4 18 around canton webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

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10451 Bells Ferry Road Canton, GA 30114

Crossfire Volleyball Club has brought opportunities for competitive volleyball to players in Cherokee County and surrounding areas since 2010. Volleyball is a quickly growing sport and has become popular for young athletes in the Southeast. We offer a variety of programs for girls from the ages of 9-18, boys ages 9-12. Youth Ignite League, Summer Beach & SparkVBT programs Now Accepting Registrations!

Indoor • Beach (Seasonal & Year Round) Youth Ignite Indoor & Beach League SparkVBT Training Clinics & Camps BEACH

crossfire

beach volleyball

INING

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Please visit crossfirevolleyballclub.com for information on all our programs and dates! For additional questions please email: Robin at robin.emery@crossfirevolleyballclub.com Joe at joseph.auriemma@crossfirevolleyballclub.com

We provide trusted, compassionate and exceptional care to patients with GYN cancers and other related conditions. Our experience in gynecologic oncology, combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques, means that our patients can rest assured knowing they are in the best hands possible.

Conditions We Treat

• Pelvic Masses • Ovarian Cancer

Atlanta

• Cervical Cancer • Endometrial Cancer

980 Johnson Ferry Road NE Suite 900 Atlanta, GA 30342

• Endometrial Hyperplasia • Endometriosis

4 Convenient Locations

Marietta

780 Canton Road Suite 405 Marietta, GA 30060

Call 404-459-1900 for an appointment with Dr. Gerald A. Feuer in Atlanta & Marietta.

Canton

460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard Suite 400 Canton, GA 30115

AtlantaGynOnc.com

• Uterine Fibroids • Pelvic Adhesive Disease

Towne Lake

900 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 302 Woodstock, GA 30189

Call 770-721-9400 for an appointment with Dr. Michelle A. Glasgow in Canton & Towne Lake.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Contents

32 & 33 On the Cover

Harry Johnston for Cherokee County Commission Chairman

April 2018

In Every Issue

Features 14 And the Winners Are …

4 Around Towne

The Readers’ Choice votes have been tallied

8 Community News

and the list of winners is ready!

12 Birthdays & Celebrations 29 Downtown Canton Dining Guide

16 Parks and Recreation

Our comprehensive guide to county and city

parks is sure to get you and your family

outdoors.

30 Ribbon Cuttings 38 Rob’s Rescues

Contributors 36 Don Akridge 53 Christopher Brazelton 35 Rachael Cornelius 39 Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry

40 Calendar

46 Jeremy Isaacs

44 Library Events

49 Barbara Jacoby

20 Going Green - Recycling Made Easy

50 School News

We’re proving Kermit the Frog wrong! It is

52 Everyday Angels

easy being green with these tips from the

58 Church Listings

Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.

62 Directory of Advertisers

43 Dan Jape 31 Dr. Michael Litrel 28 Dr. Christa Nelms 37 Cindy Nelson

Advertising

20 Jessica Porter

Katherine Amick, Market Manager 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundAboutMagazines.com www.AroundCantonMagazine.com @AroundCantonMagazine

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

@AroundCantonMag

54 Susan Schulz 60 Lynne Saunders @around_canton

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

AROUND CANTON The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Canton/ Holly Springs/ Sixes

From the Editor I have a confession that I’m about to make to you, 25,000 of my closest friends. I don’t recycle. There, I’ve said it and lightning hasn’t struck me … yet. I don’t know why recycling hasn’t caught on in our house. It’s not for a lack of effort by our daughter, Becca, who graduated almost two years ago from the University of the South with a degree in natural resources. Out of respect for her inclinations, we have made many efforts over the years. I think we even managed to convince her for awhile. Whenever Becca would come home from college, we’d grab the plastic bin and place it under the sink in an effort to convince her we were composting. We were very diligent about it then; not an eggshell or banana peel, much less coffee grounds, could escape our pretend bin. As soon as she packed up her car and headed back to school, guess what we packed up? At one point, we managed to build a decent compost pile in the backyard. But eventually, that heap met the same fate as my exercise and dieting efforts: abandonment. My lack of sticktoitiveness is unparalleled, but now I am convinced that I need to keep trying. After reading the chamber’s article on recycling, (page 20), I’m determined to make it stick this time. But composting? No thanks. That bin was lost in our move a few years ago. (Sorry, Becca, the secret is out now. I hope you won’t hold it against us. In fact, I think it just shows you how much we love and respect you!) It’s not a secret that the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce is committed to guiding us in our efforts to Go Green. Canton hosts Dumpster Days, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month (www.cantonga.gov). On April 18, the chamber’s Earth Day event runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (more details on pages 20-21). Greenstock Day in Woodstock is April 21 (www.woodstockga.gov), and includes recycling and a citywide yard sale. Now pardon me while I get busy sorting ...

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

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

What’s New The Cherokee County Tax Commissioner has opened kiosks in two area Krogers, where drivers can renew their tags: Kroger in Canton at 6766 Hickory Flat Parkway, in addition to the Towne Lake Kroger. To renew, bring a valid driver’s license or tag number. The process takes as little as 60 seconds and decals are printed instantly. For more details, visit taxcommissioner.cherokeega.com.

What’s Coming eat at river park will open in early April, off Sixes Road and Highway 5 at 1700 River Park Boulevard, Unit 103, Woodstock. Credentialed chef and family run and owned. Elevated southern cuisine with nods to Louisiana. A “grab and geaux” fridge. Lots of baked goodies. http://eatatriverpark.com/

Canton Purchases New Site for City Hall Mayor Gene Hobgood and the Canton city council signed an agreement March 15 to purchase the historic Canton High School/ Building C property from the Cherokee County Board of Education to repurpose as the new Canton City Hall. The purchase also includes the lot at Archer Street and West Marietta/ Church Street, which has 62 additional spaces for public parking. Three specific projects, part of the SPLOST VII funding cycle, will be included in this purchase. • Create a police department facility that will allow the agency to grow, provide additional security features for city personnel and resources, and keep the department in the heart of the city. • Look for property to preserve and expand parking options for the historic downtown commercial district. • Preserve historic resources in the downtown area to maintain the city’s heritage. The current city hall at 151 Elizabeth St. will serve as the city’s public safety and municipal court building. Canton police operations will move there, leaving behind the 10,000-square-foot old post office structure on East Main Street to their new, nearly 30,000-square-foot home. These projects will be paid with SPLOST VII funds, which has appropriated nearly $7 million for general government buildings. The former police department building will be repurposed, but no plans have been announced yet. Along with the development agreement for the project at the former grammar school and mill office on Academy Street, these moves will grow and preserve an additional 250 publicly available parking spaces on the southern side of downtown.

CAMP LAKEPOINT encourages children to stay active, be creative, and unplug from the digital world! Campers will enjoy sports instruction, themed arts, crafts, and science experiments, water activities, and eld trips! JUNE 4 - JULY 27 AGES 5 - 14 • 8AM - 5PM • EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE CAMPER TO COUNSELOR RATIO 8:1

Learn more at www.lakepointsports.com/camp-lp Camp LakePoint presented by: North Atlanta RV Rentals

Expert Surgical Care for Cherokee County

MEDICAL ASSOCIATES of NORTH GEORGIA

320 Hospital Road, Canton, GA 30114 (770) 479-5535 Medassoc.com

Dr. Kevin Powell is a board-certified expert in General Surgery who brings nearly a decade of experience to the Medical Associates of North Georgia. Dr. Powell provides the empathetic care you deserve in a convenient location, and uses state-of-theart laparoscopic and robotic procedures to treat abdominal, soft tissue, and thyroid disorders that range from the simplest to the most complex.

Dr. Powell offers treatments for: • • • • • •

Gallbladder and Biliary Disease Hernias Skin and Soft Tissue Breast Disease Small and Large Bowell Processes Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

COMMUNITY BOARD

The Around Canton Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders who assist us as contributors to the magazine and advisors who offer valuable feedback.

Pat Gold moved to Canton 33 years ago when she married

Dr. Homer (Nugget) Gold. After 18 years with Delta Airlines and another 12 working for the Cherokee County School District, Pat began volunteering. She was recently named the public outreach manager for the city of Canton, and continues to volunteer on numerous boards and committees. Pat and her husband have four children and four grandchildren. Pharmacist Dale Coker owns Cherokee Custom Script Pharmacy in Holly Springs and lives in Woodstock with wife Susan. The University of Georgia graduate is vice president of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. His community involvement has included Cherokee County Habitat for Humanity, youth league coaching and church leadership. Dale’s latest achievement is co-inventing the patented Topi-CLICK, a topical metered dosing device.

Cindy Crews is a longtime Cherokee County educator.

She joined the Sixes community as assistant principal of Sixes Elementary School in 2011 and is now principal. Cindy and her husband, Andy, have lived in Woodstock for more than 20 years, and they have two young adult daughters. Her motto: Children are the future of the human race; teach them well.

Dr. Joe McKechnie senior pastor of Sixes United Methodist Church for the past six years, grew up in Cobb County. After earning a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Georgia, Joe spent six years as a television sportscaster. He has a master’s degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Southern Methodist University. Joe and wife Catherine have two children, David and Grace Ann. Sonia Carruthers is the executive director and CEO of Cherokee FOCUS and the Cherokee Youth Works program, based in Holly Springs. The Cherokee County native grew up in Canton and lives in Woodstock with her son and daughter. She is very active in the community and currently serves with local and regional organizations to strengthen families and children. Chantel Adams is the founder and CEO of Purposeful Play of Georgia, an organization that celebrates kindness and equips young leaders. She has a biology degree from the University of Evansville, serves on the executive board of Highland Rivers Health, and volunteers with the Cherokee County Juvenile Court. Chantel and her husband, Gavin, live in Canton and have four children. Dr. Oliver “Ollie” Evans is the chiropractor at Holly Springs Chiropractic and Massage. The Cherokee county native attended Holly Springs and Sixes elementary schools and Woodstock Middle and High schools. His secondary education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise and health science from Kennesaw State University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University. Dr. Ollie serves as the team doctor for the KSU ice hockey team, is a USA hockey referee, and very involved in the CrossFit community. Dr. Ollie also serves on the Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation and several other charity boards. 6

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market Manager Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com Managing Editor Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese 770-615-3324 Christie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Around Canton, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to build a sense of community and pride in the Canton, Holly Springs and Sixes areas by sharing positive stories and timely information. A total of 25,000 free copies are distributed monthly; approximately 23,600 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 1,400 placed in racks around the community. Many readers catch the latest edition online each month. See page 64 for a distribution map. Around Canton welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of each month. Yearly subscriptions are available for $24. Send a check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Canton 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 2018. Around Canton 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, PMB 380 Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Katherine Amick Katherine@aroundaboutmagazines.com or 678-279-5502

Volume 6, Issue 1

America’s Community Magazine

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

COMMUNITY

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Centennial Farm Award Available to Farmers Most Georgians are several generations removed from their family farm, but many can trace their family history back to a farm and may have relatives still farming the family home place. The Cherokee County Farm Bureau encourages owners of farms continuously operating for 100 years or more to apply to be recognized by the Georgia Centennial Farm Program. “Farms play an important role in Georgia history, as they formed the economic, family and cultural foundation for many Georgia communities,” Cherokee County Farm Bureau President William Grizzle said. “Since farmers make up only about 1 percent of our country’s population, a farm that has been in operation for at least 100 years deserves the recognition the Georgia Centennial Farm Program offers. It represents the sustainability and continued growth of some of Georgia’s oldest farms.” Applications must be postmarked by May 1. To apply, visit http://georgiashpo.org/centennialfarms or contact Sara Love at 770-389-7856 or sara.love@dnr.ga.gov.

Gov. Nathan Deal with Henry Fornuto and Trey Rhodes, the governor’s floor leader.

Local Scout Presents Report to Georgia’s Governor During the 16th annual Boy Scout Day at the Georgia State Capitol, Henry Fornuto of Woodstock presented “The State of Scouting in Georgia” to Gov. Nathan Deal in a private meeting in the governor’s office. Henry was chosen by the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America for his service to his troop and community. Here are a few key points from the report:

Gunter Becomes First to Receive Degree Firefighter Jacob Gunter is the first Cherokee County Fire paramedic to earn an associate degree from Chattahoochee Technical College through a partnership agreement with the school and the county. Gunter works at the Oak Grove Fire Station and lives in the Canton-Holly Springs area with his wife of two years. Gunter enrolled in the 2017 fall semester and graduated in January. He has plans to continue his education by earning a bachelor’s degree. Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather congratulated Gunter for taking advantage of the credits the paramedic training program is receiving from the college.

• The state of scouting in Georgia and in the Atlanta area in particular is very strong. • There were 50,438 Cub Scouts in Georgia (19,853 in the Atlanta Area Council) in 2017. • There were 21,720 Boy Scouts in Georgia (9,328 in the Atlanta Area Council) in 2017. • 1,550 Georgia Boy Scouts achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2017; 644 of these Eagle Scouts (42 percent) came from the Atlanta Area Council. • Eagle projects accounted for 216,291 service hours to the community across the state of Georgia. After the presentation, the two joked about the fact that Gov. Deal’s scouting career ended at Cub Scouts. Henry is a Life Scout in Troop 641 in Woodstock, which is chartered through the Bascomb-Carmel United Methodist Church. 8

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Tim Prather presents Jacob Gunter with a letter of commendation.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Rock Concert Benefits Homeless Veteran Organizations An April 7 rock concert at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater gives local residents a chance to enjoy a show and help homeless veterans. The Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program and the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) are hosting the 4-8 p.m. event, which also will feature food trucks, concessions and adult beverages. Three local bands playing at the event are Misty Eyed, Roadside Silhouettes and Abide by Lies. “The concert has been named the Ghost Army Fest by the organizations that represent the over 3,000 homeless veterans that exist in the state of Georgia, that you know are there but you do not see”, said Dan Valentine, director of development and communications for VEO of Georgia. At the concert, a pivotal scene of the feature film “Charlie’s Christmas Wish” will be filmed. The film stars Dirk Benedict, Richard Tyson and Toni Hudson. The movie is being filmed in and around Canton, Woodstock, Jasper and Newnan, and will be released to 1,000 theaters in time for Veterans Day 2018. The film is produced by Blue Heron Films and Jill Frost Films of Canton. Producers are Sue Ann Taylor and Toni Hudson; the story was written by Sue Ann Taylor. For tickets, visit https://ghostarmyfest.eventbrite. com. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors over age 60 and veterans, and $7 for children.

Elm Street Has New Associate Artistic Director Elm Street Cultural Arts Village (ESCAV) has promoted Siobhan Brumbelow to associate artistic director, a position in which she will focus on the quality of productions at ESCAV, helping the organization grow artistically. Brumbelow began working with the organization when it was the Towne Lake Arts Center. In 2015, she was named education manager. The goal of this new position is to bring the productions at Elm Street to the next level, acquiring a nearly professional level of performance within the community, ultimately contributing to Elm Street’s overall artistic growth. www.elmstreetarts.org. Siobhan Brumbelow

Meet the Candidates, Enjoy Homemade Ice Cream The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a candidate forum at 6 p.m. May 1 at Cagle’s Family Farm, 5267 Conns Creek Road in Ball Ground. All local, state and national candidates running for office in 2018 are invited. Each candidate with opposition will have a chance to speak. Candidates with no opposition will be introduced. Questions from the audience will follow. Homemade ice cream will be served by Boy Scout Troop 465. Soft drinks, water and peanuts will be provided by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau. www.cherokeechamber.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 6-26. TwentyFrench 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, and 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. www.lec-usa.com.

2016 host mother Jennifer Fisher and her children Kate and Cole meeting French teen Clémence at the airport. 10

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

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Celebrations!

Happy 8th birthday, Hayleigh! We love you so much! Love, Mom, Dad, Justin and Eleanor

Holden Bohrer

Happy 3rd Birthday Monkey! You bring so much happiness to our family. We love you so much! Love Mom, Dad, Knox, & Kenzi

Ivonne Neri

April 20th You keep us moving! We love you! Happy Birthday!

Deward & Ruth Reed

Happy Birthday Daddy! Age 83 on April 30 Happy 65th Anniversary April 30. You are the BEST! I love you! Gena

Nancy Spencer

Nifty, nifty, my sweet sister is Fifty! April 21 I love you sis! Gena

Happy 18th Courtney Trudeau! April 14

You are an amazing young lady!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Daphne & Greg Tatum Happy Birthday! We love you! Mom & Dad

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

E-mail to: Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com May deadline is April 10. Please specify Around Canton.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

s Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ Ch ards Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’

And the winners are… Congratulations to our 2018 Readers’ Choice winners! We are excited to celebrate you, and the contributions you make to our community. We know you’re proud and ready to announce your success.

We have prepared a few items to help you celebrate:

1. Window cling. 2. PDF certificate you can print and display. 3. A digital image to celebrate your win on your website, Facebook page or other social media outlets. If you’d like to receive these items, send the following information to readerschoice@aroundaboutmagazines.com: • Business name and mailing address. • Contact person’s email address and phone number. It’s essential for us to have your contact information. We need your mailing address to send you the window cling. We will email the certificate when you send us your email address. If we don’t hear from you, we won’t be able to contact you. Another way to share your good news - and thank the community for voting for you - is through a Thank You ad. For more information about a Thank You ad in Around Canton, please contact Katherine@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

Restaurants

Retailers

American: Riverstone Corner Bistro

Animal/Pet Supplies: Cherokee Animal Hospital

Asian: Izumi Asian Bistro, Towne Lake

Auto Dealership: Shottenkirk Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram

Barbecue: Four 41 South

Bicycle Sales: Sixes Pit Bicycle Shop

Breakfast: J. Christophers, Woodstock

Boutique: B. loved

Coffee Shop: Copper Coin Coffee, Woodstock

Florist: Brenda’s House of Flowers, Woodstock

Dessert: Alpine Bakery, Woodstock

Garden Center/Nursery: Buck Jones Nursery, Woodstock

Fine Dining: Goin’ Coastal

Gifts/Home Décor: Three Sisters Gifts and Home Accents

Italian: Provino’s Italian Restaurant, Canton

Jeweler: Key’s Jewelry

Kid Friendly: Las Palmas III, Canton

Liquor Store: Bullock’s Wine and Spirits, Towne Lake

Mexican: La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant, Canton

Pharmacy: Northside Pharmacy

Pizzeria: Brooklyn Joe’s, Canton

Specialty Foods: Smallcakes Canton Cupcakery and Creamery

Seafood: Goin’ Coastal

Tires: Cherokee Tire Service

Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ Ch 14

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

oice Awards Readers’ Choice Awards Choice Awards Readers’ Choice Awar Services Accountant: North Georgia CPA

Home Improvement/Repair: Three Brothers Painting Inc

Adult Day Care/Respite: Cherokee Training Center

Insurance: Rick Bailey & Co., Woodstock

Attorney: Thompson Meier and King PC

Interior Design: Canton Carpentry

Audiologist: Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy Specialist, Canton Automotive: Killian Automotive Bakery: Alpine Bakery, Woodstock Bank/Credit Union: Credit Union of Georgia, Canton Barber Shop: Barker-Jackson Master Barbers at Canton

Landscaping/Lawn Care: A1 Landscape and Lawn Care Music Lessons: Canton Arts Academy Nail Salon: Clark Salon and Spa/Floatation Therapy Obstetrician/Gynecologist: Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Optometrist/Ophthalmologist: Cherokee Eye Group

Marketplace, Canton

Orthodontist: Williams Orthodontics

Business Support: Your Right Hand

Orthopedics/Sports Medicine: Resurgens Orthopaedics, Canton

Cardiology: WellStar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine

Pediatric Dentist: Cherokee Children’s Dentistry

Chiropractor: Holly Springs Chiropractic and Massage

Pediatrician: Northside Cherokee Pediatrics

Counseling: Canton Counseling

Pest Control: Canton Termite and Pest Control

Day Care/Preschool: The Carpenter’s Shop Day Spa: Clark Salon and Spa/Floatation Therapy Dentist: BridgeMill Dentistry Dog Training: The Canine Ranch ENT/Allergy Center: Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy Specialist, Canton

Pet Grooming/Boarding: Furry Friends Gentle Pet Grooming, Woodstock

Photographer: Darby Rose Photography Physical Therapist: BenchMark Physical Therapy, Canton Plastic Surgeon: Plastic Surgery Centre of the South Podiatrist: Dr. Bret J. Hintze, DPM Podiatrist, Woodstock and Jasper

Financial Adviser: J. Thompson Ross Investments, Woodstock

Private School: The King’s Academy

Funeral Home: Darby Funeral Home

Realtor: The Wistrick Team, Keller Williams

Gastroenterologist: Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates

Senior Living Facility: Camellia Place

General Practitioner: Medical Associates of North Georgia

Surgeon: Medical Associates of North Georgia, Dr. Kevin Powell

Hair Salon: Clark Salon and Spa/Floatation Therapy

Travel Agency: Pixie Vacations

Health/Fitness: Orangetheory, Canton

Tutoring: Mathnasium of Holly Springs, Canton

Home Cleaning: Tie: Image Maids and Live Clean Inc.

Veterinarian: Cherokee Animal Hospital

Recreation and Entertainment Community Theater: Canton Theatre

Gymnastics Center: 360 Tumble and Gymnastics

Dance Studio: Dance For His Glory

Music Venue: MadLife Stage and Studios, Woodstock

Equestrian: Mariposa Farms

Sports League: CSA Impact Soccer

Golf Course/Club: TIE: BridgeMill Athletic Club and Woodmont Golf and Country Club

Swim Lessons: G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA, Canton

hoice Awards Readers’ Choice Awards AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Time to Play!

Discover a Park Near You

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Spring fever and spring break go hand-in-hand this time of year. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get out of town, get out of the house and enjoy the plethora of amenities offered by the city and county parks in our area.

Cherokee County Parks Badger Creek Park

464 Blalock Road, Woodstock. Opened in fall 2012, the park includes 14 soccer fields of various sizes and is home to Cherokee Impact (www.csaimpact.com). Amenities include athletic fields and restrooms.

Barnett Park

10795 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. Located on 25 acres along Bells Ferry Road, the park includes baseball/softball diamonds, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms and walking trails along Downing Creek.

Blankets Creek Bike Trails

Reason Way, Canton. Opened in 2000, these bike trails are among the most popular mountain trails in the U.S. They represent a partnership between Cherokee County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Allatoona Lake) and SORBA Woodstock. There are more than 15 miles of volunteer-maintained trails for beginners to advanced riders. Trails are closed during inclement weather. Amenities at the trailhead include parking, pavilions and restrooms.

Buffington Park and Gym

4600 Cumming Highway, Canton. Located on Cumming Highway, the park includes a baseball/softball diamond, outdoor basketball court, gymnasium, batting cages and a pavilion.

Cherokee County Aquatic Center

1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. Located off Sixes Road (Exit 11 on I-575), this is a state-of-the-art, full-service aquatics facility with two indoor pools and one outdoor leisure pool. The aquatic center offers instructional, fitness, therapeutic, competitive and recreational swimming opportunities. The Oasis, the outdoor leisure pool, includes a water playground, two water slides, play features, beach entry, pavilions, Funbrella, family restrooms, locker rooms and the Oasis Café.

Cherokee Mills Park

6900 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Located on Bells Ferry Road near Little River, this park offers access to Allatoona Lake. Three boat ramps and a boat dock make this a popular place to launch watercrafts. A day-use fee applies for the boat ramp, or you can purchase a season pass at the Recreation Center. The boat ramp is open seasonally, based upon lake levels. Daily fee $5, annual pass $40, military active duty and veterans half off, seniors 62 and older are free.

Fields Landing Park

600 Fields Landing Drive, Canton. Situated on the north side of Allatoona Lake, this park has spectacular views of the lake, along with a boat ramp, fishing dock, playground, restrooms, several picnic areas and pavilions. The boat ramp is open seasonally, based on lake levels. A day-use fee applies for the boat ramp, or purchase a season pass at the Recreation Center. Daily fee $5, annual pass $40, military active duty and veterans half off, seniors 62 and older are free.

Garland Mountain Horse and Hiking Trails

1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska. The 12½ miles of marked horse and hiking trails wind their way through 544 wooded acres in northwest Cherokee County. The trailhead has trailer parking, a pavilion and restrooms. The trails are maintained in partnership with the Friends of Garland Mountain.

Hickory Trails Park

3860 Hickory Road, Canton. Located in the Hickory Flat community, the park offers a three-quarter-mile walking trail on 24 pastoral and wooded acres. The trailhead is served by a gravel parking lot, restrooms and two pavilions (available first-come, first-served basis).

Hobgood Park

6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Originally opened in April 1990, this 60-acre park remains one of the most active and heavily used parks in Cherokee County. In addition to youth baseball and adult softball leagues, it hosts multiple softball/ baseball tournaments every year. The walking track, playground and pavilions also are heavily used. To reserve a pavilion, call 770-924-7768. For information about tennis programs or to reserve a court, contact the Cherokee Tennis Center at 770-592-4582 or www.cherokeetenniscenter.com.

J.J. Biello Park

155 Brooke Blvd., Woodstock. Spread over 470 acres along Rubes Creek and Little River, the park includes tennis, youth softball, youth football, soccer and lacrosse, as well as a large pavilion and playground.

Kenney Askew Memorial Park

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. Located on 149 acres in northeast Cherokee County, this is one of the largest in the county’s park system. Amenities include athletic fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, playground, skate park, walking trails, a large open meadow and restrooms.

1080 Univeter Road, Canton. One of the oldest parks in the Cherokee County system, it recently was expanded to include the new Richard Mauldin Sports Complex. Five new fields were opened in fall 2015. These fields are home to Canton Baseball. The park is also home to the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club. Amenities include: athletic field (available for rent), six baseball/softball diamonds, four tennis courts, playground, pavilion and restrooms.

Cline Park

Lewis Park

Cherokee Veterans Park

704 Bartow St., Waleska. This 12-acre park includes tennis courts, a wooded walking trail, a playground and a seasonal splash pad.

Dwight Terry Park

13395 E. Cherokee Drive, Ball Ground. Located in northeast Cherokee County, this 30-acre park includes baseball/softball diamonds, a playground, restrooms and a half-mile paved walking track. It is home to the Junior Grizzlies youth baseball program.

200 E. Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Nestled in 57 acres of wooded land south of Allatoona Lake, within a few minutes of the Towne Lake and Sixes communities, this park has a walking trail that winds along an unnamed tributary of the Little River, a playground, pavilions (first-come, first-served) and restrooms. continued on page 18

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Patriots Park

1485 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. The 33-acre park includes two natural grass baseball/softball diamonds, two fenced off-leash dog areas â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one for large dogs and another for small dogs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a fully accessible and inclusive playground, a paved walking path throughout the park, a large open meadow, a picnic pavilion, a concession/ restroom building and an artificial turf adaptive use baseball/softball diamond. Dubbed Freedom Field, the adaptive use field is designed for the inclusive use by athletes of all abilities. It is the first of its kind in the county and home of the Cherokee County Miracle League program.

Recreation Center, South Annex

7545 Main St., Woodstock. Located within the South Government Annex, just north of downtown Woodstock, the Recreation Center is home to the Recreation and Parks offices and most of the indoor programming offered by CRPA. Rooms in the center are available for rent. Call 770-924-7768 for more information. Amenities include: a gymnasium, community room, aerobics room, stage, playground, outdoor in-line hockey rink and restrooms.

Riverchase Park

150 River Glen Drive, Woodstock. Riverchase is a small neighborhood park in southeast Cherokee. It includes a playground and pavilion that is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sequoyah Park

7000 Vaughn Road, Canton. Located on Vaughn Road in southeast Cherokee County, Sequoyah Park offers an athletic field, baseball/softball diamonds, playground, walking trail and disc golf course.

Union Hill Community Center

1780 A. J. Land Road, Canton. Located in the community of Union Hill, this historic building has been a school and a church. Renovated in 2011, it now serves as a community center, with a banquet hall, warming kitchen, playground and restrooms. Available for weddings and parties. Call 770- 924-7768 to book.

Waleska Park

150 Ball Field Road, Waleska. Fully renovated and expanded in 2014, the park is located across the street from Reinhardt University. It has three youth baseball/softball diamonds, restrooms and a playground.

Weatherby Park

100 Worley Road, Canton. Located in the Clayton community, north of Canton, the park has an athletic field, three baseball/softball diamonds and a pavilion, all available for rent. Also available is a playground, restrooms and a walking track. 18

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

City of Canton Parks http://www.cantonga.gov/gov/departments/parks.htm All parks and sites are open from dawn until dusk, except for the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, which is open year-round 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

1. Boling Park

1098 Marietta Highway. Twenty acres with a 1-mile gravel walking trail, covered pavilion with bathrooms, playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, racquetball courts, basketball court, bathrooms, soccer and lacrosse field space and picnic tables.

2. Brown Park

251 E. Marietta St. This 1-acre park features a playground, field space, picnic tables and a free Little Library.

3. Burge Park

Crisler Street. A basketball court, playground, swing and bench are located at this less than 1-acre park.

4. Cannon Park

130 E. Main St. This park is in downtown Canton, with a gazebo

5. Etowah River Park

600 Brown Industrial Parkway. Features on the 58 acres include an amphitheater, public bathroom, two community pavilions, playgrounds, public canoe launch, half-mile concrete walking trail connecting to Etowah River Trail and Heritage Park, recreational field space, a bridge crossing over the Etowah River and many picnic tables.

6. Heritage Park

508 Riverstone Parkway. The 48-acre park features a 1-mile concrete walking trail connecting to Etowah River Trail and Etowah River Park, and recreational field space used for soccer.

7. Hickory Log Creek Reservoir

Fate Conn Road at Bluffs Parkway. Cost is $5 per day per vehicle. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m, and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

8. McCanless Park Muriel Street. This 2-acre park has a pavilion, playground, Boy Scout Hut and picnic tables.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

CELEBRATE

Earth Day

Helpful tips so your family can make a difference. BY JESSICA PORTER

Earth Day 2018 is almost here. Fun fact: “Going green” doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help your family get started on its way to feeling good about its small carbon footprint before Earth Day arrives. All it takes are several minor changes to make a really big difference.

Inside the home.

• Recycle curbside: clean plastics, paper/cardboards and aluminum/tin cans. • Turn off your computer/monitor at the end of the day. • Clean your refrigerator coils. Vacuum out the dust and wipe with a damp cloth. • Use cloth napkins at dinner. • Run the clothes washer/dishwasher with full loads. • Keep your freezer full. A full freezer runs more efficiently than an empty one. Fill milk jugs with water and freeze them to take up empty freezer space, then use the frozen jugs for coolers instead of having to buy ice in bulk for parties. • Pay your bills online and opt for paperless billing. • Upgrade to a programmable thermostat, so you don’t heat or cool your home while you’re not there, and wear an extra sweater or use a blanket before you resort to turning on (or up) the heat. These thermostats can pay for themselves in less than three years, and you can program them from your phone when you’re away from home.

Outside the home.

• Support green businesses. • Rent a hybrid car on a road trip. • Purchase cloth or canvas grocery bags and return all plastic bags to the store. • Get the junk out of your trunk. Extra weight in your car decreases fuel efficiency.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

• Take your own mug to the coffee shop. Some shops offer discounts when you do. • Invest in an insulated lunch bag and food containers for work or school. • Make a habit of carrying a reusable water bottle. Buy one with a built-in filter to avoid tap water, if that's important to you. • Get out your rake and leave your leaf blower in the garage. This will cut down on emissions (not to mention give you a good workout). The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce will host an Earth Day recycling event on April 20, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m., at 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton, rain or shine. This event is held in partnership with Cobb EMC, and is supported by Next Step Ministries, Autumn Hill Nursery, Safe Kids- Cherokee County, Premier Surplus and Georgia Document Destruction. Collections will include: aluminum/tin cans, used gardening pots/containers, car seats and electronics. Document destruction will be available; however, shredding is limited to six archivesize boxes. All recycling is free except for a nominal charge for televisions and monitors. Flat screen televisions and flat screen monitors will be recycled at no charge. For more information on this event, and other green tips, please visit CherokeeChamber.com or call 770-345-0400. The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia certified chamber of commerce, is to promote business and the community while expanding the economy and enhancing the quality of life.

Jessica Porter is a business and consumer services specialist with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for newcomer assistance, community data and events, and the Going Green program. Jessica@cherokeechamber.com.

The 3 “Rs” • Reduce. Limit the amount of waste

you dispose of by being conscious and aware of what happens with the item after you use it. Implement good habits by using reusable water bottles, reusable grocery bags and email documents to yourself or save them to your hard drive instead of printing.

• Reuse. Items can be used for other

Recycling Guide The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce provided this information to help get your family started on the green path. For more information or support, call 770-345-0400 or visit www.CherokeeChamber.com.

Reduce

Chadwick Landfill

purposes. Have a yard sale. It’s not all trash. Donate clothes, furniture, cookware, book, etc., to thrift stores. Each of these examples cut back the amount of material in the waste stream.

13700 Chadwick Farm Blvd., Roswell 770-475-9868

• Recycle. Divert items away from

Dixie Landfill

landfills and make them available to manufacturers who can produce new products out of them. This process saves energy, raw materials, water and reduces the amount of pollution in the air. Be a part of the cycle. Buy products made of recycled materials because you know they have conserved resources. All of this contributes to a better quality of life.

Green Facts • Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic

bottles every hour. • Each square mile of ocean is estimated to have 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in it. • Turning down your thermostat by one degree can cut 8 percent off your fuel bill. • Every three months, Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild the nation’s commercial air fleet. • Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours. • Aluminum cans are able to be recycled using less than 5 percent of the energy used to make the original product. • The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle will light a 100-watt light bulb for four hours. • Recycling a glass bottle also causes 20 percent less air pollution and 50 percent less water pollution than when a new bottle is made from raw materials. • The amount of wood and paper Americans throw away each year is enough to heat 50 million homes for 20 years.

Cherokee C & D Landfill

6285 Ball Ground Highway, Ball Ground 770-479-1083 150 Dixie Drive, Woodstock 770-924-6110

Eagle Point Landfill

NLB Thrift Store

1910 Eagle Drive, Woodstock 678-679-1172

Salvation Army Thrift Store and Service Center 121 Waleska St., Canton 770-720-4316

C.C. Humane Society Thrift Store

5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-592-8072

8880 Old Federal Road, Ball Ground 770-781-2721

Recycle

L & H Inert Landfill

520 Fairview Road, Ball Ground

100 Pea Ridge Road, Canton 770-442-3901

Pine Bluff Landfill

Cherokee Recycling Center

Whitestone Valley Landfill C & D

City of Canton

Reuse

City of Holly Springs Fire Station

13809 E. Cherokee Drive, Ball Ground 770-479-2936 1714 Old Whitestone Road, E., Talking Rock 706-253-3300

Goodwill Store

1750 Marietta Hwy., Canton

Goodwill Store

2850 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-6300

Goodwill Store

9425 Hwy. 92, Woodstock

Goodwill Donation Site

Autumn Hill Nursery, Inc.

470 Blalock Road, Canton 770-516-4195 151 Elizabeth St., Canton Household recyclables

100 Hickory Circle, Canton Household recyclables

Hobgood Park

6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-516-4195

Georgia Document Destruction, Inc.

Goodwill Donation Site

606 Industrial Court, Woodstock, 770-516-6500 GADocumentDestruction.com

Goodwill Donation Site

Call2Recycle.org 877-273-2925

150 Prominence Point Pkwy, Canton Bells Ferry Road at Hobgood Park, Woodstock 8014 Cumming Hwy., Canton

Bethany Boutique

Merismos Ministries Inc. 8024 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton 700-479-9462

M.U.S.T. Ministries

Call2Recycle

Premier Surplus

12 Asset Recycling Way, Dawsonville 706-403-0886

Woodstock Recycling

111 Dixie Drive, Woodstock 678-494-0325

111 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton 770-479-5397 AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Guide to Cherokee County

Races & More Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year! Time to lace up your running shoes and hit the road. May 12 Whether you want to challenge yourself with your first 5K or you are training for Sixth annual SuperHero 5K and Fun Run at Etowah River Park in Canton. Every the Peachtree Road Race, this guide to local runs will help you meet your goal.

April 14

Battle of Blankets Creek Trail Run (5- and 10-mile run) and Dirty 15/30 Mile Mountain Bike Race (15- and

30-mile tracks). Benefiting SORBA Woodstock on the Blankets Creek Trail System. Rolling terrain along Lake Allatoona at a family friendly venue. Postrace snacks, music, and medals to the top three in each age group. Free race for ages 10 and under. mountaingoatadventures.com.

Street Dog Dash 5K at Etowah River Park in Canton. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. Race starts at 8 a.m. Participants are invited to bring their dogs to walk/run with them as long as the animals are vaccinated, leashed, non-aggressive and in good physical condition. There is a $5 fee for dogs to participate. Proceeds go to funding educational programs and law changes fighting the dog meat trade in Asia. Part of the proceeds will be given to local animal shelters. For more information, visit www.streetdogdash5K.com.

April 21

Third annual Love Peru Fun Run and 5K at Etowah River Park in Canton. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7 a.m., fun run starts at 8 a.m. and 5K at 8:30 a.m. Awards will be given in standard age groups beginning with 10 and younger to 70 and older. Refreshments provided. The race is part of the 2018 Black Bag Race Series. www.active.com. 22

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

April 21

Butcher to Butcher 5K is an evening race beginning at Liberty Elementary School and ending at the Butcher and the Bottle restaurant in Canton. The event includes a postrace festival with food, beer and live music. Walk-up registrations are welcomed during early packet pickup April 20 at the Corner Butcher Shop, or on race day at Liberty Elementary School from 5-6 p.m. Race begins at 6:30 p.m. Each registration includes BBQ sandwich and beer (21 and older only; must show ID), or soft drink. For more information email kbishop@ csaimpact.com or visit www.butcher2butcher5k.org or www.active.com.

April 27

March of Dimes March for Babies.

Registration 5:30 p.m., walk begins at 7 p.m. at 113 Elm St. in downtown Woodstock. www.marchforbabies.org/ EventInfo/?EventID=18980.

May 5

The Second annual Three-Toed Trot will be held at the Etowah River Park in Canton with all proceeds benefiting the Etowah Valley Humane Society. Runners are encouraged to bring their dogs (must be on a leash). Race day packet pickup is 7-7:45 a.m. 5K starts at 8 a.m. with awards at 8:45 a.m. Etowah Valley Humane Society was founded in 1996 as an adoption outlet for animals found by animal control, and exists to prevent cruelty and provide humane treatment to animals. The societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main goal is to find permanent homes for deserving animals. www.active.com.

child needs a hero, but abused kids need superheros, so put on your cape and run, walk, fly, hop, skip, crawl or cartwheel across the finish line. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7 a.m., Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. and 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. The course starts and finishes at Etowah River Park, and races will be on the paved trails of Etowah River Park and Heritage Park. The school with the most participation receives $1,000 and the school with second most participation receives $500. Refreshments and an afterparty with food, entertainment, face painters and bounce house, as well as awards for the best traditional costume, most original, and best family/team costumes. www.active.com.

May 26

The annual Holly Springs Memorial Day 5K and 1K Fun Run will start at Holly Springs Elementary School, 1965 Hickory Road, continue on paved streets in nearby neighborhoods then finish at Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. at Holly Springs Elementary School. 5K starts at 8 a.m. at the school and the fun run, for ages 12 and younger, starts at 9 a.m. in Barrett Park. Afterrace awards and refreshments. Each year, the city chooses to donate race proceeds to a local charity. This year, all proceeds will go to the L.R. Tippens Education Center. For more information, contact Erin Honea at 770-3455536, ehonea@hollyspringsga.us or visit www.hollyspringsga.us/memorialday5k.

Sutallee Trace Trail Challenge Trail Run.

4.5- and 10.5-mile trail runs on the Boling Park Etowah Trail System benefiting Boy Scout Troop 241. Postrace snacks, music and medals to the top three finishers in each age group. Kids 10 and younger race for free. http:// mountaingoatadventures.com/sutallee.

ADD STYLE TO YOUR DECK! Outdoor Living transforms an ordinary outdoor space into a shaded retreat with beautiful pergolas.

These pergolas offer the thickest gauge aluminum in the industry which allows for a deep embossing that captures the true texture and look of premium wood. The aluminum is nearly maintenance free with no worries of termites, rotting, twisting, cracking or painting. Whether you are looking for added style on your deck or shade, we can design the perfect option for you.

PERGOLAS

447 Harmony School Rd., Jasper, GA Showroom Hrs: Wed-Fri10-4 or by appt Business: 706-301-5698 â&#x20AC;˘ Website: www.myenclosedporch.com

Ask about our Eze-Breeze porch enclosures, screen rooms, custom patio furniture, aluminum and cable railings, waterproof flooring, rugs and lighting. AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Ripley Moyers is an artist and library employee.

The library offered snacks and photo opportunities with Batman on the patio. Left, Samuel Pope, 5, also helped Batman.

Sequoyah-Con 2018 PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAREY HOOD, JUST A FAN PHOTOGRAPHY

A host of costumed children - and adults - attended the 3rd annual Sequoyah-Con at Woodstock Public Library recently. Families were treated to a day filled with fandoms, panels, activities, programs and a tour of a local fire truck.

Finn, 3, and Rhett Jackson, 6, in the Marvel Comics booth.

Basket of goodies for the winner of the Cosplay costume contest, youth category.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Audrey, 9, and Zackary Judd, 11, check out the comic book swap table.

Charles Hood with Batman, played by Anthony St. Pierre.

Oak Grove Elementary School kindergartener Catalina Robey.

From left, David Gray, Lisa Mosley and Jill Green from Woodstock library, and Sean Mulvihill.

Gracie Panyard, 6, helped Batman turn the pages.

Henry Mosley (inset), and Everleigh and Cedric Saunders checked out the fire truck.

Silas Fly, 5, with his mom at storytime. A rapt audience for storytime with Batman. AROUND CANTON | April 2018

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Common Myths About Hearing Loss BY DR. CHRISTA NELMS

Just like your fingerprint, every individual’s hearing loss is different. The type, configuration and degree of hearing loss can dictate what type of treatment is right for you. As audiologists, we frequently encounter questions pertaining to hearing loss that we would like to address. Myth: Deaf people cannot drive. Fact: It is a common misconception that being deaf or hard of hearing means that you are not allowed to drive. The Department of Motor Vehicles does not consider hearing loss an exclusion for obtaining a driver’s license. There are even assistive devices such as panoramic mirrors to provide a wider view of your surroundings when driving. Myth: I can wear my friend’s/spouse’s/relative’s hearing aid and it will work just fine. Fact: Hearing loss varies from person to person. By wearing someone else’s hearing aids, you run the risk of over-amplifying your ears because each hearing aid is programmed for the user’s hearing loss. In addition, custom hearing aids are specific to the patient’s ear canal. Similar to wearing another person’s teeth retainer, you do not want to use a hearing aid that is not shaped for your ear. Myth: Hearing loss affects only older people. Fact: Hearing loss can occur at any age, even at birth. There are

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

many causes of hearing loss ranging from infections like meningitis to genetic factors. Newborn hearing screenings are mandatory for every infant to verify that their ears are responding to sound properly; typically, this occurs before hospital discharge. Myth: Hearing aids are like glasses. Fact: Unlike glasses, hearing aids are not an immediate fix. It takes time to adjust to new sounds in your environment. Treating permanent hearing loss relies on amplifying sound through a damaged system (including hair cell loss and nerve damage). So, sound in your environment may be louder but not always clearer. With glasses, typically the optic nerve is functioning properly so if the visual input is correctly transmitted, vision can be restored to near perfect levels. Myth: My hearing is mostly fine, so I do not need treatment. Fact: Even with mild hearing loss, studies indicate that listening effort is increased and social activities can be reduced. If you are not attending events that you used to due to hearing loss, that can reduce your quality of life. Treating the matter sooner rather than later is the best measure.

Christa Nelms, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2000.

DOWNTOWN CANTON DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY

Downtown Kitchen

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

East Main Café Coffee, Tea $ 210 E. Main St. Baked goods 770-670-9333 Facebook/EastMainCafe

closed

Goin’ Coastal 125 W. Main St. 770-479-3737

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

Eatery & Bar Sunday $ $$ 170 North St. Brunch 770-213-8970 Noon-3

open

Full bar

yes

Mamma Onesta’s Italian Italian no 250 E. Main St. 678-880-7770

140 E. Marietta St. 770-479-1616

Steak & Seafood

SPIRITS RESERV.

thedowntownkitchen.com

Seafood

goincoastalseafood.com

Local on North localonnorth.com

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Southern no $$ Cooking

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

closed

yes

mammaonesta.com/canton-ga

Queenie’s

151 W. Main St. 770-213-4897

eatatqueenies.com

R&M Sandwich Shop

117 W. Main St. 770-479-4413

Custom-made Sandwiches

Look for R&M on Facebook.

Steep Tea House - American $-$$ A Moye Tea Company Saturday

198 North St. 770-213-8890

Brunch

$ $-$$ closed

Tues.-Sat.

Fri.& Sat.

thesteepteahouse.com

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

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

Your complete guide to casual and upscale sit-down dining in downtown Canton

Cherokee Chamber of Commerce

3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 • www.cherokeechamber.com

EVENT CALENDAR April 10

Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at BB&T, 936 Towne

Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Cost: members, $5; future members, $10. Registration due April 6. Register online or email brandy@ cherokeechamber.com.

April 12

Power Hour, 10-11 a.m. for fast-paced networking with fellow

business leaders, takes place in the chamber board room. $5 for members, $10 future members, payable at the door, no advanced registration required. Sponsor is Cobb EMC.

April 18

B.L.A.S.T.T. Workshop: “Grow Your Business Online with Google” presented by Demming Bass, chamber marketing makeover. 9-11 p.m. at the chamber office. Cost: chamber members, $30; future members, $45. Register online or email brandy@cherokeechamber.com.

April 20

Earth Day Recycling Event: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The free event includes electronic recycling, aluminum drink can collection and onsite document/file destruction at the chamber office.

April 24

Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon: 11:30

a.m.-1 p.m. Featuring a program, lunch and door prizes to show appreciation to support staff members at the chamber office. Guest speaker is Taylor Scott of 104.7 The Fish. Sponsor is Woodstock Furniture Outlet.

April 26

Community Outreach Program: CPR/AED and First Aid Training. Taught by a representative from the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services. Must be 14 or older to receive certification. At the chamber office. Cost is $70.

April 27

RIBBON CUTTINGS, GROUND BREAKINGS 1. A Dandelion Girl Children’s Books 2555 Marietta Highway, Suite 103, Canton 404-435-9710, www.adandeliongirl.com 2. Lake Arrowhead Communities, LLC Great Festival Park, Waleska 770-720-2700 3. Resurgens Orthopedics 1495 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 200, Canton 678-505-4455, www.resurgens.com 4. Cherokee County Tax Commissioner – Tag Kiosk Inside Kroger Store #680, 6766 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 678-493-6400 30

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Community Outreach Program: CPR/AED Training. Taught by a representative from the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services. Must be 14 or older to receive certification. At the chamber office. Cost is $45.

May 1

Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet. 6 p.m. at Cagle’s Family

Farm, 5267 Conns Creek Road in Ball Ground. All local, state and national candidates running for office in 2018 are invited. Each candidate with opposition will have a chance to speak. Candidates with no opposition will be introduced. Questions from the audience will follow. Homemade ice cream served by Boy Scout Troop 465. Soft drinks, water and peanuts provided by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau.

May 3

Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast: 7 a.m. May sponsor is Northside Hospital Cherokee. Breakfast meetings offer current and future chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. Held at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. Register by emailing gini@cherokeechamber.com or online.

Holistic Approach to Women’s Health BY MICHAEL LITREL, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

Women suffer from a variety of physical ailments unique to the female anatomy - so much so that an entire branch of medicine, gynecology, is devoted to these issues. Urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, decreased desire and vaginal dryness are only a few of the problems women experience. Although medicinal and surgical intervention is always available, many women prefer a gentler and more natural approach. Holistic approaches are available for the many problems that have plagued women since the beginning of time. One of these holistic solutions is the O-Shot. The O-Shot has been known to alleviate or entirely correct many of these problems in a less invasive, natural and extremely effective way. The O-Shot is a non-surgical injectable procedure administered in-office, using your own processed growth factor cells harvested from your blood. It is then re-injected into the vaginal area, resulting in healing Holistic regeneration of the orgasmic approaches zone, triggering the power of your own body’s natural healing are available properties. for the many The O-Shot uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is not a problems that novelty or fad. This technique has have plagued been used for many years to heal treat sports and other women since wounds, injuries, and has even proven the beginning effective in dentistry. A vial of your own blood is centrifuged, of time. separating concentrated plasma and platelets from the rest of the blood. The PRP is reintroduced into your body by injection after swabbing the area with a numbing anesthetic. Platelets normally swim around in your blood vessels, always on guard for any disruption or damage. When they sense one, they rush to the injury site and start repairs in the form of collagen production. The O-Shot mimics this sequence by introducing a multitude of platelets into the body. Stem cells, recognizing so many of your own platelets in one place, are fooled into thinking there’s an injury and immediately respond by producing collagen and new tissue, replenishing vital elasticity, skin cells, moisture, plumpness, sensitivity and strength to the area. The healing that results leads to a wide range of functional improvements, thus making the O-Shot an effective treatment that benefits women a great deal.

Dr. Michael Litrel, a board-certified OB-GYN and Urogynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, writes books and essays on faith, family and health. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com AROUND CANTON | April 2018

HARRY JOHNSTON: Standing Up for C Ask Harry Johnston why he is running for chairman of the Cherokee Board of Commissioners, and his answer comes easily. He is seeking the job because he loves Cherokee County and wants to make sure it continues to be the best place in Georgia to call home. Johnston, who has earned the reputation as a responsible growth commissioner, has the experience to lead the board of commissioners after serving 14 years (2000-2014) as Post One commissioner and four years (19962000) on the Cherokee County Planning and Zoning Board. He has the education, with a bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s degree in accounting from Georgia State University. He has the background, recently retiring from Southern Co. after 42 years as a CPA and accounting manager. Most importantly, Johnston has the passion to serve residents throughout the county, with the desire and determination to keep the county’s taxes low and quality of life high. He will ensure controlled, responsible residential

Retiring Chairman Buzz Ahrens says he trusts Harry “to fight to protect the quality of life we enjoy.”

growth, while supporting economic development that continues to bring good jobs to Cherokee. Johnston will make sure our transportation needs are addressed, and parks and recreational facilities continue to grow to meet the ever-expanding demands. He is someone who does not make empty promises, but who delivers. “Harry played a leading role in helping create the Cherokee County we see today — low taxes and great communities. I trust Harry to fight to protect the quality of life we enjoy,” said retiring Chairman L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens. Johnston’s good friend, Dr. Bill Early of Canton, said he and his wife, Donna, believe the next commission chair must have five attributes, and Johnston is that candidate, with: • Long experience in business, especially in the managing and accounting aspects of a large organization. • A history of governmental service. We don’t have the luxury of on-the-job training. • A person with deep roots and a true love of the county, past, present and future. • A person who understands that the county is going to grow, and that growth needs to be nurtured and monitored. • A person who presents themselves in a professional, positive way. “Obviously, our good friend Harry Johnston meets these attributes and more. Plus, he has an energetic, professional wife who loves Cherokee County,” Dr. Early said. “Let’s make (keep) Cherokee great!” RESPONSIBLE GROWTH Johnston always has been the responsible growth commissioner. He supports consistent application of the Land Use Plan to manage residential

www.harryjohnston.com 404-408-6017 32

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

growth to preserve our quality of life and allow our roads and schools to keep up. Johnston is fully committed to efforts by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development to aggressively recruit business growth that brings good jobs. “The way to restrain residential growth is to limit the areas for highdensity residential development, primarily to the cities and the I-575 corridor, then step down gradually to a rural/semi-rural density in the remote parts of the county,” Johnston said. “Cherokee County has almost everything going for it. People want to

Cherokee’s Quality of Life move here to live. We have the luxury of more demand for residential growth than we can handle without adversely affecting our quality of life. By managing and shaping that growth, we can retain the qualities that make our unique communities desirable, and become even more the jewel of metro Atlanta,” Johnston said. “The businesses and jobs we want most are those that serve the broader regional, national and international markets. They bring jobs without necessarily bringing population.” PROVEN FISCAL CONSERVATISM Thanks in part to Johnston’s longtime financial leadership, Cherokee enjoys the sixth lowest county-controlled tax rates in Georgia, and still has excellent services and facilities. Cherokee is arguably the most efficiently managed county in the state. SUPPORTS PUBLIC SAFETY Johnston is committed to supporting the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Frank Reynolds with the resources and funding needed for the agency to continue to be tops in the state. Johnston wants to make sure salaries are competitive for all public safety, so that we can continue to attract the best, Former Sheriff Roger Garrison says Harry “has always made the right decisions to support our deputies.”

while retaining those who already do an outstanding job for the county. Former Sheriff Roger Garrison says Johnston always has been supportive of public safety, and he knows he will continue those efforts. “Harry can ask some tough questions, and he is definitely conservative when it comes to taxes, but he has always made the right decisions to support our deputies,” Garrison said. Johnston is proud of the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, and its outstanding ISO rating of 3, tops among countywide fire departments. He stands fully committed to making sure the department has future resources to continue its track of excellence. TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE Johnston understands the county’s transportation needs and plans, and knows how to make them into a reality. He has the experience to make sure road dollars are used efficiently and effectively. Johnston supports improving our roads as quickly as possible. State highways are our biggest shortfall, but the state is beginning to move on significant improvements. Johnston knows how to work with state and regional leaders to maintain and accelerate that progress. PROFESSIONAL, HONEST LEADERSHIP Johnston presents a dignified, professional image for the county. He knows the job of chairman is to respect all points of view and build consensus around solutions that work for everyone. With a reputation of always being honest and transparent, he’s known for being “too candid for a politician,” but he doesn’t plan to change. A lifelong community leader, active in his church as

Johnston is married to Cherokee County sixthgeneration native Rebecca Johnston and has lived in Cherokee most of his life. The couple is actively involved in volunteering in the community.

deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member, Johnston is committed to his family. He’s a lifelong and active member of the Republican Party. Johnston will work, as he always has, to stand up against the wrong kind of development. “The development interests are powerful, and they always have their guns aimed at me. But the average citizens are with me on controlling residential growth, and fortunately, in America, the citizens decide.” Content Provided by the Sponsor.

Early voting begins April 30 Election Day is May 22 AROUND CANTON | April 2018

CR Music Festival 2018

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM

Etowah River Park was the destination for country and rock music fans who enjoyed a two-day festival last month. The days were filled with music from 32 artists performing on two stages, food and drink, rock climbing, mechanical bull riding, trampoline jumping and more.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Circuit Training for Weight Loss BY RACHAEL CORNELIUS

Weight loss is a goal for many people, and just about everyone wants to know “the secret.” There are a lot of weight loss supplements/programs out there that boast drastic results in short amounts of time, or empty promises of being able to eat whatever you want while you diet. Fitness professionals urge you to be wary of fad diets, because they can do more harm than good to your body. So, is there a secret? How can you achieve safe and effective weight loss? The best way to achieve successful weight loss is to make sure you are fueling your body with enough sustenance while participating in a regular fitness routine. That’s a loaded sentence, so let’s break it down. Make sure you are fueling your body with enough of the good stuff. A lot of people tend to undereat and overtrain when they’re calorie counting. If you aren’t feeding your body enough, it will go into starvation mode, even if For every you aren’t trying to starve yourself. This means your 1 pound of levels increase, and muscle you gain, cortisol the body holds on to the fat that you are trying to get rid you can expect The body hesitates to let to burn 50 extra of. go of fat, because it isn’t sure calories a day ... when or if it will get enough to eat again. However, if you are eating the proper amounts of protein, carbs and fats, your body will have the fuel it needs to burn up those calories and drop the weight. Adding exercise to these nutrition habits will speed up the weight loss and get you healthier overall. Circuit training is key when you’re ready to see those inches drop. For every 1 pound of muscle you gain, you can expect to burn 50 extra calories a day – whether you’re training or just sitting on the couch — which is why resistance training is so important to weight loss. Circuit training involves coupling resistance training with cardiovascular exercise, with little to no rest between each movement. By keeping that heart rate up and toning those muscles, you can expect that fat mass to decrease in no time. Training like this creates a bigger demand for oxygen in your body, thus creating a greater energy expenditure; in other words, you can burn more calories in less time. Combining circuit training and better eating habits is the best way to shed the weight and keep it off. Make your workouts work for you, and take control of your health.

Rachael Cornelius, NASM-CPT, is a certified personal trainer who serves the community by coaching hard work, communication and discipline to help people lead healthier lives.

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Benefits of an Online Social Security Account DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Could your personal information soon be stolen? The possibility cannot be dismissed. Sensitive financial and medical data pertaining to your life may not be as safe as you think, and thieves may turn to a vast resource to try and mine it — the Social Security Administration. By monitoring your Social Security profile, you may help to thwart fraud. Consider three facts, which, in combination, seem especially troubling. One, Social Security’s databases contain sensitive personal information on hundreds of millions of Americans, both living and dead. Two, more than 34 million Americans interact with the SSA online. Three, nearly 100 percent of Social Security benefits are disbursed electronically.1 The more you reflect on all this, the more you realize that cybercrooks could take advantage of you by creating a bogus online Social Security account in your name, in order to steal your benefits and/or your personal data. Creating and maintaining a MySSA account may lessen the threat. Last year, Social Security advised all current and future benefit recipients to set up and actively use an online profile. The agency’s blog noted that this simple move could “take away the risk of someone else trying to create [an account] in your name, even if they obtain your Social Security number.” This is a case where you want to be first rather than second.1 Setting up a MySSA account is easy; the first step is to visit ssa.gov. Whether you have an existing account or not, you will want to review your mailing address, date of birth and other essential pieces of information. If they are not correct, they demand attention. Are you working full time in your late 60s? Then, be vigilant. If you have reached full retirement age (66 or 67) without filing for retirement benefits, your Social Security profile may be especially tantalizing to a cyberthief. In this circumstance,

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

you are eligible to receive up to six months of benefits retroactively, as a lump sum. That could mean a payday of more than $10,000 for a criminal who assumes your identity.2 Make no mistake, cybercrooks have exploited Social Security accounts. While the SSA told Reuters this year that the incidence of fraud is “very rare,” a 2016 audit by the Office of the Inspector General found that, during 2013, around $20 million in Social Security payments were directed to the wrong parties. That swindling involved about 12,200 MySSA accounts — less than 2 percent of the total in 2013, but certainly enough to raise eyebrows.1, 2 The SSA tightened authentication standards in 2017. It added security codes to help certify the legitimacy of MySSA account users. It regularly analyzes MySSA transactions for fraud.1 What should you do if you suspect fraud? If you log in and it appears your monthly benefit has not been sent to you, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local SSA field office. In addition, you can activate the “Block Electronic Access” option on your MySSA account; that will prevent anyone, you included, from accessing your Social Security records via computer or phone. Electronic access is only restored when you get in touch with Social Security to confirm your identity.1 Establish an online Social Security account and keep checking it. In logging on regularly, you may do your part to help the SSA detect and ward off criminals who could use your identity to collect or file for benefits. continued on page 60 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.

Understanding Trusts and the Process of Probate BY CINDY NELSON

Too often, people aren’t sure about their legal plan, and they don’t know or understand what that plan includes. In my experience, the most common area for this is trusts. Many people follow the advice of friends, family or advisers, and end up unsure of what they did or why. This can be worse than doing nothing, because you have the confidence of thinking you planned ahead, but it may not do what you hoped. There are many types of trusts that are designed to do different things. I find that living trusts, or family trusts, seem to cause people the most confusion. These types of trusts are usually suggested by a lawyer or financial planner as a way to help avoid the hassles of probate. Most people aren’t sure what probate is, but they have heard horror stories about the state taking someone’s assets or the process causing otherwise loving family members no longer to speak to one another. Probate is the legal process that occurs when someone dies. Often, it is the only process to properly transfer ownership of a person’s things after they pass, if they didn’t plan ahead or were under the misconception that a will avoids probate. The majority of people who create a trust are doing so as a strategy to avoid probate of their estate plan, and it can be a very effective one, if done properly.

Unfortunately, I regularly meet people who think they have a trust when, in fact, they don’t. If you have a trust that is created by your will (called a testamentary trust), your assets will not avoid probate. The will and your assets will have to go through probate before the trust can go into effect. This is a horrible scenario, because families often don’t realize it until after a loved one has passed, and it is too late to change. Making sure the trust is funded, or titling assets in your trust, is also an important part of the process. Any assets you leave out of your trust that you own solely in your name without a beneficiary designation probably will have to go through probate. An easy way around this for many financial accounts is a payable-on-death designation that names your trust as the beneficiary. For real estate, you likely need to have your property deeded into the trust; just make sure your trust preserves your homestead and other tax exemptions, if you are eligible.

Cindy Nelson is an Elder Care Law Attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 900-200, Woodstock, GA 30189, www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Rob’s Rescues This dog's name is Jasper. She is a pretty small dog but looks big in the picture. Jasper is an owner surrender and about 9 years old, she looks really healthy. She is a Manchester terrier mix, black color with white toes. She listens well to her name. She is a good dog, not too demanding, and she is interested in things around her. Tiger from last month is still in the shelter and needs to get out of there, but I want to tell you about a cat in Cobb County Animal Services that is 16 years old and is an owner surrender and really needs a home, too. This cat is Parcheesi (tag 602592). He is a nice cat, but is scared in his cage and needs to be adopted. He is a gray tabby. Cobb County Animal Services is at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.

Rob and Jasper the dog. Right, Parcheesi the cat.

I visited Dr. Laura Molony at the Georgia Equine Veterinary Hospital. It is the only private practice surgical equine hospital in Georgia and does a lot of work with local horse rescues. I enjoyed looking at the operating rooms for the horses and hearing how they are anaesthetized.

What is a story you like to tell about your job? We see all sorts of situations, but one that was quite a challenge was a horse that fell into an empty swimming pool. The pool had a ladder but no steps. We had to build steps with hay bales and guide the horse up and out.

What do you like about horses and when did you know you wanted to work with them? I have loved horses since I was 5 years old. They are magnificent, noble, friendly creatures and fun to ride. I was allowed to take riding lessons when I was in seventh grade on the condition I kept my grades up.

What problems do you see with rescue horses? Most of the time we help with weight issues, also chronic pain. Horse rescues take horses from abusive situations. Also, horses that have been dumped, or are owner surrenders or just can’t do their jobs anymore.

What do horses usually come to you for or do you usually go out to them? We go out to the horses for routine work, regular checkups, dental work and vaccines. Horses come to us for surgery, especially colic. We are the only private equine surgical hospital in the state and many critical cases come to us for treatment that would not survive a two-plus hour trip to the UGA facility. What is the most difficult problem you face with horses? The hardest thing is euthanizing an animal. I have been in practice for more than 20 years and believe me, it does not get easier over time.

What is the best part of your job? Developing relationships with our clients and being a part of their passion for horses.

Rob and Dr. Laura Molony with a rescue donkey in her care.

Follow Rob on Facebook! @robsrescues 38

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

What would you like people to know about you? We have a wonderful group of caring people and specialists that no other practice has in Georgia other than at UGA. We help local vets, rescues and other people.

I also interviewed Christy Reeves who works with Dr. Laura Molony and is a wildlife rehabilitator. Her interview will be in next month with good information about what to do if you find an injured small animal. If you find one before the column comes out, get in touch with me.

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.

Pets Suffer From Allergies, Too BY DR. JONATHAN GILVARRY

The time has come again when our allergies flare up and we start feeling miserable. We sneeze. We feel congested. We develop those pounding sinus headaches. Our pets suffer from allergies, too. Allergies are common in pets. However, they manifest differently in animals than they do in people. Typically, vets refer to environmental allergies (such as pollen) as atopy or inhaled allergies. Dogs and cats inhale these particles, or come into contact with them on their skin and coats, and an allergic reaction ensues. Cats and dogs can be allergic to many of the same allergens that affect us. However, they display symptoms in their skin. Pets with allergies struggle with itching, their skin gets red, and they can scratch so hard that they start to bleed. Areas that tend to be affected most include the skin, feet, ears, abdomen and groin. It is common for allergies to cause the development of secondary infections of bacteria and/or yeast. Affected areas will look red, can have an odor, and often there is hair loss.

The treatment of allergies in pets can be complex. For a successful outcome, the primary allergy needs to be controlled, and the secondary infection needs to be treated. Typically, antihistamines, such as over-the-counter Benadryl or Tavist, have little to no effect on our pets. Newer breakthroughs, such as an oral medication called Apoquel and an injectable medication called Cytopoint, have been very effective in controlling allergies at their starting point. Since most of the environmental allergens cannot be removed, maintenance doses might be needed for further control of the itching. If your pets are starting to itch and develop skin changes, please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible to help make them comfortable.

Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry has been an associate veterinarian of the BridgeMill Animal Hospital Team since 2015.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Around & About APRIL Dumpster Days in Canton are held the 7 first Saturday of each month, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and allows residents (need proof of residency) to drop off items to recycle, including computers, gaming systems, VCR/ DVD players, stereo equipment, and other items. To see an extended list, visit www. cantonga.gov. Contact Code Compliance Manager Merrick Mcclure at 770.704.1554 or merrick.mcclure@cantonga.gov.

Cutting Gardens 101 starts at 10 a.m. at Hickory Flat Library, 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton. Presented by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County, the seminar will include information on what to grow to have a steady supply of blooms for multiple seasons. To register, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu. Ghost Army Fest is set for 4-8 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater in Woodstock. The rock concert fundraiser benefits Veterans Empowerment Organization and the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program. Tickets are $7-$15 for the four-hour event. Food and beer trucks will be on-site. Attendees have a chance to be part of a movie being produced locally about a rescue dog and a homeless veteran, which will be filmed during the concert. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

14 at the Hickory Flat Library, 2740 E.

Gardening in Cherokee, 10 a.m.

Cherokee Drive, Canton. This is a seminar for folks new to gardening in this area. Presented by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County. To register, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.

Idea is 7-9 p.m. at 18 AEastNovel Main Café, inside Audio

Intersection at 210 E. Main St. The free event features five local authors who will present their books that fall under cross genre, a handy catchall for books that can’t be pigeonholed as a particular genre. Door prizes are given.

Charity 20 Multi-Station Sporting Clay Shoot at Garland

Mountain, 2618 Garland Mountain Trail, Waleska. Fundraiser for Bend Your Knees, a pediatric brain tumor awareness nonprofit. 8 a.m. arrival and practice time, shooting begins at 9, followed by lunch and awards at 1 p.m. Carts and shells included with registration. Cost is $150 for an individual shooter; includes 100 rounds of sporting clay targets, four boxes of ammunition, golf cart rental, 10 warmup targets and lunch. For information, contact bdixon@bendyourknees.org.

Speakers Barrett and Jennifer Johnson of I.N.F.O. for Families will discuss the negative effects of pornography in marriage and how parents can help their children navigate our hyper-sexualized culture, 7-9 p.m. Childcare will be provided. Open to the community. More details at www.bpc.life.

Gardening, 10 a.m. at 28 Bog the Senior Services Center at

1001 Univeter Road, Canton. A seminar presented by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County, covering which plants will thrive in this unique type of garden and add character and beauty to your landscape. To register, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.

Gardener’s Plant Sale will run 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. Presented by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County. Plants include sun/ shade plants, succulents, herbs and vegetables, plus bee homes, garden art and more. 40

12th annual Senior 28 The Extravaganza will run 9 a.m.-1

p.m. at First Baptist Church Woodstock’s Conference Center, 11905 Highway 92. The free event is presented by Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together). More than 75 vendors will be on hand, representing assisted living and memory care facilities, hospitals, Cherokee 911, police and fire agencies and elder care attorneys. There will be health screenings; law enforcement canine demonstrations; and seminars on living prepared (peace of mind) legal planning, the ins and outs of Medicare, and how to protect your identity and recognize scam alerts. www.saltcherokee.com.

MAY Holly Springs Job Fair is a free 2 event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Historic

Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road. Bring copies of your résumé, meet with potential employers and network with fellow job-seekers. Local businesses interested in participating in the fair should contact Donna Sanders at dsanders@ hollyspringsga.us.

Fourth Be With You, 7 p.m. 4 atMaythetheRecreation Center, 7545 Main St.,

Building 200, Woodstock. Bounce houses, photo booth, food trucks and a movie at dusk. Wear your costume! www.crpa.net.

W. Evans Memorial Golf 5 Deane Tournament at Bradshaw Farms.

Proceeds go to a scholarship fund for one or more graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in public safety or do other charitable work in his memory. For more information, visit www.deanememorial.com.

The Cherokee Family Violence Center is sponsoring a polo fundraiser, Galloping Against Violence, at Chukkar Farms in Alpharetta. The afternoon includes food, drinks, polo and a silent auction. Individual event tickets are $50, tables for $400. For more details, visit www.cfvc.org. continued on page 42

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

WellStar and Mayo Clinic. Working together. Working for you. Achieving our vision of world-class healthcare is even closer now that we are a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, an innovative collaboration which brings the expertise of Mayo to our patients. As the first and only member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in metro Atlanta, our depth of specialty care is enhanced with new resources and tools while keeping patient care right here at home. Innovation. World-class care. WellStar. For more information, please visit wellstar.org/mayo. For physician referral, please call 770-956-STAR (7827).

WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for its innovative care models, focused on improving quality and access to healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice, homecare, as well as 11 inpatient hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-forprofit, WellStar continues to reinvest in the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments.

We believe in life well-lived.

Around & About 11

Cherokee County’s Relay for Life will be held 6 p.m.midnight at Woodstock High School.

11-13, 18-20

“Angel Street,” a psychological thriller directed by Christi Whitney. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. All performances will be held at the Downtown Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St., Canton.

continued from page 40

12-13

The 29th annual

Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Powwow is set for 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at Boling Park, 1200 Marietta Highway, Canton. The north Georgia tradition features many activities, including: a Native American dance competition; warriors on horseback; hoop dancers and Aztec dancers; tipis; wigwam and living Indian village and displays; Northern Plains encampment; primitive skills; environmental and wildlife displays; Native American artisans; Save the Horses rescue group; train rides and other activities for children; Mother’s Day Honor Dance. Food is served throughout the day. Free for children age 5 and younger, $5 for ages 6-12, $15 for ages 13 and older.

Native American dance competitions are featured at the Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Powwow.

VOLUNTEER AGING COUNCIL LUNCHEONS The $5 luncheons are fundraisers for programs that help the nonprofit meet the needs of less fortunate seniors and veterans in Cherokee County. Bring a friend, coworker, family member or yourself and enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting the seniors and veterans of Cherokee County. All luncheons will be held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. For dine-in or take out. RSVP the location so the chefs have a head count.

April 20: Camellia Place, 294 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock May 18: Provident Village, 1100 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton June 15: Arbor at BridgeMill, 700 Freedom Blvd., Canton July 20: Benton House, 3385 Trickum Road, Woodstock Aug. 17: Autumn Leaves of Towne Lake, 1962 Eagle Drive, Woodstock Sept. 21: Cameron Hall of Canton, 240 Marietta Highway, Canton Oct. 19: The Oaks at Towne Lake, 4580 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Nov. 16: Brookdale Neese, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock 42

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Idea is 7-9 p.m. at 16 AEastNovel Main Café, inside Audio

Intersection at 210 E. Main St. Six award-winning authors will read excerpts from their historical fiction novels. From Elizabethan England to the Vietnam War; from the Cherokee Nation to Indian cuisine through the centuries; from escaping slavery to enduring a cheating husband in 1897. Door prizes. Open to the public. Bring your own beer or wine. Sandwiches, salads and wraps will be available.

kayak, 6:30–9 a.m. 18 atSunrise Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde

Rope Mill Park Road, Woodstock. Price includes a paddle followed by light refreshments. $35 per person. $15 if you bring your own equipment.

& Banjos: A 19 Bacon Bluegrass & Bacon Festival,

11 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Woodstock at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. Admission is $5 at the gate. A portion of the funds will benefit the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation. There will be bluegrass music on the main stage all day, a bacon food festival, with items presented for judging, and a craftsman alley with rustic creations for sale. For more information on the event, sponsorships or vendor applications, contact Jamey Snyder at jsnyder@woodstockga.gov. https:// baconandbanjosga.com.

15th annual Canton

19-20 Festival of the Arts,

10 a.m.-5 p.m each day in Brown Park, 270 E. Marietta St., Canton. The festival features the artist market, serenity garden, Jack Fincher rising artist area, kids zone, food court, beer, wine and entertainment. Admission is free, although a $5 donation per family is suggested. Free on-street parking is available or in the Cherokee County Courthouse parking deck located at 94 N. Main St. For more information, contact Festival Director Carolyn Morris, 404-9668497 or cmorrisga@gmail.com.

It’s Time to Change Your Furnace Filter The fan blades that provide the airflow are in your furnace and they are protected and kept clean by changing the furnace filter regularly. If your furnace blower or your As spring weather arrives, homeowners frequently ask cooling coil becomes clogged with dirt, a professional repair what they can do to get their cooling system ready for person must be called. This cleaning requires the removal of summer. The first and most important step in summer components and is costly. cooling preparation is to make sure to properly change the Also, it is important to use the correct furnace air filter. This should be done size filter so the incoming air is directed every month when the central heat or The job of a through the surface area of the filter. Do air is operating. At less than $3 a filter, not bend or fold a filter that is too large, properly designed it’s the best investment you can make in and make sure your filter is properly your home’s heating and air conditioning and installed held in place by a wire retainer or clip. system. Remember, there is up to 2,000 cubic feet furnace air filter Many people believe the job of the of air blowing through your filter, and it furnace filter is to remove airborne dust, is to keep the will be pulled out of place unless firmly dirt and pollens from the air their family cooling coil/radiator held by a filter retainer clip. breathes. Others believe it is supposed If you are using inexpensive fiberglass to remove pet dander, bird feathers, fish clean and working throwaway filters, STOP RIGHT NOW. tank smell, cat pan stinks, small toys Those filters are designed to stop dirt efficiently ... that junior threw down the floor vents particles the size of hat Junior toys the and smoke from Uncle Harry’s cigar at throws down the vents and they do a darn Christmas. good job of it. But, anything smaller flies right through them They are all wrong! The job of a properly designed and and builds up on the surface of your cooling coil where it joins installed furnace air filter is to keep the cooling coil/radiator with condensation to form something called coil scrounge. clean and working efficiently during the life of the system. Invest in the MERV 8 1″ pleated filters, which cost about $3 Inside the duct work above your furnace is a cooling coil/ a piece at your local home improvement store. Buy a dozen at radiator called the evaporator coil, and outside of your a time, and you won’t have to go to the store every month. home is a device called the compressor/condenser. The coil/ radiator removes the moisture and heat from the air in your home. Like the coil/radiator in your car, your home’s cooling coil needs the right amount of airflow through its tightly packed fins. Just as your car will overheat if your fan belt Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. He can be breaks, your air conditioner will overheat and stop working if reached at 770-594-9969. the coil becomes clogged with dirt. BY DAN JAPE

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

@ the Library

Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Parkway • Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 • www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

HICKORY FLAT

R.T. JONES

2740 East Cherokee Drive • 770-345-7565

116 Brown Industrial Parkway • 770-479-3090

Tuesdays

3-year-olds. These programs are a time for children to learn about the storytime experience, and encourage early literacy by including books, songs, rhymes and physical activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

technical, like checking your email from your phone? Sign up for a help session to answer your questions. If you have a question about your device, please bring it with you. Please know your password before attending. Registration is required; call 770-479-3090 (Ext. 228) to sign up.

Lap-Sit Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Designed for the needs of 1- to

Thursdays

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Designed for families with

children of all ages. Storytime is followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

April 8-14

Library Fine Forgiveness. To celebrate National Library Week,

the Sequoyah Regional Library System will offer a fine forgiveness program. Visit any Sequoyah library branch during National Library Week to be forgiven for up to $15 in fines per library card. Some fees may be excluded. Call 770-479-3090 or ask library staff for details.

Tech Tuesday. Have a question about how to use something

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Designed for families with children of all ages. Storytime is followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Wednesdays

Lap-Sit Storytime, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Designed for the needs of 1- to 3-year-olds. These fun programs are a time for children to learn about the storytime experience, and encourage early literacy by including books, songs, rhymes and physical activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

April 11

Saturdays

Music and Moves, 10:30 a.m. Get

moving and grooving with friends from Go Noodle! It’ll be a dance party to remember! Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

April 17

Manga Club, 5 p.m. Teens are

encouraged to read and discuss different manga series and related topics. This program will encourage reading and group discussion in a fun and innovative way. Refreshments are provided.

April 21

DIY Bracelets, 10:30 a.m. Lynne Mock will show how to make stretch cord bracelets. Materials are provided; you may bring your own design if preferred. Registration is required and opens April 7; call 770345-7565 to sign up.

Tax Aide

Tax Aide attendees are served on a walkin basis only; no reservations may be made. Tax Aide is merely being hosted at our libraries. Sequoyah Regional Library System staff are unable to answer specific tax questions, including detailed questions about tax forms or their preparation.

Woodstock Public Library AARP Tax Aide 1-5 p.m. April 12

The Sequoyah Regional Library System provides limited quantities of certain tax forms as a public service. While Georgia forms will not be available to pick up within our branches, copies of some publications can be printed at the library for 15 cents per page. Availability of certain tax forms is not guaranteed. Please call your local library branch for details.

Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Designed for families with children of all ages. Storytime is followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

April 8-14

Library Fine Forgiveness. To

celebrate National Library Week, the Sequoyah Regional Library System will offer a fine forgiveness program. Visit any Sequoyah library branch during National Library Week to be forgiven for up to $15 in fines per library card. Some fees may be excluded. Call 770-479-3090 or ask library staff for details.

April 10

Teen Perler Beading: 16-Bit Characters, 5 p.m. Teens can use

16-bit characters and turn them into pearl beaded crafts. This program inspires creativity and art appreciation. continued on page 46

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

BIG HATS,Â BOLD BETS BOURBON.

15th Annual Kentucky Derby Day @ the Rock Barn May 5, 2018 3:30pm Tickets $60 Visit rockbarn.org Call 770.345.3288

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AROUND CANTON | April 2018

@ the Library

continued from page 44

April 11

Homeschool Program: People in History, 2 p.m. Calling all homeschoolers: Come dressed as a person in history you admire and tell a captive audience who you are and why you’re famous. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

April 13

Earth Day DIY Friday, 3:30 p.m. Drop in and celebrate Earth Day (April 22) by crafting with recyclables. Materials are provided. For all ages; children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

April 15, 29

Inklings Writers Critique Group, 3 p.m. Love to write, but need some feedback? All writers interested in joining a group to share writings, ideas and feedback are invited to attend.

April 16

Reading Dogs, 4:30 p.m. Children 6 and older can read to a

nonjudgmental, furry listener who won’t laugh if the reader stumbles or makes a mistake. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session. Parents can register their child (two weeks in advance) for a 10-15 minute reading session by calling 770-479-3090.

April 19

The Canton Morning Readers, 10 a.m. Join the brand-new Canton Morning Readers Book Group. Meet in the R.T. Jones Memorial Library Georgia Room and get a good discussion going first thing in the morning. This month’s selection is “The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary” by Simon Winchester. Call 770-479-3090 (Ext. 232) to add your name to the mailing list. American Girl Tea Party, 3:30 p.m. Bring your American Girl (or another favorite doll) and enjoy an afternoon of tea, treats, crafts and fun to celebrate American Girls, past and present. For ages 5-10; children must be accompanied by an adult.

April 22

D.I.G. (Drop-In Genealogy), 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon in the

computer lab with the Drop-In Genealogy group, researching various topics. Ancestry.com is available for use within the library, as well as other research tools. Call 770-479-3090 (Ext. 232) to add your name to the mailing list.

April 23

The Canton Eclectic Readers, 6 p.m. This month’s book club

for unconventional readers will be reading “The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary” by Simon Winchester. Meet in the R.T. Jones Memorial Library Georgia Room for a lively discussion. Call 770479-3090 (Ext. 228) to add your name to the mailing list.

April 28

Lego Club, 3 p.m. There is a different theme each month. Children may work alone or in teams to build Lego masterpieces, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. Lego and Duplo provided. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 46

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

How to Make Better Decisions BY JEREMY ISAACS

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want to make better decisions. For the most part, it’s because we are the sum of the decisions we make. In the Bible, Solomon said, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!” When we need wisdom to make a decision, where do we find it? Here are five questions to ask yourself.

1. What does the Bible say? If you don’t allow the Bible to speak into your life, you’ve probably already skipped this one. However, I believe the Bible to be an incredible source of wisdom. It even calls itself “a lamp for our feet” and a “light for our path.” If you aren’t sure what the Bible says, use keywords found in the back of the book, or search online biblical resources related to the topic.

2. What is God saying to me? When I say “speak” or what is God “saying,” don’t get hung up on the audible voice of God. Obviously, I believe God speaks through his Word. But he also speaks through worship, prayer, nature, circumstances and more. God promises if we need wisdom, all we have to do is ask for it, and he will give it to us “generously.”

3. What are the wise people in my life telling me? If you are the wisest person you know, you need some new friends. Proverbs tells us to “walk with the wise to be wise.” I want to surround myself with people who have wisdom in a variety of areas, so I can lean into their wisdom when I’m attempting to make decisions. One of the greatest ways wise people can help me, is to determine if what I’m hearing from God (No. 2) lines up with what the Bible says (No. 1). Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

4. What are the possible consequences? If you still don’t know what to do, make a list of pros and cons. List the possible good results, then list the possible bad outcomes. Look them over. Does either column make your decision easier or clearer?

5. What would the wisest, godliest person you know do? This is a tie-breaker. If you can’t make a decision, try to remove yourself from the situation, and take emotions off the table. Now, picture the person you believe to be the wisest, godliest person you know. Maybe you don’t know them well. Maybe you see them from a distance, but you admire them and their ability to make decisions. If they were in your shoes, what do you think they would do?

Jeremy Isaacs is the lead pastor of Canton Church. He and his wife, Corrie, live in Canton and have four children. He blogs regularly at jeremyisaacs.org.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Bus Tracking System Gives Parents Peace of Mind PROVIDED BY THE CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Earlier this school year, the transportation department of the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) began testing the Versatrans My Stop system with selected parents. On March 5, the system was expanded to include Arnold Mill Elementary, Johnston Elementary and Mill Creek Middle schools. The goal is to expand access to the system to all parents of Cherokee County students at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. My Stop offers parents the ability to track their child’s school bus through the school district’s website or the Versatrans My Stop mobile app. The GPS-based system shows parents the location of their child’s bus on a map of its route for 15 minutes prior to its scheduled arrival at the bus stop, both in the morning and in the afternoon. The system also alerts parents as to how many minutes away the bus is from the stop, which provides an even more accurate report than the map image. “Providing real-time bus information to parents is an important service we have worked toward for the past two years,” Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower said. “Knowing whether a bus is on schedule gives parents the option of keeping their children indoors as long as possible on cold mornings and eliminates the worry that comes with not knowing where the bus is when it’s running late. We appreciate the work our transportation department and office of school operations have put into this project to better serve our students and families.” Schools will have access to an “arrival board” online, similar to screens at airports, so staff members will have complete and accurate information about all buses. The My Stop system will improve efficiency by providing parents with the most timely information possible, and by eliminating the need for school staff to prepare and send notifications to parents if a bus is delayed. Only parents will have access to the route for their child’s home address, and access to the system’s tracking information is limited to the 15-minute window before their child is scheduled to be picked up from the stop in the morning or dropped off at the stop in the afternoon. Access to accounts only can be set up by parents who have their child’s student ID number. Only parents with children at one of the three pilot schools were given access to the system beginning March 1, and they are able to see information for their children’s routes at those schools. Parents of children who attend the pilot schools have been given additional information and can contact the office of their child’s school with questions. More information will be shared with all parents prior to the start of next school year. 48

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

What parents have to say about the new system: “We especially appreciate the My Stop app on cold or rainy mornings, so that we are not outside for too long in poor weather. Also, since we have young children, the app helps us to know when the bus will arrive in the afternoon, so we can be outside.” — Chris Saxon CCSD Supervisor of Technology Field Services “As a parent of a special needs middle school student, I find it can be difficult to keep them (or any middle school student, for that matter) focused and on task to get them to the bus stop in a timely fashion. This app is a visual reminder for them to keep on track and get them out the door. This has helped my child develop the skills to manage their time more effectively.” — Eric Garland CCSD Transportation Specialist “We are unable to see the bus stop from our house. My son has been testing this application since the beginning of the school year, and he has never missed the bus. My Stop was able to cut his wait time on a day when there was a substitute bus driver. We were able to see the number of the substitute bus and get an estimated time of arrival to our bus stop. Having the ability to get this information is especially good on rainy and cold school days.” — Chris Blalock CCSD Transportation Specialist

Focusing on Improved Safety and Security BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

We know sending your children to school each morning may be harder on your heart than it was last year. School shootings push us through a terrible gauntlet: heartbreak, fear, doubt, anger. The educators who make up your Cherokee County School District (CCSD) feel the same way, which is why Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower communicated with all parents after the tragedy in Parkland, Fla. If you’re a parent, then you know his message (posted on www.cherokeek12.net) not only shared that he’s praying for Parkland and our country, but also that he’s taking action. Following the Sandy Hook school shooting, CCSD established the Superintendent’s Ad Hoc Safety and Security Committee. This group, made up of CCSD police and school leaders, parents, and our community’s sheriff and police chiefs, made recommendations for changes that have been implemented in the years since. Changes such as adding more P.O.S.T.-certified officers to our CCSD school police department and installing front-door camera and buzzer systems and security foyers. Dr. Hightower called on this committee to begin meeting again following the Parkland shooting, and the group is preparing new recommendations. We also invited parents and students to share suggestions, and received more than 250 proposed ideas, ranging from further securing entrances to increasing code red drills (the drills we conduct at all schools every year to prepare for the worst). You may be wondering what you can do to help. Here are some suggestions. Talk with your children. The National Association of School Psychologists (www.nasponline.org) offers resources online to help you talk with your children about violence at school. Also, please talk with them about the importance of fully participating in code red drills and taking the exercise seriously in order to be prepared for a real emergency. “See something, say something.” If you or your children become aware of suspicious activity or behavior, tell a school administrator or call our CCSD school police tip line (770-7204061). If one of your child’s classmates appears to be struggling with emotional or mental health issues, let an administrator or a school counselor know that, too. Support your school board. Some improvements to safety and security can be made through changing practices, but many require significant financial investment … and our school board needs your support in raising more funds for our schools. CCSD receives no state or federal dollars for safety and security, so we must rely on local tax dollars to fund new strategies.

You have so much ... they have so little

Donations needed now

Financial donations New socks and Underwear · Blankets Canned meat

www.mustministries.org 1407 Cobb Parkway N. Marietta, GA 30061

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.

Meeting April 27 Milton Overton, KSU Athletic Director For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children. AROUND CANTON | April 2018

State Forensics Principal of the Year

Canton Elementary Principal Dr. Abigail May, center, with students (from left), Jordan Brown-Westbrook, Jacob Jarvis, Carson Hyde, Dylan Walker, Ken Weatherspoon, Broden Pruitt and Ayden Barton.

Bookmobile Gets Cherokee Students Reading Retired Cherokee County School District media specialist Rebecca Amerson recently drove her custom-painted bookmobile camper, loaded with books provided by the school district’s curriculum and instruction division, to local elementary schools. The visits were part of a month-long reading initiative called Get Cherokee Reading. “Our Get Cherokee Reading campaign aligns with the Georgia initiative going on across the state,” Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nicole Holmes said. “Inviting Ms. Amerson back to visit our schools and offer books to children, while sharing her love of reading, was a creative way to launch our initiative. We want to see everyone reading in Cherokee County.” Amerson invited students into her bookmobile to select a book, and she told them about her reading and camping adventures. Her custom-painted camper includes some of her favorite book titles, as well as a quote from Thomas Jefferson, “I cannot live without books.” The curriculum and instruction division has multiple literacy initiatives planned and this school year has brought a new focus on reading in the primary grades, with the adoption of a balanced literacy approach to reading and more classroom instructional blocks focused on reading. For information on the Get Georgia Reading initiative, visit http://getgeorgiareading.org.

The Georgia Forensics Coaches Association selected Cherokee High School Principal Todd Miller as its 2018 Principal of the Year. The annual award honors one administrator selected from school and district leaders statewide to recognize his or her commitment to speech and debate in Georgia’s schools. “Principal Miller strongly supports offering students a wide variety of opportunities from challenging academics to career training to extracurricular opportunities, and this award recognizes that commitment,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “Speech and debate programs provide our students with critical thinking and public speaking skills that will help them succeed in college, careers and throughout their lives.”

Todd Miller

Reading Bowl Team Wins State Creekview High School’s Reading Bowl team won the state championship in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl competition recently held at the University of Georgia. Team members are Caitlyn Bergey, Gillian Brown, Caitlin Canfield, Jack Eno, Abigail Gallagher, Grace Godwin, Megan Halverson, Kelsey Henson, Alex Kaye, Emily McGhee and Victoria Padgett. Coached by Anne Thiers and Liana Howard.

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Superhero STEM Night Woodstock Middle School recently welcomed families for a Superhero STEM Night, with fun learning activities in the media center led by a student Maker Crew. The Superhero STEM Night Maker Crew included, from left, Media Specialist Wendy Cope, Conner Behret, Elijah Jordan, Isaiah Knox, Gabe Klimowicz, James Sow, Austin Kramer, Zach Gerard, Vanessa Mejia Fragoso, Mariana Mejia Fragoso, Landon Pope, Ryker Puent, Jackson Rodriguez, Josh Schwartz, Katelyn Sonntag, Sam Harper, Lea Harrington, Luke Borrusch and Madison Watson. Not pictured: Matthew Jaramillo.

Jamie Willis

Debate Coach Earns Award Jamie Wills was named Georgia District Coach of the Year by the National Speech and Debate Association. Wills is the coach of the speech and debate team at Cherokee High School, where she teaches language arts, and speech and forensics.

Fundraiser Supports Ongoing Hurricane Relief Efforts Cherokee Christian Schools recently hosted a fundraising event called Gulf States Night and raised $2,532.15 to assist with ongoing hurricane relief. The funds will go to assist two churches in Texas, where Hurricane Harvey was particularly destructive. These churches continue to provide a home base for ongoing relief efforts, organized by Samaritan’s Purse, whose primary goal is to facilitate the rebuilding process for families who were victims of the destruction.

From left: Rylee Holland, John Peterson, Coach Jamie Wills, Hannah Galloway, Jessica Tabickman, Anne Greer and Sean Howell.

Debate Team Talks a Good Game Cherokee High School debate team recently competed at the Georgia Varsity State Championship at Lassiter High School in Marietta. Team captain John Peterson, a junior, made it to the semifinals with eight wins and one loss in Lincoln-Douglas debate. He has qualified to represent the Speech and Debate Northern Georgia District in Varsity Congress in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the 2018 National Speech and Debate Tournament.

From left, Avery Peacock, Adeline Carley, Olivia Ward and Brannen Blackburn celebrate Gulf States Night at Cherokee Christian Schools.

Other individual accomplishments included: • Rylee Holland, first-year debater who made it to the octagonal rounds. She is the first person on the team to compete at the varsity state tournament in her first year of debate. • Hannah Galloway, made it to the final round for informative speaking. • Jessica Tabickman, made it to the finals round in dramatic interpretation and placed sixth in the state. • Anne Greer, made it to octafinals and placed sixth Lincoln-Douglas speaker. • Sean Howell, placed seventh Lincoln-Douglas speaker. AROUND CANTON | April 2018

EVERYDAY Since 2000, Everyday Angels has enjoyed the relationships we have developed with school counselors and social workers, as well as other community nonprofit organizations, as local needs are identified and qualified. Today, we share a request from another nonprofit:

Ceondre, 15

Janyiah, 2

Jeremiah, 3

Dontarius, 8

Dear Everyday Angels: I live in Woodstock and was hoping you could share a story near and dear to my heart. I work for a nonprofit organization, Cobb Safety Village, whose mission is to build a safer community through advocacy and education. A small part of what we do is provide car seats to parents who cannot afford them. With the nature of my job, we come across Felicia Miller many people who need help, but one family has really touched our hearts. It is my hope that by sharing her story with our compassionate community, collectively we can come together to offer support and encouragement to this sweet family. A grandmother, Gloria Blalock, was recently referred to the Cobb Safety Village in need of three car seats for her grandkids. If you follow the news, her story may sound familiar. On Nov. 19, 2017, Gloriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Felicia Miller (34), was fatally shot multiple times in the presence of Gloria and two of her five children. With no time to grieve the loss of her precious daughter or the funds to provide the funeral service that she deserved, Gloria is now faced with raising her five grandchildren on her own. Feliciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five children, ages 15, 8, 4, 3 and 2 years old, have already been through enough. Gloria lives on a fixed income and is determined to keep the children together no matter what it takes. She has limited funds to support the basic needs they require. Two of the children are in diapers and providing the necessary food and clothing has already been a challenge. It is my wish to rally surrounding communities to help this sweet family through this difficult transition until they find their new normal without their mother. Administration and qualification for programs is underway but takes more time than she has. I would be so grateful if you could share her story with our compassionate community in hopes to give them assistance through this difficult transition. Brei Everyday Angels is always eager to work with fellow nonprofits when needs are identified and qualified. We will accept gift cards for food and clothing for the children. If you would like more detailed info about clothing sizes and other needs, please send an email to aaeverydayangles@gmail.com. We thank you, Brei for sharing their story and for all your efforts in support of this family.

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.

Jay, 4 AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Elm Street

A Season of Journey is Headed your Way BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

I want to reach out and invite you on a journey. Journeys are so rare these days. When we journey, we often are seeking and searching for something — sometimes an escape, sometimes a moment. Here’s a definition of journey for you: a passage from one stage to another. In the end, no matter what we are looking for, we are hoping for authenticity. Authenticity is one of the major values of our time. It is visible everywhere, from clothing to food to self-help books. We are all trying to find ourselves in a real moment when so much around us has little depth. While it is such a prevalent phenomenon, it also is very evasive. In a recent study, Daniel Schulz argues that authenticity is sought out and marked by the individual, and springs from a culture that is perceived as inherently fake and lacking depth. I’m not sure about you, but, for me, authenticity is hard to find. Sometimes, our culture does make me feel that, if I want to go anywhere, I need to run faster on the hamster wheel. Work harder, exercise faster, learn more at school, whatever it may be — that search gets away from us. It turns into the “next” thing before we even get time to be satisfied with where we are now. Elm Street couldn’t be more excited about the 20182019 Season of Journey. In some ways, it is our journey, as we turn from a theater into an art center. In others, we don’t want to run on the hamster wheel and just do more, but to seek and search with you to find those authentic moments. Once we find authenticity, the journey stops for a brief moment, and we find those moments of satisfaction quite fulfilling. Maybe, as a community, we can take a journey collectively, and find those real moments together? We invite you to join us for our Season Reveal Party, where we will talk about our 2018-2019 Season of Journey, which is for ALL of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Not only will we talk about the theater shows, but we will reveal what we have planned for the Reeves House. We also will be announcing the world-renowned artists and musicians we are bringing to our community for the Lantern Series. And, to top that, we have a few more surprises about our growth that we know you will be excited about and want to hear. The party is 7 p.m. April 14 in the Elm Street Theatre. Come join the journey with us!

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

MAY 4-20

MAY 4, 5, 11, 18, 19 AT 7:30PM MAY 6, 12, 13, 20 AT 2:00PM Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SUMMER CAMPS Registration Now Open

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Phantom and Friends Champions for the Disabled

Big celebrations are ahead as Phantom turns 30 on May 29. He has earned his share of accolades: he was the PATH (Professional Someone once said, “A great horse will change your life. The Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) horse of the year in truly special ones define it.” When Phantom, a quarter horse with 2015 and inducted into the United States Equestrian Federation’s a storied show career, came to board at Bethany Nugent’s barn, Hall of Fame. As the poster-horse of BEATS, Phantom works hard, he was destined to change many lives and define her life’s work. but now that he is older he requires more care, as do several of his Phantom has been a part of Nugent’s therapy team since she pals who have served BEATS for years. Horse care, especially for the founded BEATS (Bethany’s Equine & Aquatic Therapy Services, Inc.) aging, is expensive. The horses deserve the utmost care even when in 2003 in Canton. they bring in less income as their loads are lessened. One of Phantom’s first clients was a teenage boy, who had “We hope that Phantom’s birthday celebration fundraising will suffered a brain injury in a car accident. He wasn’t progressing in help cover our older horses ongoing care needs so that these bills rehab, but took one look at Phantom, raised his head, reached won’t affect our scholarship fund,” Nugent said. out his arm and made a sound. Phantom is accustomed to such BEATS’ mission is to increase awareness of the benefits of using greetings, but since the young man had been horse movement (hippotherapy) to help people unresponsive for a while, this caused his mom with various disabilities, as well as raise funds for to burst into tears. The boy rode with a great big those who cannot afford services. smile on the incredibly predictable and steady “Hippotherapy refers to the movement of Phantom five more times. Then one day the boy’s the horse and is a strategy used as part of a lesson was canceled. Nugent learned he had died comprehensive therapy plan by licensed physical, from a shunt blockage. occupational and speech therapists. Hippotherapy Returning to the barn a few days later to rewind positively affects strength, balance, coordination, after the funeral, Nugent saw Phantom’s owners postural control, motor planning, and sensory taking pictures of him to post him for sale. She organization in order to improve functional skills bought Phantom on the spot, and Phantom in people with disabilities,” said Nugent, a licensed has been serving faithfully for 15 years now. He physical therapist since 1995. works with 16 other therapy horses, helping build “Adaptive Riding, also called therapeutic strength, confidence and achievement in the Kessley Hales on Razmataz with riding, is a recreational and educational activity sidewalker Kathy Jean Sheesley. special needs children of our community. led by instructors who have further knowledge in BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Special Olympics athlete Adam Quarles on Hamlet with helper Madison Beaver. Left, Cindy King, PATH International Region 5 Instructor of the Year in 2015, with Phantom. Far left, Special Olympics Unified team - Macayla Butler on Dillon and Emmalia Sebusch on Shiloh (Unified riders), Marylynn Collins (athlete), helpers - Kate D'addamio, Jackie Griffin, Kristen McCook and Harrison Taht, and Avery Garvin (athlete) - they performed an Elvis Presley number

teaching people with special needs. One of the hallmarks of BEATS is that we have highly qualified therapists and instructors providing both of these programs with excellence. We’ve had a team at the Special Olympics every year since 2008,” she said. Marcia Nickels, a volunteer shared, “In the over five years I have been volunteering at BEATS, it has done more for me that I could ever do for any of the patients and families. It is an amazing affirmation of how strong these children and their families are during their everyday struggles and still remain smiling and happy.” BEATS also offers aquatic therapy at a pool in Roswell that has unique qualities like buoyancy, resistance, and sensory stimulation, providing treatment than can’t be accomplished in a clinical setting. If you would like to be part of this meaningful work, you are welcome to help. All sessions require three volunteers, making this a huge ongoing need for BEATS. No experience is necessary for sidewalkers (those there to keep riders safe). Not a horse person? There are work days and fundraisers throughout the year. BEATS also has a booth at the Verizon Amphitheatre that must be staffed for every concert. The season runs March-November. Keep in mind volunteers need to be 14, and 21 to work at the concerts. To volunteer, celebrate Phantom’s big 3-0, or sponsor horse care, contact BEATS at 678-494-6616 or visit www.beats-inc.org.

Susan Browning 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. AROUND CANTON | April 2018

C herokee P hotography C lub Congratulations to the winners in the February competition "Vintage"

Monochromatic:

1st Becky Sapp "Hernando"

2nd Kim Bates "Little Red Corvette"

3rd Vickie Sellers "Chief Vann Writing Desk"

Color Prints:

1st David Ferguson "Fender Classic"

3rd Russ Miller "Amen" 56

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

2nd Martin Longstaff "Mrs. B."

HM Dean Kelley "The Bench"

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.

HM Russ Miller "Bang, Bang, Boom"

Digital Projection:

1st Peter Kilpo "Oldie"

2nd David Ferguson "Studebaker"

Above, HM Rick Sapp "The Test of Time" Left, 3rd Martin Longstaff "Martha's Plymouth" AROUND CANTON | April 2018

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

Rising Hills Church 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock www.gorhc.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org

Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org

Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com

St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org

South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road

Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com

Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org

CHURCH OF GOD

BAPTIST

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 Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.HeritageCanton.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org

New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org

Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com Canton Church 110 Bluffs Parkway, Canton 678-285-3288 www.cantonchurch.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.org Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org

EPISCOPAL

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

Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com

Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 770-642-0434 www.bethtikvah.com Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS 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, Acworth 770-926-3558 , www.heritagepres.com Trinity 1136 Trinity Church Road www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org 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

UNITED METHODIST

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombumc.org Big Springs United Methodist Church 2066 Sugar Pike Road, Woodstock Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Rd. Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100 www.unitynorth.org

OTHERS

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road Canton, GA 30115 770-475-9628 www.antiochcanton.org Antioch Church 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.antiochchurch.life

Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com 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.fivestonesga.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841 www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135 www.fdvida.org God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 452 Milton Drive, Canton 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com

Life 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 659 Arnold Mill Road, 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 Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 8534 Main Street, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com 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 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092 www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Online Social Security Account continued from page 36

Securities offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a registered investment adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya Inc. or MarketingPro Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - reuters.com/article/us-column-millersocialsecurity/social-security-online-accountssafe-from-identity-theft-idUSKBN1FE296 [1/25/18] 2 - tinyurl.com/yb4wqgka [2/8/18]

Who Stole Your Dream? BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

This may seem like a funny question at first. Generally, with a few minutes to ponder, an answer may come quickly, but it may not be the right one. When I was a child, I dreamed of having a horse farm on acres of land. We would visit relatives in upstate New York where there were farms, orchards and wideopen spaces. And what’s not to love about the beautiful and majestic creatures we watched cowboys ride in the movies and on TV? That dream is still unfulfilled and may never happen. What dreams did you once have that have slipped away, unfulfilled? Are there still dreams that you hope will come true? What do you plan to do about it? It starts with writing it down. Then, it takes a plan and a timetable. That sounds like a goal. Right? A dream is simply a wish or a hope, most times without momentum. Goal setting or success setting is one of the Impact Life Skills workshops we teach at The Master’s Training Center. A simple phrase to remember is “MRS Goal has a PLAN.” The MRS represents those things that a true goal must be: (M) Measurable, (R) Realistic and (S) Specific. Without each of these, a goal is just a wish. Write down your goal clearly and succinctly. Begin by stating the desired outcome. Do you want to own a house? That is an ambitious (S) specific thought, but it is not a goal without defining the M and R aspects. If you want to close the deal in a (M) measurable one-year time frame, you must look at your financial resources and income to determine if that is (R) realistic. If not, simply adjust the timetable or the financial resources. Write it all down, carefully and thoughtfully. Will you need to save $500 per month to build a down payment? Perhaps you can tweak your budget to reallocate $125 per week or get a side job to put money toward that savings. Finish calculating the details, the baby steps, that need to take place. Then it’s time to work the PLAN: (P) Prioritize the goal! (L) Look at your written goals often and tweak as necessary. (A) Take Action; Implement the first step. (N) The best time to start is NOW. Keep making progress!

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.

T H E R E ’ S N O T H I N G R U N - O F -T H E - M I L L A B O U T L I F E AT T H E A R B O R AT B R I D G E M I L L .

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AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Advertisers

For advertising rates and information Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com

April 2018

ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

LGE Community Credit Union www.LGEccu.org

26, 27

DENTAL

ANIMALS/PETS BridgeMill Animal Hospital 770-479-2200 www.bridgemillvet.com

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) 7

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Canton Dental Town 770-622-1515 www.dentaltownsmiles.com Dentistry at Hickory Flat 770-213-8166 www.HickoryFlatDentist.com

ATTORNEYS Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com

AUTOMOTIVE BridgeMill Auto Care Canton location: 770-720-0765 East Cobb location: 770-641-9906 Cherokee Auto Spa 770-704-0499 www.CherokeeAutoSpa.com

Downtown Buzz 770-592-6056 www.mainstreetwoodstock.org/ connect/#buzz

CLEANING SERVICES Dynamic Clean Team 404-414-7743

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Goddard School, The (Prominence Point) 770-720-3003 www.GoddardSchool.com

Canton Funeral Home and Cemetery at Macedonia Memorial Park 47 770-479-2788 www.macedoniamp.com HAIR SALON Vintage Jacks 770-224-6370

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 23 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com

EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

HEALTH & FITNESS Anytime Fitness Hickory Flat:770-345-4387

Holly Springs: 770-720-1831 Sixes Road: 770-720-2057 Riverstone: 678-880-1776 www.AnytimeFitness.com HOME & GARDEN

Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

Williams Orthodontics Canton: 770-345-4155 Woodstock: 770-592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

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

ClearView Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing 19 770-926-1960 www.ClearViewAtl.com Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.LandscapeMattersInc.com

L. Bean Interiors 770-824-8386

Mr. Junk 678-675-8651 www.mrjunk1.com

Outdoor Living 706-301-5698 www.myenclosedporch.com

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

Back cover

Sundance Pressure and Seal 31 O: 770-720-2303, C: 404-771-0071 www.sundancepressureandseal.com PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology Atlanta, Marietta: Dr. Feuer 404-459-1900 Canton, TowneLake: Dr. Glasgow 770-721-9400 www.AtlantaGynOnc.com Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301

www.cherokeeim.com Medical Assoc. of North Georgia 770-479-5535 www.Medassoc.com

POLITICAL 5

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 13 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com

Harry Johnston for County Commission Chairman Cover, 32, 33 404-408-6017 www.harryjohnston.com REAL ESTATE Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.magnoliadreamcottage.com

Crossfire Volleyball Club www.crossfirevolleyballclub.com

Downtown Canton www.cantonga.gov

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

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

Thunderbird Classic Golf Tournament 55 www.planmygolfevent.com/31389 ThunderbirdClassic

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 43 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Acworth Dragon Boat Festival 37 678-956-0062 www.AcworthDragonBoatFestival.com

Stripling-Lovelady-Homiller House Tour 28 770-403-9859 www.BallGroundBusinessAssociation.com

Resurgens Orthopaedics, PC 678-505-4455 www.resurgens.com

WellStar Health System www.wellstar.org/Mayo 770-956-7827

American Cancer Society Relay for Life 5K 800-227-2345 www.RelayForLife.org/cherokeega

Northside Hospital Cherokee www.northsidecherokee.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Darleen Prem Photography 770-354-0675 www.DarleenPrem.com

Butcher to Butcher 5k www.butcher2butcher5k.org

SENIOR LIVING 28

Camp LakePoint ww.lakepointsports.com/camp-lp

Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org

Arbor at BridgeMill, The 770-766-9323 www.ArborBridgeMill.com

Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. Senior Extravaganza www.SALTCherokee.com

Lodge at BridgeMill, The Inside front 770-479-4639 www.TheLodgeAtBridgeMill.com

AROUND CANTON | April 2018

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

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At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information. Photos by J King Images

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