportunities” But my personal favorite bit of recent news:

2016 Small Business of the Year:

AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. Employees of our small but mighty company are honored to have received this award from the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce during the annual meeting in late January. For 20 years, we have served our community with unparalleled advertising opportunities for local businesses, and positive and relevant articles that inform and unite the residents. A comment by the judges affirms that we are accomplishing our goals: “This award signifies your company’s strength, integrity and willingness to give back to Cherokee County.” Our community support goes beyond sharing information on our printed pages. Between us, we sit on community boards, volunteer hours mentoring youth and filling backpacks for children in need. We serve on committees that work tirelessly to improve our neighborhoods and county. We are in the trenches with you, our readers, working to make our community the best it can be — through our volunteer work and our three publications. This month we bring you more good news about our city’s future. Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques gives a glimpse into 2016 and beyond on page 7. And the Cherokee Office of Economic Development is hosting a career expo, details on page 17, to help those looking for a job or career change. With the lists of summer camps, Easter egg hunts, consignment sales and road trips for seniors, we hope you’ll keep this issue handy and refer to it often. We live in a growing and busy community what a great place to be!

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodstock. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

What’s Coming Keegan’s Public House will be opening in the space formerly occupied by Jump Kitchen Saloon and Bogey’s. Work is just beginning on the site, and an opening date couldn’t be confirmed. www.keegansirishpub.net. A children’s consignment store called Kidoodle is set to open April 11 at 106 Arnold Mill Rd., across the street from the amphitheater in downtown Woodstock. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

What’s New The Woodstock farmers market has a new name: The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market. The 2016 season begins May 7, open for business 8:30 a.m.-noon every Saturday through October. The Tuesday market has been discontinued. The name change was a response to feedback from shoppers who want the market to be the best place to get fresh locally grown produce. Produce vendors will be required to grow at least 85 percent of the product they bring to market.

Kudos! Reformation Brewery was recognized as one of Georgia’s Small Business Rock Stars by the Georgia Economic Developers Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Companies with up to 50 employees were considered for uniqueness and innovation, as well as involvement with their local economic developers and state resource providers. Reformation also made Yahoo’s list of 50 Best Breweries Worth Traveling For.

Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

Brownlee Agency, Inc. 3213 S Cherokee Lane, Building 1700, Unit 1710 Woodstock 800-810-8699

G O

T H E

D I S TA N C E

W I T H

BMW and MINI Specialists 204 Bell Place, Woodstock, GA 30188 770.310.2381 bavarianrepair.com service@bavarianrepair.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in many ways that include serving as contributing writers, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Donnie Henriques has been mayor of Woodstock since 2006, after having served as city council member beginning with the creating of Ward 6 in 1999. Donnie and his wife, Dr. Jan Henriques, have three children and three grandchildren. He works for Northside Hospital-Cherokee in the community relations department. Kris McKeeth is team leader and visionary for The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts that include her position on the Business Board of downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah Foundation. Photographer Darleen Prem specializes in natural light portrait photography and enjoys dog, pet and family photography. She spends much of her time photographing local events for the city of Woodstock and is the official “unofficial” photographer for Woodstock’s fire and police departments. Darleen’s son serves overseas as an Army Military Police Officer. Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church in 2005 and still serves as head pastor. He draws from his experiences in more than 21 years of ministry and 19 years of marriage to challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for better living, loving and laughter. Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive for Window Expert Tinting, volunteers for many committees that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance because of her desire to help create safe and natural trail riding experiences. Suzanne Litrel is a young adult historical fiction author and doctoral student in GSU’s graduate history program. Suzanne resides with her family in downtown Woodstock, which she is very happy to call home.

Woodstock AROUND

Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3322 Controller Denise Griffin Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3315 Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3309 Managing Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3307 Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Market Support Assistant Katherine Amick Katherine@AroundAboutMagazines.com Around Woodstock, 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 Woodstock and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,400 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. See page 72 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock 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 2016. Around Woodstock PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com Powered by

Volume 3, Issue 4 6

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Highlights from Woodstock’s State of the City Address BY MAYOR DONNIE HENRIQUES

Speaking of parking, there are currently Recently, I presented my annual state more than 1,700 parking spaces available of the city address to the city council in downtown, both on the streets and in and then to members of the Main Street lots. However, we have identified more Morning Buzz. This is a recap of the than 150 additional spaces available with accomplishments, project updates and a little work on our part. You should see problems (opportunities) presented in 2015. these developed within the next few The most important item I covered, in months. The parking deck I mentioned is my mind, was the construction start of slated for about 300 spaces. the new amphitheater on the site of the In 2015, the city saw the best year lower park where we held our concert for development, both residential and series. Unfortunately, construction is about commercial, since the great recession 60 to 70 days behind schedule due to the started. This allowed for all departments wet weather we have experienced since A bird’s-eye view of the amphitheater work site. to come in at or under the budget for FY the start of the project. We’ve decided to 2015. In addition, we reduced our debt by over $4 million. postpone the 2016 Summer Concert Series and are planning a There were other items I presented but do not have space to go Veterans Day concert on Nov. 11. Keep checking into. You can read the address on the city website at www.woodstockga.gov for more details and updates. www.woodstockga.gov. We have started the process of developing a plan for the City Here’s to a successful 2016! Center site on the corner of Towne Lake Parkway and Main Street. The city owns all of the former church site and the building on the corner except for Hot Dog Heaven. Ideas tossed around are a new Donnie Henriques started his community service as a City Hall, conference center, possibly a boutique hotel, and most city council member in 1999, and is serving his third term as Woodstock’s mayor. He and wife Jan have three definitely a parking deck. This project will be several years in the children and three grandchildren. making. Again, stay tuned.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Community

Celebrations!

Emma Favors

Alexandra Delacruz-Bedoya

Age 2 on March 7 Happy Birthday Alexandra! We love you! Mommy, Daddy and Luna

Age 2 on March 21 Happy Birthday Sunshine! Love, Mom and Dad

Angelik Rivera

Kinley Christine Gore

Age 5 on March 1 Happy birthday mi Reina. We love you so much and are so proud of you! Tio Luito and Titi Main

Age 2 on March 3 Grandma sends her little Georgia peach hugs and kisses from Edenton, N.C.

Emma Fesperman

Happy 3rd birthday to our sweet little girl! Love, Mommy, Daddy, and baby sister Stella

Aliyah Dunning

Age 8 on March 19 Love you! Mommy and Grandpa Minya

Holden Hunt

Age 2 on March 1 Happy Birthday Holden!! We love you so very much! Mommy, Daddy and Davin.

Nicole Vest

Happy 10th birthday! We love you, and no - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not getting a phone!

Wheeler Hyde

Age 2 on March 27 Happy Birthday! We are so thankful for you!!! Love, Dada, Mama and Grady

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Kate Daniele

Age 9 on March 3 Happy Birthday Cakey! We love you to pieces! Daddy, Mommy and Luke

Samantha

Age 6 on Feb. 22 Happy birthday, Bugsy! Thank you for being you! Love Daddy, Momma and Baylee

Leigh and Danielle Shull

Age 16 on Feb. 23 Happy Birthday Kaitlyn! Love, Dad, Brooke, Luke, Cameron & Savana

Happy first birthday Samantha!

Benjamyn Moreland

Celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary on March 14. To this Pi day and many more with the love of my life.

Kaitlyn Nakutis

Amelia Weir

Age 3 on Feb. 11 Happy birthday to the love of our life! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Gary and Sherry Ketcham Celebrating 50th anniversary on March 25

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! E-mail to: Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com April deadline is March 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Donations for Some Bunny Special

From left, Georgia Kiwanis District Governor Richard Dixon, Bettie Sleeth, Division 15, Georgia Kiwanis District Lt. Governor Bob Binkley, former Kiwanis International President Bill Lieber, and former Georgia Kiwanis District Governor Jimmy McCorlew.

New Kiwanis Chapter Opens in Cherokee The Kiwanis Club of Greater Cherokee was chartered Jan. 13, a process to establish the group as an official club in the eyes of Kiwanis International. Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 8 a.m. at the IHOP on Highway 92 in Woodstock. According to Kiwanis International, club missions focus on a community of volunteers “dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.” Its youth-oriented leadership efforts are geared toward serving children, teens and young adults to develop the leaders of tomorrow and underscore the importance of healthy children as foundational to healthy communities. Club members have raised more than $3,000 and collected more than 60 pounds of food for MUST Ministries, and helped to make sandwiches to feed children during a recent school break. Over the holidays, members rang bells for the Salvation Army. “It is a great honor to serve the community and we have taken the first steps to establish our commitment in that promise,” said chapter President Bettie Sleeth. Other projects will include working with local high schools to develop Key Clubs (focused on developing youth leadership) and helping Cherokee County public libraries with book sales. In February, members participated in Project Valentine, collecting seasonal themed items that were given to special needs clients at Next Step Ministries. For more information, visit the chapter’s Facebook page or email greatercherokeekiwanis@gmail.com.

Jacquelyn’s Rainbow Connection Around Woodstock reader Jacquelyn Brewster contacted us to share photos of an industrious three-month project she just completed. She transformed an ordinary, 40-foot long by 8-foot tall stucco wall bordering her family swimming pool into a work of art she calls “My Rainbow Connection.” With only one oil painting under her belt, she tackled the project in the hopes of bringing special memories to life. Images include an island, sailboat, cruise ship, dolphins and a hot air balloon; each one brings to mind an event in the life of her family. Jacquelyn describes the undertaking as a “fun adventure.” 10

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency is gearing up to collect Easter baskets for the Some Bunny Special program, in which baskets will be delivered to children in need throughout Cherokee County. Donations will be accepted through March 19. The goal is to reach 300 children (150 boys and 150 girls). All baskets MUST be pre‐ filled. Donors can purchase one or create an individualized basket. Baskets should have Easter‐related items only, such as candy, stuffed animals and toys, etc. Donations can be dropped off at the recreation center at 7545 Main St., Building 200, in Woodstock. For more details, call 770‐924‐7768 or email Lindsey Collett at lcollett@cherokeega.com.

Jaipur moves Atlanta Headquarters to Cherokee 75 Corporate Park Jaipur Living Inc., a company specializing in rugs, throws, pillows and more, will be moving its Atlanta headquarters to Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, building a new facility in the southwest Cherokee County park. The relocation will bring approximately 100 jobs to Cherokee with an average wage of $52,000 per year. Founded in 1978 in India, Jaipur went from the humble beginning with only two looms to being known as one of the largest exporters of rugs in India. In recent news, Jaipur announced a partnership with Kate Spade New York to create iconic designs for the well-known brand. Jaipur already has ties to the Cherokee community; Woodstock Furniture Outlet sells its products and, and Jaipur recently partnered with Cantonbased Grant Design Collaborative to create a new line of rugs.

WE’RE CHEROKEE’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WITH AN EMPHASIS ON “COMMUNITY. ” Northside Hospital-Cherokee offers more than the latest medical treatments. Since becoming part of Cherokee County in 1997, we’ve been a devoted member of the community. We contribute to Partners in Education in Cherokee County schools and our physicians and staff have donated more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work to local organizations. In all, we’ve invested millions in local community centers, academic institutions and charity organizations in Cherokee County. We will continue to invest in and support Cherokee. Because it’s our home, too.

Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Community

Neighbirdhood Watch

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Free Tax Help for Senior Citizens

Thanks to TowneLaker reader Judy Malinowski for sending us this great photo of a hawk perched on the top of a street sign in the Arbors. Our feathered friend appears to be on duty, part of a unique patrol assigned to keep the neighborhood safe.

New Festival for High School, Professional Playwrights Elm Street Cultural Arts Village is introducing a New Works Festival, planned for June, that will give high school students and professional playwrights a chance to showcase their work. The juried festival will consist of 10-minute works selected from plays written by local high school students as well as a longer oneact play written by a professional playwright. Works can be submitted on the Elm Street website through March 15. Nominees for the festival will be selected in April. The plays selected for presentation will be announced in April and the final candidates will have their plays read at the New Works Festival in June. Following the festival, the author of the winning entry will get a $500 honorarium and will have the play presented as a curtain show prior to one of Elm Street’s Main Stage productions in the 2016-17 season. “This is such a great chance for young writers to grow in their skills and to share their talent with our community,” Elm Street’s Education Manager Siobhan Brumbelow said. “We hope that many people will take advantage of this opportunity.” To help community members prepare, Elm Street is offering a playwriting class. For more information on the class, visit www.elmstreetarts.org/2016spring-classes-camps/. To submit a play, go to www.elmstreetarts.org/newworks-festival/.

Cherokee County Senior Services and AARP are offering free tax help to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older living in Cherokee County. Assistance is available 1-5 p.m. each Wednesday through April 13 at the senior center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. Day-of registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Remember to bring: • Copy of last year’s income tax return(s). • W2 forms from each employer. • Unemployment compensation statements. • SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits. • All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-b, etc.) showing interest and/or dividends and documentation showing original purchase price of sold assets. • 1099-MISC showing any miscellaneous income. • 1099 R form if you received an pension or annuity. • All forms including federal income tax paid. • Dependent care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number). • All receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions. • Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents.

New Meeting Set to Discuss Mural Last month’s meeting to discuss the new outdoor mural in downtown Woodstock has been rescheduled to March 19, 2-6 p.m. at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main St., outside near the food truck area. Anyone with ideas for the theme and content of the mural is invited to this event. The mural will be painted on the wall of Woodstock Pharmacy facing Mill Street. In September, the Atlanta Regional Public Art Program awarded funding from a competitive grant process for the creation of the new mural in the heart of downtown. Matching funds are being provided by the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. A call for artists has been publicized and the chosen artist will use community input, gathered in a series of events and surveys, to guide the concept of the mural. More information can be found at www.downtownwoodstock.org/mural. 12

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Firefighter Recruit School Graduates 17 Seventeen new fire recruits graduated from firefighter recruit school during a recent ceremony at River Ridge High School. Graduates are: Connor Andrews, William Armstrong, Edibaldo Barajas, Zachery Bennett, Christopher Buckner, Brian Buddin, Jarrod Carchio, James Cornelius, Wesley Daniel, Justin Dobson, Timothy Hicks, Ryan Hixson, Shawn James, Justin Libby, Nathan Pelletier, William Pflugrad and Larry Stephenson III. Libby was given the Pinnacle Award for striving to “reach the top” due to dedication and hard work. Carchio earned the W. Clark Waters’ Jr. Honor Graduate award. Dobson was given the EMS Academic award.

Woodstock Resident is Reserve Sailor of the Year Operations Specialist 1st Class (EXW) Greg Rikel, a member of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Detachment 802 at Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Atlanta, was recognized in December as NOSC Atlanta’s Reserve Sailor of the Year. Rikel, a Woodstock resident, has been a member of the Navy Reserve since 2005. As leading petty officer of his unit’s training and readiness department, he coordinates general military training with the NOSC Atlanta staff. Rikel, a Raton, N.M., native and graduate of Eastern New Mexico University, runs youth sports leagues as the associate director of recreation at First Baptist Church of Woodstock. He joined the Navy Reserve after being seated next to a recruiter on a flight home from a training project for his church. At age 30, he said he thought he was too old to enlist and didn’t think he had anything to offer. Now, he has been judged to be among the best of 1,300 Navy Reservists assigned to Greg Rikel. nearly 30 units in Atlanta.

Public Servants Honored at Commission Meeting Seven Cherokee Sheriff’s deputies, two Woodstock police officers and five civilian employees were recognized at a recent Cherokee County Commission meeting for going above and beyond their everyday service to First row, from left: Woodstock officers Travis King the community. Deputy Jason and Mark Karneol. Middle row, from left: Deputy Lupo, Deputy George Spammer Jason Lupo, Captain Joe Satterfield, Deputy and Deputy Daniel Rowland George Spammer and Lieutenant Mark Anderson. received Life Saving awards. Back row, from left: Sgt. Alex Azaroff, Deputy Daniel Rowland and Corporal Joseph Arena. Captain Joe Satterfield, Sergeant Alex Azaroff, Corporal Joseph Arena and Deputy Daniel Rowland received Sheriff’s Commendation awards. The Sheriff’s Citation for Bravery was given to Lieutenant Mark Anderson, Corporal Joseph Arena and Woodstock police officers Travis King and Max From left: Daniel Westbrook, Gladys Felix, Karyl Karneol. The Sheriff’s Unit Citation award Evans, Tammy Butler and Avram Powell. was presented at the commission meeting to civilian employees assigned to Georgia Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center. Daniel Westbrook, Gladys Felix, Karyl Evans, Tammy Butler and Avram Powell were present to receive the award.

Services Include: • Haircuts and Bang Cuts • First Haircut Package • Fashionable Braids & Up-dos • Mom and Dad Cuts • Themed Parties

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Kids Only Shop • Ribbons, Bows & Headbands • Hair Care Products • Toys 881 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite 104 • Woodstock, GA 30188 678.842.8299 • pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/woodstock AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Feature

A Night to Shine…

Isabelle and Mitch Dillon waltz down the red carpet.

Tim Tebow made a surprise appearance.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

For one evening in February, First Baptist Woodstock was the scene of a VIP event that made national news. Trending on Facebook the next day were photos that captured the pure joy and excitement of the hundreds of very special guests who attended Night to Shine, a prom experience sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation for people with special needs. The Woodstock church was one of more than 200 churches in 48 states and eight countries to host an event. But Woodstock has special bragging rights: Tim Tebow made a personal appearance in Cherokee County to celebrate with the 300-plus special guests. Kathy Dillon, mother of one of the honored guests, describes her family’s experience. “On Friday, February 12, my family and I had our night to shine. Mitch, my 16-yearold son, donned his tux and his sister, Isabelle, wore the prom dress she got for her senior prom. My husband Jerry and I decided to forgo our usual costume of jeans and tennis shoes for a little finer fare. We really didn’t know what to expect. “As we pulled in front of First Baptist

Church Woodstock, there were dozens of people in the parking lot - which was bright with twinkling lights - directing us and cheering us on! As we pulled beneath the portico, a red carpet, roped off for someone very important, awaited perhaps a celebrity, or maybe Tim Tebow himself. Several attendants opened all four of our car doors and the cheering began. They were cheering for US! “Mitch and Isabelle slowly approached the line of cheering fans and the fans got louder. Mitch realized he was the intended recipient of the cheering and put on his show, blowing kisses, raising the peace sign and strutting down that carpet that was meant for someone as special as he is. Upon entering the building, the music was festive, the lights were sparkly and the dresses dazzled. The kids were quickly whisked away by a beautiful young woman named Stephanie. She was their guide and buddy for the night. And Jerry and I were directed to a reception that was prepared for those who care for the prom kings and queens. “As we walked toward our destination, at least 40 people smiled and thanked us for being there, telling us to keep going because

A Night to Remember

we were in for a treat. We were handed a gift bag and name tags and brought into a festive room, with food, music, tables, a dance floor, a photo booth and a DJ. And a lot of our friends. Friends we normally see in therapy office waiting rooms, or doctor’s offices or at school meetings. Tonight we were young and carefree, joking, dancing, eating and winning prizes! “As the end of the evening drew near, we hugged and thanked as many volunteers as we could and made our way back to the prom and our kids. Tim Tebow appeared and had his picture taken with several of the folks there. But he was not the star that night. The stars were all of the shining faces who were treated to this special night, this Night to Shine. “When Mitch goes to a typical dance at the high school, he usually ends up by himself, hanging by the food table, dancing by himself. Night to Shine was all about him! People were focused on making sure he was having a good time, included in all of the festivities and a part of everything going on. I didn’t have to worry about him at all. And he loved having so much attention. He told me he liked eating the food, especially Chic-fil-A, he loved dancing on the escalators, and really enjoyed the shoe shine! The balloon sword was an especially favorite memento. He says he really enjoyed his sword fight with his best friend Andy and his new buddy, Stephanie Miller. She was a shining star for him Friday night” www.timtebowfoundation.org

Dillon family selfie before the event.

Photos Courtesy of First Baptist Church Woodstock. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Community

WELCOME TO READERS’ CHOICE 2016! Here’s your chance to show the love for the businesses that make our community so great. Go to www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com, click on the Readers’ Choice tab on the right of the home page, and cast your votes beginning March 1. Voting ends at 5 p.m. April 15. Just a few things to remember. 1. Your votes will be updated daily to the polling site. Enter the name of the business that you want to vote for if you don’t see it in the listing. 2. If you are voting for a business with multiple locations, please enter the street name and/ or city with the business name. 3. There is no minimum number of votes required for your vote to count. 4. The maximum number of votes allowed per category is five from each computer.

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

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Accountant Attorney Audiologist Automotive Business Support Chiropractor Counseling Day Care/Preschool Day Spa Dentist Education Financial

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Funeral Home Hair Salon Home Cleaning Home Improvement/ Repair Insurance Agent (specify agent) Interior Design Landscaping/Lawn Care Music Lessons Nail Salon Optometrist/ Ophthalmologist Orthodontist Painter Pediatric Dentist Pest Control Physician - General Physician - Specialist Plumber Photographer Physical Therapist Realtor Travel Agent Tutoring Veterinarian

Retailers

Boutique Children’s Clothing Electronics/Appliance Florist Garden Center Gifts/Home Décor Food Market/Grocer Jeweler Music Animal and Pet Supplies Package Store Pharmacy Shoes Specialty Foods Sporting Goods Tires Toys

Recreation and Entertainment Dance Studio Fitness/Health Club Gymnastics Center Music Venue Theater

Career Expo Provides Local Job Opportunities SUBMITTED BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On March 24, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) will host the second annual Cherokee Career Expo, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Labor. The event will take place 2-6 p.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. In 2015, nearly 1,000 job seekers attended the inaugural expo. The parking lot was full before the event doors opened, and droves of applicants streamed into the lobby with résumés in hand. The need for a career expo was identified during the COED’s biannual existing industry survey. “It became clear after speaking with our industry leaders that they could use our help raising awareness for the wide range of job opportunities available in Cherokee,” said COED President Misti Martin. COED officials knew after the event that it needed to take place again, a notion that was reinforced by the Opportunity Cherokee strategic planning process that took place throughout last year. “Cherokee is full of skilled people who would love to work in their home community,” said Marshall Day, COED chairman, “This event is just one step in keeping our local talent local and eliminating the commute that the vast majority of our residents endure every day.” A regional snapshot released by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) projected that Cherokee County will lead the metro region in job growth through 2040. COED

continues recruiting new businesses, but it also understands the value of supporting Cherokee’s existing industries as they grow. “Nearly 75 percent of job growth comes from existing industry,” said Martin. “Creating an environment in Cherokee where existing companies can thrive is crucial in job creation; it goes hand in hand.” COED officials anticipate a similar turnout this year. They encourage Cherokee residents to attend the expo, even if they are not looking for a new career, because it’s a great opportunity to see what is available in their hometown. The expo is also a chance to speak one on one with local employers and get résumé help from career advisors. Attendees who wish to take advantage of this service are asked to bring a copy of their résumé on a flash drive to the event. “We are excited to be able to provide this service for our industries and for our community,” said Day. Visit the COED website at www.cherokeega.org for event details and for a list of participating employers.

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is Cherokee’s leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention and expansion. www.cherokeega.org

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Community

EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community.

December typically has proven to be a big month of giving for Everyday Angels. Our readers recall past features and send their tax-deductible donations in support of those who touched their hearts. Last year’s June feature story of Scarlet Cuello’s near fatal car accident touched many. Because of your generous end-of-year donations, Scarlet is now able to continue her much needed physical and occupational therapy treatments. Insurance limitations had caused her to discontinue her therapy in November. While Scarlet continued to work hard at home on her own, therapy is vital in building her muscle strength and healing, which will allow her to eventually receive a prosthetic arm. Everyday Angels not only

Everyday Angels receives many requests for assistance. We’d like to share this letter, in hopes that together we can assist this sweet family. Everyday Angels will assist her with utility costs and grocery cards.

Scarlet has made great progress with physical therapy since her accident in December.

identifies and shares situations in our community, but ensures that the hard-earned money that you have donated is used wisely. Because of generous readers and Scarlet’s strong determination, she is on her way to a bright future. Check out precious Scarlet, taking a break with her new therapist.

Dear Everyday Angels:

I am writing on behalf of my dear friends who have experienced more than their fair share of trials. They are two of the kindest, compassionate people you will ever meet. They are both in their mid60’s with three grown children and grandchildren who are scattered in different states. They are both hard workers who never wanted to stop working and always volunteered and helped others. Last spring, the husband had a severe stroke resulting in many sudden life changes. His sweet wife had to stop working and care for him all day. His recovery has been slow and his needs are great. Then, over Christmas, one of their children took their life and their two grandchildren have had to move in with them. She is now a constant caregiver with limited funds. It has been difficult watching such great people have to deal with so much. We are simply in awe of this woman’s strength and grace during this heartbreaking stage of her life. When our family gave her groceries for the week, she was tearfully touched. I would love to shower her with grocery cards so Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since she would not have to worry about costs of 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please special food requirements for her husband visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite and her grandkids. If there is anything 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will your organization can do to assist with this 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 effort, we would be grateful. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Friday Night Live Returns to Woodstock BY KYLE BENNETT

In 2007, the Friday Night Live series was started by downtown merchants to give people a chance to visit shops on a Friday night. Folks who work 9-to-5 jobs may find it difficult to visit their favorite Woodstock stores, and staying open late on Friday nights gives them a chance to shop. The event was by no means an instant success. It started small with three stores staying open late, but the merchants didn’t give up and kept working to grow the event. Slowly other merchants started staying open late as well, the idea to have a monthly theme was adopted, live music was booked for the sidewalks and Main Street Woodstock stepped in to handle the organization. With everyone’s hard work, Friday Night Live has become one of the most popular events downtown. One of my favorite times of the year is when we announce the Friday Night Live schedule for the upcoming year. Here is the 2016 lineup. • March 4: St. Patty’s Fest. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as we kick off the 2016 Friday Night Live series. • April 1: Roaring ’20s Night. Travel back in time to the 1920s as the spirit of the Roaring ’20s is celebrated. • May 6: Super Hero Night. Time to celebrate all things superhero related, be it Superman, Batman or the Avengers. • June 3: Havana Night. Will be filled with Samba music, dancing, cigars and the spirit of Havana. • July 1: Dog Days of Summer. Find relief from the dog days and bring your dogs for several dog-related contests. It will truly be going to the dogs on this night! • Aug. 5: Downtown Carnival. A night with clowns, street performers, games and live music. • Sept. 2: ’50s Night. Wear your best style from the 1950s, from slicked back hair to poodle skirts. • Oct. 7: Oktoberfest. Celebrate Oktoberfest by grabbing a brew with your friends and enjoying the evening. • Nov. 4: Hollywood Night. Celebrate all things Hollywood at this Friday Night Live. • Dec. 2: Christmas in Downtown. The spirit of Christmas can be found at Christmas on Main. Perfect chance to Christmas shop and have some fun at the same time. The 2016 Friday Night Live series is presented by Reformation Brewery on the first Friday of each month, March-December, 6-9 p.m. For more info visit VisitWoodstockGA.com or call 770-924-0406.

Kyle Bennett is the director of tourism for the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority. He can be reached at kbennett@woodstockga.gov. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Community

Highest Home Sales Since 2006 Predicted for 2016 SUBMITTED BY THE PREMIER GROUP

The realtor.com® 2016 housing forecast predicts that a mix of new construction homes and gains in the existing home market will result in the highest home sale levels in more than a decade. New construction real estate is expected to grow, with a 12 percent increase in new home starts and a 16 percent increase in new home sales. Total sales for both new construction homes and existing housing stock is expected to reach $6 million for the first time since 2006. Job creation, credit restrictions to affect 2016 housing market There are several factors at play in the predicted “moderate growth” for 2016. • GDP: The nation’s GDP (gross domestic product) has increased by 2.5 percent. • Jobs: U.S. job creation has soared, with 292,000 jobs added in December 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. • Credit: Positive movement in GDP and jobs growth is tempered by diminished access to credit. • Home prices: Another factor tempering growth in the 2016 housing market is a projected increase in home prices.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Who’s buying? According to the realtor.com® report, three key demographics will drive home sales in 2016: Millennials: Home buyers ages 25-34 will comprise the largest demographic of home buyers this year. Neighborhood safety and home quality are of utmost importance to this group—good news for Woodstock sellers, as the city has one of the lowest crime rates in Georgia, excellent schools and a good stock of quality homes. Young Gen X’ers: Since more than two-thirds of this demographic already owns homes, they will be looking to upgrade into better neighborhoods and larger homes with upgraded features. Retirees: The 65-74 age group will also have a hand in driving home sales, with many couples and individuals retiring, relocating and downsizing. This group shows a strong preference for new construction homes, driving the increase in homebuilding expected this year. And more good news for local sellers: the Atlanta area (including the north Atlanta suburbs) is expected to be a top market for both millennial and Gen-X buyers in the coming year.

Elm Street: Creating Memories Through the Arts BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW

I am a very visual learner and I am horrible at remembering things. I am one of those people who walks into a room and doesn’t know why they went in there in the first place. My husband can attest to how terrible my long-term memory really is. When I recall my days in grade school, I remember very little. There are certain coping skills I use in my everyday life, like using songs to remember facts or taking notes to remember what I wrote. I’m sure we all have something we remember from school: a special guest speaker or musical performance, a team activity or competition, a failed science project or a winning one. Whatever the memory, it is a memory and it sticks out in your mind because it mattered to you. It made you feel something and grow an attachment to it or it had such an effect on you, it made you who you are today. I enjoy being creative. I like to sing, I like to write, I like to paint, and I believe those personal attributes can be connected to my educational experiences growing up. One thing I am extremely passionate about is theater. As the education manager of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, I aim to provide creative opportunities that may or may not be available to children in Cherokee County. Arts education places a high value on personal insight and individual achievement and benefits both the student and society, gradually building literacy and reasoning while developing forms of expression and communication. With arts education in mind, I developed a touring troupe in 2007, now called RepTouR, that would provide students and schools an interactive and creative performance for little to no fee. RepTouR has inspired more than 40,000 students to expand their knowledge of literature and creative writing, and encouraged them to apply these skills through self-expression in new media. With the removal of the arts from classrooms, I feel it is necessary as a cultural arts organization to provide opportunities to educate our community. RepTouR Tales is the community’s opportunity to witness this beloved touring troupe in action. This show will contain Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat,” “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” and the troupe’s own wacky version of “Rumpelstiltskin.” The performance will also feature improvised stories created and written by our audience. RepTouR Tales takes place March 12-13 and is family-friendly. We hope to encourage and impact our audiences by making creative memories together.

Arts education places a high value on personal insight and individual achievement...

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

CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK

MAR 12 & 13 Sat/Sun @ 2:00pm

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SUMMER CAMPS

Write, Produce, and Perform your show in one week!

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

Turn Back The Hands of Time BY VENÉSSA LANIER

Wouldn’t we all like to turn back the hands of time? Many women, at some point in their lives, surrender their personal time to a busy schedule filled with family, work, school and community. They leave little or no time for themselves. This month’s makeover model April is a prime example. She is a wife, mother and school coach for her two daughters. She is also a part-time elementary tutor and a pastor. If that schedule isn’t busy enough, she is also continuing her education at Emory University. April never takes time to visit a salon. She told the team at Salon and Spa Venéssa that when she begins to notice gray hairs, she buys a box of color and colors her hair at home. She likes to wear her hair long, but admits that she is several months past due for a shape up and is ready for some suggestions. Due to the porosity of April’s hair, the ends have grabbed the home color she has been using. Her hair is now uneven and two shades darker than her desired color. April showed us a photo of herself from 13 years ago when she really liked her hair. While her bright blue eyes and beautiful smile are the same as in the photo, her current hairstyle makes her looks older than she is. After an in-depth consultation, the salon team was eager to create a new hairstyle for April, while allowing her to relax and enjoy an afternoon taking care of herself. First, salon stylist Ashley Henson cut off 10 inches of April’s hair, keeping the length just below her shoulders. Layers were added to frame her face and open up her neck and jawline, which also added movement and softness. Ashley also gave her long sweeping bangs to bring focus to April’s beautiful eyes. April wanted to brighten her hair and told the salon team that she likes shades of auburn. Before I colored April’s hair, 22

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

a color cleanse was performed to lift out the over-colored ends. The procedure was followed with a deep conditioning treatment. I formulated an auburn-brown color with bright copper tones. She wanted a low maintenance color, so I kept highlights away from her hairline and part. I wanted her hair to reflect light, so I painted light ginger highlights through the sides. I also added a few blended highlights on top, but just on one side, so now she can enjoy highlights depending on where she parts her hair. Our estheticians worked together to complete April’s makeover. Tamara Stokes shaped April’s eyebrows to enhance their natural arch. Amy Chandler showed her a daytime makeup look to bring out April’s blue eyes, and compliment her new hair color. Amy used Aveda’s Indian Sunset Spring Makeup Collection. A peach nectar eyeshadow was applied to April’s eyelid from lash line to eyebrow and then Amy applied desert clay brown to accent April’s eyes at the brow bone crease. After a light application of honey dual foundation powder to even out skin tone, a light blush of peach lights color was used to accentuate April’s high cheekbones. Amy explained to April that we should only apply makeup where it is needed or the areas you wish to enhance. Amy applied spring rose lip pencil over April’s lips and completed the new look with a sun-kissed melon lip gloss. When April saw her finished makeover, she exclaimed, “I did not think I could look so young!” While we cannot turn back the hands of time, we can make time to take care of ourselves.

Venéssa Lanier is the 24-year owner of Salon and Spa Venéssa, which is committed to providing personalized services to guests in a luxurious setting located in downtown Woodstock. www.salonvenessa.com

Expert Surgical Care for the Cherokee Community

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

Treatments offered for: • Hernias

• Skin and soft tissue lesions

• Gallstones and gallbladder problems

• Thyroid and parathyroid disease

• Breast masses and cancer

• Diverticulitis and colon cancer

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernias

• Stomach, adrenal gland, pancreas and spleen disorders

(770) 924-9656 • ncsurgicalassociates.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412, Woodstock, GA 30189 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

Consign ment Sales

Step into your most comfortable shoes, fill up your gas tank and head out into Cherokee and neighboring counties with this guide to help you find bargains on gently-used children’s clothes and toys. Feb. 25-27

March 4-5

Green With Envy Times: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Location: Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, 1321 Atlanta Highway (Highway 9), Cumming Info: www.greenwithenvykids.com

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

All 4 Kids Woodstock Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock Info: http://all4kids.com

Feb. 26-27

Wildwood Kidz-Sense Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Wildwood Baptist Church, 4801 Wade Green Road, Acworth Info: www.kidzsense.org

Feb.28 - March 5

Rhea Lana’s of North Atlanta Times: noon-7 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Location: 1181 Hammond Drive NE, Atlanta Info: www.northatlanta.rhealana.com

March 3-5

Cumming First UMC Times: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 5-8 p.m. Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Cumming First UMC, 770 Canton Highway Info: http://cfumcga.com/kids-consignment-sale/ All 4 Kids Cobb County Fairgrounds Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Cobb County Fairgrounds, Jim Miller Park buidlings A, B and the Equestrian Center Info: http://all4kids.com Due West Treasure Chest Times: 9:30 a.m.-7.p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: 3965 Due West Road, Marietta Info: www.duewest.org

March 4-5

Born Again Blessings Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: Riverstone Church, 2005 Stilesboro Road NW, Marietta Info: www.bornagainblessings.com 24

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

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

March 10-12

All 4 Kids Roswell Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Roswell Town Center, 5000 Commerce Parkway, Roswell Info: www.all4kids.com

March 11-12

Lil’ Blessings Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 North Main St. Info: ww.kfbc.org Angel’s Attic Times: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: John’s Creek UMC, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road Info: www.johnscreekumc.org

March 12

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

March 18-19

Canton First Baptist Kids Sale Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Location: Canton First Baptist Church, 1 Mission Point Info: www.fbckidssale.com All 4 Kids East Cobb/Marietta Times: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Location: Mt. Paran North Church of God, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta Info: http://all4kids.com

April 15-16

Clothing Kids for the Kingdom Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Location: Summit Baptist Church, 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth Info: www.summitchurch.org

Out & About March 4

St. Patty’s Fest. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 6-9 p.m. in downtown Woodstock in the first event of the 2016 Friday Night Live series. www.whatsupwoodstock.com.

March 7

Free community dinner hosted by Woodstock United Methodist Church at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway. Drop in between 5 and 7 p.m. The menu includes a selection of hearty soups, salad, French bread, beverage and dessert. Call 770-516-0371 by noon March 4 and leave a message with the number attending. Donations welcomed to help support the church’s missions. www.woodstockumc.org.

March 10-13, 17-20

“Mamma’s Wake” by Broadway Bound Productions will be performed at the Canton Historic Theatre. Adults $18, students/ seniors $15. Tickets are $18. Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For groups of 10 or more, call 770-720-2698 for pricing. www.cantontheater.com.

March 12

Little River 5K and Fun Run begins with a fun run at 8 a.m. and 5K at 8:30 a.m. at Little River Elementary School, 3170 Trickum Road, Woodstock. 5K entry fee is $20 for pre-registration, $25 same day. Fun run is $15 for pre-registration. For information, contact Heidi Wentz at 770-356-2562 or Heidi.wentz@harrynorman.com.

March 12

Arts and Crafts Show at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, a block south of Main Street in Woodstock. Future show dates are: April 2, May 7, June 4, Aug. 13, Oct. 1, Nov. 12, Dec. 10 and 17. For more details, check Latimer Hall Arts and Craft Show on Facebook.

March 19

Artisans Arts and Crafts Show at His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock. Future show dates are April 23, June 18, Sept. 17, Oct. 29, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. For more details, check Latimer Hall Arts and Crafts Show on Facebook.

March 29

The Percussion Ensemble of Reinhardt University will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center on the university campus in Waleska. The students in the ensemble must learn to perform at a professional level and to rely on each other to perform their pieces. Free, no tickets required. www.reinhardt.edu/fpac.

March 31

Brass Extravaganza will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University. Brass ensembles include brass quintets, trumpet, low brass and full brass ensembles under the direction of Harry Maddox. Free, no tickets required. www.reinhardt.edu/fpac.

May 4

City of Holly Springs Job Fair will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the train depot community center, 164 Hickory Road. Local business owners and recruiters will meet with job seekers. www.hollyspringsga.us. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

How Youth Assembly Impacted My LIfe BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

At my age, I’m often asked what sparked my interest in running for office. After four years in the legislature, I’ve gotten rather practiced at answering this one. I start by explaining that I’ve never had a family member elected to public office, that I wasn’t a political science major and that I didn’t grow up dreaming of being president of the United States. The fact is that I have always been a bit of a nerd. History has always been an interest of mine, so much so that I spent days sitting in the gallery of the House of Representatives during the legislative session watching the members just to be a part of it. The Great American Experiment unfolding before me was something I didn’t want to miss. This simplified story doesn’t give proper attention to a program that had a major impact on my interest in state government. In high school, I became a member of our school’s Y-Club. Y-Club is a program within the YMCA that sets up chapters in local high schools and gives students an opportunity to learn leadership skills with hands-on practice. My favorite part of Y-Club was a program called Youth Assembly, which started in 1946 and has provided a unique opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to take part in the legislative process. Students from across Georgia converge on Atlanta for a long weekend in a model U.N.style faux General Assembly. The students are divided into groups: House, Senate, Judiciary, press corps and lobbyists. There is even a youth governor (and other constitutional officers) elected by the students for the next year. In my time with the Youth Assembly, I was able to be a member of both the House and Senate.

Students from across Georgia converge on Atlanta for a long weekend in a model U.N.-style faux General Assembly.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

This involved time in the actual seats in the House and Senate chambers debating legislation drafted by other members and exchanging legislation with the opposing body. We experienced firsthand the frustration of committee processes, the excitement of floor debates (which were admittedly more heated and exciting than parliamentary law tends to allow the real thing to become) and the accomplishment of a gubernatorial signature. It was a truly special learning opportunity. Countless members of this program have held positions of influence in our state and around the globe. Other alumni include U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson and former Gov. Joe Frank Harris. My colleague, state Rep. Buddy Harden, also spent time in Youth Assembly years ago. My favorite alumna is my wife Katie. We were both in the program together as high school sweethearts. Fast forward to today and I am doing all that I can to continue to support this great program that gave me my first glimpse into state government (both the wonders and the pitfalls). I am currently serving for the third year as the finance chairman for the YMCA’s annual fundraising drive in Cherokee County. If this is a program that sounds interesting to you or a loved one, or if you’d like to support this cause with a financial gift, please feel free to reach out. It’s something that Katie and I will continue supporting whenever we can. It has been a major influence on my life, and I look forward to seeing the next generation of leaders that it produces. If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. You can also meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly!

Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov

Gearing Up for November Elections BY CAITLIN CROSS

The presidential election seems to be stealing the limelight from our races in Cherokee County; civilians may be more focused on what Donald Trump has to say on foreign policy and Hillary Clinton has to say on Benghazi rather than on what is happening in our back yard this November. The qualifying period for local elections is March 7-11. A general primary election will be held May 24 for U.S. Senate and U.S. Representative District 11 posts, as well as these local offices: state senator districts 14, 21 and 56; state House of Representatives districts 20, 21, 22, 23 and 46; county commission districts 2 and 3; chief magistrate; clerk of courts; coroner; probate judge; sheriff; district attorney; superior court judge; tax commissioner; surveyor and board of education (acting chairperson, as well as one board member each for districts 1 and 2). The only two positions that will be elected May 24 are superior court judge and state court judge. To some citizens, local elected offices are only relevant when they are standing at the voting machine deciding which name to choose. Typically voters have little prior knowledge about the candidates or the offices they want to fill. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look at the jobs of state court judge, chief magistrate, clerk of courts, probate judge, district attorney and tax commissioner. A state court judge deals with cases in a certain jurisdiction or division of the state. The county is divided into three

jurisdictions, each presided over by a state court judge who deals with criminal cases or civil cases as defined under state law. Chief magistrates have many of the same duties as state court judges. The primary difference is that they work only on civil cases within Cherokee County. The role of clerk of courts is to maintain efficiency in the courts through organization and speed of the trials. Typically the clerk works with the chief magistrate, tracks the number of cases and manages court records. Probate judge is a position that involves responsibilities ranging from permitting fireworks displays to validating contents within a will. A probate judge works with families that have recently deceased members or mental health issues. An occupant of this position must have compassion for these families, but cannot make decisions based on bias. The district attorney prosecutes all felony offenses (crimes that carry a minimum punishment of one year or more) for Cherokee County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I handle murder and other complex cases, advise my continued on page 61

Caitlin Cross, 17, is a senior at Etowah High School. She plans to attend Kennesaw State University in the fall.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

Rob’s Rescues

This dog’s name is Suzie. She is 8 years old. She lets you hold her. Suzie was an owner surrender. She really wanted to jump on my lap and she followed me around. She also listens very well. She is a Chihuahua mixed breed. This cat is Heather. She is free to adopt. She is 2 years old and likes other cats and humans. She meowed the first three times I petted her. I went to visit Dr. Good. I watched him do an operation on a dog’s ear to treat a hematoma. I asked him these three questions: How do you help dogs and cats? Dr. Good: First, I am a vet. I treat sick and injured animals. I get them healthy and help them stay healthy. I also founded the Homeless Pets Foundation. The goal of this organization is to rescue animals and foster them and find homes for them. Part of this organization is the Homeless Pet Clubs, which educates schoolchildren starting at 4 years old about animal rescue and how to properly care for animals. I have big plans for Homeless Pet Clubs and want to get them into as many schools, businesses, and communities as I can. I also am involved in something called the Underhound Railway, which helps move animals from the South to the North to find homes. How many cats and dogs do you save every year? Dr. Good: One thousand plus. Through Pet Clubs and partners many more. Awareness and education is key. If an animal can be pulled into a club it will not be euthanized. How many helpers do you have? Dr. Good: In rescue I am aiming for 1 million helpers to tell the story of shelter animals. The more people that can foster and arrange clubs in the community the more animals can be saved. When I was there I saw a dog that a lady had found on the side of a road and he was very dirty and full of fleas and she brought him to Dr. Good’s office. They cleaned him and called him Charlie and he will be adopted through Homeless Pet Clubs.

Rob’s Rescues

I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com.

now has a Facebook page!

A Big, Bold Blessing BY IRENE MACMILLAN (ROB’S MOM)

Synchronicity (what a beautiful word) is the extraordinary concept of the coming together of inner and outer events in a way that can’t be explained by cause and effect and that is meaningful to the observer. CNN recently covered it in a report titled, “The Other Side: Where Do Coincidences Come From?” An experience of synchronicity can be jaw dropping, out-of-this-world amazing. My experience of it recently was not, but the result could be. A friend shared a Facebook post by Love What Matters. It spoke of blessing bags that can be kept in your car and handed out to people you see in need on the street. Blessing bags can be large resealable bags stocked with items such as gloves, thermal socks, beef sticks, crackers, candy bars, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wipes, deodorant and other items that might be helpful to someone who is homeless or in a bad way. 28

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

My friend took the concept further by suggesting it should be extended to dogs, too. A bag with a treat, an easily opened can of food or a small bag of dry food, a little bottle of water and perhaps a small blanket could provide a touch of kindness for a dog. Yes! Definitely kindred thinking. But in our rather protected, homogenous suburban lives—how often do we come across the people and animals who could really benefit from a blessing bag?—I tucked the thought away for possible future exploration. A later scroll through Facebook presented a post by Pet Buddies Food Pantry (www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org), an organization that provides spay/neuter, medical care and food to pet owners who can’t afford it, thus attempting to reduce shelter surrenders of family pets due to economic woes. This was the post, presented along with a photo of a man and his two pups: continued on page 61

How Should You Respond to Market Correction? SUBMITTED BY IVAN GARCIA

As an investor, you may be gaining familiarity with the term “market correction.” But what does it mean? And, more important, what does it mean to you? A correction occurs when a key index, such as the S&P 500, declines at least 10 percent from its previous high. A correction, by definition, is short-term in nature and has historically happened fairly regularly – about once a year. However, in the past several years, we’ve experienced fewer corrections, so when we have one now, it seems particularly jarring to investors. How should you respond to a market correction? The answer may depend, to some extent, on your stage of life. • If you’re still working … If you are in the early or middle parts of your working life, you might not have to concern yourself much about a market correction because you have decades to overcome a short-term downturn. Instead of selling stocks, and stock-based investments, to supposedly “cut your losses,” you may find that now is a good time to buy more shares of quality companies, when their price is down. Also, you may want to use the opportunity of a correction to become aware of the need to periodically review and rebalance your portfolio. Stocks, and investments containing stocks, often perform well before a correction. If their price has risen greatly, they may account for a greater percentage of

the total value of your portfolio – so much so, in fact, that you might become “overweighted” in stocks, relative to your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. That’s why it’s important for you to proactively re-balance your portfolio – or, during a correction, the market may do it for you. To cite one aspect of re-balancing, if your portfolio ever does become too “stockheavy,” you may need to add some bonds or other fixed-rate vehicles. Not only can these investments help keep your portfolio in balance, but they also may hold up better during a correction. • If you’re retired … After you retire, you may need to take money from your investment accounts – that is, sell some investments – to help pay for your cost of living. Ideally, however, you don’t want to sell stocks, or stock-based vehicles, during a correction – because when you do, you may be “selling low.” (Remember the most common rule of investing: Buy low and sell high. It’s not always easy to follow, but it’s still pretty good advice.) continued on page 61

Financial advisor Ivan Garcia has lived in the Woodstock area for 17 years. He joined Edward Jones in 2007. Ivan can be reached at 770-926-0105 or ivan.garcia@edwardjones.com.

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Lifestyle

Parents, head off those choruses of “I’m bored!” and start planning some fun summer activities for the kids. Local day camps fill up quickly, so register early.

Art of Living at Community of Hope

Canton Golf Club Junior Golf Camp

Art camp 9 a.m.-noon for ages 7-12. $135 for five-day camp, $85 for three days. For details and dates, call Patricia Reeves at 770-479-6961. www.patriciareeves.com.

Learn the fundamentals of golf with PGA Class A instructor Craig King. For ages 7-16. Games and prizes, snacks and beverages provided. Cost is $165. Call or text for dates and times 404-285-7557.

Brainy Bytes Technology Camps

Cherokee YMCA

Weekly half-day and full-day camps start June 6. Children are supplied with everything they need to create video games, movies, 3D printed objects, robot battles and more. Locations in Woodstock, Acworth and Roswell. 770-826-0449. www.brainy-bytes.com.

Camp Splash Gold Swim School camp dates June 6-July 22, 9 a.m.5 p.m. for ages 4-12. There will be a different theme each week. Daily schedule includes: swim America swim lesson, arts and crafts, fun swim, outside games, keep fit and movie time. One week is $265 (includes T-shirt and goodie bag), multiple weeks $250 each. Second or more children per family receive 10 percent discount. Registration fee of $20 per camper required for new Gold Swim customers only. Camp fees are non-refundable. $85 daily drop in rate if space is available. Downtown Woodstock at the Woodstock Aquatic Center 103 Arnold Mill Road. 770-5911998. www. goldswim.com.

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Campers ages pre-K through 10th grade will have the opportunity for day camp experiences with highly trained staff on 225 acres on Lake Allatoona or at the indoor YMCA in Canton. Activities include water skiing, canoeing, arts and crafts, rock climbing, archery, horseback riding, mountain biking, little princess and Jedi camps, and more. Registration opens March 1 for weekly sessions May 31-July 29. Scholarships available. 770-345-9622. www. cherokeeymcaregistration. com.

Dance Imagination Fairytale Ballet for ages 2 and older 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily, June and July. Hip Hop camps for ages 5 and older in June and July. Registration begins in April. Located at 119 Mill St., Woodstock. info@ danceimagination.com. 678-445-2731. www. danceimagination.com.

Elm Street Drama Camps

Kids Time Academy

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village camps are taught by trained counselors who introduce children ages 5-14 to the world of the theatre. Campers develop poise, movement, speaking and acting skills as they explore improvisation, theatre games, character development and many other skills. Sessions available weekly June 6-July 29. Junior division for ages 5-7, senior division for ages 8-14. 678-494-4251. www.elmstreetarts.org.

Adventure and Exploration Camp has weekly themes with field trips and activities for ages 4-12. Camp includes full meal plan. 9562 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. www.kidztymeacademy.com.

Georgia All-Star Gymnastics Day Camp Children will participate in gymnastics, arts and crafts, outdoor and indoor games, sprinkler time, watch movies, and have quiet time to read, rest or play alone. Children need to bring a snack for the morning and afternoon, and a sack lunch. Drinks will be provided. Sessions are held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekly May 31-July 29. Half-day and full-day rates available. 105 Arnold Mill Park, Woodstock. 770-516-2654. info@ga-allstars.com. www.ga-allstars.com.

Camp Gideon The Christian camp on Lake Allatoona offers Impact Youth Leadership camp (ages 12 and older) June 18-24. Discovery Day Camp for ages 5−11 is June 20-24, June 27-July 1 and July 4-8. Overnight camp for ages 7-13 is July 11-15 and July 18-22. Costs vary. Camp Gideon is in Acworth at 3545 Walden Lane. www.campgideon.com.

Green Acres Equestrian Center’s Summer Horseback Riding Day Camp Learn horsemanship and English riding skills. Enjoy arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, friendships and more. Weekly camps May 30-July 29 (except week of July 4), 9 a.m.−2 p.m. Monday−Friday. $375 per week if registered by April 30, then $395 per week. Register at greenacresonline.com. 354 Bluebird Acres Road, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-517-5154. greenacresonline@bellsouth.net

Paper.Scissors.Cake The children’s art studio will offer mixed media camps for children ages 6-12 that include time for sketchbooks and stories, painting, drawing, collage, assemblage and more. Also available, toddler camps for children 20 months-3 years and preschool camps for children 3 ½-5. Call 404-867-1630 for camp dates. 6687 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Check Paper. Scissors.Cake’s Facebook page.

Safety Town Offering two 9 a.m.-noon sessions, June 6-16 and June 13-17. Each day focuses on a different safety message: water, fire, strangers, school bus, poison, traffic and pedestrian safety. $75 fee includes T-shirt and daily snack. Participants need to bring a bike helmet each day. Bascomb Elementary School in Woodstock. www.cherokeecountysafetytown.org.

Soccer Camp Nuno Piteira’s Soccer Experience (NPSE) June 9–12 and June 23–26. Junior division, ages 9-12; senior division, ages 13-17. Cost for overnight camp $510, commuter camp $450, overnight elite camp $545, elite commuter camp $495. The elite camp is for the technically advanced academy or select player that has been playing for two years or more. The curriculum is more challenging, as is the competition for the week. Each camper will receive a NPSE T-shirt and shoe bag at check-in and a written evaluation from their coach at check-out. Camps are hosted by Reinhardt University, Waleska. 770-640-1588. nuno@soccerexperience.net.

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Lifestyle

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. Canyons American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern Modern no $$ $$$ open Full bar 8 persons + 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican no $ $-$$ open Full bar yes 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 Hot Dog Heaven American no $ no open no no 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no Fri./Sat. $$ open Full bar yes 380 Chambers St. only 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no $$ $$ open Full bar no 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no Weekends 315 Chambers St. only 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer no 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas Southern Sunday no $$$$ open Beer/Wine yes 108 Arnold Mill Rd. Brunch 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com Pure Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. $$ $$ open Full bar 6 persons+ 405 Chambers St. Brunch 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood Seafood Sunday $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar yes 8670 Main St. Brunch 770-627-3006 Salt Factory Pub Gastropub no $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar no 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 Tea Leaves & Thyme English no $$ no closed no yes 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 Tea room tealeavesandthyme.com

Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Village Market & Cafe 490 Chambers St. 678-831-2707 Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

American European

$-$$

open

Beer/Wine

limited

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

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

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

Make Applying to College Easier – Part II BY JIM RAY

We started this article in the January 2016 issue, and would like to continue with some tips designed to help you organize your college application process. Ask anyone over the age of 30 how important getting off on the right track can be, and you may get an earful! Start the application process early. You’ve likely heard this a thousand times, but we can’t stress enough how important it is to start early. Instead of cramming everything into one long exhausting ordeal, you can spread it out into manageable increments of time. Designate an hour several times a week, or time on the weekends, until everything is done. Choose what works best for you and your family, but don’t put it off. Don’t be afraid to choose so-called unoriginal admissions essay subjects. It’s not the subject of your essay that matters, but the content. Nearly any subject can be personal, interesting, and applicable to college, as long as it’s well written. The best traits a college applicant can portray are character, commitment and leadership. Throughout every part of the process, find ways to convey who you truly are. And don’t forget that even the smallest things count; just because you weren’t student body president doesn’t mean you didn’t lead in other ways. That being said – don’t lie during the admissions process. Colleges ask for proof about everything, and eventually lies get

revealed. Save yourself the time and grief by telling only the truth. Don’t fret the mistakes. Inevitably they will happen, and you’ll notice them after the application has been submitted. Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world; nearly everyone makes at least a few minor mistakes. However, if you double and triplecheck your work, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you did your best. Just don’t leave large sections empty or forget to answer important questions. Understand that in the end, whatever happens is meant to be. As cliché as it sounds, sometimes life leads you in the direction you’d least expect. Don’t take it too harshly if you’ve been snubbed by your dream school. If things don’t work out the first time, it often means you’re intended to pursue other dreams. Perhaps you’ll fall in love with a different college in a more convenient location. Maybe another school will offer better coursework toward your major, or will have better funding options. Whatever the case, don’t give up; having a good attitude in spite of rejection will get you far in life.

Jim Ray, president of J Ray CPA, PC, a full-service CPA firm, has an office in Woodstock as well as virtual offices. 404-994-5102. www.jraycpa.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

Woodstock Teen Keeps Busy with TV, Movie Roles Evenings and weekends for Jonah Bowling, a 15-year-old River Ridge High School student, may look a bit different from other teenagers. Jonah often can be found rehearsing lines with his mom Jennifer, auditioning for a television or movie role he has his eyes on, or working on a movie set. Jonah has been successful in landing movie and film roles, without the help of an agent. His mom credits him with keeping up with casting calls and chasing after the ones he feels are a good fit for him. “It’s as if he has a job and actually gets paid to do what he enjoys,” she said. And he does it with no agent. “It’s a challenge getting him to the set on days he films. That can be short notice. With the help of grandparents, mom and dad, he seems to always work it out,” Jennifer said. Last year, Jonah booked a speaking role as the flight school boy in the upcoming movie “Mena” with Tom Cruise. He worked on films and televisions shows with Owen Wilson and Glenn Close, and is part of Fellow actor Skyler Brown with Jonah; they a songwriting project portrayed prisoners on a show for NBC.

for a teenage musician from the show “Dance Moms.” His latest out-of-town job was filming an upcoming movie with Kate Mara. “Many jobs require early morning arrival and can be long distances _ anywhere from Atlanta to Charleston. Jonah’s had a busy year: auditioning for acting jobs, filming in uncertain and stormy weather conditions (his grandpa can vouch for that) and spending long days Jonah on set with Owen Wilson. on set. He has been able to travel to sets all over Georgia as well as several out-of-state. It was an exciting day when his 81-year-old grandfather got to meet and talk with Glenn Close on set. You never know what’s going to happen, or who you are going to meet,” Jennifer said. Before entering the movie industry, Jonah was in several performances at a local theater. During his spare time, Jonah enjoys song writing, running, and volunteering to help special needs students. He hopes to continue acting and someday land a starring role in a regular series. “Jonah has never met a stranger, and he enjoys meeting new people, especially those experienced in the world of acting,” his mom said. “Jonah’s story shows that with hard work and a little help from social media [he finds casting calls listed on Facebook], anything is possible in the entertainment industry.”

Becoming An Actor: Body and Voice BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH

I have shared most of what you need to know to get started in the acting business. Now I want to talk about what it takes to sustain a career. One of the most important things you can do is take classes and always be learning. However, while acting training is important, you also need what we call body and voice technique. It’s logical if you think about it: if you want to play any instrument, you have to practice daily. If you want to play any sport, you have to practice that sport daily. In acting, your instruments are your body and your voice. You don’t have to be “Hollywood skinny,” but you do need to feel strong in your body. Stamina allows you to spend long hours on set or on stage. A strong core will give your voice power. And regular cardio exercise will build lung capacity. You also need to care for your voice. You may want to cut down on harmful foods like dairy, which causes excess phlegm in your throat. Cutting out excess sugar will help keep your skin clear for close-ups (the make-up artists will thank you). Regular vocal exercises will keep your voice strong and clear so you can be understood. Also, consider reducing or eliminating any dialect you may naturally speak. I am certainly biased, but I do believe the Southern dialect is the most beautiful in all of America. However, if you speak with 34

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a Southern dialect and cannot lose it on command, you will be limiting yourself to only Southern roles. However, if you can speak with a non-regional dialect, you will open up acting possibilities. There are many ways you can work out your acting muscles. For body, get into or maintain a strong exercise regimen. It also can be helpful to start something new. For example, test your body with a dance class. If you’re a dancer, get into a softball league. Open your body up to new movements so you know what you are capable of doing. Google “acting vocal” and you will find warm ups, exercises and techniques. If you want to work on a non-regional dialect, find a dialect coach who can give you daily workouts and teach you the correct sounds. And best of all, you can join an actual body and voice type class. You will connect with others who are serious enough about this career to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Cherokee County with her family. Jessica is also an actress and producer. JessicaLeighSmith.com and Facebook.com/NotFinishedInc.

Do We Have Enough? BY MICHAEL LITREL, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

When my son Tyler was 15 I brought him with me on a church mission trip to Honduras. It seemed an inspired idea: I was seized with a vision of him forsaking his Xbox for a transformative week of caring for poor people in a third world country. Twenty of us boarded the plane headed for rural Central America. Our physical task was to repair homes. Our spiritual task was to learn and teach about God’s love. Tyler was shocked by the poverty. Forty people lived in the remote village in mud and stick huts. They had no running water or electricity. Wandering the village were dogs so emaciated you could count each rib. Over the days that followed, Tyler took me aside several times to sort through his feelings. How could we have so much at home when others in the world have so little? I was proud to see him growing up and asking the right questions, but as it turned out he was still an obtuse adolescent. On the last day, we faced a grueling three-mile hike through the steaming jungle to the work site. Tyler assured me he had filled all our water bottles. But when we arrived, I discovered only three of the eight bottles were full. Tyler had gotten lazy and just hadn’t bothered. I was livid. We had an entire afternoon of physical labor ahead. Don’t you realize we have four THOUSAND pounds of

cement to mix? How can we work without water? Blah, blah, blah… I’m sorry, DAD!!! I GET it! Tyler threw up his hands in exasperation. I could tell Tyler was more angry than sorry. But I stopped and sulked away, muttering dark thoughts under my breath. I had been proud that Tyler had chosen to come; he was the youngest in the group by five years. Heaven knows it was gratifying to see his hands finally off the game controller and wielding a shovel full of dirt. But I didn’t want to hear any adolescent fibs about filling water bottles. Our project was replacing a hut’s dirt floor with cement. Twenty bags of mix had already been carried to the site. The tasks were to carry buckets of water from the stream, mix the cement on the ground, carry the wet cement into the hut, or lay down the floor. There were eight of us. It was back-breaking work.

continued on page 61

Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS is board certified in the subspecialty female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He is a board certified urogynecologist and obstetrician/ gynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

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102 Fowler Street Woodstock, GA 30188 770-575-9481 Madisonn Ave.

A Fashion Wonderland for Girls

here’s a little cottage just off Main Street in Woodstock that has been transformed into a fashion wonderland for girls looking for their own special place to shop. Madisonn Ave., which opened in December, is the city’s newest boutique with trendy and classic styles for girls sizes newborn to 14. For years, boutique owner Jodi Tiberio has offered women a wide selection of affordable and boutique-style clothing at two Branches stores in downtown Woodstock and Towne Lake. Her other stores, Brooklynn’s in downtown Woodstock and Town Center Mall, are packed with legions of dedicated shoppers of all ages. Brooklynn’s is known for it’s broad reaching product lines catering to what’s hot in The South. The preppy, boho and country styles are all represented in these popular stores. Now the granddaughters, daughters and sisters of Branches and Brooklynn’s customers have Madisonn Ave. as their own special shopping destination. “The concept of the store was born from parents saying, ‘I wish there was something like this for younger girls, with the same type of stylish clothes,’” Jodi said. “A lot of little sisters want to dress like their big sisters, and their moms are tired of the big box stores that carry clothing for young girls. I’ve been hearing this for years and decided to do something about it.” Madisonn Ave. offers the latest styles and trends for girls from newborn to tween. Jodi has filled the boutique with clothing items that are ageappropriate, guaranteeing shoppers will find items that the girls will like and that moms will approve, because as most moms know, that can be difficult. Customers are greeted with a colorful, fun display for tween girls

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Events when they walk in the front door. The rest of the rooms are filled with clothes for newborns, toddlers and smaller girls. Crafts, fun bath and body items, and gifts for birthdays and baby showers are also plentiful. “It’s pretty and makes you feel good when you walk in. The girls are so excited to have a place to shop in downtown Woodstock,” Jodi said. It’s especially meaningful to Jodi to see girls shopping with their grandparents. Jodi’s grandmother owned a boutique and has long been her inspiration. Dorothy, her grandmother would come in and work with Jodi until she died four years ago at age 97. “Everyone knew her - we called her Miss America,” Jodi said. “We were very close and I learned a lot from her. She was always my mentor and my best friend. She would be so proud of me. She would be tickled to see my family so involved, too. I love it when grandmothers come shopping with their granddaughters.” At Madisonn Ave., shoppers will find clothing that’s unique and reasonably priced, southern style, modest and age-appropriate. Prices vary from very affordable to a bit higher for special occasion clothing. Be sure to LIKE Madisonn Ave. on Facebook for updates; Jodi keeps the Madisonn Ave. Facebook page updated with announcements of new shipments of clothing and special events.

MARCH 26: NOON-5 P.M., The Little Red Barn. Bring your camera and visit the baby animal petting zoo, which will include baby chicks, rabbits, goats, pigs, lambs. Kids can feed and hold animals. Photo booths will be set up for fun photographs. SOAPY SUNDAES: Each Sunday in March, make Soapy Sundaes sugar scrub or soap that looks like ice cream with sprinkles. Also make your own lotion with different layers of colored lotions. Free with a purchase.

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Lifestyle

Senior Sense: Gossiping and Bullying BY DELIA HALVERSON

Do you remember the game we played as children called “Gossip?” We sat in a circle and someone started by whispering a sentence in the ear of the person next to him or her. That person whispered it to the next, and on and on around the circle. You were not allowed to repeat the sentence more than once. We were amazed how the sentence changed after it had gone around the circle. That children’s game brought many laughs. But it’s no laughing matter when someone is the subject of gossip. Actually, gossiping shows a lack of maturity, but it’s so hard not to pass on juicy information we’ve heard, whether we know it as a fact or not. Even if we know it to be a fact, maturity should keep us from passing it on just because we know it. My mother always told me, “Don’t say anything about anyone, unless you can say something nice.” I told my children that tattling on other children was generally not a good thing. Perhaps that’s some form of gossiping. But I did tell them that if it involved someone being hurt or property getting damaged, then it was not only acceptable, but also important to tell someone in authority. Too often, we as adults use gossiping as a way to build our own self-esteem. If we can tell something a little shady or

inappropriate about someone else, then we lift ourselves up a little higher on the ladder. But we should be able to stand on our own instead of putting someone else down in order to build up our self-esteem. Bullying has become a frequent subject in recent years, but it happened when we adults were children, too. Social media has made it very easy to gossip and bully without actually being face to face with a person, and sarcastic remarks are actually a form of bullying. We adults just label it differently. I was bullied when I was a child because I was very tall and thin, and I developed late. In fact, I was a Twiggy in the Marilyn Monroe era. I’ve tried not to gossip, but sometimes it seems that I have to get some thoughts about a person out of my mind. Is that gossiping? I’m not sure, but I can be sure if I follow my mother’s instructions to say nothing, unless I can say something nice.

Delia writes books and leads workshops internationally. She and her husband settled in Woodstock after living in eight states. Their children and grandchildren live nearby.

UGMA & UTMA Accounts

Vehicles designed to help you amass college savings and make gifts to minors. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

If you want to save for college, you may wish to consider a UGMA or UTMA account. These custodial accounts are typically created by parents and other relatives who want to gift minors without having to set up a trust. Many parents and grandparents create UGMA or UTMA accounts as college savings vehicles. You can invest for a child’s education while transferring income-producing assets to that child (and their presumably lower tax bracket). UGMAs were created by the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), which allows a donor to irrevocably gift cash and securities to a child or teenager. The parallel Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) created the UTMA, which extends the UGMA parameters: a UTMA lets minors receive gifts of art, real estate, patents and other non-securities assets.1,2,3 UGMA and UTMA accounts address a minor concern. You may be thinking, “Well, I know outright gifts to a minor aren’t subject to federal tax, so why set up a UGMA or UTMA? Why don’t I just gift the money or securities outright?” Do you really want to do that? You probably want some control. Most likely, you don’t want your teenager buying and selling securities—and neither do brokerages. And in many states, minors are not allowed right of contract, and therefore cannot own stocks, bonds, life insurance or other such assets. You might also want to see that any cash you gift is not spent frivolously. If these concerns speak to you, UGMA 38

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and UTMA accounts are worth a look.1 You can use these accounts to gift up to $14,000 in money or property to a minor in 2016. Because the gift is irrevocable, you are the custodian of the asset(s) and the minor is the owner. In colloquial terms, these UGMA or UTMA accounts are “trust funds,” yet they are not trusts that would require the involvement of an attorney. While the minor owns the cash or property within the UGMA or UTMA account as soon as the asset transfer occurs, the custodian manages that cash or property until the child reaches the vesting age (the age at which the trust term expires).1,3 As custodian, you are not the only one who can make irrevocable transfers of cash or property into the account; parents, grandparents, relatives and friends may all do so. A sizable college fund may be built with a UGMA or UTMA account, whether the assets are held in cash or invested. When the account owner reaches “maturity,” he or she may spend that money for college.1,3 Is there a potential downside of UGMA or UTMA accounts? Yes. To repeat, you are the custodian, the minor is the owner. When that minor becomes a legal adult, the account terminates continued on page 61 Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

SPRING, SUMMER TRIPS Set for Silver Roamers The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Department offers an active group for senior citizens called the Silver Roamers. For a $24 yearly fee, members can attend monthly gatherings for fellowship and to discuss upcoming events. Members get discounts on trips and events, and win prizes through the Roamers Mileage Club. Nonmembers can take part in day and overnight excursions, but the cost is a little more. For details and costs, call Frankie Sanders at 770-924-7768, or go to www.crpa.net.

March 11

Canton Theatre “Mama’s Wake”/Downtown Kitchen.

March 24

Social Circle Tour/Blue Willow Inn.

April 14

Smith Gilbert Gardens/Old Towne Tavern Grille.

April 28

Mystery Trip departs the recreation center at 8 a.m., and the boys and girls club at 8:30 a.m.

May 2-6

Hilton Head S.C. trip. Deadline for final payment is April 29.

June 9

Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum/Berry College campus tour/Bella Roma Grill.

July 6

Atlanta city tour/Six Feet Under.

July 18-22

Senior Adventure Camp is a new program that will include white water rafting, Sawnee Mountain hiking, tubing, horseback riding and ziplining. Itinerary available upon request.

Aug. 11

May 12

Funk Heritage Center/ Sidelines Grill.

Tunnel Hill Heritage Park Museum, Historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel and Clisby Austin House/ Oakwood Cafe.

June 2

Aug. 29-30

Cashin’s Sculpture Garden.

Mystery overnight trip.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks also offers weekly classes for senior citizens at the recreation center, 7545 Main St., Woodstock. Here’s a sampling:

Gentle Joints (low impact)

Meets 8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the aerobics room. Cost is $30 per month. Low impact aerobics and strength training class designed specifically for mature adults and individuals with joint challenges.

Zumba Gold

Meets 9-10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday on the recreation center stage. Cost is $30 per month. Zumba Gold is a series of fitness programs designed to bring the Zumba program to the active older adult.

Tai Chi

Meets 9:45-10:45 a.m. Fridays in the aerobics room. Cost is $80 for an eight-week session. Tai Chi, which can be done sitting or standing, is designed to improve the quality of life of people with arthritis and other chronic conditions, improve balance and mobility and prevent falls.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

2016

Follicle Forecast BY TIM TIMMONS

Hair trends have become more specialized in the past year, so much so that cuts, colors and styles have evolved into hair art. In 2015, the shaggy, textured lob dominated. Pink and silver hair was a popular choice of celebs and civilians. “Bronde,” as well as strawberry “bronde,” had another moment in the spotlight — and a gorgeous one at that. Ombré and granny gray made its presence known and ornate, artistic braids were a big hit. So what can we look forward to in 2016? What hair trend will dominate? Hair color may revert to more natural, found-in-nature hues, while textures, shapes and decoration will likely be huge. Let’s take a look at what 2016 has in store for us when it comes to the follicle forecast.

Natural color hues

We will all be blowing air kisses to the bold colors that were rocked in 2015. Say goodbye to colors like hot pink, kelly green and gray. Bright or artificial-looking hair colors will be a blast from the past. Natural-looking hair color will be the new, big thing instead, as trends will be all about natural and healthy-looking hair.

The Bob

The bob will be the biggest trend. The cut’s malleability is the reason it never really goes out of style. With this classic cut, you can enjoy the versatility of your texture by wearing it tightly coiled, wavy or even bone straight.

Statement parts

Statement parts will be a big deal. Consider a look with a perfectly centered middle part or extreme side part. These hair parts can be worn on just about any length hair and will add a youthfulness and relevance to just about any style.

Next day braid waves

A great way to fake natural waves is by washing your hair, braiding it while wet, sleeping in it and shaking it out in the morning. This type of texture is going to be big in 2016. Who isn’t in love with the beautiful textures that you get when you’ve slept in your braids, and then unravel them in the morning; especially those with finer hair? Of course, if you don’t have the patience to wait until morning, you can always set the braid texture in faster with a light spritz of hair spray and a quick once over with a styling Iron.

Curl

2016 will be inundated with loads of curls. Enhancing and embracing natural hair texture with curls and waves will be big. This might mean using different products and learning to use diffusers or different sets to air dry. This also includes using different size rods and learning new ways to curl the hair so it looks effortless.

Accessories

Hair accessories, like sprinkles of ironed-in gold stars, were big during the 2015 prom season and beyond. Thanks to products like Charmsies, hair jewelry will continue to dominate. Hair accessories will be big. You will see colorful, modest, gold and even bold ones ... in different unexpected areas, such as Part Art, which lets you even dress up your part with bling! Spring is the time of year where everything blooms and is at its most beautiful. Follow nature’s lead this season and try one of 2016 hottest hair trends.

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Energy Balance Do You Have It?

Life Balance, Realized in a Moment

BY JOSH KEENUM

BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

Have you heard of energy balance? It may sound like a fad, but it’s quite the opposite. The concept is simple: balancing energy in and energy out of the body. First, let’s define a few things. Energy in is the food, nutrients, ingredients and calories you consume. Energy out is the energy your body uses on a daily basis. If you are in a positive energy balance you are taking in more calories than your body is using up. In a negative energy balance, you’re not consuming enough fuel that your body needs to survive and function at an optimal level. Today, we are mostly aware of the effects of being in a positive energy balance. Overeating and not exercising will not only lead to weight gain but a host of other health issues. But most people are probably not aware of the negative effects of being in a severe negative balance. People think, “If I’m in a negative energy balance, I’ll lose weight.” True. But you’re playing a short game. The body doesn’t know the difference between being on a disciplined diet and starving. It goes into survival mode, slowing all unnecessary functions. If you are in a severe negative energy balance, you could experience a decline in your metabolism and bone health, an imbalance of hormones and lowered physical performance. Energy balance is much more complex than just counting calories, and it covers more ground than weight loss. Achieving a negative balance will require a lifestyle change and a paradigm shift in our thought process about nutrition and weight loss.

My day started at 3 a.m. Then it was 4 a.m., then 5. You know the drill. By 6 a.m. I was back in a deep sleep … until ... oh, no! I woke up with the words, “staff meeting at 8:30!” running through my head. My dog had slept through her morning potty time and I raced to not be late for the meeting and a new intern. There was probably a prayer that began with, “Oh God….” but I didn’t finish it. My brain moved on. Today’s schedule: launch two in-house projects, teach a class, prepare for a new bookkeeper, attend an offsite meeting in the afternoon and Bible study at night. Yesterday was Monday; my weekly Grandmommy Day. I theoretically work from home on these days to watch my grandchildren … many times all five of them, (three of whom are almost 7, a 3- and 1-year-old). Some days are more productive than others from both work and personal perspectives. This scheduled, devoted and committed time is non-negotiable. It is priceless. We are going on year seven. Before my shower, I put clothes in the dryer. Laundry didn’t get finished yesterday. There was that moment to pour coffee, but not to drink it. Remarkably I was out the door on time with meals packed for my 13½-hour day. I got to the office on time, feeling like a swan ... smooth and graceful movements above water, with lots of paddling underneath! I slid into my chair, relieved. Feeling giddy that I had pulled it off, I unzipped my rolling briefcase and reached for my computer. I laughed as I extracted two stacked giant purple Duplo building blocks from my case. (It lives next to my Grandmommy chair where I work and rock babies. Kiddos see me reach for it constantly.) Who knows who contributed the big purple blocks. I felt humbled as I envisioned one of the little ones secretly blessing me. Yes, my life is full, yet complete when I realize the benefits of my choices. Then I realized that the class I was scheduled to teach was on time management. Sometimes, life is full; too full. The secret of fulfillment is to schedule things that are important. Everything else will take over if you don’t. Life balance isn’t about being perfect, it’s about cramming in all the important things that matter. Keep Making Progress! (I still am.)

Here are some ways to achieve a negative balance: Exercise five hours per week. If you aren’t exercising at all, pace yourself. Try an hour a week and increase from there.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Eat at regular intervals, every three to four hours.

Eat lean proteins. You may not think so, but there’s a large caloric/fat difference between lean meat and extra lean. Eat veggies and fruits with every meal. Try adding a simple spinach salad as a side twice daily for two weeks. Small changes can inspire other small changes. Add some healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. EVERY night.

Give the juicer a break, sauté your Brussels sprouts, and quit howling at the moon. Try focusing on ways to achieve a healthy energy balance. Your body will thank you.

PLAE HARD director Josh Keenum, Reebok Athlete, CPT. info@plaehard.com. 678-408-2241.

Life balance isn’t about being perfect, it’s about cramming in all the important things that matter.

Lynne Saunders is director of Papa’s Pantry (www.papaspantry.org) and the Master’s Training Center. She can be reached at 770-591-4730. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

Angel House of North Georgia Giving Girls Roots. Giving Girls Wings. BY SUSAN SCHULZ

In North Canton, there’s a fork in the road on Highway 140 West and Sam Nelson Road. Veer left and before you know it, you see a brightly colored sign directing you to the Angel House of North Georgia (AHNG). The house was a foster home for boys and girls, and when the foster parents retired, they worked with Cherokee County officials to open the nonprofit in February 2006. The Angel House serves young girls ages 12-18 with transitional living services, and ages 18-21 with independent living services. More than 400 girls have been helped by AHNG since its inception. I kept thinking of the fork in the road as I sat down to talk with AHNG’s director, Susan Worsley, and vocational director Megan Hale. I quickly learned these girls have a choice to make when they leave the safety of AHNG. “We focus on empowerment versus enabling,” Worsley said. The staff and volunteers at AHNG understand their time to invest hope and love into these girls’ lives can be short, so they use their time wisely. One resident wrote a letter of gratitude to the staff and wrote, “Thank you for always reassuring me of the brighter side and to always have hope and faith in our creator God.” At the Angel House, girls are given a stable The gift shop porch features a handmade wreath and colorful chairs painted by the home where they residents. receive counseling, tutoring, medical care and more. The girls participate in community activities, spiritual worship, and most recently, a job readiness program. “Through the job readiness program, we give the girls tools to secure their future,” Hale said. “While at AHNG, the girls are taught basic life skills, job training, conflict resolution and many other skills. Without these basic skills, keeping a job and self sufficiency just doesn’t happen.” The job readiness program expanded in October last year into a one-of-a-kind gift shop called Foster, a creative environment of nonstop learning and encouragement. The girls are taught résumé writing, interviewing, marketing,

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

customer service, finance and community involvement. The best part about the store is that all of their products are handmade by Angel House girls. I bought a set of unique and beautiful note cards. After finalizing my purchase, Mary, a resident who works at the shop, looked at me with her contagious smile and said, “Do you need a hug?” “Yes,” I said, “I would love a hug!” As I walked out the Angel House residents pose for prom photos. door with a full heart, I was amazed not only by the unconquerable spirit of this young girl, but by the people who give their time and talent to serve children like her. There are countless ways to invest in these girls—workshops on life skills to classes on arts and crafts to sell at the store. Foster is located at 100 Hospital Road in Canton, and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. And with 19 girls presently on the home campus (with room for up to 35) hygiene items are always needed. For more information on the Angel House, visit AngelHouseGa.com or call 770-479-9555. The gift shop (FosterGiftShop.com) can be reached at 770-213-8738.

The Angel House serves young girls ages 12-18 with transitional living services, and ages 18-21 with independent living services.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher, author, wife, and mom of three grown children. She lives and plays along the Etowah River and loves serving at Watermarke Church.

Introducing the new Cancer Center at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Redesigned inside and out to ensure our vision of world-class cancer care is experienced by both patients and families. By changing patient flow, adding new services and enhancing the overall care experienced, a new focus on Mind/Body/Spirit has arrived. With recognition by Becker’s Hospital Review’s “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs,” our redeveloped cancer program offers: •

Cyberknife® and Tomotherapy®: the only health system in Georgia offering both forms of radiation therapy.

•

Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Program structured to reduce the time of diagnosis to treatment.

•

Center for Genetics, the largest in Georgia

•

Nationally recognized STAT clinics for lung and prostate cancer.

•

Nurse Navigators for patients and families

•

Clinical psychologist for emotional needs

•

Integrative treatment including acupuncture

•

Patient and Family Advisory Board

For more information, call 1-877-366-6032.

w e l l s t a r. o r g AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

VS.

Lifestyle

Man

Mother Nature

An Argument With My Son, Age 21 BY ANN LITREL

In a household with three men, testosterone added pep to the daily conversation like a blow torch adds light to a gas leak. At the Litrel house, argument was elevated to a fine art. Any statement I made on any position was subject to immediate crossfire. If I made a remark on global warming, I received an immediate counter-attack naming 10 research studies that denied the theory. Chance remarks on the harmful effects of overusing electronics, or the nutritional benefits of a plantbased diet, would draw a similar offensive. As the years went by, it began to dawn on me that if I put forth arguments opposite my own, I might get feedback supporting my actual position. I should test that someday, I thought. Last month that day arrived. It was Saturday morning. I was headed out for a group nature hike at Big Trees Forest Preserve in Roswell and I asked my son Tyler to come along. I explained the group was older and might need some muscle. I bided my time until we pulled into the parking lot. Then, I made my declaration: “Everybody wants to save the environment on the planet, but nobody wants to save the environment in their own backyard. And there is nothing about this subject a normal person—

Winter Woods Signs artwork by Ann Litrel.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

not a tree hugger— cares about.” Tyler immediately countered, “I think there‘s some argument that could work.” I could see the neurons firing as we got out of the car. Tyler Litrel. We joined the huddle of people gathered for the talk. Gray hair predominated. The guide was Ellen Honeycutt of the Georgia Native Plant Society. The subject of her talk was Identifying Woody Plants in Winter. Over the next two hours, Ellen lectured and led the group along the trail, poking at nuts and dead leaves, prodding at bare buds and twigs. Ellen was a veritable encyclopedia. She offered jewels of arcane knowledge every few steps. Alternate and opposite. Color of twigs. Structure of buds. “You’ll know a red oak from the spine at the end of the leaf…” The group listened attentively. The pace along the path was glacial. Tyler accompanied us silently on the side. Ellen used him as a kind of assistant, at various points handing him leaves and twigs, a hand lens (jeweler’s loop) and guidebooks. He stepped forward to assist a few of the more wobbly group members across the stepping stones in a stream. As we drove home. I returned to the argument. “I care so much about the environment and local ecology. But most people have decided they can’t do anything—so there’s no use making a case.” Tyler disagreed. “People want to feel good, right? One way they feel good is feeling like they’re making a difference.” “People think of nature as some place like a national park. But if somebody has a yard, that’s a piece of nature they can do something about, right?” He concluded with an efficient summary: “Native plants feed native bugs. Native bugs feed native wildlife. Wildlife is part of a healthy environment. A healthy environment is good for everyone. Thus: Plant native plants in your backyard and you make a difference.” “I think a lot of people would get that,” he finished firmly. Truth be told, I’m still not completely sure. But I conceded the argument. On the way home, I noticed we were both smiling.

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

Taking a Stance on Teens and Phones BY MATT NEAL

We have access to more information today, right at our fingertips, than at any other time in history. The average teenager, with just a few clicks, could be looking at anything from the complete works of Shakespeare to the migration habits of the macaroni penguin. Many teens carry a device of unprecedented power. It can do all of the above as well as take pictures, find the nearest sushi restaurant, even call Grandma. It has far more power than the navigational computer of Apollo 11 that sent men to the moon. But are teens really interested in the vast amount of knowledge available to them, Or are they more interested in Instagram, texting and looking up funny animal videos? I have a feeling Shakespeare isn’t a top priority. Most teenagers I know have a smartphone. They’ve grown up with these kinds of devices. But when is the right age to give a kid a phone? The debate rages on. My 13-year-old daughter reminds me at least five times a day that she is alone among her friends, the lone outcast drifting in a sea of happy kids with phones. The main concern is that teens will access things they shouldn’t access, see things they shouldn’t see. This is the age when they are curious, and that’s only natural. But some things, once seen, cannot be unseen. The world is too full of weird crap for us to just open the floodgates of the Internet to

their eager eyes. Or worse, open them up to the unwanted attention of strangers. At home, I found a way to control wi-fi access. My new router uses something called OpenDNS, which is free. It allows me to completely block wi-fi access to a variety of sites. Also, I am able to shut down most Internet access at night, or any time I choose. Because of that, both my kids have tablets (thank you, Black Friday). And if my little angels sneak a device into their rooms at night, they are in for disappointment. Any of their friends who come for a visit and use our wi-fi will also find access blocked to anything I deem non-kid-friendly. It’s not fool proof; not much is. And when my daughter finally gets that long-awaited phone with real cellular data to avoid my wi-fi restrictions, I will have to find better parental controls. At what age should kids get their own phone? Each family, each kid, is different. Teach your kids well, trust them, but stay in control.

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

New WellStar Medical Group Physicians in Cherokee County ATTRI DATTA, M.D.

NATHAN KALLER, D.O.

WellStar Family Medicine at Woodpark Place 203 Woodpark Place Building C, Suite 100 Woodstock GA 30188 770-926-4150

WellStar Family Medicine at Bridgemill 3755 Sixes Road | Suite 202 Canton, GA 30114 770-720-1880

FAMILY MEDICINE

WELLSTAR FAMILY MEDICINE Three convenient Cherokee County locations. •

Medical care for children and adults

•

Same-day sick appointments

•

Wellness screenings and immunizations

•

Treatment for minor to acute illness

•

Chronic disease management

wellstar.org

FAMILY MEDICINE

Accepting New Patients! SAMINA FAKHR, M.D. FAMILY MEDICINE

WellStar Towne Lake Medical Center 145 North Medical Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 770-592-3000

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Lifestyle

At the Library www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org Rose Creek - 770-591-1491 Tuesdays

Knitting/crocheting group with Mrs. Darlene, 1-3 p.m. Bring needles and yarn. No registration or prior knowledge required.

Wednesdays

Scribble & Scrabble weekly 2-4 p.m. Play a game of Scrabble or color a picture. All materials will be provided, and all skill levels welcome.

Second Thursday

Library Bingo book club is a new kind of book club, meeting 10:3011:30 a.m. or 4:30-5:30 p.m., that lets participants decide what to read and when. Come discuss the book you read for the month. Attending meetings is not mandatory to be a member. New members always welcome. For more information, call 770-5911491.

March 2

Lap Sit Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Designed for children ages 1-3 to learn about the story time experience and encourage early literacy by including books, songs, rhymes and physical activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

March 9, 16, 23, 30

Reading Dogs: Children 6 years of age and older can read to a nonjudgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if mistakes are made or the reader stumbles. Parents can register their child for a 10-15 minute program two weeks ahead for one session by calling their library. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session. Call your library to reserve your spot for one of the Reading Dog programs.

March 7

Pre-Pie Day celebration at 4 p.m. Learn about Pie and PI (that’s math) with Lauren Bolden from Woodstock’s PIE BAR. For more information, contact 770-591-1491.

Woodstock - 770-926-5859 Mondays

Coloring for age 16 and older, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Materials provided.

Tuesdays

Tutoring provided by teachers and volunteers 6-7 p.m. from Woodstock Elementary upstairs in the children’s department, where they help children struggling with homework, projects and school assignments.

March 9, 16, 23, 30

Hickory Flat - 770-345-7565 March 3

Knitting/crocheting group with Mrs. Darlene, 1-3 p.m. Bring needles Family Story time at 10:30 a.m. for families with children of all ages. Programs feature stories, finger-plays, flannel boards, music, a free craft activity and a take-home sheet to continue literacy activities at home. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

March 5

Lego Club at 2 p.m. with a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

March 8, 15, 22, 29

March 9

Knitting & Crocheting with Mrs. Cindy at 10:30 a.m. Bring needles and yarn. No registration or prior knowledge required.

March 12

Lego Robotics STEAM Team at 2 p.m. for ages 9-14. Create, build, control and play with LEGO Robotics. Registration is required. This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to Georgia Public Library Service under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

March 2-3

Family story time at 10:30 a.m. March 2 and 3:30 p.m. March 3 for families with children of all ages. Programs feature stories, fingerplays, flannel boards, music, a free craft activity and a take-home sheet to continue literacy activities at home. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

March 8

Pirate Pals for ages 3-8 at 4 p.m. includes playing pirate games, making a craft, and hearing a pirate tale. Space is limited. Registration required. 48

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Library Locations: R.T. Jones, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Hickory Flat, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. Rose Creek, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Woodstock, 7735 Main St., Woodstock. Ball Ground, 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground.

Health & Wellness

Take Care of Your Heart SUBMITTED BY THE NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL HEART & VASCULAR INSTITUTE

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. However, through risk reduction, lifestyle changes, regular screenings, monitoring and quality health care, you can keep your heart health in your hands and increase your chances of living a long and happy life. What is your risk? According to the American Heart Association, a range of factors can raise your risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke. The more factors you have, the greater your risk. Although you can’t do anything about your age, gender, heredity and race, there are many factors that you can modify, treat or control simply by making lifestyle changes or taking medication. • Quit smoking. A smoker’s risk of developing heart disease is two to four times that of nonsmokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases risk, even for nonsmokers. • Lower your blood cholesterol. As blood cholesterol rises, so does risk of heart disease. When other factors (such as high blood pressure and tobacco smoke) are present, the risk is even higher. • Lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder than normal and makes both the heart and the arteries more prone to injury.

• Get active. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. The more vigorous the activity, the greater your benefits. • Lose excess weight. Excess weight increases the heart’s workload. People with excess body fat, especially around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other factors. • Manage your diabetes. Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control. • Reduce stress. Too much stress over time, and unhealthy responses to it, may create health problems in some people. Find healthy ways to manage stress, exercise and eat right. • Limit alcohol. Alcohol raises blood pressure, can cause heart failure and lead to stroke. It also adds calories, contributing to obesity and makes it harder to lose weight. If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do, limit yourself to one drink a day.

More information about reducing your risk for heart disease or about heart health services is available at www.northside.com/ heartandvascular.

The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

Date: March 25 Topic: Woodstock Public Safety For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 • downtownwoodstock.org/downtown-buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Health & Wellness

Are Your Teeth Really Clean After Brushing? BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Most of us understand the importance of brushing daily, after being reminded by our dentist and our parents for as long as we can remember. Let’s take a look at how we can be more effective with our brushing. Toothbrushes should be changed when they show signs of wear, or every two months, whichever comes first. If the bristles are splayed outward, they aren’t effective. Many adults prefer a medium or hard toothbrush that feels firm because they think it cleans their teeth better. However, hard bristles damage gum tissue. Soft toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from crevices in your teeth. Choose a toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association for quality fluoride levels along with other ingredients, and a toothpaste that is not too abrasive on the enamel. Consumers have a choice between toothpastes designed for many conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which one is right for you. Follow the rule of brushing for two minutes for the most effective results. Here’s a guide to help you reach the two-minute mark: Spend 10 seconds on each area of your mouth by starting with the outside of your upper teeth. Brush the back right, the front and the back left, spending 10 seconds in each area. Then, move to the inside of the upper teeth. Repeat the process on the lower teeth. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes and pay extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restorations. It’s important

to brush long enough to clean the grooves of your teeth. Bacteria can collect in the grooves, which are smaller than even one toothbrush bristle. Therefore, bacteria can remain undisturbed, populate and ultimately cause a cavity despite excellent brushing. The destructive component that causes decay is acid, which is produced by food debris and sugar on teeth, resulting in bacterial fermentation. If you have cavities, are your teeth clean after brushing? If you haven’t had a professional cleaning in a while and you have tartar on your teeth, are they clean after brushing? The answer is no to both questions. In reality, brushing your teeth is not very effective for people with active cavities or tartar because, after brushing, there are still millions of bacteria on your teeth. You would not intentionally wash only half your car or paint over rotting wood trim on your house. Brushing while cavities and tartar are present is a similar concept. Your teeth are still dirty and covered in bacteria after brushing because brushing is not adequate to correct these problems. Regular dental checkups are necessary because a professional cleaning can address the hard-to-remove plaque that can build up over time. Twice yearly cleanings are recommended for cleaning, and for monitoring the formation of tartar and cavities.

Dr. Scott Harden, a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry, has served Woodstock for more than 21 years. 770-926-0000. www.FountainViewSmiles.com.

Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids End Up In a Drawer BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.

“I have a friend who bought hearing aids and never wore them. They wound up in the drawer!” I hear this often from patients and there are many reasons this can happen. Years ago, it was common for people to avoid wearing hearing aids because frankly, they were not that good. We’ve come a long way in technology as well as patient satisfaction. Don’t let someone else’s or your own bad experience from years ago prevent you from better hearing today. Hearing aids should be fitted properly by a licensed hearing professional, preferably an audiologist. A lot goes into the examination and selection of the proper device. A thorough hearing evaluation that includes audiometry, as well as site of lesion testing (tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, Otoacoustic emissions, etc.) is the first step. If hearing aids are recommended, the professional should take the proper measurements and follow fitting procedures that will allow for the best experience. Verification with Real Ear using Speech Mapping is the gold standard of care. The proper protocol always will include a follow-up exam. This is necessary in the success of hearing aids. If there is something that you are not satisfied with, you must go back to your 50

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

audiologist and let him or her know. It is not uncommon to need adjustments. Also, give your hearing aids some time. We hear with our brains. If your brain is not familiar with the new incoming sound, it will need a little time to adjust. With time and the proper adjustments, you can be successful. It’s important to remember that your hearing aids need maintenance. Hearing aids are electronic devices that are exposed to our bodies as well as the outside elements. Your audiologist should give you day-to-day cleaning instructions, but the recommendation is to visit your doctor about every six months for a deep cleaning of the devices. Store them in dehumidifying and disinfecting units that are available from most hearing care professionals. They can cost around $120, but are effective in protecting your investment and prolonging the life of your hearing aids.

Jan Henriques, Au.D. a board certified audiologist and lead provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock, has been practicing since 1985. www.YourHearingLink.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Faith

Walking With God: A Lesson from the Labyrinth BY REV. ANN GARVIN

Labyrinths, which became popular around 1200 AD, have a spiral design with one path that leads to the center and out of the center, with no dead-ends. They are usually divided into four quadrants with the path winding around each quadrant, taking turns that lead closer to the center and turns that seem to lead you away from the center. They were originally intended to be walked in silence as a pilgrimage or quest to become closer to God. The first time I walked a labyrinth, I meditated on the structure’s design and symbolism, how the design represents our spiritual journey by sometimes feeling close to God and distant at other times. I noticed long stretches of easy walking and then suddenly a sharp turn. There were areas where I walked only a few steps and came upon a turn. I grew impatient when I thought I was approaching the center, only to encounter turns that led me farther away. At the center, I meditated on the cross and thought of the death and resurrection of my Lord. As I started on the path that led me out, I thought about leaving the center and re-entering the world. My second labyrinth walk was different. After completing an exercise that had me focus on hardships in my life, I found that as I walked, I talked to God about my laments. I almost

missed the abrupt turns. I had to stop short and make the turns. You see, my focus was on sharing with God, not on my external situation. As I continued walking and talking with God, I was surprised to reach the center. I had not noticed the twists and turns or how close or far from the center my walking had taken me. I felt drawn to stand in the absolute center, on the stone with the cross. In my earlier walk, I had simply gazed upon that stone and thought about the sacrifice Jesus had made on my behalf. As I stepped on the stone and closed my eyes, I noticed a stillness and peace that I had not experienced previously. At that moment, it was as if the world had simply melted away. As I left the center, I wasn’t leaving God behind. He was now my center traveling with me. As we travel through life, there are many distractions. Take time daily to walk and talk with God. You don’t have to have a labyrinth to do this.

After working in the counseling field for more than 25 years, Ann felt God’s call into pastoral ministry and currently serves as pastor of Woodstock United Methodist Church. Her email address is ann.garvin@ngumc.net.

What Are You Willing to Do and When Will You Do it? BY SEAN KAUFMAN

As a young man I wanted to change the world. As I traveled, I realized the world is a large place. Entering my mid-20s, I realized that changing the world was probably impossible. Instead I thought about changing the United States of America; a country capable of much more when united for a common cause. When I turned 30, even the U.S. seemed too big. I decided to focus on Georgia, the state I lived in, and attempt to make it a better place. As I hit age 35, Georgia felt more like a small country than a state. I asked myself, “What about Woodstock?” I began to focus on our community and when I turned 40 something clicked. My children were my legacy and if I focused on my family I could possibly make a bigger difference. After my work in West Africa with Ebola, witnessing a miracle on Interstate 5-75 and reconnecting with God – I realized that the only change I can make is within myself, to be the best I can be. If I am the best I can be, then maybe I can motivate my family members to be the best they can be. By motivating my wife and three children, they will have an impact on others here in Woodstock. As Woodstock grows, our impact can spread through Georgia and possibly even the United States. Through changes in the United States we can make changes around the world! Yes, a bit ambitious, but I say this to make a point. Change does not occur from the outside-in, but rather from the inside-out. 52

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

What do you want to change about yourself and what are you willing to do about it? Many of us can identify something we want to change, but most of us are not willing to do it. Imagine being able to watch someone workout and as a result of watching them, you get in better shape. What if you made a plan to diet, didn’t follow the diet, but because the plan was so good you lost weight while eating anything you wanted? As ridiculous as the last two examples of change are – so is wanting change, hoping for it to occur, while doing nothing to make it happen. Change starts with you – what you choose to see, your overall attitude about what you see and what you choose to do every day of your life. I wanted to change my relationship with God. Going to church for an hour a week was not doing it for me. I started spending five minutes every day in devotions and prayer. Eventually it expanded to 30 minutes and now is a daily habit, resulting in the change I wanted – an unbelievable closeness to God. You can want change but you have to be willing to make changes.

Sean Kaufman, an expert in behaviour change, specializes in life coaching and workforce motivation and owns The Texting Coach and Behavior-Based Improvement Solutions. sean@seankaufman.com

Easter happens early this year, so to help you be egg-stra organized we have gathered up some fun, family acitivities to include as you make your plans to celebrate.

Hoppy hu nting! Ma rch 19

The 30th annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Northside Hospital-Cherokee will be 1 â&#x2C6;&#x2019; 3 p.m. at the hospital campus, 201 Hospital Road, Canton. Activities include egg hunt, petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, puppet shows, music and more. Hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy available. Activities and food are free. Egg hunts begin at 1:30 p.m. for children up to age 3 and for those who have special needs or require assistance. 1:45 p.m. for ages 4-6, 2 p.m. for ages 7-9 and 2:15 p.m. for ages 10 and older. Registration is free online at give.northside.com/EasterEggstravaganza. Photos with the Easter Bunny are two for $5. T-shirts are $10. Proceeds benefit the Special Care Nurseries at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. Guests are encouraged to bring diapers, wipes and baby food donations for MUST Ministries in Cherokee. No glass bottles or jars. Collection bins will be available at the event. Rain date is March 20. 15th annual Holly Springs Easter Egg Hunt begins at 11 a.m., Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane, Holly Springs. Free event for children from infants to age 12. Hunt more than 13,000 eggs stuffed with toys and candy. Bring your own basket. The Easter Bunny will arrive at 10:30 a.m. for pictures, so get there early. Petting zoo and face painting available. Each child will receive a special age-appropriate prize. For more info, contact Erin Honea 770-345-5536. Egg Fest, 11 a.m. â&#x2C6;&#x2019; 3 p.m. in downtown Canton, 151 E. Marietta St. Egg Fest is a family-friendly event to benefit the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. Free activities include an indoor glow-in-the-dark egg hunt with candy for all children 12 and younger, several inflatable bounce houses, live performances by groups from all over Cherokee County, family pictures with live animals and more. For more information, contact Oak Leaf Church 678-653-4652.

Ma rch 26

Aquatic Center Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza will begin with an underwater egg hunt 2-5 p.m. for ages 4-10. Children will search for eggs in the shallow water while ages 6-10 will dive for eggs in the deeper water. Bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles and a change of clothes. Baskets provided, prizes for all participants. A traditional outside egg hunt will be held at 2:15 p.m. for ages 1-3, who must bring their own baskets. Participants can enjoy inflatables, face painting, egg decorating, contests, prizes and a visit from the Easter Bunny from 2-5 p.m. Cost of registration is $10 per child before March 19, or $12 after. www.crpa.net Egg Hunt at New Victoria Baptist Church 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. For infant to age 11. Inflatables, face painting, cake walk and more. For information, visit www.newvicbaptist.org or call 770-926-8448. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

School & Sports

National Signing Day Event Honors Student Athletes Fifty-seven Cherokee County School District student-athletes were recognized for signing scholarship commitment letters to compete at the college level at the recent National Signing Day ceremony.

Scholar-athletes from Cherokee, Creekview and Etowah high schools.

Woodstock High School

Baseball: Trevor Daniell Hillhouse, Auburn University Basketball: Kennedy Montgomery, Columbus State University Lacrosse: Jillian Chiesa, North Greenville University Celine McDuffie, Savannah College of Art and Design Jenna Carr, University of Alabama - Huntsville Jordan Gaines, University of Alabama - Huntsville Softball: Danielle Rubin, Kennesaw State University Swimming: Lauren Case, University of Texas

Scholar-athletes from River Ridge, Sequoyah and Woodstock high schools.

Sequoyah High School

Baseball: Daniel Seres, Kennesaw State University Basketball: Megan Garcia, LaGrange College Cameron Cox, Navy Football: Derrion Rakestraw, University of Colorado Soccer: Lisbeth Coleman, Reinhardt University Softball: Laney Joyner, Auburn University Tennis: Taylor Dodd, University of S.C. Upstate Morgan Dodd, University of S.C. Upstate Volleyball: Kelley Hartman, University of South Alabama Lauren Hartman, University of South Alabama

River Ridge High School

Baseball: Zachary Cable, Chattahoochee Valley, Phenix City, Alabama Luke Berryhill, Georgia Southern University Dylan Schoknecht, Hesston College Cody Simmons, Maryville College Beach Volleyball: Olivia Stasevich, Georgia State University Golf: Caroline Mlaska, Maryville College Lacrosse: Lexi Fairchild, Emmanuel College Soccer: Brooke DeSantis, University of Michigan Jessica Anthony, University of West Georgia Softball: Beth McCulley, Kennesaw State University Tennis: Ben Van Hout, Northern Arizona University

National Girls and Women in Sports Day More than 650 female athletes from Cherokee County high schools took part in the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, marking the event’s 30th celebration. Female athletes were recognized for their contributions in their sports, acknowledged for the challenges they have overcome and celebrated for their positive influence through sports participation on girls and women everywhere. “This year marks the 30th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day,” said Tonya Sebring, athletic director at Woodstock High School and coordinator of this year’s event. “This year’s theme, ‘Leading the Way,’ is a nod to all those athletes who have overcome barriers, to coaches who challenge their girls to succeed, to girls who have faith in their own potential and to all those who continue to use the power of example to inspire greatness.” Each year the program honors a coach for his or her contributions and support of female athletes. This year’s recipient was Sequoyah High School softball coach Todd Morrissey. He led his team to the state championship in 2006, and since then has made seven return trips to the state playoffs with the Sequoyah Lady Chiefs. 54

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Woodstock alumna Ashley Saville, left, presented the Disciplined Athlete award to Ashton Sutton.

River Ridge alumna Shannon Driscoll, left, presented the Courageous Athlete Award to Zia Yurchuck.

“It’s not a job, it’s straight fun,” Todd Morrissey said as he accepted the award. “I can’t convey how much these kids mean to me.”

Cherokee Teens Train for Tobacco-Free Advocacy BY HELEN GRAS, PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR DRUG FREE CHEROKEE

underwent a laryngectomy after 32 A dynamic youth group in Cherokee years of smoking and a diagnosis of County is on a mission. The Cherokee laryngeal cancer. Youth Council, an initiative of Drug Free According to the Georgia Department Cherokee, is a powerful and diverse set of Public Health’s 2015 Georgia Tobacco of teen leaders committed to making a Use Surveillance Report, more than difference in our communities. The teens’ 10,000 adult Georgians die from mission is to create a healthier future for smoking-related illnesses each year, Cherokee County by being a voice, taking and approximately 4 percent of middle action and making positive changes at the Cherokee Youth Council members, from left, Catherine Simonis, Gabi Latimer, Jasmine Lewis, Marcos Gomez, school students and 13 percent of local level. high school students in Georgia smoke A major focus for the group is preventing Jennifer Gomez and Lexie Baker. The stickers denote areas likely to become diseased with tobacco use. cigarettes. Youth use of nicotine in any and ending tobacco use. Council members form, including Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (also called recently devoted a Saturday to learning skills in advocating for ENDS, which includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices), is unsafe. tobacco-free policies and environmental changes that could make As a result of the YES! training, the Cherokee Youth Council their communities healthier. The training was provided by Youth combined its previous knowledge of health with new knowledge Empowered Solutions (YES!), a national nonprofit organization of the dangers of tobacco use and advocacy for change to create that equips youth and their adult allies with the tools they need to an action plan of tobacco-free advocacy events and presentations. positively impact adolescent health. “Teens are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Marcos Gomez, a Adult leaders in attendance included Cherokee County 10th grader at Sequoyah High School who participated in the resident and Georgia PTA President Lisa-Marie Haygood; JoAnne training. “We must enlighten teens and adults about what is Hammermaster, the Health and Wellness chair for Georgia PTA; happening to their bodies and to our environment due to the and Cherokee County resident Kirby Lewis-Hobba of Girl Scouts of effects of tobacco use.” Greater Atlanta. Cherokee Youth Council http://cherokeefocus.org/ The training also included an inspirational talk from local youthconnection/youthcouncil.php. resident Janice Hayes of Greater Atlanta Voice Masters. Hayes

CHEROKEE YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (CYFA)

YOUTH FOOTBALL COMPETITION* & SIDELINE CHEER LEADING for GRADES K-7*

WE PLAY & CHEER

Registration Opens March 15, 2016

www.cyfa.org

**Enter promo code “Woodstock” to save up to $25* on your regular football or sideline cheer registration fee. Sibling discount available. See website for complete details.** AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

School & Sports

Woodstock Teacher Wins American History Teacher State Award Woodstock High School teacher Dr. Krista Webb has been named the Georgia State Society’s 2015 Outstanding American History Teacher. Dr. Webb was nominated by the Thomas Johnson Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century. Chapters are asked to submit annual endorsements for teachers from across the state, and a panel of judges reviews the applications to select a winner. She will be recognized this month at the Georgia State Society luncheon at Callaway Gardens. Dr. Webb, who teaches Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History and AP World History, is the school’s social studies department head and was previously named the 2011 Cherokee County Dr. Krista Webb School District Teacher of the Year and an AP Master Teacher.

Fifth-Grader Wins County Spelling Bee Woodstock Elementary School fifth-grader James Sow won the Cherokee County School District Spelling Bee. The final round of the competition took place at Woodstock High School, where Sow defeated middle school students for the win. Jacob Tate, a student at E.T. Booth Middle School, placed second in the contest; Callie Goins from Mill Creek Middle School placed third. Shelby Rhoades, an eighth-grader from Woodstock Middle School, placed fourth.

Cherokee County School District Spelling Bee winner James Sow of Woodstock Elementary.

Woodstock Girls’ Swim Team Repeats as Champions The Woodstock High School girls’ swim team won top honors at the recent Cherokee County swim meet and repeated as county champions. The team swept all three relay events and won 18 of the 48 individual races, including the 200-meter freestyle (Lauren Case), 200-meter individual medley (Kailey Austin) and the 100-meter butterfly (Lauren Case). Eighteen girls contributed to the scoring as Woodstock finished with 409 points. Etowah High School took second place and Sequoyah High got third place.

Juniors Brooke Hereth, Temi Adekunle and Taylor Casey practice using personal protective equipment.

High School Nursing Students Get Real-Life Experiences Students in the River Ridge High School Nursing Assistant Program worked in clinical settings in the community as a part of this industry certification program. After practicing patient-care skills in the classroom and school lab, students gained real-life experience caring for residents at Woodstock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The hands-on experience is an essential part of becoming a certified nursing assistant. “This program uses real-life experiences to prepare you for what to expect,” junior Taylor Casey said. “I’m excited to be able to go to a nursing home to see everything in motion and put what I have learned to good use.” The Nursing Assistant Program at River Ridge was established in 2011, and is one of two of its kind in the Cherokee County School District; the other is at Cherokee High School. Once students complete the required classroom, lab and clinical hours, they are eligible to take the Certified Nursing Assistant state test. Most students who earn the certification continue their education with some type of medical school.

Roller Hockey Team Wins Division Championship The Cherokee Hockey In-Line League (CHILL) Division 1A high school Woodstock team recently won the state championship with a 7-5 victory over Lambert High School. The team’s record during the regular season was a division best 10-4 with a recorded 55 assists on its 60 goals. With only eight penalties during the 14-game regular season, the team achieved the lowest number of penalties in the 15-year history of the Georgia High School Roller Hockey Association and earned the annual Doug Russell Award, presented to the team that exhibited the best sportsmanship in the league. The team’s roster featured students from six area high schools, two home-schooled students and an eighthgrader. 56

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Back row, from left: Coach Matt Hackett, Adam Singer, Thomas Taylor, Jake Phipps, Carter Maczko, Aidan McDonald, Drew Haling, Mariah Durkee, Megan Hackett, Katelyn Hackett and Coach Jim McDonald. Middle row: Seniors Niko Trumbauer, Ryan Durkee and Austin Clarke. Front row: Goalie Parker Eberly.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Cherokee Photography Club

Congratulations to all the participants in the January “Bridges” competition.

If you placed in either the color or monochromatic print category, please send a digital file of your image to: deankelley@windstream.net

Monochromatic:

1st David Ferguson “Morning Walk”

2nd Vicki Sellers “Acosta Bridge, Jacksonville, FL”

3rd Russ Miller “Ball Ground Bridge”

Digital Projection:

1st Naomi Shively “Under the Bridge” 58

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

2nd David Ferguson “Under Sydney”

3rd Mike Voeltner “Euharlee Covered Bridge”

HM Judy Vlass “Moving On”

Color Prints:

1st Peter Kilpo “Apalachicola Bridge”

2nd David Ferguson “Glass Bridge Chattanooga”

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@ comcast.net. 3rd Rick Sapp “Crossing the Gorge”

HM Kim Bates “Supporting Cast” AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Reference

WOODSTOCK AREA HOMES SOLD IN JANUARY

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Do We Have Enough?

How Should You Respond?

Three hours later, we lay exhausted under the hot equatorial sun. A feeling of discouragement began to creep over us. The floor was only a third done, and we were running out of both cement and energy. I slumped on a stool. A small village girl named Amalia crept quietly next to me. Her dress was worn, her face dirty, but her smile was glowing. She was one of eight children who lived in this tiny hut. A cement floor would keep her young body off the ground at night. Tyler rested motionless, his back against a tree. His work efforts had been listless at best. But I kept my criticism to myself. At least he was here. Just when the job seemed hopeless, a few neighboring villagers arrived to help. Recharged, we resumed mixing cement, carrying bucket after bucket into the hut. Somehow, we now had so much that we could not only cover the entire dirt floor but even make a front porch. Remarkably, too, our water bottles never ran out. Tyler and I had enough to last all afternoon. It was a strange and wonderful day in Honduras. Tyler and I had partaken in a kind of miracle: plenty of cement, a floor for Amalia, and even enough water. For me, it was a spiritual reminder that we are always given enough—an ironic lesson to learn while helping a family whose belongings could fit in the trunk of my car. It was only later, as I was falling asleep, that I figured it out. Tyler had left all the water for me.

So, to avoid being forced into selling, you need to be prepared. During your retirement years, try to keep at least a year’s worth of cash instruments on hand as well as shortterm fixed income investments. By having this money to draw on, you may be able to leave your stocks alone and give them a chance to recover, post-correction. And it’s important to maintain a reasonable percentage of stocks, and stock-based vehicles, in your portfolio, even during retirement – because these investments may provide the growth necessary to help keep you ahead of inflation. Consequently, as a retiree, you should have a balance of stocks and stock-based vehicles, along with fixed-income vehicles, such as bonds, certificates of deposit, government securities and so on. Being prepared can help you get through a correction – no matter where you are on life’s journey.

continued from page 35

UGMA & UTMA Accounts continued from page 38

and the account owner gets to spend the funds as he or she wishes— meaning today’s college fund could become tomorrow’s Corvette. So you do want the owner and the custodian on the same page when it comes to the intent of the account, and on good terms as well.1 Also, if you are custodian of one of these accounts and you pass away before the account terminates, the assets within the UGMA or UTMA account will be considered part of your taxable estate.1 An underpublicized option worth exploring. UGMA and UTMA accounts may give your family the potential to create a nice pool of money for college while lowering your income taxes in the process. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - finaid.org/savings/ugma.phtml [1/18/16] 2 - finance.zacks.com/difference-between-529-custodial-account-1404.html [1/18/16] 3 - merrilledge.com/college-savings/custodial#tab2 [1/18/16]

continued from page 29

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Adviser.

Gearing Up for November Elections continued from page 27

prosecutors about their cases and participate in each session in which the grand jury meets to provide them with information about grand jury service and assist them in their duties,” District Attorney Shannon Wallace said. Although the title tax commissioner seems self explanatory, there are many financial operations that must be handled, such as collecting property taxes, preparing the county digest, billing, accounting and disbursements. Not only does the tax commissioner have authority for the collection of all taxes and tags fees for motor vehicles under Georgia code, the commissioner is also responsible for enforcing all regulations mandated by the state. Many of these offices have similar aspects. For instance, none of these positions has term limits, which means that the same person may occupy these positions until another person is voted in to take their place. Salaries for the incumbents of these positions are typically $100,000 to $140,000 a year. All of these positions will be running for May primaries and re-election this November.

A Big, Bold Blessing continued from page 28

“We see a lot of people living on the streets with dogs that they have rescued along the way. Pet Buddies never has an empty trunk and tonight was one of those nights we could provide a little help. Stay warm new puppy friends!” And, in a calm quiet synchronistic moment, it hit me: here they are! Exactly the people and pets that could desperately use a blessing bag. I bet if we could get blessing bags to Pet Buddies Food Pantry it they would be able to share them with those people and their pets most in need of a little blessing. If any of Rob’s Rescues’ readers are interested in making pet blessing bags that will be delivered to the Atlanta homeless who have pets, we will collect them March 7-21 at Butcher & Bottle, 3568 Sixes Road, Canton, and the Northside Hospital offices at 684 Sixes Road in Holly Springs. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Reference

ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov

Sen. David Perdue (R)

B40D Dirksen Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 perdue.senate.gov

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)

131 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20510 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 isakson.senate.gov

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

202-456-1414 fax: 202-456-2461 202-224-3521 GA: 678-248-6444

202-224-3643 GA: 770-661-0999

State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)

404-652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov

Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov

404-463-1378

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

678-523-8570

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

678-576-2644

Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22 wes@cantrellforhouse.com

770-722-7526

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23

404-656-0254

scot@turnerforhouse.com

mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov

Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 john.carson@house.ga.gov

404-656-0287

Superior Court 678-493-6260 678-493-6270 678-493-6240

State Court Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

678-493-6490 678-493-6480

Magistrate Court Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds

L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman

lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Steve West (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com

Brian Poole (R) District 3 bpoole@cherokeega.com

Scott Gordon (R) District 4 sgordon@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby

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

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

678-493-6431 678-493-6431

Probate Court 678-493-6160

Sonya Little

2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Brian V. Hightower 111 Academy St. Canton Ga 30114 Brian.hightower@cherokee.k12.ga.us

www.cherokeega-sheriff.org 678-493-4100 fax: 678-493-4228

678-493-6400 fax: 678-493-6420 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us 770-479-1871

Kyla Cromer (R) (Chair)

678-493-8088

Kelly Poole (R) District 1

678-895-9044

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

770-893-2970

John Harmon (R) District 3

404-462-4950

kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us

john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R) District 4

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Clark Menard (R) District 5

770-721-4398, x4370 770-928-0341

Mike Chapman (R) District 6 mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us City Government Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood

770-704-1544

Juvenile Court

770-735-8055

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner

clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Judge Keith Wood (R)

Commissioners

kelly.poole@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Cherokee County Courts Chief Judge Jackson Harris Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Ellen McElyea

www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001

swest@cherokeega.com

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 11 238 Cannon House Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20515 202-225-2931 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 GA: 770-429-1776 loudermilk.house.gov

michael.caldwell@house.ga.gov

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

www.canton-georgia.gov

Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker

Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing

770-345-5536

District Attorney Shannon Wallace

678-493-6250 678-493-6280 770-479-1488

Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

678-493-6511

Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

770-592-6001

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

www.hollyspringsga.us. www.woodstockga.gov

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, ÂŠ OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street.

It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2016) - This approximately 1.2 mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2016) - This 1 mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Reference

W OO DSTO CK CITY G O VER NMENT Mayor and Council Members Mayor Donnie Henriques dhenriques@woodstockga.gov Ward 1 - Warren Johnson wjohnson@woodstockga.gov Ward 2 - David Potts dpotts@woodstockga.gov Ward 3 - Bob Mueller bmueller@woodstockga.gov Ward 4 - Tracy Collins tcollins@woodstockga.gov Ward 5 - Bud Leonard bleonard@woodstockga.gov Ward 6 - Rob Usher rusher@woodstockga.gov

Rid ge wa lk Pk wy .

575 Tow ne Lak eP kwy .

d. ll R i M old Arn

Hwy. 92

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

WOODSTOCK CITY GUIDE

City Manager Jeffrey S. Moon, 770-592-6001, jmoon@woodstockga.gov Rhonda Smith, exec. assistant, 770-592-6001, rsmith@woodstockga.gov

Stay Connected on Facebook

City of Woodstock: www.facebook.com/WOODSTOCKGAGOVT Woodstock Fire: www.facebook.com/woodstockfireandrescue

City Council Representatives

Woodstock Main Street: www.facebook.com/MainStreetWoodstock

For minutes and agendas of meetings, visit www.woodstockga.iqm2.com.

Woodstock Parks and Recreation: www.facebook.com/woodstockparks

Ward 1: Warren Johnson Ward 2: David Potts Ward 3: Bob Mueller Ward 4: Tracy Collins Ward 5: Bud Leonard Ward 6: Rob Usher Council appointed committees: Downtown Development Authority and Convention & Visitors Bureau; Ethics Board; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Woodstock Police: www.facebook.com/woodstockpolicegeorgia Woofstock Dog Park: www.facebook.com/woofstockpark

On Twitter

www.twitter.com/woodstockpd www.twitter.com/woodstockfd www.twitter.com/woodstockparks www.nixle.com Sends alerts, advisories and community notifications from the city of Woodstock and Cherokee County Sheriff Department. www.cherokeega-sheriff.org A resource to check for registered sex offenders in your neighborhood. Click on Georgia Sexual Offender Registry then click on Register for Email Alerts for updates.

Economic Development

Downtown Development Authority Convention & Visitors Bureau Brian Stockton, Director, 770-592-6056, bstockton@woodstockga.gov

City Officials

Woodstock Visitors Center/Dean’s Store Kyle Bennett, Tourism Manager, 770-924-0406, kbennett@woodstockga.gov Mitzi Saxon, Administrative Coordinator, 770-592-6056, or ext.-2250 msaxon@woodstockga.gov

Mayor Donnie Henriques, 770-592-6001, dhenriques@woodstockga.gov

Public Safety

City of Woodstock government 770-592-6000

Finance Robert Porche, CFO 770-592-6003, rporche@woodstockga.gov

George Williams, community outreach, Fire Marshal’s office 770-592-6000 ext. 1845, gwilliams@woodstockga.gov Woodstock Police Department 770-592-6030 Woodstock Post Office 770-591-0364

Parks and Recreation Preston Pooser, 770-517-6788, ppooser@woodstockga.gov

Ridgewalk Pkwy

To I-575 Exit 9

Woodstock Community Church

Trolley Routes outlined in red

T Dobbs Rd

Rope Mill Rd

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

On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only

City Center

Pkwy

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa) St

Trail

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Reeves St

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

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L iley

Pade n St

Fowler St

Hicko

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

Wheel

Oak St

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Elm

Map

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To GA Hwy 140

Noon

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Mill

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Route and schedule subject to change Check downtownwoodstock.org/trolley for more info

Cham bers

Town e

Wall

To I-575 Exit 8

Mark et S t

Fridays 6-10 PM Saturdays 2-10 PM

Chattahoochee Technical College

Kyle St

WINTER SCHEDULE:

Main

Trolley Stop

T St

Public Parking Lots

Woodstock

T Public Library

Main

The Outlet Shoppes

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Reference

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 www.crossroadspbc.org Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448 www.newvicbaptist.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

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

LUTHERAN

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

ORTHODOX

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

PRESBYTERIAN

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org

Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com

New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org

UNITED METHODIST

BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org

North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com

Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com

Church at North Gate 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.ngca.org

Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org

Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org

Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net

Revolution 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv

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

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org

Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.info Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com

Sojourn Community Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Soul Medicine 3725 Sixes Road Canton Soulmedicinesunday.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 678-880-9092 Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org

OTHERS

Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv

Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org

Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com

Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com

Momentum 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv

Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Reference

WOODSTOCK AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

Ahimsa House helps victims of domestic violence 24-hours a day who need help getting their pets to safety. 404-452-6248 www.ahimsahouse.org

Anna Crawford Children’s Center is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and protecting and serving children and families through prevention and intervention services. 678-504-6388 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Collins Dixon Foundation: Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness and helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Contact: Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560. Bethany Place is a transitional home for single women, unwed mothers. 770-479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org CASA for Children promotes the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse through programs that increase their safety and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning. 770-345-3274 www.casacherokee.org CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. 770592-8072 Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www. cherokeefca.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115 or admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org Cherokee FOCUS works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. Sonia Carruthers 770-345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. 770-345-5312 or 770-345-5320 www.cherokeega.com/senior-services Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. 678-640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com Companion Animal Connection 678-493-9847 www.adoptapet.com

Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly backto-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org Green Shelters America animal rescue group. 770-712-4077 or GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com www.GreenSheltersAmeric.com Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia 770-587-9697 www.habitat-ncg.org Healing Hands Youth Ranch offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and healing. Jennifer Simonis 770-633-4451 www.hhyr.org HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. 678391-5950 www.hqmg.org HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 770-924-0864 or info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com HOPE Center — Baby & More Thrift Store offers adult and children’s clothing. 770-517-4450 www.babyandmorethriftstore.com Life Connection Ministries helps empower and provide humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com Matthew E. Russell Foundation works to establish literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org Never Alone Outreach provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. 770-516-1108 www.servone.org The Blue Ribbon Foundation fosters a national dialog toward finding the cause, cure and prevention of ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. Tom Prior 478-397-5542 www.theblueribbonfoundation.org Volunteer Aging Council is a nonprofit that helps raise funds for the seniors of Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. 770-310-3474 www.vac-cherokeega.org

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

AA Meetings Canton Meets: 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock Meets: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton Meets: 8 pm Thursday at St Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock Meets: Tuesday Al-anon and Alateen 8 pm Thursday Al-anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. Reba 770-516-3502 www.ga-al-anon.org/district-number.hp?district=17 American Heart Association - Cherokee Division 678-385-2013 American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets: 10 a.m. - noon first Thursday of each month at Northside Hospital—Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center. 404-843-1880 Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. 770-366-7515 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House 678-459-2347 www.MinistryHouse.org Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Cherokee County Support Group provides support for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Rd, Holly Springs. Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@comcast.net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 christystephenson@ msn.com Cherokee County Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock. www.cherokeeministers.org

Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock. Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Georgia Canines for Independence. 404-824-4637 gcidogs@aol.com www.gcidogs.org Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors by offering small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. 727-251-7690, info@gracevalleyministries.org www.gracevalleyministries.org Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Jeannie 770-919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church. Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770-517-0191 MOMS Club of Woodstock-TowneLake momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com www.sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-924-4777 Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. Kelly 678-677-2589

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock. Marci Zied 770-345-8687 Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock www.cherokeetoastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets: 8:30 a.m. third Thursday at J Christopher’s, 315 Chambers St., Woodstock. Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 http://xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/woodstock/ Main Street Woodstock Meets: 8 a.m. last Friday of every month at 8534 Main St. at City Center www.mainstreetwoodstock.org Southeast Cherokee Business Networking Meets: 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Frosty Frog Creamery, 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy., #112, Canton www.secbn.com Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesday at The Grille at Towne Lake Hills. 770-615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Friday at The Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Marc Replogle 770-952-5000, ext. 20 or Wendy 404-816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at The Grille at Towne Lake Hills info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS AARP Woodstock Chapter For anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Rich 770-926-1944

Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room). www.saltcherokee.com Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org Citizen Oversight and Education 678-520-2236, citizenoversighteducation@yahoo.com Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. Marcie Zied 770-345-8687 Junior Service League of Woodstock 770-592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org/ Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy 20 Lynda Goodwin, 770-393-1766 or Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com www.pilotinternational.com

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

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

RECREATION & HOBBIES Allatoona Gold Panners Periodic events and outings to pan the creeks in the Dahlonega Gold Belt along the Lake. Rob Kelly rrkelly@bellsouth.net Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee Community Chorale A community of singers from all walks of life including housewives, teachers, retired professionals, office managers and professional musicians who love the art of choral singing. 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton. 770-704-6244, www.CherokeeArts.org

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

Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/mastergardeners

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

Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org

Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at The Grille at Towne Lake Hills at 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock www.townelakerotary.com Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991 http://serviceleague.net South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at The Grille at Towne Lake Hills. 770-926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. 770-926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. 770-906-2958

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democratic Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs 770-345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. http://cherokeelp.org Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. third Saturday at JUMP Kitchen and Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Xing, Woodstock. 678-882-0915, http://cherokeecounty.gop Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Conrad Quagliaroli 770-378-8232, conradquag@gmail.com www.teapartypatriots.org/groups/ cherokee-tea-party-patriots/

Cherokee County Saddle Club Hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) Roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Linda Lokey 770-720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. www.christianauthorsguild.org Kingdom Riders A forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome. Les Marmitons For men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org Wildlife Action, Inc. A conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com Cherokee Senior Softball Association www.seniorsoftball.com Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Highway, Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com William G. Long Senior Center Offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. 678-445-6518 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY DENTAL

ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES

INSURANCE

Edward Jones Ivan Garcia: 770-926-0105 www.edwardjones.com

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) 51

J RAY, CPA, PC 404-994-5102 www.JRAYCPA.com

Fountain View Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.FountainViewSmiles.com Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com

Williams Orthodontics Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 678-445-7423 www.hartman-imbriale.com

Limbocker Law Firm 678-401-6836 www.limbockerlawfirm.com

Bavarian Repair 770-310-2381 www.bavarianrepair.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Pigtails & Crewcuts 13 678-842-8299 www.pigtailsandcrewcuts,com/woodstock Salon Gloss 678-483-8900 www.salongloss.biz Salon Spa VenĂŠssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com

40, 41

BUSINESS

CHURCHES Factory, The www.thefactoryministries.org

CLEANING SERVICES Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com 70

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

Above Grade Learning Center 678-313-3301 www.AboveGrades.com

Grant Academy, The 770-926-7827 www.thegrantacademy.net

Piano Instructor-Ralph Iossa 973-519-6863 www.woodstockpianolessons.com

Towne Lake Academy North Campus: 770-928-6162 South Campus: 770-928-9134

HEALTH & FITNESS Plae Hard plaehard.com

Elite Roofing of Georgia 770-445-1290 www.roofelite.com

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1 www.mrjunk1.com

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

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

Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.LandscapeMattersInc.com

PETS

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

Downtown Buzz 49 770-592-6056 www.downtownwoodstock.org/downtown-buzz

LANDSCAPING

EDUCATION/TUTORING

AUTOMOTIVE

State Farm Agent Sheila Geist 770-924-3680 www.sheilageist.net

Inside front

Sundance Pressure Wash & Seal 29 770-720-2203, 404-771-0071 www.sundancepressurwashandseal.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

North Georgia Audiology 3 and Hearing Aid Center Dr. Jan Henriques and Dr. Christa Nelms 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com North Georgia Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, Dr. Bret Hintze 770-999-0804 www.NGFAR.com

Northside Cherokee Surgical Assoc. 770-924-9656 www.ncsurgicalassociates.com

Northside Hospital-Cherokee www.Northside.com

Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 33 770-928-0016 www.NorthsidePediatrics.com Perimeter North Family Medicine 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com

Wellstar Cancer Network 770-956-STAR (7827) wellstar.org

WellstarFamily Medicine www.wellstar.org

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage, Tara Daigle, Realtor 19 404-925-6351 tara@keatingbrs.com Broadus Realty Group Donna Broadus, 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com

Magnolia Cottages by the Sea Inside back Linda B. Lee, 850-319-8050 www.magnolisdreamcottage.com Reflection Lake Nantahala Inside back Kristine Flaig, 828-321-3101 www.reflectionlakenantahala.com Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.TPGsells.com

Back cover

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Cherokee Youth Football Assoc. www.cyfa.org

Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.ElmStreetArts.org

RESTAURANTS/FOOD Great American Cookies 678-224-6843

Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 39 678-324-1910 RETAILERS/SHOPPING Blue Frog Imports 770-592-0122 www.BlueFrogImports.biz

Fashion Cupcake 770-891-8180 www.ShopFashionCupcake.com Madisonn Ave. 770-575-9481

Cover, 36, 37

Spirited 19 678-214-5304 www.spritlala.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

photo by J King Images

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

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.

From left Michelle McCulloch, Patty Ponder, Jon and Karen Flaig, Candi Hannigan, Denise Griffin, Laura Latchford, Jackie Loudin and Christie Deese.

Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2016

We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page six for our contact information

This month’s Featured Properties are available exclusively from:

678-494-0102 TPGsells.com REALTY PARTNERS

TPG’s Featured Properties of the Month: 965 Riceland Ct Roswell 5 bedroom / 4 bath $475,000

6145 Old Alabama Rd Acworth 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath $400,000

Gorgeous 3-sided brick home near GA 400.

Custom built 4-sided brick home on 5.75 acres.

100 Windsong Tr Canton 4 bedroom / 2.5 bath $230,000

236 Villa Creek Pkwy Canton 4 bedroom / 3.5 bath $229,500

Fantastic home in Bridgemill. Minutes from Lake Allatoona.

Gorgeous home located in The Villas at Downing Creek.

140 Timberland St Woodstock 3 bedroom / 2 bath $169,900

607 Apache Tr Woodstock 4 bedroom / 2.5 bath $185,000

Great floor plan located minutes from Downtown Woodstock.

Over one acre lot. Located minutes from Lake Allatoona.

 For more info on these and many other properties in Woodstock, Cherokee and Cobb, contact The Premier Group (TPG) or visit our team at TPG’s Main Office at 8604 Main St, Downtown Woodstock

678-494-0102 TPGsells.com Copyright 2015 Keller Williams Realty, Inc. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal opportunity housing provider. Each office is independently owned and operated.