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AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Contents

32 & 33 On the Cover

CAS Med Spa, Dr. James Craig, Cassie Craig and Jeff Dunn.

March 2019

In Every Issue

Features 14 Meet Farmer Vaughn

The good ol’ days in Hickory Flat come alive for club of fifth-graders.

16 R U OK?

Sheriff’s department employees make regular calls to senior citizens, homebound and chronically ill residents. Allatoona Lake springs to life as campgrounds are unlocked, water activities begin.

51 What’s New at the Library

The Sequoyah Regional System unveils a new strategic plan with multiple goals.

52 Play in the Parks Again

Explore the map and listings of Canton and Cherokee County parks before heading out to play.

Chantel Adams

8 Community News

Don Akridge

12 Celebrations

Siobhan Brumbelow

18 Downtown Canton Events

Becky & Susan Buice

Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry

Harry Johnston

Joseph Lemmo

Dr. Michael Litrel

Michael Martin

Joshua Nelson

Deidre Parker

Christopher Purvis

Lisa Randall

John Rodgers

Susan Schulz

Robert Tidwell

20 Community Calendar

25 Ribbon Cuttings 28 Rob’s Rescues 44 Everyday Angels 50 Library Events 58 School News 62 Directory of Advertisers

Advertising Katherine Amick, Director of Marketing 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.AroundCantonMagazine.com @AroundCantonMagazine

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Contributors

4 Around Canton

22 Downtown Canton Dining Guide

48 Camping Season Opens!

@AroundCantonMag

@around_canton

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

AROUND CANTON

The

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

Letter From the Editor I was driving down our street one Sunday afternoon, getting close to home, when I saw our garbage can moving. It appeared to be rolling down our driveway - which isn’t much longer than a large SUV - all by itself. It took me a few moments to realize what was happening. And when I did, I stopped the car, grabbed my cell phone and started filming. I posted the video on Facebook – it has 1.7K views now, and that number is climbing daily. What’s remarkable about this story is that our 4-year-old neighbor was the one behind our moving trash can. Literally. He was behind it. If you watch the video, you can see him struggling to manage it in the beginning. He finally gets a better angle, rolls it to the curb, and runs home. It was the first time in three years that we’ve seen him performing this neighborly deed. It’s no surprise that Paddy is such a helper. His parents are public servants – Mom is a firefighter and Dad is a policeman. Mom says he started this chore at 18 months old - with Dad’s help - but he insisted on doing it alone when he was 2½. As I sat in my car, filming this act of kindness, it dawned on me just how big the trash can is and just how small our little hero is. What if the receptacle got the better of him and he lost the fight? Here I am, sitting across the street and down one house, in the comfort of my car, filming him while he struggled with his task. To justify myself, I reasoned: Paddy would not be happy if I tried to help. His parents once told me that if our trash can wasn’t at the curb by Monday morning, it meant that Paddy was in trouble. Can you imagine that withholding a chore would be effective punishment for a 4-year-old? That gives you some indication of how special he is! Our pint-sized neighbor serves us so beautifully with a big heart. I’m eager to watch him and his younger brother grow up, to see how they continue to express their servant hearts. I’m happy to report that acts of kindness aren’t restricted to my Holly Springs neighborhood. This month’s issue is filled with photos and stories of folks on the serving and receiving ends, all across our county. Enjoy! And look me up on Facebook to watch the video. You also can find it on the Around Canton Facebook page. I promise, it’ll bring a smile to your face!

2019

READERS’

CHOICE Award

Vote

for your favorites! April 1-May 10

www.aroundcantonmagazine.com

What’s New

Hickory Drugs Family Pharmacy is open at 6678

Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. The drugstore also features a small gift shop. 678-798-8434. www.hickorydrugs.com.

Who’s Moved

CORE Community School has moved from Canton to a new location at 203 Woodpark Place, Building A, in Woodstock. The school serves students in grades 2-10 who have some factor(s) interfering with their success, including but not limited to: diagnosed learning disabilities, processing or attentional difficulties, anxiety, and social-emotional struggles. 770-704-9144. www.thecoreschool.org.

Kudos!

Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute

has been named a Center of Excellence for a minimallyinvasive stenting procedure that effectively treats carotid artery disease in older and high risk patients. Northside is one of the first hospitals in Georgia to receive this recognition, and offers the technology at its Cherokee, Atlanta and Forsyth locations. Canton was named one of nine 2019 Live, Work, Play Cities by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), in conjunction with Georgia Trend magazine. “These nine cities truly embody well-rounded communities that benefit residents and businesses alike,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “They also serve as examples for local governments across Georgia. Officials in these cities have demonstrated advanced problemsolving, exceptional management and teamwork to increase the overall quality of life for all residents. GMA is honored to serve all of our member cities and especially proud of these award recipients.” Holly Springs received the Certificate of

Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting 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 2019

by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2017 comprehensive annual financial report. City Manager/ Finance Director Robert H. Logan was presented with the award recently.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2019

COMMUNITY BOARD

The Around Canton Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders who assist us as contributors to the magazine 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 volunteers on numerous boards and committees. Pat and her husband have four children and four grandchildren.

Dr. Christopher Alvey, an

Owensboro, KY native, graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, and earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1988. He has owned and operated Cobb Central and Mobile Vet Services, and provided medical and surgical services as a relief veterinarian until he opened BridgeMill Animal Hospital in 2004. Dr. Alvey and wife Kathy have two children, Jake and Madison, four dogs (Bogey, Allie, Lu-Lu and LeRoy) and two cats (Cartman and Aubie).

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.

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 Purposeful Play of Georgia, an organization that celebrates kindness and equips young leaders. 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. Dr. Oliver “Ollie” Evans is the chiropractor at Holly

Springs Chiropractic and Massage. The Cherokee county native attended Holly Springs and Sixes elementary schools and Woodstock Middle and High schools. His secondary education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise and health science from Kennesaw State University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University. Dr. Ollie serves as the team doctor for the KSU ice hockey team, is a USA hockey referee, and very involved in the CrossFit community. Dr. Ollie also serves on the Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation and several other charity boards. 6

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Director of Marketing Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@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 Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese 770-615-3324 Christie@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 24,200 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 800 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 10th of each month. Yearly subscriptions are available for $24. Send a check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. 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 2019. Around Canton

1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189

For Advertising: Katherine Amick Katherine@aroundaboutmagazines.com or 678-279-5502

Volume 6, Issue 12

America’s Community Magazine

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YOUR LOCAL NEWS Fire Explorers Bring Home 10 Awards Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services’ Explorer Post 469 earned 10 awards during the 45th annual Winterfest Competition recently. The competition was among 3,100 Explorers and Venturers from 26 states. Winterfest is the largest scout assembly that specifically targets co-ed youth ages 14-21, and allows them to participate in a variety of competitive and social activities throughout the weekend. This was the 18th year the fire department’s explorers have attended. Post 469 brought 20 youth and 13 advisers, along with Fire Chief Tim Prather, Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson, and retired Fire Chief Bob Nealy. Honors earned included: • First place in cardiac arrest management, Denver Drill, medical emergency management, Pittsburg drill and trauma emergency management. • Second place in medical emergency management and trauma emergency management. • Third place in honor guard competition, rapid dress individual and table top display. The explorer program is a career-based learning opportunity and is 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 the field of fire and emergency services. For more information, contact Sgt. Michael Sims at 678-644-1377 or mrsims@cherokeega.com.

Drive-Thru Prayer Time The parking lot at Mount Zion Baptist Church can get a bit busy on Saturday mornings. Church members host a weekly prayer event from 10 a.m. to noon each weekend. A tent is set up in the front parking lot, manned with volunteers who are ready and willing to accept prayer requests or pray with people who drive-thru, or stop and visit. “This is a very open, non-confrontational format that we want to make available to the community. We do not ask anyone to sign up for anything. We are there to simply to encourage and pray for people who need someone to talk to,” said Chris Lowe, the church’s pastor to families and children. The church is located at 4096 E. Cherokee Drive. For more information, email chris@ mtzb.org or call 770-479-3324.

Ticket Info Available for Film Festival

Front row, from left: Cadet FF Maxwell Garcia, Cadet Captain Denver Ice, Cadet Lt. Chris Shorts, Cadet Sgt. Dalton Hamby, Cadet Lt. William Logan, Cadet FF Isaiah Powell, Cadet FF Katharina Tolstiuk, Cadet FF Griffin Hansen, Cadet FF Gabriel Shull, Cadet FF Kenny Robinson and Cadet FF Gene Kachele. Back row: Cadet Sgt. Josh Shorts, Cadet FF Jared MacCracken, Cadet FF McKinley Arnold, Cadet FF Brianne Mazucca, Cadet Sgt. Anna Bowyer, Cadet Sgt. Hannah Pohlman, Cadet FF Timothy Waddell, Cadet FF Tyler Nealy and Cadet FF Jason Kuhn. 8

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

The Etowah Film Festival organizers recently released information about tickets for the inaugural event. Weekend pass holders will have access to three special events that aren’t open to day-ticket holders. Passes are $50; the price rises to $70 on April 1. 1. Friday night’s Filmmakers Reception, featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, popcorn, beer and wine, water and soda and access to any attending filmmakers, actors, producers. 2. After the 30-minute reception, attendees can attend the U.S. premier screening of a locally made film that is having its world premier at Cannes, France, on May 15. 3. A Sunday morning brunch hosted by Reformation Brewery and catered by D’Norah’s Taste of Cuba. Visit www.etowahfilmfestival.com for more details.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Annual Meeting Busy With Goals, Awards

ALM's Director of Marketing, Katherine Amick, right, accepts the award from outgoing board chair Julianne Rivera.

Aroundabout Local Media a Two-Time Award Winner Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) was given the 2019 Excellence in Customer Service award by the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce for "consistently demonstrating exceptional service that differentiates them from their competitors." ALM also earned the chamber’s Small Business of the Year award in 2016. ALM publishes four free monthly community magazines that offer affordable advertising to area businesses through cover stories, advertorials and display ads. The TowneLaker, which debuted in 1996, is the company’s flagship publication, and establishes ALM as the area’s most reliable and long-standing source for community news in a hyperlocal community magazine. Each month, 74,400 copies of the TowneLaker, Around Woodstock, Around Canton and Around Acworth magazines are distributed to area residents. Most of those are mailed directly to homes, with additional copies available in racks located in area businesses, and digital versions available online. “We feel so honored to have been selected as the recipient of this award,” said ALM President Patty Ponder. “The words on the award mean so much to us: ‘for consistently demonstrating exceptional service that differentiates them from their competitors.’ As a team, we strive to always put our customers first and make sure we have met our customers’ needs and ensure what we deliver to them is in their best interests. We feel affirmed in our efforts to always striving for customer service excellence.” 10

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2018 accomplishments and announced its 2019 primary goals during the organization’s 48th annual meeting recently. In the changing of the guard, outgoing board Chair Julianne Rivera, owner of Sold by Julianne — Keller Williams Atlanta North, passed the gavel to incoming Chair John Barker, owner of Delphi Global Technology. In sharing 2018 successes, Rivera announced, “In 2018, over 4,900 current and future members attended the variety of events offered by the chamber, while 213 new members were recruited to the chamber, bringing our year-end membership total to 1,034, resulting in a 2018 membership retention rate of 83 percent.” Barker announced the Chamber’s primary goals for 2019, which are to connect leaders and cultivate memberto-member relationships. He also shared the overall organizational goals for 2019, which are to enhance existing programs and increase the net membership by 5 percent. The ongoing organizational efforts will continue to direct a strategic focus — utilizing the 2020 Vision, enhance member benefits, and measure success. Among the awards presented was the 44th annual First Citizen of Cherokee County recognition, given to lifelong Cherokee County resident Raymond Rollins. Additional accolades went to In Harmony Pediatric Therapy for 2019 Small Business of the Year; Aroundabout Local Media Inc. for 2019 Excellence in Customer Service; and the inaugural Nonprofit of the Year award was presented to the Service League of Cherokee County. All three recipients were chosen by out-oftown judges, just as the First Citizen is selected. The Going Green Business of the Year, chosen based upon commitment to environmental excellence as well as implementation of additional green tactics within their business, was awarded to Art Jewelers Diamonds & Design. www.cherokeechamber.org.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Celebrations!

Dillon Harrington

March 17 We are so proud of you. We love you, Dad and Mom.

Elizabeth Grace Prusa Happy birthday, Lizzy! You are a treasure. Love, Mom and Dad.

Alexa

Happy fifth birthday! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Aubree and Luna.

Kaleb

Happy fourth birthday! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Maisyn and Redd.

Angelik

Happy 8th birthday to our beautiful, smart, amazing niece. Love, Titi Main and Tio Luito!

James Kistler

Age 5 on March 13 Happy birthday to our No. 1 best boy! Love, Daddy, Mommy and Samantha.

Lauren

Happy first birthday! We love you so very much. You bring so much laughter and joy to our family. Love Mom, Dad, Bella and Bailey.

Gabby

Happy ninth birthday on March 23! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. Keeping Rocking That Black Girl Magic!

Mason Schuessler

Age 3 on March 2 Happy birthday! Love Mom, Dad, Nicole, Kyle and Astro.

Abril Fabiola Aguirre

Happy birthday quinceanera! Your light fills our hearts everyday with love and happiness from the moment God blessed us with being your family. From Mami, Papi, Fafa, Julian and Cacique. Te amamos.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Celebrating March Birthdays at The Lodge at BridgeMill

Around the piano, from left: Carolyn Ulanowski, Rita Sedlock, Martha Davis, Vivian Paulson, Bill Wright, Juanita Poitier, Phyllis Day, Pauline Durkee, Polly Kullmann and Juanita Law. Seated on bench: Betty Little and George Buchanan. Camera shy celebrants: Annette Neuhaus, Christine Beard, Jodie West and James Adams.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

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AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Farmer Vaughn MEET

The good ol’ days in Hickory Flat come alive for club of fifth-graders. BY CHANTEL ADAMS

“Lawwwddd, no,” he said, and sighed. “Ain’t never been to a steakhouse. Nor to a beach, neither. I wouldn’t know how to act. And we didn’t have the money. If we didn’t have the money, we didn’t do it. And that was that.” I watched as the girls’ jaws dropped. A couple of them took sips from the bottles of water I’d passed out before we walked inside. Farmer Vaughn eyed them mischievously. “When we were little, the dipper would freeze over in the bucket at night.” My daughter raised her eyebrows. I could sense her brain working overtime: What was a dipper and how did it freeze when it was in the house? The questions tumbled one after the other. Seven fifth-grade girls, all members of the Forever We Adventure Club, gathered around the chintz-covered recliner where Eldred Quinton Vaughn sat. Vaughn and his wife Jeannie built the house together in 1950. Jeannie died in 2012. Photos and mementos of their life together covered the bookshelves that flanked the fireplace in their cozy little living room. The original house did not have running water or electricity, but that wasn’t important. “We had each other. And that’s all that mattered.” On Dec. 19, 1923, Eldred Quinton Vaughn was born in the house where he now The home place on Vaughn Road. 14

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

held court with the girls. Located on Vaughn Road in Hickory Flat, it’s across the street from the old house he calls “The Home Place.” The land originally belonged to his father, who in 1906 purchased 120 acres in Cherokee County for just $5 per acre. The road that cuts through the property eventually became known as Vaughn Road and it was the location of his family’s bustling country store. In business for more than 40 years, the store sold everything from metal syrup buckets to cigarettes; gas, kerosene, and feed for local farms; and even clothing and shoes for the people who lived and worked on them. Five more families built houses along Vaughn Road, where neighbors shared everything. “You’re big enough to know right from wrong,” Farmer Vaughn said to the girls. “And treat everybody with respect.” He paused and shut his eyes. When he opened them again, they shone brightly. The girls had lots of questions. They couldn’t wait to hear more about the “old days.” “What did you eat?” “What did you do for fun?” “Did you have any chores?” Farmer Vaughn patiently answered their questions and also gave them a little advice: “Do something kind every day. Say a kind word. Do something. One day you’ll need your friends.” He may be 50 years my senior, but I knew what he meant. My friend, Ginny Starr, helps lead the Forever We Adventure Club. The mission of our girls’ group is to “equip young leaders and celebrate friendship.” Ginny and I couldn’t think of a better way

Farmer Vaughn in the 1940s, left, and entertaining the fifth-graders in his home, far left.

to celebrate that mission than to learn from someone in our community who had lived long, and lived well, someone like Farmer Vaughn. When Farmer Vaughn was the girls’ age, he went to Hickory Flat School, walking 2 1/2 miles each way to get there. On cold days, he’d earn a nickel for going early and starting a fire in the furnace. Our girls couldn’t imagine walking that far, lighting a furnace, or studying in a three-room schoolhouse with three grades of students in each room. Farmer Vaughn was a member of the Hickory Flat Masonic Lodge for 50 years. And, for nearly a quarter of a century, he and Jeannie were members of the Shrine Club, riding motorcycles in local parades. After retiring, Farmer Vaughn delivered peanut butter crackers and candy to residents and friends at the Woodstock, Brookdale and Canton Nursing homes. “I’m 95 and still alive!” he said proudly, his eyes crinkling at the edges and twinkling with excitement. His life was very different from those of the girls who sat listening to his stories. But they were fascinated with this man who had put deep roots into both the soil on his property and the local community. It was that positive outlook that first inspired us to reach out to Farmer Vaughn. “What did you do when you were little and you got sick?” one girl asked. “Did you have a doctor?” “Oh, we had a doctor, but just one. He made home visits. Mostly, we made up our own home remedies using things like wild cherry bark and yellow root. Back then, you could get a baby delivered for $10,” he chuckled. I added up delivery expenses for my four kids and wondered if Vaughn knew that costs had increased a thousand-fold since his birth. Though Farmer Vaughn and Jeannie never had children of their own, he talks fondly of the years he and his wife spent caring for their nieces and nephews, and their friends’ children. He had found his true love in Jeannie. They had just $28 on the day they got married in 1948, and an income of $2.40 a day afterward. Farmer Vaughn never has had a credit card, and he’s never owed anybody any money. “WHaaattt?” the girls mouthed to me when he explained his finances. “We never had a payment,” he said. “We paid cash money for everything. Prosperity has hurt a lot of people and pulled families apart.” “Did you grow your own food?” they asked. “We raised cows, chickens, hogs, and had a garden. You grew it or you didn’t eat it. We ate a lot of squirrel brain scrambled eggs and rabbits.” continued on page 59 AROUND CANTON | March 2019

RUOK?

A daily phone call brings peace of mind to seniors. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department offers a free service that can make a life or death difference in the lives of senior citizens and residents with disabilities. Once an application has been received and approved, subscribers to the RUOK program receive a daily phone call at an agreed-upon time, said Tammy Butler of the sheriff’s department. “This system used to be automated, but we have since done away with that, and we call each person ourselves daily. Our office operators enjoy talking to each person daily; you get to know them, and when they may be having a bad day. Sometimes, the subscriber may answer, but is not feeling well, and we send someone to check on them anyway,” Butler said. “Our office is 24/7, so it can be any time they choose. If we can not get ahold of the subscriber after three attempts, we send a deputy or officer to their home to check on them.” Applications are available through the sheriff’s office, at the county’s senior centers, and at precinct town hall meetings. The only requirements are that the person is a resident of Cherokee County and has a telephone. Contact Butler at tcbutler@cherokeega.com, 678-493-4147 or 678-493-4206. Before Christmas, Georgia Crime Information Center employees who manage the RUOK program delivered Christmas gift baskets to some of the residents they speak with regularly. The gift baskets (which they made instead of exchanging gifts with one another) included a blanket, mugs and a framed picture of the callers, so each senior would know who was calling them each day.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Aunt Martha receives daily calls from sheriff’s department employees.

‘These Angels on Earth Brighten Martha’s Days’ BY BECKY AND SUSAN BUICE

We first heard of RUOK when we were scrolling through Facebook and saw a post about a family thanking the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office for checking in on their loved one every day. We knew that this sounded like a program that would be perfect for our Aunt Martha. Then, this happenstance became a godsend. Every day at 2 p.m., Joyce, Lori, Valon, Evans or Kayla calls Martha to check in. Just having that phone call would have been great, but they go above and beyond just checking on her. First, they got to know her; now, they talk to her as if they are old friends. In a few weeks’ time, our housebound aunt went from "I haven't talked to a soul all day,” to “I talked to Lori today; she wanted my lemon meringue pie recipe. It took a while, but I found it.” At Christmas, two of the RUOK members came to visit Martha. They sat and talked to her, and left her with a basket of goodies. Perhaps the best gift, though, was a picture of the RUOK callers. Now, when she talks to them, she can picture a face to go along with the voice. These angels on Earth brighten Martha’s days, and we rest easy knowing that, every day at 2 p.m., she is going to be talking to one of her new friends. If she doesn’t answer when they call, a deputy comes out to do a wellness check. Recently, Martha had to be rushed to the hospital. Once she told us, it was long past the 2 p.m. call. When we called RUOK to let them know, Evans told us that they were worried when she didn’t answer and had sent out a deputy to check on her, but she wasn’t home. He noted in her file that she was in the hospital, and, the next day at 2 p.m., the hospital phone rang. It was Joyce saying, “I knew I could find you. How are you?” The phone calls continued every day, and, now that she is back home, she still looks forward to her 2 p.m. visit. RUOK truly is a godsend, and the sheriff’s deputies are earning their wings daily, one phone call at a time.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

IN Town March 8-10, 15-17

Canton

“Don’t Dress for Dinner” is a performance set for the Canton Historic Theatre, 171 E. Main St. The show contains mature themes. Written by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by Myrna Feldman. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

March 29-30

Canton Art and Wine Walk. Participants are invited to stroll the streets of the downtown area, view art, and sample wines in participating businesses. Watch www.cantonga.gov for details.

April 13

Canton Egg Fest, hosted by Oak Leaf Church, is a unique, entertaining, free, family-friendly event that will benefit the Cherokee Family Violence Center. The 11 a.m.-2 p.m event will include an egg hunt, kids zone with bounce houses and crafts, live performances by musical groups from around the county, food and merchandise vendors and more. On Facebook.

May 3

The 2019 Canton Main Street First Friday season begins. The 6-9 p.m. event includes a concert and a classic car display. Retail and food vendors abound. Main Street is closed to car traffic. www.cantonga.gov.

May 11

The Canton Farmers Market opens for the season at Cannon Park. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 12. All produce is Georgia-grown and mostly organic. On Facebook at Canton GA Farmers Market.

May 23-26

The inaugural Etowah Film Festival will take place at the Historic Canton Theatre. The international event includes a Friday evening filmmaker’s reception, Sunday morning patron brunch, and screenings through the four days of the films, which will be entered to win in the following categories: best documentary (short or feature), best environmental subject (short or feature), best narrative short, best narrative feature, and best student short. www.EtowahFilmFestival.com.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Canton Festival of the Arts Moved Up a Few Weeks The 16th annual Canton Festival of the Arts, which features art by more than 50 artists and an all-new chalk event, will take place May 4-5, a few weeks earlier than in years past. “This will give people a chance to shop for unique Mother’s Day and graduation gifts that will be treasured for years to come,” said Lisa Brunelle, board president of the Cherokee Arts Center, the nonprofit organization that presents the festival as a fundraiser. There’s no entry fee; a $5 donation per adult with a $10 family cap is suggested. Works of art, including jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass, sculptures, textiles, paintings and much more, are available for purchase at a variety of price points. For the first time, the festival will feature the Canton Chalk Walk area for aspiring artists who wish to create sidewalk chalk art live on May 4. The Jack Fincher Jr. Rising Artist Market gives Cherokee County student artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork. It also gives the students an opportunity to visit with professional artists who can share the tricks of their trade. The festival will take place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 4-5 at Brown Park, 251 E. Marietta St., in downtown Canton. Parking is free on the street, in parking lots and at the Cherokee County Courthouse parking deck at 94 N. Main Street. www.cantonartfestival.com.

Improving the County’s Noise Ordinance BY HARRY JOHNSTON

One of the new Board of Commissioners’ priorities is to enact an improved noise ordinance. The current ordinance applies only after 11 p.m., and it’s too vague to enforce consistently. So, the Marshal’s Office gets lots of complaints they can’t do much about. Separately, the Special Events Facility regulations completely prohibit outdoor loudspeakers. That’s probably too restrictive. An outdoor wedding usually needs some amplification for voices and music. So, even though it’s illegal, the marshals usually let it go if the sound is at a low level. We tried to improve the ordinance 10 to 12 years ago, but got such massive resistance that we gave up. We’re trying to go about it more carefully this time. One of the difficulties with a noise ordinance is that the sounds that annoy us aren’t necessarily the loudest ones. The most common complaints involve amplified music, gunfire, dirt bikes and industrial operations. Most people don’t mind ordinary and necessary noises like lawn mowing during the day, regular traffic and A/C compressors. But, we don’t like hearing our neighbor’s music, even though it’s quieter than his lawn mower. The right to own, carry and shoot guns is almost sacred around here, and we’re reluctant to tread on those rights. But, it’s not hunting or moderate target practice that generates the complaints. It’s when someone is abusing their rights by blasting away for hours with thousands of rounds of fully automatic fire. What we’re looking for is reasonable maximum noise levels for different time periods, with reasonable exceptions. Sound would be measured where it enters someone else’s property. We’re talking about three time periods and standard noise levels as follows: Day, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 70 decibels. Clearly audible, but moderate. About the level of normal conversation at close range. Evening, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. 60 dB. Slightly audible; very muffled. Night, 11 p.m.-7 a.m. 50 dB. Virtually inaudible. We’d need exceptions for regular agricultural, landscaping and construction equipment during the day, and, probably, for reasonable rounds of firearms practice during a limited daytime period in areas where gunfire is not otherwise prohibited. We might exempt all vehicles legally operating on public roads, at least for now; also, school events and emergencies. At night, some normal noises, like regular A/C compressors, might exceed 50 dB and require exemptions. And, catching chickens to send for processing is a required agricultural activity that’s noisy, and usually done at night. Common law would allow existing businesses, whose operations depend on making noise, to be grandfathered in legally under the former ordinance. That would include Dixie Speedway and some other more mundane operations. So, what do you think? We really want to know. Email me at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.

Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.

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Around & About MARCH

The Silver Roamers, a Cherokee Recreation and Parks agency group for active senior citizens, has an outing planned to attend a cooking class at Bees Knees, leaving 10:30 a.m. from the recreation center. For more information, visit www.crpa.net.

8 Empower

Fundraiser for

Cherokee will be held

7-9 p.m. at Decor and Pour, 110 Prominence Point Parkway, Canton. Register online at www.decorandpour. com/events. Empower Cherokee helps adults with special needs live their best lives through employment, volunteering, social activities and skill development. www.empowercherokee.org.

Trail of Tears Association will hold 9 itsThefirstGeorgia 2019 meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the Chieftain’s

Museum in Rome. Former association President Jeff Bishop will speak on the causes of the Creek Civil War, also known as the Red Stick War. No charge to attend. The museum is at 501 Riverside Parkway.

The Cherokee Career Expo, hosted by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development and the Georgia Department of Labor, is 2-6 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The event attracts more than 40 of the county’s top employers and provides job-seekers with on-site résumé review assistance from 1 to 2 p.m.

14 Square

The Silver Roamers will take a tour of Decatur with Jim Howe, leaving at 8:30 a.m. from the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club and 9 a.m. from the recreation center. www.crpa.net.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

The fifth annual Bunco for Charity, sponsored by the BridgeMill Sixes Service League, begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Terraces in BridgeMill. $20 entry fee, proceeds benefit charities supported by the league. RSVP to sapeterson61@gmail.com or sign up at www.bssl.org.

The Cherokee Chorale will perform “Arise” at 3 p.m. at Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Conductor Scott Martin will lead the chorale in a performance of “High Lonesome Bluegrass Music,” featuring the Chuck Nation band. For tickets, visit www.cherokeechorale.org.

Cherokee Ag Expo 4-7 p.m at Hickory Flat 22 Fellowship Church, is a free event that will feature

more than 25 agriculture booths and commodity foods and drinks. For details, contact Shirley Pahl at sfpahl@gfb.org or 770-479-1481 ext. 0.

Volley 4 A Cure, hosted by the BridgeMill Sixes 23 Service League, begins at 6:30 p.m. and benefits

the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is Rock Star; participants are encouraged to dress up and bring tennis partners to enjoy tennis, food, drinks and a chance to win prizes. For more information, contact Nicole Shippy at nicole@maximtech.com. www.bssl.org.

The UGA Master Gardener Extension volunteers of Cherokee County will present “Organic Vegetable Gardening” at 10:30 a.m. at the Hickory Flat library, 2740 E. Cherokee Dr., Canton. Strive to grow gardens that are bountiful, healthy and ecologically friendly. To register, go to http://cherokeemastergardenersinc.wildapricot.org, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.

28 Banquet

Cherokee County Historic Preservation Awards , sponsored by the Cherokee County Historical Society, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center. The society honors historic property owners for their outstanding work in preservation. For ticket information, visit www.rockbarn.org/events. The Silver Roamers will visit the Atlanta Cyclorama, leaving at 8 a.m. from the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club and 8:30 a.m. from the recreation center. www.crpa.net.

The second annual KBDF Live Auction/Dance is 4-10 p.m. at Lewallen Farms, 205 Sawyer Farm Road, Waleska. The auction is a fundraiser for the Kathy B. Davis Foundation in Waleska. www.kbdfoundation.net.

MAY Springs Job Fair is a free event, 1 Holly 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Historic Train Depot,

APRIL

5-6

A special needs golf clinic is planned for 10 a.m. at Lake Arrowhead Yacht and Country Club, followed by a golf tournament with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Both are fundraisers for the Kathy B. Davis Foundation in Waleska. Details available at www.kbdfoundation.net.

6 Begins at Home

164 Hickory Road. Bring copies of your résumé, meet with potential employers and network with fellow job-seekers. Local businesses interested in participating in the fair should contact Donna Sanders at dsanders@hollyspringsga.us.

4 American Cleanup

Holly Springs is participating in the Great , the country’s largest community improvement program, which kicks off each spring and engages more than 4 million volunteers in more than 20,000 communities nationwide. The event is set for 9 a.m.-noon. Location to be determined. Watch www.hollyspringsga.us for more information.

The 2019 Spring Symposium: A Greener World , presented by the UGA Extension Master Gardeners of Cherokee County, is set for 9 a.m.4 p.m. at the Yanmar EVO Center, 5889 Old Alabama Rd. Acworth. Keynote speaker will be Erica Glasener. The event includes two break-out sessions and lunch. The $40 fee includes welcome bags, door prizes, seeds, vendors and a silent auction. To see list of speakers and to register, go to www.cherokeemastergardenersinc.wildapricot.org or mail check (with phone number) to CCMG, Attn: Diane Walton, 326 Lauren Lane, Woodstock, GA 30188

Kentucky Derby Day at the Rock Barn, sponsored by the Cherokee County Historical Society, begins at 3:30 p.m. The Rock Barn is located at 758 Marietta Highway in Canton. Guests will enjoy gourmet food, open bar, silent auction, pony pull betting, bourbon tasting and a competitive hat parade and contest. The event benefits the society’s education programs and ends with the crowd watching the Kentucky Derby on big screen TVs. www.rockbarn.org/events.

Holly Springs Easter Egg Hunt begins at 11 a.m. at 13 Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane. Guests can arrive early for

6 golf tournamentFeed My Lambs classic

Street Dog Dash 5K, a fundraiser for the Cherokee County

the petting zoo, face painting, spin art and to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Each family gets a complimentary printed picture. More than 15,000 eggs will be hidden for children, infant to 12 years old. Every child will receive a special prize. www.hollyspringsa.us/easteregghunt. Animal Shelter, begins at 8 a.m. at the Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. The flat, scenic course crosses the river into Heritage Park and then winds back to the finish at Etowah River Park. An official AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifying event. Visit the race’s Facebook page or http://streetdogdash5k.com/race-info for registration details.

of Blankets Creek 5-mile and 10-mile trail 20 Battle run, and 15-mile and 30-mile mountain bike races at

Blankets Creek Trails in Canton. Shirt and event headband for all runners. Free half-mile kids 10 and under race. Fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock. www.sorbawoodstock.org.

Relay for Life begins at 6 p.m. at E.T. Booth Middle 26 School, featuring entertainment, food, team

competitions and more. The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and honors cancer survivors and victims. https://bit.ly/2QyR3zW.

The 19th annual

will take place 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. at the Marietta Country Club. Feed My Lambs provides free Christian preschools in impoverished communities, including a school in Canton. www.feedmylambs.net.

The 2019 Woodstock Concert Series will open with Mark Wills, recently inducted into membership of the Grand Ole Opry. For more details, visit www.woodstockconcertseries.com.

The Canton Farmers Market opens for the season at Cannon Park. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 12. All produce is Georgia-grown and mostly organic. On Facebook at Canton GA Farmers Market.

23-26

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

DOWNTOWN CANTON DINING GUIDE Your complete guide to casual and upscale sit-down dining in downtown Canton Downtown Kitchen 140 E. Marietta St., 770-479-1616 thedowntownkitchen.com

SPIRITS RESERV.

Steak & Seafood

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

East Main Café 210 E. Main St., 770-670-9333 Facebook/EastMainCafe

Coffee, Tea Baked goods

closed

Goin’ Coastal 125 W. Main St., 770-479-3737 goincoastalseafood.com

Seafood

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

Green Line Brewery 192 E Main St., 770- 213-4420 www.greenlinebrews.com

Craft Beer Street Tacos Pub food

n/a

Beer

open

Full bar

yes

Local on North Eatery & Bar 170 North St., 770-213-8970 localonnorth.com

Sunday $ $$ Brunch Noon-3

Mamma Onesta’s Italian Italian no 250 E. Main St., 678-880-7770 mammaonesta.com/canton-ga

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Mazzato Restaurant 190 E Main St, 770-213-7648 mazzatorestaurant.com

Peruvian

open

Full bar

yes

Panera Bread 205 W Main St, 770-720-1565 www.panerabread.com

Sandwich Shop

open

Queenie’s 151 W. Main St. eatatqueenies.com

Southern no $$ Cooking

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

closed

R&M Sandwich Shop 117 W. Main St., 770-479-4413 Look for R&M on Facebook.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Custom-made Sandwiches

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

RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

IN THE SPOTLIGHT • The business.

Transitions Resale Boutique, a new, upscale shopping experience in downtown Canton, offers gently used women’s designer, boutique and name-brand clothing, accessories, home décor and furniture. All profits benefit Serenade Heights, which supports single-mother families in our community. Shopping with a purpose means every purchase helps single moms dream again. Donations from the community are accepted daily, and volunteer opportunities are available, both in the store and with Serenade Heights. Tina Guerrieri is manager of the boutique; Nancy Tucker is executive director of Serenade Heights.

•

The difference. Transitions offers a wide range of women’s clothing and accessories, as well as home décor and furniture at reasonable prices in a charming historic home setting. Customers understand that, by purchasing the bargains they find, they are helping single mothers in the community through Serenade Heights, which restores women from brokenness to wholeness.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

481 E. Main St., Canton, GA 30114

770-224-6822 Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays @SerenadeHeights www.transitionsresaleboutique.com www.serenadeheights.org.

• Customers are saying.

Staff members often are told, “Wow, you have the nicest store!” “I love to shop and donate here, your purpose and products are amazing!” Most customers shop at Transitions because of the trendy, farmhouse boutique they see or hear about.

Cherokee Chamber of Commerce

3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 â&#x20AC;˘ www.cherokeechamber.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS 1. Hickory Commons Dental Care, 6759 Hickory Road, Woodstock 678-540-1680, www.hickorycommonsdentalcare.com 2. Kaio FIIt Club, 2864 E. Cherokee Drive, Suite D, Canton 678-880-8500, https://kaiofiit.com 3. Place Services, Inc., 201 Gateway Drive, Canton 678-880-4777, www.placeservicesinc.com

EVENT CALENDAR

March 7, April 4

Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast 7 a.m. meeting. Advance single registration: $17. On-site registration: $22. Future member: $30.

March 12

Business After Hours 4:30-6:30 p.m. Rotary Club of Canton meeting at Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Members $5, future members $10.

March 22

Regional Issues Awareness Program 8-9:30 a.m.

The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock.

March 26

Power Hour, 10-11 a.m. Members $5, future members $10.

Sponsor is Cobb EMC.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

PHOTOS BY REBEKAH GREGG

Your CBD Store — Towne Lake Oils Offer Natural, Medicinal Benefits

our CBD Store owner Christy Davis CBD oil derived from industrial hemp, became a believer in CBD oil when according to Davis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is it helped relieve the anxiety she had a compound found in industrial hemp experienced since she was a teenager. plants that offers numerous medicinal Davis no longer depends on prescription benefits without the psychoactive effects medication; she says CBD oil has changed or “high” associated with marijuana. her life. CBD is used to reduce inflammation, After doing extensive research and relieve pain, reduce feelings of anxiety learning about the medicinal benefits and depression, and reduce or eliminate of CBD, Davis decided to share her epileptic seizures (in some rare forms). knowledge and “Even if you are open a store in not suffering from a Towne Lake. The chronic condition that community response impedes your ability has been so positive, to go about your Davis plans to open everyday life, you can several more stores still benefit from CBD. in the next year Many use cannabidiol including a new as they would any location coming other natural health soon in Cartersville. supplement by adding It’s a critical time to Store owners Johnny and Christy Davis. a small dose (called focus on alternatives microdosing) to their to prescription medication, she said. daily routine,” Davis said. “With the opioid epidemic and all of “This is a preventative regiment that the pharmaceutical side effects, people has little to no downside. Our bodies are looking for natural alternatives and naturally need anti-inflammatory that is exactly what we are offering,” substances and CBD is one of the best. Davis said. This may help you stay more alert and focused throughout the day, sleep better at night, relieve minor body aches and THE FACTS even reduce your risk for neurological • The sale of CBD from the hemp plant is disorders that often propagate through legal. inflammation build up in certain areas of • You do not need a prescription to buy the brain.” CBD. • The products contain zero percent THC, the cannabinoid that causes the high. WHAT’S AVAILABLE • Third party testing on the products Your CBD Store sells CBD tinctures, offer lab reports stating what is in the capsules, water solubles, topical pain products. cream, bath bombs, edibles and even CBD oil and treats for pets. Pets have the same endocannabinoid system as we do and THE BENEFITS suffer from some of the same ailments, Your CBD Store carries SunMed products, the highest quality, terpene-rich including anxiety and pain. 26

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The store offers free samples of pain cream, water solubles, and dog treats. Customers can take advantage of a rewards program that gives one point for every dollar spent; points add up to redeem as discounts or free products. “Customers rave about our products, which have helped them with arthritis pain, anxiety, insomnia and much more,” Davis said. “We have had one customer who has completely gotten off her prescription medication. CBD products for your pet.

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Rob’s Rescues I interviewed Dana Starr Rittelmeyer, Britney Davis and Cindy Rawlings of Half the Way Home (www.halfthewayhome.org).

What do you do and how did you start Half the Way Home?

There is a cat at Cobb County Animal Services that has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), who is looking for a home. The cat's name is Pixie and she is 8 months old. She meows a lot. She is a cuddler and loves to lie in your lap. Since she has FIV, if you adopt her, she has to be an only cat. She was a stray. Most people might think because of the FIV that she will die at an early age, but that is untrue and she will more than likely live a normal life. Cats can't pass FIV on to each other through casual movements, but it can be passed on through biting, so it is best to have this cat as an only cat. FIV can’t be passed to dogs or people.

Half the Way Home was originally a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) facility out of Cobb. When the lady who ran it retired in October 2016, Dana took over and Cindy and Britney joined her. We focus on rescuing the forgotten cats, seniors, medical cases and those in rural shelters. Our intention was to help 20-40 cats a month, but by the end of the first year we had rescued 1,600 cats. Half the Way Home originally rescued dogs, too, and was completely foster-based, but we were stretched too thin and chose to focus completely on cats and, now we rescue about 100 cats per month. In September 2018, we moved into a shelter facility on Main Street in Woodstock. Cats are housed there, and, in addition, we have a foster base of 75 foster homes and around 135 volunteers.

What was the first cat you rescued, when and why?

It was a baby Tabby cat called Axel from Cobb County Animal Shelter. It was one of those forgotten kittens that are not big enough to be out in a cage visible for adoption, so they are kept in the back and not socialized or visible to anyone.

How many cats do you save every year?

In two years of operation, 3,000 cats have been spayed, neutered, fostered and adopted.

Do you work with feral cats at all?

We pull a lot of feral cats from Animal Control. Often they think they are feral, but they are not. We also take in a lot of feral kittens that we call “iItty, bitty, hissy, spitty” babies. We have a working cat program, and try to place cats in outdoor situations like farms, stables and barns.

What is a story that you love to tell?

Audrey Shoemaker from LifeLine Animal Project called and said, "We have a Dana kitten." This usually means it's a disaster. This cat had been attacked by a coyote, and we named her Audrey. I had to syringe-feed her, and it took a long time to rehabilitate her. She was the first cat that we asked for vetting donations for. She was constantly overlooked by potential adopters, until one day a couple walked into PetSmart and completely fell in love with her.

What do you like least about your job?

The hardest thing is losing a cat. We pull a lot of cats from rural shelters that are in bad shape, so we are bound to lose some.

What do you like most about your job? This dog's name is Piper, and she's at the Cherokee shelter. She loves running and walking around. She jumps around with joy when she is not in her cage. She hates being in the shelter and just wants out. She was surrendered by her owner and is special needs. She doesn't hear well, but we don't know if she is completely deaf or not. She walks well on her leash and is an American Bulldog mix. She has very interesting patterned ears. 28

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Every time we can say “yes” and take a cat. Just before Christmas we pulled every cat from two nearby shelters. They are high-kill shelters. At the moment we are pulling 90 percent of the cats from those shelters into our rescue.

What do you want the community to know about you?

That we are here. We have a pretty good network, and we need support. Please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

What advice do you have for me?

Keep doing what you are doing. Foster empathy for animals and humans. We all need to use our passions to give back to the world.

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.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

The Anatomy of an Index DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Did you know that nearly $10 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including about $3.5 trillion in index assets?1 The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market. The S&P 500 is ubiquitous. It is constantly referenced in financial and nonfinancial media, and we may compare the return of our own investments to its performance. As the index represents approximately 80 percent of the value of the U.S. equity market (or about 80 percent of market capitalization), it may be worthwhile to gain a better understanding of its structure and workings.1 Breaking down the benchmark. The S&P 500, as we know it today, was introduced in March 1957. It tracks the market value of about 500 large firms that are listed on the Nasdaq Composite and the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P is structured to include companies from across the sectors of the business community, in an effort to represent the breadth of the U.S. economy.1, 2 There are a number of criteria a company must meet to be considered for inclusion in the index. A firm must be a U.S. company publicly listed on a major equity market exchange, have a market capitalization of $6.1 billion or more, and have at least 250,000 of its shares traded in each of the six months prior to its consideration for index membership by Standard & Poor’s. A company must also be financially viable: the ratio of its annual dollar value traded to its float-adjusted market cap must be greater than 1.0.3 The S&P has changed over time. Companies gradually have been removed and added over the past 60-odd years. At the benchmark’s 50th anniversary in 2007, just 86 of the original components remained. Subsequent mergers and acquisitions have reduced that number further.3

Right now, about 20 percent of the weight of the S&P is held in 10 companies, and the performance of tech shares influences the benchmark’s return, perhaps more than any other factor.3 The index has been altered through the years in response to changes in the economy. Across several decades, the makeup of the index’s various sectors has differed, along with their weightings. This leads to frequent updates for the equity funds that aim to replicate the index; in order to maintain that replication, they may need to buy or sell quickly shares of corporations that are being added or removed.3 Keep in mind that amounts in mutual funds and ETFs are subject to fluctuation in value and market risk. Shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Equity funds are sold only by prospectus, so please consider their charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. It also should be noted that investors cannot invest directly in an index. Also, index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment choices designed to replicate any index may not perfectly track it, and their returns will be reduced by fees and expenses. continued on page 59 Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2019

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The Impact of Joint Ownership BY JOSHUA NELSON

You may have heard the term joint tenants with rights of survivorship, or JTWROS. Essentially, the term means a method of joint ownership by more than one person or entity whereby one owner’s interest in the property automatically transfers to the other owner(s) upon his or her death. The common misuse of this ownership arrangement is scary, and another instance recently came across my desk. A prospective client added a child to her bank accounts and her home, so the child would be able to help the parent with banking tasks as the parent ages. Unfortunately, now the child is involved in a lawsuit, due to a conflict at work, and the mother is scared about losing her home if her child loses the lawsuit. It is critical to understand the ramifications before adding anyone to an account as a joint owner. Most don’t know what it means. Usually, this type of addition was suggested by a banker, child or friend, and the client doesn’t fully understand what it means. It could be interpreted to mean that the daughter or son has been given signature privileges, has been made a joint owner with rights of survivorship, or has been designated as an authorized signer pursuant to a valid power of attorney. Accidental financial elder abuse. Even though our clients don’t have children who would steal from them, adding a child as a joint owner of an account potentially subjects the account to the claims of the child’s creditors. This doesn’t simply

mean that the funds might be attached by a traditional creditor, like the child’s credit card company or mortgage lender, should the child default. Often, it can be a case where the child gets a divorce, and the spouse claims the account funds should be divided with them, or the child gets an unexpected tax lien, or is involved in a car accident and gets sued. Often, in these cases, the account is frozen, with little or no notice, or a lien is placed on the home. The asset isn’t controlled by your will. Even if you’ve already made a will or a trust designating a particular distribution of your assets upon your death, making one child a joint owner of an account or other property will result in that account or property automatically passing solely to that child upon your death. There’s no automatic reallocation of assets from a will or trust to compensate the other children who do not receive assets from that account. It usually ends in a lopsided division of assets, and can end in broken relationships, and even litigation among your children/heirs. These scenarios easily are avoided through proper estate planning. Your banker might be knowledgeable and helpful, but he or she most likely is not an attorney experienced in estate planning.

Joshua Nelson is an elder care law attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Bldg. 900, Suite 200, Woodstock, GA, 30189. www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.

Two Locations

Providing compassionate and comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins 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, efficient follow up and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle.

NorthsideCherokeePediatrics.com

Holly Springs 684 Sixes Road, Suite 220 Holly Springs, GA 30115

678-388-5485 Towne Lake 900 Towne Lake Pkwy, Suite 306 Woodstock, GA 30189

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Ros wel l Rd .

Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home

hn AROUND CANTON | oMarch 2019 so nF er ry

5615 Cumming Highway Canton, GA 30115 4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1100, Marietta, GA 30062 888-517-3444 www.cassmedspa.com info@cassmedspa @CASMedSpa @casmedspa

Front row, from left: Cassie Craig, Leigha Bowlick, Back row, Joshua Stewart, Jeff Dunn and Dr. James Craig.

Helping Patients Love the Way They Look & Feel Through Aesthetics

ames Craig always knew he was going to be a physician; there was never any question. The one question he did have, growing up, was what kind of doctor would he be? Fast forward more than 20 years, and you will find Dr. Craig has found his niche. Today, he is the master injector, medical director and product developer at CAS Med Spa, where he works alongside his wife, Cassie, who is the founder and CEO, and Jeff Dunn LPNN, who is their clinical director and CAO. During his years practicing family medicine, Dr. Craig realized there was a distinct connection between a person’s physical and mental health. As he began performing basic aesthetic injections on a regular basis, he saw how these procedures had a direct connection to his patient’s selfesteem.

“Statistics have shown many times over that when you feel better about your appearance, you’re happier in your work life and in your personal life. You have a higher level of self-worth and it shows with your confidence. You even carry yourself differently with body language, verbally and nonverbally,“ said Dr. Craig.

The Ah-Ha Moment That Changed Everything Cassie, a licensed aesthetician with a Bachelor of Science in education, Dr. Craig has treated thousands of patients.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Along with a natural eye for facial proportions and symmetries, James has honed his skills through intensive training and advanced patient centric mastery courses. Working with advanced techniques, and using his personal approach to procedures such as The Lifetime Lift, James has impacted the lives of thousands of patients, in Atlanta and across the nation. Dr. Craig is one of two injectors in the Eastern U.S. who has achieved Diamond-Level status from dermal filler provider Bellafill, so clients commonly travel from out-of-state for treatment by Dr. Craig and the CAS Med Spa staff.

PHOTOS BY DARBY ROSE

is certified in personal training, life Is Your Body Ready For a coaching, master level business Cool Change? coaching, nutrition and weight loss CoolSculpting is the only FDA-cleared, counseling, and patient centric non-surgical fat reduction treatment aesthetics mastery methods. Her that uses controlled cooling to eliminate journey toward developing a successful diet- and exercise-resistant fat. To date, business focused on medical aesthetics millions of CoolSculpting treatments includes what she calls an “ah-ha have been performed worldwide. The moment.” results are proven, noticeable and “That moment happened to me lasting. at age 21, when I lost more than 65 As a Diamond Level CoolSculpting pounds,” said Cassie. “The weight loss Practice, the CoolSculpting specialists catapulted me into the aesthetics world. at CAS Med Spa have been certified I loved the feeling of accomplishment, at the highest level by CoolSculpting confidence and self-love that came University. They revisit the school when I transformed the way I looked. once a quarter for refresher courses, “For me, it was more than physical. to remain current on the newest The transformation was also mental. Fifteen years later, I have created a lifestyle – a thriving business – around the areas of body contouring and medical aesthetics. Now, I’ve taken everything I’ve learned about life transformation and applied it to my medical spa.” CAS Med Spa offers advanced skin care and aesthetics such as CoolSculpting, Botox, Bellafill, dermal fillers, medical peels, the most advanced in aesthetic laser technology and microneedling. Many of the procedures are minimally invasive, and completed with little or no down time and/ or risk. Located in Marietta and Canton, CAS Med Spa is one of CoolSculpting treatment. the only medical practices to have achieved Diamond Level status in the techniques and studies. Eastern U.S. This means the practice CAS Med Spa also serves as a national is a top performer in body contouring training center, educating people (CoolSculpting) and dermal fillers on the most effective ways to apply (Bellafill); performing more treatments CoolSculpting technology. “We reached than its competitors. this position by developing a reputation At CAS Med Spa, “we take the time to for delivering CoolSculpting results listen to our patients carefully and tune quickly. When providers began calling into the cues that are given to us. A lot to ask if we could train their staffs, of times patients are expressing feelings we created a training program and, of inner beauty that are hidden, and it’s eventually, a training facility to support our job to help bring this out during the our rapidly obtained position as true consultation and treatments. Listening industry experts,” said Cassie. closely and performing a comprehensive Today, training sessions are held assessment allows us to assist our quarterly. The program is called Patient patients in achieving this goal,” said Jeff. Centric CoolSculpting Mastery, and,

to date, there have been dozens of graduates. “The bottom line is, everyone in this industry provides CoolSculpting, and the machines are exactly the same from one practice to the next. However, all providers are not created equally,” said Cassie. Cassie feels it is their mission to spread their techniques and knowledge to every city, state and country that offers CoolSculpting. Using a Mind and Body Approach Another way CAS Med Spa is unique is that patients are encouraged to play an active role in designing their treatment plan. Utilizing a proprietary approach called the CAS Body and Mind Synergy Program, the staff strives to help patients align internal and external beauty goals, leveraging a synergistic approach focused on nutrition, and personal and lifestyle coaching. “We feel that by adequately assessing your aesthetic needs and designing a well-planned, nonsurgical intervention, our specialists can coach you in harmonizing the external beauty with the beauty that lives inside of you,” said Cassie. The team at CAS Med Spa agrees it is important to look at the whole person when providing services. With certifications in nutrition, personal training, lifestyle coaching, goal setting, and business and financial coaching, the CAS Med Spa specialists are able to implement a comprehensive plan to help patients meet their goals. Experience For Yourself If you’d like to take part in this program, and experience a higher level of patient care and aesthetics, visit CAS Med Spa at one of their two locations: Marietta and Canton. CAS Med Spa has special promotions year-round for first-time visitors, and right now you can get a $100 gift card available to use toward any service. Call 888-517-3444 to schedule a free consultation or visit www.casmedspa.com.

Sponsored Content AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Play in the Dirt and Give Back to the Trails BY LISA RANDALL

Cherokee County is blessed with nearly 30 miles of great trails at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock and Blankets Creek Park in Canton. Most of those trails are built and maintained by volunteers. With more than 10,000 visitors per month in the summer, our trails are a huge draw for mountain bikers and hikers, but they really take a beating from all that use. Thanks to SORBA Woodstock and countless volunteer hours, these trails are in top shape. SORBA Woodstock is a mountain bike advocacy group with a mission of creating, enhancing and protecting mountain biking experiences right here in our backyards. SORBA maintains our trails and continually seeks new folks to assist on work days, which the organization affectionately calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;work parties.â&#x20AC;? Helping out on the trails is a great way to give back to your local community. No experience is necessary, and most work parties are on weekend mornings and last a few hours. SORBA crew leaders will provide all guidance necessary for you to help, and lunch typically is served to allow for socializing and camaraderie. If you are new to the area and enjoy being outdoors, this is a great way to meet like-minded people. Check your calendars and join in the upcoming trail work parties. Check www. sorbawoodstock.org for the location. Dates may change due to weather, etc., so always check before each work day. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring your own water. SORBA Woodstock provides the rest. This is a chance to help give back to the trails. SORBA Woodstock could not maintain our wonderful trails without the help of a small army of generous volunteers, like you!

Work Parties

9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates: March 23, April 27 and May 18. Location details available at www.sorbawoodstock.org.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Above, a short technical trail feature is created to cross a small drainage. Top, volunteers use a method called armoring to build a water crossing. Rocks are placed in the creek to allow water still to flow, but they provide a non-erodable surface for tires and feet.

Ball Ground Parks System Gets a Boost A touch of warmer weather has sparked thoughts of more time spent outdoors, exploring our city and county parks. It seems that, as each season unfolds, there are new amenities to discover. The city of Ball Ground recently was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to purchase and connect a 50-acre tract of passive park space by trail to downtown. City Manager Eric Wilmarth discusses new projects. ALM: Is it true that Ball Ground is purchasing a park that will connect to other city trails? Wilmarth: “The site of the former Roberts Lake on Long Swamp Creek is an area the city of Ball Ground has long desired to acquire for passive green space. “In 1923, Paul Roberts built a wooden dam on Long Swamp Creek, the valley was flooded, and the water was diverted through a wheel house to generate power for the city of Ball Ground and the marble processing plants located here. The lake that resulted from backing up the waters in Long Swamp Creek was named Roberts Lake. Calvin Farmer (whom Calvin Farmer Park is named after) was the operator of the facility. In the mid-1930s, when Georgia Power began providing service in the area, they took over the power generation and eventually destroyed the dam to remove any further competition. The concrete abutments, the concrete wheel house, and even a few small pieces of the wooden dam remain on the site.

“Ball Ground will be purchasing 50 acres from Alexander Land Management, which consists of the dam site, and the old lake bed. “In order to establish a trail between the 50 acres, and the existing 26-acre Calvin Farmer Park, the city will be acquiring additional land from the Zona Lee Haynes estate, from Rick Roberts, and from a tract currently owned by Doug Barrett. “Although it is too early to tell exactly where the connecting trail will be located, we are estimating that it will take the average person approximately 1½ hours to make the hike from Calvin Farmer Park to the dam site. “The site itself is a beautiful site. The water is easily accessible. The area is great for observing nature, whether it be the seemingly limitless variety of plant life, or the abundance of deer, turkey and the occasional black bear that inhabit the area. Whether sightseeing, or just looking for that spot for quiet reflection, this area will be a remarkable asset, not only to the residents of Ball Ground, but for all of Cherokee County and the surrounding area. “Once the trail is developed, this site will be accessible to the majority of current city residents by foot from their homes. Once this acquisition is finalized, we will then begin our next push to acquire additional properties to establish a trail that will link this property to the Mountain Brooke North subdivision on Old Dawsonville Road, which is the city’s largest residential community.” For a detailed map and listings of Cherokee County and Canton city parks, see Pages 52-54.

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PEACE and PURPOSE Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, known since 2001 for operating an almost 200-acre Waleska sanctuary for boys in the foster care system, now can recruit, train and license foster families throughout Cherokee County. It’s a move that CEO Zach Blend says will allow the foundation to keep sibling groups together while they are in foster care. Goshen Valley’s mission is to create environments of safety, love and stability for youth in foster care. Up until last year, that meant bringing boys ages 8-18 to live with house parents in homes on the property. At least half of the boys are from Cherokee County. While that model has benefited the lives of more than 600 young men, Blend kept thinking there must be a way to push past the geographical boundaries to help more children, including female siblings.

“Our new program, Goshen Homes, allows us to train and engage foster parents throughout the community who can actively join us in the mission to serve the separated siblings, keeping families together during a difficult time in their lives,” Blend said.

At the Start

The Goshen Valley Foundation was licensed and established in 1999, when the Blend family donated their Waleska ranch property to become a place to care for foster children. The first foster child came to live on the ranch in 2001; currently, there are six homes filled with 46 boys. “From the very beginning, Goshen Valley’s focus has been transformation, in the lives of the youth and children we serve, and the community that joins us in that journey. We do so by treating every child and circumstance uniquely, and ensuring that our relationships are intentional,” Blend said. “Peace and Purpose is much more than a brand; it’s our road map to a life filled with hope and healing.” Goshen Valley has three programs with the same mission.

The Ranch

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch is situated on 160 acres in Waleska’s scenic Salacoa Valley. All boys participate in therapeutic counseling, public school education, and a comprehensive recreation program, while living in a unique, family-based home with full-time house parents.

d med Matthew an r Holcombe welco g. Garrett and Ambe their forever family after fosterin of rt pa as a th Saman

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

“Our goal is for every young man to know the security of a home, the love of a family, and the hope of a future; in short, peace and purpose,” Blend said. “We believe that great transformation takes place in the context of loving relationships, and this is why we take such pride in our family-based model of care. In all aspects, from a midnight fright to the joy of Christmas morning, we create environments that feel as much like a family home as possible.” The ranch hosts roughly 2,500 volunteers each year who help in a variety of ways: providing meals, working in the clothes closet, participating in activities with the boys, and performing maintenance and outdoor projects. The second Saturday of each month is devoted to service: Volunteers can sign up online (www.goshenvalley.org/serve) to work between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

New Beginnings

This program began when it became apparent there was a need to support the boys who aged out of the foster care system. New Beginnings is for young men and women ages 18-21, and helps them find their purpose as they age into adulthood. Very few youth in society are prepared for full independence when they turn 18, and youth in foster care with traumatic pasts can be less prepared. Attention to youth at this age is tailored to prevent homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, and arrests that often happen when a young person’s home life has been unstable. Youth in this program attend local college classes or vocational school, hold jobs, and are taught practical life skills, such as money management, drivers education, and professional development. Through the program, youth are equipped with the skills, resources, and community relationships they need not just to survive, but to thrive in independent adult living.

Goshen Homes

In 2016, the folks at Goshen realized that, too often, sibling groups were being separated and scattered throughout the state. In a desire to keep these siblings together, the foundation began this program, which recruits, trains, licenses and supports foster families working with sibling groups, by following four steps: 1. Meeting for information to see if prospective foster parents are a good fit. 2. Once suitability is determined, training is offered through a six-part IMPACT series that’s engaging, relevant and practical.

Serving Our Neighbors in Need™

3. Goshen representatives guide parents through the licensing and home-study process. 4. When children are placed in the homes, ongoing training, respite and support groups help maintain a thriving situation. Today, Goshen Homes serves 30 boys and girls. For more information on Goshen Valley, and, specifically, details on becoming foster parents, call 770-345-9535, or visit the Canton office at 505 Brown Industrial Parkway, Suite 200. www.goshenvalley.org.

Cherokee Program Services • Marietta Program Services Smyrna Program Services • Elizabeth Inn Campus Volunteer Engagement and Donation Center

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Not Everyone Filing an Injury Claim Wants To BY ROBERT TIDWELL

You Will Be Your Own Success Story

Online Adult Programs Criminal Justice Business Administration Healthcare Administration RN to BSN Reinhardt.edu | 770-720-9191 | Finish@Reinhardt.edu

There is an increasing number of personal injury lawsuits being filed in the metro Atlanta area that share a common denominator. Our industry is discovering that some hospitals are leaving patients with no alternative but to file personal injury lawsuits. O.C.G.A. § 44-14-470 authorizes hospitals to file a lien against a patient’s cause of action for the amount of the “reasonable” expenses incurred. The lien does not attach to the patient’s real or personal property. Rather, the lien attaches to the patient’s claim for personal injuries against the at-fault driver. This statute originally was enacted to protect hospitals from providing treatment to patients who did not have health insurance. Before this statute was in place, a person without health insurance could be brought to the emergency room (ER) via ambulance, incur a bill that he or she would never pay, then bring a personal injury action against the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. Everyone would agree that this scenario was unfair to hospitals. Hospitals would have to write off the bill for the treatment that was provided while the injured person and his/her attorney would receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. This statute allows hospitals to attach a lien to the injured person’s cause of action against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When the lien is filed, the case cannot be settled without first paying the hospital’s lien. Some hospitals take advantage of this statute in ways that never were intended, and do not ask for a person’s health insurance when they are brought to the ER via ambulance. In some cases, the patient’s insurance company wasn’t billed, even though the insurance card was presented. Because hospitals have negotiated rates with health insurance companies, a $20,000 bill might result in payment of roughly $11,000 from a health insurer. Therefore, the financial benefits are greater for the hospital to file a $20,000 lien against the patient’s cause of action. It comes as quite a surprise to the person injured in the wreck when they receive a lien in the mail 75 days after discharge. Unfortunately, filing the lien does not stop the hospital’s collection efforts. That means even though you have health insurance, and even though the hospital is in your provider network, your bill will be sent to collections for lack of payment; which will have a negative impact on your credit rating. So, even if you did not want to bring a claim against the person who caused your wreck, you now have to in order to get this hospital bill paid. My advice to patients involved in accidents caused by another driver is to insist that the hospital submits your bill to your health insurance company. It may be uncomfortable, but if you do not make it absolutely clear, you may very well find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Robert Tidwell is a personal injury trial lawyer at Tidwell Strimban, LLC in Woodstock, where he lives with his bride Lori, and their two daughters. www.tidwellstrimban.com.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Cherokee County YMCA Summer Summer camp experiences available at the Woodstock and Canton locations. Traditional day camps, overnight and specialty programs offered. For more information, call 770-591-6092 or visit www.ymcaatlanta.org/coy.

2019 Not to rush you, but summer break will be here before we know it. If you’re making plans for your family’s vacations, don’t forget to book 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. Allen Temple AME Teams of Science & Sports (TOSS) offers a variety of activities for children ages 5-12, who can practice Christian values, explore scientific principles (with a STEM focus), and participate in various sports (basketball, volleyball and others). The Allen Temple Christian Academy offers activities for children ages 15 months to 4 years. Allen Temple AME is in Woodstock at 232 Arnold Mill Road. 770-926-6348. www.allentemplesummercamp.com. Brainy Bytes Technology STEM adventures await, whether you are looking to conquer robot, drone and minecraft challenges, or wanting to create games, movies, 3-D objects, websites and more. Weekly half-day and full-day camps for ages 5 and up are available at locations throughout Cherokee and Cobb. 770-8260449. www.brainy-bytes.com/nw-atlanta. Camp Gideon A Christian camp located on Lake Allatoona that offers day and overnight camping programs for children to engage them socially, spiritually and physically through a variety of outdoor activities. IMPACT Leadership Camp (co-ed, ages 12plus) June 9-14, Discovery Day Camp (co-ed, ages 5-11) June 10-14, Camp Remix (co-ed, overnight ages 8-12, day campers ages 5-11) June 17-21, 24-28 and D24 Overnight Camp (co-ed, ages 7-13) July 1-5. 40

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Guide Camp Imagine Hosted by Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. June 17-28 and July 8-19. For information, visit cherokeearts.org or email info@cherokeearts.org. Camp Invention For children entering 1st-6th grades at Lyndon Academy, 485 Toonigh Road, Woodstock, 770-926-0166. June 10-14 and July 8-12. Enjoy hands-on fun by designing and building prototypes, problem solving, exploring STEM concepts, and learning teamwork. In partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention. 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 starting June 2. Located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, Ga. For more information, call 770-428-1062, email info@CJL.org or visit www.CJL.org. Cherokee Tennis Center Tiny Tots Camp for ages 8 and younger Mondays-Thursdays 8:15-9 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 is tailored to younger players. Campers receive a prize each week. Day camp is for ages 8 and older, Mondays-Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $160 per session, and the camp consists of tennis drills, point play, game play and more. Each session ends with prizes and a pizza party. Campers receive a T-shirt during the first week. Multiple-child discounts offered. Camp dates run June 3 through July 25. Register at www.cherokeetenniscenter.com or call 770-592-4582.

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. in June and July. Call 678-445-2731 or check www.danceimagination.com for updates. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Camps are taught by trained counselors who introduce children, ages 5-14, to theater and theatrical performance. Campers explore acting, singing and dancing, and learn the discipline of performing, as they develop their unique creative voices. Campers develop poise, movement, teamwork, and speaking and acting skills as they explore improvisation, theater games, character development and other areas. Each camp ends with a performance for family and friends. For information, call 678-494-4251. The Goddard School STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) camp 6:30 am–6:30 pm. May 30-July 31. Activities to suit any child. Attend all summer or pick and choose the days. Weekly (5 days) is $200 or $50 a day, summer registration fee of $50. Fees include all field trips, special visitors and activities. For more information, call 770-720-3003 or email canton2ga@goddardschools.com. Paper.Scissors.Cake. Camps for ages 2-12 are broken down into three camp days and times. Toddler and preschool camps have weekly themes, while schoolage children will explore painting, drawing, collage, mixed media and printmaking. No two camp sessions are alike. Located at 6687 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. For more details, visit www.paperscissorscakeartstudio. com, call 404-867-1630 or email paperscissorscake@windstream.net.

Reinhardt University Football Youth This camp is designed to help young athletes develop skills in the game of football, and enjoy a week of fun with kids of a similar age. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., June 10-14 for ages 6-13. 7300 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska, GA, 30183. Cost of camp is $175 per camper. Register and pay at www.theruway.com/ youthcamp. 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. Volunteers help run three oneweek sessions at Bascomb Elementary School, 9 a.m.-noon, June 3-7, 10-14 and 17-21. Cost is $80 per child per week and includes crafts, snacks and a T-shirt. For information and registration, visit http://safekidscherokeecounty. org. Contact director Ashley Arp at cherokeecountysafetytown@gmail.com or 770-894-2151 for questions. Summer Camp Splash The Woodstock Aquatic Center and Gold Swim school will host weekly sessions June 3 through July 19 for ages 5-12, with a maximum of 16 campers per week. Campers need to bring a packed lunch daily; snacks and water provided. Camp is $275 per week, $250 for multiple weeks, 10 percent off for siblings. Register at www.goldswim.com, 770-591-1998, or email Frontdesk@goldswim.com. The STEM Hangar For children entering grades K-5 in the 2019-20 school year (must be at least 5 years old as of the first day of camp). Camp dates are June 3-July 26. Offering full day-full week, half day-full week, and half day drop-in, with general themes: robotics and programming, coding and web design, aviation/flight camp, video game design, crazy mad science, art studio and more. Detailed descriptions will be posted, along with open enrollment, on or before Feb. 18. Camps at The STEM Hangar, 120 Arnold Mill Park, Suite 400, Woodstock. 678-304-0088. https://bookeo.com/ thestemhangar.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Registration begins 9 a.m. April 16 770-924-7768 www.crpa.net

K.A.O.S. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 3-July 26 at Woodstock Elementary School. Designed for individuals ages 6-22 with disabilities, sponsored by the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Association. Adventures Express Summer Day Camp Takes place June 3-July 26 at the Recreation Center and at Hickory Flat Elementary gymnasium. Cost is $150 weekly per child. $30 weekly nonrefundable deposit. For children in kindergarten through age 8, and ages 9-12. Registration begins April 22 Mini-Action Break 7 a.m.-6 p.m. July 29-31 for children in kindergarten through age 12. Cost is $100. Held at the recreation center. www.crpa.net. Fishing Offers the basics of fishing, strategies and tactics, and other skills will be taught to campers ages 8-13, June 3-7 and June 17-21. Campers will travel to new destinations each day. A cookout and fish fry will wrap up the week. Cost is $160 for each week. Art Enrichment 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 3-July 26, with weekly registration, at the Free Home Fire Station. Ages 3-5 meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, $50 per week. Grades K-5 meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, $75. Girls and Dolls S.T.E.A.M. Meets 9 a.m.-noon June 10-14 at the BridgeMill Fire Station. For ages 6-11. $175. Intro to STEM with Lego materials Meets June 17-21, 9 a.m.-noon for ages 5-7 and 1-4 p.m. for ages 8-11 at the BridgeMill Fire Station. $160. Junior Tennis Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. weekly in June at Cherokee Veterans Park. $45/week. Tennis Morning Out For ages 4 and older meets Mondays in June at Cherokee Veterans Park. $20/day. Waterlogged At the Recreation Center pavilion for ages 9-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 24-28 and July 8-12. Water field trip daily. $250. Adventure Teen At Recreation Center pavilion for ages 13-15 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22-26. Outdoor adventures including zip-lining, ropes challenge courses, canoeing/kayaking and more. $250. Teen At Recreation Center pavilion for ages 13-15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 15-19. Fun trips to White Water, rafting, Six Flags, white-water rafting and more. $250. Xplosive Speed & Agility For ages 6-15, 6-8 p.m. June 24-27. Participants will refine their techniques, increase speed, strength and agility for any sport. $95. Gymnastics At Recreation Center gym for ages 5-12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 1-3. $40 daily, $115 for three days. Learn fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling. Magic June 3-7 at the BridgeMill Fire Station for ages 5-12, 9 a.m.-noon and ages 13 and older 1-4 p.m. Discover the art of magic, including card and coin tricks, making objects appear and disappear, levitation and reading a spectatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind. Parent show on Friday. AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Ultrasound Isn’t Just for Pregnancy BY MICHAEL LITREL, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

Ultrasound is a medical technology, but it’s basically a modification of underwater sonar, first used to detect objects in the ocean. In the case of ultrasound, high frequency sound waves are produced by a handheld sensor placed on a body surface: the skin, vagina or rectum. When the sound waves hit an internal body part, they bounce back to the sensor, where a computer takes feedback from reflected sound waves, converting them into an image of the body part. Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound uses no radiation. For this reason, it’s an ideal method for viewing a developing baby during pregnancy. However, ultrasound also is used in many other situations to help diagnose women’s pelvic health issues. As an integral part of a quality gynecology (GYN) medical practice, ultrasound can be used to help diagnose many health issues, including: • Abnormalities in the anatomy of the uterus, including endometrial conditions. • Fibroid tumors (benign growths) and masses within the pelvis. • Pelvic inflammatory disease and other types of inflammation or infection. • Postmenopausal bleeding caused by cancer. • Diagnosis and management of ovarian cysts. • Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube).

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

An important thing to look for in your GYN office is accreditation from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, also known as AIUM. This is not required by local or state law, but, when a practice commits to the voluntary accreditation process, it’s demonstrating commitment to quality patient care. Accreditation means: • There is adequate space for patient comfort and privacy. • There are complete records of every exam available for easy retrieval and review. • Policies exist to ensure patient safety, confidentiality, and prevent transmission of disease. • The ultrasound equipment is properly maintained and calibrated. • All the physicians and sonographers in the practice have documented training and experience in ultrasound. • Actual cases and reports have been reviewed by the AIUM, and meet or exceed nationally accepted standards. Finally, an AIUM-accredited practice must apply for reaccreditation every three years, documenting it continues to meet the AIUM's strict standards. The quality of ultrasound services can impact greatly the GYN care you receive, so make sure to check your physician’s AIUM credentials. Dr. Michael Litrel, a board-certified OB-GYN and Urogynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, writes books and essays on faith, family and health. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

Plan Ahead When Traveling With Pets BY DR. JONATHAN GILVARRY

Traveling with your pet can be stressful and confusing, especially when flying on a commercial airline. There are many rules and regulations that air carriers have for pets on domestic and international flights. Many of these policies seem to change often. Before setting off on a trip, you need to learn about airline requirements, and what’s best for your pet. Being informed is the key to a successful trip. The best course of action is to call your airline directly for information about traveling with your pet, or visit the airline’s website for instructions. Many airlines allow small pets to be placed in a carrier that fits beneath the seat in front of you. Keep in mind, your pet’s carrier counts as carry-on luggage, if placed under the seat. If your pet does not meet this requirement, then your pet will have to ride in the cargo hold, where temperatures can vary tremendously between hot and cold, depending on the altitude. The costs associated with traveling with your pet also depend on the individual airline. Again, please consult with your specific carrier for regulations and prices. A current trend in airline travel is people who fly with emotional support animals. These pets provide comfort to travelers with recognized special needs. A person is required

to have an emotional support animal letter issued by the proper medical authority. This letter needs to be directed to the airline several days prior to traveling, along with the proper veterinary vaccination records and travel documents. Only one emotional support animal is allowed for a traveler. Support animals are expected to be seated in the floor space below a passenger’s seat or seated in a passenger’s lap. The size of the animal must not exceed the footprint of the passenger’s seat. Emotional support animals must be at least 4 months old; no emotional support animal will be allowed on flights longer than 8 hours. Due to the recognized need, support animals and their associated items travel for free. Service animals, who have been trained to perform specific tasks to assist people with disabilities, are treated similarly to emotional support animals. However, the airline may request additional documentation. It is best to be prepared and contact your airline prior to booking your travel.

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

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

EVERYDAY

Identifying people in need in our community. Ryan and Lyndsey DiVita moved their young family from their hometown in Cleveland, Ohio, to Woodstock in January 2016. Ryan, 37, received a transfer from his aviation charter company where he has worked since 2013. The couple has three children, Anderson, 8, Harris, 6 and Penny, 2. During the Christmas holidays, the DiVitas traveled to visit family in Ohio. During that time, their oldest son, Anderson, had a cough that turned to pneumonia. When filling his prescription, they learned that their prescription insurance coverage had lapsed due to nonpayment by their company. Of course, this raised many concerns about the stability of Ryan’s company, but they weren’t able to get answers during the holiday season. As they were settling back in after their Christmas trip home, Lyndsey began feeling bad. “I had a cough all week, but I began feeling bad very quickly – bad enough to take a bath and go to bed, which is something that I never do having three small kids,” Lyndsey said. “I fell asleep and woke up at midnight in a full sweat and vomiting. I had a 106-degree fever and passed out. Ryan called 911 and the EMS technicians discovered my blood pressure was extremely low and transported me to Northside Cherokee Hospital. Ryan had to get someone to care for the kids before he could join me.“ Assuming his wife must have the flu, Ryan was shocked to learn that his Lyndsey was in ICU with pneumonia and sepsis, and they weren’t sure she would survive the night. Lyndsey spent 16 days in ICU and the step-down unit with chest tubes and IV antibiotics. She then began experiencing severe back pain, and further tests revealed she had several abscesses in her lung that would require surgery. During this time, Ryan’s company had closed its doors and he had no job. They had to pay for COBRA insurance for Lyndsey’s care. Thankfully, Lyndsey was able to return home to her family on Jan. 21 with her IV, but it will be eight months before she will be back on her feet. “Our family flew down from Ohio to care for the kids while I was in the hospital, for which I am eternally thankful,” Lyndsey said. “It is hard being so far away from my family through all that we have been through, but this community has treated us like family. Everyone has embraced us and supported 44

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Lyndsey Divita, above with Anderson, Harris and Penny, and left with husband Ryan.

us through all of this - you would think that Woodstock has always been my hometown. The love and support we have been shown has been overwhelming.” Ryan continues his search for a sales and marketing position and has a few promising leads out of state, but the DaVitas do not want to leave the area. “Anderson and Harris attend Bascomb Elementary and they are so happy there. We are hoping that Ryan secures something that allows us to stay,” Lyndsey said. Ryan, Lyndsey and their young family are struggling to meet the financial demands of her illness, and his job loss. It is our hope that we can rally the community to assist them until their income and insurance resumes and until Lyndsey is back on her feet. We are proud to serve a selfless and caring community! It is just what you do, and we are grateful!

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, 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. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

The Importance of Winterizing Your Vehicle BY DEIDRE PARKER

I know what you’re thinking. This is Georgia: It only gets cold for a week, so why do I need to winterize my vehicle? That’s a great point because usually when we think of winterizing something, we are preparing for extreme weather situations. While our Georgia winters generally are mild, there are several maintenance services and inspections included in winterization that are important to make sure your vehicle will last through the winter, and longer.

Oil Change. Everyone should know you need to do this at specified service intervals, and with good reason. There are pieces of metal moving in parallel with a block of metal at very high speed. Oil makes sure they don’t get stuck together. Battery Test. Cold weather is tough on batteries. It’s a great idea to go ahead and have your battery tested before it fails, because failures always happen at the worst time. Inspect and Top Off Fluids. This is a great way to find a problem before your car leaves you stranded. Many automotive failures will leave indicators of trouble in the fluids. Brake Inspection. This is another inspection that should be done regularly. The pads and shoes are designed to wear out. When they’ve reached the recommended wear limit, they should be replaced for your safety.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Tire Rotation. This is the easiest way to extend the life of

your tires.

General Safety Inspection. Checking bulbs and indicators, hoses and belts is critical for finding issues before they are a bigger problem. Radiator (Antifreeze) Coolant Service. This is the most critical piece of winterizing your vehicle. You need to have your coolant replaced at regular specified intervals, and/or conditions. Just before winter is an excellent time to ensure that the fluid will not freeze if it does reach the freezing point. If your coolant is old or doesn’t have the right mix of water to coolant, it can rust the inside of your engine. Emergency Kit. In case of extreme weather or a breakdown, be sure to have the following items on hand: jumper cables, flashlight, first-aid kit, gloves, boots, hat, warm coat, bottled water and nonperishable snacks. Just think of the snowpocalypse we had a few years back. What items did you wish you had with you?

Deidre Parker, owner-operator of Chloe's Auto Repair, holds an ASE certification and has extensive experience in the area of automotive repair.

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AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Campgrounds Open March 15 Sweetwater March 22 McKaskey, Payne and Victoria May 17 Old Highway 41 #3 and Upper Stamp Creek A full lake map is on pages 86-87.

Lake Life

Allatoona Prepares for Spring, Summer BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

Allatoona Lake is one of the busiest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation with an estimated 6.5 million visitors every year. The Corps manages numerous boat ramps and day use areas situated around the lake, and the convenient campgrounds offer great opportunities for a full outdoor experience close to your backyard! With springtime quickly approaching, it’s a perfect time to start familiarizing yourself with the recreation areas around the lake, when they open, and any changes in policy with the Corps recreation program.

Campgrounds

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages seven class “A” campgrounds on Allatoona Lake. McKinney Campground, located in the Acworth area, is open year-round and is considered one of the busiest Corps campgrounds in the nation. Sweetwater Campground

in Canton will officially open for the season March 15 with three other campgrounds, McKaskey, Payne and Victoria opening March 22. The final two campgrounds, Old Highway 41 No. 3 and Upper Stamp Creek, are projected to open May 17. A big change this year in all campgrounds will be the implementation of cashless operations. This will provide a more secure way to conduct financial transactions and reduce the potential for theft or loss of cash funds. Cashless transactions in the gatehouse will enhance campground operations, provide quicker processing of refunds, and improve security and safety of gate attendants. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted as payment in campgrounds and day-use areas. Other forms of payment, including checks, will no longer be accepted. All campsites will continue to be 100 percent reservable at every campground managed by the Corps on Allatoona. Campsite pricing stays the same and is based on the location and the amenities on the campsite. Reservations can be made by calling (toll-free) 1-877-444-6777 or by going through www.recreation.gov, which links to various recreational sites around the nation.

Day-Use Areas

The Etowah disc golf course at Riverside Park. 48

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

The Corps offers a wide variety of day-use areas that we manage on the lake. There are 10 separate ramps, five beaches, eight shelters, four picnic areas, five trails and one disc golf course. Many of the areas are a combo ramp/beach/shelter area. The day-use areas have mixed opening dates starting in February with all areas open by May 1. The Etowah Disc Golf Course at Riverside Park is fast becoming one of the more popular courses in Georgia. If you have never played the course, please come out and enjoy this unique and beautiful course. The new thing this year will be the absence of the old cash “honor vaults” in the day-use areas. All honor vaults in Corps managed

Above, Galts Ferry boat launch. Left, tents can be pitched just feet away from the shoreline at Payne campground.

day-use areas have been replaced by automated fee machines. The fee machines offer greater efficiency, improved tracking of fee collections, decreased costs of managing collections, safer collection process and reduced theft and break-ins/vandalism. The automated fee machines accept payments for Corps day-use passes but the passes must be acquired from the Operations Project Management Office or recreation areas that sell the pass.

Passes

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sells and issues most of the federal America the Beautiful Passes from the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office. Visitors who hold one of these passes receive free admittance in our Corps managed dayuse areas and ramps. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders will also receive 50 percent off on camping. All other passes will continue to be charged full price for camping. The Every Kid in a Park pass program is a federal initiative that started three years ago to educate children on the importance of the great outdoors and to introduce them to our great federal areas. All current fourth-graders can receive a free annual pass that covers entrance fees for the entire family at all federal lands and waters for a full year. In the last year, Allatoona staff has issued more than 5,000 of these cards. If you are a parent or a teacher with current fourth-graders, please contact our offices on how to receive this pass.

Work on the Lake?

The Corps still has a number of park host volunteer and park attendant contractor positions available for qualified couples this summer. Applicants must be a two-person team at least 21 years of age and furnish their own factory built recreation vehicle. If you have questions concerning the openings, please contact the ranger in charge of the campground or day-use area programs. For questions concerning Allatoona Lake or the recreation program, please contact the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700, visit us on the web at http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/ AllatoonaLake.aspx or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ USACEAllatoonaLake.

MASTERMIND

Social Networking and You Wednesday March 27, 2019 // 8 - 9:30 AM The Chambers at City Center

MORNING INFLUENCE

Friday March 29, 2019 // 8 AM

TICKETS: INWDSTK.ORG/EVENTS

Christopher Purvis is the lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005. AROUND CANTON | March 2019

@ the Library

Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Parkway • Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 • www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

BALL GROUND

HICKORY FLAT

435 Old Canton Road, Canton • 770-735-2025

2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton • 770-345-7565

March 7

March 6

the many realms of the Dungeons & Dragons world. No experience required. Longtime player Stephen Lawrence will lead and teach. Materials are provided.

friends from Go Noodle! It’ll be a dance party to remember! Experience parachute play, music, gross motor skills and storytelling in one action-packed hour! Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Teen Night: Dungeons & Dragons at 6 p.m. Discover

March 14

Teen St. Paddy’s Day Party at 6 p.m. Teens in grades

6-12 are invited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a party.

March 16

CoderDojo at 4:30 p.m. Learn to code, build a website, create an app or a game, and explore technology in an informal, creative and social environment. Feel free to bring your laptop. Parents are encouraged to participate. For ages 7-17; children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

March 18

Book Club at 10:30 a.m. Join book club members as they discuss their impressions of “The Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly.

March 19

Needle Crafters at 6 p.m. If you knit, crochet, sew, do needlepoint or enjoy any other activity that uses needle arts, bring your current project or grab your needles, yarn, hooks, fabric and/or patterns and join in.

Music and Moves at 10:30 a.m. Get moving and grooving with

March 9

Basic CPR Class at 10:30 a.m. Learn basic CPR and how to operate an AED. This non-certified class is led by Pennie Lamanac, a sergeant from Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services who has 36 years of experience.

March 19

Manga Club at 5 p.m. Teens are encouraged to read and discuss different manga series and related topics. This month, discuss “My Hero Academia,” draw characters, and compete in manga/anime-inspired group games. March 25

DIY Beaded Wind Chimes at 6:30 p.m. Create an eye-catching beaded wind chime. Materials are provided. For ages 5 and older. Registration is required.

R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton • 770-479-3090

March 6, 28

Drop-In Virtual Reality at 4 p.m. Drop-in and have fun with virtual

reality headsets. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

March 18

Virtual Reality Quick-Draw at 5 p.m. Game night with the library’s virtual reality system. Try to get your team to guess what you’re drawing with your virtual artist’s palette and tools. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

March 21

Children’s Art Gallery at 4:30 p.m. March 13-20, children ages 4-12

can submit artwork for the Children’s Art Gallery. Attend the authors’ reception on March 21 to meet the authors and view their entries. The gallery will remain open for viewing through March 25. Entry forms are available at the library’s youth services desk.

March 23

Branch manager Joey Dye, right, with Ball Ground staff members. The library was recognized as the Ball Ground Business and Community Association’s Member of the Quarter. Photo credit: Ball Ground Business and Community Association. 50

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Sequoyah-Con. First hosted in 2016, with great success, the Sequoyah Regional Library System presents a mini-convention featuring popular fandoms, panels, activities and programs; all for free. All ages are welcome to participate in scheduled events that will take place at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library.

Library System Unveils New Strategic Plan eBooks, audiobooks, STEAM kits and robotics programming, helps users increase digital literacy skills and creativity among the community. Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS), which serves The third goal is to develop strategies and resources to Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer counties, has unveiled a new engage with the community outside of library walls. After strategic plan that will be implemented through 2021. The plan all, how can people benefit from the library if they have no emphasizes the vision and values of SRLS while defining four goals idea what it offers? SRLS is developing tools and training that as part of continued efforts to serve the community. Sequoyah enable staff to be mobile and expand the library’s offerings Regional Library System has also rearticulated its mission: with community outreach efforts. Don’t be surprised to see “Connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn library staff spreading the word and create.” The announcement at a local public gathering, or was made in celebration of the teaming up with schools and library system’s 60th anniversary other community partners in 2018, and included a new logo. to promote programming The first goal of the strategic and services around town. plan is to communicate the Additionally, a robust collection library system’s story and impact of online services, accessed via by sharing and reporting success the SRLS website, helps users measures with staff, trustees conduct genealogy research, and the community. This new learn a new language, explore marketing strategy involves foreign countries, and more, increased focus on the library without having to leave home. system’s existing social media The fourth goal of the channels: Facebook strategic plan is to sustain a (@SequoyahRegionalLibrary), high-performing organization Twitter (@SequoyahRegLib) that strives for excellence in and Instagram (@ management. This involves SequoyahRegionalLibrary), comprehensive staff training with additional media that supports the strategic plan (such as YouTube) to follow. and includes a management Library patrons also can visit development component the SRLS website (www. for all leadership positions. sequoyahregionallibrary.org) The library system also is to subscribe to an official implementing changes to e-newsletter with updates on facilities that incorporate upcoming facilities, A group of families makes use of the Rose Creek Public Library’s computers for online research. sustainable features, continual programming, collections and improvements, and superior technology. maintenance. This allows SRLS to take the best care of its The second goal is to ensure convenient, intuitive, purposeful staff and facilities so that they can take the best care of their and engaging library experiences for the community. This community. comes from a desire to better understand library users, create “The vision of our libraries is to be the community’s experiences with them in mind, and get rid of any barriers so dynamic destination for discovery,” said Anita Summers, the library can have something for everyone. In addition to director of Sequoyah Regional Library System. “The everbooks and services, SRLS offers hundreds of monthly events, growing needs of our community have given rise to this with programming for adults, teens and children. By developing new strategic plan, which has been created to re-emphasize programming and services with community-focused objectives Sequoyah Regional Library System’s values: enduring and outcomes, users gain just as much from attending an commitment to open access, service excellence, community event as the library gains from hosting the user. Likewise, an engagement and continuous learning.” ever-expanding collection of library technology, which includes BY JOHN RODGERS

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Time to Play!

Discover a Park Near You

One thing we can count on: Georgia weather is unpredictable! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not uncommon to experience a three or four-day stretch of warm temperatures even in the middle of winter. As we long for those permanent warmer temps, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a comprehensive guide to nearby parks to fuel your anticipation.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Cherokee County Parks Badger Creek Park

464 Blalock Road, Woodstock. Opened in fall 2012, the park includes 14 soccer fields of various sizes and is home to Cherokee Impact (www.csaimpact.com). Amenities include athletic fields and restrooms.

Barnett Park

10795 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. Located on 25 acres along Bells Ferry Road, the park includes baseball/softball diamonds, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms and walking trails along Downing Creek.

Blankets Creek Bike Trails

Reason Way, Canton. Opened in 2000, these bike trails are among the most popular mountain trails in the U.S. They represent a partnership between Cherokee County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Allatoona Lake) and SORBA Woodstock. There are more than 15 miles of volunteer-maintained trails for beginners to advanced riders. Trails are closed during inclement weather. Amenities at the trailhead include parking, pavilions and restrooms.

Buffington Park and Gym

4600 Cumming Highway, Canton. Located on Cumming Highway, the park includes a baseball/softball diamond, outdoor basketball court, gymnasium, batting cages and a pavilion.

Cherokee County Aquatic Center

1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. Located off Sixes Road (Exit 11 on I-575), this is a state-of-the-art, full-service aquatics facility with two indoor pools and one outdoor leisure pool. The aquatic center offers instructional, fitness, therapeutic, competitive and recreational swimming opportunities. The Oasis, the outdoor leisure pool, includes a water playground, two water slides, play features, beach entry, pavilions, Funbrella, family restrooms, locker rooms and the Oasis Café.

Cherokee Mills Park

6900 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Located on Bells Ferry Road near Little River, this park offers access to Allatoona Lake. Three boat ramps and a boat dock make this a popular place to launch watercrafts. A day-use fee applies for the boat ramp, or you can purchase a season pass at the Recreation Center. The boat ramp is open seasonally, based upon lake levels. Daily fee $5, annual pass $40, military active duty and veterans half off, seniors 62 and older are free.

Cherokee Veterans Park

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. Located on 149 acres in northeast Cherokee County, this is one of the largest in the county’s park system. Amenities include athletic fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, playground, skate park, walking trails, a large open meadow and restrooms.

Cline Park

704 Bartow St., Waleska. This 12-acre park includes tennis courts, a wooded walking trail, a playground and a seasonal splash pad.

Dwight Terry Park

13395 E. Cherokee Drive, Ball Ground. Located in northeast Cherokee County, this 30-acre park includes baseball/softball diamonds, a playground, restrooms and a half-mile paved walking track. It is home to the Junior Grizzlies youth baseball program.

Field’s Landing Park

600 Fields Landing Drive, Canton. Situated on the north side of Allatoona Lake, this park has spectacular views of the lake, along with a boat ramp, fishing dock, playground, restrooms, several picnic areas and pavilions. The boat ramp is open seasonally, based on lake levels. A day-use fee applies for the boat ramp, or purchase a season pass at the Recreation Center. Daily fee $5, annual pass $40, military active duty and veterans half off, seniors 62 and older are free.

Garland Mountain Horse and Hiking Trails

1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska. The 12½ miles of marked horse and hiking trails wind their way through 544 wooded acres in northwest Cherokee County. The trailhead has trailer parking, a pavilion and restrooms. The trails are maintained in partnership with the Friends of Garland Mountain.

Hickory Trails Park

3860 Hickory Road, Canton. Located in the Hickory Flat community, the park offers a three-quarter-mile walking trail on 24 pastoral and wooded acres. The trailhead is served by a gravel parking lot, restrooms and two pavilions (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Hobgood Park

6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Originally opened in April 1990, this 60-acre park remains one of the most active and heavily used parks in Cherokee County. In addition to youth baseball and adult softball leagues, it hosts multiple softball/ baseball tournaments every year. The walking track, playground and pavilions also are heavily used. To reserve a pavilion, call 770-924-7768. For information about tennis programs or to reserve a court, contact the Cherokee Tennis Center at 770-5924582 or www.cherokeetenniscenter.com.

J.J. Biello Park

155 Brooke Blvd., Woodstock. Spread over 470 acres along Rubes Creek and Little River, the park includes tennis, youth softball, youth football, soccer and lacrosse, as well as a large pavilion and playground.

Kenney Askew Memorial Park

1080 Univeter Road, Canton. One of the oldest parks in the Cherokee County system, it recently was expanded to include the new Richard Mauldin Sports Complex. Five new fields were opened in fall 2015. These fields are home to Canton Baseball. The park is also home to the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club. Amenities include: athletic field (available for rent), six baseball/softball diamonds, four tennis courts, playground, pavilion and restrooms.

Lewis Park

200 E. Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Nestled in 57 acres of wooded land south of Allatoona Lake, within a few minutes of the Towne Lake and Sixes communities, this park has a walking trail that winds along an unnamed tributary of the Little River, a playground, pavilions (first-come, first-served) and restrooms. continued on page 54 AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Patriots Park

1485 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. The 33-acre park includes two natural grass baseball/softball diamonds, two fenced off-leash dog areas â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one for large dogs and another for small dogs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a fully accessible and inclusive playground, a paved walking path throughout the park, a large open meadow, a picnic pavilion, a concession/restroom building and an artificial turf adaptive use baseball/softball diamond. Dubbed Freedom Field, the adaptive use field is designed for the inclusive use by athletes of all abilities. It is the first of its kind in the county and home of the Cherokee County Miracle League program.

Recreation Center, South Annex

7545 Main St., Woodstock. Located within the South Government Annex, just north of downtown Woodstock, the Recreation Center is home to the Recreation and Parks offices and most of the indoor programming offered by CRPA. Rooms in the center are available for rent. Call 770-924-7768 for more information. Amenities include: a gymnasium, community room, aerobics room, stage, playground, outdoor in-line hockey rink and restrooms.

Riverchase Park

150 River Glen Drive, Woodstock. Riverchase is a small neighborhood park in southeast Cherokee. It includes a playground and pavilion that is available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Sequoyah Park

7000 Vaughn Road, Canton. Located on Vaughn Road in southeast Cherokee County, Sequoyah Park offers an athletic field, baseball/softball diamonds, playground, walking trail and disc golf course.

City of Canton Parks www.cantonga.gov/gov/departments/parks.htm

All parks and sites are open from dawn until dusk, except for the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, which is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m, and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

1. Boling Park

1098 Marietta Highway. Twenty acres with a 1-mile gravel walking trail, covered pavilion with bathrooms, playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, racquetball courts, basketball court, bathrooms, soccer and lacrosse field space and picnic tables.

2. Brown Park

251 E. Marietta St. This 1-acre park features a playground, field space, picnic tables and a free Little Library.

3. Burge Park

Crisler Street. A basketball court, playground, swing and bench are located at this less than 1-acre park.

4. Cannon Park

130 E. Main St. This park is in downtown Canton, with a gazebo.

5. Etowah River Park

600 Brown Industrial Parkway. Features on the 58 acres include an amphitheater, public bathroom, two community pavilions, an inclusive playground and other playgrounds, public canoe launch, half-mile concrete walking trail connecting to Etowah River Trail and Heritage Park, recreational field space, a bridge crossing over the Etowah River and many picnic tables.

Union Hill Community Center

6. Heritage Park

Waleska Park

7. Hickory Log Creek Reservoir

1780 A. J. Land Road, Canton. Located in the community of Union Hill, this historic building has been a school and a church. Renovated in 2011, it now serves as a community center, with a banquet hall, warming kitchen, playground and restrooms. Available for weddings and parties. Call 770- 924-7768 to book. 150 Ball Field Road, Waleska. Fully renovated and expanded in 2014, the park is located across the street from Reinhardt University. It has three youth baseball/ softball diamonds, restrooms and a playground.

Weatherby Park

100 Worley Road, Canton. Located in the Clayton community, north of Canton, the park has an athletic field, three baseball/softball diamonds and a pavilion, all available for rent. Also available is a playground, restrooms and a walking track. 54

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

508 Riverstone Parkway. The 48-acre park features a 1-mile concrete walking trail connecting to Etowah River Trail and Etowah River Park, and recreational field space used for soccer.

Fate Conn Road at Bluffs Parkway. Cost is $5 per day per vehicle. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m, and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

8. McCanless Park Muriel Street. This 2-acre park has a pavilion, playground, Boy Scout Hut and picnic tables.

Practice Knowing the Truth for the Hard Times BY MICHAEL MARTIN

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 As a believer, you constantly should be seeking guidance from the Scriptures as to how God wants you to act. But, knowledge of what God would have you do is only half of the equation. Knowing is good, but doing is where the blessing is found. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:17 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock … And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” Luke 6:46-49. Invariably, during counseling sessions, I will hear someone say, “Yes, but this situation is so hard.” I agree. But, nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:16-41), and God never commands us to do something for which He does not supply the power (Holy Spirit) and the direction (wisdom of the Bible). And, since it will be hard, God tells us to practice. In Hebrews 5:14, “... powers of discernment trained by constant practice ...” In 2 Peter 1:10, “... for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”

In 1 John 1:6, “... practice the truth.” How do we practice the truth? Well, Jesus died your death so that you could live his life (1 Peter 2:21-25). And, God’s desire is to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-30). The Bible makes it clear we should be practicing Christ-likeness in our time of trial, so people can see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:16-6:2), for their good and God’s glory. It’s in our moments of trial, when we seek to imitate Christ, that we find the blessing. Review the true accounts of those mentioned in Hebrews 11 to understand what this model looks like. These accounts should give us tremendous hope, because they remind us that God allows trials in our lives to refine us, grow us, and help us learn how to exercise our faith. (James 1:2-4) So, if you are facing a trial today, praise God for the opportunity to practice, and ask him to give you the wisdom, guidance and strength you need to act accordingly. Then, go do - for your good, the good of others and the glory of God.

Michael Martin is the director of biblical counseling for Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. mike@mtzb.org

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

What Would You Wish For? Gabe Mansi

This month, I asked students in my English/language arts class, “If you had one wish … what would it be?” These are some of their responses.

My wish is to be a sports analyst and commentator. I want to be a sports analyst and commentator because I really love sports and I constantly talk about them. One day my dream is to be commentating and analyzing what is going on, in and at, the Super Bowl. Another reason why I want to be an analyst is because I want to share my thoughts and feelings about players or games. That is my wish! To become a sports analyst and commentator.

- Joseph Lemmo

Anderson Baker

Amelia Heinz If I had one wish, I would use it to wish that there would be less homeless people or poor people, and that they would find a home, and that more people would notice these people. Sometimes when I drive through Atlanta and see all these people with ripped clothes and holes in their shoes, some even with dogs or kids, I think to myself, “What if that was me and I had nothing, and I was living on the side of the road … how would I feel?” Just imagine, no phone, no fancy apple watches, and no tablets or anything fancy, just what you have right there with you, on the road, and to have people pass by and basically ignore the fact that you are there in general. To truly help the world, one person at a time. That would be my one wish!

If I had one wish it would be to be smart enough and patient enough to go through the struggles of becoming an engineer/inventor. I feel like I have good ideas that could revolutionize space exploration, living in space, ocean exploration and so much more. If I had enough brains to do stuff like that, I could help so many people. I want to help others by inventing anything from better submarines to better toasters. I want to help others, so that is why I try to learn new things!

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County since 2000. He performs improv in the Atlanta area. He and his wife have one son.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Sarrah Janad One thing I wish for is to help or independently find a way to stop climate change. The reason I wish for this is because all these news reports and articles say that climate change is here, and it’s happening fast. I want to be able to do something about this! I don’t just want to sit back and watch the world getting hotter and hotter. My favorite animals could become extinct if this happens! Walruses wouldn’t be able to live in the heat! They can only survive if we find a way to stop climate change. Also, part of my reason is that Russian scientists expect another Ice Age in the next 15 years! I want to be able to do something and help the world for years to come! That is one wish I would want to come true in my future.

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Silver Medal Awarded to Cherokee High Sophomore

From left Ashley Pozos Romero, Eric Dogini Jr. and Nancy Garcia.

Sophomore Rebekah Seng, who is a member of the JROTC program at Cherokee High School, was recently presented with the Congressional Award Silver Medal. State and Local Government Relations Director Mack Parnell, from Georgia Congressman Barry Loudermilk’s staff, presented the medal to Seng in a small ceremony with her parents and special guests. Only 638 students qualified for the medal in the United States this year, with 10 recipients in Georgia.

Optimist Club Names Essay Winners Three Cherokee High School students are winners of the Canton Optimist Club’s Annual Essay Contest: Nancy Garcia, first place; Ashley Pozos Romero, second; and Eric Dogini Jr., third. The students wrote on the topic of “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?” The students were awarded a Rotary Medal, thesaurus and a cash prize. Garcia’s essay advances to the district Optimist Club Essay Competition. Their teachers are Shelley McNellie and Rebecca Coury.

From left, Mark Seng, Virginia Seng, Rebekah Seng, Mack Parnell and Ret. Col. Eddy Stanfill.

Junior Beta Club Welcomes New Members The Junior Beta Club at Knox Elementary School STEM Academy recently inducted 32 fifthgrade students. The purpose of the National Beta Club is to promote the ideals of character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students. Club sponsors, teachers Pamela Gorges and Brenda Hall, congratulated the following inductees: Henry Dean Boyd, Kenley Brooke Brown, Alexis Nicole Champion, Peyton Caroline Dempsey, Reeves Wesley Dickerson, William David Dragoone, John Walker Dugas, Nyah Sky Eberhardt, Carson Avery Gaydon, Alyssa Diane Harrelson, Jahzara Jazmine Henry, Addison Elise Higginbotham, Leila Ashton Iovino, Joseph Alan Jarvis, Timothy Owen Jiles, Alyssa Rose Kenney, Aiden Daniel Lewis, Maddox James McGovern, Breanna Noelle Miller, Mena Mae Dee, Lauren Mitchell, Morgan Kimberly Moon, Josef Aiden Samples, Jaiden Michael Samuels, Shane Christopher Saulinskas, Weston Thomas Stallings, Aoife McKenna Stewart, Megan Faith Sweeney, Gabriella Rose Tirado, Anna Kendall Weitzenkorn, Willis Ceasar Williams and Aven Wright.

Club members, from left: Kayla Davis, Breanna Miller and Carlynn Puckett.

Service Project is Part of #BeKind Initiative Knox Elementary School STEM Academy’s Make A Change Club recently made more than three-dozen fleece blankets to donate to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The club of 60 fourth- and fifth-grade students perform service projects, which are aligned with the school’s #BeKind initiative, inspiring students to create a culture of kindness in their school and community. 58

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Pam Carnes to Serve on Regional Accreditation Board The College Delegate Assembly of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has elected Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors member Pam Carnes to serve as a member of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. Carnes also serves as president and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Pam Carnes

Cherokee Senior Is 2019 National Merit Scholarship Finalist Anne Greer of Cherokee High School is part of an elite group competing for a National Merit Scholarship. She is part of less than 1 percent of the nation’s 1.6 million eligible high school seniors who have been selected as finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.; 7,500 scholarships, worth about $31 million, will be awarded in the spring. Ann Greer

County’s Top Spellers Go Head to Head Freedom Middle School eighth-grader Braden Flournoy correctly spelled “rapacious” and then “affidavit” to claim the title as the county’s top speller at the 2019 Cherokee County School District Spelling Bee hosted by Cherokee High School. Last year’s first-place winner, Lydia Lord of Woodstock Middle School, captured second place after a similar (though much shorter) version of last year’s marathon stand-off between the county’s two top spellers. This was the third consecutive year of advancing to the spelling bee finals for both students. A tie for third place occurred when both Arya Kalbhor, a fifthgrader at Little River Elementary School, and Huck Wallace, a fifthgrader at Free Home Elementary, went out in the same round.

From left, Braden Flournoy, Lydia Lord and Arya Kalbhor.

Meet Farmer Vaughn continued from page 15

A wistful look came into his eyes. “Mmm. Cobbler pies were my favorite. We had cornbread and milk every night. And I’ve eaten enough gravy to kill everybody.” One girl, still horrified by the prospect of brains in her eggs, brightly piped up, “But you’re 95 and still alive!” “Ain’t that right?” he countered. “Did you ever eat any snacks?” “Oh, sure. We grew our own popcorn and peanuts and made our own syrup.” Then, he passed around a bowl filled with chocolates and mints. It was time to go, but not before we asked one final question: “Do you have any parting advice for us?” “You should get everyone up by 6 a.m. and let them know the world ain’t free.” Will do, Farmer Vaughn. Will do. Before we left, he showed us some of his new power moves, exercises he does at home to stay young and spry. Then, he proudly said, “Ain’t never had a physical in my whole life. Don’t need one. Don’t want one.” As we headed to the car, the girls discussed how happy Farmer Vaughn was when he talked about his childhood. They couldn’t believe he’d never been to the beach! Driving down Vaughn Road, the tiny white house grew smaller while the girls’ conversation grew more reflective. The farmer had been planting seeds all afternoon. He taught us what it meant to be rooted in a place and a community, and what it felt like to be really alive. I doubted this group of girls was his final crop. He has a gift for helping people grow. I turned to Ginny, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he outlived us all.”

The Anatomy of an Index 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 a 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 - https://us.spindices.com/indices/equity/sp-500 [12/5/18] 2 - https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/041015/ what-history-sp-500.asp [11/12/18] 3 - https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/07/10/7-fascinatingfacts-about-the-broad-based-sp-500.aspx [7/10/18] AROUND CANTON | March 2019

An Alliance of Business and Faith BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

At the Woodstock Christian Business Network (WCBN), faith merges with local businesses. Within this organization, a community of men and women comes together to learn, collaborate, grow and encourage one another in workplace ministry. Meeting discussions include key business challenges, along with ways to engage and support the community. Guest speakers also regularly share insights. “WCBN is a great resource to help us all keep our faith in alliance with our businesses. We get to know quality people, build our businesses, and explore how God works seven days a week, not just Sundays,” said Paul DeClark, certified firearms and self-defense instructor at Command Performance. Stephanie Sheridan, the advocacy director at Papa’s Pantry, said the group was instrumental in supporting an important career decision. “Personally, God has worked through WCBN, where I sensed the prompting for career change late this summer. We were highlighting Hebrews 12:1 ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before

Jeff Nevison is ready to share information at a Friday Night Live in Woodstock. 60

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Members, from left: Tim Roe, Dana Matiak, Robby Matiak and Jeff Nevison.

us.’ I enjoyed the race I was running, but God was stirring a different race within me,” Sheridan said. “WCBN has been a support and encouragement as I have taken a leap of faith and launched into a new chapter.” Founders Jeff Nevison and Nate Wolosiewicz were inspired by the late Scott Forrester, who was instrumental in creating Christian Business Men’s Association in Marietta. The first WCBN meeting was held in June 2016 and has been going strong ever since. Meetings are conducted and moderated so that each person has time to share. Anyone who enjoys meeting other Christian professionals in their community, and building long-lasting relationships with them, is welcome. There is no cost to attend. Bring business cards, collateral material and items for door prizes. With 270 members from Cherokee and surrounding counties, average weekly attendance is 65.

“I have been a regular attendee to the WCBN for almost 18 months, and have gained so much useful, biblically-based personal and business inspiration, guidance and tips,” said local businessman Neil Scott-Barbour. “I have also made some wonderful friends, many of whom have been most helpful in offering advice and assistance as I move toward the launch of a brand new venture. In fact, I have been allowed to make presentations to the group in this regard. The devotionals, Scripture readings and prayers offered for all is another enormous plus. WCBN is a very special ‘networking’ group.” Meetings are held 7:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m. at Woodstock First Baptist Church in Building A, Room 240, at 11905 Highway 92. To connect, visit Woodstock Christian Business Network on Facebook or Meet Up, or contact Nevison at 678-234-3027 or jeff@mountainlakeinsurance.com.

Susan Browning 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.

Elm Street

Why Tragedies Are Important BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW

In theater and storytelling, there are two forms of dramatic expression: comedy and tragedy. The more popular of the two is comedy, and, in theater, most people will tell you they would rather go see a show to laugh than to cry. I question this idea where I work. Why do we tell tragedies when we want our audiences to leave feeling happy, entertained or with a call to action? Our mission is to engage the community, but how do we engage with the idea of someone dying, or failing, or a story without a happy ending? Tragedies were created to record stories, but also to portray life. In the “Poetics,” Aristotle defined tragedy as a form of drama whose plot is centered on human suffering for the purpose of evoking feelings of pity and fear in the audience. If we think about it, what makes us question life? There are those moments that make us call someone to say, “I love you,” hug someone a little tighter, or breathe and realize how lucky we are to have what we have. What is it that makes us do these things? It’s usually when something tragic happens: a newscast, someone’s death, or a job loss. And it typically happens out of nowhere, because we don’t expect tragedy. We are so lost in making others happy, being the best, working the daily grind that we don’t acknowledge our time. If everything around us was sugarcoated all the time, we wouldn’t learn to appreciate life. In “Of Mice and Men,” there are many themes, but two that are prominent are companionship and dreams. During the Great Depression, George and Lennie travel together, and aspire one day to have their own ranch. John Steinbeck reminds us that even the modestly attainable dreams are still difficult to achieve. The idea of those things being taken away is a tragic one, and a good reminder of being human. By producing this show at Elm Street, we hope the audience not only makes an empathetic connection to these characters, but leaves feeling moved to connect with their own lives — to not get caught up in the day-to-day and forget the journey. This is the reason we should tell tragedies, not to evoke the emotion, but to remind ourselves to connect and appreciate life.

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

MAR 15-24

FRI/SAT AT 7:30PM; SUN AT 2:30PM

BREAK OF

REALITY Alt-Classical Chamber

APR 13 | 7:30pm PRESENTING PARTNER:

Registration OPEN for

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

SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND CANTON | March 2019

Advertisers

FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION Katherine Amick • 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com

March 2019

ANIMALS/PETS

CLEANING SERVICES

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

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Pet Play Place 770-733-9123 www.petplayplace.com

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com

Chloe’s Auto Repair 770-575-8800 www.ChloesAutoRepair.com

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric)

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

Treasure Tax 678-888-4829 www.treasuretax.com

Inside back

Your CBD Store Canton 770-704-0550 www.cantonga.cbdrx4u.com

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

Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

EDUCATION/TRAINING Giving Care Training Center 678-831-0830 www.givingcareathome.com

Reinhardt University 770-720-9191 www.Reinhardt.edu

FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC

ClearView Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing 18 770-926-1960 www.ClearViewAtl.com

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

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

Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

HOME & GARDEN

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

36, 37

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Your CBD Store Woodstock 770-627-3512 www.cbdrx4u.com

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

AROUND CANTON | March 2019

MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

LGE Community Credit Union www.LGEccu.org

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Goshen Valley www.goshenvalley.org

Canton Dental Town 770-622-1515 www.dentaltownsmiles.com

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS INWDSTK wdstk.ga/2019sotc

Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.CUofGA.org

DENTAL

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

CREDIT UNION

ATTORNEYS Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com

Dynamic Clean Team 404-414-7743

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Darby Rose Photography 404-444-6354 www.DarbyRosePhotography.com

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

Canton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 9 770-479-8791/770-345-8670 www.cnrc.co

CAS Med Spa 888-517-3444 www.cassmedspa.com

Cover, 32, 33

Cherokee Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Specialists 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 11 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com Medical Assoc. of North Georgia 770-479-5535 www.Medassoc.com

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 9 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 678-388-5485 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com Northside Vascular Surgery 770-292-3490 www.NVS-GA.com

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 22 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Resurgens Orthopaedics, PC 678-505-4455 www.resurgens.com

www.ElmStreetArts.org 15

Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cover 404-954-2486 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheilateam.com Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.magnoliadreamcottage.com

Serenity 29 770-592-2404 www.TreetopResidential.com RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

Wing & Rock Festival

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www.WingAndRockFest.com RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Neighborhood Nest, The

770-485-5898 www.TheNeighborhoodNestGA.com Transitions Resale Boutique

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Big Door Vineyards 844-692-4436 www.BigDoorVineyards.com

Canton Art & Wine Walk

Canton Festival of the Arts www.cantonartfestival.com

678-494-4251

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Coldwell Banker, Mike Taylor O:770-642-03999, D: 770-344-7720 www.CBHomes.com

Elm St. Cultural Arts Village

www.ArborBridgeMill.com/Live Lodge at BridgeMill, The

CYFA 42 www.cyfa.org

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AROUND CANTON | March 2019

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