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t. George Village is offering a rare opportunity for direct entry into our Wellington Court memory care neighborhood. Friendship House, our memory support neighborhood with a person-centered focus, reflects our promise to care for residents as we would a family member or dear friend. Residents will also have access to our Treasures of Lakeview skilled nursing center, if ever needed. We are currently accepting applications for openings in Friendship House. Call Dawn Zawoysky for qualifying details: 678-987-0409. *St. George Village is Roswell’s only LifePlan community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing neighborhoods. 11350 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 | 770-645-2340 | stgeorgevillage.org
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
1
Contents March 2022
Contributors
Chris Mack Chris Thom
46 Kelley Archer
51 Christopher Brazelton 48 Charlice Byrd
On the Cover This dynamic duo, backed by their fellow networkers at a Canton Business Club meeting, work together to help clients create wealth.
12 Michael Caldwell
31 Cherokee Women’s
Health Specialists
32 Harry Johnston 47 Bryce Jones
39 Susannah MacKay
Pages 28 & 29
Cover photo by Red Baryl Portraits
36 Rob Macmillan
12
Message From the Mayor
Keep up with the latest news in Woodstock through Michael Caldwell’s monthly column.
14
Forever Young!
Residents don electric dresses and suits, left, and bust a move at the Children’s Haven ’80s-themed prom night.
18 Margaret Miller
27 Craig Mosgrove 32 Denson Pepper
22 Cheryl McKay Price 52 Christopher Purvis 49 John Rodgers 38 Susan Schulz
20 Teddy the Spaz Man 44 The Wanderer
30 Daniel Westbrook 50 Laine Wood
24 Mallory Woodward
In Every Issue 4 Around Woodstock 8 Local News
16 Downtown Events 26 Celebrations 34 Noteworthy
36 Rob’s Rescues
40 Everyday Angels
22
Lights, Camera, Woodstock!
Did you know the Christian Worldview Film Festival was held at First Baptist Church Woodstock last year? Cheryl McKay Price tells about the humblest Hollywood hearts.
2
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
42 Community Calendar 49 Library Events
53 Recent Home Sales
54 Directory of Advertisers
Now is the time to
buy silver! Silver prices are still low, so don’t miss a great time to invest! We also sell gold bars and coins and purchase your gold, silver and stones! Give us a call or text to place your orders now!
770-924-3133 Or visit our store at: 136 Woodstock Square Ave., Woodstock (Next to Target on Hwy. 92)
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
3
Around Woodstock Letter From the Editor
Readers, it’s all about YOU this month! OK, it really is all about you every month, because we try our best to create content you’ll enjoy. But this month, what you think is doubly important as we launch Readers’ Choice 2022. Please take time to go to the Readers’ Choice link at www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com, and write in your favorites in the categories listed there. If you nominate 25 or more, you’ll be entered to win a $500 Visa gift card. The top five nominees in each category will move on to the voting round that begins May 1. The winners will be announced in the July issue, and a list of the winners and finalists will stay on each website, giving you a perfect resource for whenever you need a recommendation for a service, restaurant or physician. Each winner will be in your area, so you can be assured they are local. Keeping things hyperlocal is the standard by which we measure our editorial content each month. With this goal in mind, you’ll notice the return of the downtown Woodstock calendar this month. I remember before the COVID-19 shutdowns, we were getting close to 5 pages of calendar events each month. As our community springs back to life, we’re going to zero in on the downtown events, listing them all on one page, while also giving you a comprehensive community calendar in each issue. We’re excited to see more events taking place in our community. If we’ve learned anything through this, it’s to not take anything for granted, and to embrace each moment. Last weekend, a charitable group of folks embraced the 1980s by dressing up and attending an ’80s-style prom event to raise money for the Children’s Haven. Flip to Pages 14-15 for a trip back in time. Allatoona Lake campgrounds are opening (Page 52), and there are opportunities to adopt a local stream through the Upper Etowah River Alliance and a state program (Page 50). We always marvel at the lengths someone will go to to help a loved one … including donating a kidney to a stranger. Turn to Page 24 to meet Mallory and Alex Woodward. If you’re a regular reader of this magazine, you’ll recognize that examples of charity, care and a servant’s heart are recurring scenarios in Cherokee County, arguably one of the strongest, most united counties in Georgia. I’m proud to work, live and play in such a loving, caring and supportive community.
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
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
READERS’
CHOICE Award 2022
Time to Nominate Your Favorites!
March 1-31
www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com
Welcome!
Donna Harris has joined Aroundabout Local Media as managing editor. We’re excited to welcome Donna, who has worked in this community and has considerable journalism experience. However, we are sad to say goodbye to former managing editor Katie Beall. We wish her well in her future endeavors!
Kudos
Eddie Robinson is the new fire chief for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. Robinson, who formerly served as deputy chief of support services, is succeeding Tim Prather, who served Cherokee County for 35 years.
What’s Closing
The Wright Stuff Records & Collectibles
at 8646 Main St. is closing after 11 years in downtown Woodstock. Owner Tom Wright, in a Facebook post, said he’ll be offering sales and specials to reduce inventory before closing. 410-294-8226. www.facebook.com/twsrecordsandcollectibles.
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings
Dog House Boxing and Fitness, LLC 9525 Main St, Suite 110, Woodstock 404-245-3995.
Treasure Tax
225 River Park North Drive, Woodstock 678-888-4829. www.treasuretax.com.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Around Acworth | Around Canton | Around Kennesaw Around Woodstock | TowneLaker
Our Mission
Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.
Results With Us
"I know so many small businesses and individuals look at the magazine. It is the very FIRST place I go to find a local vendor and have had such great success with finding good vendors." - Diane Offutt, Accounting Solutions
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Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com President Kim Dahnke 770-615-2779 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com Managing Editor Donna Harris 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com Assistant Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com Graphic Designer Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
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Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 17,000 free copies. Approximately 16,600 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 400 are placed in racks around the community. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Woodstock, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022.
Volume 9, Issue 5
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America’s Community Magazine
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
7
Local News
Fundraiser to Benefit Veterans Project
Planning Begins On City Center
The Woodstock City Council approved a letter of intent with Woodstock City Partners at a recent city council meeting, outlining the roles and responsibilities regarding the City Center project at the former site of Morgan’s Ace Hardware. The city will fund public infrastructure improvements, including approximately 650 spaces in a public parking deck, modifications to the existing road and pedestrian network, and a much-needed meeting and event facility. Funding is anticipated to come from SPLOST and other revenue sources, with no impact on the city’s general operating fund. Cheri Morris, president of Morris and Fellows, and Woodstock City Partners have assembled a development team tasked with delivering an $80 million private development focusing on additional retail and restaurant opportunities, a boutique hotel with meeting space, and professional office space. They will purchase the private parcels from the city for $1.5 million. In 2015, Morris and Fellows was selected as the city’s private partner for a development project on cityowned property along Towne Lake Parkway, following a competitive request for qualifications, and formed Woodstock City Partners to act as master developer of the project. The city council decided to turn its attention to the acquisition and redevelopment of the Ace site after it became available, determining it was a better location for the planned parking deck associated with the project. It is anticipated that the public information for this project will begin this spring; the project could open in mid 2024. For more information, visit woodstockga.gov. 8
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Tournament Director Mark Sheldon, left, and Cherokee Senior Services Director Tim Morris.
Donation a Boost to Meals on Wheels
Cherokee County’s Meals on Wheels program was given a $5,500 donation from a recent fundraiser held by Cherokee County Senior Services, Trainhopper Disc Golf and Stand Up for Seniors, formerly known as the Volunteer Aging Council. The 21st annual Cold Snake Classic Disc Golf Tournament was held at Sequoyah Park Dec. 1213, and drew 143 players from across the state. All proceeds from the event went to benefit Stand Up for Seniors, which supports the county’s Meals on Wheels program and other services for local seniors. For more information on Stand Up for Seniors, visit vac-cherokeega.org, and to learn more about the Meals on Wheels program, visit cherokeega.com/Senior-Services.
The Highland Rivers Foundation is planning a kickoff fundraiser, set for 7:30-9 a.m. May 12, in support of establishing an evidence-based, peerled support community for veterans in Cherokee County. The community is based on the concept of a green zone, where military men and women can find local peer support and recovery services. It will be named the Green Zone – Veterans Recovery Center, and will be part of the Highland Rivers Behavioral Health Service system. The center will be available to all veterans around the state; the cost to establish the Green Zone is $1.4 million. The Reveille Kickoff breakfast fundraiser will be held at Venue 92, 12015 Highway 92 in Woodstock, and will feature guest speakers, including recovery clinicians, corporate foundation and individual supporters, and veterans, speaking on the importance of having an accessible green zone staffed and led by peers. The breakfast is being planned by the Highland Rivers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To RSVP, email sherrymcgee@highliandrivers.org, or call 706-590-9238.
History Cherokee Launches Black History Committee History Cherokee has established a Black History Committee, which will be dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of Black history in Cherokee County. The goal is to collect the stories, images and artifacts from the earliest settlement to today, and to make sure these stories are told. “The history of Black people is often overlooked. When it comes to collection and preservation, elements of Black history get disregarded by the institutions that decide whose history gets saved and whose doesn’t — and we want to do our part in changing that in Cherokee County,” said Harvee White, History Cherokee’s education manager. History Cherokee already has made exciting headway on this commitment to Cherokee County’s Black history, as it prepares for the opening of the Cherokee County History Center. Currently, staff is working to create a documentary with a Georgia film crew and local civil rights activists, covering the integration of the former Canton Theatre. Visitors will find this documentary at the Cherokee County History Center when it opens this summer. The integration of the Canton Theatre is just one example of a vast history to preserve and share, and History Cherokee needs help to do it. Led by White and a few volunteers committed to the Black History Committee’s mission, the group plans on digging deeper, to preserve and share the Black stories of Cherokee County. To join History Cherokee’s Black History Committee, contact White at hwhite@ historycherokee.org.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
9
Local News Moving Reunion for Firefighters, Patients
Citizens who were rescued by Cherokee County firefighters in two life-saving events were able to thank them in person during a special recognition ceremony at Fire Station 19. Firefighters Jordan Allred, Reece Young and Mathew Hutcherson were presented with EMS awards from Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, along with Cobb County Firefighters James Watson and Demetrius Carlyle. On Nov. 23, Cobb County Engine 11 was covering for Cherokee County Fire Station 19, so personnel could attend the funeral of Justin and Amber Hicks. Engine 11 and Cherokee County Squad 19 were dispatched to the scene of a cardiac arrest later that day. According to EMS Chief Nate Sullivan, “They arrived to find a patient in cardiac arrest and went to work. These crews that had never worked together before performed flawlessly. Their efforts resulted in the patient regaining his pulse and actually speaking to the crew before arrival at the hospital. After the call, the Cobb County firefighters realized that the patient was a retired member of Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services.” The patient walked out of the
From left, Lt. Jordan Allred, a cardiologist with Kennestone Hospital, the patient, along with James Watson and Demetrius Carlyle, firefighters with Cobb County.
hospital a week later, and shook the hands of his rescuers. “Our firefighters do spectacular work every day, but this event was more special and challenging than most. The opportunity to meet a cardiac arrest patient that was rescued is a once-in-a-career event. I’m grateful that the patient was able to make it to the recognition ceremony, shake the hands of his rescuers, and share his story,” Sullivan said. A few days later, Engine 19 and Squad 19 responded to another cardiac emergency. The engine arrived a few minutes before the squad, and
the crew of the engine began their assessment and recognized the extent of the patient’s emergency and the time-sensitive nature. The crew began treatment and used their cardiac monitor to obtain an EKG and transmit the EKG to the hospital, while at the patient’s side in his home. Squad 19 arrived and treated and transported the patient to the hospital. Because of the advance notice of the nature of the illness, the patient was able to bypass the emergency room and go directly to the cardiac catheterization lab. The patient spent weeks in the ICU undergoing some of the most advanced cardiac procedures in the state. “This event was a perfect example of the entire system working together flawlessly,” Sullivan said. “This event highlights the importance of citizens calling 911 if they suspect a cardiac emergency. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services has welltrained paramedics and EMTs on every apparatus, with the equipment, medications and knowledge to make the difference between life and death.” Deputy Chief of Operations Shane West, left, Sgt. Matthew Hutcherson, Firefighter Reece Young and Lt. Jordan Allred speak with the patient and his wife.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Brass | Strings | June 1-3 Piano | June 6-8 Choral/Vocal | June 6-10 Cobb Summer Band Camp* | June 13-16
THEATRE
Acting | Musical Theatre | Design & Technology | June 6-10
*Cobb Summer Band Camp is open only to middle school students. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
11
A Message From the
Drinking From a Firehose
In February 2013, I wrote my first article to update the 20th District as the new member of our state’s House of Representatives. I called the article “Drinking From a Firehose.” And now, in 2022, as I start my service as the 31st mayor of the city of Woodstock, that theme feels more appropriate than ever. This is the first time our city has had a new mayor in 16 years, after four fantastic terms under Mayor Donnie Henriques that saw unprecedented growth and success for our community. As you can imagine, transitioning to a new leader for the 29th-largest city in the eighth-largest state in America requires a delicate handoff of institutional knowledge. I owe a huge thanks to my predecessor, our outstanding city management staff and each of our department heads for helping to make sure that I hit the ground running. The city of Woodstock has more than 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees across 11 departments, and we serve more than 35,000 residents every day. Leading this community is a big task, and there are plenty of moving parts. Serving as the mayor in Woodstock isn’t a full-time job, though. It isn’t intended to be one. Being a citizen mayor means balancing your work, family and city priorities. Speaking of family priorities, Katie and I are expecting the arrival of our third child, Charlotte, to be born on March 3, and we’d appreciate your prayers for a healthy, happy birth! Many of you know that I also own Black Airplane, an award-winning, digital product agency, employing nearly 30 Georgians full-time in downtown Woodstock. Continuing 12
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Michael, Katie, Oliver and Elizabeth Caldwell.
our business’s growth, and investing in the incredible people who work with us there requires time and effort. From three kids, to a growing business, to supporting Katie in her work as the president of Woodstock Arts’ board of directors, and my own time on boards (I serve as the governor’s appointee on the Georgia Technology Authority, the History Cherokee board and the Cherokee Public Health board), our family has plenty of great places to invest our time and passions. It’s easy to invest in a place you love. This is what makes our city so great. In the same way that I loved that our state Legislature was filled with citizen legislators working real jobs and experiencing life as everyday Georgians, our council and mayor in Woodstock are made up of everyday Woodstockers looking to leave our next generation an even better city. Anyone can serve their neighbors in this community, and that is exactly the way it should be. As we start this incredible journey
together, I want you to know how grateful I am for your trusting me with this role. I used to say that representing our families in the state House was the honor of my lifetime. Well, leading this city that I love is an honor and a privilege that I never will be able to describe. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. We have built a place that people want to be, and our calling today is to build a place that will last. That will be the mission of my administration. We will leave our children a city that they will be proud to inherit. We’ll do it by drinking from the firehose, leaning in each day and investing in this incredible place. I’m excited to work with each of you to continue to see Woodstock thrive. Let’s get to work. Mayor Michael Caldwell
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13
Forever Young!
’80s Adult Prom Night Raises Funds for Local Children PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLCOMB CREATIVE CO.
Buzz Williams busts a move.
On Feb. 5, Timbers on Etowah hosted the Children’s Haven ’80s-themed adult prom night, Forever Young. The fundraising event featured ’80s music, food, drinks, dancing and fun at the Mill on Etowah in Canton. In total, $19,515 was raised for the Children’s Haven and its programs to support children who have experienced abuse and neglect. A portion of the proceeds will support its new site-based mentoring program, Chin Up. The Children’s Haven is a nonprofit organization committed to building successful children through programs that increase their safety and improve educational, social and emotional functioning. Stay tuned for details about next year’s prom. https://cherokeechildrenshaven.org
Prom king and queen nominees, from left: Bobby Stilson, Michele Prance, Kristin Pinyan, Tommy Pinyan, Barbara Nye, Guy Bianchi, Lori Williams and Buzz Williams.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Prom-goers dance the night away.
Couples pose for a remake of high school prom photos.
Prom queen and king, Barbara Nye and Guy Bianchi.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
15
IN town
Woodstock
March 7
DJ Bingo begins at 7 p.m. Mondays at Woodstock Beer Market. Have fun, test your musical knowledge and win prizes. https://visitwoodstockga.com/events.
March 12
The St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl is 2-6 p.m. in downtown Woodstock. Crawl-goers are encouraged to visit participating restaurants, and enjoy food and beverage specials. https://visitwoodstockga.com/event-group/pub-crawls. Join the Woodstock Waltz, 10 a.m., in downtown Woodstock. The 1-mile route starts and finishes near the arches at Chattahoochee Technical College. Proceeds benefit the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation. https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/WoodstockWaltz1M.
March 17
The Spring Fashion Sip and Shop is set for 5-9 p.m. in downtown Woodstock. Enjoy special deals at your favorite shops, with light bites and beverages. Tickets are $10. https://wdstkbrandstore.square.site.
WOODSTOCK ARTS March 4-20
www.woodstockarts.org
“Sweat” is a masterful depiction of the forces that divide
and conquer us. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets and laughs while working on the factory floor. Recommended for ages 16-plus (language, adult themes, violence).
March 25
iThink Improv is back and ready to get its audiences
rolling down the aisles with laughter. Recommended for ages 10-plus (content).
March 26
The Lasting Laugh is a comedy series that brings in
Atlanta-based comedians monthly, with Jessica It’s All Good as the host. Recommended for ages 12-plus (content).
WOODSTOCK PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS woodstockparksandrec.com // 770-592-6000, Ext. 1955 Registration is required for all programs.
March 5
Essential Gardening — Pollinator Gardening. Join Cherokee County Master Gardeners and Cherokee County UGA Extension representatives, 10 a.m., at 223 Arnold Mill Road, to learn how you can do your part to help pollinators thrive in your landscape and our community. Participants will receive a plant or seeds. Cost is $5.
March 16
Discovering Pickleball. Ages 18 and older. This hourlong class gets you ready to play pickleball, and you will, by the end of the session. Equipment is provided. The class is taught at 6:30 p.m. at the Dupree Park pickleball courts. Cost is $5.
March 19
Essential Gardening — The Kitchen Garden. Join Cherokee County Master Gardeners and Cherokee County UGA Extension representatives, 10 a.m., at 223 Arnold Mill Road, for an herb gardening class to put some punch in your culinary creations. Participants will receive a plant or seeds. Cost is $5. SKILLS — First Aid. Join the Woodstock Fire Department,
noon, at 223 Arnold Mill Road, for practical, life-saving steps you can implement in an emergency with injury. The course is perfect for individuals hoping to stay up-to-date with current first aid procedures. Participants will earn a certificate upon completion. Cost is $5.
March 24
Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop. Learn the seven
principles of Leave No Trace, cover low-impact recreational techniques, and discover how we can all be stewards of the environment, 6:30 p.m., at 223 Arnold Mill Road. Participants will be awarded a certificate. Cost is $5.
March 26
Bee Hive Maintenance. Learn how to manage your beehive in a real-time, hands-on way, 7 p.m., at 223 Arnold Mill Road. The course is for new and established beekeepers. Registration fee is $50.
March 27
Discovering Disc Golf. A three-class series. March’s session will
focus on basic technique and strategy, 2 p.m., at Dupree Park Prodigy Par 2 disc golf course. Equipment for the class is provided. Cost is $5.
LANTERN SERIES
WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
At the Woodstock Arts Event Green; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Check for updates at www.woodstockarts.org.
The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Hospital — Cherokee Amphitheater. www.woodstockconcertseries.com.
March 19: May 14: May 28: July 2: July 16:
16
The National Parks Naughty Professor Aditya Prakash Ensemble Sub-Radio Kyshona Armstrong
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
May 14: June 11: July 9: Aug. 13: Sept. 10:
Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience Sister Hazel Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors Black Jacket Symphony — Hotel California Scotty McCreery
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
17
Shepherd Has Deep Ties to Cherokee
BY MARGARET MILLER
“Great oaks from little acorns grow” is an old adage that could well apply to the life of James Marshall Shepherd, Ph.D., a worldrenowned meteorologist who grew up in Canton. His mother, Frankie Ferguson Shepherd is a retired educator and honored local community and political activist. On Feb. 15, Marshall Shepherd was back in Cherokee County to speak at a History Cherokee event in Canton. His ties to the Canton community run deep. His maternal grandfather, Charlie Ferguson, and uncle, Tony Ferguson, were instrumental in organizing the first black volunteer fire station in Georgia. A former fire station in
north Canton is being renovated and has been named the Charlie Ferguson Community Center. Shepherd, like his mother, is an educator. He received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in physical meteorology from Florida State University (FSU). Shepherd was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from the Department of Meteorology at FSU. He began teaching meteorology at the University of Georgia after working at NASA for several years. Shepherd’s interest in meteorology was really by chance. As a child, his first interest was entomology, a study of insects. When he discovered he was allergic to bees, he developed
Tony Ferguson, right, at the City of Canton Fire Station, downtown. Photo courtesy of History Cherokee. 18
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
James Marshall Shepherd, and his mother, Frankie Shepherd.
an interest in the weather. After graduating from Cherokee High School, he enrolled at FSU, which, at the time, had the nation’s oldest and most respected department of meteorology. An atmospheric scientist, Shepherd is in great demand as a speaker at professional events, as well as at college and university graduations. He has received many honors for his work in meteorology, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The multitalented meteorologist is an author of meteorology books for children, and a TV personality who hosts the Sunday talk show, “Weather Geeks” on The Weather Channel. He and his wife, Ayana, recently wrote a book, “40 Days and 40 Nights: Daily Tales (and Lessons) From a Suburban Home During the Coronavirus ‘Quarantine,’” describing their family’s experiences while quarantined due to COVID-19. Follow his journey on Facebook, @DrMarshallShepherd, and Instagram, @marsh4fsu. Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.
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A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
19
BY TEDDY THE SPAZ MAN
A
hh, ‘tis the month to celebrate all things Irish, the land of my people. After all, I have red hair, say “wee” a lot and love to have a good time. I even own a Dog Bar. But, each year as St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, I can’t help but wonder … What if I’m not Irish at all? My thoughts raced at all the possibilities. Maybe I’m an Aussie from Down Under. I bet the punchy kangaroo is a brother from another mother.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
After all, I kicked dad in the nether region so hard one time he sang soprano for three days. That was funny. Or, maybe I’m Scandinavian, like mom. After all, I love me a good ole slab o’ salmon, and my crib just oozes hygge. Or, maybe I’m German, since I’ve been called a Wiener schnitzel a time or two. Or, wait, I have to be British, ‘cause I wear a smart dressing gown to bed and turn into a right curmudgeon if I don’t get my nightly spot o’ tea. ‘Ello gov’na. OK, OK, I got carried away with all these what ifs. It was high time I found out the truth. So, the next day, dad sent some of my hair off to the lab. I could barely contain my excitement. Then, finally, an email arrived with the subject line, Teddy’s DNA Results. As mom took her sweet time opening it, I once again pictured myself laughing rip-roariously with
my fair-faced, freckled family in a quaint, little village nestled deep in the hillsides of ole Éire, Ireland. Yep, these results were going to confirm what I’ve suspected for years … “Am I Irish, mom? Am I?” After what felt like an eternity, she turned and said, “Teddy, I think you should sit down for this.” Taking my paw in her hand, she said, “My dear sweet son, this may be hard for you to accept, but you are neither Irish, German, Italian nor Norwegian. You, my dear boy, are a dog.” Stunned, I dropped to my knees and stared at mom in utter shock. “Oh, Teddy, this is a good thing,” she reassured me. “You are what all humans aspire to be. You have no hate, bitterness or jealousy in your heart. You show humans how to love unconditionally, and you accept everyone for exactly who they are. You are the purest form of love, so stand proud because your DNA results prove what we’ve known all along — you’re 100% perfect.” Sure, it may have taken me a while to embrace my new identity, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still play the part now and then. Wink, wink. Teddy the Spaz Man is a social media dog and not-so-humble Hallmark star living in downtown Woodstock. Facebook/Instagram: @teddythespazman.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
21
Lights, Camera, Woodstock!
Sharing Positive, Uplifting Stories BY CHERYL MCKAY PRICE
In August 2021, Woodstock was home to the Christian Worldview Film Festival (CWVFF). The conference usually is held in Tennessee or Texas in March. After a venue loss months earlier, Judd Brannon, director, producer, editor and 2021 CWVFF speaker, pitched the idea to bring the conference to First Baptist Church Woodstock (FBCW). After all, the church has a heart to invest in emerging and veteran Christian artists. It even has its own Vision Drama Ministry, which puts on plays and musicals. Having served as the video producer at FBCW for 12 years, Brannon knew the church had the space, a supportive staff and the heart to open its doors for CWVFF’s mission, telling stories that
Cheryl McKay Price and local actress Trisha Nguyen Owen pose in front of the conference logo wall. 22
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
The final class of the guild portion, from left, Pinnacle Peak Pictures Head of Development Leann Barna, casting director Beverly Holloway, Cheryl McKay Price, actress Stephanie Jagst Parker, producer Alexandra Boylan, and actresses Shari Rigby, Micah Lynn Hanson and Ashley Bratcher.
matter. “There is no conference that better equips young filmmakers to share biblical principles in the stories they tell,” Brannon said. More than 600 people flocked to the campus last year, spending the first three days in the guild portion, where filmmakers had a chance to take classes on topics such as acting, screenwriting, producing, editing, animation and composing, taught by FBCW’s music minister, Cliff Duren, a Dove Award winning composer. The second half of the week, the film festival portion kicked off with a special preview screening of the upcoming documentary of “Fireproof ” and “Facing the Giants” producers, Stephen and Alex Kendrick, called “Show Me the Father.” (I don’t think there was a dry eye in the chapel after the ending credits rolled!) I believe that most attendees would say it was an unforgettable week in Woodstock. The conference was filled with the humblest of Hollywood hearts, with a desire to invest in the next generation of filmmakers. (For details on the next conference, keep a lookout on https:// christianworldviewfilmfestival.com.) Many of us went to learn more about the craft, but we left with something
so much greater — an understanding of the creator who inspires us to create, and knowing that the work we do can impact the world. It was refreshing to find that many filmmakers at the conference, who want to tell positive and uplifting stories, are choosing to have a place here in Georgia. Some live bi-coastal to Los Angeles; others have completely relocated to the Atlanta area. Many of those talented filmmakers spoke at the conference, including Shari Rigby, Erin Bethea, Drew Waters and Ashley Bratcher. They not only act in movies and television shows, but write, produce or direct as well, building stories from the ground up. We’re so used to seeing a Hollywood that pats itself on the back and sings its own praises. What we saw throughout this whole event was the exact opposite: humility, servants’ hearts and a desire to invest in others. I’m thankful to have been a part of something with people who hope to change the world in positive ways. As more local talent connects with one another at events like this, my desire is to see more movies made right here in Woodstock. Soon, I hope we all hear that familiar chime, “Quiet on the set.”
Cheryl McKay Price writes faith-based movies and novels. She and her husband have called Woodstock home since 2015. She just opened a new faith-based film and TV production company, Stone Impact Media.
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National Kidney Month
Kidney for Life Program Makes Faster Transplant Possible BY MALLORY WOODWARD
I first learned about my kidney disease in 2018, when I was in the hospital to deliver my son, Preston. The doctors noticed my creatinine was high, and said it could be due to the trauma of the delivery but to follow up with a kidney specialist. At the time, we also were dealing with health complications with my son, including a two-month neonatal intensive care unit stay and two brain surgeries, so I didn’t give this news much thought. Four months later, it was confirmed that I had chronic kidney disease, stage 3. Although I have a family history of kidney disease, I was not expecting this news at such a young age – 27. I was otherwise healthy, and felt no real symptoms besides fatigue, but I assumed that was due to becoming a new mom. In August 2020, my kidney disease had progressed to stage 5, and I needed a kidney transplant to avoid dialysis. The average wait time on the United Network for Organ Sharing waitlist in Georgia is eight to 10 years, and I was told that finding a living donor would be my best option. I soon learned about a relatively new program called Kidney for Life (KFL), a national registry that is able to find the best possible match through various DNA markers. Through this initiative, patients have a lower risk of rejection, less risk of graft failure, and the option to eventually
Mallory after transplant at Piedmont Hospital on March 10, 2021. 24
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Alex, Preston and Mallory Woodward. Photo by Hayley Echols Photography.
wean down on immunosuppression medication. (For more information, visit www.kidneyforlife.org.) A Facebook post was shared, asking friends and family to consider becoming a living donor, and I was beyond humbled at the amount of people who were willing to make such a generous sacrifice on my behalf. My husband, Alex, has Type O blood, making him a universal donor. Although he wasn’t a direct match for me, he ended up being the perfect match for someone else through the KFL initiative. In March 2021, I received my transplant from a donor in Washington, and Alex was able to donate his kidney to someone in Oregon. From start to finish, I waited seven months from the time I was listed, but only 18 hours on the KFL paired exchange wait list. Traditionally, a good kidney match was 6/6, meaning the human
leukocyte antigens (HLA) match score was six out of six. (Your immune system uses HLA to see which cells belong in your body and which do not.) However, behind antigens, there are eplets, which are components recognized by antibodies. Eplet mismatch analysis has been proven to be a more precise measure of a donor-recipient match. With the KFL program, my match was an 18/20. This means that we matched in nearly everything. None of this would have been possible without Alex donating his kidney on my behalf. Five months after the transplant, myself, my husband and son tested positive for COVID-19. I was hospitalized, as my case was severe, and the virus was especially hard on my new kidney. Sometimes, I still can’t believe how God worked it all out, protected my kidney, and that we are celebrating one whole year with a healthy kidney, with no rejection episodes!
Mallory Woodward is a wife, mother and award-winning floral and event designer with Stylish Stems. She is passionate about using her creative talents to create memorable events.
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Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com April deadline is March 5. Please specify Around Woodstock.
Kylie
Mona and Papa wish you an awesome birthday, Kylie! We love you so very much!
Saboor
Happy 11th birthday, Saboor! You bring us so much joy! We are so super proud of you! Love, Dad, Mama Sash, Shakorr and Ma-ma
Mason Schuessler
Happy sixth birthday! Mom and Dad
Angelik Rivera
Age 11 on March 1 You are an amazing niece and words cannot describe how special you are to me. I love spending time with you and seeing you smile. May every moment of your life shine like stars. Happy birthday my princess! I love you with all my heart! Aunt Maddy
Dedra
March 3 Blessings for an awesome birthday, Dedra. We love you so very much! Mom and Dad
Grey
Penny
Arionna
God's blessings for an amazing birthday, Arionna! Mona and Papa love you so very much! 26
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Age 1 on March 24 Happy first birthday, sweet Penny. You have brought so many laughs and snuggles into our lives. We love you so much! Mom, Dad and Stella
Age 11 on March 29 Happy birthday! We love you so much! Thank you for being the best kiddo ever! XOXO Mom, Dad, G-ma, Pop Pop, Jax and Sophie
Keller Bowes
Happy second birthday to the love of our lives. Love and adore you, Mommy and Dada
Do You Need A Little Extra Strength? BY CRAIG MOSGROVE
At times, everyone gets physically tired and mentally exhausted. Now, more than two years into this pandemic, people are blitzed mentally. They are worn out. You can almost hear a collective sigh in our nation. However, I have noticed through the years that some Christ followers, regardless of how long or hard they work, seem to have the knack, fortitude, determination and will to keep going strong, even when others barely can take another step. Have you ever wondered how in the world someone keeps going? Could it be that the person has learned to tap into a supernatural source of power? Well, the same inexhaustible supply of power is available to you as well. Paul said, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:19 I especially want you to notice the word supply in the above verse. It is a Greek word that means on behalf of the choir. That is peculiar. Why would Paul use that word? Thousands of years ago, in classical Greece, a huge choral and dramatic company practiced incessantly for a theatrical performance. After practicing so much, they were unable to go on the road, because they were out of money. A wealthy man heard of their crisis and made a huge contribution on
behalf of the choir. The money “supplied” all they needed to get back in business again. This is where we get the word supply in Philippians 1:19. This means that Jesus wants to be your wealthy benefactor. He has more strength and power to give you than you’ll ever be able to use. Like the wealthy man in the story above, Jesus can step into your life at your most depleted moment to donate a massive, generous contribution of the Spirit’s grace and power for your cause. If you are tired of having to be strong, may you close your eyes to savor the strength of Christ, who lives within you, rising up like a fountain when your own perseverance is running dry. He gives hope when we have none. You do not need to be strong, for strength dwells within you. Jesus is kinder to you than you are to yourself. Rest in the goodness of Jesus today, friends.
Craig Mosgrove pastors Dwelling Place Church in Woodstock. Husband to Meredith, father of three, his passion is to empower others. Email him at cmosgrove@dwellingplacemovement.org.
R E D N E F ? R E D BENWe can fix it! FENDER BENDER?
Call for a FREE Estimate! All Work Guaranteed - Bumper Replacement - Paintless Dent Repair - We work with all insurance carriers. We offer military & senior discounts. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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A Partnership
with a Shared Purpose Realtor and Mortgage Lender Help Clients Create Wealth Through Homeownership
Chris Thom and Chris Mack met a few years ago at a Woodstock Business Club gathering. The Realtor and the mortgage lender hit it off immediately, according to Mack. This dynamic duo have become best friends and created a symbiotic business relationship, with one goal in mind: helping clients build wealth through homeownership.
“With Mortgage Mack working with a client from the lender standpoint, and myself from the Realtor side, it creates a sense of cohesion, in which we guarantee positive results for our clients,” Thom said. Best friends, referral partners — whatever you call them — it’s evident there’s a level of mutual respect and trust that benefits their current and future clients.
Meet C
hris T
C
This R hom, AKA e Is Doap ltor e!
accounting and associate degree in mechanical engineering, earned during his service in the Air Force. After moving from New York to Woodstock, and starting his real estate career, he said, “I realized I had a gem in my backyard, but I also realized I need to get people owning where they live, turning renters into homeowners.”
hris Thom has proved his success as a Realtor, having doubled and tripled his business since he started helping his clients buy and sell their homes in October 2018. However, there are two important elements of his job that may surprise many: education and strategy. Thom’s mission is to educate people, specifically renters, on how they can become homeowners, as well as strategize with homeowners on ways to leverage their equity and create cash flow. “We have a lot of people who are renting, but don’t know they are in a position to buy, or how important it is to own a home. The real estate market is the best and most efficient way to build wealth, by even just starting with your own home,” he said.
Realtor Chris Thom.
“What separates me from others in my industry is my strategic mindset, my understanding of the market, and how I help my clients maximize their return on investment.” Thom’s background includes nine years of experience in operations management, along with his bachelor’s degree in
Thom’s focus is getting clients who are buyers a contract on the house of their dreams, and helping sellers get the most for their home. Connections he makes at networking events in Woodstock, Canton, Acworth and Ball Ground allow him to add to the list of referrals he can make for insurance, inspections, renovations, electrical and more. He and Chris Mack were an integral part of starting the Canton Business Club, after realizing the benefits of networking. Education is key, he said, and one way he shares his knowledge is through Facebook (www.facebook.com/ ThisRealtorIsDope) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ThisRealtorIsDope),
Chris Thom, aka This Realtor Is Dope with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers 8265 Highway 92, Ste. 101, Woodstock, GA 30189 | 347-866-0384 | ThisRealtorIsDope.com | E Q C 28
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
SPONSORED
ack, m s i r h C eet
AKA
ck a m e g a mortg
M
C
hris Mack calls himself a problem solver. The mortgage lender loves to put his clients on the path to homeownership, which he said is the one sure way to build wealth.
Mortgage lender Chris Mack.
where he offers suggestions and points out successes or missed opportunities through regular, engaging posts. His enthusiasm and excitement is palpable as he poses with clients for photos after a closing. In the next 5-10 years, Thom plans to expand opportunities to teach homeownership — perhaps through workshops or training sessions — while building a team that will help change lives. He offers a free strategy call to anyone interested in taking the next steps. Sign up online at thisrealtorisdope.com.
D CONTENT
“Chris was absolutely critical to my success in becoming a first-time homeowner. His constant knowledge of the ever-changing industry, his ability to problem solve, and his quick thinking proved to be needed time and time again, and he overdelivered each time I called upon him. Chris is a true professional, and an authentic leader.” — Derrick “Chris communicated very openly and gave me guidance through the whole process. He helped explore all available options before settling into one. His wide knowledge of the market and the locale was extremely helpful. Chris also has a great network of experts who helped make the transaction easy.” — Oscar
Often, renters are making monthly payments comparable to homeowners. Mack’s strategy to help his clients realize their potential, especially renters, involves working closely with them and creating a plan. “Many times, when people didn’t think they had enough credit or income to buy a house, two months later they were moving into their new home,” he said. If a client isn’t ready, Mack will help them, by setting up a two-, six- or 12-month plan, and will follow up with them along the way. Last year, Mack joined MortgageRight, a direct mortgage lender that’s located in downtown Woodstock. The location makes it easy for him to attend networking events; he and Chris Thom were part of the start of the Canton Business Club after seeing the benefits of attending networking groups in Woodstock, Acworth and Ball Ground. With encouragement from a friend, Mack stumbled into the mortgage world, and loves it. With an associate degree in hospitality and customer service, and nine years of bartending, his skills were honed long before he knew he’d end up in this industry. “I started in this industry in January 2018. I closed my first deal two weeks before my second son was born and
“Chris Mack was easy to work with, and helped us through the entire house buying process with a positive attitude.” — Jaimee “Chris was a great listener, and then a fast actor. His level of guidance is unmatched. He paid great attention to my needs, and that made the documentation process extremely easy and fast. Chris also presented the numbers with clarity and, with his experience, I felt very comfortable. Communicating with Chris was extremely easy, and I would be wrong not to mention his team, who also took great care of me.” — Oscar haven’t looked back since,” he said. As a problem solver, Mack has developed a three-step system to help people understand the approval process and end up with an affordable loan and a comfortable monthly payment. 1. C heck credit, looking not just at the scores, but payment history, collections, etc.
2. E xamine income to calculate the client’s debt-to-income ratio, which lets him know if the client will qualify for a loan, and for how much. 3. D etermine the maximum amount to spend on the down payment and closing costs, making sure they save as much out-of-pocket money as possible, while ending up with a purchase price to match their budget. One of his biggest joys is seeing happiness on the faces of first-time homeowners, when they get their keys, or post photos on Facebook of newly decorated rooms, and other milestones, such as having a baby. “I love people, and I love Cherokee County; it’s the greatest place on earth. My wife brought me here kicking and screaming. Now, you couldn’t pay me to leave,” he said. “In the next 5-10 years, I want to make Mortgage Mack a household name, not only in Cherokee, but all over the state of Georgia.”
Mortgage Mack with MortgageRight 127 E Main St., Ste. 401, Woodstock, GA 30188 |678-368-1487 |Themortgagemack.com | E AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Be Prepared!
Spring Severe Weather Season is Approaching BY DANIEL WESTBROOK
Severe weather can strike any time of year, yet spring tends to bring the highest chances of tornadoes, floods, large hail and damaging winds. Since 1990, 20 tornadoes of varying intensity have impacted Cherokee County. Aside from tornadoes, numerous instances of large hail and damaging winds have caused millions of dollars in property damage in the last 30 years. Therefore, we encourage residents of Cherokee County to learn about the types of severe weather they may encounter, and how they should prepare. A great first step is to have a plan in place for where you will go if a severe thunderstorm, tornado or flash flood warning is issued. If you do not have a safe place to go to during severe weather, make arrangements to stay with family or friends until the threat is over. If you’re in a vehicle, have a plan for any scenario you may face, so you can protect yourself. If you live in or near flood zones, know how you will move to higher ground to avoid flood waters. Cherokee County Emergency Management recommends you have a Ready Kit, with all necessary items to sustain you for a few days after a disaster strikes. For the checklist, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/ready-kit-checklist. Cherokee County residents are encouraged to have more than one way to receive a watch or warning from the National Weather Service. As you may know, 30
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Cherokee County offers a free, mass notification system called CodeRED to county residents. This service provides phone, text and email alerts for weather watches and warnings. For more information and to register, visit www.cherokeega-ema.org, and click on the CodeRED icon. Or, text CHEROKEEALERT to 99411. Additionally, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios, wireless emergency alerts, weather apps and local television broadcasts are good ways to receive a watch or warning. Outdoor warning sirens are meant to alert individuals in an outdoor setting, such as parks, and should not be relied upon as your primary way to receive a tornado warning. Cherokee County Emergency Management provides severe weather preparedness information throughout the year on its Facebook (@CherokeeEMA) and Twitter (@ema_CherokeeGA) accounts. Additional preparedness materials can be found on our website at www.cherokeega-ema.org, by clicking the Are You Ready? icon. Daniel Westbrook is the director of the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency and has been with the agency since 2016.
Endometriosis Essentials: Know the Facts BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC
With endometriosis affecting approximately 5 million American women, it’s important to know the facts. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, the endometrium, grows outside the uterus. In endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions (abnormal tissue that binds organs together). Endometriosis can cause pain, sometimes severe, especially during the menstrual cycle. Fertility problems also may develop. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known. However, possible causes include: • The immune system may not be getting rid of endometrial cells outside of the uterus like it should. • Heavy bleeding or an abnormal structure of the uterus, cervix or vagina causes too many endometrial cells to go up through the fallopian tubes and then into the belly. • Blood or lymph fluid may carry endometrial cells to other parts of the body, or the cells may be moved during a surgery, such as an episiotomy or a cesarean delivery. • It may be hereditary.
PLEASE HELP US FIND “CLOVER” Lost the week before Christmas at Woodstock Elementary School and still very missed by its owner. Please ask your children if they have seen it, especially those involved in the Woodstock Elementary a�er-school program.
THANK YOU.
rd
a w e r 0 $10
If found, please text/call 404.538.3132 or email ellijayeyecare@gmail.com
Call a doctor to schedule an appointment if: • Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful and interfere with your daily activities. • You have pain during intercourse. • You have painful urination, blood in your urine or an inability to control the flow of urine. • You have blood in your stool, you develop pain or you have a significant, unexplained change in your bowel movements. • You are not able to become pregnant after trying for 12 months. • You develop sudden, severe pelvic pain (call immediately).
Although there is no cure, treatment can help. Endometriosis treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether you want to get pregnant. If you have pain only, hormone therapy may help. If you want to become pregnant, having surgery, infertility treatment, or both may help. Not all women with endometriosis have pain. And endometriosis doesn’t always get worse over time. During pregnancy, it usually improves, as it does after menopause. If you have mild pain, no plans for a future pregnancy or are near menopause (around age 50), you may not feel a need for treatment. Regardless, it’s best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, to receive the proper diagnosis and get any help you need. Cherokee Women's Health Specialists, PC has eight physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
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Cherokee County, An Absolute Treasure BY HARRY JOHNSTON
In the annual State of the County presentation Jan. 26, I highlighted the “absolute treasure” we have in Cherokee County, with beautiful geography and an increasingly rare and precious small-town quality of life, so close to a major city. To preserve it, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has worked to control growth. And, we’ve had some success. Since 2007, when slower-growth forces gained control of the BOC, the county’s annual population growth has slowed to an average of 2.2% versus 4.5% in the 17 years before then. It’s been below 2% the last two years. In the address, I pointed out Cherokee has the lowest BOCcontrolled taxes in the metro region and the second lowest in Georgia. We have very little debt, yet our public safety services, schools and county parks programs are among the best in the state. We’ve mostly been able to keep county roads up with the growth. State highways fell behind during the high-growth era, but are slowly catching up. The county is making interim improvements to Highway 140 to keep it functioning until the state can address it. We have several key challenges ahead. We need to continue recent progress in city-county cooperation for effective overall growth management. And, we need to keep working to attract good, local jobs, especially office jobs. If you’d like me to speak to your group on the State of the County, just let me know. Also, in late January, the BOC held its annual planning retreat, where county finances were discussed. We finished fiscal year 2021 in the best financial position ever, but the workforce crisis is again making it hard to find and retain public safety officers and other employees. Salaries will likely have to increase more than the usual 3% next year. Additionally, the new tax digest may
have grown by double digits. We will need to roll back tax rates to offset that increase. We discussed the upcoming November ballot referendum, asking voters to renew the SPLOST program for another six years. SPLOST is the primary funding source for local road work, public safety facilities and equipment. Now, the Cherokee County Justice Center also is in need of expansion. Without SPLOST, our property taxes would have to be significantly higher. After a thorough briefing and discussion on current and planned road work, we agreed to use $7 million of excess current SPLOST funds to add around 28 miles to the usual road repaving program this summer. The sheriff ’s team updated us on exciting, new high technology they’re beginning to use in fighting and solving crimes. They need approximately $1 million per year to fully implement the technology. We will try to find that money in the 2023 budget. As allowed under a new state law, we tentatively agreed to reduce the petition signature requirement to call a countywide package liquor referendum from 20% to 5% of registered voters. But, it’s still a high hurdle at around 10,000 signatures. The retreat sessions were open to the public. I’m always interested in your input. 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.
Don’t Face Tax Problems Alone
BY DENSON PEPPER
Do you or your company need to catch up on the required filing of income tax returns to the U.S. Treasury or the Georgia Department of Revenue? For peace of mind, reach out to a trusted tax professional, specializing in nonfiled returns. If you have a tax liability, a tax professional can represent you to tax authorities and negotiate the best available settlement.
As we approach the deadline to file 2021 tax returns, here are six facts to keep in mind about the IRS: • Generally, the IRS only requires you to file the most recent six years of returns, from 2016 to 2021 this year. The IRS will not consider a repayment plan for prior years’ taxes unless all required returns have been filed. • The IRS can file your return for you and send you the bill. Usually, the tax will be greater than it would have been if you filed it yourself. Plus, if you don’t file a return, the statute of limitations never begins to run. • If you are due a refund, you must file within three years of the return’s original due date, or the IRS can keep your money. 32
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• Once again, the IRS is using software to find nonfilers. Enforcement labor shortages will dictate more of its usage in our foreseeable future. • People in their 50s and 60s who haven’t filed their returns, or have tax liabilities for multiple years and haven’t contacted the IRS to arrange a repayment plan, often have tax liens placed on their home. • The IRS can take up to 15% of your Social Security each month, and it’s possible that this attachment can extend beyond the statute of limitations. If you’re worried about going it alone, a tax professional can help you navigate a confusing maze of laws, to protect your appeal rights after returns have been filed and assessed. CPA Denson Pepper is your neighbor, with 30-plus years of experience. He is an expert at helping people resolve their income tax problems. 678-797-5241.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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SmileUp! Volunteers Participate in MLK Day of Service
Flowers are in vases and ready for for delivery.
Rotary Club Brings Smiles to Seniors The Rotary Club of Cherokee County started the Flowers for Smiles initiative a few years ago. The idea is simple; Rotarians team up with local funeral homes that donate flowers, which are left over after services, and bring the flowers to local senior centers and nursing homes (and, sometimes the hospital) to cheer up employees and residents. Rotarians rearrange the flowers, put them in vases, or simply bundle them. Then, they quickly drop off the arrangements and put an instant smile on the recipients’ face. Funeral homes interested in participating in the Flowers for Smiles initiative, as well as volunteers, can contact the club at https://cherokeerotary.org.
Every year, SmileUp! Charitable Foundation holds the MLK Day of Service; its mission is to get kids helping kids through volunteerism. This year, SmileUp! partnered with the Highland Rivers Foundation (www.highlandriversfoundation.org) to provide 250 hygiene kits and 100 kitchen starter kits to clients who are homeless or experiencing housing insecurity, individuals transitioning out of the foster care system or incarceration, and individuals who require intensive support in order to live independently in the community. Hygiene kits consisted of toothbrush/ toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, a wash cloth, lotion, hand sanitizer, soap, mouthwash, deodorant, dental floss, a comb and Kleenex. Kitchen starter kits included a cookie sheet, skillet, saucepan and various food items. Each box was decorated, and each kit included a card from one of the 28 young volunteers, who contributed a total of 56 service hours. These Cherokee County residents signed up to volunteer on https://smileupfoundation.org. The G. Cecil Pruett YMCA offered its facility for the MLK Day of Service event and OCCUPY, Inc. provided transportation of kits to Highland Rivers.
Girl Scouts Food Drive a Success
Scouts Gabbi, Joy, Leigha, Lundyn and Nina Grace present the donations to Little River UMC scout coordinator David Bailey. 34
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Girl Scout Troop 14465 ran a 15-day food drive as a January Community Service Effort, to stock the food pantry at Little River United Methodist Church in Woodstock, a ministry that serves the community with selfservice food for those in need. Troop 14465 filled the church’s cupboard with 1,653 items donated from friends, family and neighbors.
Volunteers pack hygiene kits. Photo by Tonya Riddick.
Cards, signed by volunteers, ready to go in each kit. Photo by Tonya Riddick.
SmileUp! Ambassador Elodie decorates her box. Photo by Tonya Riddick.
From front, volunteer Sunday-Joy, SmileUp! Ambassador Jared Riddick and Tonya Johnson Riddick organize items. Photo by Sunny Brown.
Off-Duty Firefighter Helps Elderly Resident Escape the Blaze
Capt. Brady Cornelison, left, speaks with Capt. Alec Adams about the house fire on Hickory Flat Highway.
An off-duty Cherokee County firefighter, Capt. Brady Cornelison, recently assisted a 79-year-old lady when he noticed her home was possibly on fire. Cornelison was driving south on Hickory Flat Highway when he pulled in the driveway and went to the door to alert anyone who was inside. “I knocked several times, and no one came to the door. I noticed that the door was unlocked, so I went inside and asked if anybody was there,” Cornelison said. After searching the house, Cornelison went outside and spotted the homeowner at the back of the home, looking up at the chimney. The homeowner later said she noticed her buck stove was extremely hot, and she looked out her back window and saw the smoke. Cornelison immediately called 911 to report the fire. Minutes later, firefighters responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire. The homeowner, who was a little shaken, stated she wanted to “Thank all the firefighters for coming out and helping her with this situation.” Thanks to Cornelison’s quick response, he may have prevented the house from having extensive damage due to the fire. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Rob’s Rescues This month, I interviewed Corina Newsome, who is the Hood Naturalist (Instagram and Twitter: @Hood_Naturalist), and the community engagement manager of Georgia Audubon. She is a birder and biologist, studying the roles of climate change and predation on MacGillivray’s seaside sparrows.
Why did you decide to study seaside sparrows? I knew I wanted to help birds survive in a changing world, and was drawn to seaside sparrows, as people and animals that live on the coast are at the most risk of climate change.
Why are you fascinated by birds?
Birds have unexpected characteristics. Few people realize how diverse they are. They are fragile beings filled with air sacs, but can do the most remarkable physical feats. Looking for birds is like going on a treasure hunt.
What is your favorite bird, and why?
Blue jays. They are the first birds I studied in college. Blue jays, crows and ravens are corvids (of a family of stoutbilled passerine birds). Their cognition is intriguing. Blue jays often mimic the sound of a red-shouldered hawk to move songbirds away from a bird feeder.
My favorite migratory bird is the ruby-throated hummingbird. They are so fragile, and weigh almost nothing, but do incredible physical feats, like migrate across the Gulf.
How do you get kids, especially in underserved communities, interested in birds?
The best way to connect with people of all ages is to share my natural excitement and enthusiasm about birds. I am from an urban, low-income family in Philadelphia. I can find common ground with people from underserved communities. I am an educator and a scientist, and I share my background as well as my expertise.
Is there a story that you like to tell?
I did an ornithology class in Ohio in 2015. I became an avid birder, and spent a year trying to find the pileated woodpecker. On the radio, I heard that someone heard its call in a nearby forest. This was in the middle of a blizzard, but I drove through the snowstorm. I trekked into the forest and, when I saw it for the first time, I just fell to my knees in the snow and wept.
How can the community help you, and birds?
People who live in the city can help birds by planting wildlife-friendly native plants, no matter how big or small their place is. Keep cats indoors. Hummingbird feeders are good, but don’t put dye into the mixture — just use a sugar-water solution. Keep bird baths and feeders clean. Place feeders relatively close to windows — if the bird hits the window, it won’t have the momentum to really hurt itself. For resources to make backyards safe, visit https://abcbirds.org. Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
Rob with Corina Newsome of Georgia Audubon. 36
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This dog’s name is Gibbs. His tag number is 634273. He is a 2-year-old bassador. He is a very loving and affectionate dog, and is a good and calm walker. He would be a great family dog. He was very happy to go out walking, and was a good dog to manage.
This cat’s name is Alice. Her tag number is 634204. This is a great cat, and very pretty. She is lovable, affectionate and seems to like people a lot. She loved to be held, and probably would be a very comfortable companion laying on a couch. These animals are waiting for homes at Cobb County Animal Services, 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
BRING YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS! 8 a.m. , April 23 Etowah River Park in Canton
DJ – Adoptions – Trophies – Raffles – Swag Bags
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
Funds raised support local animal shelters and support the fight against the dog meat trade in Asia.
www.streetdogdash5k.org
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Sgt. George Rose takes class participants out for some range time at the end of a course session.
Overcoming Trauma Together BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
Through Reboot Recovery, more than 10,000 people have been helped in their recovery from trauma. At Reboot, people are introduced to “the redemptive heart of God,” through healing courses and online community. Safe, private, peer-led and outcome-driven, the Trauma Reboot, Reboot Combat Recovery and First Responders programs provide a unique blend of clinical insight and faith-based support. Although the programs are geared toward military personnel and first responders, no one is immune to the damage and pain caused by grievous events, so Reboot’s in-
Sgt. George Rose, chaplain and Reboot Recovery leader. 38
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person and online programs are open and available for all. Reboot helps hurting people break free from the pain of past experiences, and find renewed purpose and strength. With nearly 300 course locations, spanning 34 states and seven countries, Reboot Recovery is the largest peer-led trauma healing program in the world. And, the good news is, the program’s participants say it works. One participant shared: “The hospital fixed my body, but Reboot fixed my soul. Reboot sought out and rescued the man I once was.” Founded by a husband and wife team, Evan and Dr. Jenny Owens, Reboot began in 2011, with the first meeting in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After years of local growth, they launched the Combat Recovery program, with a program for first responders following soon after. According to the World Health Organization, one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds, with an even higher concentration of cases in the military community. Trauma may be spreading, but, with Reboot, so is hope! The nonprofit meets this growing problem head-on, with a groundbreaking 12-week trauma healing course. “For me, Reboot has been a great experience. It is refreshing to be in the company of some great people who have really taught me a lot on how to use the terrible things I’ve experienced in ways to help others, and get past those lingering after effects. I was looking for a program like this for a long time. I was so glad when I found it,” said Josh Goetze, an 18-year military/ law enforcement veteran. “After reviewing the Reboot material, I was highly impressed with how well it was presented. It was the perfect blend of psychology and spirituality,” Reboot leader Dale Jennings said.
Donate a Book, Change a Life! BY SUSANNAH O. MACKAY
Have you ever thought about how amazing it is to see a word and know what it is trying to communicate? (You are doing it right now as you read this article!) Literacy is such a tremendous gift, and now there is a way you can share it. March is National Reading Month and, to celebrate, you can donate to two fantastic causes listed on JustServe.org:
1. The North Georgia Angel House
is an outreach program that seeks to provide shelter, life skills, educational assistance and clinical services to teen and young adult girls. It welcomes new book donations of motivational, uplifting and girlempowering titles. What a great way to recognize International Women’s Day this month, too!
2. Simple Needs GA Reboot courses are led by people who understand. Sgt. George Rose of the Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office serves as a law enforcement chaplain and leads the Reboot First Responders Class in Cherokee, along with his partner, Cpl. Josh Watkins. “I have been part of the Reboot program for about four years, teaching it first through Cherokee County, before partnering with Revolution Church in Canton,” Watkins said. “It’s truly been a wonderful experience for me. I would encourage anyone wanting to continue the brotherhood that the military is known for to come check it out.” The next Reboot course, co-taught by Rose and Watkins, begins March 7. The course meets every Monday night at 6 p.m., for 13 weeks (a 12-week course, with the 13th week spent celebrating graduation). Classes will be held in the Shaw Woodard Firearms Training Complex, 375 Chattin Drive, in Canton. “I would like to open the invitation to any military veterans who would be interested in attending,” Rose said. Those interested in registering should email Rose at garose@cherokeega.com or Watkins at jlwatkins@cherokeega.com. For more information, and a full list of course locations, visit https://rebootrecovery.com.
Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.
has a wonderful program, My Birthday Matters, that celebrates the birthdays of children who are experiencing homelessness. Several books for each child always are included, and a library of excellent titles to gift exactly what each client would love most is maintained. These opportunities are such an easy, high-impact way to help the community. And, you can ship directly to both facilities, never leaving the comfort of home! So, how can you get involved? To learn more about donating books to North Georgia Angel House, visit https://bit.ly/3L1UcBR, and to donate books to the My Birthday Matters program, visit https://bit.ly/3uoktEJ. You can donate as an individual or family, or invite friends, neighbors and local businesses to join with you. Even kids can get involved! Never underestimate the power of simple acts of service to really change lives in our community. Check out these opportunities, and spread the word!
Justserve.org is a free, nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprof it organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprof it or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!
Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.
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EVERYDAY
Brianna and Jesse Lee’s love story began in high school. They met their senior year at Cherokee High School, where Jesse played football and Brianna cheered. After graduating in 2014, Brianna attended Kennesaw State University, and Jesse served in the Marine Corps. They were married five years ago and have two children, William, 4, and Amelia, 2 weeks. Their nine-year love story was tragically cut short just eight days after Brianna delivered their baby girl via cesarean section. “Brianna seemed perfectly fine until she went to lie down, because she had a headache,” Jesse said. “It worsened quickly, as she began moaning and crying in pain. I immediately drove her to the emergency room. Due to COVID-19 protocols, I was not allowed to be with her. We were able to send texts when she was able, but she was not doing well. Her last text said, ‘I love you.’ A CT scan and MRI were performed. The CT scan appeared normal, but the MRI revealed bleeding on her brain, and things escalated rapidly. It was snowing on Jan. 14, which limited our options to relocate her since life flight was logistically not an option. The next notification we received was they were prepping her for brain surgery. She went into cardiac arrest several times before surgery was performed, never regaining consciousness,” he said. Weeks before her 26th birthday and sixth wedding anniversary, Jesse had to lay his beloved Brianna to rest. “There is no replacing her,” Jesse said. “She was IT. Everyone says they have a one and only, and she was mine. She was, still is, and will always be.” It often is difficult to see beauty in the ashes, but baby Amelia is the miracle. Brianna was scheduled to deliver Amelia on Jan. 19th. She went into labor earlier, on Jan. 7, and passed on Jan. 15. The family is thankful for the gift of Amelia. The impact that Brianna made on the lives of others during her short 25 years was remarkable. She loved and served 40
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Jesse, Brianna and Will Lee.
Jesus and her family and friends. She had a special way of creating community around her. Over the years, Brianna embraced her role as a proud Marine wife, creating forever friendships along the way. She proactively created private social media methods to support military wives, helping hundreds of young women across the county. She supported Jesse as he served his country through five military deployments and numerous relocations, until finally returning home to serve Canton as a police officer. Now, the community this sweet couple grew up in, loved and served, is loving them back. “Our community has overwhelmed us with support and love,” said Pam, Brianna’s mom. “Our hearts are shattered, but our faith remains strong, and we know that God has bigger plans. Amelia looks just like Brianna, and we are grateful that our daughter lives on through Will and Amelia’s DNA. God is living through this wonderful community to help put the pieces of our hearts back together. We are grateful for the Canton police family, Generations Church, my brother
and sister’s families, and also the Detweiler family for all they have done to help us through this. We truly believe the hundreds of prayers we received have allowed us the grace to move forward. The list is simply too long to name them all.” Even from heaven, Brianna continues to change lives. Eleven people gave their lives to Christ at her funeral. Police officers from three counties lined the streets and escorted the family during her funeral procession. Friends traveled from all over the country to say their goodbyes. May we all be so loved. We ask that you pray for this precious family as they struggle with their loss. The Canton police department has put together a GoFundMe account (www. gofundme.com/f/m83bs-lee-familyexpenses) in support of the Lee family, or you may donate through Everyday Angels. 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 our community, email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.
Georgia ’ s Best Week of Food + Wine! M A R C H 2 4 - 2 7, 2 0 2 2 J I M R . M I LLE R PAR K, M AR I ET TA , G EO RG IA
Tickets to the Saturday main event, Savor include a souvenir glass for more than 400 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits tastings, $10 in culinary credits, and a showcase of more than 50 restaurants and artisans from all over the South. Get your tickets now!
The Georgia Food + Wine Festival celebrates the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to its farmers, live musicians and more! There are events for every palate and budget!
DRINKS, MEAT ‘N’ THREE 3/24/22 BRYAN FURMAN BBQ
BEST OF COBB 3/24/22
CLASSES FROM THE GEORGIA MASTERS 3/25/22
FIRED-UP 3/25/22
SAVOR MAIN EVENT 3/26/22
SAVOR, VIP LOUNGE 3/26/22 PRESENTED BY PUBLIX
SUNDAY/FUNDAY FAMILY-FRIENDLY 3/27/22
OYSTER ROAST, VIP LOUNGE FAMILY-FRIENDLY, 3/27/22
OV E R 4 0 0 VA R I E T I E S O F W I N E , B E E R + S P I R I T S TA S T I N G S AT SAVO R! G E O R G I A F O O DA N DW I N E F E S T I VA L .C O M THANKS Corporate Sponsors
PRESENTED
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GROUP AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Around & About MARCH
2 servicesAsh Wednesday worship
2 New Tour
Lenten Services of prayer and 9 healing
Cherokee Parks and Recreation’s Flashlight Egg Hunt event begins at 6 p.m., and the egg hunt starts at 8:30 p.m., at Cherokee Veterans Park in Canton. Meet the Easter Bunny, explore the kid zone, make and take crafts, and more. Cost is $10 per child. www.playcherokee.org.
Join the
, with receiving of ashes and Holy Communion, noon and 7:30 p.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodstock. https://gslutheran.org. Join
, Wednesdays through April 6 during Lent, 7:30 p.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodstock. Services will be livestreamed on Facebook (@GSLCWoodstock) and will be available the following day on https://gslutheran.org.
10
The 2022 Cherokee Film Summit,
hosted by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, is set for 5-9 p.m. at the Yanmar Evo Center in Acworth. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite, or by visiting cherokeega.org.
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The Celebration of Education Gala, featuring a silent auction, live music and cocktails, begins at 6 p.m. at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center in Canton. Dinner and program begins at 7 p.m. https://bit.ly/3HoC1E4.
Cherokee Chorale will perform 20 Mozart’s “Requiem,” The
under the direction of Scott L. Martin, 4 p.m., at the Falany Performing Arts Center. Seating is limited. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for students. www.cherokeechorale.org.
Georgia Food + Wine 24-27 Festival The
, benefitting MUST Ministries, is coming to Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts, to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more. https://georgiafoodandwinefestival.com.
26-27 Fest15th annual Wing & Rock The
will be held noon-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Voted one of the Top 10 food festivals in the Southeast by Festival Rooster, the free, family-friendly event will feature a variety of chicken wings with bold sauces, as well as live music. www.wingandrockfest.com.
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APRIL
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Christian artist Matthew West’s Brand is coming to First Baptist Church Woodstock, 7 p.m. Special guests Jordan Feliz and Hannah Kerr also will make an appearance. Doors open at 6 p.m. www.brandnewtour.com.
Registration is open for Blankets Creek Trail Run, 5-mile and 9-mile races, and Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mountain Bike Race. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit SORBA Woodstock. https://mountaingoatadventures.com.
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A skin cancer screening event will be held at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology — Cherokee in Canton. https://bit.ly/3FlClBI. To schedule an appointment, call 404-531-4444.
19 Lecture: The Rural Cemetery Movement
with Marcy Breffle, Historic Oakland Cemetery education manager, is coming to the Rock Barn in Canton. This event is free and open to the public. Stay tuned for more information. https://historycherokee.org.
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The Street Dog Dash 5K begins at 8 a.m. in the Etowah River Park in Canton. Bring your dog, and put your paws to the pavement for a great cause. Proceeds from the race go to the Humane Society International and Soi Dog Foundation, with a percentage of the profits benefiting local shelters. www.streetdogdash5k.org.
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Service League of Cherokee County’s inaugural Gala and Benefit for the Children, featuring a live band, silent auction, raffle, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a bar, will be at 6 p.m. at Timbers on Etowah in Canton. Nominations are open for the Heritage of Hope Award until March 31. www.serviceleague.net. The Etowah High School Class of 1982 40-Year Reunion is set for 7 p.m. at the Eagle Watch Golf Club. Tickets are $50 per person, and food is included. Email Kevin Wilson at moosegolfclassic@gmail.com by April 2 to reserve tickets.
CHEROKEE THEATRE COMPANY www.cherokeetheatre.org
March 14-15
Auditions for “In the Rest Room at Rosenblooms” by Ludmilla Bollow begin at 7 p.m. at the Hangar in Woodstock. Full-length comedy-drama, four females. Performances will be June 10-12 and 17-19 at the Canton Theatre.
April 22-24, 29-30, May 1
“Faith County” by Mark Landon Smith. Directed
by Becca Hogue. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Canton Theatre.
WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS Join Northside Hospital experts for a virtual health presentation every Wednesday at noon. www.northside.com/community-wellness/classes-events
March 2: Dr. Deep Shikha, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic
March 9: Lisa Ellenberger, RD, Northside Hospital March 16: Dr. Fahad Khan, Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic
March 23: Dr. Alyssa Ligouri, North Georgia OB-GYN Specialists
CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT www.cherokeek12.net/News/ccsdtheatre2122 Contact the school front office for information. Performances are at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
March 24-26
"Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella"
Sequoyah High School. Adult tickets are $15; student tickets are $12.
March 25-26 "Lost Girl"
Cherokee High School. Tickets are $5.
"The Drowsy Chaperone"
Etowah High School. There also is a 2 p.m. matinee on March 26. General admission tickets are $12. Tickets are $10 for senior citizens and children, age 12 and younger. Tickets are $8 for thespians and drama club members.
"Disney’s Beauty and the Beast"
Creekland Middle School. 5 p.m. on March 26. Ticket price to be determined.
LIBRARY EVENTS www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org
March 9
Stop by Woodstock Public Library for Senior Bingo for Books, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Win books as prizes, socialize with new friends, and have fun. Refreshments are provided. Registration is not required.
March 12
LEGO Wars is coming to Rose Creek Public
Library, 3-4 p.m. Compete in the Star Wars-themed building challenges, and prove you are the best in the galaxy. Register online.
March 14
The Adult Eclectics Book Club is meeting to discuss “I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban” by Malala Yousafzai, 6-7:30 p.m., in the community room at R.T. Jones Memorial Library in Canton. Register online.
March 15
The Virtual Kids Book Club is reading “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall this month. The club is perfect for kids in grades 2-5 and meets 4-5 p.m. Register online.
March 17
Teens in grades 6-12 can decorate shamrock cookies at Woodstock Public Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Register online.
March 31
Create your own instruments out of household
objects at Rose Creek Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Then, use them to play along with the music. Register online.
CHEROKEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.cherokeechamber.com
Good Morning Cherokee breakfasts are held 6:30-9 a.m. monthly at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Power Hour Networking is held monthly at the Chamber office, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton, 10-11 a.m. Business After Hours, 4:30-6 p.m., meets in rotating Chamber member businesses, monthly (except July and August). AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Georgia Moonshine BY THE WANDERER
The year was 1916. Flooding along the Etowah River had been merciless that year, from the Etowah Valley to Rome, where the Etowah meets the Oostanaula to form the Coosa. For one Cherokee County farmer, John Henry Hardin, it could have spelled disaster. Descended from French Huguenots, as a young man he’d worked in a gold mine in the county, until it flooded. Unable to read or write, Hardin was smart enough to realize that mining was too risky, and he turned to farming. A tireless worker, he was successful as a farmer, and added lands until, by 1916, he was one of the largest owners of farmland in the state. The construction of Allatoona Lake to control flooding in 1946 was still 30 years away. So, when flooding caused damage to large tracts of his corn crop, Hardin was in trouble. Because of the water damage, he was unable to sell his corn, or use it for animal feed, and he realized he wouldn’t be able to pay the taxes and mortgage on his land, and the bill for the seed he borrowed on credit. He was about to lose it all. He employed a great many locals to work his farmland, and it was a farmhand who suggested the solution. The water damage had left his corn crop good for just one thing; it could still be used to make corn liquor. Hardin was an honest man, who taught Sunday School at Sixes United Methodist Church, and never had considered anything of the sort. Faced with large quantities of corn, he converted it to moonshine and saved his business. Hardin had the labor force, and he had a lot of corn that only could be used to make mash. All he needed was a market to sell the liquor, once it was made, and nearby cities of Rome, Dalton and Atlanta proved to be ready outlets to sell alcohol, minus the excise taxes. So, the 51-year-old man, born in Ophir (just outside of modern day Ball Ground) found himself in the business of making corn liquor. He was not a bootlegger; if you wanted his product, you
At his peak, Hardin operated 20 innovative stills at a time, equipped with technology like steam boilers. 44
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
came up and got it … no delivery available. But, an honest man and a hard worker are unusual in such an enterprise, and, at his peak, he was making hundreds of thousands of gallons, employing close to 100 locals and operating 20 stills at a time. Two bushels of corn meal and 60 pounds of sugar created 6 gallons of whiskey. To make more than 100,000 gallons a year, it must’ve been quite the operation. Near Stamp Creek, he had a colony of families that did nothing but make liquor, until revenuers came and broke up the camp. It’s said that so much mash went into the nearby creeks when they broke up the stills that local livestock refused to drink from them. Prohibition (1920-1933) boosted demand; thereafter followed the Great Depression, and folks did whatever they could think of to earn a living and feed their families. Local authorities ignored Hardin. In fact, while he was incarcerated in the Bartow County Jail, they allowed him to bring adding machines and typewriters into the cell to continue running his business, as it meant that much to the local economy. But, as the scale of his operation eventually sent his product well across state lines, the federal and state authorities were less understanding. Dubbed the Moonshine King of Georgia, he was caught and convicted multiple times, through the efforts of dedicated men like Duff Floyd, and spent time in the Atlanta Penitentiary. It was there that he learned to read and write, and received new ideas on how to improve the quality of his product and the covertness of his operation. He never stopped production, running his operation even while incarcerated, until his death in 1943. The fines and back taxes assessed from his convictions left him penniless, and much of what were his land holdings today lie underneath Allatoona Lake. The 1927 trial file has photos of his stills, which employed all sorts of technical innovations, from steam boilers to generate consistent heat without scorching, to the addition of sugar to
One of John Henry Hardin’s stills. Photograph from the United States v. John Henry Hardin case file.
the corn mash to boost production rates. (To view Hardin’s case file, visit https://catalog.archives.gov/id/720686.) The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents are as smart and persistent as moonshiners, and men like Floyd made a 30-year career out of catching men like Hardin. (Theirs is an interesting story as well, but that’s for another time.) The tradition of illegal distilleries runs deep in Cherokee County, with the ATF catching people well into the 1950s and ’60s. If you walk the Boling Park trails behind Cherokee High School today, you’ll find almost a dozen places marked with “site of moonshine still” or “remnants of moonshine still,” back among the logging trails — always in a hollow, always along a water source, always deep in the woods. We forget just how hard it was to eke out a living in that time. In 1916, Hardin was trying to save his family farm. In the ’20s, he was employing people in a locality that didn’t yet have the carpet and textile mills, and whose small farms couldn’t produce cash crops needed to pay the taxes on those farms. In the ’30s, he was helping folks brought to their knees during the Depression find the means to feed their families. We forget that many of the judges and lawyers in Atlanta that sent him to prison bought and drank his product when the workday was over. Hardin lies buried in the Sixes United Methodist Church Cemetery, the church he attended and where he sang in the choir. As the Clancy Brothers sing in “The Moonshiner”: “Bless all moonshiners, and bless all moonshine, for their breath smells as sweet as the dew on the vine.” The Wanderer has been a resident of Cherokee County for nearly 20 years, and constantly is learning about his community on daily walks, which totaled a little more than 1,800 miles in 2021. Send questions or comments to wanderingga@gmail.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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A Home Built With You in Mind BY KELLEY ARCHER
At some point, you come to the realization that it’s time to look for a new place to call home. Maybe your family is growing, and you’re in search of much-needed extra space, or maybe it’s time to downsize into a home that fits your life today. No matter the reason, you’ll likely find yourself asking, “What are the benefits of buying a brand-new house?”
1. You won’t get caught up in the hunt.
Homebuyers looking at available inventory on the market find themselves in the inevitable hunt for resale homes that seem to be a good fit for their needs, only to learn that multiple offers already have been submitted before they have a chance to take a tour. Often, this leads to settling on the location of the place you’ll call home, or feeling pressured into making an offer too soon. When you decide to build a new home, you’ll never feel rushed through the process.
2.
Reputable and award-winning builders await.
investments you’ll make in your life, so you’ll want to be sure you’re investing in a quality house, built by a name you can trust. New-home communities rely on reputable home builders to create quality spaces behind each and every front door.
3. Everything is ready for you on day one.
With construction complete and keys in hand, you’ll be amazed as you walk through a home that meets your family’s every want and need. After working side by side with your home builder to choose your features, fixtures and finishes, what once was a dream comes to life in the form of your new home. Then, it’s time to sit back and relax in the house built just for you.
Kelley Archer is the marketing director for Great Sky in Canton.
A home purchase is one of the most important
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www.mustministries.org 46
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Tips for Teens
4 Ways to Build Positive Habits BY BRYCE JONES
Your actions, attitudes and performance in life are impacted by the good and bad habits you exhibit each day. These tendencies become your regular routines: behaviors are automatic. They set the tone for your life, and it is important to build positive habits and eliminate the bad ones. New habits take time, but, in the end, they will make your life easier and more enjoyable. Try to create one small, positive change in your daily routine. Create a plan that outlines the challenges you expect. And, most importantly, don’t give up simply because you aren’t seeing the changes you want. The decisions you make today could become the habits you have tomorrow.
1.
Start small.
You may think small changes don’t amount to anything, but being consistent with your new habits is more important than how big the change is. Starting small allows you to build a base for new habits, and they are more likely to last. Say you want to build a habit of waking up earlier. Instead of setting your alarm an hour sooner, start with just 10 minutes, then 20 minutes and so on. These small changes are much more likely to stick and, over time, add up.
2. Be committed.
Sometimes, forming a new habit comes slowly, and it is easy to let bad habits slide back into your routine. Depending on the habit, it can take from two weeks to a few months to become automatic. If you don’t see the desired results in a week, don’t give up. New habits need repetition, so be patient and dedicated; otherwise, you will fall back into the old ones.
3.
Prepare for obstacles.
Before beginning a new habit, think of obstacles that might keep you from your goal, and create a plan to overcome them. For example, junk food or sweets around the house might be obstacles while trying to lose weight. To ensure you aren’t tempted to break your new habit, you could remove junk food from your pantry, and ask others to help keep you accountable.
4. Focus on one.
The best way to ensure a habit becomes automatic is to focus all your efforts on one. Trying to focus on multiple changes to your daily habits leaves more room to slip up, and for old habits to creep their way back into your routine. Prioritize the habits you want, and work on one at a time.
Bryce Jones is a Woodstock High honors student who plays soccer and is involved in student government. He was a reporter for Scholastic Kids Press and a 2020 TEDx Speaker.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Budget a Priority for Legislature BY CHARLICE BYRD
The Georgia General Assembly has been hard at work during the 2022 legislative session. We recently wrapped up what is commonly known as budget week, when the House and Senate appropriations committees held a series of joint budget hearings. Gov. Brian Kemp, along with other agency heads, presented his formal recommendations for the amended budget and upcoming fiscal year budget. Twenty months out from the beginning of the pandemic, we heard some bright economic projections. More than 97% of Georgia jobs lost during the pandemic have been regained. In December, Georgia broke records when unemployment dropped to 2.6%, and we experienced an all-time high of employed individuals. Kemp announced that the state can fund its Revenue Shortfall Reserve fully, and has accrued an additional undesignated surplus. The Department of Revenue will issue $1.6 billion in tax refunds to the taxpayers of Georgia, using funds from this surplus. Single tax filers will receive a $250 refund, and those who file jointly will receive a $500 refund, once 2021 tax returns are processed by the state. With the joint budget hearings concluded, the House appropriations subcommittees are meeting separately to review specific portions of the budget and state agencies’ budget needs. The House also has given final passage to a piece of
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
legislation that was carried over from the 2021 legislative session. Several years ago, the General Assembly passed legislation that would prohibit the state from participating in commercial discrimination against businesses that operate in Israel, and during the 2021 session, the House passed House Bill (HB) 383 to clarify a portion of this law. Through the legislative process, our counterparts in the Senate made updates to the original bill that was passed by the House and, in return, passed an updated version of the bill out of their chamber. The House recently voted to agree to the Senate’s changes before sending HB 383 to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Israel is one of our many important economic trading partners, and this bill would reaffirm the state’s commitment to protecting this vital relationship. Contact me with your thoughts on proposed legislation or current events that may impact our community. You can reach me by phone at 404-557-2218, or email charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov. Or, write to my State Capitol office (508-B Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334).
Rep. Charlice Byrd represents District 20 in the Georgia House of Representatives. charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov.
@ the Library Sequoyah Regional Library System www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org
What’s Happening at Your Library?
Schug Family
Benefit
Celebrating the beautiful life of Chasity Schug! All proceeds will go directly to the Schug family to help cover outlying medical expenses.
BY JOHN RODGERS
Everyone’s a fan of something, and we’re putting that idea into practice with our annual convention, Sequoyah-Con. On March 19, all ages are invited to the R.T. Jones and Woodstock libraries for a day of fandom fun. Think of it as a mini Comic-Con or Dragon-Con, with one big difference: Sequoyah-Con is free. Woodstock Public Library will be spending all day in a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars cosplay, trivia, Jedi training and a virtual reality lightsaber experience. The R.T. Jones Memorial Library will be celebrating the fantasy genre with Dungeons & Dragons, a Magic: The Gathering tournament and miniature painting. See the full schedule of events at sequoyahregionallibrary.org/con. A reading challenge has been added to our Beanstack app, in honor of Sequoyah-Con, along with a reading challenge to celebrate Women’s History Month and an animal-themed Go Wild for Reading Challenge for Cherokee County Schools. Spend March exploring diverse books, e-books and audiobooks, dive into award-winning titles by female authors, and log your reading online. Beanstack allows adults, teens and children to keep track of the books they’ve checked out, as well as read, write and read reviews, and earn rewards for how much they read. Readers can participate by downloading the Beanstack app or visiting sequoyahregionallibrary.beanstack.org. The annual Public Broadcasting Service KIDS Writers Contest is back! Georgia students in grades K-3 can submit an original story with illustrations for a chance to win great prizes, including a chance to be featured on the Georgia Public Broadcasting website. The deadline to enter is April 15. For rules and more information, visit gpb.org/education/writers-contest. Tax season is in full swing, so remember our libraries are hosting free tax preparation, courtesy of AARP, and providing 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. More information on tax form availability, free tax aid and how to make this tax season as stress-free as possible can be found on sequoyahregionallibrary.org/tax, or contact any Sequoyah Regional Library System location.
Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheatre April 23, gates open at 7 p.m. Drinks, live music and a guaranteed good time. Bring your kids, friends and family!
For tickets
visit cherishchasityconcert.eventbrite.com
invites you to join us for
The Inaugural Gala and Benefit for the Children Saturday, April 30 6 p.m. Timbers on Etowah CANTON, GA LIVE BAND & DANCING | SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE | HEAVY HORS D'OEUVRES & BAR
Presenting the "Heritage of Hope" Award NOMINATIONS OPEN UNTIL MARCH 31!
Scan the code or visit www.serviceleague.net for ticket info & to nominate John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System.
presented by
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
49
Get Involved!
Opportunities Exist to Improve Our Streams BY LAINE WOOD
What is Adopt-A-Stream?
Georgia Adopt-A-Stream (AAS) is the state’s volunteer citizen scientist water quality monitoring program. Since its inception in 1993, the program has engaged volunteers in water protection activities, such as educational workshops to train individuals on the physical, chemical and biological health of their watershed. AAS has five program goals we are encouraged to adopt: 1. Increase public awareness of the state’s nonpoint source pollution and water quality issues. 2. Collect quality baseline water data. 3. Gather observations. 4. Encourage partnerships between citizens and their local governments. 5. Provide citizens with the tools and training to evaluate and protect our local waterways. To learn more, visit https://adoptastream.georgia.gov.
The Upper Etowah River Alliance (UERA) has a robust AAS program that is managed by board member Lori Forrester, a degreed environmental scientist and Cherokee County Water and Sewer Authority’s environmental affairs and public information specialist. Lori has more than 20 years of water quality monitoring and chemical laboratory analysis experience. She has been an AAS trainer for 18 years, while serving on the UERA board for 14 years.
How Can You Adopt a Stream?
UERA’s AAS program has 15 groups supporting 47 sites, from Cherokee to Lumpkin County. There are approximately 100 volunteer citizen scientists consistently gathering water samples at these sites. UERA offers training, such as a chemical monitoring workshop, which is designed to teach volunteers about basic stream water chemistry. We train on macroinvertebrate monitoring that
From left, Upper Etowah River Association Treasurer Nolton Johnson and board members Lori Forrester and John Seufert.
focuses on collection and identification techniques, as stream macroinvertebrates are excellent indicators of the condition of water quality and habitat, as well as bacteria monitoring, which teaches volunteers how to monitor E. coli levels in their streams and identify possible sources of pollution. We have capacity to support an additional 10 groups. If your neighborhood or organization is interested in assisting UERA in monitoring a stream or a portion of the Etowah, we will train you and provide needed supplies. (www.etowahriver.org)
Upcoming Events
The annual Georgia AAS conference, Confluence, will be March 18-20 at Unicoi State Park in Helen. UERA is proud to announce that several 2021 awards were garnered by board members, an AAS group leader and, overall for Lori’s efforts. For 2021, Georgia AAS will recognize UERA’s Group-487 for extraordinary watershed monitoring effort. A second award will go to Woodstock’s Weatherstone subdivision resident, Sharon Camp. Sharon is receiving a Red Flag Award for reporting high bacteria numbers, resulting from sewage overflow. And, Toonigh Neighbors, made up of UERA Board members Nolton Johnson and John Seufert, is receiving the Outstanding Outreach and Partnership Award. Nolton and John have been monitoring this specific section of Toonigh Creek for 23 years! Be sure to mark your calendar for the UERA annual Membership Meeting, April 20, at the Rock Barn in Canton. We will have our own awards for UERA members and affiliates, as well as a silent auction, including items such as weekend trips, paddle gear and artwork. Tickets soon will be available on our website, www.etowahriver.org.
More UERA Events Coming Soon!
April 30: Little River Cleanup and Waterfall Paddle June 4: Paddle on Hollis Lathem Reservoir to Yellow Creek Waterfall July 16: Picnic and Hike at Eagle’s Rest Park 50
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
A Unique Way We Measure Art BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON
Picture this: A family walked into a Lantern Series concert, ultimately hesitant. They found me and said: “Gosh, I really enjoy all of the concerts, but this one seems to be a little extra eclectic. I don’t know what to expect. I’m cautious to get our hopes up … ” A subtle smile washed over my face. “I totally understand, but there is only one way to find out. I’m with you — I hope you are able to enjoy the show!” I said. My smile is never a result of knowing what will happen on the stage, but of not knowing what will happen. We spend hours researching, curating and crafting how we best can leverage art to impact our wonderful community positively. But, at the end of the day, we don’t know for certain what will happen on that stage. The stakes are high. The moment is fresh and, if everything goes well, a truly special moment is created. Most of the time, that is what makes the gift of art what it is: undeniably in the moment. This unexpected factor is a metric we use to help us determine the impact in the community. We have seen it repeatedly: a familiar but good show, exhibition or concert brings smiles, fun times and a great experience. We love it. But, as an organization, we try to add one more piece to the puzzle: How unexpected will this be? When you include the surprise — the unseen, the unknown, the unexpected — in the recipe, suddenly, quality art changes into unforgettable art, fun times turn into a shared memory for you and your friends, and the moment transforms into a remarkable experience. This month, we have some unexpected experiences for you. “Sweat,” by Lynn Nottage, is a powerful play that Lantern Series takes a look at Reading, Pennsylvania, one of the poorest cities in America, and how macro world policies affect the life experiences of the blue-collar worker. And, the Reeves House opened a unique exhibit, “New Media,” that features artwork from around the world (truly) at the intersection of art and technology. Plus, who isn’t excited about the Lantern Series starting up again? The same family that walked into the Lantern Series concert, hesitant to get their hopes up, said at the end of the evening: “I can’t believe we thought about not coming — so glad we didn’t miss it.” We hope you will take the leap with us, and have some of those remarkable experiences.
UNDER THE STARS
PLUS... Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Woodstock Arts.
NEVER MISS A BEAT!
March 4-20
SUMMER CAMPS!!!
REGISTRATION OPEN MARCH 1
NEW VISUAL ART + THEATRE CAMPS AVAILABLE
UPCOMING: iThink Improv!
The tradition returns onstage
March 25
Sister Act
A Divine Musical Comedy | Apr 22 - May 8
6
Visual Arts Classes Orphie & The Book of Heroes
The tradition returns onstage 60+ local artists in the Gallery
Ceramics | Painting | Mixed Media
A New Musical | Jun 8-22
WOODSTOCKARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
51
Day-Use Areas
USACE offers a variety of day-use areas that we manage on the lake. In Cherokee and Bartow counties, there are 10 ramps, five beaches, eight shelters, four picnic areas, five trails and one disc golf course. Many of the areas are a combo ramp, beach and shelter area. The day-use areas have mixed opening dates starting in February, with all areas open by May 1. Here are examples of popular day-use areas around the lake:
Cherokee County
Allatoona Lake
Opens for the Season! BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS
It’s spring again on Allatoona Lake, and a great time to start thinking about recreational opportunities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages seven campgrounds and 14 day-use areas, which offer a wide variety of great outdoor experiences. Make the lake your main source for recreation this year, but remember to play it safe and recreate responsibly!
Campgrounds
In Bartow County, McKinney Campground in Acworth is fully open and remains the only campground available year-round. McKaskey Campground in Cartersville will officially open March 17. Old Highway 41 #3 Campground in Acworth and Upper Stamp Creek in White open May 13. In Cherokee County, Sweetwater Campground in Canton and Victoria Campground in Woodstock officially open for the season March 17. Concerning campgrounds, the biggest update this year is the temporary closure of Payne Campground in Acworth. The septic system in this area is failing and probably will not open this season. The Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office is working with district engineers to provide solutions for the situation, as well as to gain supplemental funding. Payne Ramp will continue to be open 24 hours a day; the campground closure will not affect the ramp and the restroom in that area. All campsites will continue to be 100% reservable at every campground managed by USACE on Allatoona Lake. We had a price increase in January of $2 per site, based on the location and the amenities on the campsite. Remember to bring your debit or credit card; all Corps campgrounds went cashless in 2019. To make a campsite reservation, call 1-877-444-6777, or visit https://www.recreation.gov. 52
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
• Victoria Day-Use Park offers a busy beach, two ramps and a new fishing tournament site. • Galt’s Ferry Day-Use Park offers a busy beach and a three-lane ramp. • Sweetwater Day-Use Park offers a beach and a group shelter area. • Kellogg Creek Day-Use Park has a small beach. • Payne Ramp is a busy three-lane ramp area, located off Kellogg Creek Road. • Knox Bridge Ramp offers a launch area that is popular with kayakers.
Bartow County
• Blockhouse Ramp is the busiest Corps-operated ramp on Allatoona. • Old Hwy 41 #1 Day-Use Park offers a beach and two small, one-lane ramps for boaters. • Stamp Creek Day-Use Park has a three-lane ramp area. • Cooper Branch #1 Day-Use Park, near the Visitor Center, has a two-lane ramp, picnic areas and a shelter. • Cooper Branch #2 Day-Use Park, has a group shelter, picnic tables and a nearby trail system. • Cooper’s Furnace Day-Use Park is an historic area with two shelters and associated trails. • Riverside Day-Use Park, located on the Etowah River, has two group shelters, picnic areas, trails, a boat ramp and a highly rated disc golf course. Make water and boating safety a priority when visiting the lake. We offer several programs, such as the Life Jacket Loaner Program (offered in 22 different USACE-managed locations on the lake) and the Ranger Card Program (one of the most successful children’s water safety programs in the nation). Planning on doing some paddle sports? Make sure you are wearing your life jacket, and you might get “caught” being safe and presented with a paddlers pouch and other water safety related items! Life jackets worn …. nobody mourns! For questions concerning Allatoona Lake or the Recreation Program, contact the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700, visit www.facebook.com/USACEAllatoonaLake or www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/ AllatoonaLake.aspx
Christopher Purvis is lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.
List Price Address
Home Sales in January Subdivision/Complex
Beds Baths Year Built Close Price Total Days on Market
Inwood 4 3 568,760 108 Meadow Mill Road Glenhaven At Ridgewalk 2 2 477,791 504 Newstead Way Haleys Mill 4 2 380,000 117 Haleys Circle Cornerstone Manor 3 2 393,000 159 Stone Manor Court List Price545 Address Subdivision Coolsprings Walk Springfield Place 4 Beds2 360,000 Acreage 7 5 1,567,000 714 Billings Farm Lane Wellington Manor 3 2 264,500 1416 Chatley Way 879,900 194 Brighton Boulevard South On Main 5 5 3 500,000 2042 Woodside Park Drive Bradshaw Farm 450,000 422 Edgebrooke Lane Arbor View River Oaks 3 24 340,000 504 River Place 306 Ashgrove Court Woodstock Knoll 5 32 515,000 350,000 107 Robinhood Drive Sherwood Forest 201 Chatooga Drive Little River Crossing 3 33 367,900 350,000 502 Oconee Court Little River Crossing River Oaks 3 2 294,900 3106 Waterford Court 969,900 525 190 Brighton Boulevard South On Main 4 Acuba Court Cottages of Woodstock 2 2 389,900 560,000 437 Spring View DriveThe Woodlands Woodview Enclave Helene Court 4 45 490,000 507 FARMINGTON Drive Farmington SubdivisonKnoll 4 25 799,000 419 Flintrock Way Woodstock 365,000 151 Abbey Circle Hills Drive Cottages of Woodstock 2 25 365,000 101 485,000 5034 Hickory Bradshaw Farm Montclair At Ridgewalk 2 2 330,000 534 Arden Close 460,000 107 721 Parkside Drive Arbor View 4 Bristol Square Farmington 3 2 325,000 419,900 313 Montgomery Way Cornerstone Estates 3 24 305,000 2305 River Station Terrace River Oaks Citronelle Kingsgate 3 22 415,000 145 WoodDrive Hollow Drive Woodhaven Court 372,000 433 Pioneer Circle Crossing 3 23 300,000 306 320,000 127 Apple Valley DrivePioneerApplewood Woodlands 2 2 325,000 319 Dexter Drive 449,900 151 Towey Trail Woodlands 4 Woodlands 4 2 453,900 303 Annazanes Place 324,900 153 Farmington Drive Farmington Sunnybrook 3 23 250,000 118 Sunnybrook Lane 295,000 165 Riverchase Drive Riverchase 151 Newcastle Walk Newcastle Farm 5 33 525,000 Johnston FarmOverlook Lane Woodstock 6 55 865,000 225 715,000 372 Heritage OldeKnoll Heritage Arbor View 4 2 4,390,000 133 Highlands Drive 300,000 97 Farmington Drive Farmington 3 Farmington Unit III 3 2 399,999 1311 Kensington Lane 539,000 123 Parks Circle Dobbs Estates 3 122 Dials Drive Misty Mountain 3 2 299,900 430,000 441Springharbor Timberleaf Road Springfield Oakhaven Walk Place 5 33 399,000 1000 RockMill Way Road River Oaks 3 22 265,000 5041 259,900 276River Arnold N/A 432 Parkstone Drive Cornerstone Park 3 2 375,000 392,900 356 Acuba View Cottages Of Woodstock 2 Springfield Place 4 3 475,000 533 Coolsprings Walk 554,590 302 Bergen Circle Marlowe Longleaf Woodstock 4 32 625,000 344 Little Pine Lane 585,000 1138 WileyView Bridge Mountain DriveRoad WalnutN/A Creek 5 34 449,900 205 Trail River Oaks 3 24 285,000 1810 400,000 607River AnnRock Court Driftwood Forest Walnut Ridge Road 5 4 476,200 216 369,900 159 Bramble Oak DriveOakhaven Bramble Oaks 4 Southlands 3 2 335,000 4810 Augustus Court 269,900 173 Little Brook Drive N/A Woodlands 2 23 379,900 318 Dexter Drive 280,000 2309 E Cherokee Drive N/A 5 43 819,000 4012 Hickory Fairway Drive Bradshaw Farm Timberleaf Road Oakhaven 4 33 530,000 439 350,000 150 Weatherstone Drive Weatherstone Bramble Court Oaks 5 35 435,900 405 490,900 302 Pebblestone Lane BrambleOakhaven Hickory Bluffs 2 2 401,350 515 Forest Lane 389,900 424 Citronelle Drive Mill Creek Park At Kingsgate Overlook 5 23 399,900 105 Clifford Court 401,000 1327 River Trail Southlands 02 DorisWinding Drive Driftwood Forest 3 24 250,000 403 Brentwood Lane Park Drive Brentwood 24 388,300 110 561,000 2072 Woodside Bradshaw Farm 05A 4 302 Highland Court Westbridge 3 23 375,000 360,000 134 Colemans Bluff Drive Coleman Weatherstone 4 2 373,900 121 Weatherstone Drive 389,900 121 Aucilla Lane WaverlyKingsgate Hills 4 33 385,000 201 Paddington Place 340,000 127 Colemans Colemans Riverside Lane Bluff Drive Woodview Court Bluff 3 33 450,000 179 Towey 25 425,000 115 485,000 557 LostTrail Creek Drive Woodland Stoney Creek Sub PH 2B 4 Cardinal Woods 3 2 337,000 514 Finch Court Montclair/Ridgewalk 2 2 386,000 309 Winthrope Drive Weatherstone 3 2 357,000 337 Weatherstone Place Springs 3 2 330,000 893 Columbia Court Riverchase 3 2 319,900 411 River Point Drive
2021 599,405 2021 477,791 2009 405,000 2015 410,400 Baths Year Built 1993 355,000 Close Price 2002 1,500,000 1990 276,500 4 2021 928,142 1998 475,000 2 2004 450,000 1985 325,000 2011 540,000 2 1971 250,000 1980 340,100 2 1979 349,700 1990 314,000 4 2021 974,834 2013 390,000 4 2016 585,000 2004 468,100 1980 338,000 4 2015 799,000 2004 365,000 4 1999 475,000 2005 355,000 2 1999 415,000 1981 365,000 2 2013 430,000 1988 326,000 2000 367,000 2 2018 428,000 1979 330,000 2 1982 335,000 2004 340,000 2 2004 460,000 2005 400,000 2 1980 363,000 1980 265,000 2 1985 320,000 2006 535,500 2016 855,000 4 2016 776,000 1999 465,000 2 1982 375,000 1982 290,000 2 1986 450,000 1979 320,000 2 2017 445,000 1994 414,000 1993 288,000 1 1961 285,000 2013 405,000 2 2006 382,500 1992 430,000 2 2021 554,990 2019 630,000 3 1917 585,000 2001 465,000 1985 305,000 2 1978 415,000 2017 476,200 3 1980 335,000 1991 369,500 2 1982 260,000 2003 360,000 2 1977 315,000 2001 800,000 2019 480,000 2 1998 360,000 1981 428,000 4 2017 496,000 2021 406,350 2 1999 390,000 2002 430,000 2 1992 392,340 1978 275,000 1994 378,000 3 1999 545,000 1996 394,000 2 1989 355,500 1997 370,000 2 2000 395,000 1992 410,000 2 1990 368,000 2015 450,000 2003 415,000 3 2014 495,000 1974 315,000 2005 372,000 1997 370,000 1992 312,500 1984 335,500
24 10 4 3 Days 22 on Market 139 6 0 42 66 7 7 89 104 4 6 2 13 2 14 25 18 17 18 4 136 2 3 4 13 4 5 13 2 4 81 2 4 7 4 2 2 2 4 95 57 3 3 4 4 6 5 35 83 25 2 39 4 3 4 25 19 4 149 7 2 4 39 3 8 2 57 5 3 89 5 19 58 4 23 15 7 3 14 5 67 10 59 37 12 34 7
DATA COMPILED BY
AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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Advertisers
This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the Around Woodstock magazine!
March 2022
ACCOUNTING & TAX Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com Treasure Tax 678-888-4829 www.treasuretax.com
DENTAL/ORTHODONTICS 37
1
EDUCATION/TRAINING/LESSONS
ANIMALS/PETS Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
37
Express Vets 678-397-7377 www.expressvets.com
25
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
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Cherokee Theatre Company 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org
47
Woodstock Arts 678-494-4251 www.woodstockarts.org
51
AUTOMOTIVE 27
BUSINESS SUPPORT Innovation Spot, The 770-262-3668 www.theinnovationspot.com
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IN WDSTK www.inwdstk.org
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Woodstock Business Club www.woodstockbusinessclub.com
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CREDIT UNIONS Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org
46
LGE Credit Union www.lgeccu.org
13
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu Kennesaw State University College of the Arts www.arts.kennesaw.edu St. Joseph Catholic School 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org
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11 3
45
Georgia Food and Wine Festival 41 www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com Schug Family Benefit Concert 49 www.cherishchasityconcert.eventbrite.com Service League Gala & Benefit for the Children www.serviceleague.net
Dr. Fahrenheit HVAC 770-926-6773 www.drfahrenheithvac.com
21
Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1 (675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com
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That's My Patio/That's My Pergola www.thatmypatio.com www.thatsmypergola.com
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Lost Stuffed Animal "Clover" 404-538-3132
Red Baryl Portraits 815-540-0936
Wing & Rock Fest www.wingandrockfest.com
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Piedmont Urgent Care www.piedmonturgentcare.com
25
5
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
FUNERAL SERVICES 31
HAIR SALON/BARBER SHOP 23
HOME AND GARDEN Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277
33
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
37
49
31
PHOTOGRAPHY
Street Dog Dash 5k www.streetdogdash5k.org
élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com
7
Findlay Roofing 770-516-5806 www.roofroof.com
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com
Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com
19
MISCELLANEOUS
EVENTS/ENTERTAINMENT Cherokee Chorale Mozart's Requiem www.cherokeechorale.org
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898
Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside Back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com
Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com
9
Chris Coulter, Southeast Mortgage Back Cover 404-735-3111 Chris Mack, MortgageRight Cover, 28-29 678-368-1487 www.themortgagemack.com Chris Thom, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers Cover, 28-29 347-866-0384 www.thisrealtorisdope.com Great Sky 770-704-0234 www.greatskyga.com
5
Kris McKeeth, Keller Williams The Premier Group
Back Cover
678-494-0102 www.tpgsells.com Lindsey Haas Real Estate Team Lindsey Haas: 678-933-1962 Miranda Mowry: 404-488-7950 www.lakelivinggeorgia.com
9
RESTAURANTS/FOOD 7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant www.7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com Canton: 770-479-0847 Cumming: 678-455-5965 Johns Creek: 770-558-1156 Woodstock: 678-217-7770 Susto's Taco Bar Restaurant: 678-400-8131 Catering: 678-400-8160 www.sustostacobar.com
3
19
5
SUMMER CAMPS
Cultured Brilliance 855-522-3663 www.culturedbrilliance.com
1
Camp Splash, Gold Swim School 770-591-1998 www.goldswimschool.com
Felber Home Furnishings and Decor 770-693-6985 www.instagram.com/felberhome
1
Mattress Clearance of Woodstock 470-534-7284 www.mattressstorewoodstock.com
11
3
MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org
46
Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
33
TRANSPORTATION
Southern Sky Home 404-909-2526 www.southernskyhome.com
7
Southern Sky Home Outlet 404-842-8411 www.southernskyoutlet.com
27
St. George Village 404-558-6108 www.stgeorgevillage.org
37
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
SENIOR LIVING
RETAILERS Art Jewelers 770-924-3133 www.artjewelers.com
Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net
Royal Treatment Transport 470-810-3353 www.royaltreatmenttransportllc.com
17
VEHICLE SALES Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com
7
Inside Cover
5 TITLES STRONG TO C I R C TA L ULA TION
Serving the Community Since 1996
84,400
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION:
Jennifer Coleman | 678-279-5502 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
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o t e m i It’s t
e t a n i m o N ites! r o v a f your
READERS’
CHOICE Award 2022
You can be a winner, too! If you nominate at least 25 businesses, you are automatically entered to win a
$500 Visa gift card. SCAN or visit www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com.
March 1-31
56
Go to the Around Woodstock Readers’ Choice site, and nominate your favorites in the 30188 Zip code. Write-in nominations welcomed! AROUND WOODSTOCK | March 2022
Mortgage Forbearance is Ending. Is your exit plan ready? Forbearance is a temporary pause or reduction in your mortgage payments during times of financial hardship. However, you are still obligated to repay any missed payments.
Woodstock Stats
With deadlines approaching, homeowners need to determine how to move forward. Contact us to get help from experts, learn about available options, and choose the best plan for you.
December Avg. Sales Price
December Avg. Days on Market
December Avg. Price Per Sq. Ft.
$439,616 $185
$363,890 22 Days
$313,384
$134
$144
11 Days
2019
+16.1%
+20.8%
2020
2021
7 Days
2019
-50%
-36.4%
2020
2021
If you participated in mortgage forbearance and have questions, contact us today! Please call us at 678-494-0102, or email us at info@tpgsells.com to request an informational video link regarding typical repayment options. For info on properties in Woodstock, Cherokee and Cobb, contact The Premier Group (TPG), or visit TPGSells.com.
2019
+8.2%
+27.6%
2020
2021
Kris McKeeth
Direct: 678-494-0102 Office: 678-494-0644 TPGsells.com
Chris Coulter
Executive Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #441233/GA MLO #32007 404-735-3111
