Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
Proud to Serve Our Community
Bruce T. Kalmin, M.D.
Nandha Kanagarajan, M.D.
New Location Is Now Open! 2020 Cumming Highway | Suite 102 Canton, Georgia 30115
678.593.1295 www.atlantagastro.com AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
1
March 2016 Volume 3, Issue 12
14 Summer Camps
Grab your calendars and make plans for adventures for your kids.
16 New Trails in Canton
Construction is underway to connect existing parks.
17 Canton City Update
Highlights from mayor’s State of the City address.
62
18 Readers’ Choice
Here’s your chance to support your favorite local businesses.
19 Holly Springs Update
Mayor discusses plans for city improvements.
22 Five Purple Hearts
Canton vet is living example of honor, loyalty, dedication.
23 Career Expo
Advisors, local employers will be available to help job seekers.
44 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.
62 Night to Shine
Magical event filled with joy, happy faces and a visit by Tim Tebow.
22
44
Contributing Writers Don Akridge Kyle Bennett Siobhan Brumbelow Cherokee Office of Economic Development Caitlin Cross Timothy Downing Tom Gilliam Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry Helen Gras Delia Halverson Dr. Scott Harden Donnie Henriques Dr. Jan Henriques Josh Keenum Evan Kropp
30 59 61 23 26 19 16 50 55 32 48 60 48 33 22
In Every Issue Venéssa Lanier
24
Ann Litrel
38
Dr. Michael Litrel
30
Irene Macmillan
28
Rob Macmillan
28
Rev. Joe McKechnie
46
Cindy Nelson
Around Sixes
4
Ribbon Cuttings
8
Birthdays
8
Community News
10
32
Everyday Angels
20
& Vascular Institute
47
Community Calendar
31
Premier Group
13
Jim Ray
29
Faith
46
Kelly Roberts
22
School News
52
Susan Schulz
34
Tim Timmons
42
Recent Home Sales
64
Scot Turner
27
Advertisers’ Directory
70
Northside Hospital Heart
Contact us and view the magazine online at
wwwSixesLivingMagazine.com
36 & 37 On the Cover Northside Cherokee Pediatrics Photo by Danny Griffin. 2
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
ADVERTISING Market Manager Christie Deese 770-615-3324 Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com
Join the Sixes Living magazine fan page
www.facebook.com/SixesLivingMagazine
www.twitter.com/SixesLivingMag
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
3
Community
AROUND SIXES From the Editor 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 the 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 59. And the Cherokee Office of Economic Development is hosting a career expo, details on page 23, 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!
People, The Places and Pleasures that make Sixes/Canton/ Holly Springs
The The
What’s New New Leaf Interiors is a Canton-based business that provides full service interior design and renovation, kitchen and bath design, home staging, professional organization, closet design and storage planning, custom bedding, draperies and window treatments, fabrics, furniture and upholstery, color and lighting consultation, artwork and framing for your collections, ethnic and rustic interiors aging in place and assisting with accommodating disabilities for residents with special needs. www.new-leafinteriors.com.
What’s Coming Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services is beginning construction on Station 3 in Holly Springs, at 270 Crowne Ave. Construction should be completed by February 2017. A Sutherlin Nissan dealership will be opening across from Walmart on Holly Springs Parkway just south of Exit 14 at I-575. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2017.
Canton First Friday Schedule 6-9 p.m. in downtown Canton
March: St. Patty’s Beer Garden featuring The Band Canton (only local restaurants as vendors). No closure of Main Street. Event will be contained inside Cannon Park and the side parking lots. April: The “Forces” of Disney and Star Wars Collide featuring Wet Jeans. May: Canton Night featuring The Thrillhammers. June: Bike Night featuring No Sweat. July: Beach theme featuring Kid Brothers Band. August: Cherokee High alumni night (1967-1976) featuring Cinnamon Groove. September: Jeep Night featuring Thomas Fountain. October: Oktoberfest/Dancing in the Streets featuring 1st Generation.
Other Canton Events
For more details, visit www.cantonhdl.com Canton Festival of the Arts May 21-22 Annual Inferno Chili Cook-off will be held in October, date to be determined. Second annual Art & Wine Walk is Dec. 9-10.
Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Sixes Living. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@ AroundAboutMagazines.com.
4
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
5
Community Board The Sixes Living Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders who assist us as contributors to the magazine, judges for the annual Trailblazer award and advisors who offer valuable feedback. Pat Gold moved to Canton 33 years ago when she married Dr. Homer (Nugget) Gold. After 18 years with Delta Airlines and another 12 working for the Cherokee County School District, Pat began volunteering. She serves on the boards of the Cherokee County Arts Center, the Canton Main Street Program, Canton Tourism, Inc., and chairs the Canton Planning Commission. Pat and her husband have four children and four grandchildren. Pharmacist Dale Coker owns Cherokee Custom Script Pharmacy in Holly Springs and lives in Woodstock with wife Susan. The University of Georgia graduate is vice president of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. His community involvement has included Cherokee County Habitat for Humanity, youth league coaching and church leadership. Dale’s latest achievement is co-inventing the patented TopiCLICK, a topical metered dosing device. Cindy Crews is a longtime Cherokee County educator. She joined the Sixes community as assistant principal of Sixes Elementary School in 2011 and is now principal. Cindy and her husband, Andy, have lived in Woodstock for 20 years, and they have two young adult daughters. Her motto: Children are the future of the human race; teach them well. Dr. Joe McKechnie senior pastor of Sixes United Methodist Church, grew up in Cobb County. After earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Georgia, Joe spent six years as a television sportscaster. He has a master’s degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Southern Methodist University. Joe and wife Catherine have two children, David and Grace Ann. Sonia Carruthers is the executive director and CEO of Cherokee FOCUS and the Cherokee Youth Works program, based in Holly Springs. The Cherokee County native grew up in Canton and has lived in Woodstock with her son and daughter for the past 17 years. She is very active in the community and currently serves with local and regional organizations to strengthen families and children. Chantel Adams is the founder and CEO of Forever We, Inc., a socially responsible toy company that believes every child deserves a forever family, safe housing and a healthy body. She has a biology degree from the University of Evansville, serves on the Executive Board of Highland Rivers Health, and volunteers with the Cherokee County Juvenile Court. Chantel and her husband, Gavin, live in Canton and have four children. 6
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Sixes Living 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 Sixes Living, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to build a sense of community and pride in the Sixes, Holly Springs and Canton areas by sharing positive stories and timely information. A total of 16,500 free copies are distributed monthly; approximately 15,200 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 1,300 placed in racks around the community. Many readers catch the latest edition online each month. Sixes Living welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of each month. Yearly subscriptions are available for $24. Send a check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Sixes Living 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.
Sixes Living PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Christie Deese, 770-615-3324 Website: www.sixeslivingmagazine.com Powered by
Volume 3, Issue 12
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
7
Community
Ribbon Cuttings 1. Studio Main Hair Salon 240 East Main St., Canton 678-880-7627
2. H & R Block
2210 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 128, Holly Springs www.hrblock.com
3. Piedmont Heart & Piedmont Imaging Center
1
15 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 110, Canton 770-720-2383
4. Cherokee County Clerk of Courts – Deed Room
90 North St., Canton 678-493-6511
5. JDog Junk Removal & Hauling 608 Knights Bridge Drive, Canton www.jdog.com
2 3
4
5 Celebrations!
Celebrating March birthdays at The Lodge at BridgeMill are Martha Davis and Phyllis Day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Gary and Sherry Ketcham
8
Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on March 25
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Presley Renee Roe
Age 9 on March 6 We love you to the moon and back! Love, Mom, Dad, Kylie and Finley
Happy 15th birthday Jessica! Love, Mom, Scott and Gizmo
E-mail to: Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com April deadline is March 10. Please specify Sixes Living.
OB/GYN Offices Located in Canton and Towne Lake
Get back to living your life.
For heavy periods, cramps, bladder leakage, fatigue, mood swings, pelvic discomfort and vaginal rejuvenation, we can help. Contact us for simple solutions that will get your life back on track.
770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com www.facebook.com/cherokeewomenshealth SIXES LIVING | March 2016
9
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.
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.
Retirement Celebration Held for Battalion Chief Tom Pelletier, a battalion chief with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, was honored at a retirement ceremony recently. Pelletier came to work for the fire department on May 26, 1990. Pelletier was promoted to sergeant in February 1996 and then to lieutenant in November 2001. In August 2003, Pelletier took on the rank of captain before becoming a battalion chief in January 2014. Pelletier’s son Nathan just graduated from firefighter recruit school and works at Station 8 in Holly Springs.
Local Fire Explorer Post Brings Home Four Awards Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services’ Explorer Post 469, a group of youth and advisers in the photo above, brought home four awards during the 42nd annual Winterfest Competition. The post earned first place in table top display, second in the Cherokee Drill, third in the Z-Drag competition and third in the Arriving on the Scene drill.
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 one-act 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/2016-spring-classes-camps/. To submit a play, go to www.elmstreetarts.org/new-works-festival/. 10
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
WHERE CAN YOU FIND A NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL -CHEROKEE DOCTOR? AT A PTA MEETING. The physicians and staff of Northside Hospital-Cherokee are some of the most talented and professional individuals the world of medicine has to offer. They are also your neighbors. Most of our team lives right here in Cherokee County. Northside HospitalCherokee is devoted to supporting local community organizations, venues and schools. It’s because we live here, too.
Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com SIXES LIVING | March 2016
11
Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Sgt. Rodney Campbell Earns Award
Free Tax Help for Senior Citizens
Canton police Sgt. Rodney Campbell received the Heroes of Law Enforcement award at a recent Rotary Club of Canton event. Campbell has more than 22 years of law enforcement experience, 14 From left: Assistant Chief Merrifield, Sgt. Campbell, Chief of those years in Canton. Mitchell and Cpt. Tucker. Chief Mark J. Mitchell said, “I am extremely proud of this accomplishment by Sgt. Campbell. He has an excellent work ethic and is well respected by his supervisors, peers and subordinate officers. Sgt. Campbell’s diligence to his duties exemplifies (as many do here at the P.D.) the attitude of service and community mindset to his fellow officers and citizens he serves.”
Cherokee County Senior Services and AARP are offering free tax help to low- and moderateincome 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.
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 Canton-based Grant Design Collaborative to create a new line of rugs.
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.
Northside, Reinhardt and County enter Sports Medicine Partnership Northside Hospital-Cherokee has been selected to be the exclusive sports medicine partner for Reinhardt University Athletics and the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. Northside will work with the university and the county to offer sports-related services including nutrition, athlete education, coach education, sports competition assistance and oversight. Coaches will be educated on concussion management and will be given increased access to services like athletic training. In addition, Northside is providing athletes with primary, emergency and specialty care, such as custom sports medicine orthopedics. “This program illustrates the ongoing dedication Northside Hospital has to community and the health and wellbeing of our county residents,” said Katie Pearson, director of operations at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. “Northside’s expanded local services allow athletes and their families to be seen immediately by our health care providers and have their information seamlessly shared across specialties for continuity of care.” 12
SIXES LIVING | 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.
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.
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.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
13
Community
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.
14
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
15
Community
Construction Underway on
New Canton Trails BY TOM GILLIAM
The groundbreaking of the first phase of Canton’s trail system was a special - and long-awaited - event. The ceremony, held on Jan. 25, kicks off the construction of trails that will connect the Etowah River Park to Heritage Park. The length of this section will be approximately 1,800 feet, and will feature benches along the path, and an emergency call box. This concrete path will wind from the back side of the bridge of Etowah River Park to the walking paths in Heritage Park. This trail connector will be used as a recreational component of both parks for walkers, joggers, etc. It will be a great addition to our city parks and recreation department and a way to continue to assist the citizens of Canton with their health and wellness goals.
The second phase of the trail system will stretch from Heritage Park to Boling Park, connecting the three major parks in Canton. Construction should begin sometime in fiscal year 2017. This trail will wind along the Etowah River up to Cherokee High School, then down along Marietta Highway into the entrance of Boling Park. Part of this next phase will include improvements to the entrance of Boling Park making it a trailhead destination. As a part of the improvements a new entrance to Boling Park, a new parking lot with more parking spaces, pavilion, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, and other amenities will be added. This next phase will give canoe and kayak enthusiasts an additional put in/take out area, as well as extended trails for exercise and enjoyment. Etowah River Park currently has a canoe/kayak launch. Canton city officials would like to invite the citizens of Canton and everyone around the county and surrounding areas to make use of the trail system. This 1,800-foot trail will link Heritage Park with the Etowah River Park.
RIV ER ST ON E R PA KW AY
The section in blue is the new 1,800-foot trail connecting the two parks. The red outline shows the area that will connect Heritage Park with Boling Parks. 16
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Tom Gilliam is the parks and recreation director for the city of Canton. tom.gilliam@canton-georgia.com. 770-720-7674.
Canton: 2016 Declared the Year of Action Highlights from Mayor Gene Hobgood’s eighth state of the city address, given Feb. 18. Some of the completed goals achieved during 2015 included: • Reduced the city’s combined debt to $38.2 million from $55.6 million in 2010. • Paid off the debt for the renovation of the Canton Theatre and City Hall. Other debts are scheduled to be resolved over the next two years. • Reduced millage rate to 5.85, the lowest city tax rate in more than two decades. • 117 new business licenses in the city. • Older businesses expanded, including Piolax, a new 82,000-square-foot space with 30 new employees in the Canton – Cherokee Business & Industrial Park, and the new Northside Hospital. Nearly 40 percent of Cherokee County’s industry expansions occurred in the city of Canton last year. • 257 new single family residential building permits issued, total permits for development, construction and rehabs were 2,030. $679,000 in additional impact fees earmarked for capital projects in public safety, infrastructure and recreation, up about $30,000 from 2014. • City awarded $104,000 grant by the Atlanta Regional Commission to create a downtown master plan, to be completed this summer. • Canton named No. 1 Best Place to Live in Georgia by Movoto, No. 3 Safest and Most Peaceful Place to Live in Georgia by OnlyInYourState.com, and the No. 4 Top City in Georgia for Millennials by the North Atlanta Business Post. • Completed the Etowah River Park project, a 58-acre park with walking track, playground, canoe launch, and future connection of parks to trails system. • Body cameras deployed by police officers; efforts concentrated in areas of the city experiencing a spike in activity, and social media presence that informs and engages citizens. The department was featured by CNN for work in community policing. Hosted Coffee with a Cop. The department answered 26,725 calls for service in 2015, down about 1,000 calls from 2014. • Nine firefighter positions and a training officer position added to fire department. Three new cardiac monitors were deployed to assist in early detection of heart attacks. • Expansion continued at waste water treatment facility. Certified water testing lab added to the water plant to ensure quality and speed up testing related to any low pressure situations. Maintenance and improvements to Hickory Log Creek Reservoir included a new boat house for patrolling and monitoring the reservoir, routine maintenance to assure long-term stability and improvements to public access ramp to allow kayak and boat deployment. • Streets resurfaced and striped. Completion of a brine system for pre-treating roads for ice events, street-sweeper purchased, and phase two closure of the Ridge Road landfill completed. • Experienced recreation director, storm water manager and a senior building inspector were hired. continued on page 65
MARCH MADNESS SALE! INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE, EVERYTHING IN THE STORE IS ON SALE! COME VISIT OUR NEW STORE FOR ALL YOUR CYCLING NEEDS
UP TO 25% OFF OF REMAINING 2015 BICYLES! 50% OFF ALL REMAINING CLOTHING 25% OFF ALL HELMETS 25% OFF ALL TIRES UP TO 35% OFF ALL SHOES SALE ITEMS ARE IN STORE ONLY AND DO NOT PERTAIN TO SPECIAL ORDERS
3422 SIXES ROAD CANTON, GA 30114 678.483.0200
FOR HOURS AND SERVICES PLEASE VISIT
OUTSPOKINBIKES . COM SIXES LIVING | March 2016
17
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.SixesLivingMagazine.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
Services
Attorney Audiologist/ENT Automotive Business Support Chiropractor Counseling Day Care/Preschool Day Spa Dentist Education Equestrian Financial
18
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Funeral Home Hair Salon Home Cleaning Home Improvement/ Repair Insurance Interior Design Landscaping/Lawn Care Music Lessons Nail Salon New Residential Development Optometrist/ Ophthalmologist Orthodontist Pediatric Dentist Pest Control Pet/Animal Physician - General Physician - Specialist Photographer Physical Therapist Realtor Senior Living Facility Travel Agency Tutoring Veterinarian
Retailers
Automotive Sales Bicycle Sales Boutique Florist Garden Center/Nursery Gifts/Home Décor Jeweler Music Animal/Pet Supplies/ Grooming Package Store Pharmacy Specialty Foods Tires
Recreation and Entertainment Dance Studio Fitness/Health Club Gymnastics Center Theater
Holly Springs: Working Toward Downtown Redevelopment BY MAYOR TIMOTHY B. DOWNING
The Holly Springs City Council, community boards and city staff ended 2015 unsure if they should be excited about the work accomplished in 2015, or if they should look toward 2016. I encouraged them to be excited about both. The great work and decisions made in 2015 created a path for a prosperous 2016. Perhaps the most exciting, and most anticipated, work is the Downtown Redevelopment Project. Many large projects are being completed in anticipation of redeveloping downtown Holly Springs to include a new city hall, multi-use event lawn, parking deck, retail and restaurant uses, senior living units as well as single-family detached cottages, townhomes, and apartments - an effort that will bring new life to the city and surrounding neighborhoods. We are already looking forward to 2017, when construction on the project should begin. Several projects were completed or are in the works for the redevelopment groundwork: • A new sanitary sewer main and sewer lift station were added to service downtown and Hickory Springs Industrial Park. • Sidewalk and stormwater improvements along Palm Street from Hickory Road to Amanda Lane will help pedestrian traffic. • Sidewalks and streetscapes will be constructed along Holly Springs Parkway from Childers Acres to L.R. Tippens Education Center, and along Hickory Road from Holly Springs Parkway past Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Station 8. • The Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG), along with SPLOST, made it possible to repair numerous roads in 2015.
• The Atlanta Regional Commission awarded the city a scoping grant to begin the preliminary design of the industrial connector. When completed, the connector will provide an alternate route from Hickory Road to Holly Springs Parkway with a bridge over the railroad, alleviating traffic congestion where Hickory Road intersects with Palm Street and Holly Springs Parkway. While preliminary engineering is expected to begin this year, we don’t anticipate the connector being completed for several years. Holly Springs received two honors in 2015: The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2015 budget (sixth consecutive year), and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2014 (third year in a row). After a yearlong start-up process, Holly Springs was accredited as a Georgia Main Street City by the Department of Community Affairs Office of Downtown Development, joining 103 distinguished cities in Georgia. The Georgia Main Street Program partners with local communities to strengthen their local economy through downtown revitalization while keeping historic preservation at its center. continued on page 65
Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing, wife Sandra, and two children have lived in Holly Springs since 1999. 770-345-5536. www.hollyspringsga.us.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
19
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 them 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 mid60s 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.
20
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Welcoming New Patients
Northside Cherokee Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is a full-service practice that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of muscoloskeletal disorders, arthritis and sports injuries. Our physicians, Dr. Stephanie Hsu, Dr. Travis Jones, Dr. Brian Seng and Dr. Matthew Simmons, offer a wide range of services for patients, including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the upper and lower extremities, management of concussions, fracture care and treatment for sports-related injuries.
Northside/D Imagi
Services Offered: • Treatment of pediatric, adolescent and adult patients • Prevention, evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries • Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the upper and lower extremities • Total joint replacements (hip, knee, ankle & shoulder)
Exit 11 (Sixes Road)
HOLLY SPRINGS WOODSTOCK
• Diagnosis, evaluation and management of concussions
hn so n
Fe rr y
Ro
Jo
900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 320, Woodstock, GA 30189 684 Sixes Road, Suite 130, Holly Springs, GA 30115 (770) 517-6636 • northsidecherokeeortho.com
sw ell R
d.
• Fracture care
Rd .
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
21
Community
Canton Resident Has Five Purple Hearts BY KELLY ROBERTS AND EVAN KROPP
Meet Master Sgt. Rodney Beauchamp. Raised in the bayou of Louisiana, Beauchamp recalls an early desire to emulate his brother and father, who served in the U.S. Navy. This inclination, along with a strong sense of duty, drove him to falsify his age and enlist in the Army at age 13. Sent to Europe after an abbreviated boot camp, he arrived just four days before the Nazis surrendered. Beauchamp quips, “They heard I was coming. They said we can stand Patton and Bradley and Eisenhower, but not Rodney.” After returning home, Beauchamp continued his service stateside, but he was eventually discharged when the Army discovered he was only 16. He was determined to continue his service, and shortly after his 17th birthday (the minimum allowable age to enlist), he joined the Marines. He served around the world and was awarded five Purple Heart medals for injuries sustained in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Purple Heart is one of the more recognized and respected military medals. It is awarded to service members who are wounded, killed or subsequently die from injuries received as a result of engagement with an enemy of the United States. The highest number of Purple Hearts awarded to a veteran is 10; one has nine and several other veterans have eight, according to a representative of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Beauchamp earned his first medal for injuries received in one of the earliest conflicts between U.S. and Chinese forces in 1950. Sent home to recuperate, he subsequently returned to Korea where a 122mm round exploded 5 feet away from him. He suffered from two burst eardrums and a piece of shrapnel hitting
22
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
his leg. In Vietnam, he was injured on three occasions. The first injury occurred when he stepped on a Punji Stick, a sharpened piece of bamboo hidden along trails by Viet Cong soldiers. In another incident, Beauchamp was leading a patrol when his group encountered a man they believed to be a member of the friendly South Vietnamese Popular Forces. The man, who turned out to be a Viet Cong soldier in disguise, threw a hand grenade at the Marines and shrapnel wounded Beauchamp in his face. His final injury was sustained shortly before his planned final departure from Vietnam. An enemy combatant was spotted hiding beyond the perimeter of his base. Beauchamp was sent Master Sgt. Beauchamp to investigate and the enemy soldier threw a grenade, injuring Beauchamp in both legs. While being awarded five Purple Heart medals is a source of pride, Beauchamp is humble about his service. Asked why he returned to action after each injury, he modestly replied, “That’s what a person does for his country.” Beauchamp retired from military service in the 1970s, after more than 30 years. He later worked as a regional director for H&R Block. He moved to Canton six years ago and enjoys visits from his family and spending time with his admired companion Mary Barton. Rodney Beauchamp Photo Credit: Kelly Roberts Kelly Roberts is a sophomore Digital Media Arts major at Reinhardt University. Evan Kropp, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies at Reinhardt University.
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
MEDICAL ASSOCIATES of NORTH GEORGIA
Anne B. Todd Family Practice Physician
Medical Associates of North Georgia is dedicated to providing quality medical care to the individuals and families of the metro Atlanta and North Georgia communities. Our board-certified physician, Dr. Anne Todd brings over a decade of experience practicing in the North Georgia community, and offers exceptional, compassionate care to keep you and your family healthy. Conveniently located on Valley Street in the Northside Ball Ground Medical Building, we offer same-day appointments for sick visits, early morning and late afternoon appointments, and an on-site pharmacy.
We offer a full range of services, including: •
Adult and Pediatric Care
•
Immunizations
•
Annual, Sports & School Physicals
•
Sick and Well Visits
•
Total Family Care
•
EKG’s, Lab Testing, & Spirometry
470 Valley Street, Suite 200, Ball Ground, GA 30107 (770) 737-2770 • medassoc.com SIXES LIVING | March 2016
23
Community
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, 24
SIXES LIVING | 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
COME HERE. FEEL BETTER.
5 Locations Serving Atlanta Metro • Canton • Cartersville • Woodstock • Marietta • Buckhead
770-427-0368 | www.nw-ent.com Canton Location: 13 Reinhardt College Pkwy Canton, GA 30114
Woodstock Location: 960 Woodstock Pkwy | Suite 100-101 Woodstock, GA 30188
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
25
Community
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. Let’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. “I handle murder and other complex cases, advise my continued on page 65
Caitlin Cross, 17, is a senior at Etowah High School. She plans to attend Kennesaw State University in the fall.
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 .
26
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Fighting for the Concept of Innocent Until Proven Guilty BY SCOT TURNER
Civil Asset Forfeiture (CAF), is a process whereby law enforcement takes permanent possession of property suspected to be the proceeds of or used to assist a criminal enterprise. For example, let’s say you have just sold your car for $10,000 in cash and decide to go to the bank to deposit the money, but get stopped for speeding on your way. When the officer asks you if you have any large sums of cash, you think nothing of answering. Before the stop is over, he seizes your cash, even if he does not charge you with a crime. Before the 2015 legislative session, Georgia’s CAF laws were widely criticized as the most draconian in the nation. Recognizing the need for reform, the General Assembly passed HB 233, which created a detailed process for CAF from the time of the seizure of the property to its eventual disposition. My opinion is that the new law is a significant improvement over what was in place, but it still falls short of what the vast majority of Georgians believe is right; that prior to the state taking permanent possession of property that allegedly is used in connection to a crime, a conviction for that crime should be secured. In other words, we are innocent until proven guilty. Even with the passage of HB 233, our current CAF laws turn the concept of innocent until proven guilty on its head, forcing you to prove your innocence in order to regain possession of your property. Under current law, the state does not even have to bring charges against you and they can still take your property away. Therefore, I have introduced HB 832, which would require a conviction prior to the state being able to permanently take property. Before I explain the proposed changes in HB 832, it is important to understand that under current law, the state can now seize and hold property suspected of being related to a crime and that HB 832 does nothing to change that. Since the authority to seize property under probable cause remains unchanged in HB 832, a drug dealer or any accused offender would have their assets seized, but not forfeited, until the outcome of criminal proceedings. Once a conviction is secured, which includes a verdict or plea of guilty, including a plea of nolo contendere, the state would move on to CAF proceedings with the authority to take legal, permanent possession of the property intact. This policy shift will create a bright yellow line between the concepts of seizure and forfeiture, which in the minds of many Georgians are currently interchangeable. The permanent taking of property related to criminal activity is a punishment for that activity regardless of whether we label it a criminal or civil action. That is why I, like most Americans, believe that a conviction must be secured by the state prior to any punishment levied on the defendant. It is the right policy because it is in accordance with our core American principles, and that is why I believe it is necessary to pass HB 832.
Scot Turner is a small business owner and the State House Representative for District 21. He can be reached at 678-576-2644 or www.facebook.com/turnerforhouse. SIXES LIVING | March 2016
27
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
SIXES LIVING | 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 65
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.
Scott V. Merritt, DMD Member: GDA, ADA, AGD, AACD
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.
BridgeMill Dentistry Team
L. Michael Cox, DMD Member: GDA, ADA
Voted t entis Best D in a rs 10 Yea Row
Complete Family Care Cosmetic Porcelain Veneers Implant Restorations Tooth Colored Fillings & Bondings Laser Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Imaging & Treatment Root Canal Therapy
Conveniently located just outside the main entrance of BridgeMill
3682 Sixes Road, Canton, GA 30114 bridgemilldentistry.com • (770) 704-1812 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
29
Lifestyle
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 65
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.
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 30
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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 59 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.
Out & About 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 11
An agriculture expo will be open 4-7 p.m. at River Church, 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. Featuring 30 booths with locally grown foods, plants, animals and hand-crafted products. Free, open to the public. Presented by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau and co-sponsored with Cherokee County Extension Office, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Woodstock. www.cherokeeagexpo.info.
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 13-16
Revival at Revolution Church, 6:30-8:30 p.m. with guest speaker Wade Morris. The church is at 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton. The church’s Sunday service times will be changing on March 20: new times are 9 and 10:45 a.m., 12:30 and 5 p.m. www.revolution.church.
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.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
31
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.
Veterans Still Fighting on Long-Term Care Costs BY CINDY NELSON
Paying for long-term care can be a burdensome thought as many of us, and our loved ones, will simply not have enough money to pay for the costs of care as we age. Fortunately the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a greatly improved pension program called Aid & Attendance to help wartime veterans and their spouses. Under this program, they may receive up to $2,120 a month tax free in order to pay for unreimbursed medical costs. This has been a great relief for many who have served our country and now need some extra care. Aid & Attendance, when combined with a moderate Social Security retirement benefit, can often fully cover the cost of extra caregivers in the home or for care at an assisted living community if the veteran or spouse needs more care than can be reasonably provided at home. In a cost-cutting effort, the VA has proposed aggressive rule changes to the Aid & Attendance program that will make qualifying for the benefit far more difficult and unduly hurtful
Fortunately the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a greatly improved pension program called Aid & Attendance to help wartime veterans and their spouses.
32
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
to widows. Under the proposed changes, there would be a “three-year look back” that would penalize a veteran for almost any “gifts” or transfers for less than value received to the veteran, even if they were done before the veteran even conceived needing the extra care. Under the proposed rules, if a veteran has “gifted” amounts such as the IRS-allowed gift exclusions, charitable gifts and even tithe to their church, he or she could be penalized from receiving the pension for up to 10 years. As an example, if a veteran transferred a total of $50,000 over the past three years to family, charity or even certain investments like annuities, he or she could be ineligible for the benefit for 28 months and if it was the veteran’s widow, the surviving spouse could be ineligible for 44 months. If you or a loved one are a wartime veteran who may need some extra help paying for medical care, now could be a good time to consult with a local VA-accredited attorney to review whether you may be able to qualify for this benefit under the current rules, before the requirements change to exclude more wartime veterans and their surviving spouses.
Cindy Nelson is an elder care law attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 900-200, Woodstock, GA 30189, www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.
Energy Balance Do You Have It? BY JOSH KEENUM
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. 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. SIXES LIVING | March 2016
33
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,
34
SIXES LIVING | 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.
A smarter way to bank IS NOW IN
your Neighborhood!
If you’re tired of getting hit with bank fees, here’s good news. Soon you can have all the conveniences of your bank, but with better rates and lower fees. You’ll save money and still enjoy things like access to 48,000 ATMs, free Online Banking and Bill Pay, free Mobile Banking and more.
Get Up To $250 AT OUR NEW CANTON LOCATION! Grand Opening specials available until March 31!
GET $150 WITH A HIGH RATE CHECKING ACCOUNT* You’ll also earn almost 15X what most banks pay.
GET $50 WITH A VISA CARD** GET UP TO $50 AND 5.00%APY ON A YOUTH ACCOUNT*** Three accounts for all ages.
Start banking smarter!
Come by today!
A smarter way to bank.®
2018 Cumming Highway, Canton, GA 30115 Phone: 770-424-0060 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12pm
Offers available in-person at Canton branch only. Offers valid 02/16/16 – 03/31/16 (“promotional period”) but may be withdrawn at any time. Membership eligibility and $5 minimum balance required to maintain base savings account. Fees could reduce earnings on accounts. Bonuses may be taxable. Terms and conditions apply. Offers may not be combined with similar product offers. * Open a new High Rate Checking (HRC) account, and make an initial deposit into the HRC account during the first 10 days of at least $100. After the account has been open for 10 days and has received the initial deposit, $150 will be deposited into your HRC account within 10 business days. Current APY (Annual Percentage Yield) as of 01/01/16 for qualifying HRC accounts is 1.50% APY for balances up to $25,000. A lower rate will be paid on balances over $25,000. This is a variable rate account and rate may change without notice after the account is opened. If qualifying criteria are not met, it will become a non-dividend bearing account. Visit www.LGEccu.org/checking for qualifying criteria for HRC. ** $50 credit is applied to credit card after 3 transactions have cleared the account. The 3 transactions must clear the account within 60 days of opening the card in order to receive $50 credit. Credit is applied to card within 10 business days after the 3rd transaction has cleared the account. *** Matching deposit (up to $50) is available on initial deposit for Dollar Dog, Cha-Ching! and Edge Savings accounts only (up to age 22), which will be received within 10 business days. One piggy bank per Dollar Dog account opened while supplies last. Current APY (Annual Percentage Yield) as of 01/01/16 is 5.00% and applies only to Dollar Dog, Cha-Ching!, and The Edge youth savings accounts for balances up to $500; balances greater than $500 earn lower rate. This is a variable rate account and rate may change without notice after the account is opened. Dollar Dog Kids ClubSM, Cha-Ching!SM, and The Edge® are licensed service marks of Marketing Partners, Bethlehem, PA. This Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.
A smarter way to bank.®
www.LGEccu.org
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
35
Feature
Partnering with Parents for Healthier Children
In today’s busy world of parenting, one of the most important decisions you have to make is where to go for convenient, comforting and compassionate pediatric care. Northside Cherokee Pediatrics strives to make that decision easy by building great relationships with families in the communities it serves. “One of the best parts of living and working in Cherokee County is being
Dr. Shah performing a newborn well-check.
36
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Towne Lake location staff.
able to help support the same families who have supported us. Our focus is personalized care which gives us the opportunity to really get to know our patients and their families,” Dr. Shalini Shah said. “The beauty of being able to spend so much time with families is being able to build relationships beyond the scope of medicine and watching those relationships become friendships.” Northside Cherokee Pediatrics has opened a second location to better serve the youngest Cherokee County residents, ages birth to 18, with compassionate and comprehensive medical care. With convenient offices in Holly Springs and Towne Lake, the physicians can spend more time with each patient and offer the personalized care that means so much to them. Drs. Shah, Jamie Rollins, and Nancy Doelling value the relationships they build with patients and their families, and the community in which they work. Rollins and Doelling serve the community in the Holly Springs location. Shah and nurse practitioner Melissa DuBois, NP-C, work in the Towne Lake office. In addition to general well exams and sick visits, the practice addresses many specific concerns for today’s parents:
Dr. Doelling examining a pre-adolescent patient for a sick visit.
behavioral and physical development from infancy to adolescence; newborn care; breastfeeding, obesity and weight management; sleep habits; vaccinations; and safety measures. For parents encountering various behavioral issues or developmental disorders, the physicians have the necessary experience to guide families. “We aim to meet the specific
photos by Danny Griffin
Sixes location staff.
Northside Cherokee Pediatrics
www.northsidecherokeepediatrics.com Exceptional Care
Nancy Doelling, MD
Jamie Rollins, MD
Shalini Shah MD
Board-certified in pediatrics, Northside Cherokee Pediatrics’ physicians provide attentive, complete care to children from infancy to adolescence. With special interests in newborn care, breastfeeding, developmental issues and behavioral disorders and obesity/weight management, physicians offer services to fit your child’s individual needs.
Timely Access developmental needs of children and adolescents, whether it be developmental challenges, learning conditions such as ADHD, or behavioral problems, by giving them and their families the tools that will best help them—which may also include referring out to various local specialists when necessary,” Rollins said. The physicians at Northside Cherokee Pediatrics treat a variety of conditions, including some that may be more difficult to diagnose. Doelling’s previous work experience brings added benefits to the practice. “My 11 years of hospital experience have allowed me to help treat kids with complex conditions and infectious diseases. My role is to provide the families with the support and connection they deserve,” Doelling said. For parents embarking on the early days of their child’s life, the providers understand how unnerving a time it may be for new parents, and do what they can to offer guidance on newborn care. “It’s an amazing experience to see parents bring their newborn in for the first time with such hesitation and worry, yet months later they come in with such confidence as they watch their baby grow.” Shah said. The employees and physicians at Northside Cherokee Pediatrics strive for wait times no longer than 15 minutes, return test results within 24 hours and offer free parking. They also accept most major insurance plans. The patient education tab on
www.NorthsideCherokeePediatrics. com offers a wealth of information, with details on the common cold, vaccinations, ADHD, antibiotics and a newborn guide, among other topics.
• Same-day sick appointments whenever possible • Striving to see patients within 15 minutes of arrival • Convenient location and free parking
Efficient Follow-up
Timely feedback and reports to patients. Exams are completed in the office and tests results are usually available the next day.
Dr. Rollins checking a toddler’s milestone markers.
While each physician brings a unique perspective and specialty to the practice, they’re united in their goal of bringing quality healthcare to their young patients and their families. And they also agree that they enjoy getting hugs and waves from patients at the grocery store or during school events. Seeing patients and their families living healthy lives in the community is an added—and welcome—bonus.
Holly Springs 684 Sixes Road, Suite 220 Holly Springs 30115 For an appointment call 678-388-5485 Towne Lake 900 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 306 Woodstock 30189 For an appointment call 770-852-7720 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
37
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—
x
Winter Woods Signs artwork by Ann Litrel.
38
SIXES LIVING | 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.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
39
40
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
41
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.
42
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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.
March 3-5
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
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
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 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
43
Faith
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 − 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. − 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. 44
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
45
Faith
The Hope That’s Found in The Easter Story BY DR. JOE MCKECHNIE
Derek Redmond is a British runner and accepts us, embraces us, and who, for a while, held the - United carries us because we can’t do it on Kingdom record in the 400 meters. our own. Going into the 1992 Summer Olympic In Jewish culture, a lamb would Games in Barcelona, Redmond was a be sacrificed to cover the sin of the favorite to win the gold medal in the people. Jesus came to pay the price event. for you and for me. But that’s not As the race started, Redmond all. Despite his horrendously violent jumped out to an early lead. But less death, the story of Jesus doesn’t than halfway through the race, he end there. The resurrection is the heard a loud pop. He said it sounded cornerstone of our Christian faith. In like a gunshot. His hamstring had fact, in the Bible, the Apostle Paul snapped. He fell to the ground in declares, “And if Christ has not been agony. Medics came to his aide, raised, our preaching is useless and but he brushed them away. In so is your faith,” and “And if Christ Derek’s father helped him cross the finish line. excruciating pain, Redmond stood up has not been raised, your faith is and hobbled his way to the finish line. The other runners had futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17) finished the race by this time, so the TV cameras were honed The same God who overcame death is at work in your in on the young athlete. Pain was etched on Redmond’s face. life. There are situations that seem scary, scenarios that are Meanwhile, his father barged past security and rushed onto disappointing, and decisions that are nerve-racking, but God the track, putting his arms around his son. Derek leaned on can overcome! There are wounds that still hurt, panic that his father for support and together they slowly made their still appears, and anxiety that robs us of joy. But God can way to the finish line, to a standing ovation. Unable to make overcome. There are people who bother us, friends who it through on his own, his Father carried him. disappoint, and family members who hurt us, but God can That’s the story of Easter; in fact, the word excruciating overcome. We may feel defeated and knocked down, but we comes from the word to crucify. While many religions and have a God who displayed His amazing love for us. philosophies focus on how humanity needs to work its way into God’s good graces, the story of Jesus is different. We don’t have the strength to fix ourselves. We don’t have the ability to save ourselves. We don’t have the command Dr. Joe McKechnie is the senior pastor of Sixes United Methodist Church, and a member of the Sixes Living to work harder or to be nicer. To the contrary, the story of community board. Email him at joe@sixesumc.org. Jesus is about a loving Heavenly Father who swoops us up
46
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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 istwo to four times that of nonsmokers. Exposure to second-hand 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.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
47
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 48
SIXES LIVING | 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.
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
49
Health & Wellness
Spayed or Neutered Pets Are Healthier and Happier BY DR. JONATHAN GILVARRY
Having a furry friend can be a wonderful experience, but pet ownership also includes important responsibilities. One of the largest responsibilities is pet sterilization. Sterilization, commonly referred to as spaying and neutering, is strongly recommended once owners decide they will not be breeding their pet. Sterilization is commonly performed while the pet is still a juvenile; typically at 6 months of age. There are many benefits of pet sterilization, such as preventing overpopulation and avoiding serious health and behavioral concerns. Overpopulation of pets is a world-wide problem. Many of these pets will be relinquished to shelters. It has been estimated that 2.4 million healthy dogs and cats are euthanized or put to sleep at shelters every year. Spaying or neutering your pet is the only reliable method of preventing your pet from getting pregnant or impregnating another pet. Many owners wish to breed their pet, but they fail to realize the time, stress and expense associated with breeding. In the end, owners often regret going through the process.
Serious and life-threatening diseases can be prevented through sterilization.
50
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Overpopulation is not the only reason to spay or neuter your pet. Serious and life-threatening diseases can be prevented through sterilization. An unspayed female can develop serious infections in her uterus that can cause infectious toxins in her blood. Unspayed females are also much more likely to develop breast cancer and cancers of the uterus and ovaries than spayed pets. Males not neutered are at higher risks of developing cancers and infections of their reproductive organs. Another reason for pet sterilization is to limit unwanted behaviors that intact pets could exhibit. Often, pets not sterilized can have unwanted elimination behaviors such as defecating, marking, spraying or urinating in the house. Also, intact pets can be more temperamental and even show aggressive, dominant or territorial behaviors. Having a pet can be a joyful and rewarding experience. We want our furry friends to be with us as long as possible. Please consult your veterinarian to discuss sterilization to help promote a long and healthy life for your pet.
Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry has been an associate veterinarian of the BridgeMill Animal Hospital Team since 2015.
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 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
51
School & Sports
Page For a Day Kylan McIntosh from Dean Rusk Middle School recently served as a house page for a day in the Georgia House of Representatives. Kylan is pictured here with Rep. Scot Turner, left, and Speaker of the House David Ralston.
Canton Elementary School STEM Academy teacher Heather Eastridge, center, is surprised by the CCEF Prize Patrol with a $2,500 grant for her Readers Workshop Books project. Looking on are, from left, School Board Chair Kyla Cromer and CCEF board member Kevin Williams.
Geography Champ Eyes State Competition Eighth-grader Reagan Sparkman recently won Cherokee Charter Academy’s Geography Bee. Students in grades four through eight competed. After winning the competition, Sparkman took the qualifying exam in hopes of advancing to the state competition this month. The state winner advances to the National Geography Bee in Washington D.C., where the winner will receive a $50,000 college scholarship. “I would love to go all the way to nationals and win,” Sparkman said. “I want to study astronomy and that would go a long way toward paying for some Reagan Sparkman of that.”
National Girls and Women in Sports Day Canton Elementary School STEM Academy teachers David Cornn and Dr. Judy Wright, right, are surprised with a $2,379.80 CCEF IMPACT grant for their project, Code and Play the Sphero Way.
Teachers Surprised With Grant Money
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) recently surprised Cherokee County School District teachers and students with a record total of $25,000 awarded through its third annual round of competitive IMPACT Grants. The grants will fund 13 innovative projects ranging from a desktop mill, so high school students can machine parts for robots they design, to a writing program for elementary school students that uses Lego block sets to spark creative storytelling. Teachers and students were surprised with Prize Patrol-style grant presentations with oversized checks, balloons and bouquets of flowers. CCEF has awarded more than $115,000 in grants since 2013 to Cherokee County schools, teachers and students. Its mission is to raise awareness, funding and resources to enrich district schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program. CCEF raises funds through its annual CCEF T-shirt sale, CCEF golf classic tournament, and the CCEF Celebration of Education gala. CCEF will be the main beneficiary of the Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series 5K and Fun Run in Canton, scheduled for Aug. 6. 52
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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.
Cherokee High School alumna Kelsey Achin, right, presented the Perseverance Award to Madalyn Townsend.
From left: School board member Kelly Poole, Beta Club officers Caleb Kennedy, Peyton White, Katherine Krumrey and McKye Bramblett, and Principal Cindy Crews.
Beta Club Adds New Members The Beta Club at Sixes Elementary School recently inducted new members. Cherokee County School Board member Kelly Poole participated in the ceremony.
Find your WellStar. 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
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
wellstar.org
Find the people living in poverty in these pictures. That’s right. You can’t. Poverty isn’t always easy to spot. In fact, people at the end of hope are just like you.
Donations needed now Financial donations New socks and Underwear · Blankets www.mustministries.org 1407 Cobb Parkway N. Canned meat Marietta, GA 30061 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
53
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.
Scholar-athletes from River Ridge, Sequoyah and Woodstock high schools.
Cherokee High School
Football: Bryson Perry, Army Brittain Brown, Duke University Dwayne Tiller, Shorter University Lacrosse: Kaci Reid, Concordia University Saint Paul Soccer: Sam Thornton, Georgia Gwinnett College Morgan Harrison, Kennesaw State University Softball: Deven Bennett, Brewton-Parker Rachel Catt, University of South Carolina-Beaufort 54
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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
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
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
55
56
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Welcome to
photo by Darleen Prem
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK
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
T
T
City Center
Pkwy
Woodstock UMC (M-Sa) St
Trail
T
er St
n St
St
er
Mca
St
ar d Rd
Reeves St
tim
T
bb
CSB Bank (after 5PM)
Ln
Hu
ry St
iley
Ba
La
Pade
T
Fowler St
Hicko
Reformation Brewery Fri 6:00-close Sat 2:00-close Sun 2:00-close
Wheel
St
Oak St
le St
T T
St
Elm
Map
in St
reek
E Ma
day C
To GA Hwy 140
St
Noon
T Park at City Center Arnold Mill Rd
St
Mill
T
ffee
Lake
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
dt
The Outlet Shoppes
T at Atlanta at Nike
To GA Hwy 92
on
r Pe
ns ki
St
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
57
Downtown Woodstock
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
$-$$
$-$$
$-$$
open
Craft Beer
no
Village Market & Cafe 490 Chambers St. 678-831-2707 Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com
American European
$-$$
$-$$
$-$$
open
Beer/Wine
limited
Italian
no
$$
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
58
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants
UGMA & UTMA Accounts continued from page 30
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.
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]
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
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. SIXES LIVING | March 2016
59
Downtown Woodstock
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.
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 “Sixes” to save up to $25* on your regular football or sideline cheer registration fee. Sibling discount available. See website for complete details.**
60
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
61
Downtown Woodstock
A Night to Shine…
Isabelle and Mitch Dillon waltz down the red carpet.
Tim Tebow made a surprise appearance.
62
SIXES LIVING | 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. SIXES LIVING | March 2016
63
Reference
SIXES AREA HOMES SOLD IN JANUARY
64
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
Working Toward Downtown Redevelopment
2016 Declared the Year of Action
While I have always known Holly Springs is a great place to raise a family, the city received quite a bit a of press in 2015 for inclusion on many “Best of” listings, including “Best Place for Young Families,” “Most Safe Cities in Georgia,” and “Best Suburb to Buy a House. ” (The city was ranked No. 2 in Georgia and No. 13 nationally on that listing!) Holly Springs made the top 20 listing for the Safest Cities in Georgia for the second year in a row, and I would like to sincerely thank our outstanding police department for helping us sleep a little easier each night. Our goals for 2016 don’t stop at downtown redevelopment. The city plans to upgrade and repair guardrails, and extend culverts on Holly Springs Parkway over Toonigh Creek to add much-needed guardrails. The city has applied for funding from House Bill 170 for striping along Sixes Road and on Holly Springs Parkway from the Woodstock city limits to Canton city limits. Sutherlin Nissan, in addition to preparing its new business site across from Walmart, will make improvements along Holly Springs Parkway near Harbor Creek Parkway. It looks like 2016 is a year of change in Holly Springs. One thing remains the same, though; we are committed to our residents, current and future.
City officials proclaim 2016 will be a “Year of Action” for Canton, with the following action points: • Creation of the Historic Preservation Commission to preserve the city’s history. • A summer completion date for the new trail connecting Etowah River Park to Heritage Park. • $1.6 million allocated to resurface city streets. • Revitalize the central business district. • Provide accountability to residents for improvement of Highway 20 for safety and accessibility. • Partner with YMCA to make sure the city’s taxpayers who are funding the building have affordable access to it. • Enhance the cultural opportunities for citizens by moving forward with the vision of the City of Canton Cultural Arts Center & History Museum. • Plan the future of fire services to better serve the population and boundaries. “2016 is full of promise because we have a mayor and Council committed to working together for the best options for Canton’s future,” Hobgood said. “We will move forward with discussions to improve our water supply, our parks, our trails and our roads. We will use this year to set the benchmarks for dealing with blight and improve code enforcement for a cleaner, safer city. We will not only set the tone for how we are viewed in the region with a new brand, but we will write our own narrative of making sure the Can in Canton outweighs the Can’t. Let’s keep moving #CantonForward and add a new hashtag #CanDoCanton.”
continued from page 19
Gearing Up for November Elections continued from page 26
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.
continued from page 17
Do We Have Enough? continued from page 30
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. SIXES LIVING | March 2016
65
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
66
SIXES LIVING | 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 Clement’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 God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com 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 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
67
Reference
SIXES AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
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
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
Angel House Girls Home is a residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn self-sufficiency. 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com
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
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
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
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
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
Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly backto-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org
Safe Kids Cherokee County provides free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808 www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org
Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org
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
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
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. 770-592-8072 Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115 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 Collins Dixon Foundation: Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness and helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Contact: Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560. 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
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. 678-391-5950 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
Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com
Never Alone Outreach provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org.
Feed My Lambs, Inc. provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. 770-795-9348 office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net
Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
68
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
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
The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 www.xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/
Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org
AARP Woodstock Chapter Is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Cost is $15.
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 Canton Cherokee Business and Professional Women’s Club Meets: Noon on third Thursdays at Canton IHOP Glenda Hinton 770-345-1751 Canton Communicators Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Canton YMCA. Steven Van Schooten 770-366-8224 www.toastmasters.org The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 www.xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/
CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS
BridgeMill-Sixes Service League Marlyn Patouillet 770- 345-7941 www.bssl.org 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 Canton Lions Club 678- 224-7878, www.lionsofcanton.org Canton Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Canton IHOP. canton_optimist@hotmail.com www.sites.google.com/site/cantonoptimistclub/ home Canton Rotary Club Meets: Noon Tuesdays at the Cherokee Conference Center at the Bluffs www.cantongarotary.org Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288, www.rockbarn.org Cherokee County Service League 770-704-5991 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 Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92 770-480-4179 Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991, www.serviceleague.net
POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democrat Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursdays at Holly Springs Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs. 8:30 a.m. first Saturdays at IHOP, 3010 Northside Parkway, Canton 30014. 770- 345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com/d2. Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock 30188. www.cherokeelp.org. Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. second Saturday at Winchesters Woodfire Grill. 678-809-1411 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall in Woodstock. Conrad Quagliaroli 770- 378-8232 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 Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/ mastergardeners Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org Cherokee County Saddle Club Hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) Roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association 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 Is for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org Wildlife Action, Inc. Is 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 Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com William G. Long Senior Center Offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. 678-445-6518 SIXES LIVING | March 2016
69
ADVERTISERS’ DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA 678-919-1250 jjacksoncpa.com
CLEANING SERVICES
13 9
J RAY, CPA, PC 404-994-5102 www.JRAYCPA.com
25
North Georgia CPA 770-924-4990. 770-361-6703 www.northgeorgiaCPA.com
39
ANIMALS/PETS BridgeMill Animal Hospital 770-479-2200 www.bridgemillvet.com
50
678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com
3
AUTOMOTIVE BridgeMill Auto Care Canton location: 770-720-0765 East Cobb location: 770-641-9906
43
Cherokee County Toyota Inside front 770-704-9525 www.CherokeeCountyToyota.com BANK/CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union 770-424-0600 www.LGEccu.org
35
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Downtown Buzz 770-592-6056 www.downtownwoodstock.org/ downtown-buzz
59
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Must Ministries www.mustministries.org
53
CHIROPRACTIC Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 770-592-1877 www.townelakechiro.com 70
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
33
Dynamic Clean Team 404-414-7743
27
Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com
46
5
DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) 29
9
Dentistry at Hickory Flat 770-213-8166 www.HickoryFlatDentist.com
3
49
Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 33 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com Williams Orthodontics Canton: 770-345-4155 Woodstock: 770-592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com
21
EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION Goddard School, The 770-720-3003 www.goddardschool.com/atlanta/ canton-prominence-point-ga Grant Academy, The 770-926-7827 www.thegrantacademy.net Park View Child Care and Montessori School
770-926-0044 www.parkviewmontessorischool.com
South Canton Funeral Home 770-479-3377 www.thescfh.com
1
HAIR SALON/MASSAGE/SPA Addison Taylor Salon 770-224-8484
5
Salon Gloss 678-483-8900 www.salongloss.biz
40, 41
Salon Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com
25
HEALTH & FITNESS
Canton Dental Town 770-622-1515
Fountain View Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.FountainViewSmiles.com
21
FUNERAL HOME
MiniMaid 43 770-656-2726 www.minimaid.com
BridgeMill Dentistry 770-704-1812 www.BridgeMillDentistry.com
ATTORNEYS Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC
Amy’s Professional Cleaning 404-397-5044 www.AmysProCleaningService.com
Piano Instructor-Ralph Iossa 973-519-6863 www.woodstockpianolessons.com
47
5
7
Plae Hard plaehard.com
26
HOME IMPROVEMENTS & REPAIR Alcaraz Drywall 678-949-8689
39
Classique Custom Builders 678-903-6805 www.ClassiqueCustomBuilders.com
7
Hammocks Heating & Air 770-794-0428 www.hammockshvac.com
31
Mr. Junk 678-675-8651 www.mrjunk1.com
17
Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com
45
Sundance Pressure Wash & Seal 17 770-720-2203, 404-771-0071 www.sundancepressurwashandseal.com
HOSPICE AmityCare Hospice 678-402-5235 www.amitycarehospice.com
19
LANDSCAPING Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346
47
www.northsidecherokeepediatrics.com
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta Gastroenterology Assoc. Inside front 678.593.1295 www.atlantagastro.com Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com
39
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Medical Assoc. of North Georgia 770-737-2770 www.medassoc.com
9
23
North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 1 770-726-8948 www.NorthGeorgiaHearing.com North Georgia Foot & Ankle Reconstruction, Dr. Bret Hintze 7 770-999-0804 www.NGFARcom Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (770) 517-6636 northsidecherokeeortho.com Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 678-388-5485
21
Cover, 36, 37
Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com
11
Northwest ENT and Allergy Center 770-427-0368 www.NW-ENT.com
25
Pearle Vision 770-479-0500
Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.TPGsells.com
Back cover
Reflection Lake Nantahala
Kristine Flaig, 828-321-3101
Inside back
Plastic Surgery Center of the South 22 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net
56
RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Canton Main Street 770-704-1548
27
Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288
53
Wellstar Cancer Network 770-956-STAR (7827) wellstar.org
51
Cherokee Youth Football Assoc. www.cyfa.org
60 61
Wellstar Family Medicine www.wellstar.org
53
Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org RETAILERS
PHOTOGRAPHERS Danny Griffin Photography 404-500-9019 www.DannyGriffinPhoto.com
55
REAL ESTATE Magnolia Cottages by the Sea Linda B. Lee, 850-319-8050
56
Blue Frog Imports 770-592-0122 www.BlueFrogImports.biz
21
Noni’s Attic 770-224-8871
33
Outspokin Bicycles 678.483.0200 OUTSPOKINBIKES. COM
17
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
71
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.
Sixes Living Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500
72
SIXES LIVING | March 2016
We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 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.