TowneLaker April 2014 by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Setting the Standard in Courtyard Living

Plunge Pool

From the Mid $300â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tranquil, European Courtyards Private Outdoor Living Spaces Clubhouse and Fitness Center Oversized Pool Pickleball

Innovative Floorplans

Magnificent Stone Entryways Two separate entries with guard houses Immediate access to I-575 and Towne Lake Parkway Surrounded by numerous restaurants, theater, shopping and medical facilities

Separate Living Suites

Maintenance-free landscaping

Directions: Take I-575 North to Towne Lake Parkway, Exit 8. Turn left on Towne Lake Parkway. Turn left on Stone Bridge Parkway. Travel approximately 1 mile and turn right on Dupree Road. The Village at Towne Lake will be on the left.

Georgia Properties

www.NewHomesServicesGa.com 678.352.3314

Over 3 miles of Cobblestone walkways

Multi-Generational

770.254.5368

Georgia Properties

TheVillageAtTowneLake.com Georgia Properties

Custom parks located throughout

Tony Perry

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

April 2014

Volume 19, Issue 12

4 Honoring Moms

Celebrate your mom by sending in a photo for our annual tribute.

10 Raising Funds for Cancer

Etowah Senior paying it forward.

45 Meet Marguerite Cline

Meet one of the early county leaders.

55 Carmel Counselor Honored

Liz Ray receives prestigious recognition.

60 Summer Camp Guide

Find the perfect camp for your child this summer.

64 Cherokee Photo Club

Talented local photographers show recent work.

Contributing Writers Betty Anderson 40 Tessa Basford 70 Patti Brady 72 Michael Caldwell 20 Caron & Alberto Catalรกn 28 Jenna Clover 80 Rick Coughlin 34 Charles Currie 16 G. Lora Grooms 78 Dr. Scott Harden 48 Dr. Amy Hardin 52 David Hecklemoser 39 Kristina Laurendi Havens 81 Robyn Hohensee 38

In Every Issue Sheila & Kurt Johnson Sean Kaufman Kara Kiefer Ann Litrel Dr. Mike Litrel Dee Locklin O. Julius Quarcoo Bill Ratliff Lynne Saunders Becky Scott Dr. Doug Thrasher Jodi Tiberio Dr. Van Tran Casey Zack

18 42 44 45 26 32 52 66 36 10 67 74 48 46

Around Towne 4 Community News 8 Birthdays 14 Calendar 21 Everyday Angels 22 Church Listings 84 Clubs 86 Elected Officials 88 School Information 89 Classifieds 91 Community Information 92 Advertisers Directory 94 Real Deals 96

Join the TowneLaker magazine fan page www.facebook.com/TowneLaker

50 & 51 On the Cover Kurt & Shelia Team Left to right: Kurt

Johnson, Rebecca Hayes, Mary Beth Chickering and Shelia Johnson. Photo by Kim Bates 2

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Scan this QR code and flip through the magazine

Patty Ponder, AALM President and Marketing & Advertising Sales. Contact her at (770) 615-3322 or Patty@townelaker.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Community

AROUND TOWNE BY KARA KIEFER

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

What’s Coming? Reel Seafood is expected to open this month. Initially, Reel Seafood will be open for dinner only with lunch service being added in the future. Reel Seafood is located at 8670 Main St. Call (770) 627-3006 or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/reelseafood1. Kara is the Editor of TowneLaker magazine. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and their two sons Brandon and Garrett. Feel free to send your comments or questions to editor@townelaker.com.

Cherokee County School District is holding registration for kindergarten and first grade students entering the school system for the first time. Each elementary school will hold its own registration from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 25. For complete information, visit www. cherokee.k12.ga.us.

What’s New? Salon 3:16 recently welcomed Missy Krueger. Missy is the former owner of Salon 92, and she specializes in color, highlights and cuts. She also is available for complete makeovers that include hair, makeup and wardrobe. To make an appointment with Missy, call (678) 640-0999 or (770) 485-9791, or visit www. salon-316.com. BeesKnees, Gifts, Café & Market is open Tuesday through Saturday for casual lunches and breakfast. Breakfast is served from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and lunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. BeesKnees is located at 6687 Bells Ferry Road. For

more information, visit www.beeskneesshop.com. Patty Ponder, market director for TowneLaker and Sixes Living magazines, has been named president of AroundAbout Local Media. While Patty will continue her market director duties, she will also be responsible for market planning and operational decisions.

What’s Open? Gameday Fresh Grill opened at 2990 Eagle Drive, in the space formerly occupied by Summits. Menu items include American and Tex-Mex fare. Current hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.gamedayfresh.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gamedaygrill.

What’s Moving? Cherokee Computer Guys is consolidating locations to 10511 Bells Ferry Road in Canton. The shop will serve Canton, BridgeMill, Sixes area, Towne Lake and Woodstock. For more information, please call (678) 889-5900.

What’s Closed? We are sad to report on the closing of LKT Sports in downtown Woodstock. Totally Running closed its Towne Lake location. There are still two locations—in Cumming and Dahlonega—to serve customers. For more information, please visit www. totallyrunning.com.

We Will Be Celebrating Moms in our May Issue!

At TowneLaker, we feel that each and every mom is her family’s “Mother of the Year.” For this reason, we would like to honor as many of our moms as possible for our May issue with a special pictorial celebrating all mothers!

of you and your mom, even from the 70s!

We are looking for photos of Towne Lake area moms with their children. The photos can be from babyhood through present day. If you don’t have children, we also would love to share your photos

2. Please submit the photos and text via email to editor@townelaker.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Here are the guidelines: 1. Please ensure all submitted photographs have identifications listed for each person in the photo.

3. The deadline for submissions is April 10.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

COMMUNITY BOARD

Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.

The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders, from different walks of life. Our Board assists us in many ways including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback.

Ann Litrel — Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons in Towne Lake. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com Dr. Doug Thrasher — Doug is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He has lived in the Towne Lake area and served at Hillside for six years. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Eagle Watch, and they have two married children and five precious grandchildren. Doug can be reached at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org. Colin Morris — Colin is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to three children whom she describes as “two ninja sons and one dog-loving daughter.” She and her husband have lived in Woodstock for the past 13 years, and she grew up in Marietta.

G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds. Gay can be reached at director@elmstreetarts.org Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.

AALM President Marketing & Advertising Sales Patty Ponder AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com, (770) 615-3322 Executive Editor Kara Kiefer editor@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3309 Art Director Michelle McCulloch art@townelaker.com (770) 615-3307

TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 14,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,300 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2014. TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by Trustworkz Inc. Publisher’s Website www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 19, Issue 12

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

For 17 years, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

Candi Hannigan Title Editor Sixes Living

Kara Kiefer Executive Editor TowneLaker & Around Woodstock

Patty Ponder AALM President Marketing & Advertising Sales

Cara Keener Market Manager

Denise Griffin Controller

Michelle McCulloch Art Director

Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS St. Michael’s Breaks Ground for New Expanded Church

Left to right: Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory and Father Larry Niese.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church conducted a mass and groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of a new church and the renovation of the existing church into a new parish hall. “We have been blessed with tremendous growth in our parish and we are looking forward to our new church building to accommodate our increasing number of families and the expanding ministries offered,” stated Father Larry Niese. The parish has continued to grow through the years and St. Michael the Archangel Church now serves approximately 2,500 registered families.

Local Navy Recruit Donates Hair to Charity Karissa Freeman is currently in U.S. Navy boot camp, and as part of her preparation, she cut her hair and donated her locks to Beautiful Lengths. The organization makes wigs for cancer patients for free. Kara Christian Styling Studio provided the cut and style.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Local Soccer Player to Raise Funds for Cancer When Elias Delvasto was 15, he was diagnosed with cancer. During his sophomore year, he endured three rounds of chemotherapy, which he described “as the worst mental and physical pain I had ever felt.” An avid soccer player and fan, every time he would watch the sport on TV, he prayed he would be strong enough to return to the field. Now a senior at Woodstock High School, Elias is winning the battle with cancer and currently plays on the school’s varsity soccer team. While attending a soccer camp, he learned about Red Card Cancer, a fundraiser that donates funds to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive

Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. This non-profit center is devoted to cancer research, and Red Card works to raise awareness through youth and professional soccer programs. Elias has organized several Red Card Cancer fundraisers, which will take place during several soccer matches: April 8 vs. River Ridge, April 15 vs. Etowah and April 18 vs. Rome. All matches will be played at Woodstock High School. To help Elias and his fundraising, look for the collection bucket with “Red Card Cancer” logo on it at those matches or visit www.redcardcancer.org/index.html.

Etowah Seeking Judges for Senior Projects

CASA Seeking Volunteers CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is looking for volunteers. The program connects qualified, compassionate adults to advocate for children in the foster care system, one child at a time. Daytime and evening classes will begin April 7. For more information, call (770) 345-3274, email amy@ casacherokee.org or visit www.casacherokee.org.

Etowah High School is seeking volunteers to judge the annual Senior Project Boards, April 29-30. Three sessions are available: 3:45–6:15 p.m., 4:45–7:15 p.m. and 5:45–8:15 p.m. A training FAQ video will be shown to all judges. To sign up, visit tinyurl. com/EHSSeniorProject, or email heather.barton@cherokee.k12. ga.us or mlplourde@bellsouth.net.

Breast Cancer Awareness Group Presents Grants BY BECKY SCOTT

patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. Kim Graff, a It’s The Journey, Inc. recently awarded grants totaling Woodstock resident, Breasta Fiesta team member and breast $600,000 to 22 breast cancer programs across Georgia. It’s cancer survivor, said, “We chose CSCA because its program The Journey, producer of the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast serves the communities our team members hail from, and Cancer, provides annual grants for Georgia programs that focus because it supports an area of treatment that typically gets lost on breast cancer awareness, education, early detection and support services. The funds for these grants were raised during in the chaos of breast cancer diagnosis.” the 2013 Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, which boasts For full descriptions of all 2014 It’s The Journey grant recipients, 800 yearly walkers and visit itsthejourney. hundreds of volunteers. org/2014grantees. The In addition to their 2014 Atlanta 2-Day Walk $21,000 grant, Cancer for Breast Cancer, which takes place the weekend of Support Community October 11 – 12, coupled Atlanta (CSCA) received with other fundraising a special honor from efforts by the organization, Breasta Fiesta, the enables It’s The Journey to Atlanta 2-Day Walk’s support worthy programs largest team with 50 across Georgia. Since walkers and over $50,000 2003, It’s The Journey in fundraising. Cancer has raised $10 million in Support Community was support of Georgia breast chosen by Breasta Fiesta cancer programs. To to receive a special grant register for the 2-Day Walk, of $2,500 to support its Left to right: Laurel Sybilrud, Christy Andrews, Kate Daniels, Kim Graff and Kimberly Goff. visit www.2daywalk.org. wellness program for 10

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

WE’RE CHEROKEE’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WITH AN EMPHASIS ON “COMMUNITY. ” Northside Hospital-Cherokee offers more than the latest medical treatments. Since becoming part of Cherokee County in 1997, we’ve been a devoted member of the community. We contribute to Partners in Education in Cherokee County schools and our physicians and staff have donated more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work to local organizations. In all, we’ve invested millions in local community centers, academic institutions and charity organizations in Cherokee County. We will continue to invest in and support Cherokee. Because it’s our home, too.

Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Etowah Grad Receives Teacher of the Year Lauren O’Prey, a 2005 graduate of Etowah High School, was named Teacher of the Year at Roswell North Elementary School. She graduated from UGA with undergraduate and master’s degrees in teaching. Lauren lives with brain and spine tumors and encourages every child’s gifts and encourages them to do their best. Lauren is the daughter of Sharon and Scott O’Prey.

Lauren with her principal Kindra Smith (left) and her father Scott.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Host a French Student Twenty-five French students ages 14-18 from professional French families will be coming to the Atlanta area from July 8 to 28, and retired French teacher Linda Farmer is looking for host families who will show their student warmth and hospitality. These French teens from Paris to Provence want to experience American life firsthand and to be totally immersed in the English language. Linda, along with a French chaperone, will oversee the program. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Atlanta-area families to add an international dimension to their lives,” said Linda. LEC (Loisirs Culturels à l’étranger), the Paris-based sponsor, provides these students with comprehensive medical insurance and gives host families compensation for room and board. All come with ample spending money for expenses outside of the home and each has had three to six years of English, depending on age. An excursion bus will take the French teens on sightseeing trips once a week while they are here. No French language skills are needed! For more information, contact Linda at lgfarmer@aol.com or (770) 973-2452 or visit www.lec-usa.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Community

Happy Birthday!

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Mike Kiefer Celebrating on April 2 Happy 50th! We love you!

Clayton Gerletti Age 4 on April 12 Today is your special day, my little guy. Have a wonderful birthday! Love, your mommy Karen

Paula Gerletti Age 60 on April 6 Our hope is that your birthday is beautiful, wonderful, and full of love...just like you! Happy Birthday! Love Karen, Colton and Clayton

John Fickley Age 3 on April 20. Happy Birthday, John! We love you to the moon and back! Mommy and Daddy

Olivia Bryan Age 8 on March 31 We love you. Mom, Dad and Cooper

Cooper Bryan Age 8 on March 31 We love you. Mom, Dad and Olivia

Nikki Q Shi Age 3 on April 6 Happy Birthday Nikki! Love, Lily and Jian

Natalia Kraft Age 10 on April 3 Happy Birthday! Love, Mom, Dad, Annika and Jeff

Benjamin Holly Age 6 on April 14 Happy Birthday to our wonderful blessing! We love you very much. Love, Daddy, Mommy, Austin and Nicholas

Celebrations Wedding

Anniversary

Donna and David Heckelmoser will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on April 7.

Brandi Booe and Jason Brandt were married on November 2, 2013 at The Chapel in the Glen, in Gatlinburg, TN. Jason is originally from San Diego, California and Brandi is from Waynetown, Indiana. They currently reside in Towne Lake, where they chose to begin their lives together after meeting here in 2009.

CONTEST CORNER Sponsored by Papa P’s Mexican/Irish restaurant

Amy and Todd Carroll will celebrate their 25th anniversary on April 22.

Congratulations to Mercedes Baker, (right). She was the first to spot the phrase “Don’t be Left in the Dark” on page 30 of the March issue. Congratulations also to Jim Champ, (left). He was the first to find our hidden picture on page 28 of the March issue. They both won gift certificates to Papa P’s Mexican/Irish restaurant.

April Finds:

Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com. May deadline is April 10.

If you know the answer to the contest question or find the hidden picture, be the first to e-mail editor@townelaker.com. Please provide your name, contact phone number or email address.

Find the hidden picture: Be the first to find the phrase: “good things happen in Woodstock”

Contest rules: A winner is eligible once every 12 months. TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Community

The Obvious Choice for Claiming Social Security May Not Always Be Best BY CHARLES CURRIE C.P.A.,C.F.S.,C.I.S.

There is a common question I hear asked by individuals and couples nearing retirement age: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When is the best time to collect Social Security?â&#x20AC;? Is it better for each spouse to collect early and ensure an income stream at age 62 or to wait for full retirement age (or beyond) to collect a higher monthly amount? Drawing right at age 62 can be a great strategy if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live long, or if you have immediate income needs. However, for those who live into their 80s or beyond, waiting until full retirement age or longer can result in a significantly higher total Social Security income over their lifetime.

soon as possible. However, they recently learned in a seminar presented by a local adviser that they can increase their monthly Social Security benefit by 5-9 percent for each month that they delay receiving benefits for the first 36 months and 5-12 percent for each month thereafter. Doing the math shows that they would receive 25 percent less each month claiming at age 62 vs. claiming at the full retirement age of 66. They also learned that they can suspend benefits even further to age 70 for a total of a 78 percent higher monthly benefit, which could result in up to $200,000 more in income over their retirement years! Bill and Debra both have retirement plan accounts. Bill determined that a guaranteed increase in benefit of 25 percent over a four-year period is equivalent to a risk-free return of more than 6 percent per year. After discussing their options, Bill and Debra decided to use their retirement plan accounts to supplement their income for the four years it takes to reach full retirement age instead of drawing Social Security. This made sense to them because they are believed to be in good health and have a reliable source of income to make up the difference in the meantime.

Collecting At Full Retirement Age As a hypothetical example, consider Bill and Debra, who are both professionals with significant work histories. Since they want to retire at age 62, they want to replace their salaries with income from Social Security, pensions and retirement funds. Naturally, they are inclined to draw their benefits as

The Claim-and-Suspend Strategy John and Betty have been married for almost 25 years. They are both retired professionals with significant work histories: John was a general partner in a respected local law firm and Betty recently sold her successful accounting firm. Both at age 66, they have enjoyed their much-deserved retirement, and they had done a great job of planning up to this point. They were also aware of the fact that claiming their Social Security before

Charles has practiced as a certified public accountant and financial adviser in Cobb and Cherokee counties since 1986. He has a bachelor of science in accounting from Kennesaw State University, and he has earned the Certified Funds Specialist and Certified Income Specialist designations from the Institute of Business and Finance. Call (770) 6358631 or email charles@ curriewealthadvisors.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

continued on page 82

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Community

Why do Some Homes Sell Faster and for More Money? BY SHEILA & KURT JOHNSON

The most important factor in getting the most money for your home in the least amount of time is pricing it correctly. A study of last quarter’s FMLS single family home sales data indicates that the average days on market was only 21 for homes that did not need a price reduction after being listed. These listings sold for an average of 98.4 percent of their list price. When homes are overpriced, Kurt and Sheila Johnson are the inverse is also true; 40.9 Licensed Realtors with Keller percent of the homes that sold Williams Realty Partners and last quarter needed at least one have served Cherokee County price reduction and ultimately sold for more than 10 years. for an average of 89.2 percent of Visit them online at www. KurtandSheila.com or call their original list price and in an (404) 954-2486. average of 117 days. Determining the right price for your home is a delicate balance between a variety of analysis methods and market area experience. It’s not enough to rely only on past sales when market conditions are indicating a strong trend up or down. Consult with a realtor familiar with your neighborhood and market conditions to get the right price for your home. To get the highest price for your home, you must prepare it for sale. This may involve a mix of staging and improvements. Industry studies indicate that with the right staging, a seller can add 20 percent to the sales price of their home. For example: $500 in staging can bring 20 percent more for a $300,000 home (or $6,000). Our experience with flipping homes has taught us that a fresh paint job and new carpet ($6,000) can add $20,000 to the value of a home. That’s a more than 300 percent return on those repair costs. The goal is to get the most for your home with the least amount of money spent on staging and improvements. You cannot get the most for your home if buyers aren’t asking their agents to view your property. The National Association of Realtors surveyed home buyers in 2013 to determine how they found the home they purchased. Ninety two percent of these homebuyers utilized the Internet for their search. With 92 percent of homes being purchased as a result of how the home appears in the listing online, it is more important than ever that your home be marketed with great photos and high placement on the most popular real estate portals online. It’s just not enough to have your home on the multiple listing service. The more traditional marketing and social media methods are important too. Open houses, Facebook posts, print advertising and Just Listed postcards to your neighborhood are still effective ways to enlist the help of your neighbors to find a buyer for your home. This method of marketing seems to be more effective in a community like ours because so many of the homes sold are bought by other community residents wishing to upsize or downsize. 18

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Community

A Short History of Georgia’s General Assembly BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL CALDWELL

Our nation is still relatively new. Much of my family on my father’s side still lives in England, and I’ve often heard them joke that, “the difference between England and America is that in England a hundred miles is a long way, and in America a hundred years is a long time.” Because of the youth of our nation and states, I believe that too often we take the rich history of Georgia and our Michael Caldwell is the General Assembly for granted. state representative for District 20, which The General Assembly covers Towne Lake and of Georgia has operated Woodstock. He can continuously since 1777, be reached at (678) when the Colony of Georgia 523-8570 or email declared its independence from him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com. Great Britain. This makes our state legislature significantly older than the U.S. Congress, which was not created in its current form until 1789. The legislature has met in cities all over Georgia as our capital shifted between Savannah, Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville and finally settled in Atlanta in 1868 shortly following the Civil War. Following Gen. Sherman’s burning of Atlanta and the ensuing reconstruction, the city of Atlanta donated the former site of Atlanta City Hall to the State of Georgia to build a new capitol building. The state legislature appropriated $1 million in 1883 to construct a capitol made of granite and marble. The building was adorned with a dome covered in gold mined in Dahlonega, which has made it a recognized symbol throughout the region. Atop the gold dome stands “Miss Freedom.” She is 26 feet tall and weighs 1,600 pounds, and holds a torch in her right hand and a sword in her left. Her origin and how she came to be the capitol statue remain a mystery. The General Assembly of Georgia is our state’s legislature. This body is bicameral (a legislature with two houses) and comprises a House of Representatives and a Senate. Both chambers are elected by popular vote every two years. Terms are not staggered, which means that the entirety of both bodies is able to be expunged and replaced every term. The House of Representatives, commonly referred to as the “People’s House,” is made up of 180 members. Each member represents roughly 54,000 Georgians and is required to have lived in the district he/she represents for at least one year prior to election. Members of the House must also be at least 21 years old and have lived in Georgia for at least two years. The House elects its own leadership in the form of a speaker, speaker pro tempore and a clerk. The clerk is the 20

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

“The General Assembly of Georgia has operated continuously since 1777, when the Colony of Georgia declared its independence from Great Britain. This makes our state legislature significantly older than the U.S. Congress, which was not created in its current form until 1789.” only officer who is not also an elected representative. Each party has its own caucus leadership as well. The speaker serves as the presiding officer of the chamber, and in his or her absence, the speaker pro tempore fills this role. The Senate is the upper chamber of the legislature and is made up of 56 members. State senators represent nearly 175,000 Georgians. Their residency requirements match the members of the House, and a senator must be at least 25 years old to serve. The state Senate is presided over by the lieutenant governor, who is referred to as the “president of the Senate.” The Senate also elects a president pro tempore from among its members and a secretary to serve similarly to the House’s clerk. The House and Senate have individual chambers in the state Capitol where the members meet. These chambers have been decorated and painted to resemble the original decorations from when the building was initially constructed. The desks in each chamber that are reserved for the members are from the original state Capitol in Milledgeville. . Each year, the General Assembly of Georgia is constitutionally limited to 40 legislative days. These days are not held consecutively and are spread out between the second Monday of January and late March. During this time, the only constitutional requirement of the General Assembly is to pass a balanced budget for the state’s next fiscal year. Every meeting of the General Assembly is open to the public, and our state Capitol is open to the public as well. If you have never had the opportunity to see and tour our state Capitol, my office would be glad to host you. Please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at (678) 523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact me or come meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing your family in Georgia’s General Assembly!

APRIL EVENTS CALENDAR Now through June

Timothy Lutheran Preschool Registration Location: 556 Arnold Mill Road Time: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Information: For children ages 18 months through 5 years School is held from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Call Barbara Bowler at (770) 924-7995.

April 12

Aquatic Center Easter Egg Hunt Time: 2–5 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Pkwy., Holly Springs Information: Egg hunts for all ages. Older children will dive for their eggs! Both hunts will be followed by a festival. $12 per child. Parents are free. www.crpa.net/page/aquatic-center

April 12

Northside Hospital-Cherokee Easter Eggstravaganza Time: 1–3 p.m. Location: 201 Hospital Road, Canton Information: Admission is free. Photos with the Easter Bunny are $5 and souvenir T-shirts cost $10. All proceeds benefit the hospital’s special care nursery. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of diapers (large size diapers and Pull-Ups) and/or wipes for MUST Ministries in Cherokee. Call (770) 720-5132.

April 12

Serenade Heights Motorcycle Benefit Ride Time: 8:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. ride Location: Start at First Baptist Church of Woodstock and end at Woodstock Jasper Church Information: $35 for one rider, $40 for two. Proceeds to benefit Serenade Heights, Inc., a transitional housing ministry for singlemother families in the community. Register at www.serenadeheights.org or call (678) 494-2811.

April 23

Hypnotherapy Seminar Benefitting Humane Society Times: 10 – 11 a.m., 3 – 4 p.m. or 7 – 8 p.m. Location: Georgia Hypnotherapy Associates, 6478 Putnam Ford Drive, Suite 125 Information: Learn about benefits and uses of hypnosis. A $20 donation will go to the Cherokee County Humane Society. Registration required by emailing georgiahypnotherapy@live. com or calling (678) 938-7274.

April 25

JSL Give a Kid a Mulligan Golf Tournament Time: 11:30 a.m. registration, 1 p.m. shotgun start Location: The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farms, 3030 Bradshaw Club Drive Information: Sponsored by the Junior Service League (JSL) of Woodstock. Proceeds benefit Everyday Angels, Inc. To participate, visit www.jslwoodstock.org.

April 26

Malaria Bites 5K Time: 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race start Location: Start at Etowah High School, end at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Information: $25 before April 16. $30 after. Proceeds benefit ELCA Malaria Campaign. Register at active.com. Visit www. gslutheran.org for more info.

May 1

MOMS Club Open House Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Location: Eagle Watch playground Information: For stay-at-home moms of children birth to preschool in the 30188 or 30189 ZIP codes. Email momscluboftownelake@gmail.com.

April 18-20

Great American Clean up Time: Starting at 9 a.m. Information: Residents are encouraged to hold yard sales during this weekend. Your sale can be added to publicized listing for free. Call by April 10, (770) 517-6788.

April 19

Greenstock Times: Recycling event, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Main St./Arnold Mill Rd) Earth Day Festival, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (City Park) Information: For a complete list of recyclables, visit www. woodstockga.gov. The festival will include family-friendly activities.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Community

EVERYDAY

Identifying people in need in our community

Every parent fears the unidentified call after midnight. You may be able to ignore it once, but the If you would like to make second attempt takes the a donation, please visit life out of you. “Is this www.townelaker.com/ Mrs. Holt?” From that everydayangels to donate via moment, empty-nesters Paypal or send your donations Ben and Lynn Holt began a to: Everyday Angels, 2449 new journey. Towne Lake Parkway, Erin Holt, the youngest Woodstock GA, 30189. One of the couple’s three hundred percent of your daughters, graduated funds will go to the family you from Walton High School, specify. Also, if you know of where she earned a soccer a special need within your scholarship to Armstrong community that you would Atlantic University (AAU) like to share, please send an in Savannah, GA. Erin, e-mail to aaeverydayangels@ a standout athlete, gmail.com for consideration graduated from AAU in and qualification. May 2013 and remained in Savannah, working as a leasing agent. “Erin was never a child you had to worry about. She loves her family and always wants to please and never disappoint. Remaining close to her family while four hours away was always her priority,” said her mom. However, on Halloween night, Erin’s decision go out with friends in Statesboro resulted in life changing consequences. While out with friends, the vehicle she was standing beside began moving before she was securely inside. Erin fell down, and the vehicle ran over her head, causing severe damage to her brain. The driver has pending DUI charges against him. Erin was treated in Savannah for three weeks prior to transferring to Shepherd Spinal Center, while still in a coma. Her family has not left her side since that night. On Feb. 15, she

“No mom, no parent, no one wants to get that phone call at 2:57 in the morning,” Lynn Holt said.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

was released from Shepherd and is now waiting to be evaluated for Shepherd’s daily outpatient Pathways program. Her daily physical, occupational and speech therapy is vital for her. Today, Erin is able to stand but she can’t walk unassisted. She is just now beginning to speak when prompted and struggles to move. Since the accident, Erin’s parents have relocated to Canton into a home conducive to their new living challenges and closer to extended family. Erin’s father, Ben, is a contractor and has not been able to accept steady jobs since caring for Erin daily. Her mom’s income is not enough to cover the bills. The future is uncertain for Erin and her family as Erin requires 24/7 care. She probably will never be 100 percent, but they remain hopeful. Once accepted into the Pathways program, Erin will have to go to the Shepherd Center five days a week, five hours a day, for therapy. This will require time, assistance and money. “Erin is tough and she’s always found a way to get it done,” said her dad. “I know there is a purpose behind this tragedy for our daughter. I envision Erin sharing her testimony and inspiring others someday. She is just that kind of girl,” said Lynn. Everyday Angels would like to assist this sweet family and Erin in her recovery efforts. Their current income cannot cover all that is necessary for Erin’s future care and recovery. It is in times like these when it truly takes a village. We invite you to help us provide them with encouragement, hope and prayers for what lies ahead.

Always Tired? You’re Not Alone

Have you had trouble getting or staying asleep? Stress, work and schedules can make getting quality shuteye feel impossible. For more than 30 years, Northside Hospital has been helping sleep-deprived patients start to enjoy the benefits of slumber again; sleep improves memory, curbs weight gain and prevents disease. Our board-certified physicians work with you to develop a plan for effective treatment, so you can experience the rejuvenation and comfort from sleeping soundly.

Board certiﬁed physicians • 3 Convenient Locations Comfortable & Relaxing Settings • 30 years of experience

CENTRALIZED SCHEDULING: (404) 851-8135

View videos on sleep disorders at northside.com/sleep

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Thank You!

additional thank you ads on page 80

Proud To Be

The Readers' Choice

Thank You

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Acworth ¦ Hiram ¦ Canton www.WoodstockOutlet.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Covering Up Our Spiritual Tumors BY MIKE LITREL, MD

The other day, I evaluated a newlywed who wanted to become pregnant. Her health and history were unremarkable except for one thing – ever since a heartrending college breakup 10 years earlier, she had been on Prozac. The psychiatrist who had put her on this medication told her she would need it the rest of her life. My patient didn’t want to be Dr. Mike Litrel has authored on medication, but each time hundreds of articles and she stopped the drug, she felt two books on the faithhealth connection. He is anxious. a board certified OB/GYN In “The Anti-Depressant Fact and specialist in pelvic Book,” Dr. Peter R. Breggin reconstructive surgery outlines the dangers of taking at Cherokee Women’s anti-depressant medication. Health Specialists in Roswell and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel Changes to the chemistry of can be reached at www. the brain, he argues, can be cherokeewomenshealth.com irreversible, and may lead to a life-long dependence on the medication. Billion dollar pharmaceutical companies help fund research which supports the use of these medications, and with careful marketing to patients and physicians alike, have condoned the labeling of many painful emotions and behaviors as “disorders” or “syndromes” - each with a drug to match. I object to this.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Yesterday, I saw a patient who had been in pain for a month. An ultrasound revealed a large tumor on her ovary. I will perform the surgery needed. What if I chose instead to just take care of the symptoms? What if I just prescribed narcotics to make the pain go away? Everyone knows that it would be wrong for a physician to allow a patient to become addicted to drugs while allowing the tumor to keep growing. The treatment of depression with medication often does the same wrong thing. My freshman year at college was my unhappiest year. I attended a very liberal college and did not connect with my classmates. I felt isolated and overwhelmed by my classes; my unhappiness became full blown depression. As the months passed, I realized that I created my own problems. I was not a disciplined student. I didn’t reach out to my fellow classmates. Slowly, I began to be more open to other people’s viewpoints. I applied myself more diligently to my studies. I did not feel better right away like if I took anti-depressant medication, but I became a more mature human being. My “depression” was a spiritual struggle - not a chemical imbalance in my brain. I don’t think that Jesus, battling human temptations and Satan in the wilderness, would have started an anti-depressant regimen to “take the edge” off his experience. God has designed us to feel pain. Usually it contains a message, a purpose unique to each of us. Feeling depressed and unfulfilled may be a signal that it may be time to make changes in our lives. In designing us for pain, God didn’t make a mistake. ©Copyright 2014

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Recipe Corner BY CARON AND ALBERTO CATALÁN

Guacamole & Skinny Margarita

Growing up in Ireland, we ate guacamole with every meal. Not really. I never heard of guacamole or avocados for that matter, but Alberto ate avocados and guacamole all his life. He taught me how to pick a good avocado. It should dark, not bright green. It should give a little when you squeeze it, kind of like if you squeezed your finger. There is also a knack in getting the seed out. Hold the avocado, and cut around it with a knife and pull apart. One side will hold the seed; hold that in one hand and then smack the knife blade into the seed. The knife will get stuck in the seed and then you just twist it out. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the avocado. If you are headed to a party this spring, go ahead and bring some guacamole and margaritas - you’ll be a bit hit.

Caron and Alberto Catalán are the owners and managers of Papa P’s – Mexican with an Irish side, located in the Towne Lake Kroger shopping center. They have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. They have four children, Conor, Ciara, Derek and Fiona. Visit them online at www.papa-ps.com or call (770) 592-3100.

ingredients

preparation

ingredients preparation 28

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Guacamole

4 ripe Hass avocados (flesh removed, keep seeds) 2 tomatoes (deseeded and diced) 1 T finely chopped cilantro

1 lime 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 jalapeno (optional) deseeded and chopped very finely 1/2 red onion diced

Place avocado flesh in a bowl, mash with a fork. Add salt, garlic powder, cumin and cilantro and mix well. Cut lime in half and squeeze half into the mix. Add jalapeno (optional), onion and tomatoes. Mix with fork. Taste, add more lime or salt as needed. Place seeds on top of guacamole until you are ready to serve; this along with the lime juice will help prevent your guacamole from turning dark.

Skinny Margarita 1 1/2 ounce tequila we recommend El Jimador

Reposada 1 ounce triple sec

1 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice 1 ounce Agave Nectar

Place ice in a mixer glass; add ingredients and shake. Pour into a salted glass with ice and enjoy. To kick it up a notch, add 1/4 deseeded and muddled jalapeno, before shaking.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The April 7 application deadline for the Towne Lake Business Association’s (TLBA) 12th Annual TLBA Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Awards is just a few days away. Two $1,000 Scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors, one each at Etowah and Woodstock High Schools. You still have time submit an application by emailing it directly to Gloria Snyder at gjsnyder@ bellsouth.net. This year, the TLBA will be hosting our first annual Bowl-A-Thon, benefitting the TLBA Entrepreneurial Scholarships, on a date to be determined in September. This will be a family-friendly event for all levels of bowlers, including kids. Please look for more information in future issues and on our website. The topic of our March Workshop was “Winning is a Habit.” We want to thank Terri Teague for the presentation.

Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop

Tuesday, April 15, 12:30 — 2 p.m. Please visit our website, tlba.org, for further information. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events to tverlander@masterscapesinc.com. Please help us welcome our newest member, Beth Campbell of The Beth Campbell Team. As always, thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” Visit us at tlba.org.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Michael A. Beck, The Balance of Light and Shade BY RICHARD BENNETT

The key to life, if indeed there is one, is surely the construction of balance. Without it things fall down, they don’t work out, they are sometimes seen in the wrong sense, and all of these affect the nature of reality. Obtaining the right balance is not only rare but also a true gift many cannot claim to hold. Real estate photographer Michael A. Beck is one such

blessed individual. Michael’s strength is in the way he can frame the perfect shot, and his talent is finding the right balance between light and shade; a talent that is without question the secret to his exceptional photography. The photographer must always be subjective, without it his work is just a snap shot, a false representation of reality or, in the worst case, a distortion of the subject matter. With his vast experience within the creative world, from his days working in the spectacle that is the live concert industry to his years as a magazine writer/photographer, his creative process has grown to a degree that has found its pinnacle within his photographic portfolio. The ability to work within a pressured environment, getting a show built and ready for some of the biggest music acts in the world is no walk in the park. That along with Michael’s decade’s long study of light allows for the purest and most effective representation of anything he shoots. See Michael’s work at www.beckshot.com.

Towne Lake Area Dining Guide CUISINE

RESTAURANT

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com

American

open

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-7676, chilis.com

American

$-$$

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad Sandwiches

closed

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Homestyle Cooking

closed

American Casual

$-$$

open

full bar

special events

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Mexican

4-11 pm

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/Chinese

open

full bar

yes

BBQ

$-$$

open

American

open

full bar

yes

Pizza/Pasta/Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

Country Scratch Cooking

Sun. brunch

$-$$

open

full bar

yes

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

Mexican

open

full bar

Steakhouse

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Pizza/Pasta/Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Mexian/Irish

Sat.&Sun. brunch

open

full bar

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Pizza

$-$$

open

Song’s Garden, 4451 Towne Lake Pkwy. #320 (770) 928-8387, songsgarden.com

Chinese

$-$$

open

The Place, 1105 Parkside Ln. (770) 928-8901, theplacebargrill.com

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

Town Lake Diner, 2290 Eagle Dr. (770) 675-3390

American

$-$$

open ‘til 3

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing (770) 926-2671, chinafun88.com Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 516-6616 Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 852-2885, familytradition.net Featherstone’s Grill, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 GAMEDAY Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Dr. (770) 693-6754, gamedayfresh.com *Hacienda Vieja, 290 Molly Lane see ad (770) 517-7958, lahaciendavieja.com Inside front cover Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Pkwy. (678) 238-1899, iloveizumi.com JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road (678) 445-7730, jdsbbq.net Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 790-5740, jerseysgrille.com Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane (770) 928-9494, johnnyspizza.com *Jump Kitchen Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing (678) 388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com see ad pg. 27 Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-5264, kanihouse.com LaParilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing (770) 928-3606, laparilla.com LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 591-3331, mellowmushroom.com Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 813-4809, panerabread.com *Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com

see ad pg. 9

Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Dr. (770) 591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Pizza 3.14, 6424 Bells Ferry Rd. (678) 401-7250, pizza314.com

Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Dr. (678) 453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com

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

* Denotes Advertiser TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Jack’s Adventure BY DEE LOCKLIN

We adopted Jack the Wonder Dog in 1999 as a present for our son’s sixth birthday. After visiting 20 dogs at the Saturday adoption event, our son Taylor pointed to the 2-year-old terrier mutt nervously trembling in the corner of his cage and exclaimed, “I want Jack!” I would have made a different choice. After all, a note on his cage stated that he would not do well around children. But Jack’s Dee Locklin is retired from Georgia State foster mom felt confident that University. She lives in living with a 6-year-old would be Woodstock with husband fine. Jack would most likely find a Lewis and son Taylor in a corner and ignore Taylor’s antics. cluttered home filled After hiking his leg a few times with love and lots of dust bunnies. Contact Dee at in the den, Jack settled into the dlocklin89@gmail.com Locklin home with ease. Our son had chosen wisely, and his little mutt quickly proved himself to be a loyal, low maintenance pet. As for his behavior around children? Pure devotion. Several boys Taylor’s age lived along our street. Each Saturday, the boys gathered early and spent their day scampering from one house to the next. The gang felt at home in each house, and the moms always had PB&Js and other treats available as the boys swarmed in and out of neighboring houses throughout the day. And when the moms wanted a break from the frenzy, the boys were given the boot and told to play outside. Swordfights, frogs and other fascinating things awaited them at the shallow creek running behind our houses.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Jack worshipped the boys. As they ran up and down the street, he would gaze out the window and wag his tail. When they came to our house, he followed their every step as the gang scurried upstairs to Taylor’s room and then downstairs for video games in the basement. Way too often, Jack escaped out the front door to find the boys. He ran as fast as a greyhound, his stumpy legs propelling him along the street and through the yards as he followed the scent of his wandering pals. No one could catch him, and he ignored our calls for him to return home. Indeed, Jack was a sneaky mutt. I walked or drove along the street, and the two streets branching off ours, in search of the Wonder Dog. Neighbors often joined the search. But every time, Jack would return when he was ready or on the heels of the boys after he found them. Last month, Jack the Wonder Dog turned 17. We do not know his actual birthdate, but we celebrate it on March 16, which is Taylor’s birthday. About 10 percent of his hearing and sight remain. His stumpy legs are stiff with arthritis, and he most likely has congestive heart disease. He mostly sleeps during the day, but faithfully follows our other dog to the food bowl and the yard. He relies on her cues a great deal. Jack no longer tries to sneak out the front door and has not left our house yard in years. Taylor is off at college, and the boys no longer enliven our home with their antics. I miss them. I miss their noise and their laughter and their messes. I miss making sandwiches. Jack misses them too. I know that because of Jack’s adventure last month, which is most likely his last big adventure. A handyman accidentally left the yard gate open, and we soon realized that Jack was missing. I panicked, knowing his potential for quickly becoming disoriented and his lack of physical continued on page 82

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Mosquito Prevention BY RICK COUGHLIN

With warm weather approaching, it is once again time to start thinking about mosquito prevention. Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism – more than one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases every year, and another 700 million become sick from bites. Mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans and transmit several diseases and parasites that affect dogs and horses, including dog heartworm, Rick Coughlin is the owner of The Mosquito West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Authority. Email him at equine encephalitis (EEE). And rick@bugsbite.com now there is a new mosquito-borne disease called chikungunya that has originated in the Caribbean. In Georgia, mosquito-borne viruses are most active late spring through early fall. Here are some things you can do to keep mosquitoes out of your yard. Eliminate Standing Water: If you want to reduce the risk of being exposed to West Nile and other diseases, it is important to reduce mosquito breeding sites on your property. Mosquitoes require standing water to breed, so eliminate areas of standing water such as puddles, flower pots holding water, full buckets, etc., Landscape with Mosquitoes in Mind: If you decide to add water features to your yard, be sure that the water circulates enough to stop mosquitoes from breeding. If the water is

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

“Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism – more than one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases every year, and another 700 million become sick from bites.” stagnant, you may need to add larvicide to control mosquito larva. If you notice standing water collecting on your property, consider grading or adjusting the way water flows across your yard. Care for your Pets Properly: Make sure you change the water in their bowl every day. It only takes a small amount of water to breed thousands of mosquitoes. Maintain Outdoor Toys: If you have outdoor play sets that collect water, consider drilling small holes in the bottom so the water will drain. Make sure you empty any water that may collect in toys after it rains. Keep child-sized pools empty when not in use. Consider hiring a Mosquito Service: If you have tried these steps and are still bothered by mosquitoes, consider hiring a mosquito service. Professionals can eliminate mosquitoes from your yard and keep them away. Hire a professional who utilizes integrated pest control in four steps to eliminate mosquitoes: mosquito identification, habitat removal, larval control and adult control. Each step is extremely important.

MAIN STREET WOODSTOCK PROUDLY PRESENTS THE

4TH ANNUAL TASTE & SOUND OF WOODSTOCK Saturday, April 26, 2014 • 11am-3 pm The Park at City Center in Downtown Woodstock

FREE ADMISSION

RAIN OR SHINE

Tasting Booths featuring Woodstock’s finest restaurants Cooking Demos · Live Music · Shopping · Kid’s Zone · Door Prizes TASTING TICKET PACKAGES

START AT $500

ON SALE NOW!

PURCHASE TICKETS AT GATE OR IN ADVANCE AT WWW.TSOW14.EVENTBRITE.COM ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE WOODSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM

For more information, find us on facebook at: Taste & Sound of Woodstock or email: wwbbfundraising@gmail.com

The Park at City Center | Downtown Woodstock | 101 Arnold Mill Road | Woodstock GA 30188 TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Your Job Search: Detecting Fraudulent Job Ads BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

It seems that in everyone’s job search, there comes a period of uncertainty, even fear. Questions and doubts run wild: “What if I don’t find the job and income that I need?” Searching for every lead, whether it measures up to qualifications and skills, may seem like a sound strategy, but in fact, it can take the job seeker way off track. You should detect a certain tone in each job posting that Lynne is the director of appears to be right for the level Papa’s Pantry and the MastersTrainingCenter. of professionalism needed for the com, and she is an desired position. In most cases, author. She can be these employment ads are valid, but reached at (770) 591do not get lulled into a false sense 4730 or visit www. of security. Unfortunately, there are papaspantry.org. even scams in the job search world. What does a fraudulent job posting look like? That is hard to answer precisely for all situations. Some red flags to watch out for would be any ad that requests your Social Security number or driver’s license number with a résumé. Applications (which are different from a résumé) may require this personal information. Stick to the well-known online job search sites. A “web crawler” goes to affiliated sites to bring all the information together. Indeed.com locates job postings from valid online job boards such as careerbuider.com and monster.com. Craigslist is inexpensive and less supervised for companies to post

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

“Some red flags to watch out for would be any ad that requests your Social Security number or driver’s license number with a résumé.” job openings, which allows the information presented to be potentially less authentic. I have met several people who have had success with information found here, but I’ve also heard some disappointing stories. When applying for jobs online, be sure to watch for an icon of a key to appear before the URL (web address). This signifies that the website has been deemed secure, and your personal information should be safe. However, always remain cautious. It is always recommended to do an online search of the company when its name appears in the job posting to get an idea of their products and services. Clues can be found as to whether the job seeker will have to pay money to invest in products to sell or in specialized training. Job openings are also advertised by staffing companies and recruiters who are not directly employed by the hiring company. Their job is to identify and present the perfect candidate to the company. They only get paid when the company actually hires their choice. These job advertisements will not reveal the name of the hiring company, which can be confusing to the job seeker. Certainly these postings may seem suspicious, but do not assume that they are fraudulent. Just give careful attention when responding. As in all big decisions, be watchful. The good news is most of the job openings presented are on the up and up! Follow up, follow fhrough … keep making progress!

OUTDOOR FUN! Come fishing on beautiful Lake Allatoona and enjoy the great outdoors. Just north of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona offers 12 months of excellent fishing for bass, striper, and panfish. No experience necessary.

Call today to book a trip! 1-2 Guests: $300 3 Guests: $350

4 Guests: $400 5 Guests: $450 Rick Shoup, Lake Allatoona Guide

carterslakeguideservice.com/allatoona TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Musings from Town: Hobgood Baseball BY ROBYN HOHENSEE

I see the lights in the distance and hear the far away cheers of an excited and happy crowd. It is a late spring evening around 6:30 p.m. or so as I drive down Towne Lake Parkway. Every year, no exceptions, it is the same. Hobgood Park springs to life and it puts me in a thoughtful and nostalgic mood. Baseball Robyn Hohensee has resided season is here again and in Towne Lake with her husband Todd for 17 years. hundreds of young boys She is currently working on a will take to the fields to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book and an adult compete in and learn about fiction novel. the game. Feel free to contact her at My two grown sons Robyn561@yahoo.com. played the game when they were young boys, and my husband coached both of their teams at one point. He got much satisfaction teaching and encouraging each boy on the team. For him, it was important to allow each child a chance to play as much as possible. The weaker players were treated with as much importance as the gifted ones. How else could they get better if they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t given a chance to play? It was inspiring for me to watch the weaker players get better and better as the season went on. I will never forget one little fellow who believed he was the greatest hitter even though he struck out most of the time. He would strut up to the plate and warm up with the bat like he was Babe

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Ruth. With a big grin and a nod to his mom in the stands, he would give it all he had and strike out. One game, he finally made contact with the ball and it went way, way out of the park. No wimpy hit for this kid! He was so proud of himself. He high-fived each of his stunned teammates as he ran the bases to home plate. He was the least naturally gifted boy on the team, but he had something more important than being a naturally gifted athlete. He had a belief in himself and an unwavering determination to accomplish a goal. He also had fun doing it. I bet he has gone on to be someone pretty important. Another generation of boys is learning to play baseball as of this writing and maybe one or more of them will become major league superstars. Most likely they are just regular young boys learning how to play the sport and doing it with confidence and joy, like that young boy from many years ago.

Wine and Fondue BY DAVID HECKELMOSER

Cheese fondue conjures up memories of friends sitting around a warm vat of cheese while everyone tries to make sure their bread doesn’t fall off the long fork into the mix. Most people think of fondue as just cheese and bread. Fondue became popular centuries ago in Switzerland, where hard cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental and Raclette were mixed with Kirsch (fruit brandy made with morello cherries), and a sturdy David Heckelmoser is a Towne Lake resident wine crusty bread was dipped into the enthusiast, member of creamy cheese mixture on cold the Guild of Sommeliers, winter days. Fondue is also made Certified Specialist of using a dry white wine. Wine (CSW) and is Wine The cheese mixture is often Spirits Education Trust certified (WSET). Contact paired with a crisp dry Riesling, David at heck4773@ Chenin Blanc, Brut Champagne or bellsouth.net. Brut sparkling wines, which cut through the rich fatty Gruyère. These wines will also pair with apples or pears dipped in the cheese. Other wines to consider are Chablis and Aligoté. Avoid oaky California Chardonnay. You want a wine with acidity. After you have had the cheese fondue, jump into making a hot oil fondue. Use vegetable or corn oil, and make sure the temperature remains about 375 degrees. Any lower, and the food will absorb too much oil. Use small cubes of raw beef, chicken, mushrooms and potatoes. Also give firm, meaty fish— such as swordfish— a try. You can still stay with a sparkling wine from your cheese fondue if you wish, as fried foods pair

well with sparkling wines. If you want to change it up a little, go with a Spanish Cava. After this, move on to the dessert fondue with chocolate. Use a high quality dark or milk chocolate, and get creative by stirring in flaked coconut, mini-marshmallows, toasted hazelnuts or almonds. Try dipping some cubed pound cake, strawberries, banana slices or pineapple cubes. Move to a red dessert wine like Banyuls or a Tawny port. Gather a group and have a party with fondue! Start with the cheese, move to the oil and finish with the chocolate fondue. Celebrate National Cheese Fondue Day on April 11; invite some friends over for a fondue party. Ask everyone to bring something like bread, vegetables, meats and fresh fruit. And don’t forget the pound cake and marshmallows for the chocolate. Bon appétit!

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Spring has Sprung BY BETTY ANDERSON

“Behold, my friends, the spring has come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” —Sitting Bull A lot of people’s favorite season is spring. Why? The glory of a new beginning is emphasized after enduring Betty Anderson is owner/ the chill of winter, afternoons designer of Interiors at that moved into darkness Fun Finds and Fun Finds too early, paralysis caused by and Designs Home Decor Consignment in Canton, snow and ice, and the feeling Georgia. For Interiors that it all would never end. at Fun Finds, call (678) According to Tolstoy, 880-9146 or email Betty@ “Spring is the time of plans interiors2751.com. For Fun and projects.” Why not? You Finds and Designs, call (770) 704-0448 or email Info@ have a renewed feeling of life; funfindsanddesigns.com the earth’s energy transfers into your own and you are ready to take on the world. Make the most of this new sunny spring day spirit, and use it wisely. As you contemplate your new garden, or spring cleaning, don’t get overwhelmed. Save organizing the closets for a winter’s day. Instead, take one step, and de-clutter. If you do nothing else but get rid of rarely used, extraneous items inside and out of your house, your spirits will be lifted. Inside, throw away old magazines and papers, throw out used candles, half dead houseplants, and trinkets that make you wonder why you bought them in the first place. Change out pillows that have seen better days (including your bed pillows), retire your heavy bedspread for the season and add a fresh, lightweight coverlet to your bed. Clear off extra accessories you have placed in your bookcases or on your mantel because you just didn’t know where else to put them. Open your shades, shutters and drapes and let the sun shine in. Paint an old lamp. Buy some new colorful placemats and napkins or maybe a beautiful runner to grace your tabletop. Silk organic greenery in a bark container adds a touch of nature without a fuss. Of course, fresh flowers in a clear glass cylinder are gorgeous on your kitchen table. You can also take a pedestal cake plate, put a pillar candle in the middle, surround it with lemons or oranges for a great look on a kitchen counter. Bring in a pot of fresh herbs like rosemary to give your home a wonderful scent of a spring herb garden. Keep it simple and surround yourself with only the things you love the most. 40

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

A Woman’s Love BY SEAN KAUFMAN

It started with nine months of discomfort and finished with 23 hours of labor. My birthday is not my day—it is my mom’s day. On that day, a lifetime of sacrifice and commitment started at a level of which no words could describe. Society expects a mother to be perfect. The expectations she places on herself to sustain a presentable home, support her husband and raise the Sean Kaufman lives in Woodstock with his wife, children require the energy of two sons and daughter. two men and a need for more He specializes in intrinsic hours in the day. coaching/motivation, One would think her call to owns a behavioral-based the workforce would provide consulting business and is an internationally recognized relief from these expectations, trainer. He can be contacted but instead they increase. She at sean@seankaufman.com. is now being asked to love her husband, support her kids and succeed at work. This was the story of my mom and so many women striving to do it all while being pulled in so many directions. Then came the call of duty. My father was called to war, leaving my mom to work, support and love her family alone. If she had lost her job, or her husband or had we misbehaved, much of the judgment would come upon her, and she would have certainly seen herself as a failure. I dedicate this article to all women who give their lives to everything else but themselves. I find in my service as

a life coach, rarely do women have the chance to selfreflect, focus solely on themselves and just breathe. The expectations placed on them to love their man, be there for their kids and pursue a career is exhausting in thought and overwhelming in action. I certainly don’t know what it’s like to be a woman, but I do know what it’s like to be loved by one. Life may be the greatest gift granted, but being truly loved by a mother, wife, sister and/or daughter is a close second. Salute and recognize the women who love you. Fill their hearts with respect, appreciation, honor and love—and never ever let that heart become empty. Always remind her she doesn’t have to do it all or be it all, that regardless her love is perfect.

I TO U Q S MO R IT Y O H T AU

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TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Lifestyle

Finding Me BY KARA KIEFER

In four months, I will experience a huge change in my life. My last child will be going away to college. Of course, it was hard when his older brother left for college. Our family dynamic was now different, and we had to adjust to having only one child in the home. But still having one child at home made it sting a little less when the oldest left. I’m not sure I’m fully Kara Kiefer is the editor prepared for the sting of both of TowneLaker. She lives being gone. in Towne Lake with her When my oldest left for school, husband Mike and sons our younger son had just started Brandon and Garrett. high school and he was essentially an only child for the next four years. He got all of our attention, and we became very entwined in his life from sports to friends. The hole that will be left behind with both our boys’ absence will be immense.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

But in this loss lies opportunity—the opportunity to find me again. For 22 years, I have been a chef, housekeeper, counselor, nurse, teacher, event planner and a safe, soft place for them to fall. And while I will gladly hold onto some of those roles as long as they allow it, I need to shift from such a heavy concentration of “them” to a heavier concentration of “me.” Having an empty nest means I now have newly found blocks of time. Instead of ensuring dinner is on the table every night by a certain time to satisfy a ravenous teenager, I can attend a cooking class, venture to a book signing or go to the gym (OK, the gym may be a little too ambitious.) During the fall, I no longer need to dedicate my Friday nights to football. Sure, I’ll miss seeing my son play, but now my husband and I can leave town, and we can make that decision that afternoon! I can take up a new hobby like knitting, write that book I’ve been contemplating or check off items from my “must read” list. The point is I’m going to try and fill my time positively. I’ll still have my moments of tears, like all empty nesters do, but if you see me at that cooking class or at the gym at 5 p.m., know that I am at least trying.

Wearing a Hard Hat BY ANN LITREL

“I spent a lot of time at construction sites wearing a hard hat.’” Marguerite Cline is referring to the challenges of leading the county’s public school system during her two terms as superintendent. One of the first things I noticed about Marguerite is that she doesn’t rush to blurt out responses. She is warm, but she has the composure of one who is used to the public spotlight. You started your professional life as an elementary school teacher. How did you make the leap to superintendent? “After 20 years of teaching, I moved to administration, and then to assistant superintendent. I found I enjoyed it very much. I like people. I enjoyed participating in the planning, helping to select the curriculum. Then the superintendent unexpectedly decided to step down. “I realized, ‘This is the only time I’ll be able to run for that job without campaigning against my boss.’” “Before I decided to run, I placed calls to 20 men who were leaders in the county. I said, ‘I am not asking for your vote—yet. My question to you is, do you believe I have a chance of being elected superintendent?’ Eighteen said ‘yes.’ One of the other two said, ‘yes,’ but that he didn’t want to see people writing bad things about me in the paper.” She smiled. “And the other told me, ‘no.’ He said, ‘No woman can be expected to oversee that many employees or manage that much money.’” “I decided to run. Three weeks before the election, that one ‘no’ called me back. He said, ‘I was wrong. You’re going to win by a landslide—and I want to help you do it.’” She chuckled. “He sent me a $50 campaign contribution.” How did you know to reach out and make those calls? ”The people around you are usually going to tell you, ’yes,’ and you can get this feeling that the whole world is, without

Ann Litrel www.annlitrel.com

Marguerite Cline was superintendent of Cherokee County Schools from 1984 to 1992, an explosive period of growth when the county’s population leaped from 62,000 to 101,000. In 1992, Cline was named Georgia School Superintendent of the Year by the Georgia Association of School Superintendents. Cline has also worked as a motivational speaker, columnist, TV producer and host and has served on multiple boards of directors and won numerous awards. She was the first chairwoman of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and the first woman mayor of Waleska, serving seven successive terms. This story is part of a series featuring local leaders and visionaries, some behind the scenes, who have had an impact on the community. For Marguerite’s full story and the accompanying art, visit www.annlitrel.com.

Ann Litrel - www.annlitrel.com

Former Cherokee Schools Superintendent Marguerite Cline Steered the County Through the First Years of Explosive Growth

realizing it’s the same 15 people every day. I needed a perspective from outside my group. “ “I won 74 percent of the vote.” What were the challenges of the job? “The major challenge was space. The student population in the county was always larger than the available classroom space—even though the entire time I was in office, we had a new school under construction … every one or two years. I spent many hours in architect meetings looking at blueprints. I spent a lot of time at construction sites in a hard hat.” “Sex ed was another challenge. We had to let parents know it was going to be more than, ‘Chickens lay eggs and they hatch.’ We decided to implement the program with an RN. Rita Anderson went with me to every community, inviting parents and staff to see the teaching materials we planned to use. Rita was a very flexible person. If parents had objections, she would say, ‘This has to be taught. How can we do this?’” “At the churches, Rita and I had a rule: We would not use the word ‘sex’ or ‘intercourse’ until someone in the congregation said it first. After that, it was fine for us to say it. Marguerite mentions the controversial splitting of the middle schools from the elementary schools as another difficult challenge, a move that divided the county’s popular elementary school basketball teams. [Read more online at annlitrel.com] But when I asked her the accomplishment she’s most proud of, she surprised me. “I became a widow when my three children were very young,” she began. She stayed in Waleska, continued teaching and employed a housekeeper. “I couldn’t have done it without my husband’s family and the church. And If God had said to me, ’You’re going to be a young widow,’ I couldn’t have chosen a better grandmother for my children than Grandma Cline. “My children and their accomplishments are the thing I’m most proud of. And we are all Christians. That’s a real joy, too.” Marguerite Cline has a wall full of awards, and a lifetime of perspective. TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Health & Wellness

Eating Healthy While Dining Out BY CASEY ZACK

If you think going out to eat with friends or family is going to ruin the healthy kick you’ve been on, think again! There are many tips you can use to prepare yourself for a night out of eating, all while still keeping within your healthy diet plan. A good tip to start with is scoping out the restaurant menu online beforehand. Today, many restaurants have their Casey Zack is a local of menus online, and some include Woodstock and fitness nutritional values. If a restaurant fanatic and loves nothing doesn’t have its menu online, more than living a healthy lifestyle. She is a recent stick to these three words: lean, graduate of Valdosta State clean and green. What I mean by University. Reach Casey at this is making sure most of your cpzack@yahoo.com. plate is covered in lean proteins and half full of vegetables. The greener the better! You can’t go wrong with a piece of grilled chicken or fish and a side of

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“If a restaurant doesn’t have its menu online, stick to these three words: lean, clean and green.” steamed broccoli and squash. But what if you don’t have time to research the menu before you actually go out to eat? Here are a few tips: If the restaurant comes with free bread or chips, politely tell the waiter that you would like to skip those. This way, you won’t be tempted to eat it. If you are ordering an appetizer, split it with friends or family. Pair healthier items with items you crave, such as ordering a side of fries, but having a salad to balance it out. If you’re going to order a burger, try ordering it without the bun. Restaurant portions are larger than we need, so ask for a take-home box at the start of your meal. Put half of your portion away immediately, and you won’t be tempted to eat the entire portion. For my last tip, always drink water with your meal. It will help you fill up! If you keep all these tips in mind, you will have no problem staying on the healthy track without expanding your waistline.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Health & Wellness

Lower Back Pain BY VAN TRAN

All of us have experienced lower back pain at one time or another. Lower back pain is the most common area of pain and injury in the whole spine. The lower back bears the burden of carrying the body’s weight, making it prone to stress, strain and potential injury. Pain is a warning sign. Like the annoying sound from a smoke alarm, the alarm isn’t the problem. The alarm has a cause, just like Dr. Van Tran is a board every ache or pain has a cause. certified chiropractor with Some people choose to cover up Discover Chiropractic. He can be reached at (770) the pain instead of correcting 516-9900. the cause. The majority of lower back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most lower back

pain is the cumulative effect of improper sitting, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of exercise and other life-related factors. All of these factors cause stress and imbalances on the spine and eventually pain. This is why people often injure their back by just bending over to pick up a pair of shoes. The spine was already compromised and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. For years, I have treated countless numbers of patients who experienced moderate to severe lower back pain. Some are acute while most are chronic. The one thing that is common in all of these patients is that their problems have been there for a long time. There are a few preventative things that will help avoid back pain. First, watch your weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your lower back. Secondly, get more exercise. Regular exercise will ease muscle tension and inflammation. Lastly, the most important preventative thing to do is maintain good posture and get your spine checked regularly.

Restoring the Gleam In Your Smile BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Sparkling white teeth can enhance your smile and contribute to a positive self-image, a fact that has made teeth whitening as popular in today’s society as hair coloring. The first step should be a dental exam, to check for tooth decay or gum disease that need treating before starting the whitening process. Other factors that may affect how well the whiteners Dr. Scott Harden is a work include medications, dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry. excessive fluoride, trauma, metal You can reach Dr. Harden dental restorations genetics, at (770) 926-0000 or visit illnesses and aging. While more FountainViewSmiles.com. advanced whitening procedures may help in some cases, there may be circumstances where whitening won’t correct the discoloration. Whitening works best to remove discoloration caused by coffee, tea, tobacco and certain foods. Options vary from the professional in-office or take-home systems to over-thecounter products. Professional in-office whitening gel is the most predictable and preferred method. Although somewhat 48

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more expensive, patients find the procedure convenient and highly effective. It takes between one to two hours using a powerful 10 to 35 percent carbamide peroxide formula. A professional at-home system involves getting impressions of your teeth to create custom trays, which the patient fills with the whitening solution. Most patients prefer to wear them while they sleep, but you can choose the time that’s most convenient for you. You can reuse take-home whitening trays as needed to give your smile quick boost. This system is less expensive than the in-office procedure but requires more time and discipline. Over-the-counter whitening systems are much cheaper and easy to use. The strips are worn for 30 minutes a day over the course of two weeks. They have much less concentrated bleaching products to minimize complications from cavities and gum disease and are therefore not as effective as professional systems. If tooth sensitivity or gum irritation occur, use the whitening product less frequently and reduce the amount of time spent whitening. Prescription fluoride can be used to treat occasional tooth sensitivity. Orajel can be used to treat occasional gum sensitivity. A decade ago, when teeth whitening procedures was less continued on page 82

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Feature

Left to right: Kurt Johnson, Rebecca Hayes, Mary Beth Chickering and Shelia Johnson.

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important and expensive transactions any one of us may make. And because of that, it’s important to have complete trust and faith in your Realtor. Your Realtor should be your partner throughout the entire process, which includes being in constant communication, being accessible and answering any and all questions. Your Realtor also should be extremely knowledgeable about the area, whether you’re selling or buying, and have a strong network of resources and a proven track record. These qualities and more describe the Kurt & Sheila Team with Keller Williams Realty Partners. Being licensed and starting as investors in 2001, Kurt and Sheila Johnson have purchased, renovated, built and sold more than 130 properties. But like a lot of investors, they needed to do something different when the market no longer supported their efforts in late 2007. Becoming traditional agents was a logical step for them because it kept them in an industry they both loved and allowed them to take their talents in a new direction. Those years of buying, renovating and preparing their own properties for sale has made them very adept at getting the most money for their clients’ properties. They are Towne Lake residents with children in the Cherokee County School District, which gives them a distinct advantage to clients. “We sell primarily in Cherokee County so being residents, we know all the great things that exist here. We have hands-on experience with the schools, and our involvement in our community makes it easy for us to talk about the reasons why it’s great to live here,” said Sheila.

Why Should You List with Kurt and Sheila?

As a seller, you want an agent that is going to work tirelessly to sell your house. Successful agents use creativity, professionalism, integrity and unique marketing strategies, which are all designed to get the best possible price for the

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

seller. “We don’t take a casual approach to pricing a home. We take a lot of factors into consideration, and when a home is priced correctly, the better the chance it will sell at asking price,” said Kurt. Kurt Robertson, a seller in Deer Run, used Kurt and Sheila to sell his home, and said, “It was a pleasure to work with Kurt and his team. They sold our house in one hour for asking price. The market helped, but they were the only agent out of the three interviewed that told us to ask for a higher price. Had we gone with another agent, we would have left $15,000 on the table. This team knows their stuff!” Here are a few key distinctions of why clients choose the Kurt and Sheila Team to sell their home:

Internet Savvy — According to the National Association

of Realtors, 90 percent of homebuyers utilize the Internet in their home search. When you list your home with the Kurt & Sheila team, your listing will be “featured” positions on Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com because of Kurt and Sheila’s status as premier agents. More Internet visibility means faster results. Online listings include up to 50 photographs, a downloadable brochure, a virtual tour link and a unique domain name so your home can be added to Facebook, allowing the seller to do his/ her own marketing in addition to the team’s efforts.

Professional Photography — Kurt and Sheila use a professional photographer to take pictures of their clients’ homes. Professional photographs naturally will show off a house better in all marketing materials, including the Internet. Complimentary Consultation with Professional Stager — In order to sell your home at the

maximum price, it must show well. That’s where a professional stager can prove to be an invaluable resource, and Kurt and Sheila provide a two-hour session at no additional cost to the seller. The stager will give suggestions on the inside and outside of the home, many of which are minor but can make a major impact.

Listings Delivered to 30,000 Mailboxes —

Statistics have shown that 80 percent of potential homebuyers (excluding investor purchasers) purchase their home within 20 miles of where they currently live. With this in mind, Kurt and Sheila showcase several listings on the back covers of the

Your Partner in Buying and Selling Real Estate TowneLaker and Sixes Living magazines. The TowneLaker is direct mailed to 14,700 residents in the Towne Lake area, and Sixes Living direct mails to 15,300 in the Sixes corridor/Holly Springs area. This marketing method has proven to be a great way to attract local buyers to their seller’s listings.

Constant Communication — Good communication and accessibility are two key factors in providing quality customer service. “We call our sellers every week. We update them on data, Internet views, feedback from showings, etc. By keeping in regular contact, we are able to adjust strategies sooner rather than later,” explained Sheila. She also noted that when a potential buyer calls the number on their yard signs, it goes directly to Kurt and Sheila’s cell phones, not an agent on duty. The buyer can gain immediate information and answers to any questions he/she may have about the property from the seller’s advocate that knows most about the home. Why Should You Purchase From Kurt & Sheila?

Living and working in their community gives Kurt and Sheila an advantage of really knowing the market for buyers. Keller Williams is the top brokerages in Cherokee County, with several successful teams under the same umbrella. Teams will collaborate and share information to the benefit of each other’s clients, and because of this teamwork, the agents often know of listings before they are released to the marketplace. The Kurt & Sheila Team has two strong support members, Rebecca Hayes and Mary Beth Chickering. As a buyer’s agent, Rebecca is on top of all the latest listings and takes her clients through the process of buying a home, step by step. She is always available to answer any and all questions and is a strong advocate for her buyers. Mary Beth provides administrative support from listing to closing. Dinesh Senanayake has worked with Kurt and Sheila over the last two years to purchase four separate properties. “They are truly interested in providing service. They have a wealth of knowledge about real estate and provide valuable tips without putting pressure on the buyer. They are also very knowledgeable on anything real estate-related, including financing, insurance, property maintenance and more.” Whether you’re buying or selling, the Kurt & Sheila Team is here to partner with you every step of the way.

Kurt & Sheila Team (404) 954-2486 www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Health & Wellness

Strains and Sprains BY DR. AMY HARDIN

Finally! The sun has come back to Cherokee County! A couple of months ago, it seemed we would never see warm weather again. But, with the warm weather comes outdoor activities and fun, so this month’s article is on one of the side effects of outdoor activities, strains and sprains. Like clockwork, the first couple of warm days are followed by us seeing ankle and wrist injuries as a result of kids using their Christmas Dr. Amy Hardin is a present bikes, ripsticks and pediatrician in Towne Lake skateboards. The No. 2 gift any at Northside Pediatrics. child receiving any of the above Check out Northside Pediatrics’ new website at gifts should be a helmet to protect www.northsidepediatrics. the most important part of their com and follow them on body, their brain! The helmet Facebook at Northside should ALWAYS be worn, even if Pediatrics! just in the driveway. Ankle and wrist guards for blade activities like skateboards and inline skates are also a good idea because

the No. 1 injury in these activities is wrist fractures and sprains. Ankle and wrist sprains almost always have pain, swelling and a decreased ability to use the affected joint. Ankles are the most injured joint in kids, followed by wrists and then knees. Sprains occur when ligaments, which attach bones, are either stretched or partially torn. If your child can’t bear weight at all, refuses to use a joint, has excessive swelling or disfiguration of the joint, he or she should be seen immediately by his or her pediatrician or pediatric urgent care if it is after hours. If pain is still moderately present a week after an injury despite care, or seems to be worsening, these kids should also be seen. In medical school, we learned RICE should be used to treat sprains. Before you head to the grocery store, RICE stands for Rest, Ice (not heat, which tends to make the joint not heal as quickly), Compression with a splint or elastic bandage and Elevation above the heart to help with swelling. We find ibuprofen helps better than Tylenol for pain because it is an antiinflammatory where Tylenol is just a pain reliever. Most sprains heal in a week or two and kids are out playing again, which we love to see as doctors! Unstructured playtime is an awesome part of growing up, despite the injuries sometimes associated with it. Wear those helmets, and have a great spring!

Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO

Some prescription and over-thecounter drugs have the potential to change your physiology in a way that can result in nutrient deficiencies, especially when taken over a long period of time. Drugs affect the way we absorb, excrete and metabolize nutrients. While drugs are beneficial, the negative effect they have on utilizing nutrients cannot be overlooked because prolonged nutrient O. Julius Quarcoo is a depletion could have health pharmacist with 21 years of experience. He is the consequences. owner of Towne Lake Family Most antibiotics disrupt the gut Pharmacy, an independent, by killing good bacteria, which are pharmacy located in responsible for 80 percent of our Woodstock. The pharmacy immune response to diseases. offers compounding as well as regular prescriptions. Among others, the good bacteria (770) 635-7697. also help in the production of all townelakepharmacy@ the B vitamins needed, especially yahoo.com. for energy metabolism. Years of antibiotic use may partly be to blame for our energy-deprived society today. A good probiotic is highly recommended if you have ever taken antibiotics. Drugs that suppress acid production are normally taken 52

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for acid reflux, heartburn and stomach ulcers, but these same drugs affect the absorption of nutrients calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B12 and several other important minerals. Iron deficiency anemia and bone fractures are of particular concern in those taking antacids and Proton Pump inhibitors over a long period of time. The cholesterol-lowering drug group called statins also lower a powerful antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 potentially helps lower blood pressure, age-related macular degeneration and even chronic fatigue. It helps generate energy. Muscle pain and discomfort is also a major side effect of statins because they break down muscle cells. Researchers recommend that those taking statins should also take a CoQ10 supplement. Some diabetes drugs, especially Metformin, are known to decrease absorption of vitamin B12 and CoQ10. Taking a good CoQ10 and B12 supplement is recommended. The class of antidepressant drugs called SSRIs depletes melatonin, B complex vitamins, folic acid and selenium. It is critical to take these supplements to help restore normal levels. Another health area of concern is with some blood pressure regulators. These can cause vitamin D deficiency. Diuretics, also called “water pills,” cause calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, CoQ10 and folic acid deficiencies. Patients on diuretics are normally tested for potassium deficiency but not for the other possible deficiencies. As a health advocate for yourself, you should request that your health care professional periodically perform nutritional blood tests to determine if your levels are normal.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

School & Sports

Woodstock High Students Place at DECA Regional Competitions Woodstock High School students recently placed at the DECA regional competitions, which qualified them to compete at the state level. They are: Luke Cupit—first place, Principles of Business Administration; Patrick Nolen— first place, Principles of Finance; Tony Ricci—second place, Business Speech “The Importance of Customer Service”; and Rani Tilva—third place, Business Services Marketing.

Cherokee Christian Hosts International Night Cherokee Christian Schools recently hosted International Night, an event where each class represents a different country. Students enjoyed food and crafts and learned information about each country. Money raised from the event will be sent to Reformation D’Espoir D’Haiti, an orphanage that houses approximately 65 children. Left to right: Fourth grade students Raegan Bare and Erin Bach

Clark Creek STEM Academy Celebrates Operation Graduation Clark Creek Elementary STEM Academy participates in the Etowah Innovation Zone’s Operation Graduation initiative to encourage students to stay in school and graduate. Students who achieved all As or perfect attendance were entered into a drawing to be recognized as “Very Important Guests” at Etowah High School’s basketball games.

Clark Creek Principal Jennifer Scrivner and Etowah Principal Keith Ball congratulate winners, from left to right, Bobby Ashley, Kaitlyn Lewis, Talon, Andrew Maya and Dayanara Villalobos. 54

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Boston ES Collects Totes 4 Tots Boston Elementary School’s Boston Buddies club recently partnered with Northside Hospital-Cherokee to provide Totes 4 Tots. The students collected usable school bags, tote bags, lunch bags and other carrying items for Georgia’s foster children. The Boston Buddies are: Kaylynne Barfield, Tristen Beigh, Tyriq Bishop, Breanna Boling, Avery Cook, Jonah Culver, Johnny Flanders, Ashlyn Forrester, Zoe Goins, Christian Hockman, J.C. Hooper, Maris Humble, Parker Keeton, Gracye Lamb, Noah Lenocker, Cinnamon McConnell, Kennedy Metcalf, Danielle Mucheke, Ellie Norton, Jaidyn Novak, Lindsey Oliver, LaNea Perigo, Sonya Ragsdale, Elani Ratchkovski, Abbie Smith, Tristen Stone, Kolton Thornton, Jed Burris, Madison Rubino and Annabelle Williamson.

Carmel Counselor Named Counselor of the Year Carmel Elementary School Counselor Elizabeth “Liz” Ray was named the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) Counselor of the Year. Ray qualified for the award by being nominated as the Counselor of the Year for the Woodstock Innovation Zone, which includes the high school and its feeder middle schools and elementary schools. A panel of veteran educators selected Ray as the Cherokee County Counselor of the Year from the six eligible Zone winners. She now will compete for the Georgia Counselor of the Year honor, which will be presented this summer. Ray joined CCSD in 2002 as a fifth-grade

teacher at Carmel Elementary and transitioned to her current role as counselor in 2007. During her tenure at Carmel, she has served in many additional roles including as Carmel Ambassador Sponsor and Response to Intervention Chair, as well as on committees including Building Leadership Team, Positive Behavior, 504 and the School Council. The Positive Behavior Committee recently achieved prestigious National School of Character recognition for Carmel Elementary. “I think the world of her, and all of the staff thinks the world of her,” said Principal Keith Bryant.

Liz Ray with Principal Keith Bryant.

Cherokee Charter Shines a Light on Girl Bullying Families at Cherokee Charter Academy in Canton had a special opportunity to learn more about the problem of girl bullying through on-campus screenings of the award-winning film, Finding Kind. The movie is a conversation with women and girls across the country, created by filmmakers Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson. Sixthgraders used the movie as the springboard for a day dedicated to anti-bullying discussions, team-building activities and encouraging kindness. Middle school students also created and shared hearts to encourage kindness and respect through their Have Some HeART project.

Left to right: Brooke Price, Leslie Iredell-Lyne, Jamie Iredell-Lyne and Brandy Price. TOWNELAKER | April 2014

School & Sports

INSIDE THE MIND OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT How We Feel About Social Media

In the 21st century, social media and phones are taking over the minds of middle school students. Honestly, I think it is a good thing to have texting and social media. Students have been so intrigued since the invention of Instagram or Kik. Personally, I have enough resources to access these social media sites. I believe it’s alright to have social media if your Ross Carlson parents know about it, like mine. So what are the most common ways to communicate nowadays? Other than Instagram, I usually communicate with my friends through texting. I found out about Instagram through one of my friends. It has been a great experience looking at pictures which represent what my friends are up to. On the other hand, the app Snapchat, I highly dislike. I don’t like it because kids are getting into trouble for sending inappropriate pictures. Although kids communicate with their friends through many ways, they all have their pros and cons.

There are many different ways middle school students communicate. The main ones are obvious things such as text message and Kik. I, for one, despise social media, but at some point, you almost have to be involved. Communication is rapidly evolving Axel Rivas with new programs or apps practically every day. The current state was almost predicted by Albert Einstein with his famous quote, “I fear the day technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” By all means, we are not all idiots, but this quote certainly makes sense to me. I don’t support social media because I’d like to keep some of my life actually private as compared to everyone knowing everything.

With regards to social media, many adults are less experienced than their kids. Well, I’m here to educate you about an app that I heard about on Instagram when it was new. This app is called Snapchat, and it’s used for communication. Many of my friends were using it, so I decided to download it. The unique thing Caitlin Leamon about this is that you send a picture or video of yourself with a message. Up to ten seconds after the recipient opens the message, the picture or video “disappears.” But the ultimate Snapchat truth is that it just goes away from the device….and straight to the recipient’s server. This can be bad news if people are sending potentially inappropriate pictures. In fact, the developers are getting into trouble with the law for having these pictures. So, parents, now that you are more educated on the Snapchat subject, pass it on.

Social media… has it taken over the human race? Well, not that far, but you always see people using it. I wouldn’t say I am one of those people, but I do use social media often. I use Instagram and Snapchat (though I rarely use it). And I can definitely tell you, 80 percent of the kids at E.T. Booth have one or more social media apps that they use. Most of the people that use these social media apps are teens, but some parents Ryan Lobus are getting into the world of social media. A small amount of kids my age that have parents that “stalk” their social media, and the kids say they really dislike it. My parents don’t really need to examine my social media because I truly take pride in not posting or saying anything on social media that I will regret in the future. But for these children that have parents who “stalk” their social media, maybe these kids need to be stalked. Posting something bad on social media never goes away. Meaning it could come back up in the future and possibly not get you that job you applied for. Having parents that check your social media occasionally strikes fear into and makes you really think about what you post. All in all, think before you post!

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Feature

SUMMER CAMPS

Before you know it, summer break will be here! Whether you need a fun, safe place for your children daily or just an occasional camp to break up the sounds of, “I’m bored!” we’ve compiled a list of area camps.

Day Camps

Towne Lake Community Church Day Camp Location: 132 N. Medical Parkway Dates: Weekly June 9-27 & July 7-25 Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ages: 4-9 Information: Email camp@tlcchurch.com or call (678) 4458766, ext. 203

KidZone High Adventure Summer Day Camp Location: Escalade Rock Climbing Gym, 3694 Kennesaw South Industrial Drive, Kennesaw Times & Dates: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (free early drop-off at 8 a.m., late pick-up until 5:30 p.m.) weekly during the summer. Ages: 6-12 Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., daily (early drop off 8–9 a.m.; late pickup 4–5:30 p.m.) Information: Weekly camps. Call (770) 794-1575 or visit www.escaladegym.com. YMCA Day Camp Location: Cherokee Outdoor YMCA, 201 E. Bells Ferry Road Dates: June 2–Aug. 1 (weekly) Ages: 5-15 Hours: 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Information: Call (770) 345-9622 or visit www.CherokeeYmcaRegistration.com. Scholarships available. K.A.O.S Camp (for special needs children) Location: Cherokee County Recreation Agency, 7545 Main St, Bldg 200 Dates: Weekly, June 2 – Aug. 1 Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ages: 6-22 Information: (404) 445-6934 or fsanders@cherokeega.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Sports Camps Georgia All-Star Gymnastics Day Camp Location: 105 Arnold Mill Park Dates: June 2 – Aug. 1 (weekly) Ages: 3-12 Time: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Information: Half day and daily rates, weekly rates and unlimited (all summer) rates. Call (770) 516-2654, email info@ ga-allstars.com or visit www.ga-allstars.com. Dance Imagination Fairytale Ballet Camps Location: 119 Mill Street Dates: June 17–20, June 24-27, July 15-18 and July 22-25 Ages: 2 and older Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Information: $40/day or $140/week. Registration begins March 24. Call (678) 445-2731 or visit www.danceimagination.

Gold Swimming’s “Camp Splash” (Swim and Multi-Activity Camp) Location: 103 Arnold Mill Road Dates: June 2–July 11 (weekly) Ages: 5–12 Time: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Information: $250/week. $20 registration fee for nonGold members. Call Beth Murphy at (770) 591-1998 or email officedir@goldswim.com. Junior Tennis Camps Location: Cherokee Tennis Center, 155 Brooke Blvd. Dates: Weekly (Mon. – Thurs.), June 9 – July 24 Ages: Tiny tots, 8 and under; day camp 8 and older Cost: Tiny tots $50; day camp $160 (multi-child discounts available) Information: (770) 592-4582, proshoptc@gmail.com or cherokeetenniscenter.com. CRPA Harmony Lacrosse Camp Location: Riverside Athletic Complex, 610 Druw Cameron Dr. Dates: June 2 – 5 Ages: 7 – 18 Times: 9 a.m. – noon or 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $175 (half day), $250 (full day) Information: Contact Jay Worley at jworley@cherokeega. com or (770) 924-7768. Etowah Volleyball Summer Camp Location: Etowah High School gym, 6565 Putnam Ford Road Dates: June 9 - June 12

Ages: Rising 4th - 9th Time: 9 a.m. - noon Information: $115. Email etowaheaglesvolleyball@yahoo. com or visit etowaheaglesvolleyball.com.

Academic Camps Cherokee County Safety Town Location: Bascomb Elementary School, 1335 Wyngate Pkwy. Dates: June 9-13 June 16-20 June 23-27 Ages: Children entering kindergarten in the fall Time: 8 a.m.–noon Information: $75, includes materials, snacks and T-shirt. For more information, www.CherokeeCountySafetyTown.org. Bits, Bytes & Bots—Technology 4 Kids Location: Various throughout Cherokee and Cobb counties Dates: June 2–July 28 (weekly) Ages: 6 and older Times: Half day, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Full day 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Information: $200 for half day; $300 for full day. Register at www.bbb-atlanta.com or call (770) 826-0449. Club Scientific Summer Camps Location: Cherokee Charter Academy, 2126 Sixes Rd. Dates: Weeks of June 23, July 7 & July 14 Ages: 4-14 Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. continued on page 62

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

School & Sports

SUMMER CAMPS cont’d

Cost: Starting at $245 per week Information: Options include 28 themes. Pre and postcamp hours available. Register at www.clubscientific.com or call (678) 880-6460. . Core Camps Plus Location: Cherokee Christian School, 3075 Trickum Road Dates: Weekly, June 2 – July 25 Ages: Elementary through high school Information: Half day camps will include math, science, robotics, Improv, SAT/ACT and more. Visit CoreCampsPlus.com or call (678) 694-7691. Premier Children’s Therapy Camps Location: 1000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy, Ste 422, Roswell Information: Camps include Food Scientist, Social Thinkers, Handwriting Helper and Fine Motor Camp. Visit www. PremierChildrensTherapy.com for additional information.

Theater and Arts Camps Theatre of the Sports and Stars Summer Camp Location: Allen Temple Christian Academy, 232 Arnold Mill Road Dates: June 2–July 25 (weekly)

Ages: 5-12 Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Information: Cost is $120/week (lunch included). www.AllenTempleChristianAcademy.org. Curtain Call Youth Players Location: 2800 Canton Rd. Suite 600, Marietta Dates/Times: Weekly camps for elementary, middle and high school students throughout the summer. Information: Themes range from musical to improv camps. www.ccyp.org Etowah Choir Camp Location: Etowah High School, 6565 Putnam Ford Road Dates/Time: June 2 – 5, 1 – 5 p.m. Ages: Rising 4th – 6th grade Information: www.etowahchoralboosters.com Elm Street Drama Camps Location: 8534 Main St. Dates: June 2–Aug. 1 (weekly) Ages: Junior, 5–7 Senior, 8–14 Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Information: Register at www.elmstreetarts.org. Call (678) 494-4251

District Key Scholars Recognized The Cherokee County School District annually recognizes outstanding high school juniors as Superintendent’s Key Scholars, and 121 students earned his honor for the 2013-14 School Year. Each of these outstanding students has scored at the 90th percentile or above on the Grade 11 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Our local students who were on hand at the ceremony are pictured below. Congratulations!

Woodstock High School Key Scholars Madeeha Ahmad Jordan Atkins Jordan Barham Jacob Beckham Leon Castillo Sally Hannoush Alarii Levreault-Lopez

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Samuel McCulloch Alexandra Melehan Brooklynn Milone Adrea Mueller Brian Murphy Georgia Olejnik Parth Patel Caroline Peck

William Penniman Hallie Poindexter William Ragsdale Bradley Reardon Megan Rosinko Collin Taylor Emily Zillweger

Etowah High School Key Scholars Katherine Aikala Martha Anderson Nicholas Angalet Ansley Baker Zachary Basel Ryan Bernal Marianne Bounds Sarah Carter Kendall Cavanaugh Tyler Dozier

Jake Fijux Alexandra Franke Rachel Hall Jonathan Hendrix Alyssa Johnson Samuel Jones Abigail Knisel Matthew Lipscomb Joseph Litrel Lily Masters

Brian Matthews Michael Payne Mason Pirkl Gianna Samms Shelby Saunders Caroline Taylor Kevin Tillery Amanda Whitlock Craig Wineman Aidan Workman

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Feature

Cherokee Photography Club Digital Projection:

“Still Life”

Peter Kilpo — “Coffee Time”

Karen Beedle — “Man of Steel”

Allen Quandee — “Frozen”

Dean Kelley — “La Aroma De Cuba”

Color Prints:

Club info: The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at (770) 617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net. Ashi Bhati — “Building Blocks” 64

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Peter Kilpo — “Time: 18 till 5”

Edward Myers — “Camelia Tea”

Monochromatic:

Allen Quandee — “I Found the Light”

Vicki Sellers — “Lotus Blossom Rebirth”

Lauren Harris — “Balancing Act”

Rudy Coopman — “Roosters” TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Faith

Marriage Moments BY BILL RATLIFF

I have noticed over the years that some people have a very hard time in the marriage relationship. This predisposition to experiencing low levels of marital satisfaction can be caused by a lack of role models, too much stubbornness, unwillingness or inability to communicate, excessive selfcenteredness, misunderstanding the primary purpose of marriage and numerous other marital Bill Ratliff is the Senior maladies. Pastor at Towne Lake The married life of one of our Community Church. national heroes, Davy Crockett, He can be reached at (678) 445-8766 or bratliff@ is a case in point. David seemed tlcchurch.com to love his first wife, Polly, and considered her a very pretty woman. However, after his third child was born, he decided to go fight a war. She was very upset about it, and not long after he returned home from war, she took her own life. After grieving for his wife Polly, he determined that he must find a wife to raise his children. When he married his second wife, Elizabeth, he wasn’t looking for a life partner; he was looking for a caregiver for his children. He found it difficult to settle down. Homesteading and farming were not that palatable to him. He continued to have long absences from his family. This included his terms in the U.S. Congress, hunting expeditions and other pursuits. This caused enough friction to lead to marital estrangement.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

“Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, ‘There is an opportune time to do things…’ Take the time with your spouse to build your marriage. You will experience the kind of marriage God wants you to have and you will honor Him.” How sad to know a great American legend failed so terribly in his marriages. He didn’t realize that quality time with your spouse is essential to a healthy marriage and ultimately a healthy influence on future families through the example set for his children. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states,” There is an opportune time to do things…” Take the time with your spouse to build your marriage. You will experience the kind of marriage God wants you to have and you will honor Him. Date Your Mate: This month, as we focus on the resurrection of Jesus, take time as a couple to worship together. Find a sunrise service Easter morning and begin your day with a celebration of Christ’s love for you and your family.

LIVING THE BIBLE – Worship BY DR. DOUG THRASHER

Dr. Doug Thrasher is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the TowneLaker’s Community Board. You may contact him at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org.

This month, we will celebrate Easter on April 20. I love worshiping on Easter. I love the crowds. I love the music. I love that everybody gets dressed up. Easter is my favorite day of the year as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Leading up to Easter is Holy Week. This week begins with Palm Sunday, the day we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. On Thursday, we celebrate Maundy Thursday—the day of the Last Supper—and remember that Jesus demonstrated what it means to be a servant by washing his disciples’ feet. Good Friday is the day we commemorate the crucifixion of Christ and remember that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sin. Many churches, Hillside included, celebrate an Easter Vigil Service on

Saturday evening watching and waiting for the Resurrection of Christ. It is a very busy week of worship. You probably know all this, and I hope you will attend worship during Holy Week and on Easter. But, did you know that the Sunday after Easter has a name too? As long as we can remember, the Sunday after Easter has been called “Low Sunday.” It developed that name because of the lowerthan-normal attendance on the Sunday immediately following Easter. I have to say that has always bothered me. I have always thought that people who believe in Jesus would want to celebrate His resurrection for more than one Sunday. I have thought that people would want to worship the risen Lord with enthusiasm for more than one week. What do you think? Worship is our opportunity to praise God and encounter God with others. No Sunday goes by when I am not blessed in some way as I worship Jesus. Sometimes it is something in the music, sometimes it is the prayer, sometimes it is encountering others and being encouraged by them, sometimes it is the sermon. It’s always different, but it’s always something. If we are to live the Bible, we must worship. This month there are great opportunities. When you take advantage of them, I am sure you will be blessed.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

D O W N T O W N W O O D S T O C K

Spotlight Local Artist Kristina Laurendi Havens has spent more than 18 months creating a series of paintings depicting everyday scenes around Main Street in Woodstock. The paintings consist of more than 30 pieces in total. The paintings will be auctioned with proceeds benefitting the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village to help fund the next phase of development for the theater and arts center in downtown Woodstock. To participate in the auction, follow Kristina on Facebook (facebook. com/Krystyna81) or email her to join her mailing list at 81artist@ comcast.net.

PAINTINGS BY KRISTINA LAURENDI HAVENS TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Downtown Woodstock

Inside the City of Woodstock BY TESSA BASFORD

After many years of writing entertaining and informative articles, Mayor Donnie Henriques has come down with a condition many of us are familiar with — writer’s block. As a result, he has passed the keyboard to me, temporarily, while he recovers. It is my goal to use this opportunity over the next several months to talk about who pays taxes in Woodstock, why those taxes are paid, and where those dollars go. In addition, there are Tessa Basford is a member of the other funds that come into our city, Woodstock City Council, and we will take a look at where Ward 6. She can be they come from and how they contacted at tbasford@ are spent. As a bonus, I hope to woodstockga.gov. introduce you to some of the men and women who make all of the good things happen in Woodstock. Before we take a look at taxation and services over the next few months, I thought a brief introduction about structure might be helpful. The city of Woodstock covers approximately nine square miles and has an estimated population of 27,000 people. The city is divided into six wards with similar population numbers, each having an elected city council member. The city is governed by a council-manager form of government, where the city council is responsible for establishing policy, approving a budget and setting the millage rate. The mayor provides leadership to the council and represents the council both internally with city employees and with the citizens. He is the leader, voice

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

“What would you like me to write about specific to taxes, services and the city of Woodstock?” and face of our city. In Woodstock, the city council appoints the city manager who serves full time as the executive manager of the city. As I break down topics into articles short enough to stay interesting, while still including what I hope you will find to be valuable information, I have a request for you. What would you like me to write about specific to taxes, services and the city of Woodstock? It is easiest to reach me by e-mailing tbasford@woodstockga.gov, and I will do my best to address your topics. Thank you in advance for your suggestions. I am looking forward to our next few months together!

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Downtown Woodstock

Old Enon Cemetery in Early Spring BY PATTI BRADY

In this series about local history, travel to the early days of Woodstock. Some people insist an old cemetery never loses its sadness. I disagree. Enon Cemetery in early spring shimmers with beauty and reassurance. It’s likely you’ve driven by this place of antiquity many times but never pulled in. At the entrance, Main Street and the railroad track define the lower boundary. On the hill, alabaster-white grave markers shine down on the Cherokee Patti Brady is author Recreation and Parks Agency center of the “The Heart of a and health complex across the street. Child” and “The Power Our cemetery history comes from of Her Smile” from an interesting and scholarly work, the Woodstock Novels “Set Apart, The Baptist Church at series. Learn more about our town through her Woodstock, 1837 -1987,” by Juanita blog – pattibradynovels. Hughes. blogspot.com. Email After northwest Georgia was Patti at plbradygeorgia@ opened for settlement, stouthearted bellsouth.net people pioneered our locale. They met rugged challenges daily. Uniting in faith, 12 men and women established Enon Baptist Church in 1837. That same year, Andrew Jackson ended his term as president and 18-year-old Victoria became queen of England. The little church group assembled on donated land, the upper section of the larger site. Their initial meetinghouses were probably basic and crude. In the churchyard, the first graves appeared. Three persons with birthdates that go back to the late 1700s are buried at Enon. Time has eroded many markers. The earliest, discernable burial date (1845) is for a 14-year-old boy. How did young George Hughes die? My wild imagination leads me to dreadful possibilities such as cowpox, scarlet fever or even a terrible wound caused by the sharp horn of an ox that had pulled the Hughes wagon many miles to their new home. Despite hard losses, church membership increased, and in 1871, the people constructed a sturdy, white clapboard building. In 1879, the railroad advanced through Woodstock. The congregation moved its church building to downtown, eventually becoming

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

First Baptist Woodstock. Back up the road, the burial ground expanded in 1881 and 1882, thanks to land gifts from Jacob Haney, a Methodist man. Hymns no longer floated above the graves, but those memorials retained an aura of anticipation. The broader Woodstock community made use of the cemetery, too. In early times, an African-American section was defined. In the modern-day parcel, denominations and peoples are intermingled. Enon contains tales of optimism and perseverance. Dr. W.H. Dean, born in 1824, graduated from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta. He arrived in Cherokee County, where he served as a Woodstock area doctor and, sometimes, as Enon’s pastor. A non-commissioned surgeon in the Civil War, he returned and gave thanks that his home remained intact. Amanda Edwards, known for her grit, rests at Enon. She lost her young husband to disease and almost lost her little son who fell down a well, but her life did a turnaround. She married a well-respected man from Woodstock, John Edwards. John had lost his right arm in the battle for Atlanta but learned to write with his left hand to gain employment. He is beside Amanda at Enon. Dave Bozeman, a turn-of-the-century Woodstock storekeeper, moved his beloved family of a wife and four daughters into the circa 1910 house, currently painted apple green, on Rope Mill Road. The daughters grew up and became dedicated teachers. Three remained in their close-knit home rather than marry. Now interred at Enon, the entire Bozeman family sleeps until a heavenly reunion. In early spring after the gloom of night, the sunrays wash Enon hill with light and warmth. The air smells clean. Pine needles on loblollies glisten. Although cars travel Main Street and the nearby manufacturing plant wakes, quiet reigns. That is, until robins and thrashers light on monuments and let loose with songs of resurrection promise. Wild violets with tiny purple blooms verify winter is over. Moss has spread, making playful green rugs in the shaded section. Balls of mistletoe sit in a few trees like celebratory ornaments. Airy cedars point to the sky. If you visit, don’t miss the young sassafras tree with early, mittenshaped leaves emerging. Not far from a headstone, this dwarf hardwood seems determined to rise to glory. As I like to say, a town can never have too much hope, and Woodstock surely has what it needs.

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TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Downtown Woodstock

Revamping Workout Clothing Wardrobe BY JODI TIBERIO

The response to our monthly makeover article has been really overwhelming. We have been Jodi Tiberio owns Branches Boutique for flooded with women who would women in Towne Lake like to participate, and it is exciting and brooklynn’s boutique to see the results every month. for men and women in Thanks to everyone who tells us Downtown Woodstock. how much they love the article! Contact Jodi at info@ shopthreads.net. Our latest participant is a mother of two who spends her time volunteering at school and working out in the gym. For the most part, Jesse Champion’s wardrobe consists of workout clothing and sweatpants. In the past, she has come to Branches for a special occasion outfit, but recently she said she is ready to revamp her everyday style to fit her bubbly personality. Our manager at Branches Boutique, Mari helped Jesse with her wardrobe selection. Mari knows how to listen to our customer’s needs and ask the right questions to understand what will make a woman feel confident in her clothing. Mari had Jesse try on my favorite pair of distressed jeans, the Suki fit from Silver. These jeans have a slightly higher rise and are relaxed in the hip and thigh. They have a tight fitting designer look, but are super soft and comfortable. They fit nicely, and the distressed look and light wash make for a great casual spring jean. With new spring fashions starting to roll in, Mari had no problem helping Jesse find several tops that looked great with the jeans. Jesse told Mari that she is not the best at adding accessories to her outfits so they spent extra time accessorizing and discussing why some pieces worked, and some didn’t. Next, Mari showed Jesse the new linen pants that had just arrived. These have a fold-over waist and are a popular staple for spring and summer. They chose our favorite handkerchief crochet top in black to go with the white linen pants and added a colorful necklace that Jesse picked out. These tops are figureflattering, fun, and reasonably priced at $29.99. They are available in five colors, as are the linen pants. Crochet style tops are very trendy for spring and summer. With several new outfits and feeling ready to branch out of her workout wear, Jesse headed over to Salon Gloss for her appointment with Will. After consulting with Jesse, Will decided to keep her length but add much shorter interior layering. By removing the weight in the interior of her hair, Jessie’s hair will be bouncier, fuller looking and easy to style at home. Using a highlighting and lowlighting technique, Jessie’s color was taken to a multi-tonal blonde that worked to complement her skin tone. Will also provided Jessie with the proper foundation and makeup colors and techniques that complemented her new hair color and cut. Wow! She really left the ponytail at the gym! Jesse was thrilled beyond words. Please send me an email if you are ready to refresh your style! 74

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Downtown Woodstock

Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants RESTAURANT

CUISINE

BREAKFAST

SUNDAY

SPIRITS

OFFERS RESERV.

Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com

American

open

Beer/wine

Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com

Modern American

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com

Wood-fired Pizza & Grill

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com

Southern

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605

American

open

Tapas/Sushi

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

Italian

open

Full bar

J Christophers 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com

Diner

$-$$

$ - $$

open

J Miller’s Smokehouse 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com

BBQ

$ - $$

open

Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com

Southern

Sunday Brunch

$$$$

open

Beer/wine

yes

Pure Taqueria 441 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock

Mexican

Sat./Sun. Brunch

open

Full bar

6 persons +

English Tea room

closed

yes

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com

LUNCH DINNER

Reel Seafood-Coming Soon Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com 76

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

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

April CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 4

Friday Night Live — 80s Night Time: 6-9 p.m. Location: Downtown Woodstock Information: Dress in your best 80s attire. Costume contest winner gets $100 in Downtown Dollars. For every $10 you spend at a downtown business during Friday Night Live, receive an entry into a drawing for $100 in Downtown Dollars. Bring receipts to Woodstock Visitors center to enter drawing.

April 26

Taste of Woodstock Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: The Park at City Center, downtown Woodstock Information: Sponsored by the Woodstock High School Wolverine Marching Band. Tasting booths, cooking demos, live music, door prizes and more. All proceeds benefit the band program. Purchase tickets at the gate or by visiting www.tsow14.eventbrite.com.

May 1 - 3

April 5

Douglas Cameron Big Band Time: 7 p.m. Location: City Center, 8534 Main St. Information: Variety of songs ranging from big band, jazz to blues. $20. (678) 494-4251. www.elmstreetarts.org.

April 12

Latimer Hall Arts & Craft Show Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: 103 Towne Lake Pkwy Information: Arts and craft show featuring a variety of vendors. www.facebook.com/LatimerHallArtsAndCraftShow

April 12

Meet Clay Botanical Sculptor Jimy Nichols Time: Thurs. 6-8 p.m., reception Fri. 2 p.m., demonstration Sat. 11 a.m., demonstration Location: Ivy Manor, 8838 Main St. Information: Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served on Thursday along with live demonstrations on Fri. and Sat. by Jimy.

May 3 – Oct. 28

Woodstock Farmer’s Market Day/Time/Location: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – noon, Market St. between Mill and Maple St. (parallel to Main St.) Tuesdays 4:30 – 8 p.m., Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta Information: (770) 924-0406

Mini Meatloaf Throwdown Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Location: Leaning Ladder Premium Olive Oils and Vinegars, 103 E. Main St. Information: Hands-on class with Chef Alan. $30. RSVP by calling (678) 401-2609. www.leaningladderoliveoil.com

April 17

English High Tea with Author Sharon Kiser Time: 4 p.m. Location: Ivy Manor, 8838 Main St. Information: High English Tea will be followed by a meet-and-greet with Sharon Kiser, author of “That End of Lilac Lane.” Hats and gloves or jeans and boots are encouraged attire. Call (770) 592-1444.

April 18-20 & 25-27

“Godspell” Times: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 2 p.m. Sundays Location: City Center, 8534 Main St. Information: $12 adults, $11 seniors/students, $10 children (3-12) if purchased online. $15, $13, $12 at the door.

April 19

Fish Fry Class Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Location: Leaning Ladder Premium Olive Oils and Vinegars, 103 E. Main St. Information: Cost TBD. RSVP by calling (678) 401-2609. www.leaningladderoliveoil.com

The April Downtown Buzz meeting will be held on Friday April 25 at 8 a.m. at the Chambers at City Center. The program will be City of Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Relay for Life/American Cancer Farmers Insurance Farmers Insurance Farmers Insurance

Robert Sarague Deanna Madison Tiara Hardin Courtney Sandlin

Find out what’s happening downtown by downloading the “Visit Woodstock” App

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Downtown Woodstock

Experience Elm Street

Summertime is Fun and Learning Time BY G. LORA GROOMS

“Is she really going to write about summer already? It’s only April!” Yes, she most certainly is going to do that very thing. Why? Because now is the time to start planning a summer for your family that is fun, relaxing and productive. Many parents already know that certain popular camps and activities book up very quickly. The time G. Lora Grooms is the to make a move is now, and director for the Elm Street parents are on the Internet Cultural Arts Village. registering for new experiences She has been teaching, for their children. writing, directing and Many of our young patrons performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. You can will want to sign up for our reach her at director@ classes and camps after seeing elmstreetarts.org a show at Elm Street. (I decided to become a ballerina after watching my first performance of “The Nutcracker Suite” when I was only five and look where it led me!) The children want the chance to get up there and sing and dance and act, too, because it looks like fun. And it is! That’s why they call it a “play.” In our summer camps, campers not only get to perform, but they will also help create characters, plot lines, song lyrics, costume designs and much more. But fun can also be educational. Many companies seek employees with more than just a degree or experience but seek skills such as communication, writing, trouble-shooting and creative problem solving. All skills learned in our drama camps and classes are great not only for the stage but for life, school and work. This summer, we have a fun, new studio production program for teens. We are currently taking registrations to be part of the musical “Hairspray, Jr.” - a three-week studio workshop that will culminate in two public performances at the end of June. No previous experience is required, just energy and an interest in singing, dancing and acting. We are currently rehearsing a studio production of “Annie Kids” featuring a large cast of 6-12 year olds with performances to be held at 2 and 7 p.m. on May 3. For those who don’t seek the spotlight, we also have great visual arts programs and opportunities to volunteer to build sets, costumes, props and much more. Have some summer fun and have your child learn something new while creating memories and experiences that can shape a lifetime. As always, we look forward to seeing you! 78

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK

APRIL

18,19,20,25,26,27 Fri/Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Downtown Woodstock

Weddings in Woodstock BY JENNA CLOVER

April is the start of wedding season. The fragrant smell of freshly bloomed flowers is starting to float through the air, and the weather is now mild and breezy. What better time to get married? This month was my first choice to have my wedding; in fact, by the time you are reading this, I will practically be a newlywed! April 5 is my big day, and I couldn’t be more excited! Jenna Clover is a Tourism If you are newly engaged and Information Assistant ready to start the daunting yet at the Woodstock Visitors Center. incredibly exciting task of planning your special day, downtown Woodstock is the place you should start. Here you will find what you need from the beginning to the end of your planning process. A great way to start your planning is to book a venue. If a small and intimate ceremony is what you want, the park at city center in downtown Woodstock is your perfect location. You could have the ceremony under the gorgeous gazebo. Another great wedding venue is Magnolia Hall. This location has an elegant banquet room, gazebo and pavilion perfect for rehearsal dinners and large wedding receptions. Conveniently, the Magnolia Thomas restaurant offers full-service catering and is situated near both locations. After you have decided on your venue, it’s time to get into the details! What type of flowers do you want? Brenda’s House of Flowers is a great place to get your centerpieces and bouquets. Do you want to substitute cupcakes for a traditional wedding cake? Cupcakelicious has a scrumptious menu from which to choose. Do you know what style of wedding bands you want? Holly Springs Jewelers has an exquisite collection of great bridal jewels. Are you going to have a large or a small bridal party? Downtown Woodstock has great locations for bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts. Along with the wedding planning, there will be many festivities leading up to the wedding day. Downtown Woodstock is the perfect spot to have a bridal shower or bachelor party. Tea Leaves and Thyme is a popular spot for a charming bridal shower. You can have tea and scones with your girls and enjoy each other’s company before the big day. Leaning Ladder would also be a great place to go with your bridesmaids and enjoy a cooking class. You and the ladies can also enjoy a day of shopping at our fabulous boutiques and end the day with dinner from a variety of top-notch restaurants. As for the groom and his groomsmen, there is something for them too! Barrel and Barley Craft Beer market would be a great start. Stop by and try out its selection of 20 counter-pressure filled growler options and more than 250 bottled beer to mix 80

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

and match. Follow that with a trip to Maxwell’s Cigar Bar and celebrate in a relaxed environment with good tunes, big screen TVs, and of course, amazing cigars. End your bachelor party festivities with dinner at one of the many great restaurants. If the big day is finally here for you, no stress! We have a variety of salons and spas to take care of you and your bridal party. Beverly’s Day Spa and Salon Spa Venessa are great onestop-shops for all of your day-of beauty needs, like soothing spa treatments or makeup applications. There are also several great hair salons from which to choose, where you can get a beautiful and timeless wedding hairstyle. If you need to give your nails a touch up, Main Street Nail Studio is a wonderful choice. If April is the start, or finish, to your wedding planning, rest assured that downtown Woodstock has you covered! For more information on how to make the most of your downtown Woodstock wedding, check our weddings in Woodstock Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/mswoodstock!

Thank You!

Feature

The Art of Conversation BY KRISTINA LAURENDI HAVENS

There is a sight that is lovely for me to behold: two people Kristina Laurendi Havens is the enter my studio and begin to owner of Studio 81, portrait and look around at the art on the Fine Art, which shares a beautiful walls. They glance left and studio space in downtown Woodstock with Ann Litrel Art. Kristina offers right, looking for something painting classes for all levels and to catch their eyes. Then I see holds an open weekly Figure them make their way over to Drawing studio. For more one of the paintings on the information, please contact her wall. Perhaps they are already at 81artist@comcast.net. pointing something out to one another—commenting on a figure or a building in the painting. Then the spark of recognition, the realization of, “I’ve been there!” “I know that person!” “We just ate there last week!” and they excitedly share their experiences with each other. Sometimes they pull me into the conversation and ask about when and where the reference photo was taken, how much they love the light or the color or the way the painting has captured exactly what it feels like Tea time at Tea Leaves and Thyme to be sitting in that very spot. They tell me their own stories, sometimes going back to what the business used to be or the people who they have met there in the past. For me, this is a gift—to engage the viewer in conversation through my art. The series of paintings that I have been working on over the last two years captures everyday scenes from around Main Street in Woodstock. I am enamored with the buildings, the light, the food (oh my goodness, the FOOD!) the live music and the people who are enjoying Main Street in a thousand different ways. These paintings have been slowly encroaching on an entire wall in my shared studio space (sorry Ann!). There are currently 35 paintings in the series, capturing scenes from the shoe store to the cigar bar, the city park to teatime. As an artist, I have enjoyed the challenge of capturing beautiful light, a subtle gesture and just the right color. But I have found that the most rewarding aspect of the series has been—so far—the conversations Outside the Blug Frog that are inspired by the work. When people don’t just look, but linger, in front of a painting, that is a compliment to the artist. But when they become engaged, not only from viewer to art, but with each other, that is something beyond a compliment. That is a gift. I am a deep lover of conversation: meaningful questions, thoughtful answers and genuine interest in one another. I adore two-hour dinners where no one touches their cell phones. I live for leisurely chats around a fire pit. The art of conversation can, at times, seem like a lost art. It is very gratifying to me to see that my art can still inspire a great conversation. As I finalize this first batch of paintings in my Woodstock series, they will be on display at various locations throughout downtown Woodstock. In early September (date TBD), each painting will be auctioned off as part of a benefit for the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. If you are interested in the times and locations of the exhibitions and would like more information on the upcoming live auction event, please contact Kristina at 81artist@comcast.net. You can also follow Elm Street Cultural Arts Village on Facebook for updates as well, at https://www.facebook.com/ Memorial Day remembrance elmstreetarts TOWNELAKER | April 2014

The Obvious Choice for Claiming Social Security May Not Always Be Best continued from page 16

full retirement age would result in a reduced monthly benefit, so they avoided claiming early. So, this is the point where John and Betty claim their full benefits, right? Not necessarily. They knew that monthly benefits can be suspended even further up to age 70 and will continue to increase at a rate of 5-12 percent per month over that time. John and Betty didn’t need the income immediately and wanted to draw the maximum from Social Security over their lifetimes. In order to do that, they implemented a strategy called “Claim and Suspend.” First, John and Betty looked up their Primary Insurance Amounts (PIA) online at www.ssa.gov/ mystatement. John found that his PIA is $2,000 and Betty’s is $1,800. Using the Claim and Suspend Strategy, John began taking his monthly benefit of $2,000 immediately. Betty delayed claiming her benefits until age 70 while simultaneously collecting her monthly spousal benefit of $1,000 (which is 50 percent of John’s PIA). Betty’s benefits will continue to increase until age 70, at which point she will be entitled to her full monthly benefit of $2,376. There are many factors to consider when making a decision on whether to employ this and many other claiming strategies. These include health, current and past marital status, lifestyle expectations, assumed rate of return on investments and other retirement assets. Each individual and couple has a unique situation that should be considered individually. It is highly recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced financial planning and/or tax professional before making a decision.

Restoring the Gleam in Your Smile continued from page 48

utilized, people’s teeth were naturally more yellow, and it was an accepted color standard. Today, many people are whitening their teeth and the accepted color standard is now whiter. Whitening is safe and results lasts up to five years, making it a great value. People enjoy their smiles more than ever and feel more confident.

Jack’s Adventure continued from page 32

strength to return home safely. Once again, I found myself wandering the streets in search of the stubborn, faithful mutt who has been a loving member of the Locklin family for 15 years. Once again, neighbors joined in our frantic search. Once again, Jack the Wonder Dog—now quite senile—was in search of his boys. My husband found Jack standing in the side yard two houses down from us. Our runaway was motionless and disoriented, and he welcomed the loving arms of my husband, who scooped Jack up and carried him home to his soft bed. He was exhausted and quickly fell asleep. No doubt he dreamed of creeks and frogs and scraps of PB&Js offered to him by his young pals so many Saturdays ago. 82

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

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Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA COMMUNITY OF FAITH Baptist

Jewish

Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner

Chabad Jewish Center 14255 Wade Green Rd NW, Ste 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144, (678) 460-7702 Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat monthly at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat monthly at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWoodstock.com, www.Facebook.com/ JewishCenter

Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock, (770) 710-1068 Pastor: Elder Larry White www.crossroadspbc.org First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Alive Groups & Worship Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship Service: 6 p.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Mike Maxwell

Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green Street Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, (770) 973-3533 www.Kolemeth.net

New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 11 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana/Youth: 6:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: John Harris www.newvicbaptist.org

Messianic Jewish

South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert

Lutheran

Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 9 a.m. (family service) & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life Ministries” 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (678) 936-4125 Saturday Hebrew Literacy & Bible Study: 10 a.m. Saturday Shabbat Service: 11 a.m. Rabbi: Gary Maxted

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.gslutheran.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien

Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org

Presbyterian Christ Covenant Presbyterian of Woodstock (PCA) Meets in the Rec Center of Cherokee County’s South Annex, 7545 Main Street; Bldg. 200, Woodstock Pastor: Ted Lester www.cc-pca.org

Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Meets at Hope Presbyterian Church 4101 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Pastor: Matthew Holst www.genevaopc.org

Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Don Esa

Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Larry Niese www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com

United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Harden Hopper www.bascombchurch.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Chris Bryant www.coahumc.org Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:25 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org

Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street, (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Little River United Methodist Church 12455 Highway 92, (770) 926-2495 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Bill Coady www.littleriverumc.info Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Joe McKechnie www.sixesumc.org Woodstock United Methodist Church 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 516-0371 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude T. Herbert

Unitarian Universalist Emerson U U Congregation 2799 Holly Springs Road, Marietta, Georgia 30062 (770) 578-1533 Services: 9 & 11:30 a.m. August – May www.emersonuu.org Rev. Jeff Jones

Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Awakening Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140 next to Folks Restaurant, (770) 924-4150 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.awakeningwoodstock.com Lead Pastor: Jeff Whitmire Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church 230 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, (770) 517-2977 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Mat Garcia www.bridgepointechurch.org Catalyst Church 9872 Main Street, Woodstock (678) 463-6330, catalystonline.tv Sunday Services: 11 a.m.

Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson

Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com

Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker www.prayerandpraise.org

Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. Auxiliary Meeting: 10:20 a.m. Bishop Phil Karski Woodstock Ward, Sacrament Meeting: 1 p.m. Auxilliary meeting: 2:15 p.m. Bishop Paul Hailstone Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle Church 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock, (770) 928-7478 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Pastor: A.D. Hinton www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, (770) 405-2500 Party on Sunday: 10 a.m. www.hishandschurch.com Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Rd., Marietta, (770) 924-8080 Sunday Orthros: 8:30a.m., Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, PhD Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth, (404) 663-1828 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5 (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv

Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Gene Prince www.rezwoodstock.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, (678) 494-2100 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. www.sgcatlanta.org Sunnyside Church of God 2510 East Cherokee Drive, (770)-693-1018 Sunday service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Lance Turner www.sunnysidecog.com The Church at Acworth 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Jason Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway, (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m. Sr. Pastor: William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Watermarke Church Meeting at Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton, (678) 880-9092 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m., 5 p.m. www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Lewis Stark www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: 7745 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: Laury Beesley, (678) 642-3110 www.CherokeeToastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 8.30 a.m. Location: J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Monday morning at 7:30 am Location: IHOP 8979 Hwy 92 www.meetup.com/No-Fee-Referral-NetworkWoodstock North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. Location: J. Christophers, 315 Chambers Street Contact: (770) 592-5990 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Contact: Edeline Dryden (678) 789-6158 www.thejoyofconnecting.com Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & Third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Tuscany, 250 Cinema Way Contact: WCBusinessAssoc@aol.com

Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hr, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 www.ahimsahouse.org CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casaforchildren.org Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika.org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Location: 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org

Website: www.habitat-ncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com

Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: (770) 218-1997 www.hospiceadvantage.com

iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 www.iCORorphans.com MUST Ministries Contact: Kendall Jones, (770) 479-5397

Next Step Ministries provides day programs Monday through Saturday for special needs kids, teens, and young adults. Contact: (770) 592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org

Cherokee County Animal League Contact: Steve Monahan at CherokeeAnimalLeague@gmail.org or (770) 712-4077

Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org

Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115 admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org

Civic Organizations

CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS. Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. Email aaeverydayangels@ gmail.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter, (770) 842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Green Pets America Rescue animal rescue group (770) 712-4077, SteveMonahan777@gmail.com www.GPACharities.US Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: (770) 345-1024

AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50+ Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944 American Legion Post 316 Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366 Junior Service League of Woodstock Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Tuscany Contact: 24 hour info line: (770) 592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766, Lynda @edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meeting: Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch) Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@southernco.com Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: Charlice Byrd, (404) 557-2218 Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (404) 690-4452 Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958 Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: lodge.info@woodstocklodge246.org Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663

Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Second Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Holly Springs Train Depot www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: Second Saturday at 9 a.m. Location: Winchesters Woodfire Grill Contact: (678) 809-1411 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli (770)592-6545 Republican Women of Cherokee County Meeting: www.rwccga.com Contact: (678) 520-2236

Recreation & Hobbies Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: Studio 101, 101 Emma Lane, www.artsalliancega.org

Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee County Arts Center Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group www.TCCSAG.org Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey Website: www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Contact: Ellen Kayton, (678) 494-6005 www.nntl.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization. Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com

Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131

Center, Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors & Law Enforcement Together) Meets Second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room) Dale Walz (404) 375-8193 Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee County Lupus Support Group Meeting: 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: New Light Church Hall Contact: Pam Bennett, (404) 975-7580 C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org Diabetes Support Group Meets 3rd Tuesday at 9:30 & 11 a.m. at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Rd., Woodstock Linda Watson, (770) 793-7818. Georgia Canines for Independence www.gcidogs.org, Contact: (404) 824-4637 GRANDparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta, Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7p.m. at Bascomb UMC Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30188-30189 https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Location: Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: (770) 924-4777 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899

Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551

Towne Lake Area Moms Group www.TowneLakeArea.com

Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational

Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors Meeting: First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589 TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Reference

ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)

100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://chambliss.senate.gov

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://isakson.senate.gov

Rep. Tom Price (R) District 6

85-C Mill St., Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075 http://tom.house.gov

Rep. Rob Woodall (R) District 7

75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 http://woodall.house.gov

Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R) District 11

100 North Street Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114 http://gingrey.house.gov

(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461 (202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999

Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov Sen. Jack Murphy (R) District 27

jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov

(770) 546-7565 (404) 463-1378 (770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602 (678) 523-8570

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

(678) 576-2644

scot@turnerforhouse.com

Rep. Sam Moore (R) District 22

www.cherokeega.com

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6001

Commissioners: L.R. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman

lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Harry Johnston (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com bpoole@cherokeega.com

Jason Nelms (R) District 4 Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

(770) 735-8055 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4100 fax: (678) 493-4228

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little

(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420

2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 155 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188

Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo

(770) 924-4099 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Kelly Marlow (R) District 1

(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236 (770) 721-6298 x4369

kelly.marlow@cherokee.k12.ga.us (404) 656-0220

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2

(770) 893-2970

patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Michael Geist (R) District 3

Cherokee County Courts Superior Court: Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea

State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr.

Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds

(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6431 (678) 493-6431

Probate Court: Judge Keith Wood (R)

(678) 493-6160

Juvenile Court: Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker TOWNELAKER | April 2014

(404) 462-4950

michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Magistrate Court:

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

jnelms@cherokeega.com (202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 345-2931

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

michael@CaldwellforHouse.com

(678) 493-6511

Brian Poole (R) District 3 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005

(404) 652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov

(770) 479-1488

hjohnston@cherokeega.com (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990

State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)

Sen. Bruce Thompson (R) District 14

District Attorney Shannon Wallace Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280

Janet Read (R) Chair

(770) 516-1444

janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R) District 4

(770) 721-4398, x4370

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rob Usher (R) District 5

(770) 928-0341

rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Robert Wofford (R) District 6 (Vice-Chair) robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com

(770) 345-6256

(770) 592-6017

Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association

(Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) Douglas Properties (770) 926-3086 117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188

SCHOOL INFORMATION Public Schools Ace 3921 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs (770) 345-2005 Principal: Mr. Richard Landolt www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ aceacademy Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway, Woodstock (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ carmel-es Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton (678) 385-7322 Principal: Dr. Scott Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Prey cherokeecharter.org E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive, Woodstock (770) 924-6260 Principal: Ms. Joey Moss www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road, Acworth (770) 974-6682 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive, Woodstock (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Dr. Curt Ashley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris Woodstock Elementary School 230 Rope Mil Road, Woodstock

(770) 926-6969 Principal: Kim Montalbano www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-es Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, (770) 592-3500 Principal: Dr. Paul Weir www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-hs Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms

Private Schools Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org Middle School Principal: Richard Goff Elementary School: Robert Lester Cornerstone Preparatory Academy 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth (770) 529-7077 Administrator: Jeanne Borders www.cornerstoneprep.org

Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92, Acworth (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org Holdheide Education K-3 5234 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Principal: Tammy Dorsten (770) 516-2292, www.MyGiftedKids.org Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd., Woodstock (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org

Northside Christian Academy 303 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 180 Woodstock, GA 30102 (770) 334-0648 Principal: Jill Trout http://nca4hope.com

Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org

Home School Compass Prep Academy Director: Laura George www.compassprep.org info@compassprep.org (404) 643-9424 Homeschool Community Classical Conversations Woodstock Director: Cari Lingerfelt carinwoody@bellsouth.net

Cherokee County School District 2013-2014 Calendar at a Glance March 31-April 4 Spring Break May 26 No School May 29 Last Day of School Cafeteria account information: www.mypaymentsplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12. ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN FEBRUARY

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

CLASSIFIEDS CLEANING SERVICES

LAWN SERVICES

PET SITTING

The Cleaning Dame Weekly or biweekly housecleaning, 25 years experience. Excellent references. Karen 770.366.8399 http://www. thecleaningdame.come

Nick’s Lawn Care. 3 years experience, residential and small commercial. Free estimates. NO CONTRACT. Pay at the end of each completed month. Licensed, references, Towne Lake resident, Nick Mueller, 770-364-9921.

Pet Sitting & Dog walking by Carter, 8 years experience, references. Call or text: 770.876.5419

The Dynamic Clean Team. Let us put a *SPARKLE* in your home! Weekly or Bi-weekly cleaning. Also move-in and move-outs! 10% off 1st service. Pet friendly, references available. CALL TODAY Melissa Jones, 404-414-7743. Penny Clean “One Woman Show” moving and deep cleaning available on weekends. Over 25 years experience, reasonable rates. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. 678-4943602.

FOR RENT Small Basement Apartment, utilities included, walking distance to Lake. $500. 770-516-6633.

GARAGE SALE Every Friday & Saturday in April, 9-3. Furniture, Antiques, Teaching supplies, Toys, Electronics, Tools; lots of other great stuff. 1404 Reed Lane, Woodstock.

1/Word

Towne Lake private piano lessons beginner to advanced. Instructor is an accomplished pianist and performer with 20+ years teaching experience. 404.993.9418.

 Townelaker  Sixes Living  Around Woodstock  July

 Aug

w w w.Town eLaker.c om Join the TowneLaker magazine fan page www.facebook.com/ TowneLaker

Need a summer Nanny? Contact Erin Moore, 770.865.6276, erinsusanne@gmail.com. 2013 Etowah HS graduate lives in Towne Lake Hills East Great with kids, previously coached u8 girls soccer and lifeguard. Available all summer.

PLEASE PRINT  Sept

To place a classified ad, email Michelle at aroundaboutadvertising@gmail.com

Manicures and Pedicures in your home. Towne Lake area, 30189. Thursday/Friday appts., 10:00 - 2:00. Licensed manicurist. Doris 678.471.4246 (affordable pricing)

CLASSIFIED FORM

Month(s):  Jan  Feb  Mar

Math Tutor, 27 years of experience. All levels and ages $50/hour. Call Bill @ 770.633.4034

SERVICES

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Reference

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (770) 345-0400 Cherokee County Government:

Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 Business Licenses (770) 721-7810 Clean & Beautiful Commission (770) 517-7650 Commissioners (678) 493-6000 Courthouse (770) 479-1953 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) (678) 493-6077 Extension Office (770) 479-0418 Jury Phone (770) 479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) (770) 479-1953 Planning & Zoning (678) 493-6101 Senior Services (770) 345-5312 Tax Assessors/Evaluation (678) 493-6120

Taxes:

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax (678) 493-6400 Woodstock Office (770) 924-4099 Voter Registration (770) 479-0407

Children/Family:

Anna Crawford Children’s Center (770) 345-8100 Bethesda Community Clinic (678) 880-9654 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club (770) 720-7712 Cherokee Family Violence Center (770) 479-1804 Cherokee Focus (770) 345-5483 Child Support Enforcement (770) 720-3581 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org (770) 345-3274 Department of Family & Children Services (770) 720-3610 The Hope Center (770) 924-0864 MUST Cherokee Ministries (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry (770) 591-4730

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat) (678) 413-8400 Fire Department (District 1, Station 20) (770) 926-7155 Georgia State Patrol (770) 205-5400 Health Department (770) 345-7371 Hospitals:

Kennestone Hospital (770) 793-5000 North Fulton Hospital (770) 751-2500 Northside Hospital — Cherokee (770) 720-5100

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

Battered Women Hotline (770) 479-1703 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) (770) 345-7920 Poison Control Center — Atlanta (404) 616-9000 Outside Metro Atlanta (800) 222-1222 Probate Court Information Line (770) 704-2610 Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center (770) 428-2666

Libraries:

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek (770) 591-1491 R.T. Jones (770) 479-3090 Woodstock (770) 926-5859

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Non-Emergency 911 (770) 479-3117 Parks and Recreation:

BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (770) 924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. (770) 926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264

Pets:

Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 www.cherokeega-animals.org Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org

Post Office (Woodstock)

www.usps.com (800) 275-8777

Recycling Center (770) 516-4195 Sheriff’s Department (678) 493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Utilities:

Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com AT&T (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com

Urgent Care Facility

American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock (770) 200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy (404) 851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton (678) 661-3166 Wellstar Urgent Care (678) 494-2500

Woodstock, City of:

(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6030

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

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Circulation: 16,000

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY

For advertising rates and information please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322 • patty@townelaker.com ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC (770) 926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge

Kathleen J. McGillick, Family Law Attorney 33 (770) 591-5956, www.kathleenmcgillick.com

AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 591-3630

Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500 1930 Eagle Dr., Woodstock

Towne Lake’s Carwash & Detail www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com 1490 Towne Lake Pkwy.

Currie Wealth Advisors, LLC 3 (770) 635-8631, charles@curriewealthadvisors.com 233 River Park North Dr., Woodstock

Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA, LLC (678) 919-1250, www.jjacksoncpa.com

Towne Lake Business Association

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS American Cancer Society Relay for Life

CASA www.casacherokee.org

Good Shepherd Lutheran Malaria Bites 5k

JSL of Woodstock Golf Tournament

Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org

Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation (770) 516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy.

Optimum Health 13 (770) 516-7477, www.optimumhealthrehab.com 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 70 1000 Wyngate Pkwy., Ste. 200, Woodstock (770) 592-1877, www.townelakechiro.com

CHURCHES

Hillcrest Baptist Church 68 6069 Woodstock Rd, Acworth, (770) 917-9100

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Azure Salon & Spa (770) 345-8280 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 110, Canton

Bon Vivant Salon (770) 516-9100

Massage Envy (770) 928-0800 134 Woodstock Square Ave., Woodstock

Salon & Spa Venéssa (770) 591-2079, salonvenessa.com 8516 Main St.

Salon Gloss (678) 483-8900, www.SalonGloss.biz 220 Chambers St.

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Downtown Buzz

First Baptist Church of Woodstock 18 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock, (770) 926-4428

Network Funding, Tracy Hoopingarner 71 (678) 768-4428, Tracy.Hoopingarner@NFLP.com

Hill & Hill Finanacial, LLC 59 (770) 672-0402, www.hillandhillfinancial.com 406 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock

Renasant Bank (678) 388-5709, renasantbank.com

Cherokee Leadercast

CHIROPRACTIC

BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES

Francis, Kingsley & Assoc., CPAs (770) 310-9726, www.woodstockcpa.com

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 79 (678) 445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 200

Citadel Professional Services, LLC (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Dr., Suite 440, Kennesaw

The Sundance Massage Center (678) 591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com

Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy, (770) 924-4777

S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 68 (770) 924-8848 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 100, Ste. 100 Spillane Orthodontics (770) 928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Pkwy. 575, Suite 200, Woodstock

Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 33 (770) 517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Pkwy. Towne Lake Family Dentist Inside Back Cover (770) 591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy, Building 200, Suite 100 Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 35 (678) 224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 201

EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION / COACHING Bascomb UMC Preschool (770) 926-0397 2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd.

Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044 6689 Bells Ferry Rd.

Towne Lake Community Church Preschool (678) 445-8766 ext.203 preschool@tlcchurch.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT/REPAIR & SERVICE

CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991

Cinderella Maids Service (678) 386-1249, sintija@ cinderellamaidsservice.com www.CinderellaMaidsService.com

Rejoice Maids (678) 905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com

COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 889-5900, www.ccrguys.com 10511 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Dr. Suite 200-C

DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

Fountain View Dentistry 49 (770) 926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 200, Suite A

A-1 Concrete leveling (770) 591-6500, www.A1Atlanta.net

Bryan Plumbing Services (770) 826-5277

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

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. (770) 974-2390

Drainage First John Brodbeck, (678) 525-8589

Exact Comfort Air Cond. & Heating, Inc. (770) 912-0552 www.exactcomfort.com

Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428

Handy Handyman, The (404) 316-1490

Mosquito Authority, The (678) 294-7597, BugsBITE.com

Mr. Junk (678) Mr-Junk1

Nelson Exteriors (678) 283-8171

Pike’s Professional Painting (770) 516-0045

Plumbing Doctor, The (770) 516-9000

Precision Painting (678) 234-9668 Reliable Heating & Air (770) 594-9969, ReliableAir.com Uptronix (770) 928-0260, www.uptronix.com

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HOME INTERIORS Fun Finds & Designs 40 (770) 704-0448, www.FunFindsandDesigns.com 2765 Marietta Hwy., Canton Georgia Floors 26 (770) 516-3227 1105 Parkside Lane Suite 1338, Woodstock Interiors at Fun Finds 40 (678) 880-9146, www.InteriorsatFunFinds.com 2751 Marietta Hwy., Canton

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital (770) 924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp St.

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta North Dermatology & Skin Care 53 (770) 516-5199, www.atlantanortdermatology.com 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy. Bldg. 1000, Ste. 120 Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C

The Clarke Agency (Farmers Insurance) 33 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 105 (678) 400-6725, mclarke@farmersagent.com

LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation (770) 720-1727, (770) 827-0346 www.calavarylandscaping.com

Landscape Matters (770) 403-5813 www.landscapemattersinc.com

Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping (404) 520-0710

Overstreet Lawn Care (770) 861-7272

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

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 19 (770) 720-7733, www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 46 (770) 485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Dr. NexSlim of Woodstock (678) 888-0332, NexSlimTowneLake.com 200 Parkbrooke Dr., Ste. 100, Woodstock

Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com

Northside Hospital Sleep Disorder Center 23 (770) 345-2568, www.northside.com/sleep Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (770) 928-0016

Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann St., Ste. 150, Marietta

Rebound Physical Therapy (678) 445-9799

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 110

Wellstar 1 (770) 956-STAR, wellstar.org Woodstock Physical Therapy (770) 516-9191, www.woodstockpt.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 100 Ste.C

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com

Berkshire Hathaway The Tomlinson Team (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953

Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Cover, 50, 51,Back Cover (404) 954-2486, (678) 494-0644 www.kurtandsheila.com Skyline Properties Group 79 (678) 978-1858, www.skylinepropetiesga.com Ursula & Associates, Keller Williams (678) 569-4044, TowneLakeExperts.com The Village at Towne Lake (770) 254-5368

Inside Front

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Carters Lake Guide Service 37 (770) 883-5673 www.carterslakeguideservice.com/allatoona Elm St. Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251

GRUV Entertainment 71 (770) 580-0478, www.gruventertainment.com Taste & Sound of Woodstock

Butchers Block (770) 517-2225 1025 Rose Creek Dr.

Hacienda Vieja 290 Molly Lane, Woodstock (770) 517-7958

Inside Front

Jump Kitchen & Saloon 27 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock (678) 388-7717, www.jumpkitchensaloon.com www.facebook.com/JumpRestaurants Locals Bar & Grill 6380 Bells Ferry Rd., (770) 627-5121 www.localsbarandgrill.net

Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com

Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 110 (678) 324-1910

Branches Boutique 5 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. #140, (770) 517-1505 370 Chambers St., (678) 540 5483

Diamonds R Forever 41 4200 Wade Green Rd., Ste. 212, Kennesaw (770) 422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net

Gifted Ferret, The 43 (770) 693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr. Ste. 400

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 66 (770) 591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle

Back Cover

RETAILERS

POLITICAL Bob Barr

HomeVestors (404) 644-5877 www.webuyuglyhouses.com

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK

Shefa Urgent Care & Wellness 43 (678) 245-6244 2000 Village Professional Dr. Suite 200, Canton

PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES

Bark Station (770) 517-9907, www.bark-station.com 240 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock

Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 46 (770) 592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com

INSURANCE

Animal Atlanta (770) 591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Rd.

Charmon Young, ReMax Town & Country 71 (404) 538-5734, CharmonYoung@remax.net

Rudi Fine Jewelry 29 (678) 445-2626, rudifinejewelry@yahoo.com 6790 Hwy. 92, Acworth TOWNELAKER | April 2014

COUPONS & SPECIAL OFFERS! These local businesses have special offers just for you!

Animal Hospital of Towne Lake

Massage Envy

Animal Atlanta

Mr. Junk

Aspen Falls Auto Spa

Nelson Exteriors

Atlanta North Dermatology & Skin Care

Optimum Health

Bark Station Bon Vivant Salon

Butchers Block

Carpet Dry Tech

Christian Brothers Automotive

Cinderella Maids Service

Exact Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating

Hacienda Vieja

Inside Front

Papa P’s Mexican Irish Restaurant

Plastic Surgery Center of the South

Rejoice Maids

Rudi Fine Jewelry

Salon and Spa Venéssa

Small Cakes The Plumbing Doctor

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Hammock’s Heating & Air

Towne Lake Family Dentistry

Landscape Matters

Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail

Locals Bar & Grill

Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock

TOWNELAKER | April 2014

Inside Back

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After

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120 N. Medical Pkwy | Building 200, Suite 100 | Woodstock, GA 30189

770.591.7929 www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com