3-21 AroundWoodstock webfinal.pdf by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Contents March 2021

Contributors 30 Don Akridge

The Innovation Spot

14 Stacy Brown

39 Charlice Byrd

42 Cherokee Office of Economic Development

On the Cover

Lori and Thomas Devaney, with daughter Amanda, offer downtown Woodstock an office rental solution.

43 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 16 Jeannie Cordaro

Pages 28 & 29

26 Rabbi Daniel Dorsch

Cover photo by Beth Fornuto Photography

18 Ashley Haynes

40 Harry Johnston

36 Rob Macmillan 17 Leslie Powell 18 Joy Silk

47 Justin Spainhour-Roth 22 Ashley Velez

In Every Issue

4 Around Woodstock 8 Community News

20 Celebrations

Miracle Stories in Cherokee County

Can you imagine volunteering to undergo major surgery, and giving a kidney to someone who isn’t family, or even a stranger? This selfless act is a life-changer.

State of the City

Woodstock’s mayor, Donnie Henriques, shares a recap of 2020 and what the residents of Woodstock can look forward to in 2021.

Women’s History Month

From the past to the present, women in Cherokee County are inspiring and supporting each other. 2

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

34 Noteworthy

36 Rob’s Rescues

38 Everyday Angels

40 County Commission Highlights

44 Community Calendar

46 Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide 48 School News

49 Library Events

50 Local Churches

52 Greenprints Trail Map 53 Recent Home Sales

54 Directory of Advertisers

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Around Woodstock Letter From the Editor

Part of our mission is to provide positive and relevant information in each issue. That’s not hard to do in Cherokee County. You don’t have to look far or wait long to find an example of someone acting kind, generous or selfless. I may be wired to notice such things. I took a spiritual gifts inventory at least 15 years ago, as part of a class at Hillside UMC with about eight or 10 others. At the end of the study, we went around the room and revealed our strongest gift. My friend Lucy and I were the only ones whose top gift was compassion. The others tested highest in administration, exhortation, teaching, and a few more. During this discussion, one class member was leaning back in her chair, went a little too far and fell to the ground. Lucy and I - the most compassionate in the room - immediately jumped up to help. But when we realized we were the only ones who reacted that way, we started laughing so hard that we left our friend to fend for herself. It was the perfect way to end the class, and gave us insight into why we do the things we do. On pages 1619, you’ll meet two generous women who volunteered for major surgery in order to donate kidneys. I don’t believe we need a test to know they are filled with compassion. And the recipients are filled with gratitude for having a second chance at life. In honor of Women’s History Month, Ashley Velez introduces us to some inspirational women who are making an impact (Page 22). In fact, there were so many to meet, we decided to conclude this feature in the April edition. What we don’t specify in our mission statement is that we hope you are inspired by what you read on these pages each month. This issue is no exception, with story after story of kind and compassionate people. Our response? Here’s an idea from our Kindness Challenge.

March

Make a Joyful Noise. Find a way to share your musical gifts (or even the lack thereof !) with neighbors and friends. Share a song through a text or Spotify. Have your kids form a band and march through your neighborhood, or serenade from the sidewalk if you feel bold!

Cherokee Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Agave Azul Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar

915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite F-650, Woodstock 770-635-8707. On Facebook.

What’s Open

AlignLife of Woodstock, at 10917 Highway 92, Suite 160,

is a chiropractic and natural health center with a focus on health and wellness. Licensed chiropractor Taylor Hoskins has experience with all ages. 678-385-9333. www.alignlife.com/woodstock. Fans of the prepared foods available at BeesKnees in Towne Lake will be happy to know they can pick up their favorite frozen entrees, breads and snacks at Cupcakelicious, at 8654 Main St. Visit www.preparedfoodsbybk.com for more information. Limitless Disability Services, at 260 Parkway 575, offers a special needs day program that gives those with disabilities a safe and loving space to grow independently. For more information, contact Paige Reid at paige@limitlessdisabilityservices.com. Renewal Pain Relief LLC, at 1001 Weatherstone Parkway, Suite 410, treats chronic pain conditions caused by whiplash/motor vehicle accidents, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, headaches/ migraines, and more. 678-557-1733. www.renewalpainrelief.com. Also on Facebook.

What’s Coming

The Blue Ghost Arcade will open at 150 Towne Lake Parkway,

Suite 164, with a full bar, plus 40 retro arcade games, pinball machines and console games. Targeted opening date is sometime this spring. www.theBlueGhostArcade.com. According to City Manager Jeff Moon, we can look forward to the following businesses opening in Woodstock: Big Dan’s Car Wash will open on Ridgewalk Parkway; Woodstock Beer Market is targeting a late March/early April opening at 260 Chambers St., and Pelican’s Snoballs is going in at 8099 Main St.

What’s Closing

Dr. Michael F. Pratt, owner/physician at Woodstock Ear, Nose and Throat since 2001, is retiring this month and closing the practice, which is at 281 Heritage Walk in Woodstock. Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

With Sympathy

Our condolences to the family of Don Kyle, who passed away recently. He was co-founder of the TowneLaker, the flagship publication of Aroundabout Local Media.

Skilled attorneys who are dedicated to helping injury victims maximize their recovery.

Joel Williams

Chase Elleby

833-LEGALGA

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

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www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

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. 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 2021

Around Woodstock

1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 Volume 8, Issue 5

America’s Community Magazine

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Local News

It’s Almost Time for the Farm. Fresh. Market.

The 2021 Woodstock Farm. Fresh. Market. is making plans for the upcoming season, April 17-Dec. 18. The market will be open 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays on Market Street and in the backyard of Reformation Brewery in downtown Woodstock To create a safe environment for shoppers and vendors, organizers have created a set of guidelines. • Shoppers should not touch any items on vendors’ tables. Vendors will bag the items being purchased. • Vendor booths have been spaced farther apart; shoppers are asked not to stand or walk between booths. • Shoppers are asked to visit booths one at a time, and be patient as vendors help each shopper. • While waiting in line to be served, please maintain a proper distance from others. • Try to avoid cash transactions. Most vendors will have electronic options for payment. Hand-sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the market. Public restrooms are open at the Noonday Creek Trailhead. For more information, call 770-924-0406 or email kbennett@woodstockga.gov.

MUST Director Named to Executive Women Post MUST Ministries’ Yvonne Byars was selected as the 2021 chairwoman of Cobb Executive Women. Byars has been the senior director at MUST Ministries for four years and, prior to MUST, worked for Procter & Gamble in IT project management with a certification as a project management Yvonne Byars professional. “After spending 25 years in corporate, I was looking for something more fulfilling, and that’s why I chose nonprofit work,” Byars said. “I think my selection as chairwoman of Cobb Executive Women shows that MUST Ministries attracts individuals from Fortune 500 companies and other corporations. We’re able to bring skills from corporate and take them into the nonprofit world.” Byars oversees MUST Ministries’ Neighborhood Pantry program, which serves more than 100 schools in Cherokee and Cobb counties, has helped more than 20,000 clients and distributed over 1 million pounds of food to students and families. “Neighborhood pantries serve at-risk students and their families, and a lot of these households are struggling with the choice of paying rent or buying food,” Byars said. She also developed the concept of MUST Ministries’ new Neighborhood Mobile Pantry. “The innovative mobile bus will take fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, breads, canned goods and even dairy, when available, to people living in ‘food deserts’ where groceries are not within walking distance,” she said. “We’re able to provide healthy food options in Cobb, Cherokee and surrounding counties.” The Cobb Executive Women’s mission is to inspire women to achieve success personally, professionally and within their community. The group holds monthly luncheons and community outreach events, including one this summer when the organization came to MUST Ministries to make sandwiches to feed children in the Summer Lunch program.

Northside Hospital Offers New Cancer Therapy

Photo by Abigail Peyton 8

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Immunotherapy Program is one of just two programs in Georgia to offer the latest chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy. Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel), from Kite Pharma Inc., is the first and only FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). MCL is a rare subtype of nonHodgkin lymphoma, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Treatment often includes chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Immunotherapy essentially is strengthening and empowering a patient’s own immune system to find and attack cancer. It works by taking immune cells, genetically modifying them to be better tumor-fighting immune cells, multiplying them to great numbers (tens of thousands), and then infusing them into the patient. “We are excited to offer our patients the first and only FDA-approved CAR T-cell treatment for people with mantle cell lymphoma, whose prior treatment either didn’t work or stopped working,” said Scott Solomon, medical director of Northside’s Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Matched Unrelated Donor Program and Stem Cell Processing Laboratory. More information is available at www.northside.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Local News Marine Corps League, Detachment 1311, in Woodstock is holding an April fundraiser to benefit the Marine Corps League Scholarship fund for Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps ( JROTC) Cadets, Eagle Scouts, and Marine and Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 dependents in Cherokee and Cobb counties. The 11th annual MSgt. George “Rip” and Barbara Masters Charity Golf Tournament is planned for April 26 at Cobblestone Golf Course in Acworth. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The scholarship is available to students who have achieved academic excellence and have demonstrated superior leadership qualities. In the past 10 years, the event has raised more than $40,000 to help local young people further their education. A continental breakfast will be provided, along with lunch, carts and range balls. There will be awards given for first, second and third place teams, in addition to longest drive, straightest drive and closest to the pin honors. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, or to register to play, visit www.mcl1311woodstockga. org or email tournament director Ron Welborn at rwwelborn@comcast.net.

MAP COURTESY OF TSW DESIGN FIRM

Golf Tournament to Boost Scholarship Funds

One Step Closer to New Parks

The next step in the Southwest Cherokee Parks and Trails Plan includes project phasing, implementation plans and report documents that are scheduled to be presented to the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Advisory Board on March 17, and to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners at the April 20 regular commission meeting. Last month, residents viewed revised conceptual plans and provided feedback on the plan. Participants saw a map with four county-owned parcels identified as potential parks for the southwest area. The first two parcels identified make up roughly 52 acres located between Ga. 92 and Clark Creek Elementary School, the third 14-acre parcel is at the intersection of Hunt and Priest roads, and the fourth parcel is 43 acres at the corner of Old Alabama and Kellogg Creek roads. “During the development of the 2018 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Master Plan, we identified recreation needs for the southwest Cherokee area,” said Cherokee County District 4 Commissioner Corey Ragsdale. “We are excited to see these plans come to fruition and to provide our residents with several options to choose from.” Visit cherokeega.com and click on SW Cherokee Parks and Trails Plan on the homepage for more details, or contact Bryan Reynolds at bdreynolds@cherokeega. com or Sarah McColley at smccolley@tsw-design.com.

Sheriff ’s Charity Makes Donations

Donations to three charities were made recently by the Frank Reynolds Charities, using funds raised at the November Hawks Ridge Golf Tournament. The nonprofit is dedicated to creating a stronger community by uniting people to serve others. The donations this year included $10,000 to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, $3,000 to the Children’s Haven, and $1,500 to Goshen Valley. For more details and photos, visit www.frankreynoldscharities.com. The charity also is on Facebook. Sheriff Frank Reynolds presents a donation to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Executive Director Amy Economopoulos. 10

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Mayor Outlines Successes During The Year Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques delivered his 2021 State of the City address on Jan. 22, at the Elm Street Theater to members of IN WDSTK. Here are the highlights; check www.woodstockga.gov for the entire speech.

The Economy

•

Despite recent struggles, Woodstock has seen a continuation of its robust local economy. While overall revenue was down 4.6% due to certain revenue streams being lower, the local economy was driven by retail sales and investments in construction. There was a $65 million increase in construction value from 2019, bringing the 2020 total to $185 million. Six hundred new businesses were licensed, up 42% from 2019. Forty-five hundred total permits were issued, up 44% from 2019. Four hundred and fifty-six single-family permits were issued up 42% from 2019.

•

The city reduced the millage rate 3.77%. Debt decreased $2.5 million, and the debt rating was raised by Moody’s Debt Rating Scale to Aa2. The finance department received the Achievement in Financial Reporting Award for the 27th consecutive year by the Government Finance Officers Association.

•

The Woodstock DDA opened Made Mercantile in November, with seven member companies located in the retail small business incubator. In conjunction with the city, the DDA closed on the purchase of the current Morgan’s Ace Hardware site. The current store will relocate to its new location this spring, just north of Ridgewalk Parkway on Main Street.

Sustainable Living

•

The city’s Sustainability Plan was completed and adopted in 2020. The goal of these programs is to define and implement the necessary steps to minimize the city’s negative impact on the environment while promoting energy efficiency and cost savings.

• The 2020 Little River Clean Up accounted for 200 volunteer hours, cleaning up more than 2 tons of litter and debris. The Bring One for the Chipper event recycled 397 Christmas trees. The Street Sweeper collected 255,3359 pounds of leaves and debris.

•

The Adopt-A-Trail Program initiated in 2020 allows businesses, corporations and organizations to adopt 1-mile sections of the trail system for cleanup events. There are currently nine sections, all of which have been adopted.

Improvements

•

Investment in infrastructure improvements continued through smaller projects that incrementally improve traffic flow and pedestrian facilities. A major project funded this year, utilizing a $3.27 million infrastructure grant from the state, is the Hub Transformation Project, which will change Mill Street to twoway, add a roundabout, and add a left turn lane from Towne Lake Parkway to Main Street.

•

Public works completed 5.4 miles of paving, 4.511 miles of sidewalk, and opened the Ridge Trail Extension and the Reeves Street Connection to Woodpark Place. Water treatment plants were completed as well. 12

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Community

•

In a year of distancing and reduction of public events, the city continued to provide outreach and engaging programs. Woodstock Parks and Recreation produced a virtual Memorial Day Ceremony that garnered national media attention. Instead of annual ceremonies, parks and recreation created an exhibit in the visitors center to commemorate Patriots Day and produced a virtual Veterans Day observance. The annual Christmas parade took place at River Ridge High School by organizing a reverse parade of lights, allowing parade-goers to enjoy from the safety of their vehicles.

•

The Woodstock Public Safety Foundation raised more than $100,000 for community outreach programs such as Shop with a Hero. Explorer Post 1609 earned second place in its category against more than 3,500 other explorers at the annual competition in Gatlinburg. IN WDSTK raised more than $20,000 in Scarecrow Invasion and Jingle Mingle fundraisers, all of which was re-invested into the community.

•

The communications team rebuilt and launched a new topic-based city website making it easier to find information. Parks and Recreation sought input for a master plan update and received more than 300% more responses than the previous plan, allowing staff to plan for facilities and programs based on citizen feedback. The SMART Woodstock plan for technological advances for a better experience in the Main Street corridor was completed and adopted. Pilot projects being considered include in-ground lighted crosswalks and parking availability technology. The city received a $135,000 grant toward a $175,000 Livable Centers Initiative Study to update the downtown and Highway 92 corridor development plans that were adopted in 2002 and 2013, respectively. The community engagement process began last month.

•

Woodstock’s police department completed a three-year assessment and maintained national and state certification in 2020. Reported crime was down 21% from 2019, the lowest level in a decade. WPD instituted implicit bias training and provided training in social intelligence, doubling the state’s requirement. Gov. Brian Kemp recognized Woodstock Police Department for its Internet Crimes Against Children Investigations Team.

•

Woodstock Fire & Rescue reached 7,152 citizens through outreach efforts, even with reduced in-person interactions. The department responded to 5,720 calls for service, maintaining a 5-minute average response time. Fire personnel completed an average of 309 hours of training per employee with a 100% EMS training and recertification for all personnel.

•

The IT Department completed an Initial Security Assessment and assisted Fire & Rescue in moving to the new county-wide dispatch system. GIS launched DATA HUB with free data, maps, and web apps and worked with WPD to develop an accident analysis dashboard to improve information gathering on accident trends and causes. Using City Reporter Parks Inspection Software, staff found and repaired more than 200 faults at park facilities.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Check Your Water Bill

A great place to start is to examine your utility bill for January or February. It’s likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons (or 16 CCF) per month. You can also look for spikes—is your water use a lot higher this month than it was last month?

Read Your Water Meter

10-Minute Search for Water Leaks BY STACY BROWN

The average household leaks nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year. That’s the amount of water it takes to wash 300 loads of laundry. It could be costing you an additional 10% on your water bills. In just 10 minutes, you can search your home for leaks and cut down your water waste. Many common household leaks are quick to find and easy to fix. Worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking shower heads all are easily correctable, and can save on your utility bill expenses and water in your community. Take this 10-minute challenge to detect and chase down leaks!

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Find your water meter, which is usually near the curb in front of your home. Remove the lid on your meter, which is heavy and usually marked “water.” Take a reading during a period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same after two hours, you probably have a leak.

Take a Toilet Test

Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank at the back of your toilet and let it sit for 10 minutes. If color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. Make sure to flush afterward to avoid staining, and consider replacing your old toilet flapper if it is torn or worn. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Fix A Leak Week is March 15-21, but you can find and fix leaks inside and outside of your home, and save water and money anytime. Learn how at epa.gov/watersense.

Stacy Brown is the marketing and communications manager for the city of Woodstock. She can be reached at 770-592-6056 or sbrown@woodstockga.gov.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

National KIDNEY Month Many lives have been changed by the selfless acts of living organ donors. Since March is National Kidney Month, we thought we’d do our part, and help raise awareness about kidney disease by sharing some of the miracle stories that have happened in Cherokee County. You may remember Michelle Nichols and Leslie White, sisters who were featured in Everyday Angels in our January issue. Currently, they are raising funds and waiting for donors. Everyday Angels also shared the story of Amber and Brian Miller in our September 2020 issue. The latest update is that Amber met the criteria to donate a kidney to her husband and, as of press time, that surgery was scheduled for Feb. 25. We hope you enjoy reading these amazing stories of need, and how — more often than not — strangers are the ones who stepped up and made the difference. We’ve been encouraged, and hope you will be, too. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a kidney transplant. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help, Ashley Haynes (who tells her family’s story on Page 18) recommends the following websites: www.emoryhealthcare. org/centers-programs/ kidney-transplant-program/ living-donor.html www.kidney.org/atoz/ content/living-donation 16

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Donating without Doubt BY JEANNIE CORDARO

What some may call coincidences, I call carefully crafted plans, unbeknownst to those of us walking around in this world. This is the story of one such plan that began more than 20 years ago when, as newlyweds, my husband, Jay, and I began looking for a place to call home that would be convenient to both our places of work. At that time, we were living in Lawrenceville, and I had just gotten a teaching job in Dallas. We set out one weekend looking at homes in Towne Lake, and then drove down Sixes Road to look at a new subdivision we had read about. On the way, we turned around just before where Starbucks now sits, thinking it was too far off the interstate, and went home. The next weekend, we decided to drive back to Cherokee County to look at BridgeMill. We decided it looked like a wonderful place to raise a family, and found a home. We welcomed our first child, a son, two years after settling in BridgeMill, and a daughter two years after that. When our son was 4, we signed him up to play baseball at Hobgood Park. That was where we first met Trey and Leslie Powell and their children. Mason and Brady attended Sixes Elementary, where they often would be classmates and would play on countless sports teams together, some of which Trey coached. Sophie and Anna also were classmates, and would play basketball together, sometimes as teammates coached by Trey and, later, as opponents when I began coaching basketball. Anna and Sophie also were in the same Girl Scout Troop that I led. Later, when Trey and Leslie made the decision to move Mason and Anna to schools in the zone in which Leslie taught, our physical paths crossed less often. A baseball season here, a basketball game there, but we stayed in touch as many do, through Facebook. And, that is where I followed Trey’s battles and prayed for his recovery.

When Leslie posted that they were looking for a living donor and provided a link to a questionnaire to begin the search, there wasn’t even a thought process. I just clicked the link and filled it out. To my surprise, I was cleared to take the next step and have labs run. Then, step by step, I was approved to move through the process. A Bible verse became my mantra when I began to worry about not being cleared to move to the next step, or became overwhelmed with the process: “Perhaps this is the moment for which you were created” — Esther 4:14. When people questioned why I would put myself through an elective surgery, my answer was that God had created me and if he had created me in a way that I could help someone, then I should do it. This verse perfectly mirrored my thoughts. Nearly a year after beginning the process, I got the call that I had been approved for donation. It was just surreal. Finally, on Nov. 12, 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, I underwent a left nephrectomy and Trey received the kidney, which I named Althea, which means power to heal. I’m told she was beautiful, and she began working immediately. It is my fervent prayer that she will give Trey many, many, many more years of a full and joyful life. I would do it again in a heartbeat. In the U.S., 93,000 people are waiting on a kidney, and the average wait for a deceased donor kidney is five to 10 years. The longer a person is on dialysis, while waiting on a transplant, the more the short- and long-term success rates are negatively impacted. A kidney transplant has the potential to double the life expectancy of the recipient. When considering that a healthy person can live with one kidney, and these above statistics, if anyone reading this feels called to be a living donor, I am happy to be a resource and answer any questions.

Mason (left) and Leslie Powell, Jeannie Cordaro and Anna Powell surround Trey.

Willing to Go the Extra Mile BY LESLIE POWELL

I have been a Canton resident since 2004. We were drawn to this community as the perfect place to raise our family. We had no idea then how much the community truly would transform our lives. A community is much more than just the land, homes and stores. It is defined by the people who live there. Canton has proved to be a supportive and life-changing location for my family. It started on a baseball field at Hobgood Park, where my son played. That is where we first met the Cordaro family. Their son, Brady, played on the same team. Through the years, our families found ourselves together through Cherokee Youth Basketball teams, Girl Scout troops at the elementary school, and the same church. In February 2018, we were sitting in a gym watching our daughter’s team play in the championship for the middle school basketball league. My husband, Trey Powell, started having terrible pains in his leg. We went to a local emergency room, fearing a blood clot. He was diagnosed with cellulitis on the inside of his right foot, and was sent home with an antibiotic. Over the next week, his infection grew worse. He was admitted to the

hospital with sepsis from the infection. They aggressively treated the infection with IV medications. With no prior kidney problems, we found his situation much worse when, after six days of treatment, his kidneys went into Stage V kidney failure, as a result of the medications. This battle with infection would keep him in the hospital until July 4, 2018. He underwent more than 24 surgeries, with five of them being amputations to his right leg. When he came home, on our country’s Independence Day, his life had changed forever. Living without a limb is life-altering. You have to learn new ways to do things and how to navigate your new normal. Living with two failing kidneys also is life-changing. To survive, Trey needed dialysis three days a week for four hours each time. He got up at 4:10 a.m. to make his 5:25 a.m. dialysis seat time in Roswell. He would be fatigued and nauseated from the dialysis, and he often was hospitalized with complications. Although he had survived the health crisis, he felt he was merely existing and no longer living. That is when the doctors suggested a kidney transplant. While Trey went through the process of being placed on the organ donation list, his doctors suggested he

search for a living donor. In October 2019, we announced on social media our search for a kidney donor. We were hopeful, yet anxious. People in this community rallied around us during his health crisis. Many people provided meals and donations to carry us through the tough times. However, asking for a kidney seemed like an impossible task. Would someone actually be willing to go through the testing, endure the surgery, take the time off work to heal, and actually give an organ to someone? The answer was YES. Our community friend, whose life had been entwined with ours through activities of our children, reached out to help. Jeannie Cordaro, one of the first to volunteer, was identified as a possible match and endured months of testing to confirm. In September 2020, we were notified that she was a perfect match. On Nov. 12, 2020, at Emory University Hospital, Jeannie had surgery to have a kidney transplant that would change all our lives forever. Her kidney, which Jeannie named “Althea” (which means “with healing power”), immediately started working. Trey never needed dialysis after surgery. His bloodwork consistently has been stable. He now has energy, and no more nausea. His life truly has been changed by the gift from our friend. The Powell family is so thankful for Jeannie’s willingness to help. Such a selfless act of kindness is rare to find. She truly has the heart of Christ. She stated on social media that, “Jesus called those who follow him to be his hands and feet and love one another. I try to live my life doing what he has asked. I am blessed to have this opportunity to do that for Trey and his family who I have known for many years.” There is an Albert Einstein quote on the wall at Emory that says, “Only a life lived for others is worth living.” In a world where so many people are focused on themselves and their family, we were blessed with a friend who gave. Our lives were changed by a friend who was willing to make a difference by considering the needs of others. We were touched by an angel.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

National KIDNEY Month

2020: The Year of a Miracle BY JOY SILK

What will you remember most about the year 2020? Perhaps it will be the coronavirus, toilet paper shortage, maybe even quarantining at home? None of those events come to mind when I think back on 2020. For me, it always will be the year I got to be a front-row participant in a miracle. Have you ever felt a nudge to do something you really didn’t understand? This miracle began with a moment that seemed so casual and normal; I didn’t realize how God was about to use me for his plan. That nudge happened last summer at the end of a Zumba class. My mother had just donated a kidney to a stranger after feeling led to do so after watching a news story. At the end of Zumba, my friend Alyson asked how my mom was recovering. I didn’t realize at the time what a monumental moment that was for us. Alyson talked about her nieces’ rare condition (Lily and Maggie Haynes) and the reality that the girls potentially would need multiple kidney transplants throughout their lives due to their condition. No one else in the family had the correct blood type to donate, so they’d have to resort to the organ swap program, where multiple donors cross-

Before this, Joy and Maggie had never met. 18

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

match with multiple recipients. I found myself asking what Maggie’s blood type was: O-positive. Without thinking much about it, I told Alyson to keep me in mind when the time came. I had the same blood type and would be happy to go through the screening for her. The time for a kidney donation came quicker than they anticipated. Maggie needed a new kidney right away, at age 14. I went through the screenings and multiple tests. My team of doctors would be at Emory University Hospital and Maggie’s team would be at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. When the kidney was removed, my team would walk the organ across the street, through an underground tunnel, to Maggie in the children’s hospital. This journey started as a way for me to help a mother who needed something for her daughter that I happened to be a match for, but I know it was part of a much bigger plan. Getting to know Maggie and her family, and being a part of the living donor program, has changed my life. Maggie and I were covered with prayers on the morning of Oct. 2. Because of COVID-19 restrictions at Emory, my husband had to drop me off at the emergency room door and pick me up two days later, when I was released. I remember everything about that morning. I never felt alone, and I was not scared. In fact, when the anesthesiologist wheeled me to the operating room, I was overcome with the feeling that God was there. He was with me and I was not afraid. I never had any doubts about the surgery. I now knew that conversation during the summer was not a mistake; it was part of God’s incredible plan. So, now, if you were to ask me if I believe in miracles, I’d have to just smile and tell you, absolutely!

Meet JoJo: A S

BY ASHLEY HAYNES

On Oct. 2, 2020, Maggie Jo Haynes, my daughter, received the best possible gift: a new kidney. And, this gift came from a person she did not know just one week earlier. Maggie Jo was diagnosed with cystinosis when she was a year old. Cystinosis is a rare disorder that causes an accumulation of the amino acid cystine within cells, forming crystals that can build up and damage the cells. Maggie’s sister, Lily Grace, had been dealing with health issues since she was an infant and, at age 4, she finally was diagnosed correctly. Since it is genetic, Maggie was tested. We were very surprised to learn she also had cystinosis. Maggie Jo just didn’t seem sick. In fact, she had a very atypical experience with cystinosis as a child. She took all of her medications and went to the scheduled doctor visits and labs, but

The Silk and Haynes families, from left: Mason, John, Amelia and Joy Silk with Maggie, Ashley, and Lily Haynes.

Special Gift That Changed a Life she had few of the complications and issues that most children have. She rarely had nausea or low energy. In fact, Maggie played softball for many years, and is an avid hunter. She was active and otherwise healthy. When Maggie was 10, she had a complication that is believed to be related to cystinosis. She needed surgery to correct her being “knock-kneed.” Within two years, Maggie Jo had three surgeries to correct her legs, which took a toll on her energy level. About a year later, when she was 13, she was admitted to the children’s hospital for dehydration. This was the first time that her labs showed an abnormality (other than the cystine level that helped her diagnosis). After this hospitalization, Maggie’s kidney function declined quickly for about a year. In February, 2020, Maggie’s doctor told her she needed an initial evaluation for a kidney

transplant. The appointment was set for late March. Unfortunately, COVID-19 changed our plans. Her appointment was postponed until May. Meanwhile, her lab reports showed a rapid decline in kidney function. We became very concerned. At Maggie’s initial evaluation, we discussed possible living donors, and the process of getting on the deceased donor list. I had given one of my kidneys to Maggie’s sister in 2011. We had no family members who were a blood match. My sister, Alyson, was willing to do a paired donor match, but that was our only family possibility. While Maggie was at her evaluation, some of her levels were “off,” and she was admitted to get those corrected. While we sat in her hospital room that night, I posted on Facebook about Maggie’s situation, and information

about being a living donor. Two minutes after I posted, I received a message from a friend of my sister, asking for contact information. Over the next few weeks, we heard from 10-15 people interested in seeing if they qualified to be her kidney donor. We were amazed. I will say that we have experienced the kindness and generosity of our community in the past. When Lily received her kidney transplant, our community rallied around us, and we definitely felt the love. But, the thought of all of these people willing to undergo surgery, and give up an organ for our sweet girl, was humbling, to say the least. Because of privacy laws, we weren’t allowed to get updates on the potential donors. But, my sister’s friend kept us informed and, in midAugust, we heard that she was in the final stages of the process. In late August, we were told that Maggie Jo would need to begin dialysis unless a transplant was scheduled in the next few weeks. We weren’t sure if the timing was going to work out. But, finally, in mid-September, a date was set. Maggie would be getting her new kidney on Oct. 2! Maggie wanted to meet the angel who was willing to give this incredible gift. On Sept. 27, Maggie met Joy. Yes, Joy. The person giving the gift of life has the most appropriate name possible. Joy has two children; her daughter is the same age as Maggie. On the day we met, gifts were exchanged and pictures taken. One week later, one of Joy’s kidneys was giving Maggie a second chance. And, Maggie named her new kidney JoJo, for Joy + Maggie Jo. JoJo is working hard and allowing Maggie to have the energy that a 14-year-old should have. We hope that Maggie and Joy’s story is an inspiration to others who might consider being a living donor. It certainly has changed our lives.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com April deadline is March 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.

Dedra Blair

March 3 You're an amazing daughter. We love you! Mom and Dad.

Christina Ritzmann

March 31 Happy birthday to our lovely daughter, a blessing from God. Tom and Charmaine Howard.

Angelik

Age 10 on March 1. Angie, you have grown into such a smart and beautiful girl. May everything you do bring you joy and happiness. You deserve this and so much more. Happy birthday! Titi Main. 20

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Oley Doty

Addie

Happy 95th birthday, Oley! Honk, honk! The Woodstock Bus Drivers.

Happy 10th birthday! We love you and wish you the best birthday! Love, Dad, Mom and Charlotte.

Alexa Bedoya

Arionna Oglesby

Age 7 on March 7. Happy "lucky" seventh birthday. We are lucky to have you as a daughter/sister! Love, Mom, Dad, Aubree and Luna.

March 24 We love you so, so much, granddaughter! Happy Birthday! Mona and Papa.

Calisse

Kylie Kent

Happy first birthday! Mama and Dada love you so much!

March 10 Happy 5th birthday! We love you so, so much, granddaughter! Mona and Papa.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Gloria Moore

Retired school nurse, Director of Preschool Programs and wife of retired pastor Carl Moore, Allen Temple AME Church Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

Inspiring Women Meet Some of Our County’s Influential Women BY ASHLEY VELEZ

Cherokee County isn’t short on fascinating women or the women who inspire them. In honor of Women’s History Month, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing a handful of local women, many of whom are born and raised here or have lived here a long time. Listening and learning from each one left me buoyed, electrified and with a tenable bond of sisterhood. This is a collection of interview-style responses from some of the amazing women who live here. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed listening and learning from them. Ashley Velez is a digital marketing strategist, freelance writer and company culture advocate. She's a proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her family.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Dr. Barbara Sable, Director of the Nursing Program at the University of Kansas Nursing Center. I became an instructor for licensed practical nurses there after budget cuts eliminated the school nursing positions where I was previously working. I was married and had two small children. Dr. Sable wanted me to teach the classes I struggled with in college. I wanted the job, but I didn’t feel like I could teach the courses that I’d previously struggled with. She was so encouraging, and said to me, “You can. You’re smart, you’re prepared.” I worked there for three years, and she encouraged me the whole time. I also thought the world of my sister, Helen. She was 12 years older than me and married to a colonel in the Army. She was very well-traveled, and lived all over the world. She really inspired me in everything she did; the way she dressed, shopped, everything. She taught me how to decorate, entertain, and what to say. In fact, my husband, Carl, got so tired of me talking about my sister that he once said, “I don’t want to hear anything else about what Helen said!”

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

Life can change at any time, embrace the change. It can get better. Pray about most things. God knows what’s present and in the future in your life. Keep exploring and learning, you’re never too old to learn something new. As for me, I’m playing bridge, discovering gardening, and I started a book club! Love and respect your husband and children, if you want them to do the same.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

When my husband, Carl, and I were still living in East Cobb, (before our move to Woodstock in 1999) there was a member of our church, Lula May Brownlee, who really inspired me. She was on a mission for Allen Temple and for Woodstock! I’ve never met anyone who loved the church or the community more than Ms. Brownlee. She was monumental in helping us grow the church. People would meet her in the grocery store, and then they’d come in on Sunday and say, “We met this little lady in the grocery store, and she told us about the church!” She would have an annual Christmas Tea at her home, and people from the community would come, everyone - the mayor, too - would come. It was kind of a fundraiser for the church. We loved her so much. “There’s no place like Woodstock,” she would say. She was the reason we decided to move to Woodstock, too. Allen Temple was within the city limits, and we decided we wanted to be within the city limits, too. So in 1999, we made Woodstock (and the neighborhood of Deer Run) our home. We’ve been here ever since!

Elizabeth Savage Allen CEO of Fruitful Female Entrepreneurs

Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

There is a woman from my church who has had many roles and is now part of the Outreach Ministry. At age 16, she said she saw something in me and gave me an opportunity to be part of a church child-care team that earned money. Ever since, she’s been a huge influence on my life. She has continued to invest in me and provide me with opportunities, and has always offered a word of wisdom when I needed it most. She is one of the first people in my life to truly back her words and investment in me with actions, and everyone deserves that.

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school? Don’t fear adulthood − you’re here, so make the most of it! Open a high-yield savings account and start saving now, even just $10 a month. No matter what you study in school to gain expertise, it’s worthless without the ability to tell stories and do it well.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

Leticia Hutchins (of Alma Coffee), of course. Leticia has been not just my boss at Alma, but my friend as well. Courage is a characteristic I think we all must develop over our lives, and she is a great monument to the beautiful things it can do in your life. Leaving a career she had always wanted to take on the amazing challenge of vertically integrating their family farm was a leap of faith and an investment in the community she loves.

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why?

Nicole Walters. I found her on Instagram a few years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed following her ever since. I started following her for her business content, but I became a real follower as I saw her authentically show up every single day. She is honest about her life, struggles, faith … and she inspires me to show up as 100% me every day, not only on social media for my business, but for my life.

Favorite women to learn from?

Definitely women in music, or female musicians. What I love is how they demonstrate a way to do business that I prefer. When a musician is working on their next album, fans often hear nothing. The musician disappears into long days and long nights, constantly working to create their next masterpiece. For the most part they work in silence, then they release what they’ve created into the world. I’m a big fan of working hard in silence and letting your work be your noise.

Susan Guda

Realtor, Atlanta Communities of Woodstock

Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

I was raised by strong, compassionate, focused and faithful women. My mother, Jean Jaynes, her mother, Etta, and my father’s mother, Katie, and my sister, Sharon. Additionally, my own adult daughters, Natassia and Jessica, leave an indelible mark on my everyday life as they challenge me, love me unconditionally, and help me grow into who they have needed me to be as their mom. These women have a profound and direct impact on who I am today and the values I hold dear.

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

Be coachable. Find a mentor who has the achievements you want to have at 10, 15 and 20 years. Focus on who God made you to be, and give that ALL you have. Those gifts will serve you and the world in the biggest way when the purpose is your passion.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

There are so many amazing women in our community, and the one who comes to my mind is Lori Baker, Director of Next Step Ministries. She makes a huge impact in our community with her mission to enlighten the community about the underserved, moderately to severely disabled adults. She inspires me with her faith, focus, endurance, and perseverance to the calling God placed on her life.

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why? Brené Brown because she has humbly taken on difficult topics - such as shame - and difficult issues of social equity and diversity, and trains leaders to think differently about the people who they lead and the cultures they create in the work environment.

Favorite women to learn from?

Mary Oliver, poet; Ann Voskamp, speaker, writer; Pauli Murray, women’s rights activist, Episcopal priest; Rosalind Franklin, scientist, unsung heroine; Dr. Mae Jemison, astronaut; Mother Teresa, missionary; Tiare Smith, artist ... and so many more who may remain nameless, but who will forever change us. Continued on Page 24 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Inspiring Women Continued from Page 23

Frankie Shepherd

Native of Cherokee County, and recently retired from the Cherokee County Board of Elections and Voter Registration

Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

Merry Quarles

Lifelong Cherokee resident, General Manager of FoxTale Book Shoppe, event planner, mother, wife, advocate

Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life? The women who I saw being encouragers when I was younger have always been the ones I gravitated to and wanted to emulate. Women who use what they have to promote and to nurture each other are what inspire me to do the same.

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

Listen to your inner voice. The one that says, ‘This job looks great on paper, but …’ You know more than you give yourself credit for!

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

Shawn McLeod. She’s been an encourager to me personally in my career, but she is that to a lot of people. Shawn genuinely cares about our community, and doesn’t care if her work behind the scenes goes unnoticed. Watching her work as a founding member of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village has always inspired me!

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why? Dolly Parton is my SHEro. It may sound cliché, but I aspire to be as kind, forgiving and generous as she is.

Favorite women to learn from?

Brené Brown is my current favorite. Especially in the last 12 months! When other women are brave enough to share their scars, I feel brave enough to share mine. She reminds me that we really are in this thing called life together, and are so much better when we are the light for one another. 24

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

My Mom was a wonderful lady. She was a terminal cancer patient, and passed away at 58, which was young. She was instrumental in helping me get my education at Tuskegee. Because even those days, it was expensive, and my Mom worked very hard at a dry cleaners for 30 years to help get me through school. (My Dad worked at Lockheed Martin and also worked hard for my education.) I offer a scholarship in my mother’s name to one deserving student every year. It’s not official and it’s not much, but I choose a student who attends my church, Hickory Log Baptist Church, every year and donate to their education. My home economics teacher, Ms. Willie B. Bennings, was another inspiring woman for me. She helped me gather my paperwork to apply to college. There were no school counselors at that time. I truly owe her a lot. She would send me cakes and cookies while I was away at Tuskegee. I’ve had more inspiring women in my life, too, including my grandmothers, and some of the ladies in my community. They all looked out for us, and our parents expected them to reprimand us if we acted out.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

Margaret Cline, who was the superintendent of Cherokee County Schools for many years.

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why?

Michelle Obama. She is wonderful, and she inspired me with her service to children, especially her commitment to the meal program to assist children with getting healthy meals and plenty of exercise. I loved seeing her invite children to the White House to learn more. She really was wonderful when she was there. I also very much admire Coretta Scott King.

Favorite women to learn from?

At one time, I wanted to be an actress. Cicely Tyson, may she rest in peace, was an inspiration to me. When I came back to Georgia after graduating from college, I was in a theater group, and we did some acting and traveling around the state. However, other than some amateur productions, it never materialized.

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Express Vets was created to fill the void in pet primary care, to bring affordable care to clients who feel left behind due to the high cost of taking care of their pet. Express Vets also was created to bring work-life balance to the veterinarian industry. Express Vets is not just a shot clinic; a wide range of medical services for sick and well pets is provided.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Celebrating Freedom Through Passover BY RABBI DANIEL DORSCH

If Hanukkah is the holiday constantly in flux for most Jews, Pesach (the Hebrew word for Passover) is the holiday that very much stays the same. According to recent studies, more than 70% of Jews attend a Seder, the traditional Passover dinner, each and every year. The dinner is, by design, a multigenerational educational experience, where Jews use rituals to pass down the story of the biblical Exodus from one generation to the next. The eating of matzah, translated as unleavened bread, is by far the best known ritual of the eight-day Passover celebration. According to legend, when the Jewish people left Egypt, they were so eager for divine redemption that they could not even wait for their bread to rise. Thus, to this day, matzah is made by not permitting the dough to bake for longer than 18 minutes. An alternative tradition teaches that matzah is called “the bread of poverty,” because it was low-quality food fit for slaves. With each bite of matzah during Passover, we remind ourselves of how privileged we are today to enjoy our freedom throughout the year. Throughout the Seder dinner, there are several other rituals that seek to remind us of how privileged we are to enjoy our freedom. Jews meticulously reenact these rituals, guided by a book known as the Haggadah, which is the Hebrew word meaning “to tell a story.” We dip parsley in salt water to remember the tears of the Israelites who traveled from slavery to freedom. We eat bitter herbs, usually 26

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

horseradish, to remind us of the bitterness of slavery. Observing Passover has its challenges, related to the dietary aspects associated with the holiday. To keep kosher for Passover and to refrain from the prohibition of eating leavened bread products (those baked with rising agents such as yeast), Jews clean their homes meticulously before Passover, to remove all sources of leaven. We trade out our dishes, pots and pans, for special Passover ones that we know have not been subject to leavened bread contamination throughout the year. After removing any remaining leaven, we then purchase new unleavened food items that specifically are marked as being “kosher for Passover.” These foods often come at a much higher price tag, due to the extra supervision involved in the process. In Israel, of course, these rituals are largely the same: albeit with

one significant exception: Israeli restaurants, eager not to lose their business, will turn over their kitchens and become kosher for Passover. This means that instead of cooking or eating at home all week, many Israelis will simply order takeout throughout the holiday. While, in the diaspora, we may cook from scratch for a week, in Israel there are “Seder specials,” where you can order the entire meal prepared, from soup to nuts. Ultimately, as American Jews living in the 21st century, celebrating Passover is an extraordinary privilege. Throughout Jewish history, and even today, there are communities who are not as blessed to enjoy many of the freedoms that we do. This Passover, like every year, Jews around America will raise our wine glasses to celebrate our feast of freedom. I only pray that our children and grandchildren continue to know this joy that we experience today.

Rabbi Dan Dorsch serves Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and holds a master’s degree in synagogue education.

The Seder Plate

The Seder plate is the focal point of the proceedings at Passover. It can be an ornate silver dish or a humble napkin. The important thing is that it holds the ceremonial foods around which the Seder is based: matzah, the zeroa (shankbone), egg, bitter herbs, charoset paste, karpas vegetables and salt water. Every item on the Seder plate has meaning and symbolism. Here is a list and description of each food and why it is included.

Matzah

Three matzot are placed on top of one another on a plate or napkin, and then covered. The matzot are symbolic of the three groups of Jews: Priests, Levites and Israelites.

Roasted lamb shankbone (zeroa)

One of the most striking symbols of Passover is the roasted lamb shankbone (called zeroa), which commemorates the paschal (lamb) sacrifice made the night the ancient Hebrews fled Egypt.

Hard-boiled egg (beitzah)

A hard-boiled egg represents the pre-holiday offering (chagigah) that was brought in the days of the Holy Temple.

Bitter herbs (marror)

Bitter herbs are a reminder of the bitterness of the slavery experienced by the Jews in Egypt. Freshly grated horseradish, and romaine lettuce (or endives), are the most common choices.

Charoset

This is a mixture of apples, nuts and wine, which resembles the mortar and brick made by the Jews when they toiled for Pharaoh.

Karpas (vegetable)

Many Jewish families use parsley, called karpas in Hebrew. This vegetable alludes to the backbreaking work of the Jews as slaves.

Salt water

Salt water symbolizes the tears and sweat of enslavement. Often, a single bowl of salt water sits on the table into which each person dips their karpas during the seder.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

More Than An Office! The Innovation Spot is downtown Woodstock’s office rental solution.

It has been said in the industry that coworking is a way for people to collaborate through a noncompetitive approach. It is not really a shift in where we work, but in how we work, explains Lori Devaney, the owner of The Innovation Spot. “We feel that The Innovation Spot is set apart from other coworking spaces in several ways,” she said. “Last year forced many of us to rethink how we work. Coworking may be new to downtown Woodstock, but it is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around since the late 1990s. Our focus at The Innovation Spot is to provide a sense of simplicity to existing established businesses, as well as start-ups in the Woodstock business community, during these uncertain times.” The purpose is to equip the Woodstock community of professionals with the tools they need to succeed. Businesses are bound to grow and flourish in a maintenance-free work space, with a solid networking group of professionals eager to collaborate.

Hassle-Free Experience

The Innovation Spot, a 5,000-square-foot office space, offers a hassle-free experience. Members only need to come in, sit down and work. The all-inclusive office suite environment features: • Hourly and daily passes available for meeting and conference rooms, private offices, and hot desks. • Monthly memberships include fully furnished workspaces. • Electric sit/stand desks and ergonomic task chairs.

Many memberships include a variety of shared meeting and con

• Coffee bar with complimentary beverages, in a welcoming collaborative space. • Professional business address and mail handling. • 24/7 access and front desk personnel during regular business hours to greet guests (9 a.m.-5 p.m Mondays-Fridays). • Strong security with camera systems and door locks. • Guest passes. • High-speed secure Wi-Fi. • On-site tech support. • Professional printing access. • Color-balanced, energy efficient LED lighting. • HVAC systems equipped with germ killing UV light and HEPA filters. • Socially distanced workspaces with frosted desk shields for safety and privacy. • Collaborative advertising opportunities with The Innovation Spot. • Maintenance-free facility management includes liability insurance, electricity, internet, janitorial services, repairs and maintenance.

All memberships come with ergonomic electric sit/stand desks, high speed secure Wi-Fi, mailbox handling and guest passes.

The Innovation Spot | 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 300, Woodsto 28

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Sponsore

Save the Date!

nference room time.

6 p.m. March 11

Stone Payton of Business RadioX records his podcast, interviewing Pat Batchelor of DIY Engineering Search Partners.

“We are open and here to help the community during this pandemic through creating a safe, productive space to collaborate and work,” Devaney said. “The Innovation Spot is designed to be ‘More Than an Office,’ and downtown Woodstock’s most innovative office rental solution.”

BETH FORNUTO PHOTOGRAPHY

The Innovation Spot is priced competitively and has many benefits geared toward savvy entrepreneurs. Belonging to a community can expand a member’s network, professional development and social opportunities. “We want to create that sense of community and comfort in the workspace,” Devaney said. The efficiency, health and wellness of members is a priority, as well as the motivation behind offering sit-stand desks and ergonomic task chairs. HEPA and UV light air filtration systems and scrubbers have been installed for cleaner air and enhanced safety. The architecturally aesthetic lighting design maximizes productivity, incorporating circadian lighting for the best overall health and happiness of the members. Live plants and trickling water fountains have been strategically placed throughout the facility to help reduce stress and anxiety, and to promote clean air and productivity.

BETH FORNUTO PHOTOGRAPHY

A Good Business Decision

Be a part of the INWDSTK Mingle event at The Innovation Spot, where you can enjoy a tour, food and beverages, and network with other business owners. Please RSVP https:// inwdstk.org/event/ mingle-10.

Hot desks include first-come, firstserve access to a comfortable productive workspace from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.

ock, GA 30188 | 770-262-3668 | www.theinnovationspot.com

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Be Aware of Retirement Blind Spots BY DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

We all have our “blue sky” visions of the way retirement should be, yet our futures may unfold in ways we cannot predict. So, as you think about your “second act,” you may want to consider some life and financial factors that suddenly can arise, and sometimes can be overlooked.

You may end up retiring earlier than you expect. If you leave the workforce at “full”

retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for those born in 1960 and later, you may be eligible to claim “full” Social Security benefits. Working until 67 may be worthwhile, because it will reduce your monthly Social Security benefits if you claim them between age 62 and your FRA.1 Now, do most Americans retire at 67? Not according to the annual survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). In EBRI’s 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey, 16% of preretirees expected to retire between ages 66-69, and 31% thought they would retire at age 70 or later. The reality is different. In surveying current retirees, EBRI found that only 6% had worked into their 70s. In fact, 70% of them had left work before age 65, and 33% had retired before age 60.2

Age may catch up to you sooner, rather than later. You may stay fit, active and mentally sharp

for decades to come, but, if you become mentally or physically infirm, you need to find people you trust to manage your finances. You could be alone one day. As anyone who ever has lived alone realizes, a single person does not simply live on 50% of a couple’s income. Keeping up a house, or even a condo, can be tough when you are elderly. Driving can be a concern. If your spouse or partner is absent, will there be someone to help you in the future?

These are some of the blind spots that can surprise us in retirement. They quickly may affect

our money and quality of life. If you age with an awareness of them, you may have the opportunity to manage the outcome better.

The costs you have to shoulder later in retirement may exceed those at the start of retirement.

You may see retirement as an extension of the present, rather than the future. This is only

natural, as we all live in the present, but the future will arrive. The costs you have to shoulder later in retirement may exceed those at the start of retirement. As you may be retired for 20 or 30 years, it is wise to take a long-term view of things. You may have a health insurance gap. If you retire before age 65, what do you do about health coverage? You may shoulder 100% of the cost. Looking forward, you may need extended care, and it seems to get more expensive each year. Wealthy households may be able to “self-insure” against extended care, but many other households struggle. In Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the median monthly cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is $7,738. In California, it is $9,023; in Florida, $8,803.3 Suppose you become disabled or seriously ill, and working is out of the question. How do you make ends meet?

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Securities offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a registered investment adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya Inc. or MarketingPro Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged, and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations 1 - Social Security Administration, Dec. 1, 2020 2 - Employee Benef it Research Institute, Dec. 1, 2020 3 - Genworth Cost of Care Survey, March 30, 2020

Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Time to Vote! READERS’

CHOICE Award 2021

We hope you will take time out from your busy schedules to vote for your favorites in Woodstock. Visit www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com, click on the Readers’ Choice logo and 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. March 31. 2. You may only vote for businesses with a 30188 ZIP code. 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 votes to be accepted. 6. Winners will be announced in the May issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time.

Happy voting! 32

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Scan this QR code to access the poll webpage! AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Volunteers, from left, take a break: Alena Ezell, 13; Kendall Hinson, 14; Bella Walsh, 14, and Blaire Sherrer, 14.

Young Artists Share Encouraging Messages

Morgan Adamson, 7, focuses on her window designs.

During the 2021 MLK Day of Service, members of the SmileUp! Foundation adopted a service project to help seniors impacted by the pandemic. The young volunteers cleaned and decorated the outdoor windows at Woodstock Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Home with encouraging words and images. The mission of SmileUp! is to encourage volunteerism among kids, who instinctively focus on the humanity of a person. The nonprofit reinforces this character trait, and teaches empathy, compassion and tolerance for the youth to carry into adulthood. Tonya Riddick is the executive director. For more information, visit www.smileupfoundation.org.

Above, Lila Lewis, age 5, shares her artistic skills. Left, Ambassadors Olivia Jackson, 12, Macey Thomas, 11, and Aahana Karanji, 12. 34

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Creating Community Food Pantries is a Good Thing 'To Do' Late last September, Laine Wood stopped by the community garden, owned by Roy Taylor, on Railroad Street in Canton, to glean the last of her summer crop. Her grandchildren, ages 6 and 9, watched from the car as she collected about 30 pounds of roma tomatoes and pulled up the plants to clear off her plot. Before long, she learned she had other observers. “I heard someone say, ‘Ma’am.’ I turned around and a girl about 14 or 15 was standing there, holding a plastic bag out in front of her, open. I said, ‘Yes, can I help you?’ And she said, ‘We are hungry.’” With her was a man, in tears, who Laine assumed was the father, and a younger girl on a bicycle. She gave them her tomatoes, and got back in the car, empty-handed. “My grandkids asked why I gave them my tomatoes. I told them they had no food. Then Caleb, who is 9, said, ‘Gran, what are you going to do?’” What happened next set into motion a series of events that has led to the creation of the Canton Pantry Angels, and streetside food pantries popping up around Canton. The first thing Laine did was call Gary Lamb at Action Church to see if he was doing food giveaways more than once a month. He said he couldn’t because his suppliers were already stressed from need. He suggested Roy put up a table for free produce at the community garden so other gardeners could contribute. However, Roy had a better idea. “Roy, an architect, drew up plans for a pantry, but the cost of materials shot that idea down,” Laine said. “Then he told me that he had a kitchen cabinet with glass doors that he would put there. That worked and was set up with a roof to protect from the elements, and filled with goods my personal friends had brought to my house. I used some of the donated money to buy a sign pointing to it that says ‘Comida gratis/free food’. That got it noticed, and it’s being emptied almost every other day since.” Laine had posted the story on her personal Facebook page and, before long, friends nearby and across the country started sending money to buy food to fill the pantry. Local friends brought bags filled with groceries to her home. Since that time, another pantry has been set up in front of the Salvation Army store on Marietta Street. Jory Seidel Cannon got on board and created a Facebook page called Canton Pantry Angels, and people Laine doesn’t even know have volunteered to check the inventory daily, and to keep the shelves filled. “One in seven households in the U.S. is food insecure. The need is great, and I’m afraid it’s going to get worse before it gets better due to the pandemic and unemployment,” Laine said. “When Caleb asked me what I was going to do, I knew I had to do something. But, in all honesty, all I did was tell Gary and Roy about the encounter, posted it on Facebook, watched folks immediately ask how they could help, and the match was lit. Folks want to help, Roy and the rest of the Canton Pantry Angels stepped up. I’m just glad I know who to ask to get things done.”

An old kitchen cabinet serves as the food pantry at the community garden site.

A cupboard sits outside the Salvation Army store at 251 Marietta St. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Rob’s Rescues

Rob and Carolyn O’Brien with dogs Ryker, Addison-Grace and Tobias.

Two Tailz Rescue twotailzrescue.org

This dog and cat are at Cobb County Animal Services. This dog’s name is Belle. She is a 3-year-old pitbull with a decent amount of energy. She is black and white, and was a stray. She is very curious and walked quite well on a leash when we walked her. She really likes attention, and will sit peacefully while you give it to her. She would make a really good companion. This cat’s name is Tyga. She is a large 4-year-old cat that was a stray. She will be a calm and peaceful cat in a nice home.

My interview with Carolyn O’Brien, the founder of Two Tailz Rescue, was filmed for the Dr. Good Unleashed YouTube series and can be seen at Episode 1.33 “Two Tailz … Four Eyez … Seven Feetz!” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2M46T2ZEdw)

You rescue dogs who are in a horrible state. How do you find them, and is this the type of work you wanted to do? As I am sitting here a message has just come through about a shot and beaten dog in South Georgia. I will try and get the ball rolling. We get over 80 emails a day. We get lists of dogs going to be euthanized. Animal control officers routinely call on us when they pick up a dog with urgent needs. I can’t say it was the work I planned to do, but I have a huge heart for dogs that have been abused and neglected, which most often is the pit bull breed.

Rob and Belle.

Why do you think most of the dogs are pit bulls?

There are several reasons. The media has not helped their reputation. People don’t realize the dogs were bred to be strong and loyal. People have abused that by putting them in fights. A situation has been created that makes people scared of them, and people react differently out of fear.

What is a story that you like to tell?

Ruger is my tripod. He was dumped in a box in a dumpster when he was 8 weeks old. His leg was broken in six places,and he had cigarette burns all over his body. He had numerous surgeries to try and save the leg, but ultimately it had to be amputated. He is one of my favorite success stories – he can swim faster than most, and he can run fast. He’s the sweetest dog.

What do you want the community to know about you, and how can they help? We are not the biggest rescue, but I focus on being the best rescue – giving the best care, physically and emotionally, and finding them the best homes. We do the very best we can with the abused and neglected dogs we get. We really do need donations. We are 100% foster-based. 36

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Rob with Tyga the cat.

Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. www.robsrescues.com. On Facebook @robsrescues.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

EVERYDAY

In December 2018, Aden Martinez (age 8) began experiencing a headache and vomiting. Several days later, after he fell while playing with his brothers, Aden was taken to the hospital to check for a concussion. His parents were not prepared for what they heard that day. The MRI revealed that Aden had a brain tumor, and surgery was immediately performed to remove and determine its type. Aden was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytomas (APXA — grade III), a very rare type of astrocytomas that begins in the brain. Because of its rarity, there is no standard treatment. Possible treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies or clinical trials. For the past two years, Aden has tried them all — including four brain surgeries. Since Aden’s diagnosis, Edgar and Sandy Martinez have been relentless in finding treatment options to save their son. They began their journey at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), have gone to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Dana-Farber/ Boston’s Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Today, they are discussing an immunotherapy treatment at Duke University Hospital. “I feel I have obtained a greater understanding of gliomas than I had planned,” Edgar said. “I have learned so much, yet not enough. There is so much more research needed for this type of cancer, and we are trying everything possible.” Aden is the middle son of three boys in the Martinez family. He is in the third grade at Indian Knoll Elementary. From the beginning, the 38

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Aden rests after one of his many surgeries.

Martinez family has been embraced by their local community, church and schools. God’s comfort and love has flowed from local prayer gatherings at Revolution Church, as well as numerous events at Indian Knoll in honor and support of Aden. The outpouring of love and support has been amazing to witness. “Our family’s testimony is too weighty to hold for ourselves; it’s meant to be shared, both pain and victory,” Sandy said. “One of the most difficult times is when your son is being rolled back for surgery. ‘You can walk with him up until this point, and then past the double doors, we will take him.’ The dreaded words. Words meaning you have to let go. You have no control past this point. Watching your child being pushed on a stretcher into an area that you cannot go is the most helpless feeling. I can’t be there. I can’t comfort him. But that’s MY child. Placing him in God’s hands and saying he is yours. He is yours.” Through it all, Edgar humbly shares his strength in the Lord. “We don’t know what the future may bring, but our trust is in the Lord. We will not be defined by the consequences of cancer. God was in control before, and

He is still in control today. He gives us the strength to pick up our cross and carry it, and, when you can no more, he picks you up and the cross, and carries you,” he said. After several years of extreme highs and lows, Aden’s parents find themselves once again grasping for positive answers. “I’m still processing the news we received today. Aden’s tumor has metastasized into two other ventricles, as well as increased in size where it started. Surgery is no longer an option. They are taking him off his meds and putting him on a steroid until we have the next plan,” Sandy said. “We are praying Aden can begin a clinical trial through the Duke Cancer Institute.” When asked what Everyday Angels can do for them, and how we might provide relief, Sandy and Edgar simply asked for prayer for their son — for guidance, direction, healing and strength. We believe in the power of prayer, as they do. You can follow Aden’s story on Facebook at Aden’s Army. We are thankful to Edgar and Sandy for sharing their faith boldly through their most difficult journey. Everyday Angels is honored to share their story.

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

A Look at Voter Security Reform Legislation BY CHARLICE BYRD

The right to vote in a free and fair election is fundamental to our civil society. This sacred right, upon which our democracy rests, cannot be taken for granted, nor can we afford for it to be eroded away by a lack of confidence in our elections. I, like so many other Georgians, believe that we have an obligation to do everything possible to ensure election security and integrity. There are many policy solutions being discussed to make Georgia’s elections the most secure in the country. I offer a simple, commonsense solution to add another degree of security to the actual voting process: a simple clarification to Georgia’s voter ID code, clearly marking “NOT VOTER ID” on driver’s licenses issued to noncitizens. This will help alleviate the pressure on and confusion of poll workers and election volunteers. Many Georgians may be surprised to learn Georgia issues a driving and official ID credential to noncitizens that are nearly identical to what many voters use as their official ID to vote. The only difference in appearance is the words “LIMITED TERM” across the top in capital letters. Furthermore, there is nothing in state law that prohibits these noncitizen driver’s licenses or ID cards from being used as “proper identification/photo ID” for voting purposes. This may have been an oversight, but many are convinced this loophole in voter ID security should be closed without delay. Currently, the law says that “proper identification” for presentation to a poll worker when voting consists of a Georgia driver’s license, a valid Georgia voter identification card “or other valid identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Georgia, any other state, or the United States authorized by law to issue

personal identification, provided that such identification card contains a photograph of the elector.” The law also allows for acceptance of valid U.S. passports, government employee photo ID, a valid tribal identification card containing a photograph of the elector and military identification. The law does not explicitly exclude the driver’s licenses or ID cards the Department of Drivers Services (DDS) issues to noncitizens of any description. The Motor Voter Registration system in use in Georgia has proved to be less than perfect in other states. To be clear, Motor Voter has allowed noncitizens to register to vote around the nation, according to reports by the Associated Press, NPR and the Pew Center. This obvious and needless loophole in Georgia law needs to be fixed. I have introduced HB 228 to fix this loophole (OCGA 21-2-417), which deals with “presentation of identification to poll workers; form of proper identification;…” to add language to exclude specifically from acceptance the driver’s licenses and ID cards issued to noncitizens. The legislation also will change current law to require DDS to add the phrase “BEARER NOT U.S. CITIZEN — NOT VOTER ID” to all driver’s licenses and ID cards issued to noncitizens. This will help remove the possibility of confusion or accidental acceptance in the voting process in future elections.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Annual Retreat Moves County Forward BY HARRY JOHNSTON

For the past 18 years, the Cherokee Board of Commissioners has held a two-day planning retreat to allow in-depth discussion of important initiatives and long-range plans. The retreat is an advertised, open meeting. This year, we met in the upstairs meeting room of the new Branchwater Restaurant in Canton. Some members of the public joined us. It was very productive. We reviewed the updated long-term financial plan, and saw we will need to make some hard decisions to meet our financial objectives over the next few years. We want to hold tax rates flat, while finishing the initiatives we started this year to increase the numbers and pay of public safety personnel. To do that, we’re drawing on some of the county’s ample financial reserves this year, but we want to reduce reliance on reserves next year and end it by the following year. We discussed capital needs for facilities and equipment to include in the next six-year, one-cent Special Purpose Local Operation Sales Tax (SPLOST) renewal. To renew the SPLOST without expiring and without a special election, it must be on the ballot next year. It should produce at least $250 million over six years, but needs are great. SPLOST is the main source of funds for local road improvements. About half the proceeds need to go for roads. The county courthouse needs to be expanded. We will fund a new parking deck and other preliminary work from the current SPLOST. The main expansion project will cost about $50 million and has to come from the next SPLOST. Park facilities need another $50 million over six years for improvements and to keep up. New fire stations and equipment need about $30 million, and sheriff ’s patrol vehicles will take at least $9 million over six years to replace on a 10-year cycle. As always, the needs exceed available funds. We outlined a new short-term rental ordinance to prevent regular homes from being rented out for large parties. We agreed we should amend the noise ordinance to make it apply earlier than midnight, as it does now. And, we outlined a change to the development regulations to make it easier to develop small rural subdivisions with up to seven very large lots. We want to encourage that type of development in rural areas. During the past year, we’ve been looking at ways to reduce the cost of the county pension plan. At the retreat, we agreed to initiate a new plan for new employees that will reduce costs significantly over the long run. For existing employees, we agreed only to amend the plan with some win-win opportunities that actually will improve it for employees, while moderately reducing the cost. Finally, we laid out plans to find a replacement for 20-year County Manager Jerry Cooper, when he retires this year. He’s been the key to much of our county’s great success during his era. He will be missed dearly and hard to replace. I’m always interested in your thoughts. Please email me at hjohnston@ cherokeega.com. Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Cherokee Board of For the full minutes and a schedule of upcoming meetings, visit www.cherokeega.com/BOC. During the Feb. 2 meeting, commissioners approved an ordinance amendment presented by Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala that would sanction haulers and their affiliated companies that fail to secure their truck coverings before traveling Cherokee’s roadways. In one month, the Marshal’s Office stopped 112 commercial trucks due to uncovered loads. “We are not trying to pick on large commercial vehicles. We want them to be our partners. We just ask them to do things the right way and secure the contents of their vehicles,” he said. “The intent of this amendment is to reduce the litter on Cherokee County roadways. We have a beautiful county with beautiful parks, top-notch law enforcement, and an overall great community. No one wants to see trash littering our beautiful county.” Electronic display signs near the landfills will be used to inform of the ordinance amendment. The Marshal’s Office also plans to work with the Sheriff ’s Office and Communications Division to get the messaging out on social media. Additionally, Gianfala said his office would offer a more-than 30-day grace period to allow for the educational efforts.

Commissioners also:

• Approved a $94,500 agreement for engineering design services to be provided by Kennedy Engineering and Associates Group to complete sidewalks on Hickory Road between New Light Road and East Cherokee Drive, and Stringer Road between Hickory Road and Ga. 140. The project, originally to be completed in two phases, now will be done in one phase.

County Commissioners • Approved a request by Jonathan Grigg and Maurita Johnson for a Special-Use Permit for a woodworking shop on 3.33 acres at 5505 Bells Ferry Road with conditions that the permit was for Grigg and Johnson only, and future occupants of the property would have to complete the Special-Use Permit process if they choose this type of use. An additional condition included use of equipment to mitigate dust and fumes. • Remanded back to the planning commission a request by Manor Restorations to rezone 73.79 acres at 7351 Knox Bridge Highway from Agriculture to R-20 Single Family Residential for a residential conservation design community.

• Approved appointing Buzz Ahrens to the Cherokee County Board of Health to fill the remainder of a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2022, previously held by Russ Flynn, who recently passed away. • Approved creating a Radio Communications Department with a full-time specialist position and adding a full-time deputy marshal position. The cost for the new positions is covered by the elimination of the fulltime Special Projects Manager position. • At the Jan. 19 meeting, commissioners voted to purchase 2 acres on Sugar Pike Road for expanding Fire Station 32, currently on a half-acre. The new property will make room for adding living space and growth in the future.

• Heard Chairman Harry Johnston give highlights from the commissioners’ retreat, held Jan. 28-29 in downtown Canton. Among other presentations, the board discussed the search for a new county manager as County Manager Jerry Cooper has announced his retirement, set for May 2021. Commissioners also discussed changing the noise ordinance time to 10 p.m. on weeknights instead of midnight. Additionally, they discussed short-term rental policies that would mitigate houses being rented for parties. The discussion included requiring a permit for short-term rentals. Planning staff was asked to research this further. Commissioners also discussed at the retreat replacing the minor subdivision ordinance with a rural subdivision ordinance, which would encourage small neighborhoods with larger lots in the rural areas of the county.

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www.mustministries.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Film App a Behind-the-Scenes Guide BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

We all love a good story. Whether it is an action-packed drama or an indie thriller, film brings stories to life. But, what about the stories behind the camera: where scenes were filmed; where actors dined while in town; relationships forged between the film crew and community; and why Cherokee continues to be a top filming location? All these answers can be found in your pocket. Launched by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) in partnership with Black Airplane, the newly released Filmed in Cherokee app is your behind-the-scenes guide to discovering fan-favorite film locations across the county. The free app features insider stories, on-set photos and key details about why each public location was chosen. Curious about Tom Cruise’s friendship with a local restaurateur while filming “American Made,” or why film projects like the Disney+ Christmas film “Noelle,” starring Anna Kendrick and Shirley MacLaine, made a landing in our community? The Filmed in Cherokee app answers the who, what, why and how. The perfect day trip for local film enthusiasts, the custom-built app includes an interactive map that allows users to navigate from one location to another — all while enjoying local areas of interest. Whether you dine at the Ball Ground Burger Bus like Disney+’s “Timmy Failure,” take in the views at “Ozark’s” Blue Cat Lodge, or ride your mountain bike at Blankets Creek, like the stars of “The Resident,” there is a location for the whole family to enjoy. Plan to make a weekend of it — enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping and dining, explore outdoor pursuits, and even take in a local brewery along the way. And, don’t forget to chat with the people and businesses behind each location. 42

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

While visiting the locations of these locally filmed productions, be sure to snap a selfie and share using the hashtag, #filmedincherokee: • “American Made” • “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” • “Champion” • “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” • “Doctor Sleep” • “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings” • “Hidden Figures” • “MacGyver” • “Noelle” • “Ozark” • “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made” • “The Founder” • “The Outsider” • “The Resident”

If you are wondering how your property could be featured in the next major motion picture, or how to get involved in Cherokee’s film scene, the app’s got you covered there, too. Check out the “Get Involved” section to list your property as “Camera Ready.” There, you will find tips and instructions provided by the Georgia Film Office for listing your property on the Reel Scout database. Who knows, maybe your property will be the next “filmed in Cherokee” success story. Get your all-access pass to Cherokee’s booming film industry by downloading the Filmed in Cherokee app for free on Google Play or through the Apple App Store. For more information on filming in Cherokee, visit cherokeega.org.

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention & expansion. www.cherokeega.org.

Pelvic Pain Could Be Endometriosis BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when the endometrial tissue, (the lining inside of the uterus), grows and attaches itself in different places outside of the uterus. It impacts one in 10 women in the United States, and often goes undiagnosed for years. That is what happened to Chelsea. It started when Chelsea began experiencing severe pain in her lower abdomen. The pain progressively got worse and became constant. She describes it as the worst pain she had ever had. Chelsea wasn’t sure what could be causing it, so she made an appointment with her primary care physician. Her doctor ran a battery of tests, including blood and G.I. tests, and even an MRI — but still, there was no answer. Chelsea felt confused and discouraged. As the years went by, and after multiple doctor visits, Chelsea was unable to get a true diagnosis, and she was still in severe pain. She decided to make yet another doctor’s appointment, this time with a different OB/ GYN. During the visit, Chelsea explained what she had been going through, and how she felt no one believed how bad her pain was. Her new doctor not only believed her, but immediately said it sounded like endometriosis. The doctor explained the only way to confirm the diagnosis was through surgery. Chelsea agreed, anxious to find an answer and hopefully alleviate the pain. During the surgery, her doctor discovered the right side of Chelsea’s pelvis was clear, however, her left side contained Stage 4 endometriosis — the most severe stage. She also found that Chelsea’s left ovary had attached to part of her intestines. The endometriosis was treated, the ovary was freed from its attachment, and a full sweep was done to make sure all else was clear. Five years later, Chelsea still feels great, and has had no reoccurring pain. She credits her doctor’s expertise and for believing her when no one else did. Chelsea is grateful she didn’t give up, and that she discussed her symptoms with her doctor. While some women have no symptoms, some may suffer a little discomfort, and others may experience extreme, debilitating effects. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with your OB/GYN to get the help needed. There’s no need to suffer in silence.

Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

Because CTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization your donations are tax deductible.

Cherokee Theatre Company PO Box 5885 • Canton, GA 30114 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Around & About MARCH

The Market @ The Mill begins, continues first

Tuesdays of each month through October. Hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Details available on Facebook at The Mill On Etowah page.

Unwind Wednesdays is a new event for 2021, and features food trucks and market night at Veterans Park. Continues the first Wednesdays of each month through October. For details, follow the Revival Events Group page on Facebook.

The Cherokee County School District’s Virtual Job Fair is set for 9 a.m.-noon, with a focus on hiring teachers, bus drivers, school nurses and nutrition workers for the 2021-22 school year. Watch for details at www.cherokeek12.net and on social media.

2021 Celebration of Education Gala, a

Flashlight Egg Hunt starts at 6 p.m. at

black-tie event and fundraiser for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, will be held virtually. Last year’s gala raised $80,000; all proceeds are funneled to the students and staff of the Cherokee County School District through grant programs. For more information, visit www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org. Cherokee Veterans Park for children up to age 12. $10 per child. Event includes food trucks, vendors, music, face painting, crafts, kid zone and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. Registration is open, contact bmbarcomb@cherokeega.com. The Cherokee Music Teachers Association will hold a meeting at Reinhardt’s Falany Performing Arts Center at 10 a.m., followed by a program on Russian Romanticism, presented by Dr. Raffi Besalyn, assistant professor of piano at Georgia State University. The program is free, the public is welcome. For more information on the association, contact Linda Lokey at linda@lokey.net.

CASA Superhero Run takes place at 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Put on your cape and run, walk, fly, hop, skip, crawl or cartwheel your way across the finish line. Options for virtual or in-person runs. Register at https://racemob.com/races/210990-casa-superhero-run.

The Cherokee Chorale presents Sunrise Mass and Consider the Lilies, livestream at 4 p.m. There’s a $10 access fee. Visit CherokeeChorale.org for more information.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

to Success in Summer Vegetable 25 Secrets Gardens, noon-1:30 p.m., presented by the UGA

Master Gardeners Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County. Other scheduled seminars include Cutting Gardens on April 30 and Container Gardening on May 28. All classes are free. Pre-registration is required at https://bit.ly/3nCVNRC.

Extravaganza at the Cherokee 27 Eggs-traordinary 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.playcherokee.org/264/Eggs-traordinary-Extravaganza

APRIL egg hunt at Woodmont Golf and Country 3 Evening Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. Open to the public. The

night before Easter, bring the little ones to search for eggs on the driving range. There will be a bounce house, free popcorn and music on the outdoor lawn area beginning at 6:30 p.m. Egg hunt begins at dusk or approximately 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact robert.gilbreath@woodmontgolfclub.com.

A golf tournament fundraiser for the Woodstock Chapter of the Marine Corps League will be held at Cobblestone Golf Club, 4200 Nance Road, Acworth. Proceeds go to scholarship funds that allow youth to pursue a college education. For more information, call tournament director Ron Welborn at 404-217-2246, or email harry123130@gmail.com.

Golf tournament benefitting the Malon D. Mims Boys and Girls Club begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., registration at 8 a.m. at BridgeMill Athletic Club. Breakfast and lunch provided, cocktail reception after play. To register, go to www.bgcma.org/cherokeegolf.

WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. More details at www.woodstockconcertseries.com.

May 8: Christopher Cross June 12: Black Jacket Symphony will perform Tom Petty’s “Damn the Torpedoes”

July 9: The Ultimate Queen Celebration with Marc Martel

Aug. 14: Steep Canyon Rangers Sept. 18: Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band ELM STREET CULTURAL ARTS March 11-14

www.elmstreetarts.org

“Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical.” When an

uber-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right. Recommended for ages 13 and older (language, mild content).

March 19

iThink Improv Troupe is back and ready to get audiences

rolling down the aisle with laughter. and there will be plenty of room to do that with audience seating spaced out in the theater. Recommended for ages 10 and older (content).

March 20

The Lasting Laugh is a new hybrid comedy series that

brings in two different Atlanta-based comedians monthly with Jessica It’s All Good as the host. Streaming through April 3 at 11:59 p.m. Recommended for ages 12 and older (content).

CHEROKEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.cherokeechamber.com

Good Morning Cherokee breakfasts held at 7 a.m. monthly, except July. March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2. Meeting at First Baptist Church Woodstock through June. Power Hour Networking, held at the Chamber

office, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton, 10-11 a.m. March 9, April 16, May 4, June 17, July 29, Aug. 2, Sept. 16, Oct. 5, Nov. 10 and Dec. 16.

LANTERN SERIES At the Elm Street Event Green in Woodstock; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Check for updates at www.elmstreetarts.org.

March 27: Time for Three April 17: VoicePlay April 24: Little Texas May 1: Crystal Bowersox May 15: Gina Chavez May 22: JigJam June 5: Swedish Jam Factory June 26: Laila Biali

WOODSTOCK BUSINESS CLUB Meets weekly 8:30-9:30 a.m. Thursdays in the lounge of Hartman Law Firm, 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock 30188. Follow on Facebook.

FRESH START CHEROKEE @ THE CIRCUIT 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. www.circuitwoodstock.com/events.

1 Million Cups Cherokee (1MC) Cherokee

Held in person, and on Facebook Live. The free, biweekly coffee gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level. Visit www.1millioncups.com/Cherokee for more details.

Learning Community

Book study meets the second Thursday of the month at the Circuit, at 10:30 a.m.

IN WDSTK www.inwdstk.org.

Morning INFluence

Breakfast is served at the Morning INfluence the last Friday of every month, 8-9 a.m. Morning INfluence is a networking event, which includes a brief presentation focusing on updates given by Greater Woodstock on important issues or services offered that affect the community. RSVP is required; seating is limited.

YPOW AM

Join Young Professionals of Woodstock every Thursday, 7-8:30 a.m. at The Circuit, for coffee and networking that features an informal chat with a local leader. RSVP is required; seating is limited. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Downtown Woodstock Dining Canyons

J Christopher’s

Salt Factory Pub

Century House Tavern

J Miller’s Smokehouse

Semper Fi Bar and Grille

American 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 www.canyonsfresh.com Modern American 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 www.centuryhousetavern.com

Copper Coin Coffee

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches 150 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-8295 www.jmillerssmokehouse.com

American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com

MadLife Studios

Freight Kitchen & Tap

Partners II Pizza

Southern 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 www.freightkitchen.com

Gyro Aegean Grill

Greek/Mediterranean 180 Towne Lake Parkway 770-485-5236 https://gyroageangrill.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

Diner 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 www.jchristophers.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Southern 8722 Main St. www.madlifestageandstudios.com

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

Reel Seafood

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

Rootstock

Wine bar & Tapas 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstocknow.com

Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 www.saltfactorypub.com/woodstock 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

The Daily Draft Tap Room and Bar American 8594 Main St. 770-783-2799 thedailydraft.net

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

A Night Out at Elm Street BY JUSTIN SPAINHOUR-ROTH

Picture it: You’re in downtown Woodstock, 2021. It’s a mild spring night with just the right amount of chill in the air, perfect for a light jacket. You’ve been invited to share a table at an upcoming Lantern Series concert on the Elm Street Event Green with seven of your favorite people. As you’re taking in the good conversation, company and delicious food, a sound piques your interest. Focusing in, you notice the pre-concert video showcasing a style of music that you’ve never heard before. Your foot starts to tap to the rhythm, and you can’t help but smile at how much fun you’re having in that moment. The sun begins to set, coloring the sky a deep and gorgeous orange; you sit on the edge of your chair, awaiting a night of music and entertainment you’ll spend the rest of your weekend thinking about. Scenes like that are the reason we offer tables at our Lantern Series concerts. Now that I’m finished being Sophia Petrillo from “The Golden Girls” (I must admit I’m more of a Rose), I want to tell you why I opened with that story. Experiences are what shape us and create memories, moments and connections. That’s why I pursued theater in my undergraduate studies - I understood just how much a musical or play could have an impact on the audience members sitting on the other side of the auditorium. That’s true for any art form, whether it be music, art, or even a comedy show. At Elm Street, our mission is centered around bringing different arts experiences to our fellow community members. We share a collective passion for empowering, engaging, inspiring, and educating through the arts. That’s something that excites us immensely, and I love getting to share that with people. By sharing your passion, you help others find their passion, or rekindle one that they might not have thought about for years. What’s something you’re passionate about? You might just find out at your next night out at Elm Street, like an upcoming Lantern Series concert with trio Time for Three or Little Texas, or our newly launched monthly comedy series, The Lasting Laugh!

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

Freaky Friday

The Lasting Laugh

Musical | Theatre Season

Comedy | Theatre Season

Recommended for ages 13+

NEW!

MAR 11-14, 2021

MAR 20, 2021

Time For Three Classical Pop | Lantern Series

MAR 27, 2021

Classic Country | Lantern Series

LITTLE TEXAS

APR 24, 2021

Justin Spainhour-Roth, marketing manager for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, has a bachelor of arts in communication in musical theater from Bowling Green State University.

TABLES SEATING UP TO 6 & 8 PLUS INDIVIDUAL SEATS AVAILABLE!

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

School News Online Kindergarten Registration Available The Cherokee County School District has opened online registration for 2021-22 kindergarten students, as well as first graders new to the school district. The district’s Registration Gateway allows parents to log in from home via CCSD’s website, and get enrollment forms filled out online, rather than filling them out by hand while waiting at a school office. At this time, kindergarten registration is solely for enrollment purposes and will not include a preference for face-to-face or digital instruction; enrolling your child ensures you will be kept informed of CCSD plans for any alternative models of instruction as they are announced. Children who turn 5 on or before Sept. 1 are eligible for kindergarten, and children who turn 6 on or before Sept. 1 will be registered for first grade (registration for first grade is only necessary if a child has not attended a CCSD school the previous year). Parents of students with special circumstances may consult with their child’s principal for more information. The online registration process takes about 15-20 minutes; parents will enter their own identification information, such as emergency contact names and phone numbers, which increases accuracy and eliminates redundancy. Required documents (birth certificate, proof of residency, etc.) will be brought to the follow-up appointment at the school for verification; once you have uploaded your documents, please contact your child's school for next steps to finalize registration. In-person appointments begin March 1. Virtual appointments will be available upon request, if needed. For more information about CCSD kindergarten, including a video and a helpful guidebook, go to tinyurl. com/3ls4e32h. 48

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Celebrating the award are, from left: Creekview High School Principal Sue Zinkil, who serves as president of GASSP; Isobel Mason, Huff with her winning design, GASPP Executive Director Alan Long and Woodstock High School Principal Mark Smith.

Woodstock Senior Wins Statewide Design Contest Savannah Huff, a Woodstock High School senior, was the winner of a statewide design contest, earning a grant for her school’s graphic design program. Huff created the top design entered into the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals’ (GASSP) rebranding contest. Middle and high school students in CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) classes around the state had the opportunity to design a new logo for the professional association. Huff is in the graphic design program led by teacher Isobel Mason, the school’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, and earned a $1,000 grant for the program through the contest. “We’re so proud of Savannah for her hard work to earn this award, and for Ms. Mason’s continued outstanding instruction,” Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower said. “Ms. Mason and her CTAE colleagues across our School District prepare our students for future career success through hands-on work in the classroom and participation in real-world experiences, like designing for a client through this contest.”

Local Student Makes Dean’s List

Rachel Kay Ransom

Presbyterian College recently recognized Rachel Kay Ransom, a junior from Woodstock, for making the Dean’s List during the fall 2020 semester. The Dean’s List is composed of students who have earned between a 3.3 and a 3.9 grade point average. Presbyterian College is located between Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina, in the college town of Clinton. The school is known for its challenging academics, as well as its one-of-a-kind mascot: the Blue Hose.

@ the Library

ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491

Sequoyah Regional Library System www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

March 10

All libraries are open to the public with new service hours.

March 24-26

Each location in the Sequoyah Regional Library System - including Ball Ground, Hickory Flat and Rose Creek - has reopened with limited service hours, and new guidelines to keep visitors and staff safe. Please visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org to view the most up-to-date hours. Library holds may still be picked up with a pre-arranged appointment time from locations using Sequoyah Sidewalk Service.

2020 tax forms available.

Sequoyah Regional Library System provides limited quantities of federal tax forms as a public service. Georgia tax forms are available online, and copies of some forms can be printed at the library. A small fee is charged for printer usage. Availability of certain tax forms is not guaranteed. Please visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org/tax/ for more information.

The Women’s History Month reading challenge.

Celebrate Women’s History Month at the library by exploring diverse books, eBooks and audiobooks. During March, dive into award-winning titles by women authors and log your reading online with Beanstack. Adults, teens and children can participate by visiting sequoyahregionallibrary.beanstack.org or downloading the Beanstack app. Earn digital badges, and win prizes in the process.

Create a paper flower garden with the Flower Power Craft Take-andMake. Instructions are included. Pick up the Framed Bunny Silhouette Take-and-Make materials to make a bunny silhouette craft to enjoy all spring. For ages 16 and older.

WOODSTOCK March 9-21

Get cozy with the Hygge Felt Flower Sign Take-and-Make. Glue is not provided.

March 16-21

Celebrate Read Across America with Dr. Seuss and the Fox in Socks

Puppet Take-and-Make.

March 30-April 1

Celebrate National Craft Month with the BFG Dream Catchers Take-and-Make. Create a dreamcatcher, just like in the book “The BFG” by Roald Dahl.

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

March 2-26

Let your babies and toddlers explore with this DIY sensory bag. The Lava Lamp Sensory Bags Take-and-Make comes with all of the ingredients you’ll need to make a lava lamp sensory bag at home.

March 2-31

De-stress with the Water Bead Stress Balls Take-and-Make DIY stress ball kit using water beads and latex balloons.

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

March 17

Let your creativity swim with a St. Patrick’s Rainbow Fish Takeand-Make craft bag. Each kit contains supplies to start a colorful Rainbow Fish weaving activity, plus a few items to help decorate it. For ages 12 and younger.

Pick up library crafts all month.

All library locations are offering pickup crafts during March, while supplies last. They make the perfect family activity. Grab yours at the front desk or outside using Sequoyah Sidewalk Service. Visitors are advised to wear protective face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines. View the full pick-up schedule at calendarwiz. com/sequoyahreglib.

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

BALL GROUND 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground, 770-735-2025

March 3-5

Pick up the Rainbow Wind Catcher Take-and-Make materials and instructions.

March 17-19

Grab a Cubist Clover Painting Take-and-Make to create a cubiststyle painting inspired by St. Patrick’s Day and Irish abstract artist Mary Swanzy! These kits can be adapted for all ages and skill levels. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Community of Faith

ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

Canton Bible Church 94 North St., Canton CantonBibleChurch.org Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-439-5108, www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 Faith Community Office: 345 Parkway 575, Suite 100, Woodstock Sunday Services: 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428, www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538, www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349, www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415, www.HeritageCanton.com Hickory Road 2416 Hickory Road, Canton www.hickoryroad.org Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100, www.hbcacworth.org 50

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723, www.hopewellbaptist.com Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324, www.mtzb.org New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org Rising Hills Church 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock www.gorhc.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975, www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com

CHURCH OF GOD

Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956, www.bellsferry.com Generations Church 110 Bluffs Parkway, Suite 206, Canton g.church Grow Church 2510 E Cherokee Dr, Woodstock 770-693-1018 New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660, www.newlifecanton.com Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018, www.sunnysidecog.org Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096, www.toonighcog.org

EPISCOPAL

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003, www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916, www.ecamarietta.org

Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575, www.mynertamid.org Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137, www.etzchaim.net Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 770-642-0434, www.bethtikvah.com Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630, www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533, www.kolemeth.net

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS

Sar Shalom 180 Parkway 575, Suite 150, Woodstock http://sarshalomgeorgia.org/

LUTHERAN

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

ORTHODOX

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

PRESBYTERIAN

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

Saint Clement’s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722, www.stclementscanton.org

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

JEWISH

ROMAN CATHOLIC

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

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

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

UNITED METHODIST

Ball Ground 3045 Canton Hwy, Ball Ground 770-735-6247, www.ballgroundumc.org Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755, www.bascombumc.org Big Springs 2066 Sugar Pike Road, Woodstock Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502, www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480, www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030, www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-5969, www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883, www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920, www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495, www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0837, www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644, www.sixesumc.org Waleska 7340 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska 770-479-4428 www.waleskaumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

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

OTHERS

Abiding Church 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766, www.abiding.church Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030, www.actionchurch.tv

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

Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170, www.lifechurchcanton.com

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964, www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 7745 Main St., Woodstock 770-517-2977, www.bpc.life Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572, www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280, www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733, www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Engage Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 150, Woodstock 678-445-8766 The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock 770-517-7265, www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560, www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-720-2227, www.fivestonesga.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841, www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135, www.fdvida.org God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500, www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 452 Milton Drive, Canton 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com Life Bible Church 124 P. Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton www.lifebiblechurch.com

New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412, www.newcovenantcanton.org

Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347, http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 ,www.MomentumChurch.tv

New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660, www.newlifecanton.com North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001, www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652, www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795, www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040, www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737, www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 8534 Main St., Woodstock 770-769-7495, www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100, www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795, www.thrivechapel.com Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100, www.unitynorth.org Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366, www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092, www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515, www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990, www.wcchurch.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM

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

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

Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail

trail connects the 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.

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile flat paved trail is

Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails.

located in Olde Rope Mill Park on the banks of Little River. 52

Towne Lake Pass - This approximately 1.2 mile

begins at M arket Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main 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.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along

Recent Home Sales in January List Price Address 385,000 250,000 375,000 367,999 219,000 279,900 354,900 280,000 284,900 344,900 635,000 275,000 199,900 225,000 287,000 365,000 255,000 179,900 400,000 409,900 589,000 389,000 299,900 279,900 355,000 437,500 367,000 234,900 400,000 485,000 375,000 282,000 369,999 555,000 399,000 305,000 255,000 290,000 375,900 410,000 255,000 375,000 285,000 699,900 370,000 475,000 239,900 245,000

Subdivision

Beds

704 Hedge Brook Drive Stoney Creek 232 Deerchase Drive Deerchase 2846 Billings Road Acreage Woodlands 161 Towey Trail Sunnybrooke 116 Mornigton Circle Park Place Estates 213 Park Avenue Meridian at Ridgewalk 212 Freelon Lane 211 Weatherstone Pt.Dr. The ve Village At Weatherstone e 132 Bramble Oak Drive Bramble Oak 750 Parkside Drive Arbor View 112 Foxtail Road Longleaf Woodstock 1039 Dunedin Trail Kingsgate 1342 Toonigh Road Ranchwood Estates 200 Daventry Way Daventry Village 2015 Meadows Drive Cherokee Meadows 926 Bendleton Drive Woodlands 402 Harvest Place Carrington Farms 223 Woodglen Drive Woodglen 536 Lost Creek Drive Stoney Creek 190 Neese Farm Drive Evelyn Farms 134 Hubbard Road Woodstock Downtown 607 Stone Hill Drive Stoney Creek 402 Mimosa Terrace Applewood 305 Highland Court Westridge 306 Montgomery Way Cornerstone Estates 2004 Woodside Park Drive Bradshaw Farm Bradshaw Park Drive 147 Bradshaw Park Drive Creekview 318 Creekbend Drive 2026 Woodside Park Drive Bradshaw Farm 2073 Fairway Crossing Drive Bradshaw Farm 132 Cornerstone Circle Cornerstone Park 417 Creekside Lane Creekview 125 Stone Manor Court Cornerstone Manor 401 Crestline Way Olde Heritage 212 Highland Park Point Highland Park 227 Highland Village Lane Highland Village 204 Abercorn Way Cottages of Woodstock 127 Whitfield Way Whitfield at Ridgewalk 211 Woodview Lane Arbor View 246 Edinburgh Lane Wynchase 203 River Run River Oaks 262 Edinburgh Lane Wynchase 262 Park Avenue Park Place Estates 5010 Hickory Hills Drive Bradshaw Farm 2038 Woodside Park Drive Bradshaw Farm Newcastle Farm 147 Newcastle Walk Heartwood 1202 Cousins Road Applewood 141 Apple Valley Drive

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

Full Baths Year Built

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

2014 1986 1900 2004 1980 1986 2013 2002 1979 1999 2017 2000 1984 1998 1988 2003 1999 1983 2014 2018 2005 2016 1983 1996 2012 1997 2004 1984 1998 2000 2012 1981 2015 2007 2017 2007 2004 2004 2003 2008 1984 2012 1986 1998 1998 2006 1994 1983

Sold Price

367,000 250,000 315,000 355,000 225,000 274,300 354,900 280,000 284,900 344,000 615,000 283,000 237,000 215,000 295,000 365,000 256,200 165,000 395,000 400,000 595,000 400,000 231,775 283,000 355,000 430,000 370,000 200,000 355,000 480,000 330,000 280,000 380,000 525,000 382,000 305,000 248,500 290,000 369,000 410,000 248,000 375,000 292,000 699,900 387,000 479,000 222,500 245,000

Days on Market

76 13 101 83 1 6 15 2 5 12 36 1 3 20 2 1 11 1 10 12 1 1 84 6 4 3 4 4 46 4 65 1 5 26 8 9 10 0 7 3 1 4 2 33 2 1 6 3

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Advertisers

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

March 2021

ACCOUNTING & TAX Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com

BUSINESS SUPPORT 15

ANIMALS/PETS Express Vets 678-397-7377 www.expressvets.com

Furry Friends Pet Boarding 770-475-8845 www.furryfriendsgroomer.com

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

Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) www.gatrialattorney.com

AUDIOLOGY At Home Hearing Dr. Jan Henriques, 770-325-3763 www.athomehearing.com

Polished Peach Car Wash 770-592-8102 www.polishedpeachcarwash.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY SALON & SPA Salon Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Innovation Spot, The Cover, 28-29 770-262-3668 www.theinnovationspot.com

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

INWDSTK 27 inwdstk.org/events

Edward Jones Sarah K. Kendall 1 770-720-6245 www.edwardjones.com/sarah-kendall

DENTAL/ORTHODONTICS Dentistry for Woodstock, Dr. Bruce Fink 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com

FUNERAL SERVICES 1

Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 39 Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.smiledoctors.com ToothTown Pediatric Dentistry 470-523-8090 www.toothtownpd.com

AUTOMOTIVE Hardline Customs 770-675-8115 www.hardlineind.com

Express Pack N Ship 678-504-5676 www.expresspacknships.com

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

EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING

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

HOME AND GARDEN AML Digger Services 404-403-9330 www.amldigger.com

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

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

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com

Chattahoochee Technical College 15 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu/deadmissions

Elite Landscape Services 770-881-7750 www.elitelandscape.biz

Georgia Trade School www.georgiatradeschool.com

St. Joseph Catholic School 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1 (675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com Myst Power Washing 770-546-6028 www.mystpowerwashing.com

ENTERTAINMENT Cherokee Theatre Company 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org

PebbleStone 9 678-708-7894 www.pebblestonepros.com

That's My Patio/That's My Pergola www.thatmypatio.com www.thatsmypergola.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Beth Fornuto Photography 770-846-3848 www.bethfornuto.com

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

REAL ESTATE& RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities, Hornes Group Dianna Hornes, 404-793-3312 www.hornesgroup.com

Atlanta Communities, The Lindsey Haas Team 33 Direct: 678-933-1962 www.thethaasteam.net Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Tomlinson Team, The Inside front www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Capital Mortgage Solutions 770-450-9717 www.cmshomeloans.com Keller Williams, The Premier Group 678-494-0102 www.tpgsells.com

Back cover

Prosperity Home Mortgage Inside front 404-895-0641 www.lisaeifert.phmloans.com REMAX Town & Country, Sarah Terrell 13 770-928-6525 www.realestateagent.net RESTAURANTS 7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant 31 www.7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com Godolier Pizza and Italian Restaurant 33 770-516-6292 www.gondolierwoodstock.com J.D.'s Bar-B-Que 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com

Rootstock 33 770-544-9009 www.rootstocknow.com Susto's Taco Bar Restaurant: 678-400-8131 Catering: 678-400-8160 www.sustostacobar.com

RETAILERS Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net

Southern Sky Home Outlet 678-842-8411 www.southernskyoutlet.com

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

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

VEHICLE SALES Golf Cars of Canton Inside front 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

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.

OUR PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNERS We work with some of the best professional photographers in the business.

Jerry King J. King Images 404-384-2794 www.jkingimages.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2021

Beth Fornuto Beth Fornuto Photography 770-846-3848 www.bethfornuto.com

Heather Stevens Joyful Day Photography 678-947-1200 www.joyfuldayphoto.com

Abigail Peyton www.apeytonphotography.com

678-494-0102 TPGsells.com

Call today to find out how we can help you get top dollar for your home. Low inventory equals high demand!

REALTY PARTNERS

678-494-0644

Search for your next home at TPGsells.com

4097 Dream Catcher Dr. - $359,000

120 Fitchburg Dr. - $310,000

2031 W Hampton Dr. - $420,000

209 Snapdragon St. - $439,000

2599 Alvecot Cir. - $350,000

505 Deer Cliff Ct. - $418,000

How Much is Your Home Worth? Call TPG Today for a Free Market Analysis. Equal opportunity housing provider. Each office is independently owned and operated.

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Leslie Powell

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