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TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Contents

Contributors

March 2021

42 40 58 38 32 41 66 18 34 62 20 24 72 36 50 19 52 20 79 46 28

Sarah Terrell RE/MAX Town & Country On the Cover

Living and working in the same community where she raised her family gives this Realtor an advantage.

Pages 44 & 45

Cover photo by Heather Stevens, Joyful Day Photography

Don Akridge Danny Branom Stacy Brown Charlice Byrd Cherokee Office of Economic Development Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Steve Coleman Jeannie Cordaro Rabbi Daniel Dorsch Linda Hartsfield Ashley Haynes Harry Johnston Ann Litrel Rob Macmillan Dr. Nokuthula Msimanga Leslie Powell Susan Schulz Joy Silk Justin Spainhour-Roth Elisabeth Stubbs Ashley Velez

In Every Issue

What Would You Do?

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.

Women’s History Month

Setting the Table

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

Rabbi Daniel Dorsch leads us through the traditions of the Passover Seder. 2

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

4 Around Towne 8 Local News 12 Celebrations 14 Noteworthy 26 County Commision Highlights 36 Rob’s Rescues 48 Everyday Angels 54 Towne Lake Dining Guide 60 Library Events 68 Community Calendar 70 School News 74 Photo Club 76 Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide 78 Greenprints Trail Map 80 Recent Home Sales 82 Churches 84 Clubs & Orgs 86 Directory of Advertisers

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Around Towne

Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

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 18-21, 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 28). 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, serenade from the sidewalk if you feel bold!

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.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Inkwell Designers, 4595 Towne Lake Parkway Building 400, Suite 150, Woodstock 770-823-1673. www.inkwelldesigners.com.

MesmerEyes Media, 1068 Legacy Walk, Woodstock 404-384-3289. www.mesmereyesmedia.com.

What’s Open

Limitless Disability Services is open at 260 Parkway 575 in Woodstock, offering 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 has opened at 1001 Weatherstone Parkway, Suite 410, in Woodstock. It is a business that treats chronic pain conditions caused by whiplash/motor vehicle accidents, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, headaches/migraines, and more. 678-5571733. 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.

With Sympathy

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

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

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TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to help 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 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 900 are placed in racks around the community. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th 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. TowneLaker 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. TowneLaker 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 Volume 25, Issue 11

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TOWNELAKER | 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. 8

TOWNELAKER | 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 10

TOWNELAKER | 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.

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TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com April deadline is March 10. Please specify TowneLaker.

Emerson Reese

Age 6 on March 26. Happy birthday to our wild and sweet boy! Love, Sawyer, Mom and Dad.

Cole Lawes

Happy “Golden” birthday! 11 on the 11th! We love you! Dad, Mom, Levi and Ruby.

Samantha Rice

Age 12 on April 2. Happy 12th birthday! We love you! Mom, Dad, Andrew and Shelby.

Keller Bowes

Age 1 on Feb. 23. Happy first trip around the sun to our sweet boy. We love and adore you. Love always, Mama and Dada.

Mikaela Charles

Happy 10th birthday! We love you! Mommy, Daddy and Victoria. 12

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Carter Nichols

Happy 2nd birthday! You bring so much joy and love, Grandma and Papa.

Amelia Gwen

Age 5 on March 1. Happy birthday, sweet girl. Love, Nonnie and Gappa.

Al Gabriele

Age 71 on March 3. Happy 71st birthday, PopPop! Congratulations on becoming my Grandpa this year! Love, Isabella.

Ansley Giesler

Happy 14th birthday! We love you! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Lauren.

TOWNELAKER | 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. 14

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Food Pantry is a Good Thing ‘To Do’

A cupboard sits outside the Salvation Army store at 251 Marietta St.

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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 20) recommends the following websites: www.emoryhealthcare. org/centers-programs/ kidney-transplant-program/ living-donor.html www.kidney.org/atoz/ content/living-donation 18

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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. 20

TOWNELAKER | 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.

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Time to Vote!

We hope you will take time out from your busy schedules to vote for your favorites in Towne Lake. Visit www.townelaker.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 30189 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! 22

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Scan this QR code to access the poll webpage! TOWNELAKER | 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

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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 20year 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.

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Cherokee County Board of Commissioners 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.

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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. • Approved a request by Jonathan Grigg and Maurita Johnson for a SpecialUse 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. • 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. • 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 full-time Special Projects Manager position.

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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.

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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 30 TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Inspiring Women Continued from Page 29

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. 30

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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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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 custombuilt 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.

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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 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.

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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 34

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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.

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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

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Rob with Tyga the cat.

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

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

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

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

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.

Rep. Charlice Byrd represents District 20 in the Georgia House of Representatives. charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Don’t Ignore Low Tire Pressure Warning BY DANNY BRANOM

If your vehicle’s low tire pressure warning lamp is illuminated, or, if you drive a newer model, a warning message is displayed in the customer information center, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Was the light on when you started the vehicle, or did it come on while you were driving? Does your vehicle handle differently while driving? The answers to these questions will help you understand the situation, and what action to take. If the warning light appeared when you first started your vehicle, after sitting outside overnight in cold weather, there is a good probability you may have one or more tires a few pounds low on air from the drop in outside temperature. Today, many vehicles have the ability to display each tire’s current air pressure. This will help identify which tire is low, causing the warning to appear. If your vehicle’s low pressure warning does not identify tires individually, exit your vehicle and walk around to visually inspect each tire for signs of low air pressure. In most cases, unless there is an apparent difference in the way the identified low tire is resting, it’s probably only a few pounds low on air. You should be safe to drive to the nearest shop for a more detailed evaluation. Make sure to have a tire pressure gauge handy (I suggest you keep one in

your glove box); it will take the guesswork out of your evaluation. If you’re not sure what the correct tire pressure is for your vehicle, you can find the information in your owner’s manual. It also can be found on most vehicles on the driver’s inside door edge or post. Be sure that you are looking at the correct recommended pressure. Many vehicles have different pressure settings for the front and rear tires. If the warning light comes on while you are driving, you may be experiencing a loss of air from a tire puncture. Stop your vehicle in a safe location. Do not keep driving! Driving on a tire that has low pressure is not only dangerous, but it also can be costly. A tire that has run on low air pressure can result in damage to the sidewall of the tire and render it unsafe and unrepairable. Many times, the outside of the tire will look normal, but most of the damage occurs inside the tire, and will be discovered when the tire is checked.

Driving on a tire that has low pressure is not only dangerous, but it also can be costly.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Danny Branom is owner/operator of Christian Brothers Automotive in Towne Lake. 770-926-4500. www.cbac.com/townelake.

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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?

TOWNELAKER | 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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Sarah Terrell Takes

PHOTO BY JOYFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Award-winning Realtor The Mississippi State University graduate earned a degree in marketing and worked at America’s Mart for 12 years, selling space for gift shows. As a Realtor, Sarah has earned multiple awards, including: Top 100 Individual Producers with Re/Max Award 2020 Platinum Club Award 100% Club Award 2020 Executive Club Award

ealtor Sarah Terrell understands a home purchase is one of the largest investments a person can make. That’s why she promises to give each client 100% customer service, and fight every step of the way to the closing table to get clients the most for their money. In fact, her motto is “Customer Service You Can Count On.” “Being a Realtor is not about just showing homes,” Sarah said. “A successful Realtor must be a good negotiator, organized, good with numbers and really listen to the client.” Sarah’s 20-plus years of experience working in the same community where she raised her children, and still lives, gives her the advantage of knowing the area and the surrounding region. “I raised my family here in Towne Lake. I truly love Cherokee County and all it has to offer. I love the people, the landscape and the variety of this area,” Sarah said. “Cherokee County is close to the city and close to the mountains. We also have great schools. Maybe that is why selling homes in the area is so much fun. I love living here.”

Above and Beyond

Sarah’s listings include everything from townhomes to million-dollar properties. Despite the price range, she guarantees each client gets the same level of personal service. Sarah also

offers investment property management, and can help clients find the best rentals to maximize their returns. In addition to the necessary real estate transactions, Sarah often helps her clients with updating their homes, picking colors, paint, flooring, carpet and staging to make their homes market-ready. She’s been known to meet clients at home improvement stores to help them with their choices. “I go beyond what is expected. People ask, ‘Why are you doing that?’ I say, ‘It’s just what I do,’” Sarah said. “Selling a home can be very stressful. I do what I can to alleviate that stress. It should be a fun process.” The client’s interests come first, from beginning to end. Sarah checks in each step of the process - with the client and the lender - from the initial stages to closing. Devotion to her clients is a priority, and she is available to them seven days a week, anytime day or night. If she’s in a closing or showing listings, she said she returns the call within 30 minutes. “I love working with people to help them find the right home that fits their lifestyle and desired location. I also enjoy listing homes and helping clients get their homes ready to put on the market,” she said. “Finding people their dream home or their first home is why I chose to sell real estate. It’s an exciting job.”

Sarah Terrell, RE/MAX Town & Country 3760 Sixes Road, Suite 108 | Office: 770-928-6525 | Cell: 770-335-2342 SarahTerrellRemax www.RealEstateAgent.net

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Ron Veres

Georgia Platinum Mortgage Ron Veres, President Cell: 770-823-3557 1301 Shiloh Road, Suite 1300 Kennesaw, GA 30144 ronveres@georgiaplatinummortgage.com www.georgiaplatinummortgage.com

Content TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Roll out the area rugs.

Use a rug as a barrier. Not only does it protect against gouges, but it adds warmth, extra style and color to the space. It even can anchor and tie together a large and spacious seating area. Add even more protection with a rug pad beneath your rugs. Just be certain the rug pad backing is safe to use on your floor. Otherwise, you might find a yellowing discoloration, or the pad itself might cause fine hairline scratches.

Avoid pushing and dragging furniture.

Many furniture pieces are quite heavy, and require extra help to move. Oftentimes, homeowners attempt to move the furniture themselves, not asking for assistance. This is when scratches occur. If the piece is light or small enough, lift it from the hardwood flooring, instead. If it’s something heavier and larger, always ask for assistance. You might be eager to rearrange your furniture, but a little help can prevent scratching your floors, and keep them protected.

Use furniture pads.

Tips to Avoid Scratching Your New Floor BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Hard-surface floors are beautiful and practical, but not indestructible. Wood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate — all can be scratched. You can take preventive measures by not wearing shoes (especially high heels) in your home, but the major culprit is heavy furniture.

Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

An area rug beneath a dining table is a great idea, but certain dining chair feet catch and make it difficult to slide to or from the table. Instead, when you need some movement, forgo the area rug and attach furniture pads to the feet of the chairs. Felt pads perform exceptionally well when you need to shift and slide around furniture. A tip: Don’t buy cheap furniture pads at the dollar store, because they won’t stay on as well. Flexi-Felt is a very durable line of floor protectors, available in different shades and sizes.

Find furniture with wheels.

If the situation calls for it, find furniture with built-in wheels. With a wheel fastened to each leg, you easily can glide the furniture piece whenever you need to move it. This type of wheeled furniture could be anything from large media and entertainment centers to small bar carts that scoot from the dining room to the living area, for coffee or cocktails. Some seating pieces also come fastened with rolling feet, as do office chairs or appliances. Wheels are an extremely useful attachment to have on furniture, but the wrong wheel material, such as the nylon hard-plastic wheels of the standard office chair, can damage your floor. To ensure your wheels prevent, and do not cause, scratches, seek out nonmarking rubber wheels or ball wheels. Also, check the wheels and clean them regularly to prevent scratches. Do yourself a favor as a homeowner, and protect any type of flooring you have with rugs and furniture pads, to keep your floors looking beautiful and scratch-free for many years.

TOWNELAKER | 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 48

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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

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Ask The Doctor

Osteoporosis

1. What does osteoporosis mean and are only women at risk?

By definition, osteoporosis means “porous bone.” It is one of the most common diseases and leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), osteoporosis affects 25% of women older than age 65 and 5% of men aged 65 and older. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends assessing risk factors for fracture in all adults, especially women older than 50, and men or women who experience a fragility or low trauma fracture. It is recommended for women to begin screening with bone mineral density at age 65 or older.

of gender and age, what are other risk factors for 2. Outside osteoporosis?

Dr. Nokuthula Msimanga

Dr. Nokuthula Msimanga is a board-certified physician in family medicine and geriatrics. She also is a member of the American Geriatric Society and the American Board of Family Medicine. After completing her residency in family medicine at Palmetto Health USC, she went on to her fellowship in geriatric medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. Currently, she specializes in primary care with a focus on adults and senior patients.

Just the Facts

Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by low bone mass, changes in bone architecture, and disrupted bone growth resulting in increasing fragility and fracture. It is a serious disease, most commonly seen in the spine, hips and wrist. Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until picked up on an X-ray. Most osteoporosis fractures require hospitalization, and elevate the risk of decreased independence and re-hospitalization. However, osteoporosis is preventable and reversible. It’s important to have routine checkups, especially if you’re already at high-risk of osteoporosis. 50

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• • • • • • • • • •

White women or women of Asian descent. A family history of hip fractures or a previous fracture. Low body weight. Secondary osteoporosis. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Use of chronic steroids, seizure medications, and medications used in the treatment of reflux. Reduction in estrogen and testosterone levels. Overactive thyroids, parathyroid and adrenal disorders. Dietary factors, including low calcium and vitamin D intake, eating disorders, history of GI surgery, and absorptive disorders like celiac disease. Underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, and a history of transplant.

should we know about it? And despite its severe 3. What impact, does it remain vastly underdiagnosed and treated?

Osteoporotic fractures are responsible for more hospitalizations than heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer, and typically require hospitalization. In patients who were previously independent prior to hip fracture, approximately 40% regained their previous level of functioning after their hip fracture, and 20% required long-term nursing home placement. • Only 1/3 of vertebral fractures come to clinical attention because most are undiagnosed resulting in chronic pain. Patients with vertebral fractures should be screened appropriately and managed with appropriate pharmacologic therapy. • Even after hospitalization, elderly patients often require rehabilitation followed by home health services with physical and occupational therapy. • 20% to 60% of hip fracture survivors require assistance a year later, and ongoing support from family, caregivers and therapists. Some may need to find a higher level of care such as independent living or assisted living for continued support.

4. What are complications of osteoporosis?

A fracture can occur from falling, mild stresses such as bending over, or even sneezing. The most serious are bone fractures in the spine and hip. Osteoporosis can lead to falls, but it also can lead to increasing pain. For older patients, experience with a vertebral or hip fracture places them at risk for recurrent fractures, hospitalization for falls, infections, such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia, and increased risk of blood clots.

5. How do we treat osteoporosis?

Patients are counseled on osteoporosis and receive fall prevention counseling, lifestyle modification, and even pharmacologic intervention. They will also be encouraged to take calcium and vitamin D every day, quit smoking, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Patients will continue to evaluate medications, supplements, and changes in diagnosis and conditions with their primary care doctor on a regular basis.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Cherokee Family Violence Center Offers Refuge, Place of Healing BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Kim has escaped domestic violence and shares her story. “From the very first encounter with Cherokee Family Violence Center (CFVC), I was greeted with kindness, compassion, and comfort,” she said. “At CFVC, the Lord provided a safe place, free of judgment. I began to heal in every aspect of my life:

physical, emotional and financial. I even got legal support when I needed it.” Stories like Kim’s exemplify the mission of the nonprofit center, which opened in the 1980s. Since its beginnings, the CFVC has worked to enhance “the safety of those impacted by intimate partner violence through services that empower victims while advocating for a community standard of zero violence in the home.” In 2020, more than 2,000 domestic violence survivors and their families received services through the CFVC. With that help, women like Kim are able to move on with more productive lives. “In every city, ZIP code, neighborhood, class, race and economic level, domestic violence is there,” said Andi Edwards, a volunteer at the CFVC. “It steals lives, hope and freedom from people who deserve more. Ignoring that fact just allows abusers to thrive. Speaking the truth is the key to freeing our society from this prison, but it is our responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind. I take that seriously.” Kim is a mother of eight who now enjoys a full life, thanks to the help she received from the Cherokee Family Violence Center.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Standing among the silhouettes are volunteers, from left: Brian and Wendy Hatfield, Edythe and Cecil Miller, and John Amantea.

The CFVC provides free resources, including: • crisis hotlines for English and Spanish speakers. • safe and secure emergency shelter, and in-person crisis counseling. • support groups for adults and children. • legal services, emergency protective orders and court accompaniment. • linguistically competent services for immigrant victims provided by culturally informed staff. • income-based, supportive housing and household establishment assistance. • emergency financial assistance and public benefits application assistance. • individualized safety planning. • educational programs on domestic violence, mindfulness, intimate partner violence and financial literacy. • advocacy with other agencies like the Cherokee County School District, health care providers, legal advocates, law enforcement and the Division of Family and Children Services. “We work closely with domestic violence agencies across North Georgia to assure that anyone who needs domestic violence resources gets the support they need,” said Stephanie Villasenor, outreach and volunteer coordinator. “We have amazing volunteers, and plenty of ways to plug in.” Wendy Hatfield, leader of her church’s outreach committee, loves to serve at the CFVC. “I chose this nonprofit, because I wanted to reach those who may be passed over. My favorite projects are organizing the storage room and donations,” she said. “I also led a project to refurbish 22 silhouettes for the yearly vigil in downtown Canton during Domestic Violence Awareness month (October). Each silhouette stands as a silent witness to the event and represents Cherokee County victims who lost their lives to domestic violence. Last year, the firstever virtual vigil was held. Social media efforts reached more than 12,000 people.” During the pandemic, it hasn’t been easy balancing the ever-increasing needs of the clients while trying to keep them and the staff healthy. For example, communal cooking in the emergency shelter had to be eliminated, creating a need for restaurant gift cards to feed residents. Also, the center has seen an increase in the amounts paid to Cherokee County hotels to secure emergency shelter. Learn about opportunities to help by calling 770-479-1804, or visit www.CFVC.org. If you, or someone you know, needs help with an escape plan, please call the 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 770-479-1704 (English), 770-720-7050 (Spanish) or 800-33-HAVEN.

Susan Schulz is a wife, mom, writer and mentor who lives and plays along the Etowah River in Canton. She loves serving at Woodstock City Church. Connect with her at www.susanbrowningschulz.com.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Towne Lake Dining Cancun Mexican Grill

Mexican 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #200 770-693-4680 www.cancunmexicangrill.net

Cheeseburger Bobby’s

American 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200 www.cheeseburgerbobbys.com

China Fun

Chinese 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671 www.chinafunwoodstock.com

Donovan’s Irish Cobbler American Irish 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763 www.donovansirishcobbler.com

El Ranchero

Mexican 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616 www.elranchero8.com

Family Tradition

Homestyle Cooking 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885 www.familytradition.net

GAMEDAY Fresh Grill American/Burgers 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754 www.gamedayfresh.com

Izumi Asian Bistro

Thai/Sushi/Chinese 2035 Towne Lake Parkway 678-238-1899 www.iloveizumi.com

J.D.’s Bar-B-Que

Barbeque 6426 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 160 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Johnny’s Pizza

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494 www.johnnyspizza.com

Kani House

Japanese Steak/Sushi 2455 Towne Lake Parkway, #110 770-592-5264 www.kanihouse.com

Keegan's Irish Pub

Irish/Pub 1085 Buckhead Crossing, #140 770-627-4393 www.keegansirishpub.net

KPOP BBQ and Bar Korean BBQ 1105 Parkside Lane 770-485-3055

La Parrilla

Mexican 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606 www.laparrilla.com

LongHorn

Steakhouse 1420 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-5494 www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Maple Street Biscuit Co. Southern 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, #160 678-903-2161 www.maplestreetbiscuits.com

Mellow Mushroom

Pizza/Pasta 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331 www.mellowmushroom.com

NaNa Thai Eatery

Thai 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. Suite 110 770 -485-6008

NY Style Deli & Pizza Pizza/Subs/ Bakery 2340 Towne Lake Parkway 678-426-7004 www.pizzabymansi.com

Panera Bread

Bakery/Soups/Sandwiches 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809 www.panerabread.com

Peking & Tokyo

Chinese/Japanese 200 Parkbrooke Drive, #160 770-591-8858 www.pekingandtokyoga.com

Song’s Garden

Chinese 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #320 770-928-8387 www.songsgarden.com

Tavern at Towne Lake

American 1003 Towne Lake Hills East 770-592-9969 www.tavernattownelake.com

The Place

Bar/Grill 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901 www.theplacebargrill.com

Tuscany

Italian 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888 www.mytuscanyrestaurant.com

Volcano Steak & Sushi Asian 2990 Eagle Drive, #100, 101 678-498-7888 www.volcanowoodstock.com

WOW Pho & Grill

Vietnamese 6242 Bells Ferry Road, #118 678-383-6099 On Facebook at: Wow Pho & Grill

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Mayor Outlines Successes During Challenging 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.

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.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

The Woodstock DDA opened Made Mercantile in November, with seven member companies located in the retail small business incubator.

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.

The Economy

recent struggles, Woodstock has seen a continuation • ofDespite 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.

Woodstock DDA opened Made Mercantile in November, • The 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.

Improvements

Personnel Changes

•

Investment in infrastructure improvements • continued through smaller projects that

The city staff has more than 200 full-time, parttime and seasonal employees across nine divisions who work daily to provide the highest level of professionalism, leadership, and customer service to citizens, stakeholders, and visitors. Three council persons were sworn into office in 2020. Ward 2 Council Member David Potts, Ward 4 Council Member Tracy Collins and Ward 6 Council Member Rob Usher began new terms.

Rob Hogan was promoted to assistant city • manager - public works in January, overseeing the

Hogan

public works department and the water/sewer utility. Jeremy Parker was promoted to director of public works. Coty Thigpen joined the staff in January as assistant city manager and oversees the HR, IT, GIS and municipal court functions. Ron Shelby joined the city in February as chief financial officer, and Crystal Welch was promoted to deputy chief financial officer.

Sustainable Living

The city’s Sustainability Plan was completed • and adopted in 2020. The goal of these Parker

K-9 Dugan retired in 2020. In his retirement, • Dugan will be a family pet and reside on a 25-

•

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

acre farm with Danny West, retired EMS chief of operations with Cherokee Fire. The K-9 Unit welcomed Tesa, a 2-year-old Belgian malinois from Serbia. She is certified in narcotics, apprehension, evidence recovery and tracking. Officer D. Butler and K-9 Exo finished second at the 11th annual South Georgia K-9 Training and Certification Workshop. Henriques honored the memory of former Woodstock Police Chief James E. Stone, 89, who passed away in August.

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.

Janet Masey retired in August as the senior • center coordinator, and Barry Martin was hired to

replace her and charged with re-opening the center in accordance with public health guidelines, while offering new and exciting program opportunities.

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 two-way, add a roundabout, and add a left turn lane from Towne Lake Parkway to Main Street.

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

Thigpen

organizations to adopt 1-mile sections of the trail system for cleanup events. There are currently nine sections, all of which have been adopted.

TOWNELAKER | 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!

TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

@ 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. 60

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

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.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Talking Trash

Lake Allatoona Association Volunteers Wrap Up Study BY LINDA HARTSFIELD

The Lake Allatoona Association’s (LAA) Lake Warriors, established in late 2018, is a group of volunteers who collect and remove trash in and around the lake yearround, especially during fall and winter months when the lake levels are lowest. During the 2020 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020), the Lake Warriors volunteered 660 hours to collect and remove 805 bags of trash (8 tons) and 98 tires from the Cherokee County portion of Allatoona. The majority of the 731 bags of trash (7.3 tons) and 40 tires collected and removed was from the Little River and Noonday Creek areas. Based on several years of recorded data, the LAA, and the Lake Warriors, are confident that these two tributaries are major trash entrance points to Lake Allatoona, more so than any other tributaries. During the summer of 2020, volunteers (specifically Craig Myers, Bryan Topper and Megan Topper) began concentrating their trash removal efforts in the Noonday Creek and Little River areas, and have been very productive. A six-month trash study of Noonday Creek was launched Sept. 1, 2020, using a simple containment boom installed. The goal was to collect data, including the trash volume and contents, to determine the best ways to capture and remove the trash. 62

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

A look at debris that was collected by the weir/boom.

Other factors studied included water flow - during normal conditions and heavy rainfalls and debris content, to determine if a simple boom structure is adequate or if other methods are required. Ease, frequency of cleanout, and maintenance issues also were considered. Initially, Lake Warrior volunteers monitored the trapped litter on a daily basis, and eventually moved to a weekly schedule. More than 40 volunteers were involved, and Megan Topper has documented the volunteers’ findings. For example, Myers reported that when it rained, a bag of trash was collected daily, including hundreds of plastic bottles, Styrofoam, volleyballs, tennis balls and more. The trash study ended Feb. 28, and volunteers are analyzing the data for a future report. LAA’s long-term goal is to engage cities, counties, communities and individuals within the Allatoona watershed, to help keep the lake clean. Residents of specific communities can sponsor areas near them.

LAA and the Lake Warriors thank Woodstock’s parks and recreation department for constructing and placing an informational sign at the trash study site along the Noonday Creek Trail System off Towne Lake Parkway. The sign and the containment boom have piqued interest from trail users, and some have become volunteer monitors and recorders. Continued growth within the Lake Allatoona watershed is expected to result in more trash in the lake. A focus on educating individuals, contractors, communities and cities on proper disposal of trash should help the problem. The LAA and Lake Warriors are working to find an economically efficient method of keeping trash from entering Noonday Creek and other tributaries around Allatoona Lake. Linda Hartsfield, an LAA board member, has been retired three years from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after more than 41 years of service.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

2 Connections

That Matter The Most BY STEVE COLEMAN

According to senior advocacy groups, active adult communities and several retail stores, as of this year, I am officially no longer middle-aged. I am considered a senior! For this, I am grateful. I have more years behind me than in front of me, and I believe I’ve experienced enough life to make some observations and draw some conclusions. There are more lessons that I’ve learned so far, and I’m sure many to come! For right now, take a moment and think about these two connections in your life – community with others and connection with God. Does your life reflect the value of these connections, or are there adjustments you could make that will help you live a more connected life? Steve Coleman is an associate pastor and worship pastor at Wildwood Baptist Church in Acworth.

1. Community with others is valuable.

I’ve come to a renewed appreciation for the community of family and friends – especially during the past 12 months, as a global pandemic has put limitations on how we can gather together. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us that we are to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. In Ephesians 4:29, we are told to build each other up with helpful words. And, in Philippians 2:4, we are told to look not at our own interests, but to the interests of others. In other words, we have been designed by God to be selfless cheerleaders for each other. It would be very easy to buy into the philosophy of “me first.” But, we were never designed to function as selfish beings. Instead, we were designed to be people who care for others. We were designed to be in community with each other, and this community should be extremely valuable to us. I am convinced that we are happiest when we are serving, because we often find our truest value by valuing others.

Connection to God is vital.

There are few constants in this world today – in fact, there is only One. God is constant. He is faithful, he never changes, and his promises are to be fully trusted. We enjoy vitality in our lives through our personal connection with God. Psalm 119:90 says that his “faithfulness endures to all generations.” Connection with God is the answer to most of our struggles. When I am tempted to worry about a situation or circumstance, I am reminded by Deuteronomy 31:6 that the Lord my God goes with me, and that he will never leave me. When I am facing the reality of some of my own failures, I am encouraged by 2 Timothy 2:13 which says, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful.” When I am tempted to wonder about how things will go financially, I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 9:8 where it says that God is able to bless us abundantly, so that in all things and at all times, having all that we need, we may abound in every good work.

Woodstock - Towne Lake 145 Towne Lake Pkwy Suite 201

(770) 592-5554

Find us near you at SmileDoctors.com

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Canton

205 Waleska Rd Suite 1-A

(770) 345-4155

Michael D. Williams, DMD, MS Sunya Sweeney, DMD

Same Day Braces 0% Interest

Se habla Español Smile Doctors of Georgia - Dana E. Fender, D.M.D.

TOWNELAKER | 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.

TOWNELAKER | 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. TOWNELAKER | March 2021

School News

Local Student Makes Dean’s List 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.

Rachel Kay Ransom

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.

CANNED MEATS PASTA SAUCE · BEANS CORN · GREEN BEANS CONDENSED SOUP CHUNKY SOUP · CHILI CANNED PASTA · MAC & CHEESE · BEEF STEW Our urgent food supply is disappearing quickly! Can you donate today?

MARIETTA · 1280 Field Pkwy CANTON · 111 Brown Ind. Pkwy

www.mustministries.org 70

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Rotary Essay Contest Challenges Students

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.

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.”

The Rotary Club of Towne Lake is challenging Cherokee County residents, ages 10-14, to participate in its Four-Way Test Essay Contest. “The Four-Way Test is the foundation of how Rotarians across the world live their lives. It’s recited at every Rotary meeting,” said Phil Ciccone, president of the Rotary Club of Towne Lake. “We hope local students take this opportunity to participate in the Four-Way Test Essay Contest, and if they didn’t know about it before, we hope they learn it and begin applying it in their young lives.” Youth in Cherokee County have the opportunity to win a cash prize by sharing how they utilize the truth component of the Four-Way Test in their daily lives. Entries should answer how you determine whether something is true and the factors you consider in answering the question: “Is it the truth?” The essay also should address how the other three points of the Four-Way Test might, or might not, help you arrive at whether something is the truth. Entries should by type-written in Arial or Times New Roman, 12-point double spaced, and submitted in PDF format to townelakerotary@gmail.com no later than 11:59 p.m., March 31. Include a cover sheet with entrant’s name, address, age, phone number, email address, and parent or legal guardian’s name. Team writing, parental participation and the use of works written by other sources is not authorized. Both the entrant and the parent/legal guardian must sign and include the following statement: “The attached essay submission is the original work of the entrant.” The Four-Way Test includes these questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM

Mr. Towe’s 1920s stone house served as an inspiration for Ann’s drawings.

HOME

Sweet HOME BY ANN LITREL

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

“Mr. Towe has a 67-year-old fern.” That was just one interesting fact my family and I knew about our 90-year-old neighbor when I was growing up. We lived in rural Michigan, on a dirt road 10 miles from the nearest small town. Mr. Towe and his stone house were part of the everyday scenery. For me, as an aspiring artist, the 1920s house was a constant inspiration for drawings, its fieldstone walls forming a colorful mosaic just visible from the kitchen window. But, for my youngest sister Julie, a more sociable sort, Mr. Towe’s house was a place to visit. On long summer days, Julie filled the hours with visits to our few neighbors, crossing the street regularly to talk with the elderly widower. It was Julie who carried the stories back to us: Mr. Towe’s wide plank floors were made of virgin Michigan timber from the 1920s. Mr. Towe and his wife picked all their house stones and arranged them on the ground for the mason to

Home portraits help capture special memories.

build the walls. And, Mr. Towe’s 67-year-old fern was owned by his wife before they got married: He had continued to tend it after her death. All these images came together to form a kind of story in the back of my mind as I attempted my first oil painting of the house. I was 17. It was Christmas break, and we had awakened to a carpet of fresh snow that arrived in the night. I had just received a gift of my first set of oil paints. It was the days before YouTube videos, so a book of Monet paintings served as my teacher, its pages open on the table beside me. I struggled with paints and brush, attempting to master the luminous blue shadows as I imagined Monet might have done, and the rosy glow of the stones - knowing that Mr. Towe and his wife had chosen each one to be part of their house. (There was no 67-year-old fern in sight – but no doubt it was somewhere inside.) It has been almost 40 years now since that morning I painted Mr. Towe’s house in the snow. This week, as I was finishing a small house portrait, I remembered that first attempt to paint a real house. Few homes are as unique as Mr. Towe’s – and yet, they all share the common thread of having their stories. The significance of a house portrait is the memories: What happened here? What was special about this house? “Can you put marigolds in the little flower bed in front? The girls used to plant them every Mother’s Day.” “Make sure to show that big willow out back – the kids would grab the leaves and try to swing like Tarzan.” “Those rockers on the front porch – we sat there so many mornings, drinking coffee and listening to the birds.” One couple asked especially that I include in their painting the huge oak tree on the empty lot beside their house. They had purchased the land just for the tree, so it would always have a place to live. “Safe Haven” seemed the right name for their painting. A painting of a house – like the cover of a book, with so many stories inside.

Ann Litrel is an artist and certified Master Naturalist. She instructs nature journal workshops and paints in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.

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

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

Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to the winners of the January "Glass" competition.

Monochromatic

1st “Around the Bend” Dayle Geroski

2nd “Liquid Glass” Karen Beedle 74

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

3rd “Crystal Star” Chastain Kendrick

HM “Circle of Light” Rebecca Blackwell

Color Print

1st Vase Rudy Coopman

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. Please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net for more information.

TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | 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. 78

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.

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along

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 TOWNELAKER | March 2021

TOWNELAKER | 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 82

TOWNELAKER | 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 TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Towne Lake Area Clubs & Organizations

CHARITABLE

Ahimsa House helps domestic violence victims 24-hours a day get their pets to safety. 404-452-6248. www.ahimsahouse.org.

Anna Crawford Children’s Center, dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through prevention and intervention services. 678-504-6388. www.cherokeechildadvocates.org. Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness, helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560. CASA for Children has programs to increase safety and improve educational, social and emotional functioning of children impacted by abuse. 770-345-3274. www.casacherokee.org. CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations, sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. 770-592-8072. Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 770-479-1703. Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org. Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115. admin@cchumanesociety.org. www.cchumanesociety.org. Cherokee FOCUS works to improve lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. 770-345-5483. www.cherokeefocus.org. Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. 770-345-5312. 770-345-5320. www.cherokeega.com/senior-services. Cherokee Young Life for high school students, meets Monday nights at Bradshaw Farm clubhouse, 7853 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 104, Woodstock 30188. 678 653-5707. www.cherokeecounty.younglife.org. Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. 678-640-3512. www.communityveterinarycare.com. Companion Animal Connection 678-493-9847. www.adoptapet.com. Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.

Green Shelters America animal rescue group. 770-712-4077. GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com. www.GreenSheltersAmerica.com. Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia, 770-587-9697. www.habitat-ncg.org.

HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. 678-391-5950. www.hqmg.org. HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 770-924-0864. info@hopectr.com. www.hopectr.com. HOPE Center — Seeds Thrift Store offers men, women & children’s clothing, furniture & other home goods. 770-517-4450. www.seedsthriftstore.com. Life Connection Ministries provides humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com. Matthew E. Russell Foundation establishes literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org. MUST Ministries provides groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org. National Alliance for Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org. Never Alone provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. 770-592-1227. www.nextstepministries.net. The North Georgia Angel House Girls Home, residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn selfsufficiency. 770-479-9555. www.angelhousega.com. North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. 706-253-6303. www.ngapregnancy.org.

Feed My Lambs, Inc. provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. 770-795-9348. office@feedmylambs.net. www.feedmylambs.net.

Papa’s Pantry, a year-round food ministry that includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. 770-591-4730. www.papaspantry.org.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges coaches, college, high school, junior high and youth level athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Steve Hyland. 770-789-7150. shyland@fca.org.

Pet Buddies Food Pantry provides pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs to families in need. 678-310-9858. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org.

Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org.

Safe Kids Cherokee County offers free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808. www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org.

Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. 770-842-8893. www.funds4furryfriends.com.

SmileUp! Charitable Foundation works to get children involved in volunteering with local charities that help children. www.smileupfoundation.org.

Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats. 770-704-PAWS (7297). www.theanimalproject.org. Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618. www.goshenvalley.org

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

The Blue Ribbon Foundation fosters a national dialog toward finding the cause, cure and prevention of ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. 478-397-5542. www.theblueribbonfoundation.org. Volunteer Aging Council helps raise funds for seniors in Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. 770-310-3474. www.vac-cherokeega.org.

SUPPORT

AA Meetings Canton: 9:30 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Mondays at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. 11 a.m. Saturdays at Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road.Woodstock. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html. Abortion Recovery Helping those who have been impacted by abortion. 678-223-3519. Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton: 8 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays Al-Anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2208, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. American Heart Assoc. - Cherokee Div. 678-385-2013. American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695. A-Typical Parkinson’s Education and Support Group Meets 6:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Ball Ground UMC, 3045 Canton Hwy. in Ball Ground. Contact Norma Schmidt at 770-366-9585. Caregivers Alzheimers Spousal Support Group Meets: 12:30 p.m. first Tuesday of every month for lunch at Benton House of Woodstock, 3385 Trickum Road. 678-494-4500. woodstockinfo@bentonhouse.com. Celebrate Recovery, Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. 770-366-7515. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644. www.sixesumc.org. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House, 678-459-2347. www.MinistryHouse.org. Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660. www.celebraterecovery.com. Cherokee County Support Group for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs. 404-402-0571, 770-337-0294, jhmom88@comcast.net or christystephenson@msn.com.

SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Offers mission trips. 770-516-1108. www.servone.org.

Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org. Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders. Meets: 11:30 a.m. last Wednesday at New Life Church in Canton. 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton, GA 30102. www.cherokeeministers.org. Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock. 770-793-7818.

Timothy’s Cupboard, a food pantry associated with Timothy Lutheran Church at 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. 770-591-5515 www.timothylutheran.360unite.com/timothyscupboard-home.

Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors through small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. 727-251-7690. info@gracevalleyministries.org. www.gracevalleyministries.org.

Georgia Canines for Independence. 404-824-4637. gcidogs@aol.com. www.gcidogs.org.

Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). 770-919-9275. Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta chapter for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com. La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church. 678-315-7686. 770-517-0191.

Male Veteran Support Group

Meets 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays at First Baptist Church Woodstock in Building "A" Room 260. Snacks provided. MOMS Club of Woodstock-Towne Lake momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com. www.sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock. MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-924-4777. Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. 678-677-2589.

BUSINESS

American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter. Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont. 678-493-3618. Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-345-8687. Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Meets: Various times during the year. Schedule at www.cherokeechamber.com. 770-345-0400. Gini@CherokeeChamber.com. Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: virtually noon-1:15 p.m. every Wednesday. Meeting details are on their website. www.cherokeetoastmasters.com. Downtown Woodstock PowerCore Team Meets: 7-8:30 a.m. Fridays at Freight Kitchen & Tap Phone: 770-241-0373 www.powercore.net The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. 678-789-6158. www.xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/. Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 678-389-3887. www.tlba.org. Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first Wednesday of the month at Tavern at Towne Lake. info@womenofwoodstock.com. www.womenofwoodstock.com.

VETERANS SERVICE

American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 678-662-2366. Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program Contact Jim Lindenmayer at Jlindenmayer80@gmail. com or 678-983-7590, or Mike Satterly at 404-680-2412. Cherokee Veterans Community Support Groups for males and females meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of the month at First Baptist Church Woodstock. www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org. 678-494-2680. veteransministry@fbcw.net.

Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 404-663-4663.

CIVIC & COUNTY

AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Lunch is $15. 770-926-1944. Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at Canton Police Department 151 Elizabeth St., third floor training room. www.saltcherokee.com. Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288. www.rockbarn.org. Citizen Oversight and Education 678-520-2236. citizenoversighteducation@yahoo.com. Firestorm Robotics FIRST Robotics Competition Team for High School Students in Etowah, Woodstock and River Ridge. Meets: 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays at Cherokee Makerspace, 6436 Hwy 92 Ste 100 Acworth. 678-247-1972. www.firestormrobotics.org. Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. 770-345-8687. Kiwanis Club of Greater Cherokee Meets: 8 a.m. first Monday, at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2107, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 678-468-9900. www.greatercherokeekiwanis.org. Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy. 20. 770-393-1766. Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com. www.pilotinternational.com. Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 770-480-4179. Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock. www.townelakerotary.com. Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 678-428-6514. Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991. www.serviceleague.net. South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-926-3522. Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-715-3375. www.townelakeoptimists.com. Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. 770-926-8336. Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club www.woodstockjwc.org. Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at The Arbor at Bridgemill, 700 Freedom Blvd, Canton. 770-906-2958. Woodstock Preservation Group 770-924-0406. http://preservationwoodstock.com/.

POLITICAL

Cherokee County Democratic Party Monthly Social: 1 p.m. first Saturday at Canton IHOP. Monthly Business Meeting: 7-9 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot. Monthly Dinner Social: 6:30 p.m. second Thursday at Las Palmas, Holly Springs. 470-240-1529. www.cherokeedemocrats.com. Charles Ravenscraft, chairman@cherokeedemocrats.com.

Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. www.cherokeelp.org. Cherokee County Republican Party P.O. Box 1267, Woodstock 678-721-1969. www.cherokeecountygop.com. Contact us to verify meetings, time and locations. Follow us on Facebook and twitter. Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton. 770-592-7811. jkconkey@gmail.com. Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at Chick-fil-A, 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall. 770-294-0922. Republican Women of Cherokee County 678-520-2236. www.rwccga.com.

RECREATION & HOBBIES

Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events, outings. rrkelly@bellsouth.net. Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com. Cherokee Community Chorale 678-439-8625. www.cherokeechorale.org. Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton. 770-704-6244. www.CherokeeArts.org. Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803. www.caes.uga.edu/extension/ cherokee/mastergardeners. Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org. Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com. Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org. Cherokee Music Teachers Association 770-720-1701. www.cherokeemta.org. Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187. www.csaimpact.com. Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com. Firestorm Robotics Meets Wednesdays and Saturdays at Cherokee Makerspace, 6436 Highway 92, Suite 100, Acworth. 678-247-1972. firestormrobotics.org. Girl Scouts Atlanta Sherry Saunders, ssaunders@gsgatl.org 404-293-3511. www.girlscoutsatl.org. Kingdom Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. Les Marmitons, for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org. Neighbors and Newcomers of Towne Lake (NNTL) is a social club for residents of 30189 area code. 770-855-9623. www.nntlclub.com. Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com. William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. TOWNELAKER | March 2021

Advertisers

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

March 2021

ACCOUNTING & TAXES Accounting Connections, LLC O: 770-516-5987 C: 770-846-7799 www.accountingconnections.org

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Kinsey CPA 770-932-8989 www.kinseycpa.com

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

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 770-591-9500 www.townelakevets.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

AUDIOLOGY At Home Hearing Dr. Jan Henriques, 770-325-3763 North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com

Horizon Investigations & Background Screening 57 770-559-4412 www.horizonscreening.com Innovation Spot, The Inside front 770-262-3668 www.theinnovationspot.com INWDSTK 67 www.inwdstk.org 55

CHIROPRACTIC

Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

Chloe's Auto Repair 770-575-8800 www.chloesautorepair.com

Christian Brothers Automotive 678-904-9670 www.cbac.com/townelake

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Glass Magic, LLC 404-272-5109, 770-516-6414

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

EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING Brookwood Christian School 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com

Chattahoochee Technical College 55 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu/deadmissions Childs Play Early Learning Center 770-924-6534 www.cpelcenter.com

Kennedy Mathews Educational Consultants 25 765-721-1212 www.kennedymathewsconsulting.com Piano Lessons by Ralph Iossa 973-519-6863 www.woodstockpianolessons.com

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Ribley Family Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

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

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

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

CREDIT UNION Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES 23, 41

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

Alpha & Omega Automotive 678-483-5995 www.alpha-omega-auto.com

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

MOOD Salon 678-653-8444 www.moodsalonwoodstock.com

DENTAL

AUTOMOTIVE

BEAUTY SALON

Towne Lake Business Association www.tlba.org

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

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

BUSINESS SUPPORT

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES

Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.debranski.com

Polished Peach Car Wash 15, 23 770-592-8102 www.polishedpeachcarwash.com

Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.bairdfamilydentistry.com Dentistry for Woodstock 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 27 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com

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

Woodstock Wealth Management 800-279-4468 www.wwmria.com

FITNESS/RECREATION R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

S3 Volleyball www.s3volleyball.com

FUNERAL SERVICES Poole Funeral Home 678-932-2097 www.poolefuneralhome.net Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

OPTOMETRY

JianKang Spa and Massage 770-779-9158 www.jiankangmassage.com

Marietta Eye Clinic 678-460-4810 www.mariettaeye.com

Inside back

Your CBD Store-Towne Lake Towne Lake: 770-627-3512 www.cbdrx4u.com

Pearle Vision 770-790-0000 www.pearlevision.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR B & T Exterior Cleaning 404-218-3635 Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277 CFM Electrical Services 678-614-9661

PHOTOGRAPHY 39

Joyful Day Photography www.joyfuldayphoto.com

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Atlanta North Dermatology & Skin Care 23 www.atlantanorthdermatology.com Governors MedSpa and Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com

Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com

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

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

Optimal Performance Medicine 9 678-250-0700 www.optimalperformancemedicine.com

Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490 www.thhmga.com

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 32 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 [675-8651] www.mrjunk1.com

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

Myst Power Washing 770-546-6028 www.mystpowerwashing.com

PebbleStone 25 678-708-7894 www.pebblestonepros.com Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

Scrappy’s Junk Removal 678-330-9282 www.scrappysjunkremoval.com

Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com

INTERIOR DESIGN Robinson Interiors 770-617-0683 www.robinsoninteriors1.com

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

RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

43, 59

Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute 33 770-292-6500 www.northside.com/orthopedic

Atlanta Communities, Shonna Sherrill C: 678-634-5581 O: 770-240-2005 www.shonnasherrill.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Capital Mortgage Solutions 770-450-9717 www.cmshomeloans.com

RESTAURANTS/CATERING Gyro Aegean Grill 770-485-5236 www.gyroaegeangrill.com

J.D.'s Bar-B-Que 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com

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

Serendipity House 770-966-1301 www.serendipityhouseacworth.com

SENIOR SERVICES Life Balance Personal Care Home 25 C: 706-224-2125 O: 678-426-8187 www.lifebalancepersonalcarehome.com The Reserve at Towne Lake 770-928-2440 www.reservetownelake.com

The Butcher and A Baker 770-517-2225 www.thebutcherandabaker.com

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS Gift of Music, The 888-551-0077 www.giftofmusic.org

MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

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

TRAVEL

Georgia Platinum Mortgage 45 Ron Veres, 770-823-3557 www.georgiaplatinummortgage.com Keller Williams, The Quick Group C: 770-366-8744 O: 678-494-0644 www.quicktogetitsold.com

REMAX Town & Country, Sarah Terrell Cover, 11, 44, 45 770-928-6525 www.realestateagent.net

SPECIALTY FOOD

Broadus Realty Group 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com

Clear Summit Realty Ken Jones, 770-842-4531 Ryan Jones, 678-327-9326 www.clearsummitrealty.com

Keller Williams , Ursula and Assoc. Back Cover Direct: 678-569-4044 Broker: 678-494-0644 www.townelakeexperts.com

Free Bird Cruises & All-Inclusive Resorts 23 404-547-1157 www.freebirdresorts.com VEHICLE SALES Honda Minibikes 770-617-0244

TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | March 2021

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

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Expert EYE CARE •

Experts WHO CARE Est. 1967

Marietta Eye Clinic - Towne Lake 2990 Eagle Drive, Suite 110 Woodstock, GA 30189

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