4 16 townelaker webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

April 2016 Volume 21, Issue 12

16 @ The Library

Crafters, DIYers, Lego fans feel at home among the books.

20 Lake Allatoona

Volunteer opportunities range from park hosts to cleaning crews.

22 Summer Camps

Grab your calendars and make plans for adventures for your kids.

26 Everyday Angels

Motorcycle accident changes a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life in an instant.

30 Dean Rusk

Native son made history from Woodstock to the world stage.

54 Helping Hands The HOPE Center offers support resources for women in crisis.

58 3-Day Training

Veteran walker offers tips for preparing for October event.

72 Book Buddies

72 Contributing Writers 50

Mark Kissel

Gloria Avillar

Joe Lemmo

Paul Baumgartner

Ann Litrel

Kyle Bennett

Dr. Michael Litrel

High school students make regular Christopher Brazelton visits to read to elementary students.

73 Track and Field

Photo collage shows strength, determination of Etowah athletes.

In Every Issue

Don Akridge

Around Towne

Community News

Birthdays

Everyday Angels

Community Calendar

Jackie Loudin

Michael Caldwell

Rob Macmillan

Caron CatalĂĄn

Matt Neal

Claire Frost

Dr. Hitendra Patel

Restaurant Guide

Angela Glowcheski

Christopher Purvis

Delia Halverson

Julius Quarcoo

Faith

Dr. Scott Harden

Donna Ratliff

School News

Dr. Amy Hardin

Lynne Saunders

Parking Map

Dr. Jan Henriques

Susan Schulz

Jim Imbriale

Tim Timmons

Recent Home Sales

Dan Jape

Betsy Trope

Greenprints Trail Map

Kurt & Sheila Johnson

Dr. Vincent Williams

Ad Index

www.townelaker.com

48 & 49 On the Cover

David Waters for Cherokee County Sheriff photo by J. King Images 2

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

ADVERTISING Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com

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TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

AROUND TOWNE

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

From the Editor I have to admit something. I am a little jealous. I can’t help but think that if I had as many summer camp options when I was a child as our children do today, I may have left my mother’s side long enough to enjoy them. But, I was a spoiled rotten only child who rarely left the room my mother was in. In fact, my pediatrician once told her that she needed to get a sitter for me one day a week so she could have some time away from me. I now understand that was for my own good as well as hers - but at the time, I was devastated. My poor mother - I need to double up on her Mother’s Day presents now that I think about how challenging I was! You also may feel a twinge of jealousy after checking out the extensive summer camp listings on pages 22 and 23. I know how happy I am knowing that my children are having fun, learning new things and making friends. What child wouldn’t be thrilled when they have summer camp options that include: • Creating video games and movies. • Playing with robots. • Learning the fundamentals of golf and acting. • Painting. • Rock climbing. • Canoeing. • Mountain biking. • Riding horses. • Bowling and even frolicking in a sprinkler. Do you think they’d notice if a few of us parents snuck in? We could say that our children have separation anxiety, and we need to be with them so they aren’t scarred for life. I guess I didn’t learn my lessons early on. For those of us who want to take on an adult-sized venture, veteran walker Gloria Avillar shares her tips for training to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day event on page 58. It looks like April is the perfect month to get started. If being outdoors appeals to you but walking 60 miles is out of the question, check out opportunities to volunteer on Lake Allatoona on page 20. April 10 is the start of National Volunteer Week and April 22 is Earth Day. U.S. Corps of Engineers Lead Ranger Christopher Purvis acknowledges some helpful volunteers and explains the need for more. Tune in to your inner child and keep your TowneLaker handy as you venture out now that spring has sprung. Let us hear about the fun activities you are enjoying!

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of TowneLaker. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

What’s New Fastfix SmartPhone and Tablet has opened at 2360 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 107, in the Colonnade at Towne Lake. The shop offers repairs on smart phones (iPhones and Androids), tablets and computers (Mac and PCs), as well as gaming consoles. Anyone with questions about electronics can call 770-372-3819. www.fastfixrepairs.com.

What’s Coming Nature’s Corner Market should be opening this fall in the former location of WOW Fitness on Parkbrooke Drive off Eagle Drive. The locally owned and operated market, the second location for the owners, will feature products from local vendors, including organic produce, grass-fed beef, nutritional supplements, skin care and organic juice/smoothie bar and café including salads, paninis, wraps, seasonal soups and baked items. www.naturescornermarket.com. Papa John’s International is moving its regional hub to Cherokee County, from which more than 400 Papa John’s stores across seven states will receive fresh pizza dough, food, paper products and other supplies. This location will be one of 10 full-service regional production and distribution centers in the U.S., known as quality control centers. This project, will result in 106 jobs with an average yearly wage of more than $60,000 and more than $15 million in capital investment. The facility will occupy 111,000 square feet of Majestic Realty Company’s building located off Ga. 92 and Northpoint Parkway in Southwest Cherokee County. www.papajohns.com. Bojangles has been permitted for 2072 Eagle Drive. Volcano Steak and Sushi has been permitted for 2990 Eagle Drive. Eddie Bauer and Starbucks have been permitted for The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta.

Ribbon Cutting

Patriots Park is a 32.8-acre park on Kellogg Creek Road that’s part of the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency system. The facility, expected to open this fall, will include two natural grass baseball/softball diamonds, two fenced offleash dog areas, a fully accessible and inclusive playground, a paved walking path, concession/restroom building and an artificial turf adaptive use baseball/softball diamond that will be called Freedom Field.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

COMMUNITY BOARD The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine and providing valuable feedback. Kurt Johnson, co-founder of the Kurt and Sheila real estate team, has been involved in real estate most of his adult life. He and his wife have lived in Cherokee County for more than 13 years, their three children have attended county schools since the oldest started first grade at Bascomb Elementary. Kurt and Sheila work hard to promote Cherokee County and all it has to offer. Ann Litrel 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 in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com. Dee Locklin is a Georgia State University retiree who moved to Towne Lake in 1998. She and husband Lewis are the proud parents of KSU student Taylor. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and now is focusing her energy on caring for her beloved husband as he battles late-stage cancer. Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County for the last 15 years. He performs improv comedy with the iThink Improv Troupe out of the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Theatre in downtown Woodstock. He lives in Woodstock with his wife Justine, and his cat, Wasabi. Lynne Saunders is the founder and executive director of Papa’s Pantry and The Master’s Training Center. Her employment classes are based on a book she wrote, “21st Century Keys to Employment.” Lynne has been married to Bill for 33 years and has three grown daughters and five grandchildren. Dr. Scott R. Harden is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for more than 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children. 6

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3322 Controller Denise Griffin Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3315 Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3309 Managing Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3307 Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Market Support Assistant Katherine Amick Katherine@AroundAboutMagazines.com 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 15,100 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 900 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 2016. TowneLaker PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by:

Volume 21, Issue 12

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

Voting Ends April 15

For Readers’ Choice 2016 If you haven’t had a chance to vote, go to www.townelaker.com before 5 p.m. April 15 and let us know your favorite small businesses in our community. Our local business owners bring so much value to our community. They offer restaurants where we can grab a delicious meal, service centers to keep our cars in tune, individuals who help educate our children and care for our pets, and medical facilities with physicians we trust to treat our families. Now’s your chance to thank them. Remember: • Please include the location of the business, if there are multiple sites. For example, many restaurants have three or four locations - help us know which one you’re voting for by giving as much information as possible, such as a street or community name. • No more than five votes per category will be accepted from each IP address. • Winners will be announced in the May issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Preservation Woodstock Partners with Elm Street to Revive the Reeves

A Resource for Cherokee’s Senior Citizens

Elm Street’s Revive the Reeves project received a $10,000 gift from Preservation Woodstock to establish the Juanita Hughes History Room as part of the restoration and transformation of the historic home to be the hub for art in the community. Juanita Hughes is an author of multiple books, a columnist with the Cherokee Tribune, and the retired branch manager of the Woodstock library, where she worked for 20 years. She was named Portrait of Juanita Woodstock’s official historian in 2006; she is Hughes by Ann Litrel responsible for creating and growing the archive collections of the Woodstock Visitors Center. In collaboration with other Preservation Woodstock members, Juanita also assists downtown Woodstock developers by suggesting names of historical significance for new streets. Juanita has been a resident of Woodstock since 1965. “The idea for the history room came from Ann Litrel (Elm Street Board member),” said Christopher Brazelton, Elm Street Operations Manager. “As Juanita often says, ‘There are many ways to preserve history, and art is one of them.’ So we thought it appropriate that our art center contain a place to honor our community’s past. Past is prologue, after all.” Plans for the history room at the Reeves include a conference room, exhibit space, audio-visual display, Woodstock archives and rotating history programs in partnership with other organizations. More information about the Revive the Reeves Project can be found at www.revivethereeves.org -OR- www.elmstreetarts.org/revive-reeves/

Senior citizens and caregivers of seniors may want to mark April 30 on their calendars. The 10th annual Cherokee County TRIAD S.A.L.T Senior Extravaganza will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Cherokee County Recreation Center South Annex, 7545 Main St., Building 200, in Woodstock. Featuring a showcase of products and services with more than 70 exhibitors, health screenings, fashion show, police canine demonstration and information for seniors. Door prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes. For more information, visit www.SALTCherokee.com.

A Chance to Meet County Candidates The Cherokee County Farm Bureau, along with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee, will sponsor a political forum meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. May 3 under the wooden pavilion at Cagle’s Family Farm, 362 Stringer Road, Canton. All local, state and national candidates running for office in 2016 will be invited to attend. If they have opposition, each will have two minutes to speak. The audience will have a chance to write questions to be answered by the candidates. A meet-and-greet time will take place before and after the forum. Homemade ice cream will be served by Boy Scout Troop #465. Sodas and water and peanuts provided by the Farm Bureau. The forum is open to the public. Call 770-479-1481, ext. 0 to RSVP.

Scouts on the Move Visiting the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville recently with Cub Scout Pack 6410 Tiger Den were Joshua, Ben, Luke, Jonah, Wyatt, Cadman, Alex and Caroline. Jacob, a member of Boy Scout Troop 6410, is collecting shoes for Soles4Souls as his Eagle Scout project. Both groups meet at His Hands Church in Woodstock. 10

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

WE SUPPORT LOCAL SCHOOLS, ORGANIZATIONS AND VENUES. BECAUSE CHEROKEE IS OUR HOME,TOO. 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 and support Cherokee. Because it’s our home.

Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Registration Dates for 2016-17 School Year The Cherokee County School district will hold registration 3:30-6 p.m. April 28 and 9 a.m.-noon April 29 for the 2016-17 school year for kindergarten and first-grade students who are entering school for the first time. Registration is available at all county elementary schools. www.cherokee.k12.ga.us. For more information on kindergarten programs, see the publication “Ready to Learn” under the Parent Information tab at the website. The talent show grand prize winner, Woodstock High School’s duo of Katelyn Nacon and April Schlinkert, won a $1,000 grant for the school. Also pictured are gala cochairs Amanda Arnold, left, and Debbie Rabjohn. Photo courtesy of LIFETOUCH.

Record Amount Raised at Gala The Cherokee County Educational Foundation’s second annual Celebration of Education gala last month raised more than $56,000, a record total in donations that will benefit the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) and honored outstanding teachers, students, partners, volunteers and alumni. More than 350 attended the event, which included dinner, awards, a silent auction and the CCSD’s Got Talent high school student talent show. The nonprofit, charitable organization raises awareness and funds to support Cherokee schools, students and teachers. Since the foundation was established in 2012, $120,000 has been awarded. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower was honored as the event’s Honorary Chair, and other special guests included the CCSD Teacher of the Year, Media Specialist of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Partner of the Year. Foundation board members Amanda Arnold, vice president for Credit Union of Georgia, and Debbie Rabjohn, CCSD parent and PTA volunteer, served as gala committee co-chairs. Recipients of the Alumni of the Year awards were Frankie Shepherd, a lifetime educator who retired as Principal of her alma mater, Ralph Bunche High School (now Center), and has volunteered in numerous community service roles; and Gene Norton, a lifetime educator who served as superintendent of schools and in roles for the Georgia Department of Education and Reinhardt University. These honorees will be added to the Cherokee County Educators Hall of Fame, which will open next year on the campus of the new educational services complex under construction at The Bluffs in Canton. Former superintendent Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo also will be inducted into the hall of fame. A new project being undertaken by CCEF also was announced: the establishment of the CCEF Technology Challenge Grant, which will be piloted at Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy. Teachers will have the opportunity to apply for this competitive grant to earn tablet devices for every child in their class to use, and the teacher will receive Microsoft Innovative Etowah High School’s Brandon Cali and Educator certification and other Kristina Welch, perform “Never Be Jealous Again” from “The Pajama Game.” special training. 12

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

WellStar Named to Fortune’s Best Companies List For the third consecutive year, WellStar Health System was named one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®, which recognizes companies across the country that have exceptional workplace cultures. The prestigious award is a reflection of WellStar’s commitment to taking care of its team members, who are dedicated to taking care of others. To see the complete 2016 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, visit www.fortune.com.

A Touch of France in July: Host a French Student for 20 Days Cherokee County families can host a teen student from France July 7-27. Twenty-five French teens ages 14-18 who speak English and are from professional French families need American host families who will provide room and board, hospitality, and friendship (host families are compensated). The teens, who come from Paris to Provence, want to experience American life firsthand and they will have spending money for expenses outside of the home. Linda Farmer, a retired French teacher, along with a French chaperone, oversee the program, which is sponsored by Paris-based Loisirs Culturels à l’étranger. For more information, contact Linda Farmer at lgfarmer@aol. com or 770-973-2452.

Free or Low Cost Health Screening Available The Cherokee County Health Department is offering breast cancer screening and diagnostics at low or no cost to women ages 50-64 who have limited annual income and limited or no health insurance. Screening includes a review of family health history, self-breast exam, clinical breast exam and mammography. Officials also educate women to make healthy lifestyle choices through diet, exercise and tobacco cessation. Learn more at www.nghd.org.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

Celebrations!

Annie Hale

Enrique Torres

Age 13 on April 1 Happy birthday! We are so proud of you, God bless you! Mom, Dad and sisters

Happy Birthday, Colby

Age 7 on March 26 Love, Mommy, Daddy, Colton and Cooper

Kathryn Flannery

Age 6 on April 21 Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! We love you, the big the most! Mommy and Daddy

Age 7 on April 22 HaPpY bIrThDaY! Love, Daddy, Mommy and Jessica

Cody Blair Smith

Charlotte Luina

Age 6 on April 23 Happy birthday silly bug! Love you bunches! Mom, Dad, Sean and Zack

Age 10 on April 12 We love you Charlotte! Have a great time in Chicago!! Mom, Dad, Hannah and Norah

Happy Birthday, Colton

Age 6 on March 13 Love, Mommy, Daddy, Colby and Cooper

Benjamin Holly

Happy 8th birthday Your joy and your smile are contagious! We love you! Mommy, Daddy, Austin and Nicholas

Xavier Alexander Page Age 4 on March 20 Novalee Scout Page Age 1 on April 14

Happy birthday to our not-so-little boy and our baby girl! You both bring the light into our lives! Love you to the moon and back! Mommy, Daddy, Nana, Pop, Yia Yia and Grandpa Gary

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Norah Luina

Age 8 on April 17 We love you Norah! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re my girl! Happy birthday! Mom, Dad, Hannah and Charlotte

Colton Bruce

Age 1 on April 3 Son of Kevin and Kellie Bruce Happy Birthday, Colton! We love you!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! E-mail to: Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com May deadline is April 10. Please specify TowneLaker.

TRAILFEST2016 a benefit event for greenprints alliance featuring:

THE DELTA SAINTS and other musical guests

get OUT: Northside Hospital Cherokee 5K & Fun Run trailfest.run

ABOUT GPA:

Climbing Wall & MTB Test Track, food, beer, & music.

Greenprints Allance is focused on facilitating the building of trails and amenities through advocacy and fundraising.

Donations to benfit trail development are appreciated!

We have a vision for a healthier lifestyle in Woodstock.

thanks to our sponsors, trailfest is a free event!

may 7. 2016 // downtown woodstock // trailfest.org

Path & Post // Creative Solar // Brooklynnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta // Cherokee Tribune AroundAbout Local Media // Waste Management

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

Events for Lego Fans, Crafters & Families Rose Creek

@ the

w w w. S e q u o y

770-591-1491 Tuesdays Knitting/crocheting group meets 1-3 p.m. with Mrs. Darlene to help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn. No registration or prior knowledge required.

Wednesdays Scribble & Scrabble from 2-4 p.m. to play a game of Scrabble or color a picture. All materials will be provided. All skill levels are welcome.

April 5, 12, 19 & 26 Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m. for families with children of all ages, featuring stories, fingerplays, flannelboards, music, a free craft activity and a take-home literacy sheet. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

April 6, 13, 20 & 27 Lapsit Storytime at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 1-3 to learn the story-time experience and encourage literacy by including books, songs, rhymes and physical activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Reading Dogs are ready to listen as children 6 years of age and older read to a non-judgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if mistakes are made or the reader stumbles. Parents register your child for a 10-15 minute session two weeks prior by calling the library.

April 7 LEGO Robotics at 3 p.m. where children ages 9-14 create, build, control and play with LEGO Robotics. Registration is required.

April 9 LEGO Club is 3-4 p.m. with a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

April 14 Library BINGO Book Club meets 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants decide what to read and when. Attending meetings is not mandatory. New members are welcome. 16

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

It’s Not Just for BY ANGELA

The Sequoyah Regional Library System joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating the dynamic changes that are happening in today’s libraries. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries today are more about what they can do for the library users, as opposed to what they have for patrons. Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies, or just relax. Libraries are many things to many people. They work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public to discover and address the needs of their communities. Whether through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or offering a safe haven in times of crisis, libraries and librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond. Libraries of all types are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. At the Sequoyah Regional Library System, we are transforming by offering a variety of unique services and programs. Not sure what we offer for you? At your local library, you can: • Check out audiobooks and DVDs for free with your library card. • Access computer workstations, wireless internet access, copiers and printers.

Library

a h R e g i o n a l L i b r a r y. o r g

April 21 Spring Creation Station is 4-5 p.m. Make a fun springtime craft with supplies provided for ages 8 and up. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

April 26 Student Banking at 4 p.m. as part of Money Smart Week. All ages are invited to learn to budget and save - from college students to those getting their first job. Also, learn about different bank accounts and how to use credit. Guest speaker is Lisa Smith from Regions Bank.

April 28 Road to Home Ownership at 4 p.m. as part of Money Smart Week. Learn about the home buying process along with pros and cons of owning a home. Learn about mortgages and the application process. Guest speaker is Lisa Smith of Regions Bank.

Woodstock 770-926-5859

Bookworms Anymore GLOWCHESKI

• Get free downloads of e-books and audiobooks to your device. • Use a meeting or study room at no charge. • Explore your family history with a variety of genealogy materials. • Get instant access to a variety of test preparation materials, in print and online. • Learn a new language with free access to language databases. Access this information from home or in the library. • Get free admission through one of many experience program passes to Zoo Atlanta, Georgia state parks or the Center of Puppetry Arts. • Attend adult, teen, children or family programs that range from LEGO robotics to Book Clubs and DIY craft sessions. • Access to a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to answer questions, deliver great service and guide you to your next great read. And remember – a library card is FREE! For more information, call 770-479-3090 or visit www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Angela Glowcheski is the public services director for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. 770-479-3090. www. sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

April 4, 11, 18, 25 Coloring is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All materials provided. For ages 16 and up.

April 5, 12, 19 Tuesday Night Tutors available from 6- 7 p.m. Teachers and volunteers from Woodstock Elementary gather most Tuesdays in the children’s department to help with homework, projects and school assignments.

April 5, 12, 19, 26 Brain Games 10 a.m.-noon with puzzles, cards, games, coloring, word puzzles and stimulating conversations along with a cup of green tea.

April 5 Drop-In Crafter-Noon 2-4 p.m. for all ages who enjoy crafting with paper, glue and crayons. All materials provided. This drop-in program requires a participating adult.

April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m. for families with children of all ages. These programs feature stories, fingerplays, flannelboards, music, a free craft activity and a take-home literacy sheet. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. continued on page 19 TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

Close-Knit Group Bound by More Than Yarn BY JACKIE LOUDIN

Their chatter is loud and their laughter is infectious. They can be found most Tuesdays 1–3 p.m. at the Rose Creek Library with knitting needles and crochet hooks in hand. This group of women will be quick to tell you that no prior knowledge of knitting or crocheting is necessary; in fact, their leader Darlene Pawlicki is known for being able to teach anyone to knit. They will also tell you to come prepared for plenty of conversation and companionship. Pawlicki started the knitting and crocheting group four years ago, after retiring from her job as a kindergarten teacher. “I had no one to talk to and I missed teaching,” said Pawlicki. So she decided to use her teaching skills to share the art of knitting with others. Fellow knitter Marian Stroh said she loves the fellowship and the way everyone helps each other with projects. Some of the ladies have even turned their hobby into a way of giving back to the community. Stroh said, “You can only make so many gifts for your family and friends before you have to figure out something else.” So she and several members of the Tuesday afternoon knitting and crocheting club have made caps, booties and blankets to donate to Tiny Stitches, an organization that provides basic clothing, bedding and other items for newborns of families in need in North Georgia (tinystitches. org). They have also made chemo caps for patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments. The ladies are passionate about their craft and want to keep it alive by passing it on to the next generation. However, in a twist of events, the youngest member of the group Macey Williams, age 13, is responsible for teaching her grandmother, Shirley 18

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Williams, to knit. Shirley said she treasures the time she gets to spend with her granddaughter and they often make an entire day of it, complete with lunch and shopping. The fun doesn’t end when someone completes a project. In fact, the ladies love what they call show and tell days. When a member completes a blanket, shawl or hat, the item is laid out on a table for all to admire and inspect up close. The members talk about the intricacy of the stitches and the softness of the material, and take pictures to preserve the memory of the hard work and love put into each row of looped yarn. Pawlicki and her friends extend an open invitation to anyone interested in joining the group. Just bring your yarn, knitting needles or crochet hook, and a willingness to learn and laugh.

Macey Williams and her grandmother, Shirley, bond over knitting. Darlene Pawlicki (left) teaches knitting to a new student.

April 7, 14, 21, 28 Family Storytime at 3:30 p.m. for families with children of all ages. These programs feature stories, fingerplays, flannelboards, music, a free craft activity and a take-home literacy sheet. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

April 7, 14, 28 Sit & Stitch Social 10 a.m.-noon. Creative people bring current project to stitch as you visit.

April 13, 20, 27 Reading Dogs are ready to listen as children 6 years of age and older read to a non-judgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if mistakes are made or the reader stumbles. Parents register your child for a 10-15 minute session two weeks prior by calling the library.

April 17 LEGO Club meets 3-4:30 p.m. with a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

April 19 Bookmark Book Club meets 4-5 p.m. Earn seven AR points and have fun doing it, with a discussion on “The Saturday Boy” by David Fleming. Book discussion, fun activity and light refreshments. For ages 9-12. Teen Writers Workshop 6-7:15 p.m. for teen and tween writers in the sixth grade and up.

April 26 LEGO Robotics 4-6 p.m. where children ages 9-14 create, build, control and play with LEGO Robotics. Registration is required.

Library Locations: R.T. Jones: 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Hickory Flat: 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. Rose Creek: 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Woodstock: 7735 Main St., Woodstock. Ball Ground: 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground. TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

Lake Allatoona Offers a Variety of Volunteer Positions BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

April 10 is the start of across the nation. Other National Volunteer Week volunteers work as park hosts and a great time to recognize in many of the Corps day-use the efforts of volunteers on areas. In return for a free Lake Allatoona. In 2015, campsite, these volunteers nearly 52,000 hours of open and close gates, service were completed by check for fee compliance 3,385 volunteers in water and generally maintain safety, trail maintenance, fish surveillance of the areas. attractors, natural resource You probably have seen management, shoreline these volunteers in Cooper’s cleanup, park hosting, Boy Furnace Park, Riverside Park, Scouts of America Eagle Kellogg Creek Park, Tanyard Corps Rangers, Corps volunteers and American Chestnut Foundation volunteers Scout projects and many Creek Park and Upper Stamp others. Lake Allatoona offers at last year’s chestnut site workday. Photo by Jess Varner. Creek Park day-use areas. a wide variety of volunteer opportunities from lake events to In 2013 the Corps opened a new Volunteer Village near positions as park hosts or in the Volunteer Village. McKaskey Creek Campground. This 10-site campground houses Of course, the biggest volunteer event on the lake and perhaps volunteers, who seasonally donate their time to assist the lake in the nation is the Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup (GLAC). This office. These volunteers have been instrumental the past few years event is held every year in September in conjunction with national helping rangers and staff on projects across Lake Allatoona. If you Public Lands Day, a volunteer effort to work on federal, state, stop by the visitor center this summer or see someone maintaining county and city parks. The turnout to spruce up Lake Allatoona trails or assisting rangers on boat patrol, thank them for their is usually so large, it ranks among the top three nationwide. Last service because they are most likely one of the “Village People.” year, 3,200 volunteers came out for the event with nearly 1,000 Don’t forget, April 22 is Earth Day. If you would like to volunteer staying for the post-cleanup picnic at Riverside Park day-use area. for an Earth Day project or if you’re interested in a park host The cleanup event is managed by the Lake Allatoona Association or Volunteer Village position, please contact the volunteer and partners with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on this worthy coordinator at 678-721-6700. environmental cleanup. The 2016 GLAC is scheduled for Sept. 24. A number of volunteers consistently and selflessly give their time to the lake project. Geri Hillegass has done so since 2007, assisting in the operations project management office and with water safety Christopher Purvis is the lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a initiatives. She was recently awarded a volunteer recognition ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005. coin from the Corps Foundation, one of only eight issued last year

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

2016 Adventures Express Summer Day Camp

Adventures Express Camp through the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency - for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Weekly camps are 6:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. May 31-July 29, no camp July 4-8. Cost is $130 per week. Children build personal and social skills through teamwork, individual or group interaction. Contact Kate Borden at kborden@cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768.

Art of Living at Community of Hope

Art camp 9 a.m.-noon for ages 7-12. $135 for five-day camp, $85 for three days. For details and dates, call Patricia Reeves at 770-479-6961. www.patriciareeves.com.

Brainy Bytes Technology Camps

Weekly half-day and full-day camps start June 6. Children are supplied with everything they need to create video games, movies, 3D printed objects, robot battles and more. Locations in Woodstock, Acworth and Roswell. 770-826-0449. www.brainy-bytes.com.

Camp Gideon

The Christian camp on Lake Allatoona offers Impact Youth Leadership camp (ages 12 and older) June 18-24. Discovery Day Camp for ages 5−11 is June 20-24, June 27-July 1 and July 4-8. Overnight camp for ages 7-13 is July 11-15 and July 18-22. Costs vary. Camp Gideon is in Acworth at 3545 Walden Lane. www.campgideon.com.

Camp Splash

Gold Swim School camp dates June 6-July 22, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. for ages 4-12. There will be a different theme each week. Daily Schedule includes: swim America swim lesson, arts and crafts, fun swim, outside games, keep fit and movie time. One week is $265 (includes T-shirt and goodie bag), multiple weeks $250 each. Second or more children per family receive 10 percent discount. Registration fee of $20 per camper required for new Gold Swim customers only. Camp fees are non-refundable. $85 daily drop-in rate if space is available. Woodstock Aquatic Center 103 Arnold Mill Road. 770-591-1998. www.goldswim.com.

Canton Golf Club Junior Golf Camp

Learn the fundamentals of golf with PGA Class A instructor Craig King. For ages 7-16. Games and prizes, snacks and beverages provided. Cost is $165. Call or text for dates and times 404-285-7557.

Cherokee YMCA

Campers ages pre-K through 10th grade will have the opportunity for day camp experiences with highly trained staff on 225 acres on Lake Allatoona or at the indoor YMCA in Canton. Activities include water skiing, canoeing, arts and crafts, rock climbing, archery, horseback riding, mountain biking, little princess and Jedi camps, and more. Register for weekly sessions May 31-July 29. Scholarships available. 770-345-9622. www.cherokeeymcaregistration.com. 22

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Guide

It’s important to choose a summer camp experience that fits your child’s personality and needs. Our guide of local summer camps should help make that decision easier. Register early since many camps fill up quickly.

Dance For His Glory Summer dance classes available June 13-17 and July 25-29. 10:30 a.m.noon for ages 3-5 ($40 per week), 10 a.m.-noon for ages 5-6 ($45 per week), 12:30-3 p.m. for ages 7 and older (7-9 are grouped together and ages 10 and older are divided into at least three age levels) ($50 per week). DMC, for company members only, is 3-5:30 p.m. ($50 per week). Classes held at First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, on the second floor of the B Building. www. danceforhisglory.net.

Dance Imagination Fairytale Ballet for ages 2 and older 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily, June and July. Hip Hop camps for ages 5 and older in June and July. Located at 119 Mill St., Woodstock. info@danceimagination.com. 678-445-2731. www.danceimagination.com.

Elm Street Drama Camps Elm Street Cultural Arts Village camps are taught by trained counselors who introduce children ages 5-14 to the world of the theatre. Campers develop poise, movement, speaking and acting skills as they explore improvisation, theatre games, character development and many other skills. Sessions available weekly June 6-July 29. Junior division for ages 5-7, senior division for ages 8-14. 678-494-4251. www.elmstreetarts.org.

Etowah Volleyball Summer Camp Open to rising fourth- through ninth-grade girls. 9 a.m.−noon, June 6-9 at Etowah High School’s new gym. Cost is $115; sibling discount available. www. etowaheaglesvolleyball.com.

Future Owl Youth Camp

Future football players can experience the excitement of Kennesaw State University football at one of two individual one-day camps for rising third- through eighth-graders. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. June 13 and July 11 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. $60 fee includes lunch and T-shirt. www.BrianBohannonFootballCamps.com.

Georgia All-Star Gymnastics Day Camp

Children will participate in gymnastics, arts and crafts, outdoor and indoor games, sprinkler time, watch movies, and have quiet time to read, rest or play alone. Sessions are held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekly May 31-July 29. Half-day and full-day rates available. 105 Arnold Mill Park, Woodstock. 770-516-2654. info@ga-allstars.com. www.ga-allstars.com.

Green Acres Equestrian Center’s Summer Horseback Riding Day Camp

Learn horsemanship and English riding skills. Enjoy arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, friendships and more. Weekly camps May 30-July 29 (except week of July 4), 9 a.m.−2 p.m. Monday−Friday. $375 per week if registered by April 30, then $395 per week. www.greenacresonline. com. 354 Bluebird Acres Road, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-517-5154. greenacresonline@bellsouth.net

Soccer Camp

Nuno Piteira’s Soccer Experience (NPSE) June 16–19 and June 23–26. Junior division, ages 9-12; senior division, ages 13-17. Cost for overnight camp $510, commuter camp $450, overnight elite camp $545, elite commuter camp $495. The elite camp is for the technically advanced academy or select player that has been playing for two years or more. The curriculum is more challenging, as is the competition for the week. Each camper will receive a NPSE Tshirt and shoe bag at check-in and a written evaluation from their coach at check-out. Camps are hosted by Reinhardt University, Waleska. 770-640-1588. nuno@ soccerexperieince.net.

The Stables at Towne Lake

Registration is open for barrel racing camp (June 6-10 and July 11-15) and English riding camp (June 20-24 and July 18-22.) Hours are 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. A $100 deposit is required with the balance of $225 due before the first day of camp. Discounts given for multiple camps weeks. 678-718-7180.

KAOS Camp

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency offers exclusive camp for residents ages 6 -22 who have special needs and want a place to hang out. Weekly camps are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 31 - July 29, (no camp July 4-8) with a 1:3 ratio of experienced counselors to participants and three field trips weekly. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, bowling and bounce house fun. Kids will experience independence while surrounded by peers; campers are divided by age. Cost is $130 per week with a non-refundable $30 deposit. Contact Kate Borden at kborden@ cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768.

Kids Time Academy

Adventure and Exploration Camp has weekly themes with field trips and activities for ages 4-12. Camp includes full meal plan. 9562 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. www.kidztymeacademy.com.

Paper.Scissors.Cake

The children’s art studio will offer mixed media camps for children ages 6-12 that include time for sketchbooks and stories, painting, drawing, collage, assemblage and more. Also available, toddler camps for children 20 months-3 years and preschool camps for children 3 ½-5. Call 404-867-1630 for camp dates. 6687 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Check Paper.Scissors.Cake’s Facebook page.

Safety Town

Offering two 9 a.m.-noon sessions, June 6-10 and June 13-17. Each day focuses on a different safety message: water, fire, strangers, school bus, poison, traffic and pedestrian safety. $75 fee includes T-shirt and daily snack. Participants need to bring a bike helmet each day. Bascomb Elementary School in Woodstock. www.cherokeecountysafetytown.org.

Teams of Sports/Science (TOSS) Camp

For ages 5-12, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, May 31-July 22. Learn how science permeates our world through the habits of outdoor creatures, the memory capacity of robots, the chemistry of your favorite food recipes and the physics behind championship sports. Students will participate in volleyball, tennis, cheerleading, basketball, etc. Field trips include the Tellus Science Museum, the library, bowling, skating and more. Registration $40, weekly cost is $125. Allen Temple Church, 232 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. www.allentempleame.org.

Teen Adventure Camp

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency camp provides adventure for teens age 13-15. Camp is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily June 27- July 1. Cost is $250. Campers travel to various activities. Lunch included on some trips. Registration begins at 9 a.m. April 18 online (www.crpa.net/ camps/school-break-camps/) or in person at the Recreation Center. Contact Kate Borden at kborden@cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768.

Towne Lake Community Church Summer Camp

For children ages 4−11. 9 a.m.−2 p.m. Monday−Friday, June 6–July 22 (closed July 4–8). Games, crafts, playground, weekly themes and weekly water activities. $90 per week or $25 per day. One-time registration fee of $20 per child or $25 per family. Towne Lake Community Church, 132 North Medical Parkway. camp@tlcchurch.com. 678-445-8766, ext. 203.

Waterlogged Camp

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency camp for ages 9-12; 9 a.m.-4p.m. with three sessions: June 13-17, July 11-15 and July 25-29. Cost is $250 per week. Bring swimsuit, sunscreen and towel for various supervised water activities. Registration begins 9 a.m. April 18 online (www.crpa. net/camps/school-break-camps/) or in person at the Recreation Center. Contact Kate Borden at kborden@cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768. TOWNELAKER | April 2016

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Community

EVERYDAY

Many cyclists and bikers hit the road when the weather gets warmer, which makes sharing the road safely a priority for drivers. We would like to share a dear friend’s story as a safety reminder to Emma, Daniel, Mandy and Mark Puckett. always be extra alert and to keep an eye out for motorcyclists on the roadways. On Oct. 5, 2015, 56-year-old Canton resident Mark Puckett took advantage of a beautiful fall day by taking his Harley out for a spin. He didn’t return home the same man. His family was celebrating his daughter Emma’s 15th birthday when the sheriff’s deputy pulled into the driveway and rang the doorbell. The deputy informed his wife Mandy that Mark had been involved in an accident not far from their home. His motorcycle had been t-boned in front of the Publix Shopping Center at the intersection of East Cherokee Drive and Highway 140, and he was thrown 200 feet in one direction while his motorcycle landed 100 feet in the other direction. Fortunately, the truck in front of Mark was driven by a paramedic who

Sometimes things break, lives break and people break. It’s not the breaking that matters, the how or why. What matters is how we choose to respond to the broken-ness. Does it kill us? Does it throw us into a downward spiral? OR

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LOVE.

FB post from Mandy shortly after Mark’s accident. 26

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

witnessed the accident and cared for him until authorities arrived at the scene. Mark suffered a traumatic brain injury along with broken ribs and ankles and a punctured lung. When Mandy arrived at North Fulton Hospital, doctors had given Mark a 5 percent chance of survival. His brain injury required a large portion of his skull to be removed to allow for swelling. Mark was in a coma for two weeks and remained in ICU until he was transferred to the Shepherd Center. Healing came with numerous surgeries and setbacks that included pneumonia, bacterial infections and many life-threatening scares. Before his accident, Mark was a successful solutions engineer for Salesforce.com. A former skydiving instructor and licensed pilot, Mark lived life fully every day. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, hiking, golfing and dirt biking with his family and friends. Despite his adventurous lifestyle, Mark was meticulous and deliberate about all things, especially safety. His family is his world and he always worked hard to make sure they were well taken care of. Despite our best efforts, few can plan well enough to cover the expenses necessary for this type of tragic event. Today, Mandy is filling the roles of mom and dad while caring for Mark. Because traumatic brain injuries require several years to fully heal, it will be a while before they understand what their future will hold. Meanwhile, Mark has been moved to an assisted living facility near their home to receive 24/7 care, an expense that is not covered by insurance. With limited help from extended family, Mandy is faced with staggering physical, emotional and financial challenges. We would like to appeal to our readers as well as the biking community to donate or consider fundraising events in support of this sweet family. For more information, please send an email to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

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Community

Rob’s Rescues BY ROB MACMILLIAN

I went to the Gwinnett County jail. First I went to Sheriff Butch Conway’s office and talked to him and asked him questions about his Jail Dogs program and how me and my mom will try and bring it to Cherokee County. Sheriff Conway’s dog JP is from Hurricane Katrina. Then I went to see the dogs that the inmates in the jail train and take care of. I saw Roxy who is a yellow pitbull Labrador mix, Sonya who does lots of tricks and is black and white, and Bandit whose This cat (from Cherokee County back legs do not work. I Animal Shelter) is called Mya. also found a basketball She is 1 year old and free to adopt. She likes toys and is hoop in there and made quite shy. If you throw a soft a shot from half court. I toy at her she will pounce on it. also went to the cat section which is in the laundry section with the female inmates. These were my questions to Sheriff Conway: How long have you been doing the jail dogs program? Sheriff Conway: Since 2010. How many dogs and cats have you rescued? Sheriff Conway: 295+ dogs. Cats are a relatively recent introduction, 41 cats so far.

Rob’s Rescues

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

now has a Facebook page!

How many dogs and cats are here right now? Sheriff Conway: 17-20 dogs and 10-15 cats. Who should I talk to to get Jail Dogs in Cherokee County? Sheriff Conway: The sheriff, who is changing.

Sheriff Conway, his dog JP and Rob. JP stands for Jefferson Parish, which is where the sheriff took his SWAT team after Hurricane Katrina.

How do you choose the prisoners who get a dog? Sheriff Conway: By classification (dangerous or not). They must have good behavior in jail. They must have not committed a crime of violence or involving animal abuse. There is a long waiting list of prisoners to get into this program and it is interesting in that it is quite common for competing gang members to bond over the care and training of the dogs. Do the dogs sleep in the cells? Sheriff Conway: They have a kennel in the cells, but most sleep in bed with the prisoner. Jail Dogs is a partnership between the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department and the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia. The program saves dogs from Gwinnett County Animal Control and places them with selected inmates. The animals are vetted, trained and subsequently offered for adoption. The Gwinnett program is the first of its kind in a jail (most programs like this are in prisons where the inmates are in there for longer terms).

I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

Dean Rusk: Cherokee County Statesman BY BETSY TROPE

Recently, Cuba has been in the news as attempted to invade Cuba and overthrow America’s relationship with the island just Fidel Castro’s Communist government. off the Florida coast changes dramatically. The operation failed and was a major Fifty-five years ago this month, Cuba also embarrassment for Kennedy. dominated the headlines, as the Bay Only a few days after this crisis, Rusk of Pigs crisis unfolded, with a Cherokee returned to Cherokee County to speak County native at the heart of the action. at Reinhardt College’s homecoming David Dean Rusk, born near Woodstock celebration. More than 4,000 people filled in 1909, was chosen by President John the college grounds as Rusk addressed the F. Kennedy to serve as secretary of state conflict in Cuba and urged the students to in late 1960. The son of two school be of service to their country, a common Rusk, shown speaking at Reinhardt College’s teachers, Rusk attended Davidson College theme in the Kennedy administration. homecoming celebration in 1961, had 13 family and studied international relations as Even after the resolution of the Cuban members graduate from the Waleska institution. a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University. Crisis, Rusk’s tenure as secretary was Following his U.S. Army service in World War II, Rusk joined the U.S. filled with turmoil. Rusk and Kennedy did not get along well. Department of State, where he focused on political affairs in the Although Rusk offered to resign several times, by 1963 rumors Far East. Shortly after his election, Kennedy consulted with Rusk on suggested that the president might dismiss him. In November potential nominees for secretary of state, never mentioning Rusk 1963, everything changed when Kennedy was assassinated in as a candidate. It was quite a surprise when Kennedy called the continued on page 85 next day to offer him the position. Kennedy and Rusk’s first months in office turned into a trial by Canton native Betsy Teasley Trope earned master’s degrees fire, as tensions grew between the United States and the Soviet in Egyptology from Johns Hopkins University and in heritage preservation from Georgia State University. She is program Union, centered on Cuba. On April 17, 1961, CIA-sponsored manager at the Cherokee County Historical Society. forces landed at the Bay of Pigs, on the south coast of Cuba, and

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Partnering with Parents for Healthier Children

In today’s busy world of parenting, one of the most important decisions you have to make is where to go for convenient, comforting and compassionate pediatric care. Northside Cherokee Pediatrics strives to make that decision easy by building great relationships with families in the communities it serves. “One of the best parts of living and working in Cherokee County is being

Dr. Shah performing a newborn well-check.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Towne Lake location staff.

able to help support the same families who have supported us. Our focus is personalized care which gives us the opportunity to really get to know our patients and their families,” Dr. Shalini Shah said. “The beauty of being able to spend so much time with families is being able to build relationships beyond the scope of medicine and watching those relationships become friendships.” Northside Cherokee Pediatrics has opened a second location to better serve the youngest Cherokee County residents, ages birth to 18, with compassionate and comprehensive medical care. With convenient offices in Holly Springs and Towne Lake, the physicians can spend more time with each patient and offer the personalized care that means so much to them. Drs. Shah, Jamie Rollins, and Nancy Doelling value the relationships they build with patients and their families, and the community in which they work. Rollins and Doelling serve the community in the Holly Springs location. Shah and nurse practitioner Melissa DuBois, NP-C, work in the Towne Lake office. In addition to general well exams and sick visits, the practice addresses many specific concerns for today’s parents:

Dr. Doelling examining a pre-adolescent patient for a sick visit.

behavioral and physical development from infancy to adolescence; newborn care; breastfeeding, obesity and weight management; sleep habits; vaccinations; and safety measures. For parents encountering various behavioral issues or developmental disorders, the physicians have the necessary experience to guide families. “We aim to meet the specific

photos by Danny Griffin

Sixes location staff.

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics

www.northsidecherokeepediatrics.com Exceptional Care

Nancy Doelling, MD

Jamie Rollins, MD

Shalini Shah MD

Board-certified in pediatrics, Northside Cherokee Pediatrics’ physicians provide attentive, complete care to children from infancy to adolescence. With special interests in newborn care, breastfeeding, developmental issues and behavioral disorders and obesity/weight management, physicians offer services to fit your child’s individual needs.

Timely Access developmental needs of children and adolescents, whether it be developmental challenges, learning conditions such as ADHD, or behavioral problems, by giving them and their families the tools that will best help them—which may also include referring out to various local specialists when necessary,” Rollins said. The physicians at Northside Cherokee Pediatrics treat a variety of conditions, including some that may be more difficult to diagnose. Doelling’s previous work experience brings added benefits to the practice. “My 11 years of hospital experience have allowed me to help treat kids with complex conditions and infectious diseases. My role is to provide the families with the support and connection they deserve,” Doelling said. For parents embarking on the early days of their child’s life, the providers understand how unnerving a time it may be for new parents, and do what they can to offer guidance on newborn care. “It’s an amazing experience to see parents bring their newborn in for the first time with such hesitation and worry, yet months later they come in with such confidence as they watch their baby grow.” Shah said. The employees and physicians at Northside Cherokee Pediatrics strive for wait times no longer than 15 minutes, return test results within 24 hours and offer free parking. They also accept most major insurance plans. The patient education tab on

www.NorthsideCherokeePediatrics. com offers a wealth of information, with details on the common cold, vaccinations, ADHD, antibiotics and a newborn guide, among other topics.

• Same-day sick appointments whenever possible • Striving to see patients within 15 minutes of arrival • Convenient location and free parking

Efficient Follow-up

Timely feedback and reports to patients. Exams are completed in the office and tests results are usually available the next day.

Dr. Rollins checking a toddler’s milestone markers.

While each physician brings a unique perspective and specialty to the practice, they’re united in their goal of bringing quality healthcare to their young patients and their families. And they also agree that they enjoy getting hugs and waves from patients at the grocery store or during school events. Seeing patients and their families living healthy lives in the community is an added—and welcome—bonus.

Holly Springs 684 Sixes Road, Suite 220 Holly Springs 30115 For an appointment call 678-388-5485 Towne Lake 900 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 306 Woodstock 30189 For an appointment call 770-852-7720 TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Community

In the Mirror Moments

Why List with a Local Agent?

BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

Washing my face tonight, eyes closed, releasing the concerns of the day, I thought I knew what to expect when I opened my eyes to face the mirror. The cleanser felt good. Moisturizer would feel even better in preparation for the night. When my eyes opened, I expected to see what my mind imagined. Instead, I stopped and stared. When did 10, 20, 30 additional years jump to the features of my face? As we age, we think of ourselves in images, snapshots, at different stages of our lives, and as different people. For me, one amazing moment was when I was a teenager. I was at the helm, racing a sailboat and navigating a narrow pass on Lake Ontario. Under full sail, no one onboard breathed as we heeled appropriately to safely make it through. We didn’t crash or capsize. It was humbling. I was just a kid! A glimpse of confident youth. My next mental picture is me in my early 20s, at my first daughter’s birthday. I was on the run and hiding from an abusive ex-husband. My eyes were strong. They didn’t match my circumstances. Naivety. Wedding pictures and photos of newborn children come to the forefront of who we become. They help to define us. Our life’s work outlines our character. For the last 17½ years, I have been at the helm of Papa’s Pantry. I think the last “good” picture taken of me was when I left the corporate world to transition to the ministry full time. That was 12 years ago. Assurance. Today, I reflect on my life and ministry. I have been married for 34 years, mom to three wonderful daughters, and GrandMommy to five grandbabies. I am also daughter, niece, sister, and friend. My more recent pictures reflect an older me with some wrinkles, fortunately some laugh lines. Pictures and images in the mirror reflect the high and, sometimes, low parts of our lives; the successes and disappointments. Aging is not elegant, but it is inevitable. Strive for life-balance in all things, and in all memories. Like me, life most likely took you on a different path from the one imagined. But with intention, you can become who you want to be. Your God-given strength from earlier days still carries you today. Keep Making Progress! (I still am.)

Sometimes it makes sense to make a buying decision based on your awareness of a product or service as a result of their marketing efforts. Why not select the soft drink you drink or the lawn care company you use based on who is advertised most on billboards, television and radio? A soft drink is a 50-cent buying decision and if the lawn care company serves your area, it shouldn’t matter that much. Why is it important that your real estate agent is local? How does that help you sell faster and for more money? As you will see below, it’s no surprise that top local agents sell their client’s homes for more money and in less time. Most importantly, you need an agent who is very familiar with your neighborhood and the community and can accurately price your home. The market demand in every neighborhood and price range is different and fluctuates with every sale. Your best local agent is showing properties and reviewing the statistics of your neighborhood every week and has a pulse on the right price for your home. When the top-producing local agent lists your home, he or she will have access to more buyers for your home because other listings in the neighborhood have already revealed those buyers as prospects for your property. Additionally, a local top-producing agent will be in an office of other agents who are working with potential buyers for your property. There is a lot of selling activity among agents in a real estate office that you can’t benefit from if your agent isn’t local. In today’s fast-paced times, your potential buyers may want to see your home now or they may have detailed questions about the community and schools. It’s hard for a non-local agent to have these answers and drop everything to show a property an hour away. Accommodating showings to every potential buyer creates the urgency in other potential buyers to make strong offers in less time. A local top-producing agent can potentially negotiate a higher price for your property and with the buyer’s appraiser. A local agent is most familiar with the comparison properties and in many instances was involved with those specific transactions. This firsthand knowledge of the comparison properties strengthens your position in these negotiations. Selecting a top-producing local agent can net you thousands of dollars more when selling a home. There are plenty of online tools to compare and contrast the agents you consider.

Wedding pictures and photos of newborn children come to the forefront of who we become. They help to define us.

Lynne Saunders is director of Papa’s Pantry (www.papaspantry.org) and the Master’s Training Center. She can be reached at 770-591-4730.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

It’s no surprise that top local agents sell their client’s homes for more money and in less time.

Kurt and Sheila Johnson are Keller Williams Top Producing Agents and have served Cherokee County for more than 10 years. www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com.

Perimeter North Family Medicine

Welcoming New Patients! Offering a full range of adult and pediatric services, our boardcertified physicians proudly offer the highest quality care to keep you and your family happy and healthy. We accept most insurance plans and offer same-day appointments and extended hours at many of our locations. Our services include:

• Physical examinations and wellness care for men, women and children • General and chronic care for geriatric patients • Immunizations • Acute illness treatment for colds, fevers, flu and more • Comprehensive women’s health services

Call (770) 395-1130 for an appointment 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 210 Woodstock, GA 30189

pnfm.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

Irish Coffee This might sound bad, but the smell of whiskey reminds me of my childhood. It reminds me of Christmastime at my grandparents’ home, with the adults sipping Irish coffees at the end of the day. It reminds me of sore teeth, because when I was child you placed a cotton ball soaked in whiskey on your sore tooth. It reminds me of the rugby club after matches with my dad in the winter and some of the ladies having “hot whiskeys” with a slice of lemon with cloves punched through the piece of fruit. An Irish coffee is a nice touch to a dinner party or a visit with friends.

1 teaspoon sugar

Fresh brewed coffee

1.5 ounces Irish whiskey

Heavy whipping cream,

(My favorite is Jameson Irish Whiskey since I am a Dublin girl and it is made in Dublin.)

whipped with an electric beater. Do not over whip or you will have butter.

Pour sugar, whiskey and coffee into a glass coffee mug, stir well. Pour whipped cream over the back of a spoon, so it doesn’t sink. Enjoy!

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Caron and Alberto Catalán, owners and managers of Papa P’s, have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. www.papa-ps.com.

UV Lights in HVAC Systems Eliminate Contaminates BY DAN JAPE

Germicidal or UV lights for heating and air conditioning systems are used to kill the DNA of germs, viruses, mold spores, bacteria and fungi as they pass through the air-handler system. A strategically placed UV light is effective at killing close to 100 percent of these harmful pollutants. Installing a UV HVAC system in your condensing unit — the air handler — provides a cost-effective method to clean all the air as it passes through the system. How Do They Work? UV lights for HVAC systems are designed to use a particular wavelength of light — 254 nanometers — that is absorbed by the DNA of microorganisms. After exposure to the UV light, the organisms are unable to produce the proteins they need to survive. Although the UV light does not kill the germs immediately, it nullifies their ability to cause harm and shortens their lifespan considerably. Why Install a UV Light in the HVAC System? The volume of air inside your home is immense. Treating it effectively as a whole is nearly impossible because UV lights also can be harmful to humans. Inside your air handler, however, is a different story. Your HVAC system draws the air into its evaporator unit and forces it out through air registers — the vents — placed around your home. Installing the UV light inside your evaporator unit makes perfect sense, as the air must pass over the UV light as it is circulated. What Are the Limits of UV Lights? UV lights for your HVAC will not alleviate your symptoms caused by allergens, since dust as well as dead fungi will still be present. Also, if your HVAC system has damaged or leaky ducts, the vacuum created in the ducts could draw in new contaminates from attics and crawl spaces, limiting the UV light effectiveness. The UV light is only effective when microorganisms make contact with its light spectrum. Any of the aforementioned contaminates shielded from its light spectrum will survive. How Is It Installed? A professional air conditioning technician should handle the installation of UV lighting inside the evaporating unit of your home. The light must be wired to the HVAC evaporating unit so it activates only when the system is in operation. Before installing the equipment, the technician should clean the airhandler system thoroughly and inspect the ductwork for leaks. This will provide optimum conditions for the UV light system.

Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. He can be reached at 770-594-9969. TOWNELAKER | April 2016

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

The Balayage

Effect BY TIM TIMMONS

In my many years as a hair colorist, it’s surprised me to learn that a lot of women don’t really know the difference between a highlight and a lowlight. Many of my clients know the terms for the processes—namely, foils and balayage—but they don’t often understand what’s involved in each one. Before you go to the salon seeking high or lowlights, arm yourself with some of the basics, and a photo! Highlights is a general term that refers to strands of hair that are lighter than the base color they’re being laid upon. It’s commonly believed that a highlight is blonde, but actually a highlight only refers to a color that’s not as dark as the base strands. The size of the highlights, the level of lightness, the tone and the placement are all left up to the colorist—after you’ve communicated the look you’re going for, of course. Moreover, the type of highlight depends on a number of things: the look you want, the kind of hair you have and how light you wish to go. A rundown of the main types of highlighting techniques, plus an explanation of lowlights, may help you decide what to ask for at your next color appointment. Balayage: Balayage is a freehand technique in which swatches of hair are carved out from the whole head of hair and painted with a lightener. This is done in revolutions around the head, and each painted swatch is then covered in cellophane. As these highlights are less systematically placed, the resulting look is fatter highlights. By contrast, foil highlights produce a more symmetrical head of highlights. I prefer the balayage look when I want something more dramatic. I recommend it for clients looking for a casual, beachy look. Lighter tips and an almost ombré appearance help to define this look.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Foil highlighting: If you’re looking for symmetrical highlights, foils might be the way to go. For clients interested in more of an all-over blonde look, foil highlights, which are administered on top of and underneath the hair, are an excellent option. Foil highlights involve sectioning off hair and weaving strands — thick or thin depending on the look you’re going for — and painting them with a lightener before wrapping them in foil. The foil keeps the lightener from getting on the surrounding hair, and keeps the product moist so it doesn’t dry up and weaken. It produces a much more controlled look than balayage, and as a colorist, I know precisely where the color is going and what shade of lightness will result. Lowlights: Unlike highlights, which are lighter than the base strands, lowlights are darker strands of color that are woven into the hair. This process typically produces depth and adds contrast when hair becomes overly light and one-dimensionally colored from being highlighted repeatedly. General oxidation and/or fading can occur from regular highlighting, which is another reason someone might opt to even things out with lowlights. Though a great technique to keep hair from becoming washed-out and monochromatic, lowlights should also be monitored since, over time, your ends may become dark and muddy from over-processing. Choosing your colorist is the bigger decision than what you choose for your hair style and color. Do your research via online reviews and pictures of colorists’ work and don’t hesitate to ask someone whose color you admire. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Always bring a photo with you to the salon because sometimes technical/ professional terms do get lost in translation. A picture paints a thousand words and it can also help your colorist paint a better you. Tim Timmons is the owner of Salon Gloss Woodstock. Tim’s industry experience includes positions as trainer/educator, celebrity stylist and beauty consultant for the Grammys and MTV video music awards.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

Slip and Fall Injuries at Grocery Stores BY JAMES IMBRIALE

Georgia law imposes a duty on store owners to make their premises free from dangerous hazards that may cause injuries. If this duty is violated and you have suffered an injury because of unsafe store conditions, you may be able to recover monetary damages. The Official Code of Georgia at section 51-3-1 states, “Where an owner or occupier of land, by express or implied invitation, induces or leads others to come upon his premises for any lawful purpose, he is liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.” Georgia case law then says that a person injured in a slip-andfall incident must satisfy the following two elements to have a valid claim: (1) the owner had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition or should have reasonably known through the use of due care that the dangerous condition existed; (2) the injured person was unaware of the dangerous condition. You will need to show that the store was negligent or did not take ordinary care to keep the property safe and that you were being careful at the time. The main case on this topic is Robinson v Kroger, 493 S.E.2d 403 (Ga. 1997). To prove that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, you must present evidence that the dangerous condition existed for such a long period of time that it should have been discovered by the owner or the staff if they had exercised reasonable care in inspecting the premises. If a store’s employees were in the immediate vicinity of the dangerous condition, or if the store was understaffed and they should have cleaned up the hazard but did not, that satisfies the failure to maintain the property free from hazards. Store owners or their insurance companies frequently attempt to avoid liability by

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

claiming that the injured person could have somehow walked around the hazard, but failed to do so because he or she was not paying attention. This is called the “open and obvious” defense and applies when the injured person was not watching where he or she was walking or in some other way failed to exercise due care. Under the open and obvious defense, the owner is not liable for the injuries if the existence of the hazard was obvious to a reasonable person who was paying proper attention to his or her walking path. Soon after an injury, insurance company adjusters have been known to ask victims leading questions so that they inadvertently agree to this. Never agree to a “recorded” statement by the insurance company. Consult an injury attorney first. If the store owner or employees actually knew about the hazard, such as an ongoing leak from a refrigerator, then they have a duty to put up warning signs around the area. If a water spill occurred immediately prior to the injured person’s fall, then the store will likely not be responsible because it did not have an opportunity to know about the problem and clean it. But if the spill was present for an unreasonable period of time before the fall, even if the owner or employees did not actually know about the spill prior to the fall, then the store will be responsible for the injuries. Big grocery store chains typically have log books for inspecting each aisle for hazards and which employee actually did the inspection. This helps establish the reasonable time period issue. It is important to write down the names of all employees and managers who assisted you with your fall or had knowledge of the hazard. Request that the store make a written incident report of continued on page 85

James Imbriale and Jeff Yashinsky, personal injury attorneys at Hartman – Imbriale LLP, have strictly practiced personal injury law for the past 24 years and work and live in Towne Lake. 678-445-7423.

For more information NSHCherokeeWomensSpecialists.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 404, Woodstock, GA 30189

(770) 926-9229

We offer comprehensive services in women’s health

OB/GYN SERVICES & SURGICAL PROCEDURES • Annual Well-Woman Exams

• HPV Vaccines

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• Fertility Evaluations

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• Laparoscopic Hysterectomies

• Maternity Care

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Diagnostic Laparoscopy

• Cervical Cancer Screening

Angela Falany, MD, FACOG

Annie Kim, MD

Najia Lawrence, MD, FACOG

Take Comfort In Knowing Our Highly Skilled Doctors Understand How You Feel. TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

Learning to Move: The Right Choice BY MATT NEAL

Back in the day, our forefathers were not the sedentary, Netflix-watching slugs we are today. I’m not speaking for all of you, of course, but our modern world makes it easy to be less active. Almost everything our ancestors did required more movement than similar tasks today. There’s one thing many of us have in common; most of our ancestors were farmers. With few exceptions, we all come from long lines of hard-working people. But with modern technology came time and energy-saving devices, and a way of life that allowed for a LOT more leisure time. Today, we have to get in the right mind-set to drag ourselves to the gym once in a while. The problem is, it’s our choice. In generations past, people had no choice but to work hard and sweat. If you could take a time machine and load it with all of today’s fun, labor-saving devices – as well as a flat screen TV, a laptop, streaming videos and WiFi – do you think our ancestors would turn up their noses? Heck no! They would LOVE to sit back and surf the web while the dishwasher and washing machine did the work. It’s not that they were more devoted to fresh food and exercise. They just didn’t have that choice. I have plenty of friends and relatives who play sports, run marathons or work out at the gym. This isn’t directed to those people. It’s for the rest of us – we need to find

Towne Lake Business Association Welcome to Spring! Are you thinking about joining a group to help your Towne Lake business get exposure and meet other Towne Lake business owners? If so, it is our pleasure to host you as our guest at our next lunch-n-learn. TLBA’s April Lunch-N-Learn Workshop Speaker: Sandy Weaver Carmen, author and happiness expert Topic: Achieve more success by turning the table on conventional wisdom! Where to Be: The Grille at Towne Lake Hills When: 12:15-2 p.m. Tues. April 19 Cost: $12 (lunch included) Workshops are presented by leading business speakers discussing topics geared toward our local business owners and supporters. Visitors are welcomed.

It’s time to interview students for the annual entrepreneurial scholarships. Proceeds from the Towne Lake Business Association’s (TLBA) yearly fundraiser are used to award a $1,000 scholarship to one senior at Etowah High School, and one senior at Woodstock High School. The students are nominated by the school staff and teachers, then interviewed by the TLBA members. We pick the winner from each school based on the students’ entrepreneurial spirit and lifestyle.

www.Facebook.com/TowneLakeBusinessAssociation Thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee!”

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

something to keep us active, especially as we get older. Something as simple as walking can help keep you healthy. The trick is to find something fun to do that requires physical activity. I have a friend who developed a passion for gold panning. He found himself tromping through the woods every week. It amounted to hiking for miles – something he wouldn’t have done just for the sake of walking. The rules are simple. Your activity must be outdoors, and it must require some physical activity. Any amount of activity is healthier than sitting on the sofa watching TV. Here are some suggestions: • Buy a metal detector and start tromping through fields looking for old things. • Get a pair of binoculars and go bird watching. • Walk your dog – if you don’t have a dog, get one. • Learn to play golf, and don’t use the cart.

Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived in Woodstock with his wife since 1999. He can be reached at mattnealwriter@outlook.com.

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Spend more time ON your business We’re YOUR RIGHT HAND Once upon a time, Nancy and Hilary met through a moms’ group. Both women were ready to take their corporate experience and make a big impact on small business. That’s the story of the beginning of Your Right Hand, LLC. We know being a small business owner is hard work. You often carry many titles and responsibilities. As you grow, you reach a point where you have more work than you can handle. What then? Your Right Hand, LLC was launched just for this purpose. We provide part-time, professional consultants that support you in the trenches. Our team is highly skilled and experienced, which allows us to make a big impact, right away. We work with small businesses in the local area for as few as two hours a week. Imagine what you could do with a few more hours to focus ON your business! We offer a strategic focus, and operate in a way that reduces your risk. There are no tie-ins. On-site, virtual, or a somewhere in between. We believe small business is the heart of our community and helping them grow is the most rewarding work we have ever done. For more information, email info@yourRH.com, visit www.YourRH.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ YourRHand/.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

April Fools BY MICHAEL LITREL, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

The year my sons were 7 and 10, I asked for my wife Ann’s help playing an April Fool’s joke on them. Sunrise on the big day found me crawling like a ninja across the floor of my eldest son Tyler’s bedroom. With barely a sound, I rolled onto my back and shifted my body directly beneath his bed. I took a deep breath, and then, using all my strength, began shaking the entire bed frame. Ann’s timing was perfect. She burst into the bedroom. “Tyler!” she shouted. “Get up! It’s an earthquake. It’s an earthquake! Go downstairs – HURRY!” Tyler hardly moved. “It’s okay, Mom,” he mumbled, still half asleep. “It’s just Dad under my bed.” I was demoralized, with only bruised knees and a scraped back from my efforts. But it was not going to be for nothing. Nursing my wounded pride, I hushed Ann and went to the next room. “Let’s try it on Joseph.” But by the time I had crawled under Joseph’s bed, Ann reported that Joseph was smiling, his eyes closed, pretending to sleep. Luckily, I had prepared a backup trick the night before. I’d slid a rubber band around the kitchen sink nozzle so it would spray as soon as the water came on. It pointed up to the exact spot for dousing whichever of my beloved offspring washed his hands first. Tyler came downstairs still half asleep. “Would you please wash your hands before you eat,” I reminded him. It was hard to hide the eagerness in my voice. I watched Tyler as he came to the sink and reached for the soap. He stopped, looked at the faucet, and yawned. “You know, Dad,” he said with a trace of patronization, “if you use scotch tape, it won’t show as much.” I wasn’t in the mood for advice. “Just be quiet, and let’s wait for Joseph,” I replied testily.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

“AAUGHH!” screeched Ann. Oops. While I was distracted, Annie had turned on the water. Her pajamas were soaked. I apologized profusely, but Ann was not amused. Well, at least I’d gotten someone. But my real quarry was Tyler. He was just too cocky for his own good. I spent the day mulling it over, playing a few jokes to pass the day. Pregnant patients made the easiest targets. Gosh, I hope you have two girls’ names picked out. Or, Wow, we haven’t had triplets in the practice in four or five years. Back at home that evening, Tyler wouldn’t fall for anything. I found myself growing amateurish in my desperation. “There’s a spider on your shoulder!” “Your teacher just called. You’re in trouble!” Tyler just rolled his eyes. April Fool’s Day was obviously beneath him. Indeed, he hadn’t played a single joke on me all day. I finally gave up and trudged upstairs to bed. Just as Ann and I climbed between the sheets, we were met with an impediment. Tyler had short-sheeted our bed. Ann was dead tired. She began to complain and laugh simultaneously as she stripped the bedcovers to remake the bed. I tried to shush her so Tyler wouldn’t have the satisfaction of knowing his trick had succeeded. But it was too late. I could hear him snickering outside our bedroom door. My mind was unsettled. Although I was tired, I lay awake in bed for a while, unable to sleep. Finally, after some honest introspection, I came to a resolution that allowed me to drift off at last. Just wait ‘til next year. Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS is board certified in the subspecialty female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He is a board certified urogynecologist and obstetrician/ gynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Feature

David Waters for

Cherokee County Sheriff Lifelong County Resident Will Bring Honor, Strength and Experience to the Office

Elect David Waters 770-655-4626

www.DavidWatersforSheriff.com Facebook: David Waters for Sheriff Twitter: @DWaters4Sheriff LinkedIn: David Waters for Sheriff Google +

David Waters met Truett Cathy, founder of Chickfil-A, when he and his wife visited corporate headquarters in 2011.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

ormer Forsyth County Commander David Waters, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, is asking for your vote on May 24 for Cherokee County sheriff. David is known for building bridges with community residents and he looks forward to forming a partnership between the employees of the sheriff’s office and the citizens they serve. He firmly believes in being personally involved in each community, and makes those connections by attending neighborhood meetings and establishing active neighborhood watch programs. As Cherokee County sheriff, David pledges to defend and stand up for each person’s constitutional rights and strive to preserve life, liberty and freedom while enforcing state and local laws. Under his leadership, every asset of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will be utilized to assure citizens that their sheriff’s office will operate effectively and efficiently, and with good stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars. One issue close to David’s heart is eradicating heroin use in the county, a problem that has become epidemic. “My heart is with the heroin addicts and their families, because they cannot stop this addiction on their own,” he said. “In 2015, more than 85 lives were lost to heroin. As your sheriff, I will deal with this problem. It has to stop.” After he is elected, he will continue to serve as vice chairman on the board of the Keely Foundation, an organization of business leaders, professionals and parents that meets twice monthly to resolve the heroin problem. David is committed to bringing awareness and education to

county residents, and he vows to heroin dealers that after he’s elected sheriff, “I will come after you and not stop until you have been located, arrested and prosecuted to the extent the law will allow.”

Professional Qualifications

David’s career began in May 1978, and he has been assigned to and has commanded the Cherokee and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Offices, Uniform Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Office of Professional Standards (Internal Affairs), Narcotics Division and Special Services. Among his other achievements: • Law enforcement training in seven states, with two national certifications as a graduate of the 122nd Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, Ky., and the National Animal Control Association, Nashville. Fewer than 1 percent of all law enforcement personnel are accepted into the Southern Police Institute and even fewer graduate from this prestigious academy. David accomplished both. • Certifications from the Georgia Peace Officers Standards Training Council including levels 1 through 3 in Law Enforcement Supervision, Law Enforcement Management and Executive Law Enforcement Management. • Certifications in Homicide Investigations, Major Case Investigations levels 2, 3, 4 and 5, Criminal Psychological Profiling,

Robbery Investigation, Interviews and Interrogations, Family Violence, C.O.P.S. Training for Command Staff, Georgia Criminal Law, Police Crisis Intervention, Managing Interpersonal Relationships and Police Liability. This list outlines achievements that are essential for an effective sheriff. However, there is one life-changing event that David considers most important. While serving with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in 1997, David saved the life of a 3-month old baby who was choking as her mother flagged down his patrol car along Ga. 400. Without his quick response, which included CPR, the child most likely would have died. He received the Medal of Valor for his efforts and during a reunion 10 years later, he gave young Cassidy Sullens the award, which she treasures today. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever encountered as a law enforcement officer,” he said.

Coveted Endorsements

David is the only candidate endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and most recently won the endorsement of former Georgia Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, who said, “I stand with David as another true conservative as he plans to hold the line on spending while providing excellent public service to protect our county.” David Waters wants your support and vote to become Cherokee County’s next sheriff. Honor, strength and experience are the three elements that will enable him to provide security to the citizens, children, homes, schools and David and Brenda Waters have been married places of worship. 10 years. David and his wife, Brenda, are proud members of Sutallee Baptist Church and live in the Macedonia community. For more information about David, please go to his website at www.DavidWatersforSheriff.com or call if you have questions at 770-655-4626. He knows hearing ideas about your sheriff’s office will only help him as he implements the open-door policy he intends to have while serving as your sheriff.

During a recent reunion, Cassidy Sullens and David Waters pose with the photo taken a few months after Waters saved her from choking.

David with Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Mrs. Deal during a 2013 event.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect David Waters Sheriff TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money

What steps might help you sustain and grow your retirement savings? DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

“What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask retirees that question, “outliving my money” may likely be one of the top answers. Retirees and pre-retirees alike share this anxiety. In a 2014 Wells Fargo/Gallup survey of more than 1,000 investors, 46 percent of respondents cited that very fear; 42 percent of the respondents to that poll were making $90,000 a year or more.1 Retirees face greater “longevity risk” today. According to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the average retirement age in this country is 65 for men and 63 for women. Many of us will probably live into our 80s and 90s; indeed, many of our parents have already lived that long. In 2014 (the most recent year for which Census Bureau data is available), more than 72,000 Americans were centenarians, representing a 44 percent increase since 2000.2,3 If your retirement lasts 20, 30, or even 40 years, how well do you think your retirement savings will hold up? What financial steps could you take in your retirement to prevent those savings from eroding? As you think ahead, consider the following possibilities and realities. Realize that Social Security benefits might shrink in the future. Today, there are three workers funding Social Security for every retiree. By federal estimates, there will be only two workers funding Social Security for every retiree in 2030. That does not bode well for the health of the program, especially since nearly one-fifth of Americans will be 65 or older in 2030.4 Social Security’s trust fund is projected to run dry by 2034, and it is quite possible Congress may intervene to rescue it before then. Still, the strain on Social Security will mount over the next 20 years as more and more baby boomers retire. With this in mind, there’s no reason not to investigate other potential

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

retirement income sources now.3 Understand that you may need to work part time in your 60s and 70s. The income from part-time work can be an economic lifesaver for retirees. Suppose you walk away from your career with $500,000 in retirement savings. In your first year of retirement, you decide to withdraw 4 percent of that for income, or $20,000. At that withdrawal rate, not even adjusting for inflation, that money will be gone in 21 years. What if you worked part time and earned $20,000-$30,000 a year? If you can do that for five or 10 years, you effectively give your retirement savings five or 10 more years to last and grow.3 Retire with health insurance and prepare adequately for out-of-pocket costs. Financially speaking, this may be the most frustrating part of retirement. We can enroll in Medicare at age 65, but how do we handle the premiums for private health insurance if we retire before then? Striving to work until you are eligible for Medicare makes economic sense. So does building some kind of health care emergency fund for out-ofpocket costs. According to data from Health Affairs, those costs approached $16,000 a year in 2014 for Americans ages 65-84, and $35,000 a year for Americans age 85 or older.4 Many people may retire unaware of these financial factors. With luck and a favorable investing climate, their retirement savings may last a long time. Luck is not a plan, however, and hope is not a strategy. Those who are retiring unaware of these factors may risk outliving their money.

continued on page 85

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

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

A Perfectly Imperfect Weekend Morning BY CLAIRE FROST

I awoke on Saturday morning at 8. Let me repeat - 8 a.m.! (Cue the shock and awe, moms.) Confused, I checked the monitor… She was still asleep: Miraculous! I’d have time to squeeze in my favorite hobby: a hot shower. This morning was shaping up to be a luxurious one. When I was done, I could hear she was awake. Toddler chatter; is there anything better? Then I discovered she spit up a little in her crib. Ugh, bummer. Instead of rushing downstairs to let the dogs out like I usually would, I ran a bath for my Sweet Pea. Luckily, bath time is really, really fun. The sounds of laughter and splashing filled the upstairs of our home. My husband woke up Tea time with Sweet Pea.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

and helped. A change of sheets and a towel-dry later and our regular morning routine began. I put away Pea’s laundry, and headed downstairs for breakfast. Pea snacked on toast and bananas. (She doesn’t always have toast, but always bananas. Always.) She patiently ate and sang in her high chair while I put away dishes, tidied the kitchen, and finally made coffee. Once in the playroom, I cracked the blinds and situated myself on the loveseat, sipping my cinnamon coffee. Soft daylight poured in the window, and while she busied herself with rocking horses and books, I realized “500 Days of Summer” was on TV. With that playing in the background (one of the greatest soundtracks I’ve ever heard), we read books about shapes and colors and animals. We crawled in and out of her teepee, throwing ourselves on mountains of pillows. And just like that, the out-of-the-ordinary morning became yet another of our glorious, perfectly imperfect, run-of-the-mill Saturdays. Ah.

Claire is the editor of House of Frost, a blog juggling family, fashion, food and furnishing with a little sparkle. HouseFrost.com

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TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Helping Hands

The

HOPE Center

Offers Resources, Support BY SUSAN SCHULZ

Each month, Susan features a different nonprofit in Cherokee County - to let readers know where they can plug in as volunteers or go to be served. “T” came to the HOPE Center for a pregnancy test. The positive results overwhelmed her. But after her ultrasound, she wrote this in an email to the sonographer: “I’m starting to get so excited about my baby girl. I can’t wait to meet her ... despite all of the trials I have been dealing with, and all my fear and frustration, I can’t help but be excited. You will forever hold a place in my heart. I will never forget that first ultrasound, and how personal you made it for me.” Every woman has the right to choose when and how she wants to start a family. The HOPE Center is a safe haven that offers guidance without judgment, medical testing without fees, and renewed hope for a better tomorrow. Since its foundation in 1990, the HOPE Center has grown exponentially. At last year’s 25th anniversary banquet, HOPE Center officials celebrated with more than 600 supporters raising $500,000 to continue expanding their influence in our area. The fundraising provided capital needed to expand the center from 4,400 square feet to 6,600 square feet at 295 Molly Lane in Woodstock. Office space currently is under construction for the expansion of the thrift store, the administration and education offices, and a new medical clinic. The center’s thrift store, which has been in operation

Seeds Thrift Store features furniture items, above, as well as clothes and shoes, top right. 54

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Since its foundation in 1990, the HOPE Center has grown exponentially.

since late 2006 as Baby & More, was renovated and rebranded in the spring of 2015 as Seeds Thrift Store. The name change reflects an enhanced inventory and product selection of clothing for everyone—men, women and children—household goods and furniture. The HOPE Center accepts donations from area residents. All proceeds provide free services for needy clients. The Center’s Image Clear Ultrasound is a mobile unit that operates in the heart of Atlanta five days a week providing free ultrasounds and medical testing. Thanks to recent fundraising success, a second unit is on order and will be delivered in June. The HOPE Center also offers mentoring (for both parents), sexual integrity education, abortion recovery, educational programs and medical testing for STDs. Clients earn while they learn when they complete parenting and childbirth classes. The earned Mommy Money and Daddy Dollars are spent in the Seeds Thrift Store for needed supplies, clothing, and equipment. Volunteers are needed at the HOPE Center - 12,000 to 14,000 volunteer hours are needed each year. Sponsored walkers also are welcomed at the annual Walk for Life on May 7, 2016. All donations are tax deductible. HOPE Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information visit www.supporthopecenter.com or call 770-924-7990.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher, author, wife, and mom of three grown children. She lives and plays along the Etowah River and loves serving at Woodstock City Church.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

Hey, I’m Trying To Take a Vacation

LET ME WORK! BY ANN LITREL

Most of us have a personal cross to bear – losing weight, saving money, getting along with family… My Achilles’ heel is “lack of focus.” From the time I was 6, I’ve kinda-sorta known that my life purpose is being an artist. But from the time I was 6, I’ve kinda-sorta let myself get distracted by other things. There. I’ve said it. It’s official. Some people would call this a character flaw: lack of focus. I personally prefer the term, multi-faceted. It sounds so much more admirable. Now that I’m 50-plus, I find myself making new life resolutions. Or more accurately, I find myself re-making the same old resolutions with renewed determination. Heck, I even went so far as to ask my parents for their “life advice.” This proves just how desperate I‘ve become. (My mom gave me this nugget: “Make sure you’re doing what you really want to be doing. Your 50s is the decade to do it. “) But instead of painting, I end up volunteering for the Elm Street Arts Center. Or helping with my husband’s medical practice. Or organizing outings with friends. Or cooking vegan for the family. No matter what I’m doing, I am plagued with the uncomfortable sense I should be painting instead. Blow everyone off!!! Be a free-spirited artist!!! The dam of emotions burst on a recent vacation to the

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Caribbean. And I want to give myself a tiny pat: I’d brought an artist kit even an astronaut could find room for. A stack of small pastel boards, 5” x 7.” And a box of pastels. (My husband Michael calls these expensive crayons.) It was perfect for our tiny cruise ship cabin, where my easel was a laminate table the size of a TV tray. I’m sharing here the steps of a small pastel I did on the trip: Barefoot in Jamaica: the Beach at Ocho Rios. I always thought vacation was to get away from work. But it turned out my vacation was fun because I got my real work done.

Ann is an artist who lives in Towne Lake with her husband Dr. Michael Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com.

Senior Sense

Happiness and Smiles BY DELIA HALVERSON

During my high school years I found a poem that began: “I’ve made up my mind to be happy; I’ve been gloomy and glum long enough…” The rest of the poem never stuck with me. God gave all of us certain gifts, but memorization was one that I didn’t get! However, these lines often come to my mind in springtime. We need a renewal of spirit and a housecleaning of aims, no matter what our age. Many years ago Dr. Thomas A. Harris wrote the book, “I’m OK − You’re OK.” In it he wrote that the grouch-before-myfirst-cup-of-coffee type personalities blame their faults on nature, and not their nature on their faults. Harris claims that the fault can be changed, therefore changing the person’s nature. I volunteer at the community agency called MUST (Ministries United for Service and Training). Several years ago we had a man who came in each day while I was working, looking only for a pair of size 13 shoes. We greeted him cheerfully and with a smile, and his face of concern turned to a smile even when he didn’t find any shoes his size. A smile is a very catching thing, and a happy mood travels like wildfire – especially when fanned by the winds of concern. One of the youth in a church where I worked wrote this poem:

G O

T H E

D I S TA N C E

W I T H

You know what makes me frown? It’s when you put me down. So go the extra mile, And make me have a smile! Try smiling at those you meet in the course of the day. Discover how the smile and a kind word travels from person to person and comes back to you. The grouch can change, but you can’t expect it to come from other people. It takes a real concentrated effort, but happiness can become a habit. You can take the reins of life and kick the grouchy habit! As nature witnesses a rebirth each spring, we should each take an accounting of ourselves and our lives. Consider your purpose in life; consider your direction, call out all inner resources. Make up your mind to be happy; you’ve been gloomy and glum long enough!

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Delia writes books and leads workshops internationally. She and her husband settled in Woodstock after living in eight states. Their children and grandchildren live nearby. TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

Training for the 3-Day

Veteran walker shares tips for the Susan G. Komen event. BY GLORIA AVILLAR

So you’ve decided to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day this October and you don’t know where to begin. The best advice I can give you is to just get started. Start now on your training and your fundraising. The more time you give yourself, the better prepared you will be, physically and emotionally, and the more you’ll enjoy yourself. There are plenty of places to get detailed training schedules for an event like this, including the 3-Day site itself (www.the3day.org). I’d like to share with you tips I’ve used to help make my training more productive and actually fun.

•

Train like you play. Train in the sneakers you plan to walk in, wear the fanny pack you’ll use at the event, figure out which shirts, shorts/pants, sports bras work and only use them while

Starting from Scratch? Guidelines from the 3-Day organizers suggest that, beginning 24 weeks before your walk date, walk at least 12 miles during the week, then begin to add a mile or two each week. As you get closer, add more miles per week, building up to 40 miles in a week. You should also start adding long/back-to-back walks, like an 18-mile walk and then a 15-mile walk in two days. I tried to follow their training schedule for my first walk, but found that I didn’t have the time. So, I just started walking three miles three times a week. Then, five miles three times a week, then eight miles three times a week. I worked up to doing 12-14 miles three times a week by the time I was four weeks away from my walk date. (I didn’t do long back-to-backs, but I suggest them if time allows). I did that up until the week before my date, and then I didn’t walk at all the week of my walk date.

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Gloria Avillar (with arms outstretched) rejoices with team members Gwen Worley, Jennifer DeMichele, Amy Arnold, Kelly Dean and Debi Draper at the finish line.

• • • •

you train. Don’t do anything while you train that you won’t do during the event. Walk in all types of weather, at least a few times. Atlanta weather in October can be unpredictable. We’ve seen highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s. We’ve also seen the dreaded rain during the weekend. Make sure you experience it all during your training. Train on different types of elevation. You’d be surprised how hilly Atlanta is. Bring friends along on your training walks, even if they’re not participating in the event. Also, attend any of the official training walks in your area (which you’ll be able to find on the 3-Day site). You’ll meet others who can share their past experiences and give you support. Choose a variety of training routes so you don’t get bored. The average walker covers 585 miles during training, so mix it up every once in awhile. continued on page 85

Since 2009, Gloria has participated in 12 Susan G. Komen 3-Day events seven times as a walker and five times as a crew member. This year, she will be crewing Atlanta lunch again in October and walking with Team Treasure Chest in San Diego in November. Gloria also serves as a local 3-Day training walk leader and will begin her training in mid-May.

This Representative’s Honest Self-Assessment BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

You first elected me to be your voice in our House of Representatives in 2012. I started on Jan. 13, 2013, and I will remember that day for the remainder of my life. As I write this in early March of 2016, I have just completed qualifying for reelection in the 2016 cycle after nearly four legislative sessions have come to a close. Qualifying is a fancy way of describing the process that those seeking elected office go through to pay the fee required to have our names placed on the ballot. This is my fourth time going through this process (the third time since you elected me, having lost in 2010 and won in 2012 and 2014). At the time of this writing, I do not know whether my reelection will be opposed. These are moments in life that call for reflection, and it is my prayer that each of your elected officials will seize the time to consider and question the difference they are making. I certainly am. As I reflect, I ask myself these questions: Would 2010 Michael approve of the job I am doing? Have I kept my commitments to each of you? Am I still an effective voice to further the conservative cause? Do I represent the will of our community? I can’t be the only one to wonder what a younger version of myself would think of the job I am doing. As a 26-year-old, I’m sure that I am eliciting plenty of laughter from each of you about reflecting on a “younger self,” but the 22-year-old who won that election had some extremely high standards for what

his time as an elected official would look like. I’m constantly endeavoring to live up to his (my) expectations, and I pray that each of you see me as continuing to do so. My father spent his career in sales, and I have followed closely in his footsteps in my professional career. He taught me that “people buy from people they like and people they trust.” The lesson was that relationships matter more than anything. Trust is stronger than currency. I am striving to build relationships in the Capitol with those on both sides of the aisle to ensure that I can be the best possible advocate for you. There is not a member of the House who would tell you that I am shy to push my “No” button. It is well exercised, but it is my honest hope that each of my colleagues understands the difference between a judgment on policy and a judgment on character. I’m proud to serve with each of them, and I am in search of ways that we can work together to push conservative, common sense policy for a stronger Georgia. The limited word count that I get in this column each month continued on page 85 Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Lifestyle

Out & About Through June 25

Captured Memories: Cherokee County through the lens of Buddy Alexander is on exhibit at the Cherokee County Historical Society Museum , 100 North Street, Canton. 770-345-3288.

April 2

Gardening seminar on composting, begins at 10 a.m. at the Hickory Flat Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. Learn different ways to create compost, indoor composting with worms, and how to use compost to grow your best plants. Sponsored by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County. To register call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.

April 9

Shelter Appreciation Event, an event organized by a Chattahoochee Technical College student, is from noon-4 p.m. at Unity North Atlanta, 4255 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. No entrance fee required but donations appreciated. The event will include professional pet photography, hand drawings, crocheted stuffed animals and more crafts. Proceeds go to the Georgia House Rabbit Society and Our Pal’s Place. To volunteer or donate, call 678-480-6551 or email shelterappreciationevent@gmail.com. More details at www.facebook.com/shelterappreciation and www.helpashelter.wix. com/shelterappreciation.

April 16

Gardening seminar on organic practices, begins at 10 a.m. at the Hickory Flat library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. A systems approach to preventing, identifying and treating common plant diseases and insects. Sponsored by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County. To register call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.

April 17

The Georgia Boy Choir will perform at Heritage Presbyterian Church during the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. Santa’s Caravan, a ministry that provides Christmas gifts for local children in need, will host a fundraiser brunch between services. Donations accepted. Heritage Presbyterian is at 5323 Bells Ferry Road. 770-926-3558. www.heritagepres.com.

April 23

Butcher to Butcher 5K race begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration $30 for adults, $25 for children age 12 and under, and includes T-shirt and brat and beer, or hot dog and soda. www.butcher2butcher5K.org. Dancing for the Children, a fundraiser for the Service League of Cherokee County, will be held at the Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Proceeds will provide children in need with necessities like medical care, dental and vision care, scholarships, camps, clothing and more. General admission tickets are $100, or two for $175. Email ServiceLeagueBallTickets@ gmail.com for tickets.

April 29-30

BBQ and Brews Festival is a barbecue competition and craft beer festival with live music, local beer, food trucks and a sanctioned BBQ cooking competition noon-8 p.m. on April 30. General admission is $5, free to ages 10 and under. Does not include cost of food, drinks, retail items and activities. Proceeds benefit ForCanton, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, homelessness and hunger in Canton. Check www.bbqandbrews.com for updates. 60

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April 30

Yard Sale 4kids is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Faith Family Church parking lot, 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. Rain date is May 7. Event is a fundraiser to pay for transportation costs for Kid’s Bible Clubs. For more information, call 770-596-3858. www.kidsbibleclubs.org.

May 1

Family Day at BridgeMill, sponsored by the BridgeMill Athletic Club and the BridgeMill Sixes Service League, will feature the second annual Classics for Charity car show in the parking lot by the pool and pavilion at 1190 BridgeMill Ave. Registration for the car show is noon-2 p.m., and the show will be 2-5 p.m. Free to attend, $25 to register your vehicle. Proceeds benefit 16 charities that help children and families in Cherokee county. The athletic club will provide a DJ, food, drinks, photo booth, bounce house and games. www.bsslcarshow.org.

May 2

Feed My Lambs Kells Weatherby Golf Classic begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. at the Marietta Country Club. Proceeds benefit Feed My Lambs free Christian preschools, one of which is in Canton. Register at www.feedmylambs.net.

May 4

City of Holly Springs Job Fair is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the train depot community center, 164 Hickory Road. Local business owners and recruiters will meet with job seekers. www.hollyspringsga.us.

May 7

Trailfest 2016, a benefit for Greenprints Alliance, begins at 8 a.m. at the Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village in downtown Woodstock. Featuring music by The Delta Saints and other guests. www.trailfest.org The Jungle Run 5k and 1 Mile-Prowl, sponsored by Johnston Elementary School, begins at 8 a.m. at River Ridge High School. Funds raised will be used to finish the Shade Project and ongoing enhancements for the school’s quarter-mile walking track and PE department. To register, visit www.junglerun.info. Walk for Life is a fundraiser for the HOPE Center in Woodstock. For more information, call 770-924-7990 or visit www.hopectr.com. Free community BBQ from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fields Chapel United Methodist Church,1331 Fields Chapel Road in Canton. www.fieldschapel.org.

May 9

Men of Hillside charity golf tournament at Towne Lake Hills golf course. Shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. scramble format. Putting contest at 8 a.m. Includes silent auction and 19th Hole Luncheon. Player costs $125 individual, $500 foursome. Register at www.hillsideumc.org/men-of-hillside.

May 12-15, 19-22

“MANOPAUSE” is a musical comedy by Broadway Bound Productions about men as they age and the women who put up with them, at the Canton Theatre with 7:30 p.m. performances on Thursday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for students/seniors. Call 770-720-2698 for group pricing.

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TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Health & Wellness

It’s Important to Address the Plague of Plaque BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

There are many annoying conditions in life that we have to contend with: acne, sore backs, insomnia, gray hair, colds and plaque on our teeth, to name a few. Some conditions are short term and others are ongoing. Many can be corrected by simply taking a pill, but not the plaque that forms on our teeth. The plague of plaque, the constant accumulation of bacteria on our teeth, is a daily problem. The level of bacteria in our mouth ranges from 20 to 100 billion; in addition to forming plaque, bacteria produce numerous acids that destroy our teeth and gums. Plaque collects along the gum line and burrows into the grooves of the teeth, causing many serious conditions including root decay, dental abscesses and gum disease.

Real patient scenarios: Patient #1: “I brush my teeth once a week.” This patient,

age 45, presented with advanced gum disease that needed gum surgery to resolve her infection. Patient #2: “My

tooth, root and all, fell on my plate while I was eating dinner with a friend.” This patient moved to Georgia two years ago and did not seek out a new dentist immediately, even though she knew she had gum disease.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Patient #3: “My entire eye tooth is decayed and has crumbled away. It’s ugly and I have to go to a funeral, so I would like it fixed.” This patient had several pending cavities but never completed the treatment. The eyetooth needed extraction and replacement with an implant that will be much more costly than the filling originally planned.

It is important to note that in each of these situations, not one patient experienced pain. They were not seeking dental care to eliminate the cause of their problem, which would normally make sense, but were looking to eliminate the symptoms. Eliminating the symptoms and correcting the problem are important but the patient needs to focus his or her attention on treating the gum disease that caused the problem. Improved dental hygiene typically can help. Plaque affects everyone regardless of age, gender or social status. It is influenced by age, genetics, diet, oral hygiene, medications and medical conditions. The bacteria attack teeth like termites eating wood. It’s a slow, chronic process. The acid destroys tooth structure, gum tissue attachment on the tooth and any nerves in its path. When the nerves are destroyed slowly, there is no pain. Consequently, patients do not realize they have tooth decay or gum disease. Dentists now can measure tooth decay with a laser, which is extremely accurate, if they possess the FDA-approved dental equipment. Dentists can measure for gum disease with a probe (measuring stick) that reports if the gums have peeled away from the root of the tooth due to infection. The probe also provides information about bleeding that detects ulcers inside the gums adjacent to the tooth from acid burning the inside of the tissue. Regular dental visits allow patients to receive consistent care and diagnoses, as well as coaching for better oral hygiene.

Dr. Scott Harden, a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry, has served Woodstock for more than 25 years. 770-926-0000. www.FountainViewSmiles.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Health & Wellness

Go Outside and Play! BY DR. AMY HARDIN

Now that April is here and ushering in nice weather we can get outside and play. Here are a few fun ideas to get the kids outside (and don’t forget the sunblock and bug spray)! Our street has a ton of little boys on it, and there are at least four basketball “courts” in a 1,000-foot stretch. Basketball is great exercise, teaches teamwork and exercises a lot of muscles. Boys and girls love it and can play together. Another sport a lot of kids play in the spring is baseball or softball, but use a Wiffle ball to avoid broken windows. Big groups of kids love games such as manhunt, freeze tag or capture the flag. This is a great way to meet the neighborhood kids from your street and others. After dark, flashlight tag is another fun game as long as kids stay off the street and know traffic safety. If you have kids who are more into reading books or watching movies, budding performers can put on a show based on their favorite book or movie. Back in the early 1970s, one of the older kids got us all together to put on a play. Yes, yours truly

When’s the last time you played freeze tag, shot some hoops or had a tea party al fresco?

was Marta Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” Another fun, but quieter activity, was for our girls to go out and have a picnic lunch or tea party with their friends. Everyone brought a different snack and “tea” was water or lemonade in Dixie cups. Our driveways were also very beautiful after a full day outside, when the girls had fun drawing chalk art pictures. A favorite was having a friend trace her body and then draw themselves with fun new clothes. April rain showers would wash away the canvases and a new picture would be drawn. Some daycare centers have shaving cream play time and finger painting. This could be fun for little and big kids. Finally, the most fun kids have is when parents join them. When’s the last time you played freeze tag, shot some hoops or had a tea party al fresco? We all have busy lives, but the bills or cleaning can wait. Have fun and make some memories by playing outside with your kids!

Dr. Amy Hardin has been a pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics in Woodstock for more than 20 years. www.northsidepediatrics.com.

Compounding Pharmacies Meet Many Needs BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO

Before the 20th century, the purpose of a pharmacy was to compound medications by combining one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients into a customized treatment for an individual patient’s needs. Very few pharmacies provide customized compound services these days. Without compounding pharmacies, the needs of patients who can’t have medication containing gluten, dairy, preservatives or dyes would go unmet. Mass-produced commercial drugs do not account for these special needs. A prescriber may recommend a drug be compounded for various reasons, one of which could be asking a pharmacist to make a discontinued pharmaceutical product in order to treat a patient with unique needs. Some useful medications are discontinued because they are no longer profitable for drug manufacturers. Some patients may need a medication or nutritional supplement due to an allergy to certain types of preservatives, dyes or binders. If the medication or supplement is unavailable without the allergy-inducing ingredient, a compounding pharmacist can compound that particular medication without it. Compounding pharmacists can also create custom dosage forms or unique flavors for children and veterinary patients. In this age of increasing numbers of children with 64

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autism and Asperger syndrome, there is increasing demand for customized pediatric formulations devoid of dyes, preservatives, gluten and casein/dairy ingredients. Compounding pharmacies can combine several medications into one dosage form. This is especially helpful for the elderly or patients who take multiple medications. Some patients cannot take certain medications because they cause stomach upset or side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. Compounding pharmacists can prepare certain medications in a transdermal cream that can be applied topically. For patients in pain, many side effects can be avoided by simply applying a compounded topical pain cream that includes an anti-inflammatory medication like ketoprofen. Gabapentin, amitriptyline and lidocaine can be added for those with nerve pain as in the case of diabetic nerve pain.

O. Julius Quarcoo, a pharmacist for 22 years, is owner of Towne Lake Family Pharmacy, which offers compounding and regular prescriptions. 770-635-7697. townelakepharmacy@yahoo.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Health & Wellness

Stretching, Strengthening Muscles Combat Poor Posture BY DR. VINCENT WILLIAMS

Posture can be defined as the position in which we hold our bodies for short or long periods of time. Those postures we hold repetitively can lead to head and neck pain and also can cause lower back pain accompanied by tightened hamstrings. This constellation of symptoms is called the Upper Cross Syndrome and Lower Cross Syndrome respectively as they receive their names due to muscle relationships. Sitting in front of computers all day can cause the Upper Cross Syndrome, in which muscles in back of the neck are too tight and muscles in front of the neck are weak. As you sit and look at your computer, your head slowly moves closer to your computer screen causing muscle tightness in the back of neck as well as neck pain and headaches. Sitting for long periods of time also can cause the Lower Cross Syndrome, where your body slouches forward toward the desk causing your lower back to flatten out and lose its normal curve, called the lumbar lordosis. This can be accompanied by weak abdominal muscles and tightened hamstrings leading to lower back pain. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications can help temporarily. However, long-term results can be made

Long-term results can be made by corrections to the faulty body mechanics.

by corrections to the faulty body mechanics: specifically increasing joint movement through chiropractic adjustments as well as strengthening and stretching the muscles involved. Treatment of Upper Cross Syndrome includes stretching the tight muscles in back of the neck and upper back while strengthening the deep muscle of the neck. For this to work, you must also stretch the pectoral muscles of the chest. Treatment of Lower Cross Syndrome involves stretching the lower back muscles as well as the front quadriceps muscles of the legs. Then you must strengthen the abdominal muscle groups. You can see that we are strengthening the weak muscles and making the tight muscles more flexible, balancing muscle groups to work in unison for a desired result. We may never be able to work without our computers, but we can change how our bodies respond to these postures that we have to hold repetitively and for long periods of time. The body has a set of checks and balances within the nervous and the muscular systems, which often need finetuning. If you are having neck and or lower back pain, get help from a qualified health practitioner.

Dr. Williams earned a B.S. In Human Anatomy and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker College of Chiropractic and has been in practice for 18 years.

Snoring Could Be a Health Warning BY HITENDRA PATEL, M.D.

That irritating snore your partner keeps complaining about could actually be a warning sign that could save your life. Snoring is often a symptom of a disorder called sleep apnea, which is caused by repeated interruption in breathing during sleep. Patients may realize it is time to see a sleep specialist after they are asked by a spouse or bed partner to sleep in another room. However, 80 percent of people with sleep apnea do not see a physician. If left untreated, patients are at a higher risk for stroke and heart disease. Sleep studies have traditionally been done in a sleep lab. Home sleep testing is now becoming more popular. Either way, tests are painless, noninvasive and typically conducted over a course of one to two nights. The first night of the study is for diagnosing sleep disorders. The second night of a lab study â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if necessary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is to begin treatment. Some Sleep studies have traditionally patients may have a split been done in a sleep lab. 66

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night study, which would include both diagnostic testing and treatment in one night. Once patients begin treatment, they lower the risk of sleep apnea related complications. In addition, they usually feel more rested, have increased energy and notice their memory and cognitive functioning improve (along with decreased snoring). There are multiple treatment options to help lower the risk of developing serious diseases associated with sleep apnea. Each is tailored to what is most appropriate for the patient. In most cases, weight loss is encouraged for overweight patients. However, sleep apnea affects people of all sizes and weight loss alone does not always correct the condition. For mild cases, oral appliances, also called mandibular repositioning devices, are used for advancing the lower jawbone to improve breathing. Many patients are treated using a positive airway pressure

continued on page 85

Dr. Patel is the WellStar Sleep Program medical director. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care and sleep medicine.

Sound Advice

How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist. BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.

Our senses are priceless. We use them every day. If you suffer from damage to your sense of hearing, consider for a moment how much it affects you and those around you. Your hearing allowed you to learn to talk and develop a language that your eyes could learn to read. Your hearing tells you what is going on around you. It warns you of footsteps from behind. It tells you water is boiling over on the stove. When you don’t hear kids or grandkids, you realize they’re probably into something they shouldn’t be. Your hearing even works for you when you’re asleep. You hear the phone ring or the doorbell from the other end of the house. You hear and understand the quiet whisper of a conversation. Hearing loss is not just a senior problem. According to The Better Hearing Institute: 20 percent of Americans, or 48 million, have some degree of hearing loss. Three in 10 are over age 60. Estimates suggest that three in 1,000 infants are born with serious to profound hearing loss. 65 percent of people with hearing loss are younger than 65. More than 6 million people between ages 18 and 44 have some sort of hearing loss, and a million and a half

1. 2. 3.

of those are school age. Reasons why a person might not seek help for their hearing impairment include denial, stigma, misinformation or the price of a hearing aid. However, there are compelling reasons to get treatment. A recent Johns Hopkins study and the National Institute on Aging found a strong correlation between hearing loss and dementia, citing that adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing. Hearing loss also increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This could be due to the social isolation that goes with untreated hearing loss, or fatigue from trying to understand what is being said in noisy situations. Some of the immediate positive benefits of correcting a hearing loss include enjoying your loved ones again and having a more positive outlook on life. You will be surprised at what you have been missing!

Jan Henriques, Au.D. a board certified audiologist and lead provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock, has been practicing since 1985. www.YourHearingLink.com.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

CUISINE

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

Cancun Mexican Grill, 4430 Towne Lake Parkway 770-693-4680

Mexican

open

full bar

Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com

American

open

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Parkway American no $ $-$$ open full bar 770-592-7676, chilis.com China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671, chinafun88.com

call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad/ Sandwiches

open

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885, familytradition.net

Homestyle Cooking

closed

GameDay Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754, gamedayfresh.com

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/ Chinese

open

full bar

yes

JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road 678-445-7730, jdsbbq.com

Barbeque

$-$$

open

Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Road 770-790-5740

American

open

full bar

yes

Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494, johnnyspizza.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-5264, kanihouse.com

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

Mexican

open

full bar

Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616

Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Parkway 678-238-1899, iloveizumi.com

La Parrilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606, laparrilla.com

LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway Steakhouse no $ $$ open full bar 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com

call ahead seating

Marco’s Pizza, 2068 Eagle Drive 678-213-2100, marcos.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331, mellowmushroom.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

NY Style Deli & Pizza, 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, 678-426-7004

Pizza/Subs/ Bakery

$-$$

open

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com

*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway

Mexican/Irish see ad pg. 8 770-592-3100, papa-ps.com Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Song’s Garden, 4451 Towne Lake Parkway 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com

Sat.&Sun. $ $ open full bar brunch

large groups call ahead

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Chinese

$-$$

open

The Grille at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club 770-592-9969

American $ $ $-$$ open full bar special Casual events

The Place, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901, theplacebargrill.com

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

* Denotes Advertiser

RESTAURANT

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

Towne Lake Area Dining Guide

Faith

Believing in Easter Changes Everything BY REV. DR. PAUL W. BAUMGARTNER

Easter is it! Easter is the biggest thing that has ever, and will ever, and can ever happen in all the history of the world. Easter is the biggest thing that has ever, or will ever, or can ever happen in any person’s life. That’s what I believe. Easter is certainly why I do what I do and live my life as I live it. Easter is it! Jesus arose from the dead—the really, really, dead, dead. It wasn’t a pretend dead or an illusion; it was a whipped, beaten, tortured, crucified, broken, speared dead. I’ve seen dead. You’ve probably seen dead, too. Anyone who has seen dead wouldn’t expect someone to get up from it. Even when Mary Magdalene, perhaps the most faithful of Jesus’ disciples, went to the tomb on Easter morning, she wasn’t expecting to find anything but a corpse. She was going there to take care of burial things. But Jesus had risen from the dead and was very much alive. I believe it! I believe that God raised the really, really, dead, dead Jesus from death into new life. And because I believe that,

If you believe that God raised the very dead Jesus to new life on Easter morning, it will affect everything in your life.

I know that everything Jesus ever said is true. I believe that the risen Jesus has raised me from death to new life, just like he said he would. I believe I will live in his kingdom forever, just like he said I would. It’s because of what Jesus did on Easter, and my faith in it, that I do what I do and live as I live. It’s why weekly worship and Sunday School, and Bible study, and prayer, and tithing, and caring for creation are so important to me. It’s why I go into crisis situations, and visit the sick, and sit with the dying. It’s why I’m concerned with feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked, and caring for the most vulnerable of God’s children. It’s why I know there are important and meaningful things that must be said and done even in the worst situations. Easter is it! If you believe that God raised the very dead Jesus to new life on Easter morning, it will affect everything in your life. It certainly does mine. God gave Jesus new life—just as God gives it to all who believe. Believe it. Live it. Easter is it!

The Rev. Dr. Paul Baumgartner has served as senior pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since January 2004. He can be reached at pastorpaul@gslutheran.org.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Faith

Marriage Moments: Live Out Your Dreams BY DONNA RATLIFF

Recently my husband and I had an opportunity to take a much needed respite in Florida. The warm sunshine in the midst of winter was a welcomed sight. One morning, as we biked our way down a side street in Key West, we happened upon a charming little coffee shop. We found the cashier to be pleasant and full of helpful information. As she began to tell us about the café, we realized that she and her husband were the owners. Not only did they sell delicious quiche and coffee, they displayed beautiful paintings for sale throughout the shop. The paintings were actually their artwork. The husband’s island real estate business also had a corner of the shop. They said it was a dream of theirs and they were finally fulfilling it. As we watched the two of them, they seemed to be happily working side by side. We realized that for some couples that is not always an easy process. We are one of those couples who work well together at some things, but not so much at others. Hanging wallpaper and painting are not our forte, for example.

How often do you and your spouse come together on a dream and then actually plan it and live it out?

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

We wondered if it was the fact that they were living out their dream. How often do you and your spouse come together on a dream and then actually plan it and live it out? Their dream involved serving others as well as using their creative talents. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” That verse reminds us that God is the author of our dreams and desires when we trust him.

Date Your Mate: Find a cozy coffee shop or café some Saturday morning. Take your time sipping your coffee and talking through some of your dreams. What would it take to actually live them out? Include God in your dreams and pray together about them.

Donna Ratliff is the wife of Pastor Bill Ratliff from Towne Lake Community Church. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor working in Cherokee County.

School & Sports

Meet the Student Novelists BY JOSEPH LEMMO

Students from Joseph Lemmo’s seventh grade E.T. Booth Middle School language arts class have been writing novels. Several were chosen to be part of an anthology that will be published and sold this summer. Here are interviews with three of the authors. If you could travel anywhere continue writing in the future, in the world, where would but as of right now, I am you go and why? not sure that I will pursue it entirely as a career. I greatly Korbin: I would go to enjoy writing stories/novels, Japan because it would be and I am sure that in the interesting to visit a nice place future, I will continue to with a different culture. I have write, maybe as a part-time always been interested in occupation. their culture and food. Jordan: I do not plan on Jedidiah: I would want to pursuing a writing career in the go to San Joaquin and Manila, future. However, I will keep Philippines. I would want to writing in order to get better travel there because I was at it, so that I could write for a born in the Philippines. I lived career if I wanted to. there in the first part of my From left: Budding writers Korbin Roberson, Jedidiah Davis and Jordan Fansler. life, and I haven’t been there If you could meet a famous since moving to America in author, who would it be and what would you say to him or her? late 2008. I had very good friends in the neighborhood that my Korbin: I would meet Jeff Kinney, author of the “Diary of a family and I lived in. Wimpy Kid.” When I was a little bit younger, I was so into the series Jordan: I would go back to Michigan to visit all of my old that when a new book came out, I would read it in a day or two! I friends. I would travel there only because I would not like to go would just say, “Thank you for those books because I loved them!” to some tropical island, state or country because Georgia already Jedidiah: Although they have already passed away, I would seems pretty warm to me. have really liked to meet Stan and Jan Berenstain. Their main book Which fictional character from a book or movie inspires you? series, “The Berenstain Bears,” was one of my favorite childhood books, and they really gave me the passion of reading and writing. If Korbin: A character that inspires me is from the book I met them, I would say, “Thank you for your wonderful books. Your “Hatchet,” written by Gary Paulsen. The character Brian Robeson writing has really inspired me.” was definitely an inspiration because he showed that no matter what, even if his life was in danger, to keep going. Jordan: I think one of the few famous authors that I can remember is J.R.R. Tolkien. I remember enjoying “The Hobbit” and Jedidiah: I would have to say that a fictional character who “The Lord of the Rings,” which were both written by him. I would inspires me is Po from the “Kung Fu Panda” movie series by like meeting him, and the one thing I would ask him is how he came DreamWorks Animation. I have always loved the “Kung Fu Panda” up with his ideas. movies, and I love how Po is so determined to learn kung fu, which has been his lifelong dream. Even though in the first movie he is If someone wrote a biography of your life, what would the title be? ridiculed by his teacher, and jeered at by his heroic kung fu idols, Korbin: Probably “Korbin: The Man, the Myth, the Legend.” Po always believed in himself and continued on. I am inspired by Jedidiah: The title would probably be “His Mind Has Po because of his sheer will and determination. I can relate myself Traveled Farther Than Anyone.” I have a vivid imagination, and to Po’s circumstance. Because my parents are missionaries, we’ve even when I am bored or alone, I always think of something constantly been moving to different communities, and I’ve never amazing or unusual. My mind has ventured off and created so been able to build strong relationships with friends. many strange and unique universes, that I like to think it has Jordan: Rudy from the movie “Rudy” inspires me because he been everywhere! keeps trying his best to make the football team, even though he Jordan: I think the title would be something along the lines of knows the odds of actually playing in a game are slim. “The Boy Who Seemed to Have Everything Go His Way.” I think it Do you plan on pursuing a writing would be titled that because I have lived almost my whole life career in the future? without experiencing too many major disappointments. Korbin: Well I don’t plan to, but I have considered writing books in my future. In our world, you never know what will happen next. Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County for the last 15 years. Jedidiah: I would like to TOWNELAKER | April 2016

School & Sports

Congratulations to the 2016 All Region Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team:

From left: Ashton Sutton, Woodstock High School; Yaz Wazeeruddin, Pope High School; Laiken Wade and Lacey McCoy, Cherokee High School; Chandler Sutton and Kennedy Montgomery, Woodstock High School; Emilee Olsen, Lassiter High School; Kasey Cwalina, Roswell High School; MacKenzi Leigh, Etowah High School and Kaleigh Karl, Cherokee High School.

Principal Named Finalist for Education Fellowship Etowah High School Principal Keith Ball has been named a finalist for the 2017-18 U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) Principal Ambassador Fellowship Program. Principal Keith Ball The program is designed to improve students’ education by involving current principals in the development and implementation of education policy. Ball is a finalist for the Campus Fellows opportunity, which is a part-time position based in his home community. Applications are reviewed and finalists are interviewed by a panel of U.S. DOE staff members with experience and expertise in instruction, along with current and previous Principal Ambassador Fellows. Winners are usually announced by the end of April.

Book Buddies Form Special Bond Etowah High School students regularly visit Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy to read to the future Etowah Eagles. The Reading Buddies program matches up high school students with children in Oak Grove’s prekindergarten classes. Etowah High School senior Bronson Rechsteiner reads to Quentin Matthis Rose from Kim Childers’ prekindergarten class.

State Senator Visits Classroom Woodstock Elementary School recently welcomed State Sen. Brandon Beach, who visited Emily Spira’s third-grade classroom. Beach spoke on social studies topics including his role in the Georgia Senate, and read to the students. Sen. Brandon Beach, center back row, visits Emily Spira’s third-grade class at Woodstock Elementary School. Joining them, seated in the center, is Principal Kim Montalbano. 72

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Sen. Beach reads to students.

ETOWAH Track and Field

2016

Many of us see the distance and cross country runners along Towne Lake Parkway, just a portion of the track and field team members who work very hard, putting in more than two hours of intense practice five days a week. With a tie for the school record in boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pole vault (11â&#x20AC;&#x2122; vault) within the first few meets, this season is an exciting one for coaches and competitors.

Junior Tyray Devezin.

Sam Donley.

Cayden Rechsteiner.

Jayda Owens.

Kaitlyn Peeples.

Juniors Stuart Head and Chris Rinker.

Colin Mitchell.

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

School & Sports

Student Artwork Selected for Display

From left: Sarah Silberstein, Gracie McNew and Kailey Bridgette.

Artwork by five Bascomb Elementary students has been chosen for display at a new Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Healthcare of Atlanta urgent care center in Canton. The students are first-graders Kendall Janecki and Kayli LeJohn and fifth-graders Kailey Bridgette, Gracie McNew and Sarah Silberstein.

From left: Kendall Janecki and Kayli LeJohn.

Woodstock Students Place in Public Speaking Competition Two Woodstock Elementary School students earned second place in the recent 4-H Cloverleaf District Project Achievement competition for grades 4-6. Sydney Eidson earned second place for her presentation on safety, and Delilah Glorio placed second for her project on cat care; and Geo Acosta spoke on computer information technology. Fortyeight students presented projects for the competition.

From left, Geo Acosta, Delilah Glorio and Sydney Eidson.

Workshop Provides Hands-On Experience First-graders from Hillside Preschool and Academy made valentine boxes as part of an in-class field trip Kid Workshop sponsored by The Home Depot in Woodstock.

Front row, from left: Cooper Nelson, Ty Phillips, Zane Gibson, Gavin Groet and Memphis Sorrells; back row: Gracye Lamb, Breanna Welton, Ashlin Melton, Sophia Berry, teacher Lynn Robertson, Lana Fischer, Ashlyn Forrester, Kaylynne Barfield, Elaina Lee, Abbie Smith, teacher Terri Gresham, Katie Gantt, Etowahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nicole Booth and Jaidyn Novak.

Junior Beta Club Members Inducted

Boston Elementary School recently inducted new members into its Junior Beta Club. Etowah High School Student Body President Nicole Booth presented the students with a certificate and pin.

Competitors onstage at the North Georgia Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition.

Etowah Junior Advances to State Poetry Competition In back, Jayne Moore from The Home Depot. Back row, from left: Kayla Soloman, Corbin Rottenberg, Quentin Hood, Dominick Hopkins, Andrew Soloman and Andre Clark. Middle row: Mackenzie Ham, Lilly Sherwood, Paisley Harp and Nicholas Piroumian. Front row: Tyler Bennett and Bella Papevies. 74

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Etowah High School junior Brandon Snow earned a spot in the state competition for the National Endowment for the Arts Poetry Out Loud program. He advanced to the state level after a successful performance at the North Georgia Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition recently hosted by Woodstock High School.

School District Enhances Emergency Preparedness BY MARK KISSEL

At the beginning of this school year, the Cherokee County School District enhanced its emergency preparedness capabilities by hiring Todd Maloney as emergency management facilitator. In doing so, the school district holds the distinction of being one of only two school districts in Georgia to utilize an emergency manager for school safety purposes. Maloney initially served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army and as a certified police officer, working most recently with the school district’s police department before taking on Todd Maloney his new job responsibilities. He is now responsible for ensuring all school safety plans, as required by Georgia law, meet or exceed the minimum standards. He also reviews the district emergency response team protocols with the assistance of several departments within the school district to ensure continuity of operations in the event of an emergency. In addition, Maloney is responsible for maintaining the IPconnected radio communication system to guarantee that it is functional at all times to provide effective communications between departments, school-based staff and bus drivers.

Maloney has successfully completed all course requirements under Georgia law to be a certified emergency manager, and he works closely with the Cherokee sheriff’s office Division of Emergency Management and other state and local entities to identify, mitigate and respond to any number of situations that may impact Cherokee County and its schools. This school year, Maloney has worked with school safety teams by presenting tabletop exercises that are designed to identify the roles and responsibilities of each member in a simulated scenario. This type of exercise helps the team identify strengths and weakness, assess current protocols within the school safety plan and make appropriate modifications where needed. Cherokee County Schools Emergency Management maintains a governmental page on Facebook, which you can check to stay up-to-date on weather preparedness and other useful information.

Chief of Police Mark Kissel has served the Cherokee County School District since 1999 and has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience.

CHEROKEE YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (CYFA) YOUTH FOOTBALL COMPETITION & SIDELINE CHEERLEADING for GRADES K-5**

WE PLAY & CHEER

Registration Opens March 15, 2016

www.cyfa.org

**Enter promo code “Woodstock” to save up to $25* on your regular football or sideline cheer registration fee. Sibling discount available. See website for complete details.** TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Cherokee Photography Club

Congratulations to all the participants in the February “Historical” competition.

If you placed in either the color or monochromatic print category, please send a digital file of your image to: deankelley@windstream.net

Digital Projection:

1st Dean Kelley “Looking Back”

3rd Peter Kilpo “Historic Street”

2nd Naomi Shively “Spring at the Weber Farm”

HM Mike Voeltner “Mail Car #2”

Monochromatic:

1st Martin Longstaff “Ardvreck Castle, Loch Assynt” 76

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

2nd David Ferguson “Heroes”

Color Prints: 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. 1st Vicki Sellers “Cape Hatteras In Evening”

3rd Bill Bradford “Backing Theos”

3rd Eillene Kirk “If Walls Could Talk”

2nd Joey Thompson “Big Wheel”

HM L.B. Bryant “Old Venice by Water”

HM Bobby Campbell “Past Times” TOWNELAKER | April 2016

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Welcome to

photo by Darleen Prem

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

Ridgewalk Pkwy

To I-575 Exit 9

Woodstock Community Church

Trolley Routes outlined in red

T Dobbs Rd

Rope Mill Rd

- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only

On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only

City Center

Pkwy

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa) St

Trail

er St

n St

Mca

ar d Rd

Reeves St

tim

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

ry St

iley

Pade

Fowler St

Hicko

Reformation Brewery Fri 6:00-close Sat 2:00-close Sun 2:00-close

Wheel

Oak St

le St

T T

Elm

Map

in St

reek

E Ma

day C

To GA Hwy 140

Noon

T Park at City Center Arnold Mill Rd

Mill

ffee

Lake

Route and schedule subject to change Check downtownwoodstock.org/trolley for more info

Cham bers

Town e

Wall

To I-575 Exit 8

Mark et S t

Fridays 6-10 PM Saturdays 4-10 PM Sundays 2-6 PM

Chattahoochee Technical College

Kyle St

TROLLEY SCHEDULE:

Main

Trolley Stop

T St

Public Parking Lots

Woodstock

T Public Library

Main

The Outlet Shoppes

T at Atlanta at Nike

To GA Hwy 92

r Pe

ns ki

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Downtown Woodstock

Farmers Market Gets a Facelift BY KYLE BENNETT

The Woodstock Farmers Market celebrates its eighth anniversary this year and at the same time gets a makeover including a new name. The market will now be known as the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market. The new name is a direct reflection of our goal to have it known as the best place to purchase the best locally grown produce. To help guarantee that, we now require that vendors grow at least 85 percent of the product they bring to market. Produce vendors will be subject to inspection to confirm they are growing the required amount. The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market, sponsored by the Bank of North Georgia, will be open 8:30 a.m.− noon every Saturday in May through October on Market Street in downtown Woodstock. Our partnership with the Cherokee County Farm Bureau will continue so we’ll be able to bring events to the market throughout the 2016 season. For more information, call 770-924-0406 or email kbennett@ woodstockga.gov.

Kyle Bennett is the director of tourism for the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority. He can be reached at kbennett@woodstockga.gov.

Woodstock Recycles on Greenstock Day Document Destruction: Georgia Woodstock residents don’t even need Document Destruction will be on site to to get out of their car to participate in the shred confidential documents. Limit of recycling event. The motto for the day: five boxes per car. “Drive through, we’ll unload for you!” Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, This event is sponsored by the city Hearing Aids, Eyeglasses, Magazines/ of Woodstock, Waste Management, Newspapers: Light bulbs must be in Diversified Recycling, USAgain, a clear plastic, sealed bag. The long Georgia Document Destruction and the tubular style of fluorescent light bulbs Lions Club. cannot be accepted. FYI: Home Depot Electronics, Cell Phones and Batteries: stores will accept compact fluorescent All equipment will be broken down by light bulbs year round. Diversified Recycling and processed 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 23 Clothing, Shoes, Belts, Hats, Bedding, so it can be reused, which will lessen Woodstock Elementary School Towels, Curtains, Purses, Backpacks: A demands on local landfills and keep 230 Rope Mill Road partnership with USAgain guarantees toxins from leaking into the soil and that textiles will be recycled, reducing waterways. All disposals will be done Visit www.WoodstockParksandRec.com textiles landfill waste and emission free of charge, with the exception of for a complete list of acceptable items. gasses, and saving water. CRT TV’s and CRT monitors, which City Wide Yard Sale: The Great require a fee of $10 and projection American Cleanup organizes millions of volunteers in activities television sets, requiring a $30 fee. Cell phones will be that encourage individual stewardship for the environment collected for the Cell Phones for Soldiers Program. Each and care for the community. In conjunction with Earth Week, donated cell phone provides a soldier overseas with 60 minutes of prepaid calling service so they may phone their residents are encouraged, city-wide, to hold yard sales. Sign up families back home. Visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com at www.WoodstockParksandRec.com to have a yard sale added for more information and self-addressed mailing bags to do it to the list on the city’s website, flyer, e-mail blast, CraigsList.com, yourself from home. continued on page 85 80

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Elm Street:

Theater and Its Influence on Pop Culture BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

It’s a really exciting time in theater. Why? One word: Hamilton. Something special happened during this year’s Grammy Awards: members of the cast form the new musical “Hamilton” performed during the ceremony. In 58 years of the Grammys, a musical theater show has been featured a total of seven times before “Hamilton.” I think Taylor Swift has more appearances in one evening at the Grammys. People have been losing their minds over this show. It is popular because the music is pure genius and the story about founding father Alexander Hamilton is remarkable. Plus, you don’t often hear about a hip-hop Broadway show that highlights the birth of America and the National Treasury. Actually, when Lin-Manuel Miranda decided to write this story for the stage, many people laughed. For the first time in two decades (yes, “Rent” is 20 years old … sigh), a Broadway show is pushing its way into pop culture solely because of its music and message. “Hamilton” and a few other recent shows have started a conversation among scholars that we are entering a “New Golden Age” of theater because of how Broadway is affecting pop culture (the original Golden Age of musical theater was 1943-1959). Theater has a bigger impact on culture than many realize. Sometimes it is more obvious than others. For instance, there is a conversation taking place where people look at “instant gratification” like it is a new concept – but a strong argument can be made that this idea was introduced by “Rent” 20 years ago – the theme of the show is “no day but today.” There are many shows that impact culture without direct involvement. I’ll never forget hearing my friend, who was not involved in the theater world say, “Yeah, they get along as well as the Jets and the Sharks.” I was so proud. But even more importantly, “West Side Story” was from the ’50s, yet my fellow millennial was able to reference it even though he hadn’t seen the show. At the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, we know the impact these stories can have. It is one thing to see the audience happy after a show, it’s another to see and feel the effect it had on them. We are thrilled to be doing some shows from the Golden Age that have influenced our society like Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” which will be on stage at Elm Street the end of this month through May.

Theater has a bigger impact on culture than many realize.

CITY CENTER • DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

APR 29 - MAY 15 Fri/Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:00pm

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SUMMER CAMPS

Write, Produce, and Perform your show in one week!

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, works as the operations director for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Downtown Woodstock

Pesto Pizza

SUBMITTED BY FIRE STONE WOOD FIRED PIZZA AND GRILL IN DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK.

Set your oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450Â°F. Start with a fresh dough, purchased in the bakery section of your local grocery store or made from a traditional pizza dough recipe. Once the dough is ready, roll onto a pizza stone or baking sheet, cover with pesto spread, 1 cup mozzarella (sprinkle to cover evenly) and Âź pound thin-sliced prosciutto. Bake on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes or until pizza is golden brown. Top with 1 cup baby arugula and balsamic glaze after baking.

Pesto Spread

Pesto base recipe: 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese. If you have extra, use as a delicious topping for a crostini!

Balsamic Glaze Recipe

8 ounces of good balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup sugar Salt to taste Pour balsamic vinegar into a sauce pot. Add regular granulated sugar and a couple pinches of salt. Stir to combine. Place the sauce pot over medium heat. When the balsamic vinegar comes to a boil, stir again. When the balsamic glaze is thick, syrupy and has reduced by half (about 20 to 30 minutes), remove the pot from the burner and allow it to cool.

The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

Date: April 29 Topic: Greenprints Alliance Gary Moore, Executive Director For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 downtownwoodstock.org/downtown-buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. Canyons American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern Modern no $$ $$$ open Full bar 8 persons + 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican no $ $-$$ open Full bar yes 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 Hot Dog Heaven American no $ no open no no 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no Fri./Sat. $$ open Full bar yes 380 Chambers St. only 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no $$ $$ open Full bar no 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no Weekends 315 Chambers St. only 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer no 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas Southern Sunday no $$$$ open Beer/Wine yes 108 Arnold Mill Rd. Brunch 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com Pure Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. $$ $$ open Full bar 6 persons+ 405 Chambers St. Brunch 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood Seafood Sunday $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar yes 8670 Main St. Brunch 770-627-3006 Salt Factory Pub Gastropub no $$ $$-$$$ open Full bar no 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 Tea Leaves & Thyme English no $$ no closed no yes 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 Tea room tealeavesandthyme.com Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Village Market & Cafe 490 Chambers St. 678-831-2707 Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

American European

$-$$

open

Beer/Wine

limited

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

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

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

Downtown Woodstock

Springtime in Woodstock The sidewalks were crowded with diners enjoying their meals on a recent day when the temperature hit the 80-degree mark. Many outdoor opportunities await residents in downtown Woodstock. Photos by Darleen Prem

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money

Representative’s Honest Self-Assessment

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations: 1 - usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/09/24/investors-fearoutliving-retirement-savings/16095591/ [9/24/14] 2 - thestreet.com/story/13468811/1/here-rsquo-s-how-to-make-yourmoney-last-in-retirement.html [2/23/16] 3 - marketwatch.com/story/so-whos-going-to-pay-for-you-to-live-tobe-100-2016-02-17/ [2/17/16] 4 - thinkadvisor.com/2016/02/22/6-ways-to-prevent-going-broke-inretirement [2/22/16]

doesn’t nearly allow me to outline the self assessment that I have been undergoing. Qualifying is a time in which I reflect. I hope that each of you feel represented, as it is my honest goal to ensure that each of my 54,000 constituents knows they have a voice. We won’t always agree, but I am always here to listen (or to be yelled at!). As always, you can reach me on my personal cell phone number at 678-523-8570 or meet me for one of my “Weekly Coffees with District 20” at Copper Coin Coffee nearly every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. I hope to have the opportunity to represent us for another two years, but whatever is in store I want you each to know: representing my home in the General Assembly remains one of the true honors of my life. I will continue to put my all into the job, and I am here if you ever need me. Thank you for the privilege of representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly!

continued from page 50

Slip and Fall Injuries at Grocery Stores continued from page 42

your injury. Take photos of the hazard and area. Your attorney can then also request the video of the aisle you fell in and demand that it be kept permanently as evidence and not erased. If this request is made and the store does not comply, then the store will be deemed to have “spoiled evidence” which is helpful should your injury case have to go before a jury. At any rate, slip and fall cases are not open and shut so you should speak with an injury attorney prior to thinking about going it alone against the store and its insurance company.

Training for the 3-Day continued from page 58

•• •

Choose training routes where you feel comfortable and safe. As your mileage increases, make sure your training routes include bathrooms and places to refill your water bottle (which you should always have with you). Listen to audiobooks. It’s a wonderful way to pass the time, especially when you’re out there for three or four hours as you get closer to the event. It’s also a great motivator if you love the book and only let yourself listen while you’re walking. Listen to your body. As with any endurance-type athletic event, you should start out slowly and build up. It’s okay to push yourself a little, but don’t overdo it. Seek medical attention if you need it. Make sure you bring snacks with you (power bars, peanuts, cheese sticks), especially on your longer walks. Again, always have your water bottle. And finally, just get out there and enjoy yourself. By participating in the 3-Day, you’re doing something good for you and something great for so many others. I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta on Oct. 7, 8 and 9. I’ll be the one in pink.

• • •

continued from page 59

Snoring could be a health warning continued from page 66

(PAP) device, which is a sophisticated portable air compressor. The PAP prevents the airways from collapsing during breathing. Physicians may recommend surgery for some cases, depending on severity. Most surgical treatments correct or improve sleep apnea by opening the space in the back of the throat. This is accomplished by either moving the tongue forward, and/or by removing excess tissue that is crowding the upper airway. Patients should keep in mind that one-third of their life is spent sleeping. This important part of their daily routine is often ignored. A lot happens during normal sleep to keep us healthy. If our sleep is compromised, then other areas of our health may also suffer.

Dean Rusk

continued from page 30

Dallas. Rusk again turned in his resignation to President Lyndon B. Johnson, and was again refused. He enjoyed a closer relationship with Johnson than Kennedy, since both came from rural, southern backgrounds. Vietnam dominated the later years of Rusk’s term. His strong support for military action in Vietnam made him the target of anti-war protesters. Dean Rusk left office in 1969 as one of the second-longest serving secretaries of state (he shares the honor with William H. Seward; they both served for seven years and 364 days). He returned to his home state, teaching international law at the University of Georgia. He retired from there in 1984, and died a decade later.

Woodstock Recycles continued from page 80

and newspaper ads at no charge. Deadline is April 13. Recycle bins will be located behind the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St., until April 26 for leftover garage sale clothing, bedding, and shoes. Special Trash Pick Up: A special trash pickup of used appliances, large items, and scrap metal will be available April 18-22 by Waste Management. For Woodstock city residents, these items will be picked up on normal trash pickup days. No construction debris allowed. TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN FEBRUARY

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

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

Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street.

It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2017) - This approximately 1.2 mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2016) - This .5 mile trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Reference

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

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

Sen. David Perdue (R)

B40D Dirksen Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 perdue.senate.gov

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)

131 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20510 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 isakson.senate.gov

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

202-456-1414 fax: 202-456-2461 202-224-3521 GA: 678-248-6444

202-224-3643 GA: 770-661-0999

State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)

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

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

404-463-1378

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

678-523-8570

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

678-576-2644

Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22 wes@cantrellforhouse.com

770-722-7526

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23

404-656-0254

scot@turnerforhouse.com

mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov

Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 john.carson@house.ga.gov

www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001

Commissioners

L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman

lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Steve West (R) District 1 swest@cherokeega.com

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 11 238 Cannon House Ofc. Bldg., Washington DC 20515 202-225-2931 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 GA: 770-429-1776 loudermilk.house.gov

michael.caldwell@house.ga.gov

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

404-656-0287

Cherokee County Courts Superior Court Chief Judge Jackson Harris 678-493-6260 Judge David Cannon Jr. 678-493-6270 Judge Ellen McElyea 678-493-6240

State Court Judge W. Alan Jordan 678-493-6490 Judge A. Dee Morris 678-493-6480 Magistrate Court Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) 678-493-6431 Judge Gregory Douds 678-493-6431

Probate Court Judge Keith Wood (R) 678-493-6160

Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com

Brian Poole (R) District 3 bpoole@cherokeega.com

Scott Gordon (R) District 4 sgordon@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Coroner

Earl W. Darby 770-735-8055

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

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

www.cherokeega-sheriff.org 678-493-4100 fax: 678-493-4228

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little

2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Brian V. Hightower 111 Academy St. Canton Ga 30114 Brian.hightower@cherokee.k12.ga.us

678-493-6400 fax: 678-493-6420 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us 770-479-1871

Kyla Cromer (R) (Chair)

678-493-8088

Kelly Poole (R) District 1

678-895-9044

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

770-893-2970

John Harmon (R) District 3

404-462-4950

kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us kelly.poole@cherokee.k12.ga.us

john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R) District 4

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Clark Menard (R) District 5

clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us

770-721-4398, x4370 770-928-0341

Mike Chapman (R) District 6 mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us City Government Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood

770-704-1544

Chief Judge John B. Sumner 678-493-6250 Judge Anthony Baker 678-493-6280 District Attorney Shannon Wallace 770-479-1488

Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing

770-345-5536

Clerk of Courts Patty Baker 678-493-6511

Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

770-592-6001

Juvenile Court

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

www.canton-georgia.gov www.hollyspringsga.us. www.woodstockga.gov

COMMUNITY INFORMATION 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 Bethesda Community Clinic Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry

770-345-8100 678-880-9654 770-720-7712 770-479-1804 770-345-5483 770-720-3581 770-345-3274 770-720-3610 770-924-0864 770-479-5397 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 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center

770-479-1703 770-345-7920 404-616-9000 800-222-1222 770-704-2610 770-428-2666

Libraries: www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek 770-591-1491 R.T. Jones 770-479-3090 Woodstock 770-926-5859 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 | April 2016

Reference

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 www.crossroadspbc.org Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Road, Roswell 770-641-3000 www.bethhallel.org

LUTHERAN

Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-503-5050 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.tlcwoodstock.org

ORTHODOX

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

PRESBYTERIAN

Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564 www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869 www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-3558 www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074 www.woodstockpcusa.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org

Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com

UNITED METHODIST

BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombchurch.org Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.ngumc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

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

OTHERS

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.info Fresh Springs Worship Center 11910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100 Woodstock, GA 30189 770 575-3656 www.freshspringsworship.org Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv

New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Community Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Soul Medicine 3725 Sixes Road Canton Soulmedicinesunday.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 678-880-9092 Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | April 2016

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House helps victims of domestic violence 24-hours a day who need help getting their pets to safety. 404-452-6248 www.ahimsahouse.org

Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. 770-704-PAWS (7297) www.theanimalproject.org

Angel House Girls Home is a residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn self-sufficiency. 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com

Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly backto-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org

Anna Crawford Children’s Center is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and protecting and serving children and families through prevention and intervention services. 678-504-6388 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org

Collins Dixon Foundation: Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness and helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Contact: Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560. Bethany Place is a transitional home for single women, unwed mothers. 770-479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org CASA for Children promotes the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse through programs that increase their safety and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning. 770-345-3274 www.casacherokee.org CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. 770-592-8072 Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115 or admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org Cherokee FOCUS works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. Sonia Carruthers 770-345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. 770-345-5312 or 770-345-5320 www.cherokeega.com/senior-services Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. 678-640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com Companion Animal Connection 678-493-9847 www.adoptapet.com Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com

Green Shelters America animal rescue group. 770-712-4077 or GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com www.GreenSheltersAmeric.com Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia 770-587-9697 www.habitat-ncg.org Healing Hands Youth Ranch offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and healing. Jennifer Simonis 770-633-4451 www.hhyr.org HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. 678-391-5950 www.hqmg.org HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 770-924-0864 or info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com HOPE Center — Baby & More Thrift Store offers adult and children’s clothing. 770-517-4450 www.babyandmorethriftstore.com Life Connection Ministries helps empower and provide humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com Matthew E. Russell Foundation works to establish literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. Florine Russell 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org Never Alone Outreach provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

Safe Kids Cherokee County provides free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808 www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. 770-516-1108 www.servone.org The Blue Ribbon Foundation fosters a national dialog toward finding the cause, cure and prevention of ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. Tom Prior 478-397-5542 www.theblueribbonfoundation.org Volunteer Aging Council is a nonprofit that helps raise funds for the seniors of Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. 770-310-3474 www.vac-cherokeega.org SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AA Meetings Canton Meets: 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock Meets: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton Meets: 8 pm Thursday at St Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock Meets: Tuesday Al-anon and Alateen 8 pm Thursday Al-anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. Reba 770-516-3502 www.ga-al-anon.org/district-number.hp?district=17 American Heart Association - Cherokee Division 678-385-2013 American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695 Caregivers Alzheimers Support Group Meets: 6:30 p.m. first Tuesday of Every Other Month at Benton House of Woodstock, 3385 Trickum Rd. 678-494-4500 woodstockinfo@bentonhouse.com Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. 770-366-7515 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House 678-459-2347 www.MinistryHouse.org Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Cherokee County Support Group provides support for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Rd, Holly Springs. Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@comcast. net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 christystephenson@msn.com Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org

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

North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. 706-253-6303 www.ngapregnancy.org

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

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

Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock. www.cherokeeministers.org

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

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

Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock. Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Georgia Canines for

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

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

Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Irma Martin 678-662-2366

Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock 678-8820915 www.cherokeecounty.gop

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

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

Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Conrad Quagliaroli 770-378-8232, conradquag@gmail.com www.teapartypatriots.org/groups/cherokee-tea-partypatriots/

Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Jeannie 770-919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church. Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770-517-0191 MOMS Club of Woodstock-TowneLake momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com www.sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-924-4777 Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. Kelly 678-677-2589 BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter. Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont. Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, 678-493-3618 Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock. Marci Zied 770-345-8687 Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. www.cherokeetoastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets: 8:30 a.m. third Thursday at J Christopher’s, 315 Chambers Street, Woodstock. Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 www.xperienceconnections.com/ spotlight/woodstock/ Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. 770-615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7-8:30 a.m. every Friday at Freight Kitchen & Tap, 251 E. Main St., Woodstock. Marc Replogle 770-952-5000, ext. 20 or Wendy 404-816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long

CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Lunch is $15. Rich 770-926-1944 Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room). www.saltcherokee.com Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org Citizen Oversight and Education 678-520-2236 citizenoversighteducation@yahoo.com Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. Marcie Zied 770-345-8687 Junior Service League of Woodstock 770-592-3535 www.jslwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy 20 Lynda Goodwin, 770-393-1766 or Lynda@ edgoodwinassociates.com www.pilotinternational.com

Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton. 770-592-7811 or jkconkey@gmail.com Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at the Chick-fil-a on 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall. Bill Dewrell 770-294-0922 Republican Women of Cherokee County 678-520-2236 www.rwccga.com Recreation & Hobbies Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events , outings Rob Kelly rrkelly@bellsouth.net Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee Community Chorale 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton. 770-704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org

Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92 770-480-4179

Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/ cherokee/mastergardeners

Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Featherstone’s Grille at 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock www.townelakerotary.com

Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com

Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92 678-428-6514 Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991 www.serviceleague.net South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. 770-926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club. 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. 770-926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Contact: 770-906-2958

Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org

Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Linda Lokey 770-720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. www.christianauthorsguild.org Kingdom Riders is a forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democratic Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs 770-345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com

Les Marmitons, for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org

Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. www. cherokeelp.org

Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com

Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. third Saturday at Jump Kitchen &

Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com

William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. 678-445-6518 TOWNELAKER | April 2016

TOWNELAKER

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

Downtown Buzz 770-592-6056 www.downtownwoodstock.org/ downtownbuzz

J RAY, CPA, PC 404-994-5102 www.JRAYCPA.com

Towne Lake Business Association www.TLBA.org

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

Joint Chiropractic, The 678-214-4449 www.thejoint.com

Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 678-445-7423 www.hartman-imbriale.com

North Georgia Functional Medicine 678-556-5117 www.northgeorgiafm.com

Limbocker Law 678-401-6836 www.limbockerlawfirm.com

Optimum Health 770-516-7477 www.optimumhealthrehab.com Ribley Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

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

Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA 678-919-1250 jjacksoncpa.com

CHIROPRACTIC

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC Inside Front 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com AUTOMOTIVE

Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC 8 678-810-0881 www.BringBackSmiles.com Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 27 770-517-0444 www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com Fountain View Family Dentistry 63 770-926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 43 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com Spillane Orthodontics 28 770-928-4747 www.SpillaneOrtho.com Towne Lake Family Dentistry Dr. Ray Morgan Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.RayMorganDMD.com Williams Orthodontics 45 770-592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION Goddard School, The 770-516-0880 www.GoddardSchool.com

5 1

Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

Bavarian Repair 770-310-2381 www.bavarianrepair.com

Fresh Springs Worship Church 770-575-3656

Grant Academy, The 770-926-7827 www.thegrantacademy.net

C & T Auto Service 770-928-5940 www.CandTAutoService.com

Hillside United Methodist Church 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org

Master’s Training Center, The 770-591-9588 www.TheMasterTrainingCenter.com

Christian Brothers Automotive 770-926-4500 www.cbac.com

Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 29 678-505-8907 www.FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

Salon Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com Shape Wellness Center 404-303-2323 www.shapemed.com 94

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry-Tech 678-368-5991 www.carpetdrytech.com

Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com

COMPUTERS

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Salon Gloss 678-483-8900 www.salongloss.biz

CHURCHES

38, 39

Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900 www.ccrguys.com

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

32 Dental Practice 770-423-1132 www.thirty-twodental.com

Park View Child Care and Montessori School 31 770-926-0044 www.parkviewmontessorischool.com Towne Lake Academy North Campus: 770-928-6162 South Campus: 770-928-9134

Towne Lake Driving School 678-494-2200 www.TowneLakeDrivingSchool.com

FUNERAL SERVICES Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations Inside front 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

HEALTH & FITNESS Center for Yoga, The 770-517-5212 www.yogafamilytree.com

Plae Hard www.plaehard.com

PHIIT Club at R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR AquaDoc Plumbing 770-516-9000, www.plumdr.com

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

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

PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com

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

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com

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

Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

Hammocks Heating & Air 770-794-0428 www.HammocksHVAC.com

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.NorthGeorgiaHearing.com

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

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.MrJunk1.com

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

Precision Painting & Remodeling 678-234-9668 www.precisionpaintingatlanta.com

Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com

SOTO Remodeling 404-376-5443

Vinyl Window Solutions 770-635-8421 www.vinylwindowsolutions.com

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 770-827-0346

Ivyscapes 678-858-0782 www.ivyscapes.net Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.LandscapeMattersInc.com Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping 404-520-0710 www.excavationandlandscaping.com

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

North Georgia Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, Dr. Bret Hintze 770-999-0804 www.NGFAR.com Northside Hospital -Cherokee www.northside.com

Reflection Lake Nantahala Kristine Flaig, 828-321-3101 www.reflectionlakenantahala.com

Southeast Mortgage 770-279-0222, ext. 719 Todd Littlejohn: 678-662-3451

Terrell Team, The Direct: 770-928-6525 Office: 770-345-8211 www.RealEstateAgent.net

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Cherokee Youth Football Assoc. www.cyfa.org

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

GreenPrints Alliance TrailFest

Men of Hillside Charity Golf Tournament

Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 770-928-0016 www.NorthsidePediatrics.com Perimeter North Family Medicine 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 20 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy 770-635-7697 www.TowneLakePharmacy.com

Wellstar Cancer Network 1-877-366-6032 wellstar.org

Northside Cherokee Women’s Specialists 43 770-926-9229 NSHCherokeeWomensSpecialists.com

Rebound Physical Therapy 678-445-9799 www.ReboundPTClinic.com

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

Magnolia Cottages by the Sea Linda B. Lee, 850-319-8050 www.magnolisdreamcottage.com

Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cvr 404-954-2486, 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheilateam.com

Cruise Planners, Kathy Faisal 678-445-5235-Office 770-231-7033-Cell

Overstreet Lawn Care 770-861-7272 www.overstreetlawncare.com

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 32, 33 678-388-5485 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com

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

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Tomlinson Team, The Cathy Tomlinson: 770-365-6193 or 678-494-2953, 770-517-2150 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Donna Charitat: 770-309-0253, 770-517-2150, www.MyAgentDonna.com

PHOTOGRAPHER J. King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com

Michelle Homier for State Court Judge 46 www.judgehomier.com

POLITICAL David Waters for Sheriff Cover, 48, 49 770-655-4626 www.DavidWatersforSheriff.com

Around Town Take Out www.AroundTownTakeOut.com

Butchers Block 770-517-2225

Papa P’s 770-592-3100 www.papa-ps.com

Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Blue Frog Imports 770-592-0122 www.BlueFrogImports.biz Dismero Red Line 678-398-4008

Spirited 678-214-5304 www.spritlala.com

Wild Birds Unlimited

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

photo by J King Images

Since 1996, 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.

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.

From left Michelle McCulloch, Patty Ponder, Jon and Karen Flaig, Candi Hannigan, Denise Griffin, Laura Latchford, Jackie Loudin and Christie Deese. Not pictured Katherine Amick.

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. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,000

TOWNELAKER | April 2016

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