A
day-long gathering of inspiring speakers, networking and conversation will take place at MadLife Stage & Studios in downtown Woodstock. TEDxDupreePark was conceived by local resident Steve Monahan on the theme of “Seeding Greatness,” inspired by an ancient Greek proverb: “Great societies flourish when elders plant trees they know they will never sit under.”
NETWORKING EVENT March 24, 2020 6 - 8:30 p.m.
The x in TEDxDupreePark signifies that this is an independently organized TED event, licensed through TED Conferences, LLC. The name Dupree Park was chosen because the title Woodstock was already taken and the organizers liked how a community park was a perfect symbol for the theme of “Seeding Greatness” and the organizing entity, Green Pets America (GPA). GPA is a 501(c)3 organization with a Gold rating from Guide Star, a rating organization for nonprofits.
The Tavern at Towne Lake
Details are available on the website.
TEDX EVENT MAY 15
More than 20 speakers will be on the Woodstock stage, including:
Limited seating available
Atlanta-based speakers Aurea McGarry, Emmy
Award winner; Leah Garcés, president of Mercy for Animals; Mark Hayes, former Good Day Atlanta news anchor; Bryce Jones, an eighth-grader and Scholastic Kids Press columnist; Al Lopez, former CFO of Dole Fresh Fruit International and owner of Alma Coffee, and Dr. Michael Good, founder of the 2,000-club strong Homeless Pets Clubs.
Global thought leaders Leonid Vorobyev, leader of the YouTube sensation Russian band Leonid & Friends; Ocean Robbins, co-founder and CEO of the 500,000-member Food Revolution Network and a bestselling author; Terry Brock, Hall of Fame technology speaker and author; Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, acclaimed speaker, author of seven books, and host of two podcasts on ethics and compassion, and Dayna Martin, author and founder of the peaceful parenting and unschooling revolution.
8722 Main St., Woodstock
BECOME A SPONSOR!
TEDxDupreePark community sponsors envision a bright future! We are forward thinkers that enrich and energize our communities. By working together, we can create and sustain this forum where we will incubate and exchange new ideas. Go to TEDxDupreePark.com for information.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Limited sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsors will receive special recognition and VIP seating at the event. This non-profit venture is dependent upon community support.
Seats are Limited
TEDxDupreePark will have a very limited number of seats available. To be notified, register on the website.
www.TEDXDupreePark.com
Steven Monahan
Creator, Licensee Organizer
Sponsored Content
Mike Sena
Co-Organizer
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
1
Contents March 2020
On the Cover
Contributors
Oaks at Towne Lake
37 Don Akridge
Photographer Rebekah Gregg takes a moment away from the photoshoot to look through a book written by 101-year-old Epsie Lee Gilbert, who is pictured on the cover with Jamie Martin.
30 Nathan Brandon 27 Christopher Brazelton 51 Sarah Broadus
Pages 28 & 29
24 Michael Caldwell
Cover photo by Rebekah Gregg
18 Cherokee Office of Economic Devleopment 26 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 32 Belinda Jenkins 20 Harry Johnston 36 Rob Macmillan 25 The Premier Group 49 Lisa Randall 46 Susan Schulz 22 Ashley Velez 40 Pacita Wilson
16
The State of Our Community
Updates from local leaders give us insight into the future of our county and the city of Woodstock.
In Every Issue 4 Around Woodstock 8 Community News 14 Celebrations 36 Rob’s Rescues 38 Everyday Angels 41 Downtown Dining Guide 42 Community Calendar
32
A Night for All to Shine
The Tim Tebow Foundation and First Baptist Woodstock host another special prom night.
49
44 Library Events
What to Wear?
Lisa Randall breaks down the gear you’ll need to be comfortable on the trails.
48 Greenprints Trail Map 50 Recent Home Sales 52 School News 55 Directory of Advertisers
2
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
thejoint.com
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Acworth (678) 574-5959 3384 Cobb Parkway NW Suite #450 Acworth, GA 30101 Woodstock (678) 214-4449 1428 Towne Lake Pkwy Ste. 28102 Woodstock, GA 30189
No Appointments | Open Evenings & Weekends | No Insurance Needed *Restrictions apply, see clinic for details. Initial visit includes consultation, exam and adjustment. NC: IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TREATMENT, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN THREE DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-154.1). FL: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. (FLA. STAT. 456.02). Subject to additional state statutes and regulations. See clinic for chiropractor(s)’ name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2020 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
3
Around Woodstock
Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Letter From the Editor It comes around once a year, not unlike some of our favorite, much-anticipated holidays. There’s a buildup — a good solid month of preparation — during which lists are created, gatherings held, even contact made with folks you haven’t heard from in a while. An excitement builds, speculation rises. What surprises are in store for us this year? What new leaders will emerge? Will everything go as planned? Okay, I admit this may be a stretch. While Readers’ Choice is nothing at all like Thanksgiving or Christmas, sometimes it seems that the amount of preparation that takes place can rival the time spent preparing for the Big Guy’s visit. The ultimate goal in both cases is that all goes well in that long-awaited moment. As we open our Readers’ Choice poll for voting, at 9 a.m. March 1, we are reminded of the purpose: To let you tell the world — OK, the county — about your favorites in our community. But the bottom line is, this is the chance to celebrate our local businesses. This annual event is another example of how we work tirelessly to fulfill our mission statement.
North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 280 Heritage Walk, Suite 300, Woodstock 770-726-8948. www.yourhearinglink.com.
IN WDSTK Ribbon Cutting
PRIME 120
Help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.
120 Chambers St., Woodstock. 770-800-8049. www.prime120steakhouse.com.
In light of that, it’s time for me to brag on my favorite community magazines: the TowneLaker, Around Acworth, Around Canton and Around Woodstock, each a part of our Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) family! I’m excited to introduce you to ALM’s newest addition; Jennifer Coleman has joined us as market manager for Around Acworth and Around Canton. With Michelle Smith having come on board as marketing and advertising specialist in August 2019, and now Jennifer, we’re poised to rule the world! Starting with our local communities. Have you noticed a trend here? I do tend to think big … dream big. Did I tell you that once, a few years back, I was sure Garth Brooks would say yes to doing a concert in Woodstock to support one of our nonprofits? People who know me well, know enough to let me talk and get all those thoughts out of my head before settling on more reasonable goals. One very reasonable goal that I hope we’ve accomplished with Around Woodstock, is being a resource for you when you are looking for advice, activities, community news and reasons to celebrate. If there were a Readers’ Choice category for favorite readers, YOU would get my vote! Happy voting!
Welcome!
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.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Jennifer Coleman has joined the Aroundabout Local Media team as the market manager for Around Canton and Around Acworth magazines. Jennifer is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, and a seasoned marketing and advertising professional with experience on both the national and local levels. Jennifer attends Woodstock City Church with her husband Mike and daughter Abigail, and enjoys hiking with their newest family member, Flynn, a 3-month-old Australian Shepherd, watching her daughter ride horses, and shopping local.
What’s Open Ninja Sushi and Steak has opened at 9820 Highway 92, Suite 170 in Woodstock. The menu is available at www.eat365.com.
Kudos!
The Atlanta Regional Commission has announced that Woodstock is one of four cities (including Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Peachtree Corners) certified through the agency’s Green Communities Program for demonstrating leadership in sustainability practices. Woodstock has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award was presented to Budget Analyst Crystal L. Welch.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
5
Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Around Acworth | Around Canton Around Woodstock | TowneLaker
Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Our Mission
Managing Editor Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com
“Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.”
Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com
“Advertising in the Aroundabout magazines has afforded us the opportunity to promote ‘who and what’ we want to be to the Woodstock community. It has given us the recognition and growth we were hoping for! Affordable and effective advertising on a local level! Thanks, Aroundabout Local Media! — Oaks at Towne Lake
Advertise With Us
Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Get Social With Us! @AroundWoodstockMagazine @AroundWoodstock @around_woodstock
www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com 6
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers Community Board Rev. Dr. Joseph Cousin, Sr., Donnie Henriques, Kris McKeeth, Ross Wiseman, Renee Gable, Dan Thrailkill
Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 800 are placed in racks around the community. See page 56 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 2020
Around Woodstock 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 Volume 7, Issue 5
America’s Community Magazine
• Retaining Walls • Patios • Landscaping • Decks
(770) 597-5175
View more projects on our website and social media! rpmlandscapeandpavers.com
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
7
Local News Northside Hospital Expands Women’s Center Northside Hospital Cherokee has added two new floors to the women’s center and upgraded to a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The new designation allows the hospital to support babies born as early as 28 weeks with a range of pediatric medical subspecialties, respiratory support and advanced imaging, including digital screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a disease of the eye, which is required for certain premature infants. “New parents can now visit their premature babies immediately after delivery, instead of commuting to and from Atlanta,” said Christina Roberts, manager of the Women’s Center at Northside Hospital Cherokee. “Our hope is to help new Cherokee parents as much as we can by providing these services at home, where it’s more convenient.”
Woodstock City Personnel Changes Personnel changes within the Woodstock city manager’s team were made recently. • Rob Hogan was promoted to assistant city manager over Public Works and Water & Sewer. He has served as the director of public works for the city since 2013. • Coty Thigpen was hired as assistant city manager over Administration, which includes overseeing the city’s Information Technology Department, GIS/Mapping Services and Human Resources Divisions. Her previous job was city clerk in Sandy Springs. Woodstock’s Public Works Field Operation Manager Jeremy Parker replaced Hogan as director of public works. He joined the city’s staff in 1997 as a maintenance worker. Ron Shelby is the city’s new chief financial officer. He was most recently the assistant director for the Center for State and Local Finance at Georgia State University where he built, managed, and taught in an executive education program in public finance. A reception welcoming Shelby will be 6 p.m. March 9 at the Chambers at City Center prior to the city council meeting. 8
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
The Black Jacket Symphony Among Artists Coming to Amphitheater The 2020 Woodstock Summer Concert season, with shows at Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater, has been announced. The free, rain-or-shine series is presented by the city of Woodstock, Carriage Kia Woodstock and Woodstock Parks and Recreation. Opening acts begin at 7:30 p.m., headliners take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
May 9: The Ultimate Queen Celebration, starring Marc Martel who sang the parts of Freddie Mercury in the 2018 biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” June 13: Rumours, which re-creates a live Fleetwood Mac show. July 11: Christopher Cross, winner of five Grammy Awards and
one Oscar.
Aug. 8: The Steep Canyon Rangers, Grammy winners and frequent Hogan
collaborators of the renowned banjoist and comedian Steve Martin.
Sept. 12: The Black Jacket Symphony will re-create Eagles’ hits, including the album “Hotel California.”
There are a few updates to concert series rules this year.
Thigpen
Parker
Shelby
• No plastic sheets, blankets, towels or tarps will be allowed. • All tables are prohibited. • Chairs will not be allowed in the park until after 6 a.m. on the Friday before the concert. “Chair set up is allowed prior to the concert in order to ease the flow of attendees into the park. Setting up chairs before the allowed time impedes park use and maintenance and hinders event production,” said Woodstock Parks and Recreation Director Michael Huffstetler. “Council and staff feel it is necessary to disallow blankets and tables to protect the amphitheater lawn and reduce hazards for attendees.” Food and beverage vendors are on site; attendees may bring s mall coolers of food and drinks. A children’s area near the gazebo in the upper level of the park will offer face painting, balloon animals and inflatables. Public parking is available at Chattahoochee Technical College, at City Center, and in smaller public parking lots and on-street parking downtown. Free shuttles run before and after each concert, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 11:45 p.m., from three locations: Northside Cherokee/Towne Lake, Woodstock City Church, and Little River Elementary School. www.woodstockconcertseries.com.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
9
Local News
Chamber Announces Annual Awards
The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2019 accomplishments and announced its 2020 primary goals during the organization’s 49th annual meeting in January. Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal was keynote speaker. David Simmons, Chattahoochee Technical College Vice President for Facilities, is the chamber’s new board chair.
Honorees First Citizen of Cherokee County:
William G. Hasty Jr.
2020 Small Business of the Year:
Allegro Business Products.
2020 Excellence in Customer Service Award:
Live Clean, Inc.
Nonprofit of the Year award went to The Children’s Haven, represented by, from left, Janet Read, Barker, Marcie Smith, Lewis Cline and Rob Logan.
Nonprofit of the Year:
The Children’s Haven, Inc.
2019 Successes
2020 Goals
2019 Chamber Chair John Barker, left, presented Lori Flink, owner of Allegro Business Products, with the 2020 Small Business of the Year award.
• More than 5,025 current and future members attended chamber events. • 189 new members were recruited, bringing the year-end membership total to 1,053; a retention rate of 83%. • CherokeeChamber.com was visited more than 128,150 times with website pageviews exceeding the 242,000 mark. • Going Green initiatives continued to flourish, and businesses and schools – through the Partners in Education Excellence Awards – celebrated 21 years of collaboration. • The third annual Leadership Symposium attracted more than 120 attendees. • The Jingle Bell $hop featured 45 vendors and more than 1,400 attendees.
• A new Destination Cherokee tourism website and updated Visitor Guide will steer visitors to the community as well as remind residents of all there is to do and see in Cherokee. • A new Quality of Life Magazine will be unveiled to promote Cherokee County to potential businesses and newcomers. • A new professional development initiative known as Emerge will be unveiled, to connect leaders, create business growth opportunities and cultivate member-to-member relationships. • Overall organizational goals are to enhance existing programs and increase the net membership by 5%.
Barker with Live Clean, Inc., owner Tracey Satterfield, winner of the 2020 Excellence in Customer Service Award.
Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes coowner Sandra Chaney accepts the 2020 Green Business of the Year award from Barker.
Barker presents John Wallace with the 2019 Chairman’s Council Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year award.
2020 Green Business of the Year:
Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year: John Wallace, field representative for U.S Congressman Barry Loudermilk’s office.
10
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Get Creative Design and Media
Television Production ChattahoocheeTech.edu 770-528-4545 A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
11
Time to VOTE!
Voting opens at 9 a.m. March 1 and closes at 5 p.m. April 10. We hope you will take time out from your busy schedules to vote for your favorites in Cherokee County. Visit www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com, look for the Readers’ Choice logo and, with a click of your mouse, you will be directed to the voting site. Follow the prompts and cast your vote for your favorite SMALL businesses.
Here are a few things to keep in mind. 1. Voting begins at 9 a.m. March 1 and ends at 5 p.m. April 10. 2. Winners will be announced in the May issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time.
3. Vote in as few or as many categories as you’d like. There isn’t a minimum number of votes required for your votes to count.
4. No more than five votes per category will be accepted from each IP address. 5. Please allow 24-48 hours for your vote to be accepted.
Happy voting!
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
13
Celebrations!
Ainsley
9 years old on March 22. Happy birthday from Mom, Dad and Nana!
Cooper
Happy 11th birthday and congratulations on A honor roll at Woodstock Elementary School. We are so proud of you. Love always, Mom, Gramma, Alexandria and Harrison.
Happy 9th birthday, Angelik! You are cool, beautiful, smart and we love you with all our hearts. Titi Main and Tio Luito.
Alexandria
Happy 17th birthday and congratulations on winning regional DECA club for Woodstock High School. We are so proud of you. Love always, Mom, Gramma, Harrison and Cooper.
Ron and Lorraine Hartwig are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter
Alexandria Hartwig to Zach Willis, son of Scott and Susan Willis. The wedding will take place in 2020 in Athens, Georgia.
Mason
Age 4 Happy birthday! With much love, Dad, Mom, Nicole, Kyle and Astro.
Brady
Happy 1st birthday! You have brought us so much joy. We love you so much! Mommy, Daddy and big brother Dax.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
Cullen & Ethan
Happy 12th birthday! Best friends who were born four days apart.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
E-mail to: Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com April deadline is March 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
15
State of the City WOODSTOCK
Sustainability • 850,000 pounds of recyclables collected during Mayor’s Recycling Challenge • $450,000+ from new residential permits for parks, and recreation facilities
Trails, Parks, Roads Top List for 2020 Last month, Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques presented his State of the City address to a few audiences. Here are some of the highlights, including facts from the past year and expectations for 2020.
2019 Highlights
• Council members Tracy Collins, David Potts and Rob Usher were re-elected for additional four-year terms.
• Robert Tidwell was appointed as Municipal Court judge. Michael Huffstetler joined the city as parks and recreation director.
Business, Residential • 322 residential permits were issued • 438 new business licenses were issued
5 Infrastructure • 5 turn lanes were installed • A half-mile of new sidewalks was created
• Calvin Moss was named Police Chief of the Year in Georgia. • Jake Hill was named Building Inspector of the Year in Georgia. • The Woodstock Visitors Center at Historic Dean’s Store was named Visitor Center of the Year in Georgia.
• Council Member Colin Ake and budget analyst Crystal Welch
were recognized among the Top 10 in 10 by the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. • The mobile visitors center was awarded the Jeffery Tatum Visionary Award by the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division. • Officer Shane Bonebrake deployed a pink patrol car for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, gaining more than 1,600 signatures in tribute to survivors, as well as national media attention.
Sustainability
• Woodstock was recertified as a Green Community at the Gold Level by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
• 850,000 pounds of recyclables were collected during the Mayor’s Recycling Challenge, with the highest increase, 67%, in 2019.
• An urban orchard was installed at Dupree Park. • More than $450,000 in impact fees were collected through new
residential permits for the expansion of parks and recreation facilities.
Efficiency, security • Police responded to 31,946 calls with 2:10 minute priority call response time • Crime was down 11% from 2018
Business, Residential
• 322 residential permits were issued. • Commercial construction valued at $27 million added 465,000 square feet of commercial space.
• 438 new business licenses were issued. • 22 ribbon cuttings were celebrated at new businesses through IN WDSTK.
• Hotel demand was up 3.5%, generating revenue of more than $10 million.
Events • 50,000+ attended 28 events at the amphitheater • $25,000 in private investment made by 107 IN WDSTK investors
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Finances
• Woodstock’s unrestricted fund balance is $6.26 million,
representing 28.1% of current year general fund expenditures.
• The city received the Government Finance Officers Association
(GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award for the 4th year in a row and the GFOA Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for the 26th consecutive year.
Infrastructure
• 804 stormwater structures were inspected and cleaned. • 34 downtown parking places and 10 PTV spaces were added.
• A half-mile of new sidewalks was created, and 2 actuated crosswalks were installed.
• 3 miles of streets were resurfaced. • 107 street lights were added, while 24 were converted to LED.
• 5 turn lanes were installed, improving traffic flow throughout the city.
Smart Woodstock
• A master plan will be developed from a Smart Corridor
study, which Henriques encourages citizens to participate in. Visit wdstk.ga/smart for details.
Events
• More than 50,000 people attended 28 events at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater.
• $25,000 in private investment was made by the 107 active investors in IN WDSTK.
• IN WDSTK events — Scarecrow Invasion, Jingle Mingle, and Taste of WDSTK — raised $27,000.
Efficiency, security
• Project Lifesaver devices were implemented to locate
persons at risk reported missing, parks software was deployed to ensure timely inspections and upkeep, and the rapid ID technology was acquired by Woodstock Police Department to identify fugitives in the field. • Woodstock police responded to 31,946 calls with a 2:10 minute response time on priority calls. Crime was down 11% from 2018. • Woodstock Fire and Rescue responded to 5,901 calls with a 4:08 response time on priority calls.
Plans for 2020
• Engineering for Woodstock’s Noonday Creek Trail to connect with Cobb County’s will be completed.
• Engineering for the Neese Road/Highway 92 project,
adding dual left eastbound Highway 92 turn lanes and dual left southbound Neese Road turn lanes, will take place. • Design, right-of-way and public engagement for the Woodstock Hub project will take place, converting Mill Street to a two-way, creating a roundabout at Mill Street and Towne Lake Parkway, and adding a left turn lane westbound to Towne Lake Parkway from northbound Main Street. • Concept plans for the City Center Development on the Morgan’s Ace Hardware site will be finalized. • The master plan for Little River Park will be completed. The entire State of the City address is available at http://wdstk.ga/2020sotc. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
17
State of the ECONOMY
Cherokee Office of Eco Development, training, mentoring
24 Mentors, 7 Ventures
Ventures are minority/women led
Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) President Misti Martin shared the economic state of the county recently, highlighting successes that make Cherokee County the fastest growing county in metro Atlanta. Martin presented a video in which officials from several companies (Yanmar, The Mill On Etowah, Reformation Brewery) discussed starting new ventures or reimagining their business development in Cherokee County with the help of COED and Fresh Start Cherokee, a COED initiative designed to provide educational programming and support for startups. “We are supporting entrepreneurs who are big dreamers. From The Circuit, our partnership with Chattahoochee Tech and Woodstock Economic Development, to our NAV program — the North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service — principled and trained by MIT,” Martin said. The NAV Mentoring Service is a team-based mentoring model and the first of its kind in the state. Here are some quick stats: • 24 mentors/7 ventures. The numbers will rise because there are 11 additional ventures and 7 additional mentors who have applied to the program. Innovators range from a virtual reality health care startup to makers such as the American Cuckoo Clock Co. • 71% of ventures are minority- or women-led. • 6 countries are represented. • 25% of NAV mentors are minorities.
Partnership With Cherokee Schools
Different countries represented
NAV mentors are minorities
18
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Martin credited the Cherokee County School District, and specifically Superintendent Brian Hightower, with providing a strong school system to make the county attractive to families moving here for business startups or employment. Some highlights of the partnership: • The Cherokee Workforce Collaborative connects education and industry with real-world experiences and knowledge, closing the soft skills gap and preparing young people for careers — whether it’s one that requires a four-year degree or a certification from a skilled trade. • In 2020, COED is launching a skilled professions awareness campaign that it hopes will spread throughout the region and state. This campaign will feature top trade jobs with 10% or more growth potential in Cherokee as well as an interactive mobile workforce workshop. • Last summer, 13 paid high school internships were offered to local students, who were able to cross-train through departments, running machines and working in IT. • Creatives, filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers are connected with real-world experience through the Cherokee Film Summit. January’s Student Film Summit attracted 121 students, with 240 attendees at the professional summit.
onomic Development
are at the heart of this agency. Keeping Residents Working in Cherokee COED is committed to developing the local workforce to keep workers local, to keep more of the 78% of residents who leave the county for work closer to home. Martin notes that 97% of out-commuters said they wanted to work in their home community. • The Cherokee Career Expo, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Labor, will be held March 18 at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Canton. More than 80% of the 410 people who attended last year were Cherokee residents, many whom currently commute, and they were looking for a job in their home community. • The careers section on the COED website features 10 hot jobs in Cherokee, as well as a database for searching for jobs by using key words.
Home for New Businesses
COED has been involved in developing The Mill on Etowah, Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, The Bluffs, and areas around the Cherokee County Regional Airport, to attract new businesses, as well as investing in each of Cherokee’s cities. Health care developments include the $500 million Northside Hospital campus and the new WellStar Cherokee Health Park at Holly Springs. Speculative buildings are being developed across the county to house new and expanding business, and added focus is being put into office and multi-use recruitment. COED partnered with Pendleton Consulting Group to develop an action for office recruitment, while also conducting a countywide technology and infrastructure study. “Information gathered in these studies will equip us to better grow office and technology jobs in Cherokee,” Martin said. “I think we can all agree that Cherokee County is a special place. We will continue to grow and innovate without losing our authenticity.” Martin ended by encouraging attendees to be ambassadors for Cherokee. For more information on COED, visit www.cherokeega.org.
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention & expansion. www.cherokeega.org.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
19
STATE of the
COUNTY
2020 20 20
In a Word, Cherokee C BY HARRY JOHNSTON
• SAT scores rank #9 in Georgia
The state of our county is easy to describe with just one word — awesome. We have almost everything going for us in Cherokee County, and I love sharing the reasons why. In January, I followed tradition by giving a State of the County address. Here’s a summary. We’re the fastest-growing county in our region, despite mostly conservative growth management practices. That’s partly because of our great location, “where metro meets the mountains.” It’s also because of the strengths we’ve built on together.
• AP exam pass rate ranks #2 among metro Atlanta counties
Strengths
Education/Schools
• Schools. One of best public school systems in
911 Public safety: Cherokee Fire & EMS • 23 plus 4 volunteer stations • 366 firefighter/EMTs, of which 141 are paramedics
•
•
•
3 •
Economy • 3rd highest median family income in metro Atlanta
•
Georgia, as well as Chattahoochee Tech and Reinhardt University. Taxes and financial management. Lowest Board of Commissioners-controlled tax and debt burdens per capita of any county in the region. Among the lowest in the state. Solid financial reserves. AA+ bond rating. Public safety. Second lowest crime rate in the region. Nationally accredited Sheriff’s Office, Marshal’s Office, and 911 Center. Excellent fire insurance rating. Ambulance service rated best in the state. Parks. Forty baseball/softball diamonds; 27 rectangular athletic fields; 17 playgrounds; worldclass aquatics center; second indoor recreation center coming soon; green space and land for more parks. Recreation staff named best in region. Thriving economy. Lowest unemployment rate and third highest median income in the region. Growing job opportunities. Great economic development team. Health care. We’re now a regional health care center.
Health/Lifestyle • #5 healthiest county in Georgia • #6 best county for outdoor activities or to raise a family in GA
Source: Powerpoint shared by Johnston during his recent State of the County address. 20
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
The Northside Hospital Cherokee campus.
County is ‘Awesome’ • Growth management. We realized sooner than
most fast-growing counties that our growth needs to be managed, and we’ve done a better job than most. We still can achieve a well-managed buildout that preserves our small-town and semi-rural quality of life as we grow. That’s what our land use plan calls for, and we’ve mostly followed it for the past 13 years.
Challenges
• Joint planning. We need a joint city-county
plan that allows the cities to grow appropriately while maintaining lower-density and semi-rural areas elsewhere. Not easy, but I believe we can get there. • Roads. We need to catch up, but help is on the way. Major improvements will begin soon on Highway 20 and Bells Ferry Road. Trickum Road at Highway 92 will be rebuilt. The I-575 interchange at Town Lake Parkway will be expanded. Several congested intersections will be converted to roundabouts. Interim improvements are coming on Highway 140 to hold us until the state eventually four-lanes it. • Keep services up, taxes low. Keep expanding public safety and other services while keeping taxes low. We’ve done well so far. We may not always be able to roll back tax rates fully to offset rising property values, but I’m confident we can keep our taxes lower than almost all other Georgia counties. • Economy and tax base. Keep attracting good jobs and nonresidential tax base. Accelerate workforce preparedness for good trade and technical jobs.
The Bottom Line
Together, we can overcome our challenges and continue to keep Cherokee County an awesome place to live, the best in the metro Atlanta region, and one of the best anywhere! I’m interested in your thoughts. Email me at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.
Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.
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1.
North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service (NAV)
Launched this past summer, NAV is the first program of its kind in Georgia, with the mission to make Cherokee County the No. 1 place in the state to start and grow a business. The program, which is principled and based on MIT VMS, is a personalized program that provides a team of mentors to alleviate confusion and guide entrepreneurs to success. https://northatlantavms.com.
2. The Lunch Circuit
A monthly exclusive lunch series powered by Fresh Start Cherokee that invites both aspiring and current entrepreneurs for lunch and community-building as they learn stories behind other successful Cherokee-based entrepreneurs. The event is located at The Circuit, the co-working space and student center for Chattahoochee Tech’s Woodstock campus. circuitwoodstock.com.
s e c r u o Res or f Woodstock’s Young Entrepreneurs BY ASHLEY VELEZ
Woodstock continues to grow, and is adding programs to help inspire and edify young entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses. In 2019, Woodstock produced some impressive numbers for entrepreneurs (woodstockga.gov). • 438 new business licenses were issued. • 22 ribbon cuttings celebrated new businesses through IN WDSTK. • A new small business license waiver program was introduced, which waives fees for new businesses meeting certain criteria. With stats like these, it’s clear that Woodstock business owners and residents are still very much invested in the growth of our community. With this in mind, where can a local entrepreneur go to receive support? Here are a few programs and partnerships available to encourage and educate entrepreneurs who decide to make Cherokee County the place to live and work: 22
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3.
Young Professionals of Woodstock (YPOW)
A function of IN WDSTK, YPOW offers programs aimed to help young and new professionals develop professionally, build lasting relationships, become philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and high quality of life in our community. YPOW gathers weekly for networking, featuring an informal chat with a local leader, and also has monthly networking events. www.facebook.com/YPOWoodstock.
Cups 4. 1TheMillion 1 Million Cups program works with
entrepreneurs to empower them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing a business. These monthly events take place all over the Cherokee County community, fostering conversation with plenty of coffee. www.1millioncups.com/cherokee.
5.
Human Side of Entrepreneurship
Built for the humans behind the business, this monthly gathering of entrepreneurs is designed to help explore, discuss, and solve challenges of starting and running a business candidly from the human perspective. Topics include work-life balance, finances, personal relationships and more. reformationbrewery. com/events/the-human-side-of-entrepreneurship.
Ashley Velez handles social media for YPOW and is a digital marketing expert. She is a proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her husband Oscar and their two sons.
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770.427.8698 • elonsalon.com • 695 Piedmont Rd • Marietta • facebook: elonsalon | instagram: @elonsalon1 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
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A New Strenuous Life urban areas. Americans were seeking comfort and ease as a fix for the problems created by increasing Georgia has been named the No. 1 state in which comfort and ease, but Roosevelt called them to seek to do business seven years in a row. We’re leading ways to challenge themselves. on issues that matter, from economic development “I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, to criminal justice reforms. Our state has taken a but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil policy leadership role in America, and what we do in and effort, of labor and strife; to preach that highest Georgia’s Capitol echoes across state and national form of success which comes, not to the man who capitals around the world. desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does As we work to live and thrive in this new not shrink from danger, from hardship, or from bitter technological revolution, we should recognize the toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate similarities to the past. triumph.” On April 10, 1889, Theodore Roosevelt, then Roosevelt had been a weak, asthmatic child. He governor of New York, gave an impassioned speech was forced to strengthen his body and mind, and in Chicago that has come to be known by he learned the value of leaning into a the title “The Strenuous Life.” challenge. As we work to As America was undergoing the second Today, technology continues to industrial revolution, life for the average make life easier. The majority of us live and thrive American was becoming easier. Our spend our working days in front of a in this new people always had relied on a hardscreen typing on keyboards, with the won farm life, and on carving out their dramatic majority of our time spent in technological space in the American wilderness. Life a chair. Culture tells us that “right” and revolution, rapidly was shifting to a metropolitan “wrong” are relative. way of living spent working in factories. Methamphetamine, heroin and we should Survival as an independent farmer of the opioids are being abused at record recognize the 19th century required an individual to levels by those in upper-middle-class specialize in a variety of skills. households. Our era is crying out for a similarities to Individual responsibility and reminder of “The Strenuous Life.” the past. self-reliance weren’t just noble Technology and reform certainly have characteristics; they were fundamental improved our quality of life. We must for survival. Once automation and the ensure that quality doesn’t give way industrialization of the 20th century started pulling to the dangers of laziness and ease, though. We Americans from their farms and into major cities, constantly must seek a challenge, and we always the children of the rugged generations that had must strive to do hard things, as they are the things earned their way against the odds in this new world that matter. started asking some serious existential questions. As Roosevelt called us to rise to the challenges of Their work became less skilled and more abstract. their era, we must be ready to rise to ours. Pulling the same machine lever every day left a As always, feel free to reach out to me at factory worker disconnected from the final result michael@caldwellforgeorgia.com or on my cellphone of their labor. Their existence boiled down to being at 678-523-8570. Also, you can meet me at 9 a.m. a part in a machine, and Americans felt more and on Saturday mornings for my Weekly Coffee With more dependent on others. Lives were repetitive, District 20 at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown management-driven and largely indoors. Woodstock. Thank you from the bottom of my heart As a sociologist recognized in 1905: “Under our for the opportunity to represent our families in our present manner of living, how many of my vital General Assembly. interests must I entrust to others! Nowadays the water main is my well, the trolley car is my carriage, the banker’s safe my old stocking, the policeman’s Michael Caldwell is the state representative billy club my fist.” for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Americans of the time started to struggle with Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 obesity, began to question moral truth, and or Michael.Caldwell@house.ga.gov. substance-addiction became a major concern in BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL
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Is Using an iBuyer For You? PROVIDED BY THE PREMIER GROUP
Selling your property the traditional way, to a regular home buyer, involves assuming some risk and uncertainty; the deal could fall through for a number of reasons. However, the risk of a deal falling through with an iBuyer is rare. So, what’s an iBuyer? The “i” in iBuyer stands for instant, which is why they are called instant offers. An iBuyer is a company that will make you an offer on your home, sight unseen, based on a proprietary valuation model. The pros to selling your property to an iBuyer are: no showings, a fast closing and control over the closing date. However, for all this convenience, there is a price. A MarketWatch investigation of multiple transactions involving iBuyers shows that the offers typically net their customers, on average, 11% to 15% less than sellers who sold via the open market. The iBuyer program is best suited for certain sellers. • Someone who needs to sell their home fast. • Someone who wants to buy and sell at the same time. • Someone who has already purchased a new property and wants to eliminate the carrying costs of their previous property.
Most iBuyers will send a home inspector to your property to verify its condition after making an offer, but before purchasing it. Once the home has been inspected, the iBuyer may ask for repairs or adjust the offer price in lieu of repairs. It is typical for the seller to decide which option best fits their needs. In most cases, after a home is purchased by an iBuyer, the company will do some renovation work to optimize the resale price, then list the property for sale to the public.
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Morning Sickness Times 10 BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC
Many pregnant women have morning sickness. For some, symptoms will be much more intense, and they’ll experience severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, weight loss and dehydration. This is a rare disorder known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Brianna was a healthy, newly pregnant young mom when she began experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting. At her next OB-GYN visit, she asked them to prescribe an anti-nausea medicine to help with her symptoms. She continued to take the medication since it helped some. At this point, Brianna resolved herself to the fact that this was just normal morning sickness and would probably go away at around 12 weeks. She was wrong. Brianna spent the first half of her pregnancy so sick that she had to stay in bed most of the time. A normal day for her was miserable. At about 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Brianna vomited 30 times in one day, leading her to become severely dehydrated. She was admitted to the hospital. Once in the hospital, she disclosed how sick she had been. Her doctor reviewed her medical history and determined that she had hyperemesis gravidarum. While morning sickness occurs in 75% of pregnant women, hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in less than 2% of pregnant women. While morning sickness often fades after the first
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trimester, hyperemesis gravidarum usually lasts longer. It’s a temporary condition, for which there’s no cure, but there are ways to manage it. After Brianna was diagnosed, she recalls, “My doctors figured out a treatment plan and added some different medicine, which helped. The pregnancy was still difficult, but I didn’t feel like I was dying anymore.” Brianna gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl. After her experience, she said, “I can’t thank my doctors enough for putting a name to what I was experiencing, and treating me through it. I felt so alone during that time; I felt like I was drowning. But, once I knew what I had, I began reaching out to others with the same condition. I found a Facebook group and that was a big help.” She continued, “I’m telling my story so that others know that they are not alone. There are great doctors who can help, and wonderful support from other women is available.” If you are experiencing any issues during your pregnancy, make sure you take matters seriously and discuss them with your OB-GYN.
Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
Balancing Mission and Revenue BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON
You may not be a business-minded person, but this may interest you: There is no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to arts organizations. From performing arts, to museums and arts education, operations vary widely; yet, often we are melded into one pool of arts organizations when it comes to checking boxes for funding classifications. I know how difficult and unhelpful it can be to benchmark the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village against other organizations with different measures of success. One such benchmark is the ratio of earned to contributed revenue. On average, most arts organizations are about 55% earned and 45% contributed. However, our operating budget is 80% earned to 20% contributed revenue. Does that difference have advantages? Sure. Does it present challenges? You bet. What should it be? The verdict is still out. Last year, I was excited to see the Wallace Foundation release a report on this topic, only to discover the punchline: “To date, we do not know which predictors are most relevant and important for analyzing the financial health of arts organizations.” You’ll be happy to know, as your local arts organization, and despite the lack of data, we strive for diversified revenue streams, look for diverse programming, we build rainy day funds, and continue to build partnerships for deep and meaningful impact. That being said, there is one quintessential item every nonprofit must focus on and it takes priority over everything else: The mission. Our mission is to engage the community with relevant art experiences every day. When we select programming, we utilize what we do (art) to leverage why we do it (engage community). To be clear, achieving this does not always help the financial bottom line. Despite that, we have integrity in our mission. This month, we are presenting a new show, “Helvetica,” from the up-and-coming playwright, Will Coleman. It’s an amazing story about a children’s storybook author who encounters the tough issue of death, told during her life through the perspective of her childhood Teddy Bear. It’s not a known Broadway hit musical, but we believe our community deserves to see these hidden gems. Also, we’ve selected our 2020-21 season, and I think it is the boldest season we’ve planned to date. We’d love to share it with you on March 28 at the theater (see elmstreetarts.org for details) and how our mission is going to be fulfilled, and how our community will be better for it.
UPCOMING AT ELM STREET
MARCH 13th - 22nd Helvetica is recommended for ages 18+
JigJam Irish Bluegrass Tullemore, Ireland
APR 4th | 7:30PM
APR 17th - MAY 3rd
LANTERN SERIES PRESENTING PARTNER:
GOLD PARTNERS:
Registration is OPEN for
Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.
SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
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PHOTOS BY REBEKAH GREGG
Family-owned senior living community cultivates person-centered lifestyles.
T
he Salabarria family was inspired by a personal crisis to create Oaks Senior Living in 1998, to care for elders who no longer can live safely at home. Oaks at Towne Lake is nestled on 5.6 acres next to the Rose Creek Library on Towne Lake Parkway, with 57 assistedliving and 29 memory-care apartments. Each aspect of the Towne Lake community, and the company’s other properties, has been built with the best interests of elders in mind, fulfilling a mission that CEO Alex Salabarria and his father began more than two decades ago. “My father was faced with the difficult task of how to provide care for his mother when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” Salabarria said. “Her options were limited to skilled-nursing homes or small personal-care homes, with limited security for wandering, and no dementia programming. The only choice was to place her in a skillednursing facility. It was at that point my father dreamed of building a community where elders could live with dignity and respect.” 28
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Why Choose the Oaks? It’s family owned/operated. Oaks Senior Living is unique because it’s family-operated. Alex’s wife Denise is vice president of sales and marketing, brother Nelson is chief financial officer, brother-in-law Douglas Shook is president of construction and development, sister Mirian and sister-in-law Melissa are the interior decorators. Chief Operations Officer Linda Bennett is like family, with more than 18 years with the company. They currently operate nine communities in Georgia, and have another under development that will open in early 2021. Residents feel valued. The family’s mission is to provide an environment where people are valued and appreciated, honoring personal choice and providing a sense of purpose while enabling meaningful Above, residents Al and Buena chat with Anna. Left, resident Susan enjoys a variety of activities such as cookie decorating. Right, resident Theresa delivers handmade Valentine cards to her friends.
Community interaction. Oaks Senior Living embraces a multi-generational approach by creating a family-like culture among residents, their families, employees and volunteers. Visitors from local daycare centers, schools, churches and various organizations often are in the communities, bridging the gap and cultivating joyful relationships between multiple generations.
From left: Nelson Salabarria, Chief Financial Officer; Alex Salabarria, Chief Executive Officer; Denise Salabarria, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; and Douglas Shook, President of Construction and Development.
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PHOTO BY TIGHE O’CONNOR WITH MARKENTUM
Sponsored Content
PHOTO BY J. KING IMAGES
relationships. Alex explained that “while structure is good within a senior living community, it’s also essential to have spontaneity, so residents feel they are at home. Some of our unique amenities include all-day dining, bird aviaries, aquariums, community pets, chapel, separate secured memory care, and on-site physical and occupational rehab.” “We embrace a philosophy that care is a collaborative partnership where caregivers and care receivers are described as care partners,” said Andrew Greeson, director of operations. “Each is an active participant in the balance of giving and receiving care or helping others to grow. Our goal is to enhance each resident’s wellbeing by eliminating the three plagues associated with growing older: loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We try to combat each of these through opportunities for companionship and relationships, activities that not only are enjoyable, but provide purpose, or that provide moments to help others, and by giving meaning to different parts of each resident’s day.”
Resources Help Transition to Senior Life The Senior Extravaganza is just one of the programs sponsored by Cherokee Triad/S.A.L.T (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together); for more information One of the most difficult transitions we face is the about programs and services, visit www.saltcherokee. slow and subtle change from middle-age to senior com. S.A.L.T. also hosts informative monthly Lunch life. The awareness doesn’t sink in overnight. It & Learn sessions, Rescue sneaks up on us through a and Restore funds for local series of life events, such as municipalities, File of Life the birth of grandchildren prescription packets for First or the 16th birthday of a Responders, Bethesda Clinic grandchild with a driver’s support, Elder Abuse Task license. It is then when one Force support, and ongoing begins to realize just what alerts concerning scams and stage of life they are in. frauds affecting the senior Fortunately, we have many population. resources to help us make Triad/S.A.L.T. was the transition, and even originally tasked with enjoy the journey. Never identifying and developing before have we had so many April 25 programs to address the specialists in the area of 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. needs and concerns of aging. Accessibility comes seniors in our community. through online resources as Woodstock First Baptist Church The organization has well as community efforts. Education Center continued to support its One of the most 11905 Highway 92 original purpose, and has accessible and informative Woodstock 30188 expanded its reach. Listed events will take place next below is a list of helpful month. The 14th annual numbers. Senior Extravaganza will be at Woodstock First Adult Protective Services (APS)................ 404-657-5250 Baptist Church, which has ample floor space in the education center for the more than 80 vendors AARP...................................................... 1-888-687-2277 who provide information and services for our aging Cherokee Area Transit (CATS)................... 770-345-6238 journey. This year’s focus will not only be the aging DFCS (Food stamps)............................... 1-877-423-4746 senior but also the family member or relative who Family Violence Hotline............................ 770-479-1703 provides caregiving and oversight. Cherokee County Health Department....... 770-345-7371 Canton Housing Authority........................ 770-479-4969 Finding Answers: Meals on Wheels...................................... 770-345-7440 • Senior living options, exploring the difference between assisted living, memory care, skilled MUST Ministries....................................... 770-479-5397 nursing and independent living. Poison Control.......................................... 404-616-9000 • When to start looking into services. Probate Court........................................... 678-493-6160 • If I cannot afford these services, what are my Cherokee County Senior Services............. 770-345-5320 options? Suicide/Crisis Counseling....................... 1-800-784-2433 • Where and how do I discuss care for: United Way Helpline.................................................. 211 - Dementia/Alzheimers, cardiac/stroke, diabetes, COPD etc… • Mental health services. • Funeral homes. Nathan has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1982. He retired from Cherokee County Senior • Elder care law. Services, and remains involved in community organizations that focus on senior adults. • Durable medical equipment providers and home modification. BY NATHAN BRANDON
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Special-Needs Kids, Adults Get Their
Night to
Shine BY BELINDA JENKINS
On Feb. 7, First Baptist Church Woodstock was one of 721 churches worldwide to host Night to Shine (NTS), a prom event created by the Tim Tebow Foundation to celebrate people with special needs. On that one night, 115,000 honored guests attended with the help of 215,000 volunteers. We asked First Baptist’s NTS volunteer coordinator, Belinda Jenkins, to write about the experience. Night to Shine always starts with a stroll down the red carpet and it is always a BIG HIT! It is our honor to celebrate these special guests and their families as we cheer them on. We open the night with a word of prayer to thank God for giving us this awesome opportunity to minister to so many in our community. Then we crank up the music and dance the night away! Special guests
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and their buddies are matched up and can enjoy a night of dinner and dancing. A team of current and former Cherokee County special education teachers helps us match each guest with the perfect buddy. We couldn’t do NTS without them! We have lots of activities to offer the special guests besides dancing, including face painting, games, limo rides and, of course, karaoke. We hosted our first NTS at FBCW in 2016 and quickly learned that karaoke is very popular! So much so, that we had to open two karaoke rooms so that everyone can get a chance behind the mic. Everyone LOVES to sing! While the guests are having a great time, we offer a caregiver respite dinner and dance for all parents/ caregivers. The families are able to relax and enjoy their night, knowing that their child is being well cared for. At the end of the night, we have a crowning ceremony where each guest is crowned king or queen of the prom and we remind them that this is how God sees them every day. Out of NTS, God birthed the Thrive ministry three years ago at FBCW. We now have a fully functioning
PHOTOS BY JAMES AND CAROL EUBANKS
special-needs ministry that meets weekly on Wednesday nights and Sundays. We minister to almost 60 families each week, and we are thrilled that God has allowed us to partner with so many families on an ongoing basis, not just once a year. The movement of NTS is so much more than the prom that happens once a year. It is about people in communities around the globe beginning to have the conversation about how we can be more accepting and inclusive of those with special needs, and their families, and how to make our world more accessible for everybody. We can serve them, but we also can serve alongside them, and they can serve us. We all have value. We all can give and we all can receive! More photos on page 62.
Belinda Jenkins is Night to Shine volunteer coordinator at First Baptist Church Woodstock. https://www.nighttoshinewoodstock.com
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Night to
Shine
Fun Facts 1,200+
church family and community volunteers
270
guests
200
crowns
200
tiaras
10
make-up stations
10
hairstyle station
8
shoe shine stations
2
karaoke rooms
3
hours of music played for dancers PHOTOS BY JAMES AND CAROL EUBANKS
700
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
chicken sandwiches for volunteers
400
meals for caregivers
600
meals for guests and buddies
$15,000
worth of food donations from Chick-fil-A Dwarf House and Chick-fil-A Foundation
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LGEccu.org • 770-424-0060 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
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Rob’s Rescues This dog’s name is Riley. She is super enthusiastic. She is 6 years old, and loves toys and belly rubs. She loves squeaky toys and warm little beds. She really listens when you talk to her, and wants to have a conversation with you. She is very energetic for a 6-year-old, but not hyper. Riley is a mixed breed terrier and is super sweet. These animals are available at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, 1015 Univeter Road, Canton.
This cat’s name is Meow Meow Kitty. She is 5 years old and a bit shy. She is very sweet and loves being petted. She has a loud purr.
Southeastern Guide Dogs This month, I interviewed Teri Smith, spokesperson for Southeastern Guide Dogs. (www.GuideDogs.org)
What does Southeastern Guide Dogs do?
Our mission is to help people who cannot see, and people who have seen too much. We train dogs for people who are blind, and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other disabilities.
If someone wants to raise a puppy to become a guide dog, how do they start?
There is an application at guidedogs. com. You can start by going to a meeting, and getting a sense for what it takes.
How many puppies are being raised to become guide dogs, and do all of them become guide dogs?
Every year, 250 puppies are born on our campus in Florida that go into the program. Becoming a guide dog is difficult. It has to be able to do things that can save a person’s life. We think the dog chooses the mission. After being raised in a home for about a year, it goes to the campus for training. Guide dogs must be able to do things that are difficult for a dog to do. A guide dog learns about 40 commands. Those dogs that are not quite ready for this are trained as service dogs who know about 15 commands.
How long are the puppies kept by raisers?
Just over one year. You get the puppy between 8-12 weeks old, and return him for training at around 12-14 months of age. 36
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Rob, center, with puppy raisers and guide dogs in training: Sue Norwood and Don, Malcolm Miller and Frank, Rob, Teri Smith, and Steven Fraime with McIntosh.
When puppies are returned, are the people who raised them or the puppies sad?
When you take a puppy you sign papers and know it is not yours. You know the dog is going to make a big difference in someone else’s life. People who do it once generally do it over and over again. Dogs tend to live in the moment, and the puppies are often very excited to return and see siblings again. Puppy Raising Day is something we look forward to, as you get to come back to the campus and see your dog matched with someone.
How can I and the community help you?
We need more puppy raisers. If you love dogs, and want to do something that will change someone’s life, this is for you.
What is a story that you like to tell?
The first puppy my daughter and I raised was Gato. She went everywhere we did, and she loved to go to Publix. Back then fruit was often displayed on low level shelves. Gato loved peaches, and would lick them whenever we went by. Consequently, we bought more peaches than anything else! Her person now is a lady who lost her sight when she was 16 years old. Gato gets her through mass transportation to and from work every day, which gives her tremendous freedom.
Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. www.robsrescues.com. On Facebook @robsrescues.
New IRS Contribution Limits DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
The IRS just announced the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2020. Here’s a quick look at the maximum amounts you can put into retirement accounts this year: • This year, you can put up to $6,000 in any type of IRA. The limit is $7,000 if you will be 50 or older at any time in 2020.1, 2 • Annual contribution limits for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, the federal Thrift Savings Plan, and most 457 plans also get a $500 boost for 2020. The new annual limit on contributions is $19,500. If you are 50 or older at any time in 2020, your yearly contribution limit for one of these accounts is $26,000.1, 2 • Are you self-employed, or do you own a small business? You may have a solo 401(k), which allows you to make both an employer and employee contribution. The ceiling on total solo 401(k) contributions rises $1,000 in 2020, reaching $57,000. This is also the 2020 employer contribution limit for simplified employee pension (SEP) plans.3, 4 • If you have a SIMPLE retirement account, next year’s contribution limit is $13,500, up $500 from the 2019 level. If you are 50 or older in 2020, your annual SIMPLE plan contribution cap is $16,500.3 • Yearly contribution limits also have been set a bit higher for Health Savings Accounts (which may be used to save for retirement medical expenses). The 2020 limits: $3,550 for individuals with single medical coverage and $7,100 for those covered under qualifying family plans. If you are 55 or older next year, those respective limits are $1,000 higher.5
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citation: 1 - irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirementtopics-ira-contribution-limits [11/8/19] 2 - irs.gov/newsroom/401k-contribution-limit-increases-to-19500-for2020-catch-up-limit-rises-to-6500 [11/6/19] 3 - forbes.com/sites/ashleaebeling/2019/11/06/irs-announceshigher-2020-retirement-plan-contribution-limits-for-401ks-and-more/ [11/6/19] 4 - irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/sepcontribution-limits-including-grandfathered-sarseps [1/9/20] 5 - cnbc.com/2019/06/03/these-are-the-new-hsa-limits-for-2020. html [6/4/19]
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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EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community.
Canton resident Bill Okon Jr., 41, cares about the little things and has always worked hard. His goal has always been making his family happy, and he went out of his way to do that by adopting a special-needs dog, Tim Tim, to make his wife smile, to accepting side jobs to help relieve financial pressures. Bill and Cameron have been married for 19 years and have three children, Joey, 15, Jordan, 8, and Lilly, 6. Bill has spent the past 20 years restoring old cars. His impeccable attention to detail has made him one of the best in the business. “Bill is one of the most passionate painters I’ve ever seen. He loves classic restoration and it is what he does for fun as well as how he makes his living. We have not been without our share of struggles in our life but we’ve always managed to work hard and come through them,” Cameron said. “Bill often worked 12 hour days so that I could stay home while the kids were small. We have always lived simply and happily as a family of five.” On Jan. 9, Bill was painting an automobile at a friend’s home. The paint booth that he normally used was occupied, so he used another open garage. As he completed his job, he carefully began cleaning his paint gun with lacquer thinner, something he had done a thousand times. But this time the thinner ignited, causing an explosion. Barely conscious, Bill called his wife, screaming for help. He was lifeflighted to Grady Hospital’s burn unit; burns covered 60% of his body. He was placed in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator for eight days. He remained in Grady for 18 days as he underwent several major surgeries and skin grafts. “During that time my in-laws helped me with the children so that I could go back and forth to Grady during the day and come home to be with the children at night,” Cameron said. “It was truly a terrifying time, but we put our faith in God. I knew that somehow He would bring us through this.” Cameron is caring for her husband full time now. “I’ve never been a caregiver at this level before. I feel like I am very inadequate as I have no medical background. All I have is a strong love for my husband and his well-being, so I just do my best trying to keep him free of infection. Prior to his accident, I was
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Bill and Cameron Okon
working at Instacart to supplement our income and hope to return soon,” Cameron said. Meanwhile, they survive each day with many unknowns ahead. Bill’s badly damaged hands require months of physical therapy. His health insurance was cancelled, and they now must pay for Cobra, which is expensive. “I try to suppress my financial worries and focus on the blessing that Bill survived this tragedy. When I think long-term, anxiety builds, so instead I try to focus day to day. I know that God will give me the grace to get through today, and tomorrow and the next,” Cameron said. “We are grateful for the help that we have received so far. It has provided so much relief for us.” So much is needed. We feature the Okon family in hopes that our community will come together to support them through Bill’s healing. As we know, a little from many can be life-changing and can certainly provide hope and encouragement that is greatly needed. 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
2020
Corner
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How to Add Warmth to Your Home BY PACITA WILSON
After a long day, returning to your home should provide a feeling of warmth and comfort, giving you rest and peace. My desire is every homeowner can walk through their door, and immediately feel the warmth of their home throughout every room. Here are some simple ways to help you achieve that feeling in your home.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint is an easy way to add brightness and comfort to a room. Neutral paint colors are best since they blend well with all types of furniture styles. A popular go-to-color is Sail Cloth by Benjamin Moore.
Wood and Textiles
Personally, I love layering a room with wood tones and textiles, which add dimension to any space. Layer seating areas with pillows and throws, and add wood tones with wooden candle sticks or finials.
Lighting
The ambience of lighting is another way to create inviting spaces. Choose unique lighting fixtures that feature your personal touch.
Accessories
When choosing accessories for any room, it is important to create balance. Choose items that have personal meaning, tell a story and help spark conversations among your guests. Accessories will be different for each person, however, picking unique pieces can add dimension to a room, and give it a feeling of richness and warmth.
Pacita Wilson is the owner of Pineapple Park Home. www.pineapplepark.com
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Downtown Woodstock Dining Canyons
J Christopher’s
Diner 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 www.jchristophers.com
Rootstock and Vine
American 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 www.canyonsfresh.com
Century House Tavern
J Miller’s Smokehouse
Salt Factory Pub
BBQ & Southern Sandwiches 150 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-8295 www.jmillerssmokehouse.com
Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 www.saltfactorypub.com/woodstock
Mad Life Studios
Semper Fi Bar and Grille
Modern American 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 www.centuryhousetavern.com
Copper Coin Coffee American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com
Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 www.freightkitchen.com
Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 www.habanerostaqueria.com
Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 www.icemartinibar.com
Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 www.ippspastaria.com
Southern 8722 Main St. www.madlifestageandstudios.com
Partners II Pizza
Pizza 8600 Main St. 678-224-6907 www.partnerspizza.com/woodstock-ga
Pure Taqueria
Mexican 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 www.puretaqueria.com/woodstock
Prime 120
Steakhouse 120 Chambers St. 770-800-8049 www.prime120steakhouse.com
Wine bar & Tapas 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstockandvine.com
American 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 www.semperfibarandgrille.com
Tea Leaves & Thyme
English Tea room 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 www.tealeavesandthyme.com
Truck & Tap
Variety of Food trucks 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 www.truckandtap.com
Vingenzo’s
Italian 105 E. Main St. 770-924-9133 www.vingenzos.com
Reel Seafood
Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 www.reel-seafood.com
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Around & About MARCH Roamers (ages 50 and older) meet at 11 a.m. 2 Silver at the Cherokee Recreation and Parks South Cherokee
Annex, 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock. Annual membership fee is $24, and offers discounts for events and activities. For more information, email Lauren Voss at latvoss@cherokeega.com.
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The UGA Master Gardeners Extension volunteers of Cherokee County will present a free seminar on Raised Beds and Where They Go Wrong, 10:30 a.m. at R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Blvd., Canton. To register, email uge1057@uga.edu or call 770-721-7803 or or register at www.cherokeemastergardenersinc.wildapricot.org. The Cherokee County School District’s annual job fair, 9 a.m.-noon, at River Ridge High School, for hiring new teachers, bus drivers, school nurses, nutrition workers, psychologists and speech language pathologists. Job seekers can fill out an application in advance at www.applitrack.com/cherokee/onlineapp/default.aspx.
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“Happily Forever After — This is NOT a Fairy Tale!” is a musical production that will be presented at 10 a.m. at Bascomb United Methodist Church. 770-926-9755. www.BascombUMC.org.
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The UGA Master Gardeners Extension volunteers of Cherokee County will present a free seminar, What Do I Want My Landscape to Be, set for 10:30 a.m. at the Galleria Room at Northside Hospital, 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd., Canton. To register, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu, or register at cherokeemastergardenersinc.wildapricot.org.
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A TEDxDupreePark networking event is planned for 6-8:30 p.m. at The Tavern at Towne Lake. Details available at www.tedxdupreepark.com.
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The Cherokee County Historical Society will hold the annual Preservation Awards banquet. Watch www.rockbarn.org for more details.
Cornhole tournament begins at 6:30 p.m. 27 Cherokee Veterans Park in Canton, for ages 16 and
older. Two divisions: beginner/intermediate and advanced. Cost is $50 per team. Sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. For details, contact Camille Thomas at cthomas@crpa.net, 770-924-7768.
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The Etowah Wing and Rock Festival is set for noon-8 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, at Etowah River Park. Featuring wings from more than 20 restaurants. Voted one of the Top 10 Food Festivals in the Southeast by Festival Rooster. www.wingandrockfest.com.
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Third annual Glow in the Knight 5K is a fundraiser for the River Ridge High School band program. The twilight fun run/walk and team challenge begins with registration at 6:30 p.m. www.knight5k.com.
for a Cure, a tennis fundraiser for the 20 Volley BridgeMill Sixes Service League, begins at 6:30
p.m. at the BridgeMill tennis center. Cost is $20 per participant; bring a covered dish. Prizes given for the best disco outfits. On Facebook.
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The Cherokee Music Teachers Association will hold a meeting at 10 a.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University, with Raffi Besalyan of Georgia State University discussing the Russian school of pedagogy. No charge. For more information, contact Linda Lokey at linda@lokey.net. The eighth annual CASA Superhero Run is set for 8-10 a.m. at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. This year’s 5K is a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier. Also features a one-mile fun run. Costume awards and family fun after the run. On Facebook.
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APRIL Tears — The 2 Women in the Life“Calvary’s and Death of Jesus,” A musical drama,
will be presented at 7 p.m. at Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755. www.BascombUMC.org.
4
The UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County presents a free seminar on Terrific Tomatoes at 10:30 a.m. at the R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Road, Canton. Tips on planning, propagating and fertilizing for prize-worthy tomatoes. Register at https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/cherokee.html, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.
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The Olympics-bound women’s softball Team USA will play in an exhibition match at 1 and 3 p.m. at Twin Creeks Softball Complex, hosted by USA Softball Georgia. Over the April 3-5 weekend, an All- American Futures Cup for 12U and 14U teams will take place. For more information, visit www.crpa.net.
IN town Roamers (ages 50 and older) meet 14 atSilver 11 a.m. at the Cherokee Recreation
Woodstock
April 25
and Parks South Cherokee Annex, 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock. Annual membership fee is $24, and offers discounts for events and activities. For more information, email Lauren Voss at latvoss@cherokeega.com.
The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market will be open 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Dec. 19. The market is held on Market Street, and will feature events from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, cooking demonstrations from local chefs and live music.
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TEDxDupreePark is coming to Woodstock, with speakers lined
The UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County will present a workshop on Planning and Planting Containers 10 a.m.-noon at the Ball Ground Community Center. Hands on class; bring gloves, hand tools and leave with a beautiful container. $10 fee. On April 21, Your Garden, A Splash of Color is the topic for a 10:30 a.m. seminar in the Northside Hospital Galleria Room, 450 Northside Cherokee Blvd. Learn to make gardens a visual delight, with colorful plants and techniques in time for spring. Register at https://extension.uga.edu/ county-offices/cherokee.html, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.
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The 14th annual Senior Extravaganza will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at First Baptist Woodstock, hosted by Cherokee Triad — SALT. Senior citizens, caregivers and those planning for their transition into senior life are invited to learn about housing options, home health care, medical benefits, health news, legal issues and more. No admission charge. www.saltcherokee.com. The UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County presents a free seminar on Cutting Gardens for Enjoyment at 10:30 a.m. at the R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Road, Canton. Design a cutting garden to fit your space and explore selections for successful blooms. Register at https://extension.uga.edu/countyoffices/cherokee.html or call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu. Fifth annual Cruise the Ridge car show fundraiser for the River Ridge High School band, featuring vendor booths, bounce houses and concessions, in addition to classic cars. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. On Facebook. New Victoria Baptist Church is holding a free Community Family Fest 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Car show, Inflatables, live music, cake walk, kids games, hot dogs, sno cones, popcorn, balloons and more. For more details, visit the church’s Facebook page @newvicbaptist.
May 15
up for the main stage at MadLife Stage & Studios. Seating will be limited; viewing parties will be organized closer to the event date. Check www.tedxdupreepark.com for updates.
ELM STREET THEATER www.elmstreetarts.org
March 6
iThink Improv Troupe Show at Elm Street at 8 p.m. It’s the luck of the laugh, with an improv comedy show fit for the entire family.
March 13-22
“Helvetica” is a new work written by Will Coleman and is a dramatic “play about stories.” Helvetica is introduced in three times of her life, and her experiences tell her story. Recommended for ages 16 and older (strong language, heavy themes). Friday/ Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m., Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m.
March 22
“Helvetica” ASL Interpreted Performance at 2:30 p.m. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will interpret for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Recommended for ages 16 and older (strong language, heavy themes).
LANTERN SERIES
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. • Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Event Green www.elmstreetarts.org
April 4: JigJam May 16: VoicePlay June 6: Swedish Jam Factory
June 27: Shana Tucker July 18: The Queen’s Cartoonists
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Opening acts begin at 7:30 p.m., headliners take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater www.woodstockconcertseries.com
May 9: The Ultimate Queen June July
Celebration 13: Rumours 11: Christopher Cross
Aug. 8: The Steep
Canyon Rangers
Sept. 12: The Black Jacket Symphony
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@ the Library
Sequoyah Regional Library System • www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Woodstock Public Library staff member Gianna uses the library’s Sphero robots to teach basic principles of coding.
WOODSTOCK
HICKORY FLAT
7735 Main St., Woodstock 770-926-5859
2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-7565
March 1
D.I.G. (Drop-In Genealogy) at 2
p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of genealogy discovery by researching and learning about various topics. Ancestry.com is available for use within the library, as well as other research tools. Discussion takes place after a short presentation. Meet in the Woodstock Public Library Meet in the library’s meeting room.
March 10
Book Discussion Group at 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy coffee, conversation, and a book discussion with new friends. “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson is this month’s book. All ages are welcome; new members are encouraged.
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March 2
Rainbow Pots of Gold at 6 p.m. Make a hanging craft for St. Patrick’s Day. Materials are provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
March 11
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 must be accompanied by an adult.
March 12, 26
Cancer Prevention and Awareness at noon. Northside Hospital and
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute will conduct blood pressure checks and provide information on cancer prevention and awareness. For ages 18 and older.
March 16
Teen Manga Club at 6 p.m. Join in monthly meetings to read, watch and discuss popular manga and anime series, as well as play games, draw, write, and other activities. For teens in grades 6-12.
Egg Hunts
2020 March 28
Canton EGGfest, hosted by Oak Leaf Church, is a unique, entertaining, free, family-friendly event that will benefit The Joy House. The 11 a.m.-2 p.m event will include an egg hunt, live entertainment, music, inflatables, Lowe’s Build & Grow, street and food vendors, and more. 151 E. Marietta St. On Facebook. Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza at the
Cherokee County Aquatic Center 2-5 p.m. Cost: $10 per child. Underwater Egg Hunt 2:30-5 p.m. (4-12 years old). Register for a 15-minute time slot. Outside Egg Hunt 2:15-2:30 p.m. (0-3 years old). There will be bounce houses, face painting, games, music, and the opportunity to take a picture with the Easter Bunny! Times and registration are on the website: www.crpa.net/special-events/eggstraordinary-extravaganza.
Sutallee Baptist Church at 2 p.m. at 895 Knox Bridge Highway. 770-479-0101. For children up to fifth grade. www.sutaleebaptistchurch.com.
April 3
Flashlight egg hunt, sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, begins with check in at 7:30 p.m. and the hunt at 8:30 p.m. at Cherokee Veterans Park. Flashlight and craft provided. Food and Kona Ice will be available for purchase. $10 per child. For more information, contact Lindsey Collett, lcollett@cherokega.com.
April 4
City of Holly Springs Easter Egg Hunt
at Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane. The egg hunt will begin promptly at 11 a.m. The Easter Bunny will arrive at 10:30 a.m. to begin taking complimentary pictures with Easter Egg hunters. Pictures will continue after the hunt. There will be a petting zoo and free craft for kids. For more details, contact Erin Honea at 770-345-5536 or ehonea@hollyspringsga.us.
April 4
Visit the Easter Bunny noon-4 p.m. at The Outlet
Shoppes at Atlanta, 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. The Rad Hatter returns to help you customize your Easter Rad Bag Hat. You might also find the Easter Bunny roaming the center and ready to snap a Instagrammable photo with you. Enjoy live musical entertainment from Joseph Erwin.
April 11
Northside Hospital Easter Eggstravaganza 2-4 p.m. at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Activities, snacks and selfies with the Easter Bunny are free. Souvenir T-shirts are $10. Registration is free, however, you can make a donation during registration, and all proceeds benefit the Special Care Nursery at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. Guests also are encouraged to bring donations of diapers, baby wipes and baby food for MUST Ministries in Cherokee. No glass bottles or jars. Collection bins available at the event. Egg hunt times are: 2:30 p.m. for ages 0 to 3, and for those who have special needs and require assistance; 2:45 p.m. for ages 4 to 6; 3 p.m. for ages 7 to 9; and 3:15 p.m. for 10 and older. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to April 12. In case of inclement weather April 12, the event will be canceled. https://give.northside.com/events/easter-eggstravaganza.
Little River United Methodist Church Community Hunt at 10 a.m. Children will be divided
into three age groups: 3 and younger, 4-7 and 8-12, to hunt for more than 10,000 eggs. Free cupcakes and punch. 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. For more information, contact youth and children’s minister Jessica Porter at 404-217-3158.
Bascomb United Methodist Church egg hunt, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., for infants to children in sixth grade. Free activities include games, crafts, snacks and a picture with the Easter Bunny. The church is at 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. For more details, contact Tammy Smith at tammysmith.bumc@live.com or visit www.BascombUMC.org. The Way Woodstock Easter Egg Hunt,
10 a.m.-1 p.m. 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Free community event for kids of all ages. There will be candy, food, games and prizes. woodstockeaster.com.
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MUST Ministries Neighborhood Pantries Connect People Through Food BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
“One day my mom was really sad because we didn’t have any food. Then she remembered that day was grocery pick-up day at my school food pantry. We were so happy we didn’t have to miss dinner.” This is the story of a young girl whose family benefits from the MUST Ministries Neighborhood Pantry in her school. Stories like hers are becoming more common. One in four children in Georgia don’t have enough to eat, according to Atlanta Community Food Bank statistics. With 60% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches, it is not surprising that food instability is an issue in our communities. For 47 years, the leadership and volunteers at MUST Ministries have worked to tackle the challenges of hunger. Neighborhood pantries are active in 39 schools across Cherokee County as well as Acworth, Marietta and Smyrna, with plans to open more. “Because transportation is a problem, having pantries inside our schools makes the food much more accessible for those in need,” said Kaye Cagle, vice president of marketing and public relations for MUST. Hasty Elementary School counselor Mable Ferry said, “We serve at least 10 to 15 families per week and open the pantry one Saturday every month for parents who can’t get there during the week.”
Food pantry at Oak Grove Elementary in Acworth. 46
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Cherokee Principal Todd Miller and MUST President and CEO Ike Reighard
“Our parents feel like our pantry is a safe place,” said Oak Grove Principal Penny Valle. “We are able to serve 24 families once a month and appreciate our committed volunteer shoppers. The Rotary Club of Woodstock has pledged to replenish our inventory for an entire year.” Cherokee High School recently welcomed community leaders to celebrate the opening of the 38th neighborhood pantry in the Cobb/Cherokee counties. Ike Reighard, president and CEO of MUST, cut the ribbon with Cherokee’s principal, Todd Miller. They were surrounded by students who participate in the school’s Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy Program. The students worked hard to get the pantry set up with help from Cherokee administration assistant, Diana Dale. “We hear stories about children skipping meals or going without a coat on a cold wintry day and it just breaks my heart,” Dale said “When I heard about the pantry, I immediately offered to help organize and serve in the pantry. I will never forget the looks of disbelief on the parents’ faces when they were allowed to take food to feed their babies. One father thanked us about 20 times. Another student, whose smile was so big his eyes disappeared, told me how he loved the fresh produce, as he was really getting into cooking lately and how the food he made was delicious. His younger siblings raved about the flavored oatmeal. Those moments make all of the hard work worth it.”
are surrounded by student leaders who worked to launch the pantry.
MUST brings people together to minister to others with compassion and love. Since its inception, the staff and volunteers have fulfilled the vision of the founder, Rev. Wayne Williams: connecting people who have a desire to help with those who need help the most. There are three ways to get involved with a neighborhood pantry. 1. Volunteer to sort food donations, stock shelves and serve families. 2. Become a volunteer shopper. 3. Donate to MUST Ministries - $25 provides one month of food and toiletries for a needy family. To donate, click on the Donate tab at www.mustministries.org. For more information, email neighborhoodpantry@ mustministries.org, or call 770-427-9862. Food donations can be dropped off at the MUST Donation Center at 1280 Field Parkway, Marietta. For more information about volunteering, email volunteer@mustministries.org.
Susan Schulz is a wife, mom, writer and mentor who lives and plays along the Etowah River in Canton. She loves serving at Woodstock City Church. Connect with her at www.susanbrowningschulz.com.
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COMFORT on the Trails
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, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Visit website for more information on these or other trail projects. www.greenprintsalliance.org
GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM Towne Lake Pass - This approximately 1.2 mile trail connects t he Towne Lake community to Downtown along 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. 48
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Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at arket Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main M Street. It continues 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 flat paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park on the banks of Little River.
Clothing tips that work in winter and spring weather. BY LISA RANDALL
As an athlete who trains year round, the winter and early spring months in the South can be challenging times to get outdoors due to cold snaps, multi-day rain showers, and 30-degree temperature swings. Over the years, I’ve tested nearly every outerwear combination, and here are my recommendations to keep you comfortable outdoors in the upcoming months. For all clothing, Merino (no-itch) wool or synthetic (polyester blend) are best for keeping you warm and dry. It is pretty easy to stay warm while running or hiking, but if you are cycling, your hands and feet will feel cold first – so don’t skimp in those areas. On rainy days, even though the temperature may be higher, you’ll end up moist, which pulls heat from your body, so overdressing a little is usually OK. I have yet to find a truly waterproof jacket that is breathable enough to wear while running, so I typically just wear a thicker base layer and vest, realizing I’m going to be a bit wet. For days with cold mornings but 60+ degree afternoons, being able to shed layers is key. Arm warmers, knee warmers and leg warmers are great accessories you can shed and stow in your pack as the temperatures rise. Lisa Randall is a mom, small business owner and athlete from Canton. She is the chapter journalist for SORBA Woodstock.
Cold: Temperatures Below 32 Degrees Running/Hiking
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer. • Windproof vest (if running or hiking briskly). • Windproof jacket (if walking casually). • Gloves, beanie hat, buff or headband to cover ears.
Cycling
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer. • Breathable windproof jacket, windproof gloves, cap or headband that fits under helmet, shoe covers (available at bike shops/outdoor stores). • Optional buff to pull over face on long downhills or start of ride.
Wet: Light to Moderate Rain Running/Hiking
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer. • Waterproof vest or highly breathable waterproof jacket (if running or hiking briskly). • Breathable waterproof jacket (if walking casually). • Depending on temperature: Gloves, beanie hat, buff or headband.
Cycling
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer, waterproof vest or highly breathable waterproof jacket, gloves. • Depending on temperature: cap or headband that fits under helmet, shoe covers.
Cold Morning/Warm Afternoon Running/Hiking
• Merino wool socks, shorts (if running) or lightweight pants (if hiking), lightweight to midweight short-sleeve baselayer. • Windproof vest (if running or hiking briskly). • Windproof jacket (if walking casually). • Gloves, optional arm warmers for morning use.
Cycling
• Merino wool socks, cycling shorts with knee or leg warmers, lightweight to midweight short-sleeve baselayer or jersey, windproof vest. • Gloves, arm warmers for morning use.
Trail Events
Details at http://mountaingoatadventures.com
March 21: Rope Mill Spring Thaw 4 and 10 Mile Trail Run
Race No. 1 of the 2020 Mountain Goat Adventures Spring Trail Run Series. 4- and 10-mile courses available on rolling single-track trails. Beginnerfriendly 4-mile course.
April 18: Battle of Blankets Creek 5 Mile and 10 Mile Trail Run
Beginner friendly 5-mile course that features the Van Michael Trail, which skirts the hillside above Lake Allatoona. SORBA Woodstock fundraiser and free kids-10-and-under race.
April 18: Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile Mountain Bike Race
15- and 30-mile courses that feature nearly all the trails at Blankets Creek Park. SORBA Woodstock fundraiser.
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Woodstock Area Homes Sold in January List Price 270,400 465,000 383,900 450,000 750,000 240,000 589,900 329,900 240,000 550,285 465,000 235,000 244,900 420,000 397,500 389,900 200,000 224,900 309,000 278,500 485,000 344,683 269,000 227,700 199,900 359,900 239,900 200,000 310,000 295,000 276,500 385,000 320,000 343,490 375,000 259,900 233,000 365,000 267,700
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Address 209 Highlands Drive 2401 Olivia Run 530 Rokeby Drive 229 Tyler Drive 182 Fowler Street 177 Weatherstone Drive 245 Dawson Drive 819 Lazarus Drive 105 Mill Creek Court 137 Mountainside Drive 2939 Trickum Road 356 Weatherstone Place 1905 Station Court 515 Spring View Drive 302 Canter Way 118 Normandy Drive 195 Colemans Bluff Drive 1202 Morgan Road 116 Caracas Drive 222 Highland Village Lane 434 Hathaway Avenue 185 Neese Farm Drive 540 Quinn Drive 1098 Ashlin Drive 158 Apple Valley Drive 2010 Woodside Park Drive 208 Abercorn Way 409 Creekside Lane 1003 Springharbor Walk 334 Weatherstone Place 5862 Taylor Creek Drive 278 Edinburgh Lane 118 Nocatee Trail 175 Archie Way 2005 Woodside Park Drive 333 Westover Drive 209 Daventry Way 255 Sumac Trail 602 Bluff Drive
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Subdivision Beds Full Baths Yr Built Sales Price Days On Market Arbor View 4 2 2004 242,000 90 Oakhurst 3 2 2017 431,000 167 Wynchase 4 2 2017 379,900 203 Woodlands 5 3 2003 420,000 73 Woodstock Downtown 5 4 2014 748,000 28 Weatherstone 3 2 1998 204,000 40 South on Main 4 3 2019 597,900 311 Woodlands 4 2 2006 327,500 63 Hickory Flat Estates 4 2 1979 230,000 75 Mountain Park Overlook 5 4 2019 540,000 208 Enclave At Lake Trickum 4 3 2006 438,000 126 Weatherstone 3 2 1996 235,000 40 River Oaks 3 2 1989 242,500 25 Woodview Enclave 4 2 2016 405,000 49 Newcastle Farm 4 3 2014 395,000 35 Woodlands 4 2 2003 382,000 15 Colemans Bluff 3 2 1989 220,000 8 The Springs 3 2 1990 215,000 15 MILL CREEK CROSSING 4 2 1988 218,000 30 Highland Village 4 3 2007 278,500 2 Haney Walk 4 3 2016 470,000 147 Evelyn Farms 3 2 2019 344,833 101 Whitfield at Ridgewalk 4 2 2004 269,000 2 Valley Brook 3 2 1988 227,700 7 Applewood 3 2 1983 204,000 1 Bradshaw Farm 4 4 1997 351,000 237 Cottages of Woodstock 2 2 2004 239,900 14 Creekview 3 2 1978 188,000 40 Springfield Place 3 3 1994 299,000 11 Weatherstone 3 2 1997 287,000 7 NONE 5 3 1990 270,000 58 Wynchase 4 3 2016 385,000 1 Kings Gate Glen 5 3 1999 325,000 14 Riverside 4 2 2019 317,699 102 Bradshaw Farm 4 3 1997 365,000 5 Farmington 3 2 1984 255,000 18 DAVENTRY VILLAGE 3 2 1998 220,000 74 Woodlands 4 2 2006 357,500 96 Colemans Bluff 4 2 1991 257,700 16
My Child Wants to Play Football. Now What? BY SARAH BROADUS
Spring is upon us and youth sports are holding registrations, practices and games. In 2016, the Aspen Institute issued a report called Project Play, which stated that three out of four American households have at least one school-aged child participating in youth sports. That statistically translates to nearly 56.6% of children. Youth sports provide more than recreation; they encourage higher test scores, lower incidence of obesity, and develop skills including discipline, teamwork, social skills, sportsmanship and listening. Most families who join sports programs also find camaraderie within the team, providing community and building an extended family unit. Another positive to youth sports is the increased awareness surrounding player safety measures. Each sport requires specific equipment for player safety, with a recent focus on the safety of youth football. When selecting a program for your child, keep these safety measures in mind.
1. Background checks on volunteers and coaches - for all
programs. While this seems like an obvious precaution, it is imperative the volunteers and coaches working with children undergo a background check, to be kept on file for the season.. 2. Safety training for volunteers and coaches. Across all youth sports, most coaches are moms and dads who have stepped up to help. While volunteers are the backbone of a program, ask the officials what training their volunteers go through to learn the latest safety techniques, practice skills, and what certifications they have.
3. Proper equipment. There are so many options for equipment for the players today, many youth sports have started offering rental equipment. If this is the case, ask officials about the type of helmets they use, how they monitor when they need to be replaced, and how often they recondition the helmets. 4. Weather monitoring. In the South, summer and early fall can get very warm! To prevent dehydration and heat strokes, confirm how the temperature is measured at practice and game days. Ask what safety precautions are taken at practice, such as frequent water breaks, conditioning with equipment, and rest breaks. Also, confirm that there is an acclimation window before beginning practice in pads. 5. Practice guidelines. USA football has guidelines that are in place for preseason and regular-season practices. The guidelines include how long practices can last, including full contact, which should be practiced for only 30 minutes per day. Football can be enjoyed safely, and athletes can learn the proper techniques at an early age, in a program that is dedicated to providing and exceeding the safety standards.
Sarah Broadus is a Canton resident and Mississippi transplant. She is the mom of four kiddos, and serves on the executive board for multiple organizations in Cherokee County.
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School News
Sequoyah DECA members, from left: Ashlyn Blumberg, Austyn Tressler, Sydney Pate, Claire Jerguson, Lauren Smith, Haley Ward and Emily Duke.
DECA Members to Compete in Nashville Sequoyah High School DECA members competed at the student marketing association’s State Career Development Conference in Atlanta and earned the opportunity to compete at the International competition next month in Nashville. The winners are: Austyn Tressler, who placed first in Apparel & Accessories Marketing; Haley Ward, fourth in Restaurant & Food Services Management; Ashlyn Blumberg, Claire Jerguson and Lauren Smith, who as a team placed seventh in Innovation plan; Emily Duke, seventh in Hotel & Lodging Management; and Sydney Pate, seventh in Retail & Merchandising. DECA’s industry validated competitive events are aligned with high schools’ career classes in marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism.
Free Parent University Classes Kick Off The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is supporting a new initiative with the Cherokee County Council PTA called Parent University. The PTA will regularly present free programs at Cherokee County high schools that will focus on varying issues and be open to all parents − no matter which school their children attend. The first topic is mental health awareness and suicide prevention with speakers from CCSD’s School Police Department and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative, and Highland Rivers Health. The program will be 6:30-8 p.m., March 5 at Woodstock High School; March 11 at Cherokee High School; March 18 at Etowah High School; March 25 at River Ridge High School; and March 31 at Sequoyah High School (Creekview already has hosted its program on this topic).
Scholarship Open to Seniors The BridgeMill Sixes Service League is offering two $1,500 Lexine Harper Scholarships (named after one of the leagues’ founding members) to two graduating seniors in Cherokee County. The scholarship is based on community service and not academics or athletics. There is no required number of volunteer hours; the scholarships are awarded based on quality, not quantity of hours. The application is available at www. bssl.org, and must be postmarked by April 16.
Knights Excel at CyberPatriot Competition A team of students from The King’s Academy U.S. Army JROTC Knights recently won first place in the toptier platinum level for all U.S. Army JROTC units in the all-service division at CyberPatriot – the Air Force Association’s (AFA) National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. Established by AFA in 2009, CyberPatriot is designed to educate and motivate students toward careers in cybersecurity and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. 52
The King’s Academy U.S. Army JROTC Knights.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Cherokee Christian Schools Awarded Grant Representatives of Cobb EMC recently visited Cherokee Christian to award a $500 grant to be used toward the purchase of a kiln for the art department. Pictured is Mark Justice, Director of Education and Community Relations for Cobb EMC; art teacher Amy Peacock and her third grade students.
Junior Earns Perfect ACT Score Congratulations to Thomas Arntzen, a Woodstock High School junior, for earning the top composite score of 36 on the ACT college entrance and placement test. On average, less than one-half of 1% of the 1.8 million students who take the ACT each year earns the top score. Arntzen is a leader on the math team, and a member of the National Honors Society and Science National Honors Society. He plays Thomas Arntzen trombone in the Wolverine Marching Band program and is a member of the school’s jazz and concert bands, and, outside of schools, plays with GYSO jazz. He also is an active volunteer at his church, Woodstock City.
Taste of Sequoyah The Sequoyah High School Band and Orchestra will host their annual Taste of Sequoyah fundraiser 6-8:30 p.m., March 26, at Sequoyah High School, 4485 Hickory Road, Canton, This event will showcase restaurants in Hickory Flat and surrounding areas as well as a silent auction and basket raffles. All proceeds benefit the Sequoyah Instrumental Music Foundation and will help purchase instruments and equipment. Guests can enjoy samples from local restaurants, and music performed by the band, orchestra, winter guard and local elementary choirs. Tickets for food samples are $1 per ticket and will be available at the door the evening of the event. Cash and checks accepted. Food samples range from 1-3 tickets each. For more information, email simf.tasteofsequoyah@gmail.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
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Advertisers
For advertising rates and information: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 • Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
March 2020
ANIMALS/PETS Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
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ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
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Williams | Elleby 833-LEGAALGA www.gatrialattorney.com
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Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org
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Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.citadelwealthcare.com Graham & Kapp, LLC 770-591-8121 www.grahamkappcpas.com
Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898
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BEAUTY SALON & SPA A New You Skin & Body Clinic 678-739-0400 www.anewyouclinic.com
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élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com
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Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com
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HEALTH & WELLNESS Sanctuary on Main 770-365-5106 getamber.net
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HOME DÉCOR
CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry Tech 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com
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Clearview Soft wash and Pressure wash 37 770-926-1960 www.clearviewatl.com CHIROPRACTIC Joint Chiropractic, The 678-214-4449 www.thejoint.com
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COMMUNITY EVENT Inside front
CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union 770-424-0600 www.lgeccu.org
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DENTAL Dentistry for Woodstock, Dr. Bruce Fink 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com
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Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com
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Neighborhood Nest, The 770-485-5898 www.theneighborhoodnestga.com
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Southern Sky Outlet 678-842-8411
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HOME AND GARDEN Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277
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Carpet Dye Tech 678-368-5992 www.carpetdyetech.com
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Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.landscapemattersinc.com
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RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com AAA Agent-David Amazon 678-390-5700
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Rebekah Gregg Photography 678-637-7518 www.rebekahgreggphotography.com
ENTERTAINMENT/FESTIVALS
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The www.thetomlinsonteam.com
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Holbrook 11 404-445-7777 www.holbrooklife.com Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.tpgsells.com
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SPORTS/SUMMER CAMPS Campsplash! 39 770-591-1998 www.goldswim.com Challenge Island 770-744-3352 www.challenge-island.com/ cherokeemilton
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Cherokee County Safety Town www.safekidscherokeecounty.org/ safetytown
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Cherokee Youth Football Assoc. www.cyfa.org
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Cherokee Recreation & Parks Summer Camps www.playcherokee.org
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Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding 770-656-5764 www.hgtrinc.com
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Paper Scissors Cake 404-867-1630 www.paperscissorscakeartstudio.com
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RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Rebel Heart Boutique & Market 678-503-2803 www.shoprebelheart.com
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SENIOR LIVING/ SENIOR SERVICES 7
Oaks at Towne Lake Cover, 13, 28, 29 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
INSURANCE
State Farm Agent Sheila Geist 770-924-3680 www.sheilageist.net
EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu
Pineapple Park 678-494-8494 www.pineapplepark.com
Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1(675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES GI Specialists of Georgia 678-741-2313, 678-741-5000 1-888-MYCOLON www.gigeorgia.com REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
FUNERAL SERVICES
AUTOMOTIVE
Canton Festival of the Arts www.cantonartfestival.com
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FINANCIAL SERVICES
Tidwell Strimban Injury Lawyers 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com
TEDXDupreePark www.tedxdupreepark.com
Cherokee Theatre Company 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org
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Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 nextstepministries.net
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TRANSPORTATION EconoRides 1 678-218-7170 www.econorides.com
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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. 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. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2020
Kris McKeeth
