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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Contents

32 & 33 On the Cover Treetop Residential Serenity, Builder Burke Jackson Photo by Heather Stevens, Joyful Day Photography

March 2019

Features

In Every Issue

Contributors

State of the City

We share the details of the mayor’s annual update on projects completed and scheduled.

14 A Night to Remember

The annual Tim Tebow Foundation Night to Shine filled First Baptist Woodstock with lots of smiles.

22 A Tribute to Mrs. Brownlee

A glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Woodstock’s favorite residents, who passed away late last year.

34 R U OK?

Sheriff’s department employees make regular calls to senior citizens, homebound and chronically ill residents.

54 Play in the Parks Again

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

4 Around Woodstock

Don Akridge

8 Community News

Luanne Allen

18 Celebrations

Nathan Brandon

20 Downtown Events

Stacy Brown

28 Everyday Angels

Siobhan Brumbelow

38 Rob’s Rescues

Becky & Susan Buice

41 Library Events

Michael Caldwell

48 Community Calendar

Rev. Joseph Cousin

51 Greenprints Trail Map

Ann Garvin

52 School News

Harry Johnston

57 Recent Home Sales

Kim LeGrand

58 Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide

Ann Litrel

Dr. Mike Litrel

Lisa Randall

John Rodgers

Susan Schulz

Robert Tidwell

Ashley Velez

63 Directory of Advertisers

Advertising Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com @AroundWoodstockMagazine

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

AROUND WOODSTOCK

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Woodstock

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!

Vote

for your favorites! April 1-May 10 www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com

What’s New

The Woodstock Police Department is partnering with Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com), the private social network

for neighborhoods, to improve city-wide communications by connecting with residents on a hyperlocal level. More than 6,000 Woodstock residents are connected on Nextdoor; Police Chief Calvin Moss encourages more to join, where they can learn about public safety issues, local services, and community events and activities.

Sports BodywoRx is open at 1001 Weatherstone Parkway, Suite 410, in Woodstock. Specializing in sports massage and restorative muscle work for athletes and people with chronic issues. 404-268-0999. www.Sportsbodyworx.com. The Woodstock Gazebo will be almost new after the city’s parks and recreation department completes a major renovation. The foundation is in great shape, but most of the structure will be completely rebuilt, according to Preston Pooser, parks and recreation director. He anticipates renovation will be completed by mid-March; The Park at City Center will be open, but the gazebo will be closed during construction.

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.

What’s Coming

Woodstock City Manager Jeff Moon reports that America’s Best Contact and Eyeglasses will open at 130 Woodstock

Square, which is the Target Shopping Center on Highway 92. A building permit was issued recently. No details on an opening date were available at press time.

Kudos!

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute has been named a Center of Excellence for a minimally-invasive 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.

Expert Surgical Care for the Cherokee Community

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

Treatments offered for: • Hernias

• Skin and soft tissue lesions

• Gallstones and gallbladder problems

• Thyroid and parathyroid disease

• Breast masses and cancer

• Diverticulitis and colon cancer

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernias

• Stomach, adrenal gland, pancreas and spleen disorders

(770) 924-9656 • ncsurgicalassociates.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412, Woodstock, GA 30189 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in many ways that include serving as contributing writers and providing valuable feedback.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Cousin, Sr., was appointed pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in June 2017. His degrees include a bachelor of arts in political science from Hampton University, master of divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology, and a doctoral degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the field of marriage and family therapy. Donnie Henriques has been mayor of Woodstock

since 2006: he served on city council beginning with the creation of Ward 6 in 1999. Donnie and his wife, Dr. Jan Henriques, have three children and three grandchildren.

Kris McKeeth is team leader and

visionary for The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts that include her position on the Business Board of downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah Foundation.

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@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 Director of Marketing Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church in 2005 and

still serves as lead pastor. The father of five draws from his experiences in 26 years of ministry and 24 years of marriage to challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for better living, loving and laughter.

Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive for Window Expert Tinting, has been Woodstock’s Planning and Zoning Commissioner since 2015 and volunteers for many committees that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance because of her desire to help create safe trail riding experiences. Dan Thrailkill and his family love living in the “city unexpected.” He serves on several civic and private local boards and is active in YPOW. In 2016, Dan co-founded Front Porch Advisers, LLC which focuses on community relations and business development strategies for Georgia-based companies. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1988, Dan believes no one should be a victim of their disease, so you’ll likely see him at the gym.

Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in Woodstock and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,000 are placed in racks around the community. See page 64 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2019

Around Woodstock 1025 Rose Creek Dr., PMB 380, Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com Volume 6, Issue 5

America’s Community Magazine AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Help for Seniors and their Caregivers

Front row, from left: Detective Keith McGaw, Alexa Buemel, Tanner Townsend and adviser Tiffani Wingfield. Back row: Officer Ryan Bleisath, Michael Dumas, Ethan Wingo, Justin Scott, Grant Shaw, Officer Greg Stepp and Capt. Mark Hand.

Woodstock Explorers Place in Regionals Woodstock Police Explorer Post 1609 competed against hundreds of other Law Enforcement Explorers at the 45th annual Winterfest Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Feb. 10-12. The Woodstock explorers returned home with second place in officer survival, fifth place in written exam and fifth place in interviews and interrogations. The conference, an annual event that allows law enforcement explorer posts to compete against other posts in skills learned from their respective agency, is hosted by Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and offers competitive events such as: uniform inspection, crime scene investigation, robbery in progress, written exam, interviews and interrogations, domestic violence, officer survival, felony traffic stop, and more. Post 1609 is an official program of the Boy Scouts of America/Exploring and is designed to teach young men and women, ages 14-20, what a career in law enforcement entails. For more information, call 770-592-6000, Ext: 1172, or visit www.woodstockga.gov/police

The Senior Extravaganza, Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T.’s largest fundraiser, is designed to appeal to our county’s senior citizen population. But, Adelle Mickelson wants the community to know that caregivers of seniors also should attend this year’s event, set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27 at First Baptist Church Woodstock conference center, 11905 Highway 92. Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T is a partnership with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and the police departments in Canton, Woodstock and Holly Springs, tasked with identifying and developing programs addressing the needs and concerns of senior citizens in our community. Members from public safety and volunteers within the community also serve. Triad looks to alleviate fear of victimization, build confidence, enhance the delivery of law enforcement services and improve the overall quality of life to our senior population. Triad also works to educate individuals and businesses providing services to seniors. The Cherokee Triad and S.A.L.T. Council was implemented in July 2006 by Canton Police Department to represent all communities in our county. For more information, visit www.saltcherokee.com. Click on the events tab for more details on the April 27 event.

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Receives Commendation Eddie Cranford has been awarded the Marine Corps League Meritorious Commendation (Individual) by Detachment 1311 of Woodstock. Cranford has contributed continually and directly to the ongoing success of the detachment, whether it has been in leadership positions, as both judge advocate and detachment chaplain, or behind the scenes in supporting roles. Detachment 1311 is the fastest growing detachment in Georgia, with 140 members committed to enriching the lives of veterans, and the community at large. Among his many volunteer efforts, Cranford has supported the annual Marine Corps Reserve Christmas Toys for Tots drive during the past few years, driving his truck and trailer to pick up toys at numerous locations and deliver them to the collection facility. Rich Sabo, left, commandant of Detachment 1311, with Cranford, a veteran who served in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received during that conflict. 8

AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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.”

Dean’s Store Exhibit Focuses on Legacy of Women of Woodstock During March, Preservation Woodstock is hosting an exhibit, “Through the Windows of Woodstock’s Women,” at the Woodstock Visitors Center in Historic Dean's Store, 8588 Main St. The center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. The exhibit will highlight achievements and lifestyles of women starting in the 1800s, from educators, artisans, church and civic leaders, postal workers and secretaries, to many mothers and one mayor. 10

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Woodstock’s first and only female mayor, Evelyn chambers.

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 44rd 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-of-town 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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LGEccu.org • 770-424-0060 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

The State of the City

Woodstock Mayor Reviews Successes, Reveals Plans for 2019 In Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques’ recent State of the City address, he mentioned plans for the redevelopment of the Morgan Ace Hardware property among the projects coming up in downtown Woodstock. That space will include a 400-space parking deck and boutique hotel, along with intersection improvements, a sidewalk extension, and meeting and office space. Henriques listed major accomplishments of 2018, including completion of the mural, winning the recycling challenge for the sixth year, re-certification as a Tree City for the 18th year, 24 events hosted by the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, and getting the city’s comprehensive plan approved early. Among the city’s economic developments were: the opening of Costco on Ridgewalk Parkway and Reformation Brewery’s new facility downtown; Dean’s Store winning the 2018 Most Creative Community Public Relations Initiative Award; the farmers market’s 10th anniversary, and the city’s Main Street organization rebranding to INWDSTK, to encompass all of Woodstock. The mayor announced the city’s new tagline - “Our Story Crafted by Your Dreams” - included on the city logo.

Public Works • • • • •

Installed or improved five new turn lanes. Installed six new signalized pedestrian crosswalks downtown. Enhanced 11 existing crosswalks. Renovated and expanded City Center parking lot. Opened Streetscapes Phase 2 on Main Street.

Economic Development

• INWDSTK volunteers donated 25,000 hours of their time, providing the community more than $600,000 in value. • National accreditation renewed by CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies). • 2,400-square-foot expansion of senior center completed and opened. • Grant awarded to connect Greenprints Trail from Highway 92 to Noonday Park in Cobb County.

Finance

• Unrestricted fund balance now more than $6 million, while maintaining millage rate at 2011 levels. • Received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award for third consecutive year. • Received the GFOA Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 25th consecutive year.

Community Development

• Permits totaled $152.2 million in new construction were issued. • Total for four years now at $658 million. • Collected more than $1 million in impact fees for Parks and Recreation. • Issued 459 new business occupation licenses (25 percent were home occupations). • Issued more than 3,269 total permits.

What's Next Projects Underway in 2019 Shop with a Hero helped more than 100 children last year.

A Look at 2018 Woodstock Police

• Rates as one of the safest cities in Georgia on multiple lists. • Property crime fell 17 percent. • More than 600 people have graduated form the Public Safety Academy. • More than 100 children helped by Shop with a Hero program.

Woodstock Fire

• Responded to 5,755 alarms in 2018. • Responded to 4,494 calls in the city, and 1,261 calls in Cherokee County. • Conducted 1,968 life safety inspections. • Maintained ISO 1 rating, highest rating possible.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

• Restrooms and playground under construction at Elm Street Green. • Expansion of Ridge Trail. • New community garden on Arnold Mill Road. • Renovations of the gazebo at the Park at City Center. • Redevelopment of the Morgan’s Ace Hardware location to include intersection improvement, sidewalk extension, a parking deck, a boutique hotel, meeting and office space. The parking deck will allow city officials to move forward with timed parking in downtown.

Road Improvements

• Neese Road/Highway 92 intersection (2020). • Woodpark Place extension to South on Main (2020). • Highway 92 from I-575 west (dual turn lanes at Molly Drive and Woodstock Square, conversion of Home Depot turn lane to a thru lane (2019, 2020). • Neese Road realignment (2020-21).

Streetscapes Phase 2 on Main Street.

• • • •

Mill Street conversion to two-way traffic (2020-21). Trickum Road widening to Cobb County (2020). Trickum Road intersection improvements (under design). Towne Lake Parkway interchange improvements (under design). • Ridgewalk interchange improvements (under design).

Other approved projects

• Third fire station (two sites acquired, anticipate a Ridgewalk Parkway location). • Development of Little River Park. • Design of the new Johnston property park on Main Street at the new Morgan’s Ace Hardware site, across from Woodstock Knoll at the Ridgewalk Parkway/Main Street intersection. • Received grant for a community orchard. • Create a plan for a bigger senior center. • Convert the existing senior center into a veteran’s center fo the American Legion and Marine Corps League. • Expand the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee to include River Ridge High School.

2019 Woodstock Summer Concert Series schedule May 11: Mark Wills June 8: Better Than Ezra July 13: Who’s Bad (Michael Jackson tribute band) Aug. 10: Little River Band Sept. 14: Molly Ringwalds AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FIRST BAPTIST WOODSTOCK

All Smiles on the Red Carpet For one evening in February, First Baptist Church Woodstock was one of 655 churches around the world to host a special prom night experience called Night to Shine. The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow foundation, celebrated its fifth anniversary; on Feb. 8, more than 100,000 honored guests were supported by 200,000 volunteers who worked to make the evening a night to remember for people with special needs ages 14 and older. To view all of the Woodstock photos, visit https://ntswoodstock.smugmug.com. For more details on the foundation, go to www.timtebowfoundation.org.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Not Everyone Filing an Injury Claim Wants To BY ROBERT TIDWELL

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 WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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• Uterine Fibroids • Pelvic Adhesive Disease

Towne Lake

900 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 302 Woodstock, GA 30189

Call 770-721-9400 for an appointment with Dr. Michelle A. Glasgow in Canton & Towne Lake. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Celebrations!

Dillon Harrington

Elizabeth Grace Prusa

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

James Kistler

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

Mason Schuessler

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

Alexa

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

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

March 23

Happy ninth birthday to our Gabby! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. Keeping Rocking That Black Girl Magic!

Angelik

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

Happy birthday, Jules!

Love, Mom, Dad and your crazy brothers.

March 23

Happy 18th birthday to my beautiful great-niece, Madison. I am so proud of the amazing woman you have become. Love, Great-Aunt Maria.

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.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Zoe Rose Moylan

8 is gRAYt! Happy birthday! We love you so much! Mommy, Daddy, Ziggy and Ellie Mae.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

March 4

Happy 40th birthday, Daddy! We love you! Love, Melanie, Spencer and Simon.

E-mail to: Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com April deadline is March. 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

IN Town

Woodstock March 1

Friday Night Live series begins its 15th year of First Friday of the month events, with a Mardi Gras celebration 6-9 p.m. www.visitwoodstockga.com/events.

April 20

Woodstock Farmers Market opens for its 11th year, featuring vendors that grow at least 85 percent of the products they sell at the market. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon, and the market is located on Market Street. This year’s market will include events from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and live music. A Tuesday evening market will be held 5-8 p.m., May 7 through August, in the yard outside Reformation Brewery. For more information, contact Kyle Bennett at 770-924-0406 or kbennett@woodstockga.gov.

April 25

The ninth annual Taste of WDSTK is set for 5-9 p.m. at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Event Green. Woodstock area restaurants will serve samples of their best dishes and compete in a variety of categories. The event benefits the Woodstock High School band program, and kicks off Woodstock Restaurant Week, April 28-May 5. Admission is free. Taste tickets cost 50 cents each; packages start at $5.

April 27

Greenstock Day is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Woodstock

Elementary School, 230 Rope Mill Road. A celebration of Earth Day that includes recycling of electronics, cellphones and batteries, and document shredding. Visit www.woodstockga.gov for more details.

May 6, 13, 20

ONGOING INFluence

Meets the last Friday of each month at 8 a.m. Breakfast is served. The event includes a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by greater Woodstock or Cherokee County officials on important issues or services offered that affect the community. www.inwdstk.org.

Small Town Creatives (STC)

STC is for creative professionals (designers and makers), and alternates between a morning event and an evening event every other month. The morning events are the third Friday and the evening events are the fourth Tuesday. www.inwdstk.org.

YPOW AM

Young Professionals of Woodstock meet 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Copper Coin. www.inwdstk.org.

WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 7:30 p.m. Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater www.woodstockconcertseries.com

May 11: Mark Wills June 8: Better Than Ezra July 13: Who’s Bad

(The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience)

Aug. 10: Little River Band Sept. 14: The Molly Ringwalds

(World’s Greatest 80’s Experience)

ELM STREET THEATER www.elmstreetarts.org

Music Mondays are set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. For more details, visit www.woodstockga.gov and click on the special events tab.

March 9

May 16

March 15-24

Andrea Colburn, surf western. The Muckers on June Pony league in July and Reverand Hylton on August.

brought to life onstage. Friday/Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. Opening night reception follows the March 15 show; a "Putting Classics on the Stage" talkback with the director follows the March 17 show.

Woodstock Roots concert series begins with

May 18

Bacon & Banjos takes place 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. The annual festival, which benefits the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, is a convergence of the salty goodness of bacon and the downhome sounds of bluegrass music. www.baconandbanjosga.com. 20

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

iThink Improv Troupe Show begins at 8 p.m. Tickle your funny bone and spend your Saturday night with an improv comedy show for the entire family.

“Of Mice and Men.” John Steinbeck's Depression-era novel is

March 21

Brew HaHa at Reformation Brewery at 7 and 8 p.m. Belly

laughs plus beer on tap with iThink Improv Troupe every third Thursday. Join the local performers for improv games and loosen up those go-with-the-flow vibes.

Introducing Visit Woodstock GA BY STACY BROWN

You may have noticed a new presence for Woodstock on social media recently. The www.visitwoodstockga.com website is beginning its second year. It’s the website that accompanies advertisements in travel guides and magazines distributed worldwide. But until this month, the social media pages attached to it were for Downtown Woodstock. In order to allow a broader focus on Facebook and other platforms that includes all of Woodstock, accounts for Visit Woodstock GA have been created. Both online identities are managed by the staff of the Woodstock Office of Economic Development. This team staffs the Downtown Development Authority, the Woodstock Visitors Center in Historic Dean’s Store, and IN WDSTK, a membership organization that brings together greater Woodstock residents and businesses who are INvesting, INvolved and INcluded IN Woodstock’s growth and opportunity. Tourism drives economic prosperity. According to the U.S. Travel Association, “Travel-dependent leisure and hospitality is the largest small-business employer in the United States.” Even though Visit Woodstock GA is made for tourists, locals are encouraged to follow and interact on all of the Visit Woodstock GA accounts. • Visit Woodstock GA on Facebook will promote events such as Friday Night Live, the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market, WDSTK Roots Music Nights and Taste of WDSTK. • Visit Woodstock GA Twitter will share relevant posts by Woodstock tourism partners and interact with potential and current travellers. • Visit Woodstock GA Instagram will share images to inspire visitors to experience Woodstock. • Visit Woodstock GA Pinterest is a great place to highlight posts by travel bloggers and pins about the growing film industry in Woodstock. • Visit Woodstock GA’s YouTube profile will highlight Woodstock as a premier mountain biking and outdoors destination, a world-class shopping and dining destination, and a vibrant music and arts destination. The video series Dean’s Store Sessions filmed brings attention to local original music artists. Downtown Woodstock will remain on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It will co-host Facebook events that take place in the downtown entertainment district with Visit Woodstock GA. The Downtown Woodstock account will continue to share all of the great photos and videos of events in Downtown Woodstock that locals love and act as a digest of all of the downtown shops’ and restaurants’ posts. The hope is that locals will follow these new accounts and join in as ambassadors, welcoming their friends and family equipped with all the great information provided by Visit Woodstock GA and Downtown Woodstock online.

Stacy Brown is the Marketing Manager INWDSTK for the city of Woodstock. She can be reached at 678-217-2386 or sbrown@woodstockga.gov. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Lillie Mae Brownlee Fond Memories From Janice Johnston Kane Posted on Facebook Nov. 19, 2018, the day Mrs. Brownlee passed away.

“Early this morning, precious Lillie Mae Brownlee joined the angels in Heaven. She was already an angel on this earth, pure in heart and spirit, filled with trust, acceptance, love and forgiveness ... a true child of God, with such a deep, abiding faith. She was an important part of my life from my earliest memories, teaching me so much about goodness, mercy and love. After our mother died when I was 7, Mae stepped in and helped fill the hole in the hearts of my sister Lucy, brother Smith and me. She was our touchstone, and poured her love on us like a healing balm. In later years, when we were out together, she would tell people that I was her daughter. And I was. “Mae had no enemies. In all of my 69 years, I never heard one negative word from her sweet mouth about anyone. She was pure love in action, and would defend any and everyone. She taught me how to be forgiving, to help people when they were sick or in need. She taught me how to cook, and I watched her feed practically the whole town

Mae with Janice, far left, her brother Smith Johnston and sister Lucy Blackwell Johnston.

of Woodstock! Her Christmas Tea was legendary, all the profits going to her beloved church. “Mae was an ambassador for her church. She and her husband, Jay (Dude), raised money and, with help from friends, literally built their little church on Arnold Mill Road. Wherever Mae went, she always reached out to people. I drove my mom [Janice’s father remarried] and Mae from Woodstock to Michigan for my daughter Natalie’s wedding years ago. It was an epic trip, with so many priceless memories. But

each stop we made, be it Cracker Barrel, outlet malls, motels, etc., Mae would always go up to perfect strangers. I can hear her now saying, ‘How you? Where you from? If you come to Woodstock, come to my church!’ And, they did come to see her and her church. From all places. Mae had that effect on people. They sensed how she was so special and filled with the light of deep faith and love for her God and everyone else. I would just sit back in awe and watch her in action, for all my life. There was no one like her and never will be.”

From Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques “I remember meeting Lillie Mae and Dude in 2000, when I first got on council and they invited me to their annual Christmas open house. I arrived with my daughter, who was about 8 at the time. When we walked in, Maddie went up to them and gave them a hug. From then on, we were always invited back, as long as I would bring her with me, Ms. Lillie Mae told me. “Then in 2006, my first year as mayor, we had the Spinners, a black R&B group, as our first concert of the year. I took a polaroid instant picture before the concert with the group. After the concert, I ran into Lillie Mae with her family, and I took out the picture and showed her. She looks at it for a few seconds, then looks up at me and said, ‘Which one is you?’ That was her in a nutshell … a great sense of humor.” 22

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

In earlier years: Lucy, Mae and Janice.

Spirit, Legacy Live on BY REV. DR. JOSEPH N. COUSIN, SR.

Throughout the months of February and March, we celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month, respectively, highlighting the historical contributions of African-Americans and women to our society. As we embark upon these seasons, I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate a truly extraordinary African-American woman named Mrs. Lillie Mae Brownlee. Mrs. Brownlee was very well known throughout our community for her kind demeanor, compassionate spirit, and her gift of hospitality. She routinely opened her home to anyone in need, and had a true love for all people, regardless of race, gender or socio-economic status. Sadly, Mrs. Brownlee departed this world in November. However, her spirit and legacy live on. In fact, it is even more vital that we celebrate Mrs. Brownlee during this time, because we need constant reminders of our God-given calling to care for one another. Mrs. Brownlee had a sincere love for the Lord, which permeated all her actions. In fact, her love makes me think of the Scripture found in Galatians 6:9, which reminds us not to get tired of doing what is good, because at the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up. Mrs. Brownlee was able to bless so many people simply because she never stopped trying to do the right thing. We all can be inspired by her desire to do the right thing; and prayerfully, we will not grow tired of doing well, and we, too, will reap God’s harvest of blessings. Mrs. Brownlee also exhibited a spirit of hospitality, which is found in Hebrews 13:1-2. In this Scripture, we are reminded to keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters, showing hospitality to strangers, because we might be entertaining angels. Mrs. Brownlee showed kindness to everyone in need, whether she knew them or not, even if they were different. Often, we are hesitant to help people that we do not know, especially if they are different. We must all remember the spirit of Mrs. Lillie Mae Brownlee, and continue to show hospitality to everyone — no matter who they are. This season, as we celebrate the achievements of both African-Americans and women, remember Mrs. Lillie Mae Brownlee, a remarkable African-American woman. In addition, as we remember her, let’s reproduce her desire to do what’s right by showing kindness and hospitality to everyone. Remember, in doing this we are not only paying homage to the legacy of Mrs. Brownlee, we are also giving honor to God.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr. is pastor of Allen Temple AME church in Woodstock. www.allentempleame.org.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Play in the Dirt and Give Back to the Trails SORBA crew leaders will provide all guidance necessary for you to help, and lunch typically is served Cherokee County is blessed with to allow for socializing and nearly 30 miles of great trails at camaraderie. Rope Mill Park in Woodstock and If you are new to the area and Blankets Creek Park in Canton. enjoy being outdoors, this is a Most of those trails are built great way to meet like-minded and maintained by volunteers. people. Check your calendars With more than 10,000 visitors and join in the upcoming trail per month in the summer, work parties. Check www. our trails are a huge draw for sorbawoodstock.org for the mountain bikers and hikers, location. Dates may change due but they really take a beating to weather, etc., so always check from all that use. Thanks to before each work day. Wear long SORBA Woodstock and countless pants and closed-toe shoes, and volunteer hours, these trails are bring your own water. SORBA in top shape. Woodstock provides the rest. SORBA Woodstock is a Volunteers use a method called armoring to build a water crossing. This is a chance to help mountain bike advocacy group Rocks are placed in the creek to allow water still to flow, but they give back to the trails. SORBA with a mission of creating, provide a non-erodable surface for tires and feet. Woodstock could not maintain enhancing and protecting our wonderful trails without the help of a small army of mountain biking experiences right here in our backyards. SORBA generous volunteers, like you! maintains our trails and continually seeks new folks to assist on work days, which the organization affectionately calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;work Work Parties parties.â&#x20AC;? Helping out on the trails is a great way to give back to 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates: March 23, April 27 and your local community. No experience is necessary, and most May 18. Location details available at www.sorbawoodstock.org. work parties are on weekend mornings and last a few hours. BY LISA RANDALL

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Tragedy Becomes Opportunity to Help Others Shaquille Hodge has turned a tragic loss in his life into a quest to raise funds to fight the disease that took the life of his wife. The young widower started a nonprofit organization, the PAMAH Foundation Inc., to support families who’ve been affected by bacterial meningitis, and to fund research on the deadly disease. In July, 2018, 27-year-old Percilla Hodge died from bacterial meningitis. She and Shaquille had been married eight years; he has been left to raise their three young children, ages 7 years to 9 months. Hodge has organized the second annual Pork & Torque car, truck and bike show, a fundraiser for PAMAH, that will take place 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. March 30 at Allen Temple AME, 232 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. At press time, details on entertainment at the event were being finalized; Hodge is hoping the Harlem Globetrotters will be able to make an appearance. For more information about the event, or the PAMAH Foundation, contact shodge@pamahfound.org.

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

Shaquille and Percilla Hodge with their children Kayden, 6, Korey, 4, and Khalani, 2 months old.

A Twist on the Super Bowl The young people at City on a Hill (COAH), a church plant of Hillside United Methodist in Towne Lake, collected 1,877 pounds of nonperishable food during a recent Souper Bowl of Caring drive tied to the Super Bowl. That total translates into 1,564 individual meals, or 391 meals for a family of four. Papa’s Pantry received the donations, which were gathered, sorted, packed and delivered by 23 students; 13 from COAH and 10 from local Scout troops. The food drive tradition began in 2007. Students also raised and donated funds for Papa’s Pantry to use on perishable food items. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Walking Barefoot in the Snow at Valley Forge BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

In 2013, I was still a part of Python Safety, a safety equipment company that provided specialty gear to nearly every nuclear power plant in America. Before we sold Python Safety to 3M, I traveled across the country on more than 800 flights in six years, consulting on safety policies and selling products. Traveling throughout our country gave me an appreciation for how much history surrounds us in this Great American Experiment. Dec. 9, 2013, was a Monday, and I was flying to Philadelphia for an early Tuesday morning meeting at a power plant about 2 hours west of the airport. After landing at the airport, it was evident that eastern Pennsylvania was going to be struck by a massive (at least, massive for this Southern boy) snow storm that night. I called my client, who assured me Pennsylvanians still would be at work in the morning, and they would appreciate it if I could make it. I agreed to make the trek and stayed the night in Philadelphia. About an hour into my 6 a.m. ice and snow journey on Tuesday, my contact called and let me know no one would be making it to the plant that day, due to the storm. So much for “northern resilience in the face of winter.” As I pulled a U-turn and headed back toward Philadelphia, I noticed signs on the highway for Valley Forge. Almost exactly 236 years before my drive, on Dec. 19, 1777, Gen. George Washington and 12,000 American patriots arrived under light snowfall at Valley Forge. This was their chosen site for winter encampment. British forces had captured the city of Philadelphia, 18 miles southeast of the site. The location had the advantage of high

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

ground and immediate access to the Schuylkill river, which gave the patriots the ability to defend the Pennsylvania countryside from British incursions through the winter. The Continental Congress was tasked with providing supplies for the encamped forces, numbering roughly the same as a colonial city. They were not successful. Food was scarce, and clothing was tattered. Many soldiers went through the winter in the snow without shoes. The lack of supplies, spread of disease, and abnormally intense winter conditions resulted in a devastating test of the Americans’ resolve. Starvation and death plagued the camp, and more than 2,000 soldiers died as a result. The Continental Army survived the encampment, but it forever will be remembered as one of the most trying chapters in our Revolutionary struggle. As I noticed the National Parks signs for Valley Forge, I pulled my car off the frozen highway and up to a gate. The park was closed due to the weather, but that presented me with an opportunity I’ll never forget. I parked my rental car at the gate, and hiked my way in through the snow. When I arrived at the top of a hill under a large tree, I removed my shoes. Walking through the snow with my toes feeling numb, I kept thinking of the warm car awaiting me. continued on page 59 Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov.

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 WOODSTOCK | 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 28

AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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

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).

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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 WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Serenity Offers Prime Location, Custom Features Residents of Serenity, an active adult community in Holly Springs, agree on many of the advantages of their neighborhood, with location leading the list of superlatives. The Treetop Residential neighborhood is just a few miles from healthcare, dining and entertainment options, including the new WellStar Health Park at Sixes Road and I-575; Northside Cherokee Hospital; the Cherokee County Aquatic Center; The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, and the fast-growing downtown districts in Woodstock and Canton. Traveling to these destinations is made easier with a stoplight at the subdivision’s entrance. Holly Springs recently was named the safest city in Georgia by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Current residents also appreciate the quality construction and semi-custom features of their homes, according to builder Burke Jackson. Treetop Residential makes every effort to tailor each home to the buyer’s needs. It’s a trait Jackson said is not typically offered by most builders at the $300,000$400,000 price point. Each home is customized to the buyer’s needs, and direct communication with the owner/ builder of the company assures the client gets exactly what he or she wants. New homes are available in the growing community, which offers new floor plans, a property owners clubhouse, gated entry and a new fire pit among other amenities. Serenity offers eight floor plans with front and rear-loaded garages. The fronts of the homes are spacious and open for

PHOTO PROVIDED

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

SERENITY FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Master bedroom on the main floor. • Gated entry. • Low maintenance living. • Complimentary interior design consultation. • Intimate community feel with sidewalks, a clubhouse, dog park, nature trail and firepit. • Energy efficient throughout, from the insulation to the hot water heater. • Private fenced courtyard retreat with covered patio and lush courtyard landscaping. strolling on the sidewalks, visiting with neighbors and relaxing on the porch. Integrating creativity and a love of the outdoors are signatures of Treetop Residential, which aligns talented architects and a subcontractor base to offer a high level of detail and craftsmanship. Serenity homebuyers work directly with the owner/builder of the company rather than a superintendent or project manager. This personal touch helps Treetop Residential’s team understand what

buyers want, and to implement those ideas into acquisitions and development of lots. Treetop Residential launched its home building business in 2006, and is licensed in the state of Georgia, a member of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, and winner of the 2017 National Grand Aurora award, the 2017 Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Gold OBIE award, and the National Association of Homebuilders Award for excellence in design and homebuilding. In the past 12 years, Treetop Residential’s path from remodeling to acquisitions, development and new home construction has been a natural, seamless progression. The company has remained nimble, understanding what buyers are truly requesting in a new home, and providing a superior housing product in the marketplace, according to Jackson. A central location is key to helping residents maintain their active lifestyle. In addition to healthcare and shopping, numerous trail systems are nearby (Greenprints, Blankets Creek, Etowah River) as well as dog parks and outdoor venues for concerts and festivals.

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HEATHER STEVENS, JOYFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY

What Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Neighbors Are Saying No longer are we apprehensive about our move from out of state to be near our Atlanta family. We have found the perfect place. Having grown up in a family of builders, we are very pleased with the quality of materials used as well as the construction in the homes here. Our new neighbors have proven that they practice the Southern tradition of being friendly. The neighborhood had already had multiple parties and get-togethers. Thank goodness for Serenity! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Suzanne and Grady Nichols

treetopresidential AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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 WOODSTOCK | 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.

Olympic Opportunities for Cherokee’s Seniors BY NATHAN BRANDON

Cherokee County has been one of the fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta for the past 30 years. Those persons 50 years of age and older make up a major portion of this population increase. More and more opportunities are available for those in this age group. One such opportunity is the annual Cherokee County Senior Olympics, held in April each year. Celebrating its 13th year, this organization creates awareness of the abilities and capabilities of seniors, helps promote, maintain and improve health awareness, and promotes an interest in lifetime sports, recreation and physical activity. If you will be 50 before April 30, you are eligible to register and compete in this year’s Olympics. There are 15 events with all levels of activity taking place in locations around the county. Participants may select as many events as they wish. Events to choose from include: • Basketball free throw, Cherokee County Recreation Center 7545 Main St., # 200, Woodstock, GA, 30188. • Baggo (corn hole), Cherokee County Recreation Center. • Bowling, Cherokee Lanes, 1149 Marietta Highway Canton, GA, 30114. • Swimming, Cherokee County Aquatics Center 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Canton, GA 30114. • Wii Bowling, William G. Long Senior Center, Woodstock 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, GA, 30188. • Billiards, William G. Long Senior Center. • Golf, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway Canton, GA, 30114. • Pickleball, Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway Canton, GA, 30115. • Body challenge, Cherokee County Senior Center 1001 Univeter Road, Canton, GA, 30115. • Bocce ball, JJ Biello Riverside Athletic Complex 610 Druw Cameron Court, Woodstock, GA, 30188. • Frisbee golf, JJ Biello Riverside Athletic Complex • One-mile walk, JJ Biello Riverside Athletic Complex • Horseshoes, South State Bank, 1925 Marietta Highway Canton, GA, 30114. • Washers, South State Bank • Hillbilly golf, South State Bank Dedicated volunteers help set up, officiate and record times and placement for each event. The competitions are friendly and encourage each participant to do their best. In addition to the friendly competition, the funds raised by the organization are invested in efforts that improve the quality of life for seniors. Each year, money is given for the Adopt-A-Senior Program through Cherokee County Senior Services and the Hugs and a Blanket effort through Cherokee Recreation and Parks Department. continued on page 59

Nathan has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1982. He retired from Cherokee County Senior Services, and remains involved in community organizations that focus on senior adults. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

NATIONAL

Scouting Month

Girl Scouts Focus on Building Skills BY LUANNE ALLEN

Be on the lookout – they’re back! In mid-February and March, you’ll see them outside local businesses, ready to make eye contact, giving you their sales pitch and selling you boxes of cookies. And they’ll be sure to thank you for your purchase or donation to the military. It’s easy to think that’s all there is to the Girl Scouts. It’s true girls gain entrepreneurial experience from cookie sales. From kindergarteners on up, the girls are taught about setting goals, creating a business plan, marketing products and money management through those cookies. It’s a great thing to watch a shy girl practice what she’s going to do, then step up, make eye contact and speak with confidence. Girl Scout troops across the country are all about building confidence in girls. Each troop is girl-led, meaning that the girls select the activities and badges they want to try. The program works to develop skills that are appropriate to each age level. Today’s badge topics include STEM, outdoor skills, life skills, entrepreneurship, art, citizenship, financial literacy, health and relationships. A kindergarten or first grade Daisy learning to be friendly and helpful earns one of her Daisy petals, representing the parts of the Girl Scout Law. A Brownie learns how to speak to people, introduce herself and make new friends. Middle school Cadettes learn about finding common ground and working with others. Troops

Second-grade Girl Scouts, with their leaders and camp assistants, enjoy outdoor activities, crafts, sciences, service projects and games at Camp Camellia Rose.

have the opportunity to work together to accomplish goals and learn new things in the process. Recently, GSUSA added several new series of badges. While girls can still earn legacy badges on themes such as first aid, camping skills and cooking, there are many new options for girls to explore. Ambassador Scouts (11th and 12th graders) now have a College Knowledge badge to help them evaluate and explore college choices. Cybersecurity badges teach girls age-appropriate online safety and privacy as well as how to spot and investigate cybercrime. Each Scout level has always

In keeping with tradition, these girls from Troop 14629 have picked their camp names. From left, Olaf, Sapphire, Spring, Eviee and Dragon. 36

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

included outdoor opportunities, and the program now includes environmental stewardship badges. The eco-badges teach girls how to respect the outdoors and take action to protect the natural world. Space science badges teach girls about how NASA scientists explore space and conduct investigations. Girls also learn the importance of giving back to their community and their world as part of the Girl Scout experience. Girls learn they can take action and change the world, whether it’s through a troop service project helping an animal shelter or a high school Scout’s Gold Award project that creates an educational program on a specific issue. The life skills girls gain through Scouting build courage, confidence and character – exactly what young women will need to succeed in life. To learn more about Girl Scouts in our area, use the “Contact Us” link on one of our local service unit websites or our Atlanta Area Council: • www.lilyrosegs.org • www.riverwoodgs.org • www.girlscoutsatl.org Luanne Allen and her family live in Woodstock and is director of client services for a software company. She co-leads a troop of seven amazing Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts, who have stolen her heart.

New Opportunity in Boy Scouts for Local Girls BY KIM LEGRAND

About a year ago, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) added a program called Scouts BSA that includes opportunities for girls. Since that time, Scoutmaster Jody Barkman and I have worked to prepare and form a local girl troop, Scouts BSA Troop 1639, which meets 7 p.m. Mondays at Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Highway 92. The BSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices during their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Scouts BSA is a year-round program for girls in fifth grade through high school, providing fun, adventure, learning, challenge and responsibility to help girls become the best version of themselves. In Scouts BSA, young women go places, test themselves, and have one-of-a-kind adventures. This program allows girls to learn and grow at a pace that is unique to their development, and, for the first time in 100-plus years, girls will be allowed to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Opening the program to young women allows the Boy Scout program to reach more families. Troop 1639 is the sister troop of Troop 639. Troop 1639 is female-led, with a woman scoutmaster and mostly female assistant scoutmasters, while Troop 639 is all male-led. The troops may join each other for some outdoor activities, but each will have its own program. Adventure, leadership, service and personal growth are four reasons for young girls to join. The program serves as an introduction to the great outdoors, and helps build leaders. Former Scouts serve on the boards of global corporations, walk the halls of the White House, and have been known to go hiking on the moon. Life lessons learned in Scouting will help all members make good decisions throughout life.

Troop 1639 and Troop 639

Meet 7 p.m. Mondays at Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30189 Contact for girl Troop 1639 bsat1639@gmail.com Contact for boy Troop 639 bsat639@gmail.com

Front row, from left: Assistant Scoutmaster Roxana Rowland, Juliette Adams, Angelina Rowland, Olivia Kantenwein, Rebecca Ayala, Abby Parker and Scoutmaster Jody Barkman. Back row: Assistant Scoutmasters David Parker and Paula Kantenwein. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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. 38

AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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.

Millenials and Office Culture Part 1 of a 2-part series examining the workplace with millennials in mind. BY ASHLEY VELEZ

By 2020, millennials will comprise more than one-third of adult Americans and 75 percent of the workforce by 2025, according to Forbes. This shift in the workforce brings a shift in office culture. Culture is what sets your business apart and what makes it unique, forming a combination of the following: values, beliefs, interactions, traditions and behaviors. Expectations for large and small organizations have changed in terms of what makes a positive office culture. Culture can make or break an office setting, recruiting efforts and even your organization’s online brand. Office culture is the root of your organization.

What Makes Up Culture? Leadership. The way your organization’s leaders

communicate and interact with employees, what they communicate, their vision, what they celebrate and recognize, their expectations, their decision-making process, their trustworthiness, and the beliefs and perceptions they reinforce. Management. How your organization is managed − the systems, processes, structure, hierarchy and goals. How managers empower employees, support and interact with them, and encourage them to make decisions also falls under this category. Workplace practices and policies. These include HR practices related to recruiting, selection and onboarding, salary and benefits, recognition and rewards, professional development, performance management and promotions, employee wellness, and work/life balance (vacations, sick leave, etc.). Policies can include all of the above, in addition to employee attendance and scheduling, dress code and code of conduct. Communications. The way in which communication occurs in your workplace. More specifically, the type and frequency of interactions and communications between leaders and employees, managers and employees, and the level of transparency in sharing information and making decisions. The people you hire. For example, each person’s personality, values, beliefs, skill sets, experiences and day-to-day behaviors. This also includes the types of interactions that occur between employees (collaborative versus confrontational, supportive versus non-supportive, social versus task-oriented, etc.). Mission, vision and values. Arguably, these are the most important pieces of your culture. The clarity of your organization’s mission, vision and values, and whether they honestly reflect the beliefs and philosophies of your organization, how inspiring they are to your employees, and the extent to which the mission, vision, and values are stable, widely communicated, and continuously emphasized. Many organizations find it risky when these pieces form the workplace culture organically, instead of having specific guidelines in place. Part two of this series will offer some strategies to help define, or refine, your workplace culture.

FREE CONCERT BRAIN SALAD

Friday

MARCH 22

live at

7:00-10:00 PM

No tickets needed. Just show up & have a great time.

400 CHAMBERS ST WOODSTOCK GA 30188

WWW.COPPERCOINWOODSTOCK.COM AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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 WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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

WOODSTOCK 7735 Main St., Woodstock • 770-926-5859

March 11

Celebrate Dr. Seuss Day at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by coming to a special Dr. Seuss storytime and doing fun activities.

March 12

Teen Library Scavenger Hunt at 6 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to a scavenger hunt and play Book Cover BINGO for books and other cool prizes.

March 17

Project Pinterest at 3 p.m. Explore Pinterest-inspired creative projects.

March 19

Book Discussion Group at noon. Enjoy coffee, conversation,

and a book discussion with new friends. This month’s selection is “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah. All ages are welcome; new members are encouraged.

March 23

Sequoyah-Con at Woodstock Public Library. 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.

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

March 6

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

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.

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.

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. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM

The Nature Fix BY ANN LITREL

Woody Allen once said: “I love nature. I just don’t want to get any of it on me.” “Nature” is not for everyone. Or, is it? There is a growing body of research showing that our health and mental well-being are hard wired for nature: we REQUIRE it! Here are snippets from hundreds of recent research studies into the healthnature connection: — Lower stress hormones (cortisol) were measured in older adults after activities performed outdoors, as compared with the identical activity indoors. — Hospital patients with a window view of a mini-forest had significantly shorter hospital stays and less need for pain meds compared with fellow patients receiving the same surgery who had recovery rooms with windows facing the side of a building. — Middle-aged adults taking one-hour walks in a rural setting had improved cognitive functioning and mental outlook compared with those taking comparable walks in urban settings. Amazingly, some studies show just 20 minutes of walking a few times a week in a “natural environment” might be enough to impact health significantly. For us in Woodstock, that could mean a visit to the Greenprints Trail, or a loop through a tree-lined neighborhood. My green “fix” is sometimes nothing more than a leisurely visit to my small backyard, where birds rain down their songs from overhead, and soft pillows of moss invite me to kneel and feel them with my fingertips.

Ann, left, and her sister Julie at the Pigeon Mountain Grill. 42

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Over-the Counter Nature High There is one nature “prescription” I suggest for this spring; available only in March and April, it’s extremely high-dose. It’s a visit to the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. Nestled in northwest Georgia in the Pocket, a protected cove between the arms of two mountains, the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail draws wildflower lovers from across the Southeast every spring. They make the pilgrimage there to see what often is called the most beautiful wildflower spot in all of Georgia. Last spring, I visited for the first time, spurred by my project to paint the “natural wonders” of Georgia. I set out on a morning in late March, driving through the rolling countryside to Pigeon Mountain National Wildlife Area. As I navigated the last stretch of rutted dirt road in my creaking old minivan, I spied a vivid blue at the side of the road. Virginia bluebells! I never had seen them growing in the wild in Georgia. Entranced, I pulled over and photographed their nodding heads over the banks of a little gurgling stream. Silly me. When I arrived at the Pocket, a few hundred yards farther on, I was greeted by a woodland filled with thousands of the wild bluebells, blooming everywhere. Mingled among them, also growing totally wild, were the glowing faces of delicate yellow celandine poppies.

It was like opening a garden gate and suddenly encountering Eden. A few bemused visitors wandered first one direction, then another through this timeless place, seeming as captivated as myself. Slowly, we traversed the loops of boardwalk hovering just above the flowers — built to protect this utterly unique place on earth. A few weeks later, I returned with my sister Julie. This time, the palette was alight with huge white trillium cascading down the hills on either side. Purple phacelia seemed to blossom right out of the rocks along the streambed. We walked, gasped and wondered how all these thousands of wildflowers still flourished here in this little valley carved by the stream. On the way home, we pulled over to eat at a locally famous restaurant, Pigeon Mountain Grill, to marvel and reminisce over what we had seen. I suppose our serotonin was raised, our blood pressure lowered. But, most of all, our cup was overflowing with beauty and joy. Health, no doubt.

Ann Litrel is an artist, writer and certified Master Naturalist. She works in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.

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CALL TODAY! 770-479-4639 AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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. 44

AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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.

Learning the Lesson of the Cat BY REV. ANN GARVIN

My husband and I have been blessed with a cat. She just turned up at our door one day. I have to share: I am NOT a cat person. I am a dog person. Growing up, I had a wonderful sweet dog. You know the kind – one that would come you called, and was always glad to see you. My sister had a cat, a really mean cat. His name was Charlie, and he would sit on the wall of our carport, and swat at anyone who walked by. He was just mean. Cats are too independent, and they aren’t cooperative. They won’t come when you call. Everything has to be on their schedule. Sound like anyone you know? Well, because of my history with cats, I wasn’t too crazy when this cat showed up. But, she was really skinny, so we started feeding her, and she stayed around. She was skittish, and would run off at the slightest movement. Little by little, she started to let us pet her. She now loves to have her back scratched. I still find myself getting frustrated when I open the door to feed her and she acts like she’s coming, then meanders back around the porch. Not long ago, I was with a group of ladies I meet with every other week. We share our lives and how God is moving in our lives. One of the ladies shared what a hard

time she had when her last child moved out of the house. She loved being a mom, and caring for her husband and children. Now, since it is just her and her husband, she found herself with lots of time on her hands. Then she shared, “So, God sent me a cat. I am not a cat person. I do not like cats.” Immediately, I identified with her! Then she continued, “I have since discovered that God sent me the cat so I could learn to love what I did not like.” Wow! So, that’s why I now have a cat. We live in a world full of division, people choosing sides according to likes and dislikes. Maybe we all could benefit from the lesson of the cat. I am learning. I still get frustrated when Boots (that’s her name) doesn’t respond like a dog. But, she’s a cat. I am learning to respect the differences, and I am beginning to love her. Maybe the world needs more cats, or at least the lesson of the cat.

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

2019

Guide

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. 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. 46

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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 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. 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 online 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. 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 school-age 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 1014 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 one-week 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. To register, call 770-591-1998, email Frontdesk@goldswim.com or visit www.goldswim.com. The Stables at Towne Lake Summer camp for ages 5-14 emphasizes having a pleasurable experience through safe riding techniques and making new twoand four-legged friends. Participants engage in riding, learning, crafts with qualified instructors and some of the best kid-loving horses around. Cost is $350 per week, with early registration discounts. Camp dates run from June 3 through July 26. For more information, call 678-704-7099, email info@ thestablesattownelake.com or visit www.thestablesattownelake.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 WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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.

Fundraiser for Empower 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.

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.

Lake Business Association Golf Tournament 22 atTowne Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. Registration at 3:30 p.m.,

shotgun start at 4:30 with banquet and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Nine-hole, 4-person scramble format. www.TLBA.org.

Volley 4 A Cure, hosted by the BridgeMill Sixes Service 23 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.

The second annual Wag & Walk, sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, begins at 9 a.m. at Pawtriots Park, located in Patriots Park. Cost is $5 per dog and pre-registration is required at www.crpa.net. Fee includes a 1-mile walk with your dog and a doggy treat bag.

The Silver Roamers will take a tour of Decatur Square 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.

16-17

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.

Church’s Back to Broadway Revue is set for 7 p.m. Saturday

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Cherokee County Historic

Preservation Awards Banquet, sponsored

Hillside United Methodist

and 4 p.m. Sunday. Enjoy hits from some of the most popular musicals of our time. Admission is free; a love offering will be taken. Child care provided. The church’s address is 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. 770-924-4777.

Brian Desko and Emily Gail Miller in a past production at Hillside.

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.

COED @ THE CIRCUIT APRIL

6 Begins at Home

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

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

early for 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.

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.

Street Dog Dash 5K, a fundraiser for the Cherokee

County 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 20 Battle trail 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

continued on page 50

1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600 victims. https://bit.ly/2QyR3zW. www.cherokeega.org www.facebook.com/ cherokeeofficeofeconomicdevelopment

1 Million Cups Cherokee (1MC CHK)

First and third Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. First Wednesdays are held at The Circuit, third Wednesdays are held in different Cherokee County cities. The free, biweekly coffee gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level. Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to practice their pitch skills, gain valuable feedback, or belong to a community.

The Lunch Circuit

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second Wednesdays. A monthly exclusive lunch gathering of aspiring and current entrepreneurs to eat, build community and learn the stories behind successful Cherokee entrepreneurs.

Woodstock WordPress Meet-Up

First and third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Local WordPress developers, designers and publishers get together to share knowledge and experience, and to meet other WordPress users in the area.

Entrepreneurship 101 Book Club

Every other Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This new meet-up is a partnership with Creative Muscle Studios.

Creative Problem Solvers Meet-Up

First and third Tuesdays, 7-8:30 a.m. Join an innovative, diverse community of creative problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, “want-repreneurs” and innovators dedicated to helping one another work through business challenges.

OTP and Greater Cherokee Tech Pros

Every third Thursday, 7:30-8:45 a.m. A gathering of local technology professionals.

Women Entrepreneurs Meet-Up

Every third Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For aspiring and current female entrepreneurs who want to take action and hold one another accountable for stated goals. NOT a lead exchange or referral networking program. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Around & About

continued from page 49

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

Farmers Market opens for its 11th year, 4 Woodstock featuring vendors that grow at least 85 percent of the

products they sell at the market. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon, and the market is located on Market Street. This year’s market will include events from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and live music. A Tuesday evening market will be held 5-8 p.m., May through August, in the yard outside Reformation Brewery. For more information, contact Kyle Bennett at 770-924-0406 or kbennett@woodstockga.gov.

Holly Springs is participating in the Great American Cleanup, 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.

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. Festival of the Arts, produced by the 4-5 Canton Cherokee Arts Center, will take place in Brown Park

CHEROKEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 www.cherokeechamber.com

March 7, April 4

Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast 7 a.m. breakfast meeting. March sponsor is Edward Jones Investments: Ned Castleberry’s office, and the guest speaker is Greg Davis, associate managing director for MFS Investments. April’s co-sponsors are Synovus and State Farm Insurance, Jey Willis Agency. Advance single registration: $17. On-site registration: $22. Future member: $30.

March 12

Business After Hours 4:30-6:30 p.m. Presented by AT&T at the 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 on topics

that affect Cherokee residents and the region. 8-9:30 a.m. at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. The program addresses regional water issues: the Metro Water District’s Impact on the county and the region. Guest speaker is Katherine Zitsch, director of Metro Water District.

March 26

Power Hour, 10-11 a.m. Networking with fellow business owners at the chamber board room. Members $5, future members $10. Sponsor is Cobb EMC.

in downtown Canton. The festival, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, is the primary fundraiser of the center, which is dedicated to enriching community life through the arts. The festival features the Artist Market, Serenity Garden, Jack Fincher Jr. Rising Artist Area, Kids Zone and Food Court. For more information, visit www.CantonArtFestival.com.

The 19th annual Feed My Lambs classic golf tournament 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.

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 WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Sports BodywoRx LLC 1001 Weatherstone Parkway, Suite 410, Woodstock 404-268-0999. www.Sportsbodyworx.com.

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM

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

Visit our website for more information on these or other trail projects. www.greenprintsalliance.org

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

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

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass - This approximately 1.2 mile trail connects the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It runs from the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South to Woofstock Park.

Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS River Ridge Counselor Receives Award River Ridge High School Counselor Kelly Brangan has been named the River Ridge Innovation Zone Counselor of the Year. She now is in the running for the Cherokee County School District Counselor of the Year Award. The award process begins with each innovation zone (high school and feeder elementary and middle schools) selecting a top counselor. Applications from these honorees then are considered by a panel of retired educators and community leaders, who select the district winner. River Ridge Principal Dr. Kerry Martin, left, with school counselor Kelly Brangan.

Michael Hunt

School Police Officer Recognized School Police Officer Michael Hunt has been selected as the Cherokee County School District’s Division of Safety and Security Support Staff Employee of the Year. Hunt is stationed at River Ridge High School.

Local Seniors Are 2019 National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Natasha Ambriz-Villela

Mia McMahill of River Ridge High School, and Natasha Ambriz-Villela and Jordan Vaughn of Sequoyah High School are part of an elite group competing for a National Merit Scholarship. They are 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.

Mia McMahill

Jordan Vaughn

Just bring this card, or snap a photo of it. New patients only. Monthly payment depends on initial investment (down payment) made. May not be combined with other offers. Some restrictions may apply.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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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 degreegranting higher education institutions in the Southern states. The mission of SACSCOC is to assure educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions. Carnes will help determine commission policy and make decisions regarding the accreditation of institutions of higher education. “We are very grateful for Pam’s valuable service on the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Ron Newcomb. “She will be a significant addition to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees.” Carnes also serves as president and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Pam Carnes Commerce.

Senior Reaches 1,000-Point Mark Cherokee Christian Schools recently honored varsity basketball senior Cody Blakeney with a presentation of the game ball with which he scored the 1,000th point of his high school career. He is pictured here with his parents, Kristian and Leslie Blakeney. AROUND WOODSTOCK | 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 WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Cherokee County Parks Badger Creek Park

Dwight Terry Park

Barnett Park

Field’s Landing 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. 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 volunteermaintained 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.

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. 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 firstcome, 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 770924-7768. For information about tennis programs or to reserve a court, contact the Cherokee Tennis Center at 770-592-4582 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.

continued on page 56

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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.

Patriots Park

1485 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. The 33-acre park includes two natural grass baseball/softball diamonds, two fenced off-leash dog areas — one for large dogs and another for small dogs — 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.

Union Hill Community Center

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.

Woodstock City Parks Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater

Home of the Woodstock Summer Concert Series, it features multiple grass terraces and a large main lawn to accommodate an audience of more than 7,500. The bandshell includes public restrooms that also serve the Park at City Center year-round.

The Park at City Center

The amenities of this downtown park include a gazebo, benches, fountain and the Woodstock War Memorial. The park is host to numerous community events, including: the Woodstock Summer Concert Series, July 4 Spectacular, KidsFest (in October) and the Christmas Jubilee.

Dupree Park

Located on Neese Road, just south of Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock, the park features a large playground, restrooms, four tennis courts, two basketball courts, quarter-mile walking trail, a fishing pond, three pavilions, a pickleball court, family mountain bike trails and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Dobbs Road Park

Located off Main Street, just east of Chattahoochee Technical College, the park features a quarter-mile walking trail and park benches.

Springfield Park

North of Highway 92 on Springfield Drive in Woodstock, it is heavily shaded and features picnic tables, benches and a small playground.

Olde Rope Mill Park

Located at the end of Rope Mill Road in Woodstock, the park features multiple mountain bike and multi-use trails, park benches, picnic tables, a park pavilion with grill and a scenic overlook/fishing platform. The park is home to the Taylor Randahl Memorial Mountain Bike Trail that has 14 miles of connecting trails that twist through nearly 100 acres of public park land. A pedestrian/bike bridge connects the south side of Little River to the north side, where you can see the remnants of an 1800s rope mill.

Woofstock Park

Waleska Park

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. 56

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Canine companionship at Woofstock Park.

Located at 150 Dupree Road and open 6 a.m.11 p.m. daily, this dog park’s amenities include separate large- and small-breed off-leash areas, shade structures, water fountains, benches and restroom facilities. Trailhead connections to Noonday Creek and Town Lake Pass trails are located here.

WOODSTOCK AREA HOMES SOLD IN JANUARY List Price

Address

Subdivision

350,000 399,900 199,500 249,900 222,900 454,000 199,900 289,900 289,900 177,000 239,900 250,000 609,900 559,900 249,900 238,000 214,900 195,000 219,000 250,000 185,000 250,000 219,900 200,000 230,000 249,900 649,900 372,000 488,900

302 Lady Slipper Lane 2402 Olivia Run 106 Chickasaw Run 409 Norton Crossing 706 Cristy Lane 4039 Hickory Fairway Drive 128 Farmington Drive 407 Aerif Place 4801 Augustus Court 142 CHICKASAW Run 1325 Winding River Trail 326 Scarlett Lane 215 Dawson Drive 328 Little Pine Lane 211 Highland Village Lane 210 Weatherstone Pointe Drive 1304 Timuquana Trail 406 Falcon Court 153 Weatherstone Drive 560 WISTERIA Drive 1228 W WYLIE BRIDGE Road 3026 Ridgepoint Lane 112 Remington Court 108 CREEKVIEW Drive 278 Carrington Way 419 Parkstone Drive 437 Latimer Street 233 Highlands Drive 185 Foxtail Road

Bradshaw Park Oakhurst Indian Wells Whitfield at Ridgewalk Driftwood Forest Bradshaw Farm Farmington Cottages of Woodstock Southlands Indian Wells Southlands Southern Oaks South on Main Longleaf Woodstock Highland Village Village at Weatherstone Regency at Kingsgate Cardinal Woods Weatherstone Walnut Creek Colemans Bluff Westridge Springfield Creek View Carrington Farms Cornerstone Estates Woodstock Downtown Arbor View Longleaf Woodstock

Beds Full Baths Yr Built Sales Price 5 3 3 3 3 4 3 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 7 3

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

2003 2018 1976 2004 1978 1999 1979 2007 1991 1976 1993 1984 2018 2017 2012 2002 2000 1974 1998 2000 1992 1996 1985 1977 1998 2011 2006 2005 2016

323,000 399,000 197,000 240,000 215,500 430,000 199,900 264,000 275,000 180,000 237,000 255,600 575,000 550,000 256,000 238,000 212,000 185,000 217,000 250,000 185,000 245,000 217,000 206,000 230,000 249,900 625,000 332,000 469,900

Days On Market 93 186 3 53 19 290 13 79 13 10 4 4 302 63 3 5 45 33 5 8 42 5 10 1 1 3 233 138 477

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING

Casual and Upscale Restaurants

RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. Canyons American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsfresh.com Century House Tavern Modern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Copper Coin Coffee American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 coppercoinwoodstock.com see ad inside front, 39

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

open

Full bar

Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. 9550 Main St. Brunch 678-498-8243 11-1:30 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com

$-$$

open

Full bar

yes

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

open

Full bar

J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no 315 Chambers St., 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer 150 Towne Lake Parkway Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Mad Life Studios Southern no $-$$ $$-$$$$ open Full bar 8722 Main St. madlifestageandstudios.com Partners II Pizza 8600 Main St. 678-224-6907 partnerspizza.com/woodstock-ga

Pizza

Weekends only no

$$-$$$

open

Beer/Wine

Pure Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 Brunch puretaqueria.com/woodstock 11-3

open

Full bar

6 persons+

Reel Seafood Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 reel-seafood.com

Sunday Brunch 10:30-3:30

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Rootstock and Vine see ad on pg 30 Wine bar 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 Tapas www.rootstockandvine.com

Sun. Brunch 11:30-3

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Salt Factory Pub Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225

Sat./Sun. Brunch 11-3

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

Semper Fi Bar and Grille 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com

American

open

Full bar

English Tea room

closed

yes

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

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Sunday Brunch 10:30-2

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Vingenzo’s Italian 105 E. Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com 58

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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

Fire Stone Wood-fired Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill Brunch 11-3 770-926-6778 see ad on pg 35 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com 10:30-3

The Anatomy of an Index

Walking Barefoot in the Snow

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.

The men who camped there 236 years before didn’t have the hope of warmth waiting. They knew if they were fortunate enough to survive the cold, they would have British muskets and cannons awaiting them in the spring. They stayed anyway. They slept in the cold, and they charged into battle in order to light a beacon of liberty that would guide our world from tyranny to freedom. That beacon stands today. We inherited our Great American Experiment from these brave patriots, and we must never forget what it cost to create it. History stands all around us in this country. Take some time to get out and see it. You’ll be glad you did. As always, If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cellphone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. You also can meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly!

continued from page 30

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]

continued from page 26

Olympic Opportunities for Cherokee’s Seniors continued from page 35

Opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games take place at the Cherokee County Recreation Center in Woodstock, complete with the arrival of the torch. Competition begins immediately with the baggo and basketball free throw challenge. Consider how you can participate this year by visiting the website, www.cherokeecountyseniorolympics. com, and filling out the registration form. The cost is $12 per senior and helps to provide T-shirts and a medal for placing in each event.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

Canton Bible Church 94 North St., Canton CantonBibleChurch.org Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.HeritageCanton.com Hickory Road 2416 Hickory Road, Canton GA 30115 www.hickoryroad.org Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org Rising Hills Church 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock www.gorhc.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com

CHURCH OF GOD

Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com Canton Church 110 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 678-285-3288 www.cantonchurch.com New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.org Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org

EPISCOPAL

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com

Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 770-642-0434 www.bethtikvah.com Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

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

LUTHERAN

Celebration of Grace 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-345-8540 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.tlcwoodstock.org

ORTHODOX

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

PRESBYTERIAN

Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564, www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869, www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-3558 , www.heritagepres.com Trinity 1136 Trinity Church Road, Canton www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org

Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.ecamarietta.org

Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074, www.woodstockpcusa.com

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

Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com

UNITED METHODIST Ball Ground 3045 Canton Hwy, Ball Ground 770-735-6247 www.ballgroundumc.org

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombumc.org Big Springs 2066 Sugar Pike Road, Woodstock Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0837 www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

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

OTHERS

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road, Canton 770-475-9628 www.antiochcanton.org Antioch Church 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.antiochchurch.life Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572, www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestonesga.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841 www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135 www.fdvida.org Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 452 Milton Drive, Canton 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com Life Bible Church 124 P. Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton lifebiblechurch.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock

678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 8534 Main St., Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100 www.unitynorth.org Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092 www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

Advertisers March 2019

For advertising rates and information: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 • Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com

ANIMALS/PETS

FUNERAL SERVICES

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Furry Friends Gentle Pet Grooming 770-475-8845 www.furryfriendsgroomer.com

Sassy Paws Pet Boutique 678-275-2126 www.sassypawspb.com

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

Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com

AUTOMOTIVE 58

INWDSTK 25 inwdstk.org/events CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS 53

CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union www.LGEccuu.org, 770-424-0060

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

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

Budget Blinds 678-540-1615 www.BudgetBlinds.com/Woodstock

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

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1(675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com

Georgia All-Star Gymnastics 770-516-2654 www.ga-allstars.com

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

OPTOMETRIST Thomas Eye Group 770-928-4544 www.thomaseye.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Stevens Joyful Day Photography 37 678-947-1200 www.joyfuldayphoto.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates Canton: 678-593-1295 Woodstock: 770-926-5459 www.atlantagastro.com

Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology 17 Atlanta, Marietta: Dr. Feuer 404-459-1900 Canton, TowneLake: Dr. Glasgow 770-721-9400 www.AtlantaGynOnc.com Canton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 770-479-8791/770-345-8670 www.cnrc.co

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

Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com Northside Cherokee Surgical Assoc. 770-924-9656 www.ncsurgicalassociates.com

Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.CitadelWealthCare.com

CYFA 26 www.cyfa.org

L. Bean Interiors 770-824-8386

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

Canton Festival of the Arts www.cantonartfestival.com

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

EDUCATION/TRAINING

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

Serenity Cover, 32, 33, 17 770-592-2404 www.TreetopResidential.com

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

INSURANCE

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

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

HOME & GARDEN

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

Premier Group, The — Keller Williams Back cover 678-494-0102, www.TPGsells.com

Wing & Rock Festival www.WingAndRockFest.com

Inside front

RESTAURANTS Copper Coin Coffee 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com

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Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 www.FireStoneRestaurants.com

Rootstock & Vine 770-544-9009 www.rootstockandvine.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Neighborhood Nest, The 770-485-5898 www.TheNeighborhoodNestGA.com

Queen Custom Couture 678-310-0257 www.QueenCustomCouture.com

Southern Sky Home Outlet

Urban Renewal Consignment 678-398-7691 www.urcwoodstock

SENIOR LIVING/ SENIOR SERVICES 31

Arbor at BridgeMill, The 770-284-4864 www.ArborBridgeMill.com

Lodge at BridgeMill, The 833-358-4220 www.TheLodgeAtBridgeMill.com

Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities Real Estate Tara Daigle, Realtor, 404-925-6351

Coldwell Banker, Mike Taylor O:770-642-03999, D: 770-344-7720 www.CBHomes.com

SEWING Ashby Sewing Machine Co. 770-427-9947 www.ashbysewing.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

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

Front row, from left, Laura Latchford, Christie Deese, Patty Ponder and Jackie Loudin. Back row, Michelle McCulloch, Denise Griffin, Candi Hannigan, Karen Flaig, Katie Beall and Katherine Amick. Photo by Beth Fornuto.

Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2019

At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.