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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

March 2017 Volume 4, Issue 12

9 Be in the Know

Canton’s Historic District has action-packed 2017 calendar.

16 Night to Shine

Canton residents turn out for special prom event.

18 Dynamic Duo

Mother, daughter make their marks in county history.

22 Welcome!

Canton businesses celebrate with official ribbon cuttings.

24 Summer Camps

Get a jump on registration before camps fill up.

36 Forget the Commute March 15 may be the day you find a local job.

46 Food + Water + SERV Cherokee County nonprofit makes impact worldwide.

Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Don Akridge

Dr. Sarah Obarowski

Kyle Bennett

Premier Group 54

Around Canton

Birthdays

Community News

Ribbon Cuttings

Susan Schulz 46

Community Calendar

Dr. Apurva Shah

Library Events

Dr. Scott Harden 44

Robert Tidwell

Ann Litrel 47

Scot Turner 23

Rob Macmillan 20

John Veith

Christopher Brazelton 57

Meghan Quinlan

Cherokee Office of Economic Development 36 Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry

Everyday Angels

School News

Recent Home Sales

Directory of Advertisers 62

www.AroundCantonMagazine.com

32 & 33 On the Cover North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center Photo by J King Images 2

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

ADVERTISING Market Manager Christie Deese 770-615-3324 Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com

We are on social media!

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

AROUND CANTON The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Canton/ Holly Springs/ Sixes

From the Editor

Canton is growing. New businesses are popping up in the historic downtown district and beyond. A city that has served area residents for 184 years is gaining new life. Around Canton is keeping pace. With more than 20 years of tenure in Cherokee County, Aroundabout Local Media is increasing the distribution for Around Canton magazine to 25,000 with this March issue. We’ll mail 23,758 copies directly to residents of Canton, Waleska, Ball Ground, Lathemtown and Free Home, adding to our current distribution routes in Holly Springs, Sixes and Hickory Flat. That gives us the widest reach of any monthly community magazine in the county. The good news for our advertisers is this: the cost per thousand homes reached is $10.90, which makes us 26 percent less expensive than any other monthly community magazine in the county. For a lesser price, you get more impact, thanks to: • Around Canton’s sleek, colorful pages. • Design and magazine publishing experience that exceeds 50 years. • An editorial staff with more than 65 years of journalism experience. • Our reputation for providing continual updates on new businesses, ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings. The good news for our readers is that more of you will get the magazine, and we’ll be expanding our school and community news coverage to include events in our new distribution area. We’re committed to bringing the people, places and news of Canton and surrounding communities to your home each month. We hope you enjoy the special photos from this year’s Night to Shine, hosted by First Baptist Woodstock for the Tim Tebow Foundation. You may recognize a few Canton residents on page 16. A very special event is planned for April 15 - turn to page 18 for the details. Here’s a hint: it involves a four-mile trek from the current Northside Cherokee Hospital to the new facility to symbolically move from the old to the new. Canton resident Steve Kasha has made more than 30 trips to Kenya - Susan Schulz tells us on page 46 why he keeps going back. If you’re receiving Around Canton in the mail for the first time, I’d love to hear from you. We mean what we say on the cover: Around Canton is Your Community, Your Magazine.

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

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

What’s New Distribution numbers for Around Canton have increased beginning this month, with 25,000 copies printed and 23,758 of those mailed directly to Canton readers. Our distribution routes now include Canton, Waleska, Ball Ground, Lathemtown, Free Home, Holly Springs, Sixes and Hickory Flat. Total distribution of our four publications is 74,800 (Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker.) Ball Ground Flowers & Gifts has opened at 2945 Canton Road, Ball Ground. The shop offers fresh and silk flower arrangements, bows for special occasions, prom dresses, wedding and prom jewelry, DVD movie library and Yeti cups, plus engraving. 470-955-7893. www.facebook. com/2945CantonRd.

What’s Coming Tropical Smoothie Cafe lists 2241 Cumming Highway, Canton, as a new location on the company website (www. tropicalsmoothiecafe.com). In addition to smoothies, the restaurant offers healthy wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and breakfast, as well as vegetarian choices.

Readers’ Choice 2017 Voting Ends March 10!

Our 2017 voting ends at 5 p.m. March 10. It won’t be long before we know the winners in this year’s competition. So stay tuned and keep voting while you can. Visit www.aroundcantonmagazine.com.com and with a click of your mouse, you will be directed to the voting site. Follow the prompts and cast your vote for your favorite SMALL businesses. Winners will be announced in the April issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

COMMUNITY BOARD Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

The Around Canton 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 was recently named the public outreach manager for the city of Canton, and continues to volunteer on numerous boards and committees. Pat and her husband have four children and four grandchildren.

ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com Market Manager Christie Deese 770-615-3324 Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com Managing Editor Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com

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 more than 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 lives in Woodstock with her son and daughter. 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

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com Marketing Support Associate Terri Spencer Terri@AroundAboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Around Canton, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to build a sense of community and pride in the Canton, Holly Springs and Sixes areas by sharing positive stories and timely information. A total of 25,000 free copies are distributed monthly; approximately 23,700 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. See page 64 for a distribution

map.

Around Canton welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 15th 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. Around Canton is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2017. Around Canton 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, PMB 380 Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Christie Deese, 770-615-3324 www.aroundcantonmagazine.com

Volume 4, Issue 12

America’s Community Magazine

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Dalton Peters

Age 19 on March 20 We love you! Mom, Dad, Lauren, Ryan, Stephanie, Dayton, and Eleanor

Celebrating March birthdays at The Lodge at BridgeMill

are, front row from left: George Buchanan and Polly Kullmann. Back row from left: Pauline Durkee, Christine Beard, Juanita Law, Jodie West and Phyllis Day Also celebrating is Juanita Poitier, top. Camera shy: Shirley Chatham, Martha Davis, Rita Sedlock, Eileen Smith, Karen Walker and Bill Wright.

Happy Sweet 16 Jess!

Love, Mom, Gizmo, Buster and Mason

Presley Renee Roe

Happy 10th birthday! We love you so much! Mom, Dad, Kylie and Finley

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Gwendolyn Martin

Happy 10th Birthday! We love you to the moon and back! Dad, Mom and Eisenhower

Happy 6th birthday, Stormy! We love you! Â Mama and Daddy

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

CANTON 2017 Grab your calendars and mark down these special dates - you don’t want to miss a thing! Special thanks to Canton Public Outreach Manager Pat Gold for compiling this list for Around Canton.

April 29-30: BBQ

FARMERS MARKET

and Brews, noon- 8 p.m. April 29-30 Etowah River Park.

May 27 – Oct. 28: (Saturdays only) Canton Farmers Market, sponsored by Canton Main Street, is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays in Cannon Park, downtown Canton.

FIRST FRIDAY 2017 SERIES Downtown Canton is the place to be on the first Friday of each month, for First Friday 2017, sponsored by Canton Main Street. Times: 6-9 p.m. Each themed event includes a concert and a classic car display. Retail and food vendors abound. Main Street is closed to car traffic. www.cantonhdl.com.

April 7: Cadillacs and Blue Suede Shoes. Band: Loose Shoes May 5: Cinco De Mayo June 2: Summer Nights. Band: The Sock Hops

May 20-21: Canton

Festival of the Arts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days in Brown Park. Presented by the Cherokee Arts Center. www. cherokeearts.org.

June 3-4: Wing and Rock Festival at Etowah River Park. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday. July 4: Parade, sponsored by the Thomas M. Brady Post of The American Legion in downtown Canton. Details to be announced. July 4: Fireworks blast off at dusk from behind Riverstone Shopping Center in Canton. Sponsored by Canton Tourism. July 28-29: 10th annual Canton Explorers Rodeo at Boling Park, 8-11 p.m.

July 7: Heroes Night, honoring local heroes who keep us safe; fire, police, military, EMT’s, etc. Details to come. Band: Rumors ATL (Fleetwood Mac Tribute band) Aug. 4: Be True to Your School! Sept. 1: Dr. Seuss Night. Band: The Geeks Oct. 6: Jeep Night. Band: Motel Cowboy

SPECIAL EVENTS March 12: Canton Dizzy Dean Spring Parade begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Canton and continues on to Harmon Field. April 15: EggFest, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Oak Leaf Church EggFest. April 28: March of Dimes Walk/Run/Cookout with kids’ activities noon–10 p.m. mbeal@marchofdimes.org; 678-7930391.

Sept. 23-24: Riverfest at Etowah River Park, sponsored by the Service League of Cherokee County. Oct. 28: Halloween Festival in conjunction with the last Farmers Market of the season. Includes a DJ, trick or treating with farmers market vendors and downtown businesses, a costume parade and costume contest. Farmers Market hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 11: Canton Chili Cook-Off and Veterans Day Celebration and parade in downtown Canton, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (times subject to change). Parade sponsored by the Thomas M. Brady Post of the American Legion. Dec. 8-9:

Historic Downtown Canton Art and Wine Walk, sponsored by Canton Main Street. 5-8 p.m. Friday, TBA Saturday.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Keeping Cherokee Roads Safe

The Relentless Warriors For Christ Motorcycle Ministry is raffling a 1996 Harley Davidson (custom) Titan Scorpion-113 C.I S&S Motor, with all proceeds benefiting the Cherokee County Friends of Recovery Foundation. Tickets cost $5 for one, $20 for five or $40 for 12. The raffle will be at Kotic Kustoms, 6406 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock, in March. For more information or to purchase tickets, call John Chivington at 770-6564904 or the Cherokee DUI/Drug Treatment Court at 678-493-6450. Tickets also can be purchased at the Records Department of the Woodstock Police Department at 12453 Highway 92 or from any Cherokee County Friends of Recovery Member.

Reinhardt University to Host Spring Alumni Day Reinhardt University’s Alumni Association is hosting its first Spring Alumni Day on March 25 as a way to gather with alumni and friends, old and new, and to celebrate 2016-17 awards, including John Wesley Clergy and Laity Awards, and the Distinguished Alumni of the Year award. The event will be at Reinhardt’s Waleska campus and includes a meet-and-greet coffee, an awards luncheon, an afternoon of class and club reunions with a chance to watch baseball and softball games. For more information or to RSVP for the barbecue lunch, contact Pat Patton at 770-720-5507 or email SSP@reinhardt.edu.

At the award presentation, from left, are Rob LeBeau, director of Atlanta Regional Workforce Board; Sonia Carruthers, executive director/CEO of Cherokee FOCUS; Jeff Mitchell, SVP city executive South State Bank; Nate Barber, senior VP, South State Bank, and Doug Hooker, executive director, Atlanta Regional Commission.

Local Business Leader Recognized

A local business leader has been recognized for his support of a Cherokee nonprofit and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program. In a luncheon hosted by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Jeff Mitchell, city executive/ SVP of South State Bank, received an award from Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board recognizing his and South State Bank’s dedication to helping youth in Cherokee County. Mitchell is a Cherokee FOCUS board member and well-known community volunteer. Mitchell and South State Bank donated Dave Ramsey’s “Foundations of Personal Finance” to the Cherokee Youth Works (CYW) program. The curriculum is written with teens in mind and covers everything from opening a checking account to credit responsibility, paying for school and even retirement. CYW works with 16- to 24-year-olds to prepare them for their next steps, including GED prep when needed, pursuing certification/credentials, college advisement, life skill and finance classes, work experience and more. Mitchell also spent time with the CYW class, talking about banking careers and the importance of financial responsibility. For more information, visit www.cherokeefocus.org.

The Challenge is On

A Gift of Appreciation Sheriff Frank Reynolds, center, was presented a hand-carved wooden shotgun recently by members of the Cherokee Shrine Club for his service to the community. Left, shriners Don Meyers, Johnny Adams, Wallace Reid and Earl Darby surround the sheriff.

Make an Orphan’s Summer Special New Horizons for Children is seeking host families for the summer. Each year, the organization matches 200 orphaned children from Eastern Europe with Christian families across the United States. Prospective families can request a photo listing of children at www.nhfc.org, where they can also get more details about the program. Call 678-671-2279 for more information. 10

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Celebrating more than 80 years of service, the Service League of Cherokee County presents the 51st annual ball and the 7th annual Dancing for the Children Celebrity Dance Challenge Competition 6 p.m. to midnight April 29 at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Dancers in the competition are local celebrities and dignitaries who have committed to raising a minimum of $3,000 each in sponsorship dollars, while also training and partnering with professional dance instructors to prepare for the competition. Each instructor donates his or her time and talents to work diligently to train their partners. This year’s celebrity dancer lineup includes: Delane Bailey, Jen Davo, Brittany Duncan, Todd Hayes, Sherri Juliani, Justin Page, Mark Smith, Liz Spell and Katie Wise. Money raised from ticket sales, sponsorships and donations are given to help Cherokee County children in need receive medical, dental and vision care, clothing, scholarships, camps and more. www.serviceleague.net.

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A Lifetime of Care AROUND CANTON | March 2017

YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Gala Celebrates Honorees

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) will present the third annual Celebration of Education Gala on March 11, a black-tie optional event at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Canton. During the evening, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower, the honorary chair, will present the Alumni of the Year awards to board of education member Patsy Jordan, and former Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison. The evening begins with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. and dinner, awards and entertainment at 7:30 p.m. The event’s presenting sponsor is Northside Hospital Cherokee. “Our past two galas have been so successful that we can’t wait for this year’s event,” CCEF Board President William “Billy” G. Hasty Jr. said. “Our sponsors and guests help us celebrate the important work being done every day by our school district and raise funds to benefit CCSD students, teachers and schools.” Since its establishment in 2012, CCEF has awarded more than $205,000 in grants to students, teachers and schools. The nonprofit, charitable foundation seeks funding and resources to enrich schools in areas not fully funded in the regular school program. For more information, visit www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org.

Northside Hospital officials gathered for the recognition are: front row, from left: Bethany Lill, Pinnacle Orthopaedics; Amy West, Pinnacle Orthopaedics; Rhonda Swayze; Dr. Alan Swayze; Dr. Carl Capelouto, Georgia Urology; Dr. Scott Swayze, Pinnacle Orthopaedics; Lori Turner, Northside Hospital Cherokee Surgery Services. Back row, from left: Dr. Michael Kuczmanski, Pinnacle Orthopaedics; Dr. Robert Tyrrel, Northside Radiology Associates and chief of staff, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Billy Hayes, CEO, Northside Hospital Cherokee.

Surgeon Honored After Retirement Northside Hospital Cherokee renamed one of its operating rooms after Dr. Alan R. Swayze, a popular surgeon who retired in 2016. Dr. Swayze was an active orthopaedic surgeon at Northside for 12 years until he was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. The condition forced him to retire. “Alan Swayze cared about his patients,” said Dr. Carl Capelouto of Georgia Urology and past chief of staff at Northside Hospital Cherokee. “This essential quality, combined with great surgical skill, a kind and gentle nature, and finally his deep humility, endeared him to his colleagues and staff at Northside Hospital Cherokee.” Dr. Swayze performed most of his surgeries in the hospital’s operating room (OR) No. 4. Earlier this year, representatives from Northside Hospital Cherokee’s Administration and Surgical Services placed a plaque outside the OR in his honor. The plaque will move to the new Northside Hospital Cherokee when it opens in May 2017. “I owe a special thanks to my patients and to the members of our community for their support of my practice at Pinnacle Orthopaedics,” Dr. Swayze said. “And even more so for the outpouring of love they have shown to me and my family with the onset of my retirement.” 12

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Jay Huller and his mom Kit.

Talent Show Doubles as Fundraiser Cherokee High School’s Beat Out Cancer club is planning a special fundraiser, Georgia Has Talent, at 6 p.m. March 18 to raise money for cancer research. It’s been a successful five years for the group, having raised $26,500 with five previous shows. This year’s goal is $10,000, and proceeds will go to the Dana-Farber Institute for Cancer Research. A silent auction with donations worth more than $9,000 will be open at 5 p.m. The club is the brainchild of Spanish teacher Jay Huller. “Beat Out Cancer is my way of remembering my mom and giving back to a world that has given me so much,” Huller said. “It’s also a way to support local drummers and other musicians the way my mom supported me. It’s a show full of music, where the various performers give 100 percent of their talent, all on a volunteer basis. No performer or volunteer takes a single penny from this cause.” The event takes place at Cherokee High, 930 Marietta Highway, Canton. For details on performers and ticket sales, visit www.beatoutcancer.com.

Support Group for Brain Disorders Just a year and a half ago, Rick Wolter lost his wife Nancy, to whom he was married 43 years, to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Having that experience made him realize how little awareness there is of fatal brain disorders among the medical community and family members who end up caring for their loved ones. To help with awareness, Wolter started an A-Typical Parkinson’s Education and Support Group that meets 2-4 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month at Resurrection Anglican Church, 231 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. The group is open to persons affected by PSP, CBD (corticobasal degeneration), MSA (multiple system atrophy) and related brain diseases, including patients and their caregivers. For more details, call Wolter at 954-830-7274 or email sbr4psp@gmail.com.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Service to Honor Vietnam Vets A Vietnam veteran recognition service is planned for 11 a.m. March 25 at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton. Speakers are Vietnam vets and will include a Huey helicopter pilot, a Marine Corpsman and a female nurse. Veterans and their families who would like to participate should meet at the Ceremonial Wall Assembly Area at the cemetery. For information, call 770-238-7122.

Explorer Post Brings Home 12 Awards Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services’ Explorer Post 469 earned a record 12 top three finishes at the recent 43rd annual Winterfest Competition in Gatlinburg, Tenn. More than 3,200 Explorers and Venturers from 17 states attended the event; 18 youth and 15 advisors were part of the Cherokee County contingency, which also included Fire Chief Tim Prather, Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson and Operations Chief Greg Erdely. Winterfest is the largest U.S. scout assembly that caters to co-ed youth ages 1421, and allows them to take part in competitive and social activities. This was the 16th year that the fire department’s explorers have attended the event. Many friends and family members of Post 469 also attended. The explorer program is a career-based learning opportunity open to young men and women ages 14 (and completed the eighth grade) and not yet 21 years old with an interest in learning more about careers in fire and emergency services. For more information, contact Sgt. Michael Competing in the High Rise event are, from left, Sims at 678-644-1377 or mrsims@ Cadets Lindsey, Corzo, Robinson and Hough, who use forcible entry techniques to pry open a door. cherokeega.com.

Explorer Post 469, front row from left: Lt. Mike Caglioni, Capt. Bill Hamby (ret.), Lt. Brad Gravitt, Chief Tom Pelletier (ret.) and FAO Jim Laughlin. Standing, from left: Lt. Scott Deal, FF Gary Strobl, Chief Rebecca Strobl, Sgt. Kevin Davis, Sgt. Stan Ice, Cadet FF CJ Endicott, Cadet Sgt. Denver Ice, Cadet FF Fabian Fazzari, Cadet Sgt. Wendy Corzo, Cadet FF Chris Shorts, Cadet FF Nick Lindsey, Cadet Sgt. Dalton Hamby, Cadet Capt. Jake Pohlman, Cadet Lt. Kenny Robinson, FF Michele Ice, Cadet Sgt. Chad Barday, Cadet FF Griffin Hansen, SGT Michael Sims, FF Trent Nations, Cadet FF Chris Shorts and Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. Back row, from left: Sgt. Jonathan Gottfried, FAO Corey Deal, Cadet Sgt. Hannah Pohlman, Cadet FF Anna Bowyer, Cadet FF Jensen McColl, Cadet Lt. Brad Hough, Cadet FF Simon Worley and Cadet FF Carlito Mustari. 14

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. March 12! Be sure to set your clocks forward an hour before going to bed the night before. Fire officials remind us that it’s also a good time to change the batteries in our smoke detectors.

Alert! Zombies are on the Move The Zombies will be invading the south side of Cherokee County on Oct. 21 during this year’s Georgia Zombie Fest. The fifth annual event will take place in downtown Woodstock; the theme will be “PEACE, LOVE, ZOMBIES!” The Zombie Fest 5K Walk, Run, Creep or Crawl will be held Oct. 14 at the Etowah River Park in Canton to accommodate more participants. More than 8,000 people attended last year’s Zombie Fest, which has become a popular fundraiser for Cherokee FOCUS, a local 501©3 non-profit focusing on a variety of programs and initiatives for youth and young adults. During its 15 years, FOCUS has worked with hundreds of youth in their Cherokee Youth Works program that focuses on education, work readiness and career employment for 16 to 24 year olds. Throughout the county, FOCUS also targets youth and young adults through the Drug Free Cherokee initiative for drug prevention; watch for their prom campaign coming soon. Other initiatives for this collaborative include efforts in the area of literacy and their Hotel to Home track to permanent housing. For more details on Zombie Fest, visit www.GeorgiaZombieFest.com.

Scholarship Rewards Community Service The BridgeMill Sixes Service League will give two $1,000 scholarships to qualified graduating seniors from a Cherokee County high school. The award is based on ongoing community service through school or community outlets, rather than academic achievements. Applications must be postmarked by April 14 and are available at www.bssl.org.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Night to Shine 2017 Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older. The worldwide movement involved more than 150,000 volunteers in 375-plus churches around the world, serving 75,000 in 2017. First Baptist Woodstock was an event site in 2016 and this year. For more information, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org.

Mitch Dillon and Andy Meredith.

Haley Price floats down the red carpet to enter the magical Night to Shine event. Top, Jodie Stephens.

Jerry, Mitch, Kathy and Isabelle Dillon.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Gabby Allen with her buddy, Mac Terza.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Ready, Set, Run on Over to the New Hospital The Cherokee community, along with walkers and runners from throughout the Atlanta area, will celebrate the new replacement Northside Hospital Cherokee with a Move It On Over hospital-tohospital run/walk on April 15. The four-miler will benefit the Arthritis Foundation and kick off the new facility, set to open in early May. The run is a timed event; pre-register at www.walktocurearthritis.org/cherokee. Medals will be presented to the top male and female winners in each age group. All runners receive a timing bib and commemorative event T-shirt. The route begins at the current Northside Hospital Cherokee, 201 Hospital Road in Canton, and winds through Heritage Park and Etowah River Park. The finish line is at the new hospital off I-575 at the Ga. 20 exit, at Northside Cherokee Boulevard. “This will be the first opportunity for many in our community to see their new facility,” said Billy Hayes, CEO, Northside Hospital

Cherokee. “Our current hospital campus has faithfully served the needs of the Cherokee County community for 55 years, but we couldn’t be more excited to move to our new campus.” The new 480,000 square-foot replacement hospital will offer the same services as the existing hospital and include 105 licensed patient beds, a distinct women’s center, a multi-specialty medical office building, a cancer center and more than 1,600 parking spaces. Move It On Over is a partner event for the Arthritis Foundation’s national Walk to Cure Arthritis, which rallies communities and raises funds to conquer arthritis once and for all. Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 50 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parking and on-site registration for Move It On Over begins at 6:30 a.m. April 15, at the new Northside Hospital Cherokee campus, 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd. Buses will shuttle participants to the starting line. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. Register individually or as a team; fees are $30 March 1-31, and $35, April 1-13. For more information, visit www.walktocurearthritis.org/cherokee. For more information about the new Northside Hospital Cherokee, opening in May, visit www.northsidecherokee.com. The new facility is 480,000-square-feet with 104 licensed patient beds. Rendering courtesy Northside Hospital.

Mother, Daughter: A Dynamic Duo BY MEGHAN QUINLAN

March is Women’s History Month, and the perfect time to think about women in Cherokee County who’ve made a lasting impact. Many women have lived, fought and bled for what they believed in, were uncompromising in speaking their truth and deserve to be honored. Two come to mind immediately: Ozella Tanner and her daughter, Patricia, whose amazing stories bear repeating. Many women During Freedom Summer in 1964, four young men set off have lived, to the Canton Theatre with the fought and intention of desegregating it. Like the rest of the South, Canton bled for had operated for years under Jim what they Crow laws which enforced racial Word got out about believed in ... segregation. their plan, and an angry white mob decided to take things into their own hands. Ozella, having also heard what was happening, got into her car and drove downtown to see if she could pick up the young men before they were hurt. Members of the crowd threw rocks at her car, but were unable to strike it; the young men 18

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

got in, unharmed. After they reached her home in Stumptown, Ozella heard that a car had been overturned and a large glass window had been shattered. The police had come to disperse the crowd and enforce an 8 p.m. curfew. Attempts were made to integrate the theater and several restaurants, but not without consequences. In fact, threats of violence were so frequent against the African-American population that guards were posted in neighborhoods to protect families. In early 1965, Patricia Tanner was also front and center in shaping our country when she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King from Selma to Montgomery. She was a college student in North Carolina when she attended the march and helped support the rights of voters in Alabama. She traveled to Alabama and joined the protesters for several days and heard Dr. King speak at a church near Selma. Unfortunately, she needed to return to school before the march was completed. Because of her early departure, she avoided Bloody Sunday, where it was reported that more than 600 lawmen turned on the protesters. Now more than 50 years later, as we reflect on the events of our past, let’s continue to work together, in honor of Ozella and Patricia Tanner and all of the women throughout history who have dedicated themselves to change.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Rob’s Rescues This dog’s name is Hercules. He is 3 years old and is an owner surrender. He is a good dog and is friendly. Hercules is skinny and runs fast. He is a hound and Dachshund mix. This dog would be a really good pet. This cat’s name is Tiki. She is about a year old and is a brown mackerel tabby. She looks like a tiger. She is super friendly and would be a very good cat for someone.

I did an interview with Tanya Mahrous Tobias and Toby Tobias of Second Life Atlanta (www.secondlifeatlanta.org). Why did you start Second Life Atlanta and how did you do it? We started it six years ago because we wanted to do something to help animals and organizations that help animals. We loved our Dalmatian called Lucky and it really was just a Lucky-inspired leap of faith. We saw the concept in Nebraska and brought it to Atlanta to help promote adoption, education on spaying and neutering, and to help animal rescue. The financial pie for animal rescue is only so big and we wanted to figure out a way to generate revenue. Also, Second Life is a place for people to volunteer and directly impact shelter animals without having to be inside the shelter where they might want to just adopt every dog they see in there. Do you have any pets? We have two dogs that were both rescued off the streets of Cairo, Egypt. One of them, Riley, is the Chief Smile Officer in the shop and often comes to work with us. What is your favorite dog breed? Rescues. Also Dalmatians, because of Lucky.

What does Second Life do? We take in gently used items (household, clothing, furniture, collectables, electronics, etc.) and sell them in our two shops located next to each other at 1 and 89 N. Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates just a few blocks from the DeKalb Farmers Market. With the proceeds, we provide grants to animal rescue groups. More than 60 nonprofits have received grants totalling $760,000 in the past six months. Do you have any advice for me? Keep doing what you are doing. Never stop fighting for animals. It just takes one person to make a difference. Stay strong and don’t let others change who you are. There will be people who will be extremely supportive and there will be skeptics. Stay strong and believe in yourself. You are a unique voice because of your age. How can I help you? Spread the word. People can clean out their closets and help animals at the same time. Donate your items and save lives. Second Life’s 2017 goal is to provide $1 million in grants to organizations that help animals and educate on spaying and neutering. How do you decide who you give money to? There is an online grant application that you fill out. Do people donate to you? Yes. We are thankful for all donations we receive and everything in the store is donated. How do you advertise your company? Word of mouth and social media. We also do print advertising in local publications, but as a nonprofit our money needs to go into operations and animal rescue. Do you have more dog or cat customers? There is a good split between dog and cat owners as far as our donors are concerned, and dogs often come with their owners to shop. We have some foster cats in the shop from Paws Atlanta and shoppers can also drop off food in the shop for Pet Buddies Food Pantry.

continued on page 54

Rob, Toby and Tanya with shop foster cat Bagley. Above, Riley, rescued from Egypt.

Rob’s Rescues 20

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Follow Rob on Facebook!

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.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

A Lesson in Government BY SCOT TURNER

Last year, just before the November election, a young man (I’ll call him Ted) went on a tirade on a Young Republican’s Facebook group. In his sights were all things conservative and especially the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Before I go further, I want to make it crystal clear that I am not a member of ALEC , nor have I gone to any of their events. But after a story about ALEC , filled with misinformation, aired on a local TV newscast, folks like Ted came out of the woodwork to attack conservatives as bought-and-paid-for politicians. My response was to invite Ted to see his government in action. ALEC is an organization that acts like a think tank and clearinghouse for policy proposals for state legislators. While it is officially non-partisan, it has a limited government approach to tackling issues. It will often develop draft legislation that then must go through each state’s legislative process prior to becoming law. I must admit that I had forgotten about the offer when I received Ted’s phone call asking me to make good on the promise. We set a date and time and I invited him to be my guest and to shadow me for a day. I was able to get Ted a pass to join me on the floor of the House while we were in session. I introduced him to legislators from different parts of the state who attend ALEC events. In turn, each one explained to him that states face the same or similar issues and that there are organizations similar to ALEC that present draft legislation. When Ted expressed concern for the scholarship aspect

of ALEC, one legislator pointed out that all similar organizations do the same thing. Then I introduced Ted to Rep. Keisha Waites, a female, AfricanAmerican, openly gay, liberally minded legislator who represents a good portion of Atlanta. As she explained to him why she saw value in ALEC and that she was a scholarship recipient, I could see Ted’s mind working overtime. She did not fit the media narrative that had shaped Ted’s perception of the political process. Over lunch, Ted and I discussed a wide range of issues, from social to economic. We talked about who asks for more regulations and who fights against them. We were then joined by a lobbyist who explained how he tries to convince legislators to move legislation in the interest of his clients. And to wrap up the day, Ted sat in on a committee hearing that dealt with the topic of cyber security. By the end of the day, I believe we had managed to accomplish the goal I had set: to show Ted that his government is made up of real human beings, and that his government, your government, is more accessible than one might think. While I am certain that his political ideology remains unchanged, I am hopeful that he gained valuable perspective that things are not always how they are presented.

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.

Two Locations Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides compassionate, comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins, Dr. Shalini Shah, and Dr. Nancy Doelling, offer the quality one-on-one care you demand to keep your child happy and healthy including, short wait times, same-day appointments and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle.

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics Offers: • Exceptional Care: Board-certified physicians. Attentive & complete care for children birth - 18. • Timely Access: Same-day appointments available. Shorter wait times. • Efficient Follow-up: Timely feedback and reports. Next day test results available.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017 oh ns o

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Guide

2017 Brainy Bytes Technology Camps

Weekly half-day and full-day camps start June 5. Children are supplied with everything they need to create video games, movies, 3D printed objects, robot battles and more. Locations in Woodstock, Acworth, Marietta and Roswell. 770-826-0449. www.brainy-bytes.com/nw-atlanta.

Camp Gideon

A Christian camp located on Lake Allatoona that offers day and overnight camping programs for children and youth to engage them socially, spiritually and physically through a variety of outdoor activities. IMPACT Camp (co-ed, ages 12+) June 10-16, Discovery Day Camps (co-ed, ages 5-11) June 1216, 19-23, 26-30 and D24 Overnight Camp (co-ed, ages 7-13) July 3-7. Visit www.campgideon.com for more information, pricing and online registration.

Summer break will be here before we know it. While making plans for family vacations and lazy days at the pool, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to schedule a week or two of camp activities for the kids. Our annual guide of local summer camps should help you find overnight and day camps that work for your family. Register early since many camps fill up quickly.

Cherokee County YMCA Day Camps

Summer camping experience available at the Woodstock and Canton locations. Full-day camp for ages 5-15, and half-day camp for ages 4-5, Monday through Friday May 30-July 28. Traditional and specialty programs offered. Cost of traditional full-day camp is $170 per child per week. For more info, call 678-880-3502, email robertbe@ymcaatlanta.org or visit www.ymcaatlanta.org/coy.

Cherokee Tennis Center

Tiny Tots Camp for ages 8 and younger Monday-Thursday 8:159 a.m. Cost is $50 per session. Includes tennis games, review of tennis fundamentals with the emphasis on fun. The USTA 10 and under format uses smaller nets, softer/lower bouncing balls, and short courts tailored to Â younger players. Each camper will receive a gift the first week. Day camp is for ages 8 and older, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.noon. Cost is $160 per session and consists of tennis drills, point play, game play and more. Each session will end with prizes and a pizza party. Campers will receive a T-shirt during the first week. Multiple child discounts are offered for both camps. A minimum of five participants is needed for each session. Fridays will be used as rain makeup days, if necessary. For info, call 770-592-4582 or register online at www.cherokeetenniscenter.com.

Camp Juliette Low

An overnight camp for girls ages 7-17 that offers outdoor programs to foster self-confidence, independence, teamwork and leadership. Traditional camping, platform tents, outdoor adventure, fun and friendship await. One- and two-week sessions available June 4-July 29. Cost is $915 for one week and $1,800 for two. Located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, Ga. For more info call 770-428-1062, email info@CJL.org or visit www.CJL.org.

Camp Splash

The Woodstock Aquatic Center and Gold Swim school host weekly summer Camp Splash June 5 through July 21 for ages 4-12 with a of maximum 16 campers per week. Campers need to bring a packed lunch daily; snacks and water provided. Camp is $265 per week, $250 for multiple weeks, 10 percent off for siblings. To register, call 770-591-1998 or online at www.goldswim.com. 24

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Dance For His Glory

Camps will be held June 12-16 and July 24-28 and include Princess Camp for ages 3-6, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $50 per week; Rising Star Ballet, Tap and Jazz Camp for ages 7-10, 9:30- 11:30 a.m., $50 per week; Ballet Intensive Camp for ages 11 and up, noon2:30 p.m., $65 per week, and Hip, Hop and Tap Camp for ages 11 and up noon-2:30 p.m., $65 per week. More information and registration available online at www.danceforhisglory.net.

Dance Imagination

Fairytale Dance Camp is four hours of games, craft activities, snack, play time, tumble, lunch and dance. 9 a.m.1 p.m. June 13-16, June 20-23, July 11-14, 18-21. Cost is $40 per day or $140 per week. Registration begins April 10. For more info, visit www.danceimagination.com.

Elm Street Drama Camps

One of the oldest and largest arts education programs for young people in the region. Camps are taught by trained counselors who introduce ages 5-14 to the exciting world of theater. Campers develop skills, build character and have fun through writing, producing and performing their own show in one week. Camp hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 5-July 28 (excluding July 3-7). Registration is $220. Visit elmstreetarts. org or call 678-494-4251 for more information and to register.

Paper.Scissors.Cake.

Camps for ages 2-12 broken down into three camp days and times. Toddler and preschool camps have weekly themes, while school-age children will explore painting, drawing, collage, mixed media and woodworking. No two camp sessions are alike. Located at 6687 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. For more details, visit www.paperscissorscakeartstudio.com, call 404-8671630 or email paperscissorscake@windstream.net.

Safety Town

A summer camp with a pint-sized town where safety messages are taught by Cherokee County safety professionals to children entering kindergarten in the fall. Topics covered include: water, poison and fire safety, stranger awareness, school bus, pedestrian and traffic safety, and more. Volunteers help run three one-week sessions at Bascomb Elementary School 9 a.m.-noon, June 5-9, 12-16 and 19-23. Cost is $80 per child per week and includes crafts, snacks and a T-shirt. For more information and registration forms, visit cherokeecountysafetytown.org. Contact director Ashley Arp cherokeecountysafetytown@gmail.com or 770-894-2151 for questions.

The Stables at Towne Lake

K.A.O.S. Camp

A specialized camp designed for ages 6-22 (campers will be divided based on their age) with developmental disabilities who have special needs and want a place to hang out over the summer. There will be a 1:3 ratio of experienced counselors to campers with three field trips weekly. Activities include arts and crafts, exploring parks, swimming, bowling and laser tag. Campers need to bring a lunch and two snacks daily, unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Early registration begins April 10 at 9 a.m. for campers who attended four or more weeks of camp last summer. Returning campers need to bring the letter received in the mail to registration. Regular registration begins April 17 at 9 a.m. at the Recreation Center, 7545 Main St. Camps run 9 a.m.- 3 p.m Monday-Friday, May 30-July 28, except for July 3-7. No before or extended care is available for K.A.O.S Camp. Cost is $130 per week. For more info, contact Frankie Sanders at fsanders@cherokeega.com. Â

Kids Time Academy

This summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s themes are imagination and adventure. Weekly camp sessions are structured for students to experience indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, long with group projects and activities. Call 770-345-0636 to register.

Summer camp for ages 5-14 emphasizes having a pleasurable experience through safe riding techniques and making new two- and four-legged friends. Participants engage in riding, learning, crafts with qualified instructors and some of the best kid-loving horses around. Cost is $350 per week with early registration discounts. Camp dates are: June 5-9, 12-16, 26-30, July 10-14, 17-21 and 24-28. For more info, call 678-704-7099, email info@thestablesattownelake.com or visit www.thestablesattownelake.com.

Towne Lake Hills Tennis Camp

Towne Lake Hills Smash and Splash Tennis and Swim Camps scheduled for June 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29, July 10-13, 17-20. Advanced USTA Tournament Camp is July 24-27. For more information, visit www.townelakehillstennis.com or on Facebook at Towne Lake Hills Junior Tennis Academy. To register, email tlhtennisacademy@gmail.com.

Xplosive Speed and Agility Camp

Speed and agility are vital aspects of basketball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball, football, etc. Coaches from Engineered Athletics, LLC will help kids get on the path to becoming faster and more agile. Riverside Athletic Complex, 6-8:30 p.m. June 26-30 for ages 6-15. Cost is $100 per participant; T-shirt included. Please bring a water bottle; coolers of water provided. For more info, contact Neely Motiejunas, 770-924-7768, or nmotiejunas@cherokeega.com. AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Tips for Stronger Cyber Security BY JOHN VEITH

While attending an annual tax software conference last year, I was surprised at the amount of conversation surrounding cyber security. It is a hot topic and will continue to be in the coming years. There were stories of CPAs and tax practitioners who have lost their businesses and experienced permanent damage to their careers due to cybercriminals. Regardless of your occupation or line of business, any information that you have stored on a computer or in the cloud is susceptible to hacking. That conference made me realize there were additional security tasks I could do immediately to further safeguard my business and personal assets. There are some steps you can implement to help safeguard your digital information. Perhaps the easiest fix from potential hackers is stronger passwords. In the past, easy to remember and short passwords were acceptable. That is not the case today. There is a good website (www.howsecureismypassword.net) that allows you to enter a potential password and it will give you the approximate amount of time it takes a cybercriminal to hack it. Here are some password examples. Which one do you think is the safest? Password1 We love mom and dad1 Cat&Dog34 DGRkk89&3f4

How did you do? Let’s just say remember to give your mom and dad a hug. Were you surprised? If you did not visit the site, it is worth the few clicks. Another easy fix is securing an identity protection PIN for your tax return from the IRS. Visit www.irs.gov/individuals/get-anidentity-protection-pin and follow the prompts. Each year you will get a new PIN from the IRS that you will need to enter before e-filing your return. This does not cost anything and is a good preventative measure. Finally, and I say this all the time to clients and anyone that will listen, the IRS will not call you to request money by threatening that you will go to jail. There are various versions of this scam, but it always involves paying money immediately to the IRS. If you owe money to the IRS, it will send you multiple letters and correspondence before taking any legal action. Phoning and threatening you is not one of the agency’s actionable items. I advise people to hang up immediately. The IRS does not use email either, so any email requests from the IRS are also fraudulent.

John Veith CPA, CMA, MBA is owner of North Georgia CPA, Inc., conveniently located across from Holly Springs City Hall. 770-924-4990. www.northgeorgiacpa.com

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

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elevision shows on a popular cable network about home remodeling and room renovations often make the process look easy. Within 30 minutes or an hour, homeowners are oohing and ahhing over new flooring, kitchen or master bath. In real life the process can be a lot more stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. For more than 30 years, the professionals at Enhance Floors and More have been working with homeowners on renovation projects. The one-stop shopping available at Enhance Floors and Standing in the kitchen design center from left, Elisabeth, Wanda and More will remove the stress of traveling to multiple locations for Robin are ready to assist with your remodeling job. the different elements that a remodel requires. The company lives up to its name by providing a total home design center. Whether it is carpeting, hardwoods, or ceramic and porcelain you’ve been dreaming of. And if a resort-style bathroom is on tile that you are interested in, you will find something that your list of renovations, you can find the design assistance and fits your lifestyle and budget. A large selection of laminate selection you need to create the look you have in mind. and luxury vinyl flooring is featured, and the Highly trained showroom staff can also assist you with custom craftsmen are used for area rugs and Hunter Douglas window treatments. each installation. The Founded in 1985 by Don and Elisabeth Stubbs, company is fully licensed Enhance Floors and More offers a personalized and insured, and its customer experience that has resulted in many installers specialize in repeat clients. “We genuinely care about our working in occupied customers, and we form relationships with them. homes, taking great care This is rarely a fast transaction and it usually to be considerate of a involves multiple visits to the showroom and the homeowner’s belongings client’s home. Ideas, opinions and sometimes even and property. The baby pictures get shared. We are a part of the installers from Enhance community, and we enjoy meeting new people Floors and More are every day,” Elisabeth said. capable of handling all The showroom at Enhance Floors and More aspects of a project − no was expanded and moved to its current Marietta matter how small or Extensive selection of hardwood flooring. address a little more than two years ago. The complex. centralized location is convenient for homeowners Many customers arrive and provides a wide variety at Enhance Floors and More with some of their remodeling of samples to explore. The components already chosen − paint, cabinet color or granite − company offers total staircase with a plan to find flooring that matches. “The floor is one of updates, including classic the most expensive and disruptive things to change; we’d love wrought iron balusters and for people to hold off making final decisions and remain a little custom stair runners. The flexible until they have all the pieces of the puzzle. That will showroom staff is trained to make their choices easier,” Elisabeth said. help customers with kitchen That is just one of the many tips and suggestions that the and bathroom makeovers. design team at Enhance Floors and More shares with clients. Enhance Floors and More “We are here to help you make the best decisions,” she said. can assist with cabinet “We will ask questions, suggest options, and recommend what replacement or update fits your lifestyle and budget. We believe we are an excellent existing cabinets with a new source for the things you need to know to make an informed finish, painting or glazing. decision.” In addition to new floors, countertops and a custom backsplash can give your kitchen the updated look

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

MARCH Through April 7

The “Some Bunny Special” program, sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, is looking for donations of Easter baskets to be given to children in need throughout Cherokee County. The agency hopes to reach at least 300 kids. Baskets need to be filled with Easter related items only (candy, stuffed animals, toys, etc.) Donations can be delivered to the Recreation Center at 7545 Main St., Building 200, in Woodstock. www.crpa.net.

March 9

Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute is offering a community screening to determine men’s risk for developing prostate cancer, set for 5:30-8 p.m. at the Medical Associates of North Georgia Office, 320 Hospital Road, Canton. The screening is for men ages 45-75 who have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer or have had a prostate exam within the past year. To register, call 404-531-4444.

March 10

Agriculture Expo is set for 4-8 p.m. at River Church, 2335

Sixes Road, Canton. The free event, which celebrates National Agriculture Month, will feature 30 agriculture booths, commodity foods and drinks, and educational animals from Art Barn for the students. To RSVP, contact Shirley Pahl at 770-479-1481 ext. 0 or sfpahl@gfb.org. www.cherokeeagexpo.info.

March 10-19

“Paradise,” a premier show written by Thomas Reiser, will

be presented by Broadway Bound Productions at the Historic Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. Tickets are $18 and available by calling the box office at 770-720-2698. www.cantontheatre.com.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

March 11

Little River 5k and Fun Run at Little River Elementary School will

begin at 8 a.m. for the fun run ($15 entry fee), and 8:30 a.m. for the 5k ($20). The school is at 3170 Trickum Road, Woodstock. Register on www.active.com.

March 15

Cherokee Career Expo, sponsored by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Georgia Department of Labor, is from 2-6 p.m. at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Representatives of local industries will be on hand to talk about job openings. For details, check on Facebook, 2017 Cherokee Career Expo. A Novel Idea will resume with the first gathering 7-9 p.m. at The

Snug Gastro Pub in Canton. On the third Wednesday of each month, regional authors read excerpts from their novels. The March theme is Lifescapes, and the authors on the roster are Brad Stephens, Emily Carpenter, Suzanne Rosenwasser, John Sheffield and Michael Burke. Upcoming themes: Faith and Hope on April 19; Historical Fiction on May 17; and Mystery/Thriller on June 21. The event is free and open to the public. For more details, email marsha.cornelius@ hotmail.com.

March 17

Secret Keeper Girl, the Purple Party Tour is coming to First

Baptist Woodstock. For girls ages 7-12 and their moms. Doors open at 6 p.m., event is 7-9:30 p.m. During the mother/daughter event, tweens hear about modesty, purity and inner beauty presented in a “Screamingly” fun format. www.secretkeepergirl.com. www.fbcw.org.

March 18

Assault on Garland Mountain, a 4-mile and 10-mile trail

run is the first of the 2017 Mountain Goat Adventures Trail Run Series. Other dates to look for are April 15 Battle of Blankets Creek, May 20 Sutallee Trace Trail Challenge and June 10 Rope Mill Half Marathon. To register and get more details, visit www.mountaingoatadventures.com.

March 24

Kent Rader, known as the world’s cleanest comedian, will present a one-night show with his thoughts on life, marriage and hunting at the Historic Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. Tickets are $18, seating is limited. 770-720-2698. www.cantontheatre.com.

March 25

UGA master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County will present an extended format seminar called “Ready - Set - Grow,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the senior center at 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. To register, 770-721-7803 or uge1057@uga.edu.

March 30

The Art of Friendship: An Evening with Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont and Jan Silvious is planned for 6:30 p.m. at

First Baptist Woodstock, 11905 Ga. 92. The evening will be filled with story, laughter and teaching. For details and tickets, visit www.belovedwomensevent.com.

APRIL April 7

American Red Cross Babysitting Course for boys and girls ages 11-15 interested in babysitting will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Cherokee County Recreation Center, 7545 Main St., Woodstock. The course teaches childcare skills such as first aid, feeding, food preparation and safe play. It also teaches teens about interviewing and business basics. Interactive, hands-on experience. Cost is $55. For more details, call 770-924-7768 or visit www.crpa.net.

The season’s first Canton First Friday, 6-9 p.m. downtown Canton. The theme is Cadillacs and Blue Suede Shoes, featuring food, live music and a classic car show. www.cantonhdl.com.

April 15

Blankets Creek Dirty Thirty Endurance Race includes all of

the trails at Blankets Creek in a counterclockwise direction for a total distance of 15 miles per lap. Intermediate and advanced riders will complete two laps, for a total of 30 miles. A shorter one-lap, 15-mile course will be offered for beginner categories. This event is a fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock. Register at mountaingoatadventures.com.

April 21

7th Annual Golf FORE Charity will begin with registration, breakfast with a putting contest at 8 a.m. at BridgeMill Athletic Club. Tournament starts at 9 a.m. Sponsored by the BridgeMill Sixes Service League. The event has raised more than $80,000 to help children and families in need in Cherokee County. www.bsslgolf.org.

April 22

Butcher to Butcher 5k starts at Liberty Elementary School and ends at Butcher and Bottle Gastro Pub, 3568 Sixes Road, with live music and food. Sponsored by Cherokee Soccer Association, The Corner Butcher and The Butcher and Bottle Gastro Pub. www.butcher2butcher5k.org.

April 28

March for Babies, a March of Dimes fundraiser, will take place

7-10 p.m. at Etowah River Park in Canton. Woodstock city officials are looking for residents to form a City of Woodstock team. For more information, visit www.marchforbabies.org/team/t2754499.

April 29

The 11th annual Senior Extravaganza will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Cherokee County Parks and Rec Center, 7545 Main St., Woodstock. Last year’s event included health screenings, informative seminars and demonstrations for senior citizens, a fashion show and more than 70 vendors. Sponsored by Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together). www.saltcherokee.com. AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Forget the Commute!

Find a job close to home on March 15 SUBMITTED BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

There’s the church where he was baptized; it’s the one his father and grandfather attended as boys. And the woods that filled with laughter as he camped with other young Boy Scouts. Cherokee County is the only home that Will Thacker has ever known; his family has lived here for seven generations. Cherokee County has changed over the years. Thacker’s life is changing, too. He graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with a degree in diversified agriculture

in 2015. In August, he married his 24-year-old bride, Brittany. When the newlyweds began looking for their first home, they wanted only one thing: a property close to where they work. Will’s career is at Pilgrim’s, one of Cherokee’s oldest industries. Brittany is a pre-op nurse for Northside Hospital Cherokee. “Before we were married, Brittany worked at a hospital in Griffin,” Will said. “She had anywhere from a 45 minute to an hour commute. I knew she was ready for a change on that end and personally, I didn’t want a long commute either. We didn’t want much, but we did want that.” They got it. The couple recently bought a home in Holly Springs. “Everything fell right into place like it was meant to be,” he said with a smile. Like other young couples, Will and Brittany know why Holly Springs was recently ranked the 17th Best Suburb for Millennials in Georgia. They also enjoy more leisure and less time spent in the car, since their commutes are just minutes to their workplaces. Seventy-eight percent of Cherokee’s residents are leaving home before daylight, bracing for a white-knuckle commute. But now there’s more opportunity to work close to home than ever before. In 2016, Cherokee’s labor force grew by almost 15,000 people. New and existing industry generated more than 1,370 career opportunities. There is no sign of a slow-down either. In fact, it’s anything but. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) has seen a steady increase in business prospects since 2013; last year alone, the increase was 20 percent over the year before. Perhaps to some, that’s nothing more than numbers. To others, it means opportunity; a chance to improve your quality of life. Get ready to mark your calendar. COED is hosting its third annual Cherokee Career Expo, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Labor. The Expo will be 2-6 p.m. March 15 at the Cherokee Conference Center, located at 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. Attendance and parking are free. Scores of local businesses will be on-site to talk with candidates and accept résumés. For more information, call COED at 770-345-0600 or visit Cherokeega.org. Forget the commute, like Will and Brittany, and live, work and play close to home in Cherokee County. Left, Will and Brittany Thacker. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention & expansion. For more information, visit www.cherokeega.org.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

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HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565

March 13

Celebrate your love of music during Music March Madness, 6-7:15 p.m. for teens in grades 6-12, who will vote for their favorite music artists throughout the program. Who will win the Music March Madness? Light refreshments will be served.

March 22

Essential Oils 101, 10:30 a.m. Sharon Sheffield will discuss the benefits of using essential oils in everyday living. Get answers to what they are and where to begin.

March 29

Calling all mad scientists! 4 p.m., learn to make optical illusions

and science experiments. For children age 9 and older. Registration required.

R.T. JONES

March 15

DIY spring or Easter wreath at 6 p.m. Bring a wreath form, pipe

cleaners, ribbon that is a minimum 12’” wide (wire ribbon typically is easier to work with).

March 16

Virtual Reality is Out of This World! 3:30-5:30 p.m. Explore the

final frontier using the library’s virtual reality system, space-themed crafts and activities. All ages welcome. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

March 20

Welcome the first day of spring by creating birdhouses and paper flower bouquets 4:30-6:30 p.m. All materials provided. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, 770-479-3090

March 12

DIG: Drop-in Genealogy 2-4 p.m. Topics will vary each month but will include how to use Ancestry.com, using your smartphone to scan documents, and how to use local newspapers on microfilm. Meeting in the computer lab.

March 13

Women’s History Month Lecture, 4 p.m. by Dr. Karen Owen, a Reinhardt University professor, as she speaks about the influential women spotlighted in her book “Women Officeholders and the Role Models Who Pioneered the Way.”

March 15

Celebrate Fly Guy, 4 p.m. for ages 4-7 to read a “Fly Guy” book,

play games, enjoy themed activities, and even make something to take home. Registration is required and begins March 1.

March 16

DOUGHBOYS & THE HOME FRONT THE GREAT WAR IN CHEROKEE COUNTY

Women’s History Month Film, 3 p.m. about a recent UCLA

graduate who was hired to teach art history at the prestigious all-female Wellesley College in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraced them, she inspired her traditional students to challenge the lives they were expected to lead.

March 20

Everything Disney Scavenger Hunt for grades 6-12, 6-7:15 p.m. Teens will need to use their knowledge of their favorite Disney movies, old and new, to solve the puzzles and reach the end of the Disney Scavenger Hunt.

March 21

What makes a healthy woman? At 4 p.m., a discussion on the importance of women’s health with a local WellStar Health System representative. Tech Tuesday is a chance to get answers to many basic technology questions. Get help downloading eBooks and audiobooks to your computer or mobile device (phone or tablet), assistance setting up and using email, flash drives and posting photos to Facebook. The staff is unable to repair or set up computers. Bring your device and/ or laptop and power cords. Call the Adult Services Desk to make an appointment, 770-479-3090 ext. 228.

March 22

World War I Centenary Temporary Exhibit January 11-April Cherokee County History Museum and Canton Visitors Center 100 North Street, Canton Wednesday-Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-3 Free Admission

Sponsored by Cherokee Tribune, Aroundabout Local Media, Family Life Publications, and Canton Tourism, Inc.

Explore Paper Airplane Science at 4:30 p.m. for ages 8-12 to

experiment with making different airplane styles to measure and see which flies the farthest. Register beginning March 8.

March 23

Soil and composting workshop at noon explores the science

behind composting, various ways to compost and solutions for common problems. Demonstration on starting a worm bin for composting indoors. Presented by Josh Fuder with the UGA Extension-Cherokee County. There will be a giveaway for composting materials. Folks interested in starting a composting bin can bring an 10-18 gallon container; no worms but bedding may be available while supplies last.

March 24

DIY Friday, 11 a.m.-noon, to create upcycled bird feeders.

Recyclable materials will be repurposed to make a little snack shack for our local winged friends. Materials to make bird feeders, including recyclables, will be provided. While all ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations suggested.

March 25

LEGO Club meets 3-4 p.m. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

March 27

The Canton Eclectic Readers will meet at 6 p.m. This group is for unconventional readers. The March selections are the book “The Good Girls Revolt: How the Women of Newsweek sued their Bosses and Changed the Workplace” and DVD “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry.” The DVD is available for checkout and also on Netflix. Watch before attending the meeting. AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Health & Wellness

Pet Health Insurance - Factors to Consider BY DR. JONATHAN GILVARRY

Pet owners continue to wonder if pet health insurance is right for them and their pets. Pet health insurance companies have increased in number and size, however they still remain confusing for pet owners. The first question that all pet owners should ask is, “Should I consider purchasing pet health insurance?” This is a personal decision that requires a lot of thought. Insurance is built on risk versus reward. The big question is: Will I pay more or less per year in pet healthcare costs without insurance versus the cost of the total premiums that I pay per year? This can be a difficult to answer. What needs to be taken into account is what you spend per year in routine veterinary costs, such as wellness exams, vaccines, preventative and non-routine care. This can be challenging it is difficult to Most companies because predict things like major offer a variety illness or injury. Most companies offer of plans, but a variety of plans, but generally generally there are three major ones: wellness, major there are three medical and full healthcare. major ones: Wellness plans cover routine veterinary care, including wellness, major exams and vaccines, but medical and full they don’t cover illnesses or injury. Major medical healthcare. plans cover illness and

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

injury but not wellness expenses. Full healthcare covers both. The premium increases per month with more extensive coverage. Some companies place limits or caps on certain illnesses or diagnoses. Pet health insurance companies also differ on what and how they handle chronic conditions, preexisting conditions and hereditary conditions. These can be quite complex and need to be discussed with a representative from the company. Customers also need to understand how pet healthcare insurance works in regards to payment to their veterinary office. Pet owners with pet healthcare insurance are still required to pay the full amount at the time of service. Owners then contact their insurance companies and request a form to be faxed to their veterinarian. The form is filled out and submitted to the insurance company, which will then reimburse the pet owner based on their plans and treatments. The best strategy to decide if pet insurance is right for you is to contact several companies and speak to their representatives. Ask questions about how they handle preexisting or hereditary issues. They can help you make an informed decision on whether or not insurance is a benefit to you and your pet.

Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry has been an associate veterinarian of the BridgeMill Animal Hospital Team since 2015.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Beware of Online Hearing Aids BY DR. SARAH OBAROWSKI

No need to leave your couch – take a hearing test online and discounted hearing aids will be sent to your address. Sounds great, right? Although it is convenient, there are things to be wary of when purchasing hearing aids online. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Hearing evaluations performed by a licensed audiologist are completed in a sound-treated booth with calibrated equipment (including the headphones). When compared with a hearing test over the phone or online with non-calibrated headsets, the results can be different. Hearing tests do not just involve headphones, but also a piece of equipment called a bone conduction oscillator. This directly tests the permanent part of your hearing called the cochlea, and helps determine if a referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT) is recommended. Sometimes hearing loss can be medically treated or can be caused by a benign tumor. An audiologist will make the appropriate recommendations to best diagnose and treat your individual case. Furthermore, there are a variety of hearing aid styles; some may be appropriate for your hearing loss and others may not. Audiologists take time to assess your needs and lifestyle to

select the best hearing aid power and style for you. Apart from the physical fit of the hearing aids, programming the devices is not a one-size fits all formula. Audiologists perform real-ear verification, which involves a small microphone that is placed in the ear canal with the hearing aid over top. By doing so, the settings in your hearing aid are fine tuned specifically to your ear. After purchasing hearing aids, follow-up appointments are recommended for the best outcome. With online hearing aids, the devices are simply programmed and sent to your address; any follow-up adjustments would come with an out-of-pocket expense and the necessary programming cables may not be available at all clinics. Lastly, hearing aids typically come with a warranty for both repair and loss or damage; however, if purchased online, the warranty is often unknown. It is similar to purchasing a used car without doing any research.

Sarah Obarowski, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2016.

Reduce Risk for Heart Disease, Stroke BY DR. APURVA D. SHAH

Despite advances in technology and research, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women, according to the American Heart Association. It’s the cause of about one of every three deaths in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Cardiovascular disease, or heart and blood vessel disease, can cause numerous problems including heart attack, heart failure and stroke. A range of factors can raise your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 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. Through risk reduction, lifestyle changes, regular screenings, monitoring and quality health care, you can keep your cardiovascular health in your hands and increase your chances of living a long and happy life. Know your numbers Keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and glucose in check can keep your heart healthy. Your doctor can tell you what the normal ranges are, and what is best for your body. Then get screened regularly to know where you stand. The American Heart Association recommends the following screening schedule: • Blood pressure – every healthcare visit starting at age 20. • Cholesterol – every five years starting at age 20. More often if total cholesterol is above 200; if you are a man older than 45 42

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

or a woman older than 50; if you’re a woman whose HDL is less than 50 or a man whose HDL is less than 40; if you have other cardiovascular risk factors. • Weight/body mass index (BMI) – every visit starting at age 20. • Waist circumference – as needed starting at age 20. • Blood glucose – every three years starting at age 45. If your numbers are high, your doctor can talk to you about specific lifestyle changes and/or adding certain medications to your regimen. Develop healthy habits • Adopt a healthy diet. Limit saturated fats, salt and red meat. Consider lean meats, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. • Get moving. For optimal heart health, adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. • Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure. It also adds calories, contributing to obesity and makes it harder to lose weight. • Quit smoking. A smoker’s risk of developing heart disease is two to four times that of a nonsmoker’s. • Reduce stress. Find healthy ways to manage stress – join a yoga class, start meditating or make time for yourself each week to do something you love.

Dr. Apurva Shah is a board certified cardiologist with the Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute and Northside Heart.

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AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

The Unexpected Side of Dentistry BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Dentistry has an unexpected technical side that requires the principles of engineering. Dentists must account for the tremendous bite forces that are placed on dental restorations. Implants must be placed in the jaw bone at proper angles to support crowns and bridges. Precise coordination is necessary when attaching removable dentures to crowns, and Dentistry designing restorative work that also requires involves natural teeth that have experienced bone loss. These are people skills, all common examples of dental compassion, engineering. Dentistry also requires good people skills, compassion, good communication communication and listening skills, as well as the ability to and listening understand anxiety and dental skills ... phobia. Recently, all of these complex elements came together to help a new patient named Carol, who had dental anxiety and was apprehensive about going to the dentist. She was flustered due to a previous dental

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

experience that did not result in a solution to her problem. She was in pain and was having trouble chewing because her teeth didn’t meet properly. “Help me,” she said. After listening carefully to Carol, a decision was made to perform a simple, logical procedure that should relieve her pain. The solution would combine science and engineering, along with the compassion she needed. A temporary bridge was put in place to help determine the source of her pain and to see if she would be able to chew properly. We used computercontrolled local anesthesia to alleviate pain and anxiety during the procedure. Carol immediately felt relief, and even though her teeth were numb, she said she could tell an immediate improvement. She mentioned that her teeth could touch for the first time in a long time. The success of this case was a combination of dental science, engineering and patient compassion—the perfect ingredients for quality dental care. Mission accomplished.

Dr. Scott Harden, a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry, has served Woodstock for more than 25 years. 770-926-0000. www.FountainViewSmiles.com

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Helping Hands

Filling Hungry Souls with Love and Nourishment BY SUSAN SCHULZ

“I’m going to come back, and when I come back, I will bring more people and more food,” SERV International founder Steve Kasha promised a woman in a remote Kenyan village. Years before, he had heard a call to feed the hungry. This call became clear when later a colleague would facilitate a mission trip to the drought-plagued Turkana area in Kenya. Steve saw many starving people there. Five weeks after this trip, he went back to the same village with more food. The same woman he spoke to about coming back ran up to greet him, weeping. Steve asked the interpreter, “Is she happy I brought food?” The interpreter answered, “No. She is happy you came back. No one ever comes back.” Since that trip he has gone back 32 times. Since SERV was started 16 years ago, millions of meals (produced in the U.S. and Kenya) have been distributed to Kenya, as well as South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, Cambodia and beyond. The nutritious food costs

only eight cents per meal, which includes shipping and logistics costs. In 2016, 2.6 million meals were distributed around the world. SERV also helps families locally, and gave groceries to more Steve Kasha has made 32 trips to Kenya, where than 500 Cherokee he shares healthy meals and God’s love. County families. But SERV International does more than provide meals. The food/water/shelter/life programs are used as a platform to spread the love of Christ around the globe. Wells are dug, clean water is delivered to drought-stricken desert regions, and filtration buckets are deployed in Kenya, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. Shelter is given to 59 orphans at the House of Hope in Lodwar, Kenya, with lots of amenities like a new library, sewing room and greenhouses. Thousands of lives are changed through the many mission trip teams sent every year. One team member said, “The most fulfilling life purpose journey I’ve ever been on. To stand in the middle of nowhere and pump fresh water for people who’ve never had it changed my life. If you let the little things get to you, or you’re stressed out at work, join SERV International on a mission trip and come back feeling truly grateful.” continued on page 54

1 of 5 SERV wells drilled (to date) to bring fresh water to thousands of people. Where there is healthy water, there is life. 46 AROUND CANTON | March 2017

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 Woodstock City Church.

I Almost Got Frostbite On My Birthday I came back to Georgia inspired by my nature encounter - the cranes, I celebrated my 50th birthday by the lonely wetlands, the arching shivering in a duck blind in Nebraska skies. I began painting. Visitors to in 10 degree weather before dawn. my studio were intrigued. Several I couldn’t feel my fingers or toes. I started planning their own trip next remember looking at my sister Jane spring to Nebraska right on the spot. – this was her idea of a birthday Then came the buzz kill. My friend trip? Jan Parrish arrived with her golf Jane’s bucket list is all about buddy, Joey Peeples, both wearing seeing the Earth’s 10 Great Animal wide smiles as they listened to Migrations. This includes whales, my adventure about braving the wildebeests, monarch butterflies freezing wetlands. and - the reason why I was freezing “You know,” Jan told me, “you can ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM in Nebraska - sandhill cranes. see the cranes right here in Georgia.” The sandhill crane migration through the Great Plains was “Yeah,” Joey chimed in. “We see them every spring when we’re timed perfectly just before my birthday, Jane assured me. A halfout golfing.” million birds flying together, resting each night in the wetlands of I didn’t believe them until Joey proceeded to imitate the exact Nebraska’s Platte River, was reputedly a natural wonder, a sight warbling cry I had heard from the cranes in Nebraska. not to be missed. And so in March we flew to Omaha, drove We enjoyed a good laugh. I consulted the internet when I got across Nebraska to the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe home. Sure enough, an Eastern population of sandhills – distinct Sanctuary on the Platte River. And we woke before dawn in freezing from the Great Plains group - does indeed fly right over Woodstock, temperatures just to see a bunch of birds. migrating north from Florida to Canada. Even though it annoyed me for just a moment to be shivering And one quiet morning last spring as I sipped my early morning next to my earnest sister with that wide-eyed joy on her face, I coffee, I heard the cries of the migrating cranes, far overhead. I must confess: watching the sandhill cranes was absolutely magical. looked outside and saw them flying high over my own backyard, A half-million cranes rose up with a resounding cry at dawn, in a these beautiful winged creatures moving forward in life on their shadowy explosion of wings against the sky. Prehistoric creatures long journey home. with giant wing spans 6 feet across, they flew in widening circles And their song brought tears to my eyes. over the water, wheeling and returning for many minutes, calling to each other in low haunting trills so distinctive I shall never forget them. They scattered to feed in the surrounding fields, fueling their Ann is an artist who lives in Towne Lake with her husband flight to the Arctic. Some would fly as far as Siberia, we learned, Dr. Michael Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached where they would nest and raise their young, returning in the fall at Ann@annlitrel.com. to their winter homes in the south. BY ANN LITREL

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

EVERYDAY would love to provide a glimpse of relief and encouragement to Cathy and her family. If you would like to donate in support of this family, please see the box below. Meanwhile, please keep Cathy and her husband in your prayers for strength and courage during this difficult season.

Dear Everyday Angels: As a mom of a special needs autistic child who is considered extreme, school days can be a challenge at times. For years, I have loaded my son onto his school bus with other children with similar mental, physical and emotional disabilities, entrusting him in the care of our noble bus driver, Ms. Cathy. Cathy has been driving for Cherokee County for more than 20 years serving special needs students who attend Bascomb and Boston elementary and Woodstock Middle schools. She does much more than transport them to and from school each day. Ms. Cathy goes above and beyond her daily duties and understands the special needs and nuances of each individual child and genuinely cares for them even after the school year ends. She continues to call throughout the summer to check on them and insures that their summer driver understands her student’s individual needs before she enjoys her summer break. At the beginning of the school year, we learned that Ms. Cathy had been going through a difficult time. Her husband of 20 years had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and is considered terminal. Unable to endure chemo, he must have a chemo shot once a month to help control the spread of his cancer. Then Cathy began experiencing pain in her right leg and was unable to drive and had to have surgery to repair a blockage. An infection followed which kept her out of work for an extended period of time. Because of her tenure, she had enough funds to get through the holidays. As her family’s sole provider, she cares for our children, her husband and cleans homes on the side. While she lives a simple life, she is having a difficult time paying her bills each month along with the additional costs necessary to care for her husband. Ms. Cathy is not in a good place today as she is challenged physically and emotionally. The bus drivers have taken up a collection in support of one of their own but so much more is needed. I want to reach out to Everyday Angels in hopes that you could share her story with the community so that we may lift up someone who has given so much to our county during her time of need. Sincerely, Michelle

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

Ms. Cathy genuinely cares for each student who rides her bus. 48

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

World-class healthcare from WellStar is now even closer to home. This year, WellStar became the largest health system in Georgia. Providing comprehensive care across the state, WellStar consists of 11 hospitals, 2,900 physicians and advanced practitioners on medical staff, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice and homecare. For information about WellStar, please call 770-956-STAR (7827) or visit wellstar.org.

Hospitals 2,900

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wellstar.org AROUND CANTON | March 2017

School & Sports

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS

Kudos & Congratulations

If you know a student, teacher, parent volunteer, school group or team who deserves a “shout out,” please send their picture and the details to jackie@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

Freedom Middle School

placed first in regionals at the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl competition. Team members are Haley Cook, Kaylan Effner, Braden Flournoy, Parker Kuczmanski, Ashley Lyen, Maddie Schaeffer, Celan Trowers, Michelle Voyles, Rylan Waters and Milan Yadav. Coaches are teachers Allison Cook and Amber Effner.

Jack Pace

Katie Bates

Alex Morrisson

Alex Andon

A.J. Cox

Congratulations to the following high school seniors who have qualified as finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship competition: Jack Pace, Creekview High School, Katie Bates and Alex Morrison of Sequoyah High School, and Alex Andon and A.J. Cox of Woodstock High School. Finalists will compete for 7,500 scholarships worth about $33 million, which will be awarded in the spring. Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors are named finalists.

Congratulations to the local middle and high school students who auditioned and won seats in the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra.

All-State Chorus Creekland Middle William Bourdeau Susannah Currie Shelby McDonald Joy McCarthy Caitlien Nguyen Lydia Plamp Genevieve Smith Koryn Todd Director: Ann Burgess Creekview High Elizabeth Andrews Devon Cornelius Zachary Cox Kristen Foote Tate Foster Megan Halverson Emily McGhee Danielle Olivares Riley Ortega Nate Seman Teagan Smith Tia Walker Director: Scott Martin

All-State Band

Participatants were, front row from left: Vaughan, Hedgecock, Wes Veniskey, Armondo Loarca, Green, Sterling Thompson, Blair Rodriguez, Madison Williams, Bella Lindeborg, Adrianna Allen, Holcombe; back row: Ledbetter, Payton Hodges and teacher Dianne Argonis-Basto.

The Cherokee High Warriors SkillsUSA team participated in the Region 1 SkillsUSA competition. Gold first-place winners: Ashley Green in job skills demonstration in healthcare science; John Hedgecock in automotive service technology; and Mikayle Vaughanin early childhood education. Silver winners: Austin Ledbetter in collision repair; Darden Holcombe in job skill demonstration in automotive; the Quiz Bowl team. Congratulations to the students who won first place in their respective categories at the region level of the Georgia Educational Technology Fair: Chandler Stevenson of Freedom Middle School for his first-place win in Robotics for grades 7-8; Jullia Costa of Woodstock Elementary for her first-place win in Mobile Apps for grades 5-6; Christopher Newhouse of Woodstock High School for his first-place win in Device Modification for grades 11-12 and Dr. Hightower congratulates Technology Literacy Challenge. Christopher Newhouse. 50

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Cherokee High Katie Vinterella Director: Garrick Cheyne Creekview High Capper Howard Nate Seman Director: Stephen McCarthy Sequoyah High Mackenzie Weston Director: Casey Eubanks

Chandler Stevenson accepts his award from Dr. Hightower.

Cherokee High Kaitlyn Smith Morgan Jones Director: Brad Ellis Sequoyah High Maddie Bends Kelsey Bryant Sophia Clark Malia Elzey Patrick Fagan John Haas Jordan Jackson Jace Nichols Slade Searcy Corinne Wallick Cecilia Webb Amelia Westmoreland Director: Josh Markham Woodstock High Kyle Buie Elizabeth Burgess Jacob Eastridge Malachi Norton Rylan Puent Director: Ryan McKendrick

All-state reading chorus Cherokee High Morgan Jones Director: Brad Ellis

Creekview High Devon Cornelius Director: Scott Martin Sequoyah High John Haas Slade Searcy Corinne Wallick Ceci Webb Director: Josh Markham

Dr. Hightower congratulates Jullia Costa

Do You want to help save kittens?

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Student Athletes Recognized on National Signing Day Cherokee County School District student-athletes were recognized in a ceremony at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Canton for signing athletic scholarship commitment letters to compete at the college level.

Creekview High signees.

Creekview High School

Rachel Chapman (basketball) Brenau University Gordon State College Brian Davis (baseball) Connor Dove (baseball) Georgia Highlands College Josh Horwitz (football) Huntingdon College (AL) Trevor Kolb (football) Tennessee Technological University Allison Luly (basketball) Belmont University (TN) Bradford Martin (baseball) Washington & Lee University (VA) Michelle McCord (swimming) University of Illinois (IL) Molly Morris Cross (cross country/track) Georgia State University Austin Owen (baseball) Toccoa Falls College Emily Snyder (swimming) University of Missouri (MO) Leah Waagen (soccer) Toccoa Falls College Jacob Webb (football) University of North Carolina-Charlotte (NC)

Cherokee High School

Montrell Washington (football) Samford University (AL) Aaron Knowles (football) U.S. Military Academy-West Point (NY) Jake Alvey (football) U.S. Air Force Academy (CO) Charles Perry (football) Reinhardt University Reinhardt University Kamari Walker (football) Braxton Swanson (baseball) Sewanee: University of the South (TN) Andrew Cline (baseball) Covenant College Ryan Inches (baseball) Cleveland State Community College (TN) Emily Pope (volleyball) Georgia College & State University Brandon Leftwich(track) Piedmont College Autumn Bible (softball) Reinhardt University Alise Hooks (softball) Reinhardt University Kindell Reeves (softball) Georgia Highlands College

Cherokee High signees. 52

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Woodstock High School signees.

Woodstock High School

Brant Hurter (baseball) Jared Staples (baseball) Nolan Tressler (baseball Devyn Lowe (basketball) Ethan Chamberlin (football) Abigail Bolt (golf) Ian Mastriana (lacrosse) Nicole Frazer (lacrosse) Logan Llano (soccer) Jared McWhorter (soccer) Madelyn Reid (softball) Breanna Roper (softball) Lexi Solorzano (softball) Jaclyn Csubak (swimming)

Sequoyah High School

Marcelle Butler (volleyball) Katie Williams (lacrosse) Olivia Sengstock (lacrosse) Kendall Williams (softball) Dawson Pfost (baseball) Joseph Cuomo (baseball) Tyler Koprowski (baseball) Amanda Brown (soccer) Matt Webb (lacrosse) Taylor White (lacrosse) McGwire Wells (football)

Sequoyah High School signees.

Georgia Tech Kennesaw State University Georgia Southern University University of South Alabama (AL) Rhodes College (TN) Appalachian State University (NC) Methodist University (NC) Georgetown College (KY) Presbyterian College (SC) Lee University (TN) West Georgia Technical College Georgia Tech Kennesaw State University Georgia Southern University Howard University (Washington, D.C.) Reinhardt University Reinhardt University Georgia Highlands College Birmingham Southern College (AL) Bryan College (TN) Trevecca Nazarene University (TN) Life University Reinhardt University Reinhardt University Berry College

Students Learn CPR to Honor Classmate

National Hour of Code

A group of Creekland Middle School students recently learned CPR in response to an experience that saved their classmate’s life. Sixth-grader Caden Cherry suffered cardiac arrest last fall while at school. The school nurse used CPR and a defibrillator to save his life. He and his classmates decided to take the CPR course so they would be prepared in an emergency situation.

Knox Elementary School students recently participated in the national Hour of Code, a campaign to encourage students worldwide to learn computer science.

Cooper Cherry practices CPR as his brother, Caden, watches.

Celebrating the 100th Day of School Sixes Elementary School celebrated the 100th day of school with a variety of fun learning activities. Kindergarteners dressed up as if Teacher Kate Hacker, center, gets into the spirit of the day with kindergartners Stella Alfieri, Jackson Carter, Grayson Sinco, Oliver they were 100 Wigley, Lyla Cheek, Ethan Patti, Luke Cain and Caroline Gibbons. years old.

First-graders in teacher Janeen Jepson’s class learn about Hour of Code. Students in the class include: Pariss Atkins, Roman Basulto Beltran, Lily Burk, Leyder Castillo Munoz, Ryker Dempsey, Ethan Dunagan, Avrie Ginn, Grady Hamby, Abigail Larkins, Alice Murphree, Jayda Nelson, Isaac Parmer, Jack Portmann, Landon Rehberg, Draesden Sagers, Gage Sanders, Dylan Saulinskas, Sydney Taylor, Reese Waters, Colton Williamson and William Wise.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

It Is Cheaper to Buy Than to Rent SUBMITTED BY THE PREMIER GROUP

If you are wondering if you should rent or buy a home this year, here are some factors to consider. In the current economic climate of uncertainty and job insecurity, meeting monthly payments has become a major point to consider for many people when making big decisions. A study by ATTOM Data Solutions shows that buying a home is the more affordable option both nationwide and locally. The data for most metro counties indicates that renting is more expensive than owning a property, and in some counties rents are higher than 40 percent of average incomes. If you can regularly make mortgage

payments, the rising prices of Atlanta properties may bring you capital growth in the long run. As the suburban areas keep developing, this rise in the value of homes is expected to continue at least until 2020 at a rate of 5 percent per year. New amenities and new job opportunities in the outer suburbs have made these areas attractive to prospective buyers, and the expected population is likely to continue driving the prices up. Due diligence on different financial products can pay off, and a piece of advice from experienced professionals can be valuable. Selecting a professional real estate agent and mortgage lender should be top priority in your home search.

How Much Will You Spend

Rob’s Rescues

From the numbers in this article, you can glean that the average American retiree faces more than a little financial pressure. If you are a baby boomer who has saved and invested for decades and wants to work longer to give your invested assets a few more years of growth and compounding, you may have above-average prospects for a comfortable retirement.

How many customers do you get? It is difficult to put a number on that, but every day we do different sales to attract different people like military days, senior days, New Wardrobe Wednesdays. Once a month we do a big 40 percent off everything sale day. When you were growing up what did you want to do? Tanya: I wanted to be a travel writer. I’ve always loved animals and have had rescues all my life. Animals, travel and photography are my passions. Toby: I was expected to go into engineering but realized in college that that was not for me.

continued from page 30

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge 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 - cbsnews.com/news/how-much-retirement-income-do-youreally-need/ [3/3/16] 2 - fool.com/retirement/2016/12/18/how-much-money-doesthe-average-baby-boomer-need-i.aspx [12/18/16] 3 - bls.gov/cex/2015/combined/sage.pdf [8/16] 4 - fool.com/retirement/2016/09/24/heres-why-your-socialsecurity-check-is-hardly-goi.aspx [9/24/16] 54

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

continued from page 20

Filling Hungry Souls with Love continued from page 46

Locally, the SERV Store operates to fund the operational costs and global projects of the ministry. Founded in 2011, SERV Store is a for-profit discount retail store that contributes a large percentage of profits to SERV International. The closeout liquidation store carries product lines from popular retail and online stores and offer deals on furniture, small appliances, home décor, clothing, mattresses and more. The two locations are 3145 Marietta Highway in Canton, and 1274 Joe Frank Harris Parkway in Cartersville. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The opportunities to serve are numerous. You can go on a mission trip (five trips planned so far in 2017), sponsor a precious orphan, or make a financial contribution. SERV International is a 501(c)3 corporation that is growing and needs corporate, church and individual funding to assist with growth of local and global projects. To donate, visit servone.org. Ministry organizers also are seeking funding for the Food First campaign to help the villagers of Tiya, Kenya (to learn more visit servfoodfirst.com). For more information, call 770-516-1108 or email info@servone.org.

CANTON AREA HOMES SOLD IN JANUARY List Price $739,900 $699,898 $668,888 $589,900 $482,410 $448,500 $449,000 $439,900 $429,900 $399,900 $399,000 $384,900 $399,900 $384,900 $379,900 $369,900 $419,900 $379,000 $316,350 $290,000 $325,000 $311,500 $299,900 $315,000 $309,900 $288,953 $285,000 $285,500 $279,000 $270,000 $375,000 $250,000 $259,000 $250,000 $250,000 $236,640 $239,500 $235,000 $239,900 $237,500 $238,000 $239,900 $233,000 $234,900 $235,000 $234,900 $224,900 $225,000 $219,000 $219,900 $214,999 $213,400 $220,980 $191,000 $200,000 $194,000 $180,000 $173,900 $179,000 $167,500 $195,000 $165,000 $158,000 $159,000 $154,900 $170,000 $149,900 $149,900 $142,500 $124,900 $129,900 $114,999 $135,000 $119,900

Address 2007 Gold Leaf Parkway 704 Windsor Estates Way 661 Liberty Hill Road 202 Maggies Road 413 Larkspur Drive 409 Greyfield Drive 149 Cadence Trail 1426 Orange Shoals Drive 5166 Millwood Drive 808 Whiteoak Terrace 1547 Tamarack Court 101 Shiloh Ridge Trail 100 Pine Sandy Bank Drive 998 Hasty Trail 505 Waterside Court 1565 Roper Road 209 Man O War Court 222 Towering Peaks 1006 BOXWOOD Lane 114 CRESTMONT Drive 1000 Sugar Pike Way 695 Melanie Court 172 Cherokee Reserve Circle 307 Brandie Court 408 Ridgewood Lane 601 Providence Walk Place 602 Birch Walk 280 South Village Square 505 Bonneset Court 607 Mallard Run 4900 Reinhardt College Parkway 511 Champion Drive 480 Mills Lake Drive 416 White Cloud Trail 1230 Fields Chapel Road 507 Autumn Echo 308 Tall Oaks Court 421 Pine Log Court 118 Hammond Drive 125 Oak Haven Drive 1046 Bridgemill Avenue 403 Eaglewood Way 703 Berkeley Terrace 2235 Epperson Road 204 Eagle Valley Court 623 Syemore Pass 504 Little Shoals Place 241 Villa Creek Parkway 149 Magnolia Creek Drive 370 Spring Hill Drive 330 Wheeler Martin Drive 227 Jefferson Avenue 106 Cessna Drive 324 Cabinwood Trail 304 Summerstone Court 182 Diamond Ridge Avenue 309 Westchester Way 403 Sugar Maple Court 325 Horizon Drive 246 Carrington Way 148 Timberland Drive 424 Hillcrest Commons 525 Hillcrest Cross Road 176 Nacoochee Way 215 Cole Court 482 Windcliff Court 345 Roland Drive 200 Windy Hill Court 305 Denae Court 420 Lakeview Drive 437 Arthur Road 220 Hickory Ridge Road 1195 Springs Drive 812 Lewis Road

Subdivision BridgeMill Estates At Brooke Park Mitchell farms Birmingham Estates Soleil Laurel Canyon Woodmont Cadence at Woodmont Golf Orange Shoals Bridgemill Harmony On The Lakes TAMARACK Shiloh Ridge Great Sky None BridgeMill None The Falls at Hickory Flat Great Sky Manor at Bridgemill CRESTMON PH 2 Oak Hill Estates Ashlin Meadows Cherokee Reserve East Hickory Springs River Green Providence Walk Bridgemill Harmony on the Lakes SOLEIL LAUREL CANYON Bridgemill None Fieldstone Mills Ridge Great Sky None Iris Park Bridgemill Falls At Mill Creek Fox Hills The Manor at Mill Creek Bridgemill Mountain View HARMONY ON THE LAKES None Eagle Ridge Harmony on the Lakes The Falls at Mill Creek Villas At Downing Creek The Magnolias Mountain View none Towne Mill Lake Norton Mountain View Bridgemill Diamond Ridge Waverly Hills The View at Holly Mill Spring Creek Carrington Farms Camden Woods Hillcrest Hillcrest Holly Mill Lake Norton Whispering Hills None Whispering Hills hillcrest Brookside None None Morgan Springs None

Beds

7 5 5 5 3 4 3 6 6 5 4 6 4 3 5 5 5 4 5 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 2 5 5 5 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 5 3 2 2 3 4 3

Full Baths

5 5 4 4 2 3 3 4 5 5 3 4 3 2 4 4 4 3 4 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1

Yr Built Sales Price Days On Market 2000 $700,000 8 2003 $686,000 46 2001 $650,000 3 2016 $586,900 218 2016 $455,900 177 2006 $439,900 147 2008 $420,500 242 2003 $420,000 174 2004 $417,500 40 2006 $393,000 37 1987 $388,000 166 2003 $384,900 144 2006 $381,800 55 1992 $370,000 5 2002 $365,000 88 2001 $363,500 16 2016 $360,000 300 2007 $352,500 259 2016 $316,350 94 2005 $315,000 120 2001 $310,000 50 1987 $305,000 99 2016 $301,190 181 1999 $300,000 75 2007 $298,500 61 2016 $282,500 274 2002 $279,000 17 2015 $270,000 46 2006 $265,000 114 2005 $262,500 6 1968 $255,000 256 2000 $250,000 4 1986 $249,000 4 2002 $248,000 28 1996 $245,000 0 2016 $241,305 431 1999 $240,000 125 2006 $240,000 103 2003 $239,900 4 2003 $237,500 2 1999 $236,000 89 2003 $235,000 48 2005 $235,000 6 1978 $228,000 86 1994 $228,000 158 2006 $225,500 29 2007 $223,500 23 2002 $215,000 7 2007 $212,000 140 2007 $210,000 147 2001 $207,500 7 2016 $207,159 230 2016 $203,000 348 2004 $191,500 90 2000 $191,000 12 2013 $189,000 1 1993 $176,000 75 2003 $175,650 9 1993 $173,000 132 1999 $170,000 99 1997 $170,000 80 2001 $165,000 13 2001 $158,000 9 2005 $155,000 9 2006 $153,700 1 1998 $150,000 51 1966 $149,900 3 1995 $149,900 40 1993 $137,000 69 1997 $124,900 36 1968 $120,000 122 1981 $116,000 72 1986 $115,000 82 1940 $102,000 11

FMLS SF Detached residences data provided by The Premier Group, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Woodstock, GA Data believed to be accurate, but not warranted.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Coming Alive in Woodstock Friday Night Live 2017

6-9 p.m., downtown Woodstock 770-924-0406 www.visitwoodstockga.com/calendar

March 3: April 7: May 5: June 2: July 7: Aug. 4: Sept. 1: Oct. 6: Nov. 3: Dec. 1:

Masquerade Ball Zombie Prom Western Night Caribbean Night Downtown Dance Party Super Hero Night Downtown Tailgate Oktoberfest Night of Thanks partners with local nonprofits to spotlight their efforts. Christmas in Downtown

The 2017 Friday Night Live series is presented by Reformation Brewery.

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

BY KYLE BENNETT

Friday Night Live is a series of monthly events started by downtown merchants to give people a chance to shop after typical business hours. Local residents working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. may find it difficult to visit their favorite stores before they close. Extended shopping hours on Friday Night Live evenings solve that problem. From this simple idea, the series has grown into one of Woodstock’s most popular events. One of my favorite parts of being tourism manager is announcing each season’s schedule, introducing new themes and continuing longtime favorites.

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

Elm Street

This Concert Format Is ‘Simply Breathtaking’ BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

When Nick Morrett first approached me about producing concert versions of shows, I thought that I wouldn’t have the time. We do so many shows that doing something just for a concert didn’t seem worthwhile. How ignorant. And then I asked, “What show were you thinking about starting these concerts with?” “The Secret Garden,” Morrett said (quite enthusiastically). I really was going to dismiss it at first. But I promised I would think about it. And then I thought about it, and thought some more, and then some more. In my personal opinion, “The Secret Garden” is a beautiful story – arguably a classic. But what is best about the broadway production is the music. It has gorgeous melodies, lyrics, choral and orchestral arrangements that will give anyone goosebumps. So I agreed. That was more than 18 months ago. Since then there has been a whirlwind of plans, recruiting and rehearsals to bring this concert to fruition. Plans have been made to bring an outdoor venue (The Event Green at Elm Street) to life with melodies from the show. We have recruited some of the best musicians, both singers from metro Atlanta and orchestra members, to bring you the whole score. Technical elements for the stage will allow us to present a Chastain Park-style concert with top-notch performers. After saying, “Sure, let’s go for it. Why not?” we assembled a team to work on the logistics. I looked back at Morrett after one of our final production meetings and asked, “What brought about this idea with ‘Secret Garden’ again?” He reminded me, “It’s the music … it’s simply breathtaking.” I went back and listened to the original soundtrack, then I listened to the recordings from our rehearsals. Then I listened again to the blend of our talented cast. He’s right … it is simply breathtaking. Performing a concert version of this show means we get to remove a lot of distractions. A giant, realistic set is not needed; the music paints the picture. The costumes will be there, but not in as much detail as our regular productions. The music reveals the characterization. By limiting the elements we typically stress over, we’ve really seen something beautiful created. The music is … breathtaking. We hope you will join us for a concert of “The Secret Garden” under the sky this March. The music might just take your breath away.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

MAR 17-19

FRI/SAT AT 7:30PM SUN AT 2:00PM ELM STREET EVENT GREEN Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village . AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Reference

CANTON AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS 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

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

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS #ForCanton 271 Marietta Road. Provides immediate needs of food, clothing and offer life skills classes. 770-345-3030. www.forcanton.com. 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 Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

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@hopectr.com www.hopectr.com HOPE Center — Seeds Thrift Store offers men, women & children’s clothing, furniture & other homegoods. 770-517-4450 www.seedsthriftstore.com Life Connection Ministries helps empower and provide humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com Matthew E. Russell Foundation works to establish literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org Never Alone Outreach provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org.

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 Caregivers Alzheimers Support Group Meets: 6:30 p.m. first Tuesday of Every Other Month at Benton House of Woodstock, 3385 Trickum Rd. 678-494-4500 woodstockinfo@bentonhouse.com Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. 770-366-7515 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org

Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House 678-459-2347 www.MinistryHouse.org Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Cherokee County Support Group provides support for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Rd, Holly Springs. Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@comcast. net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 christystephenson@msn.com Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock. www.cherokeeministers.org Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock. Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Georgia Canines for Independence. 404-824-4637 gcidogs@aol.com www. gcidogs.org Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors by offering small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. 727-251-7690, info@gracevalleyministries.org www.gracevalleyministries.org Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Jeannie 770-919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church. Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770-517-0191 MOMS Club of Woodstock-TowneLake momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com www.sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-924-4777 Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. Kelly 678-677-2589

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 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 American Legion Post 45, Meets 7 p.m. fourth Thursday at 160 McClure St. 770-479-4405 AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50+ Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Cost is $15. Rich Sanford, 770-926-1944. 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 VFW Post 5262 Meets 7 p.m. second Thursday at 278 Moose Loop Canton off Marietta Highway 404-275-2066 Woodstock Lions Club Meets: second and fourth Tuesday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Woodstocklionsclub@gmail.com or 770-906-2958.

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. third Saturday at 210 Main St. Canton. 678-882-0915 or connect@cherokeecountygop.com Cherokee Republican Assembly Meets: 6:30 p.m. first Tuesday at Holly Springs Train Depot 164 Hickory Road Kevin Wright 502-649-0089 or kevinwwrightenterprises@gmail.com 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 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 AROUND CANTON | March 2017

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

78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com 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

St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org

Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com

BAPTIST

South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422

Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org

Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road

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 Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org

Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.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.org

First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org

Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org

First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org

EPISCOPAL

First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.HeritageCanton.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

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.ecamarietta.org Saint Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation

1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

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

LUTHERAN

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

ORTHODOX

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

PRESBYTERIAN

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

UNITED METHODIST

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombumc.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.mtgilead-umc.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 Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Rd. Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100 www.unitynorth.org

OTHERS

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

9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.antiochchurch.life Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org 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.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841 www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135 www.fdvida.org Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 534 Keith Drive Canton 30114 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com

Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, 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 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092 www.woodstockcity.org 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 Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org AROUND CANTON | March 2017

AROUND CANTON DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 Cynthia Cline, CPA 404-748-1082 Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA 678-919-1250 www.jjacksoncpa.com North Georgia CPA 770-924-4990. 770-361-6703 www.northgeorgiaCPA.com

CREDIT UNION 7

LGE Community Credit Union Inside Front cover www.LGEccu.org

DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) 53

BridgeMill Dentistry 770-704-1812 www.BridgeMillDentistry.com Canton Dental Town 770-627-7260 www.dentaltownsmiles.com

BridgeMill Animal Hospital 770-479-2200 www.bridgemillvet.com

Dentistry at Hickory Flat 770-213-8166 www.HickoryFlatDentist.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Fountain View Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.FountainViewSmiles.com

ATTORNEYS Law Office of William H. Turner 678-610-5990 www.lawyerturnerga.com

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

Tidwell Firm, The 678-999-8500 www.thetidwellfirm.com

AUTOMOTIVE Bavarian Repair 770-310-2381 www.bavarianrepair.com

BridgeMill Auto Care Canton location: 770-720-0765 East Cobb location: 770-641-9906

CLEANING SERVICES Dynamic Clean Team 404-414-7743

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Must Ministries www.mustministries.org

AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Frady & Hall Heating & Cooling 678-446-4927 www.FradyAir.com

Hammock’s A/C, Inc. 770-794-0428 www.hammockshvac.com

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com

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

North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org

Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services 678-932-2097 www.poolefuneralhome.net

JD Kitchens Baths & More LLC 770-516-1602 www.JDKitchens.com

Mr. Junk 678-675-8651 www.mrjunk1.com

Nature’s Force 404-621-9049

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

Sundance Pressure & Seal 404-771-0071 www.sundancepressureandseal.com

Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346

EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION Georgia Trade School 770-590-9353 www.georgiatradeschool.com

Impact Pressure Washing & Gutter Cleaning 22 404-354-2222 www.ImpactServicesATL.com

LANDSCAPING

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

PEST CONTROL Adcock Pest & Wildlife Services, Inc. 770-345-7700 www.adcockpest.com

MASSAGE/SPA Muscles-N-Motion Therapeutic Massage 707-630-3655

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

Kragor Orthodontics 770-485-8827 www.kragorortho.com

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

Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com

Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Russell Family Dentistry 770-345-2010 www.RussellSmiles.com

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

ClearView Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing 19 770-926-1960 www.ClearViewAtl.com

ANIMALS/PETS

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & REPAIR

PHOTOGRAPHY J King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881

www.JKingImages.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics Holly Springs: 678-388-5485 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com

Northside Heart & Vascular Institute 404-851-6550 www.northside.com

Atlanta Gastroenterology Assoc. Woodstock: 770-926-5459 Canton: 678-593-1295 www.atlantagastro.com

Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

Northside Hospital Vascular Surgery 770-292-3490 www.NVS-GA.com

Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists Canton: 678-493-2527 Woodstock: 770-852-7740 www.cherokeeLungAndSleep.com

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 40 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

Blue Sky Cabin Rentals 866-372-9046 www.BlueSkyCabinRentals.com Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.TPGsells.com

Cherokee County Historical Society 100 North St. Canton

Cherokee County Tennis Assoc. www.cherokeetennis.org

Canton Historic Downtown www.CantonHDL.com

Dancing for the Children 770-704-5991

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

RESTAURANTS/FOOD

REAL ESTATE

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center Cover, 13, 32,33 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists 770-926-9229 www.NorthGaOBGYN.com

WellStar Health System 770-956-STAR (7827) www.wellstar.org

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

The Nest Eagle Watch 404-960-9225 www.eaglewatchgc.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Back cover

Blue Frog Imports 770-592-0122 www.BlueFrogImports.biz

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 AROUND CANTON | March 2017

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish TowneLaker, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and Around Acworth. 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.

Seated, from left: Patty Ponder, Jon and Karen Flaig and Jackie Loudin. Standing, from left: Katherine Amick, Denise Griffin, Susan Rodney, Michelle McCulloch, Carla Caldwell, Laura Latchford, Candi Hannigan and Christie Deese. Not pictured Terri Spencer. Photo by J King Images

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