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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
1
Contents
32 & 33 On the Cover Pineapple Park owner Pacita Wilson Photo by J. King Images
April 2019
16
20
34
In Every Issue
Features
4 Around Woodstock
Contributors 24
Don Akridge
10 Community News
14
Stacy Brown
8 Celebrations
27
Siobhan Brumbelow
20 Hoppy Hunting!
18 Downtown Events
26
Michael Caldwell
40 Everyday Angels
30
Renee Cornelison
36
Joni Gommo
47
Dr. James Haley
55
Barbara P. Jacoby
51
Harry Johnston
58
Bryce Jones
46
Dr. Ambre Kragor
41
Dr. Sarah Licht
Dining Guide
48
Ann Litrel
62 Directory of Advertisers
14
Calvin Moss
17
Liz Porter
19
Premier Group
42
Susan Schulz
39
Dr. Brian Seng
34
Teddy the Spaz Man
25
Ashley Velez
38
Shelley Winter
16 Farm Fresh
Insider info on farming in Cherokee, a list of the nearest markets, and a resource for food boxes.
Grab those Easter baskets and head out to one of the many egg hunts in your neighborhood.
49 Ribbon Cuttings
28 Recycle Away on Earth Day
52 Rob’s Rescues
50 Library Events
Chamber of Commerce, Woodstock and Canton make it easy to be green.
44 Community Calendar
30 Storm Watch
Don’t be caught unprepared for unpleasant weather this spring.
56 School News 60 Recent Home Sales 59 Downtown Woodstock
34, 36 Pets with a Purpose
54 Greenprints Trail
Yogi and Cobb have overcome many obstacles to live full lives inspiring others.
Advertising Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com @AroundWoodstockMagazine
2
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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AROUND WOODSTOCK The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Woodstock
Letter From the Editor I know the key for determining if you’ve successfully downsized. Empty nesters, or families who just want to simplify and move to a smaller space, I’ll share this tip with you for free. If you can vacuum your entire house from one electrical plug, you’ve done it! Congratulations! No more lugging the vacuum up and down stairs. No more strategizing which plug to use to get the most cleaning distance. So, when you go house hunting, be sure to take your vacuum with you. Ignore the odd looks from the realtor; you are on a mission. You know the secret. I did find a downside to downsizing. You may need to take the extra money you save by having a smaller home and join a gym, since you won’t be running up and down steps every day. The other disadvantage I’ve learned in not having a basement is the lack of a sufficient storm shelter. In the home where we raised our kids, each time we heard the tornado siren, we’d run to the basement's safest room in the center of the house. I remember strapping on our youngest in her baby carrier while dragging the other two down the stairs. I’m wearing a child, holding a child, and Glenn is holding a child. Our pets - two cats and a dog - weren’t always as compliant. Our neighbors who lived in a ranch knew our basement door was unlocked if they needed to run across the yard to safety. Another perspective - the husband’s - is that if you can cut your yard in 15 minutes or less, you’ve downsized successfully. At least he still enjoys some grass. I’m glad his Florida roots didn’t take over and cause him to fill the yard with white rocks to get out of all the landscaping duties. Remember last month’s article about our 4-yearold neighbor Paddy, who takes our garbage can to the curb every week? I think Glenn’s counting the birthdays until Paddy is old enough to operate a lawn mower. It probably will be sooner than we think. This adorable young man has all the plastic toys - a leaf blower, trimmer and mower. For now, anyway. I need to watch him when Paddy turns 5. I can see a Home Depot gift card in his young future.
Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodstock. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
What’s New Technical Resource Solutions, a Canton business that offers managed IT solutions to large and small organizations, has opened a second location in Woodstock at 120 Arnold Mill Park, Suite 100. 678-928-9491. www.technicalrs.com. North Georgia Autism Center has opened at 301 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suites 130-140, Woodstock. The center offers a range of programs for clients and their parents. 765-414-6227. www.northgeorgiaautism.com.
IN WDSTK Ribbon Cuttings
Little River Clothing and Outdoor
8368 Main St., Woodstock 574-217-1218 www.littleriverclothing.com
North Georgia Autism Center
301 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suites 130 & 140, Woodstock 30188 765-414-6227 www.northgeorgiaautism.com
Fajita Valley
180 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 30188 770-928-2570 www.Facebook.com/FajitaValleyWoodstock
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in many ways that include serving as contributing writers and providing valuable feedback.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Cousin, Sr., was appointed pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in June 2017. His degrees include a bachelor of arts in political science from Hampton University, master of divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology, and a doctoral degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the field of marriage and family therapy. Donnie Henriques has been mayor of Woodstock
since 2006: he served on city council beginning with the creation of Ward 6 in 1999. Donnie and his wife, Dr. Jan Henriques, have three children and three grandchildren.
Kris McKeeth is team leader and
visionary for The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts that include her position on the Business Board of downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah Foundation.
Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@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 Director of Marketing Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church in 2005 and
still serves as lead pastor. The father of five draws from his experiences in 26 years of ministry and 24 years of marriage to challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for better living, loving and laughter.
Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive for Window Expert Tinting, has been Woodstock’s Planning and Zoning Commissioner since 2015 and volunteers for many committees that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance because of her desire to help create safe trail riding experiences. Dan Thrailkill and his family love living in the “city unexpected.” He serves on several civic and private local boards and is active in YPOW. In 2016, Dan co-founded Front Porch Advisers, LLC which focuses on community relations and business development strategies for Georgia-based companies. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1988, Dan believes no one should be a victim of their disease, so you’ll likely see him at the gym.
Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in Woodstock and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,000 are placed in racks around the community. See page 64 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2019
Around Woodstock 1025 Rose Creek Dr., PMB 380, Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com Volume 6, Issue 6
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America’s Community Magazine AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Luxury You Desire, The Lifestyle You Deserve The
Experience the Best Senior Living in Cherokee County Independent senior living at The Arbor offers you a tailor-made luxury lifestyle. Our all-inclusive amenities include: Upscale, restaurant-style dining featuring chef-prepared meals Fitness areas, including indoor and outdoor saltwater swimming pools Outdoor grilling area, fire pit and fountain On-site salon State of the art gym Best of all, this level of luxury is available without expensive buy-in or entry fees, even for our beautiful freestanding cottages. You deserve the best, and The Arbor at BridgeMill delivers. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation every day!
Call 770-766-8236 to schedule a visit. 700 Freedom Blvd., Canton | Sixes Road Behind Starbucks | 770-766-8236 ArborBridgeMill.com/Around
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Celebrations!
Braylee Mae
April 5 Happy 11th birthday to the most beautiful, fun-loving, caring and intelligent girl I know! Reach for the stars, baby! Love, Mommy.
Congratulations, Ayden!
Can’t wait to see you compete at the state Geography Bee! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad and Carly.
Saanvi
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Ruth and Deward Reed
April 9 Happy first birthday to our precious little girl! Love, Mama and Dada.
Aubree
Happy third birthday on April 12! We love you so much! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Alexa and Luna.
Happy eighth birthday! Our birthday wish for you is that you continue to love life and never stop dreaming. May beauty and happiness surround you, not only on your special day, but always. Lots and pots of love, Papa, Mummy, Dada, Dadi and Veer.
8
Candler Starr
Happy anniversary, 66 years together and still going strong. We love you! Love, Linda, Ronnie, Gena, Timmy and Nancy.
Reign
Happy sixth birthday, my sweet, smart, talented, awesome, amazing baby girl. Love you so much! Mommy.
Daphne (April 12) Greg Tatum (April 5) Happy birthday to our loving children. We love you, Mom and Dad!
April 21
Deward Reed
Happy birthday, Little Sis. I love you, Gena.
Michael
Happy eighth birthday! You make us proud everyday, we love you so much! Love, Mommy, Dad, Jocey, Wrigley, Grandpa and Grandma.
Happy 84th birthday, Daddy! I love you, Gena!
Jeff
Happy birthday to an awesome husband and Daddy! Thanks for moving us to such an awesome place! We love you, Kristin, Britton, Asher and Jenson!
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! E-mail to: Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com May deadline is April 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.
Breathe Easier! Sleep Better! Get Healthier! CherokeeLungAndSleep.com
Our board-certified physicians have helped thousands over the years breathe easier, sleep better and get healthier. Using the latest in nonsurgical care, lifestyle therapies and stateof-the-art medical devices and medications, our patients are served with the most advanced pulmonary and sleep disorder care possible. Additionally, we treat or supervise critical care treatment and ICU patient care.
Our Canton Office Has Moved! 678-493-2527 460 Northside Cherokee Blvd. Suite 130 Canton, GA 30115 Located in medical office building on Northside Hospital Cherokee campus
New Woodstock Office Now Open 770-852-7740 900 Towne Lake Parkway Suite 206 Woodstock, GA 30189
Dr. Akhil Vallabhaneni
Dr. Matthew Haack
Located on Northside-Cherokee Towne Lake Medical Campus
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
9
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Applications Accepted for Banner Program The city of Woodstock and American Legion Post 316 are accepting applications for Woodstock's Military Banner Program, which is designed to salute our brave men and women who are serving or who have served in our military, by displaying a light pole banner in their honor. The banner will be exhibited in Woodstock in celebration of Memorial Day and Veterans Day for years to come. Deadline for applications for Memorial Day is May 1. The banners will be on display one week before and after Memorial Day, and hung up again for Veterans Day. For details, visit www.woodstockga.gov.
Woodstock Farm Fresh Market Opens
Rain, Rain, Go Away It’s safe to say that Woodstock residents aren’t the only ones eager for our recent rainy weather to subside. The abundance of rain has kept Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department employees busy. With the safety of each parkgoer at the forefront, Director Preston Pooser said that, after each rain, they have to let water recede so it no longer covers the walking (concrete) trails. Then, crews Scenes from scrape, brush and blow off the mud and make Rope Mill Park. sure the paths are safe to reopen. “Additionally, we have to keep riders off the mountain bike trails until they are dry,” Pooser said. “When people ride on them while they are still wet, it forms ruts that may make the trails unsafe. We work closely with SORBA (the Southern OffRoad Bicycle Association) on the opening and closing of the mountain bike trails. Their volunteers help us monitor the trails and keep the trails in safe riding condition for our park and trail users.” 10
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
The market, in its 11th year, opens 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays on Market Street in downtown Woodstock, beginning April 20. A Tuesday Evening Market will be open May through December in the backyard of Reformation Brewery at 105 Elm St. Hours will be 5-8 p.m. The Woodstock Farm Fresh Market’s rules guarantee that it is the best market in the region to get locally grown fresh produce, by requiring vendors to grow at least 85 percent of the product they bring to the market. To ensure these standards are being met, vendors are subject to inspection throughout the season. This year’s market will feature events from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, cooking demonstrations from local chefs and live music. Synovus Bank is the presenting sponsor. For more information, call 770-924-0406, or email Kyle Bennett at kbennett@ woodstockga.gov.
You don’t need to be an athlete to have shoulder problems. Or issues with your joints, hips, hands or knees, for that matter. That’s why the orthopedic specialists within the Northside Cherokee Sports Medicine Network provide comprehensive care based entirely on your needs, no matter your age or athletic level. From the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries to knee and hip replacement, we’ve got you covered. Call 770-517-6636 to find the location near you. Because there’s a lot riding on your health.
CHEROKEE
ORTHOPEDIC AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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YOUR LOCAL NEWS
The staff members make many programs possible at Next Step Ministries.
Next Step Celebrates 10 Years Next Step Ministries is celebrating its 10th anniversary in April, marking a decade of offering programs for adults with special needs. These programs, along with community-focused activities, provide enriching life skills to adults with special needs who have aged out of the public school system. Executive Director Lori Baker discovered the challenges these families face while serving as a physical therapist in the Cherokee County school system. Baker knew services were needed to care for this population, but was surprised when she was strongly led during a mission trip to fill that gap and start the venture herself. By 2007, NSM was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. By May 2009, staff was hired and clients started attending the programs. NSM purchased property and moved to its present location at 7709 Turner Road in Woodstock four years ago. Currently, Next Step is in two locations, with plans for another building. After starting with three, the ministry has more than 50 active clients now. The Job Skills Program provides higher-function clients with ongoing work, and social experience interacting with the community through a range of activities. These projects include making Hope Bones dog biscuits, jobs for local businesses and shopping trips for the programs. The therapeutic day program, done in a loving, Christian environment, offers skilled personnel for assisting with fine motor, gross motor and functional communication. Clients also participate in cognitive activities, community events and much more. The programs run Monday through Friday and are full or part-time. NSM also has drop-in services, a Saturday respite program and camps during summer and school breaks. Learn more about their programs, and how you can get involved, at www.nextstepministries.net. 12
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Host a French Teen for 20 Days in July Twenty French teens (ages 1418), who speak English and are from professional French families, want to come to the Atlanta area July 9-29. Each student needs an American host family who will provide room and board (host families are compensated), hospitality and friendship. The sponsoring organization hopes that an American family will incorporate the French teen into the family's summertime activities: trips to the pool, backyard barbecues, local sporting events, neighborhood events, etc. These teens, whose homes range from Paris to Provence, want to experience American life firsthand, and are fully insured, come with ample spending money for all expenses outside of the home, and speak English. The students are allowed to take outof-town trips. Linda Farmer, a retired French teacher, along with a French chaperone, will oversee the program, sponsored by Paris-based Loisirs Culturels Ă l'ĂŠtranger (LEC). For more information, email lgfarmer@aol.com or call 770-973-2452. www.lec-usa.com.
Summer Camp Positions Available Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (CRPA) is hiring for summer camp counselor positions. Summer camp employees will work MondaysFridays, June 3-July 26 (excluding the July 4 week). CRPA is looking for counselors to work with the general population, ages 5-12, for Adventures Express Camp. CRPA also is looking for experienced counselors for therapeutic work with inclusion-based kids, ages 6-22, for KAOS camp. Apply online at: http://www.crpa.net/ employment. Contact Lauren Voss at 770-924-7768 or latvoss@ cherokeega.com for more information on Adventure Express Camp positions. Contact Jen Fischer at 770-924-7768 or jlfischer@ cherokeega.com for more information on KAOS Inclusion Camp Positions.
Hoses Dominate for Fifth Year Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services won the 2019 Guns and Hoses Run for the fifth consecutive year. The Hoses team had the most runners to sign up for the 13th annual event. The Hoses represented Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, which received a check for $5,364. The Guns (Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office) and Hoses each solicited registrations from runners to raise money for their charities; part of the registration fee was donated to the charities. According to Lindsey Collett, a representative with the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Agency, 437 runners signed up for the fire department, while 249 signed up with the sheriff’s office for a total of 686 runners. The Hoses team included 12 members of the Cherokee County Search and Rescue Team, and several boys from Goshen Valley, including CEO Zach Blend. One of the runners that caught everyone’s attention was firefighter Chris Norrington, who was carrying his 3-year-old daughter, Harper, when he crossed the finish line. “I actually pushed both of my kids throughout the run in a stroller this year. Then, for the final mile, my 5-year-old son Teddy wanted to run the rest of the way by himself. Not to be outdone by her brother, my daughter chose to do the same. So, we ditched the stroller and ran. Needless to say, her little legs gave up quickly and I carried her the rest of the way in. It was not my plan, but it kept her happy,” Norrington said.
Sam Harp, left, who was the overall male runner from 2012-2015, stands with this year's winner, Sean Witmer, right, and Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson.
Firefighter Chris Norrington crosses the finish line with daughter Harper. Photos courtesy of Tim Cavender
Kim Whatley, the Aquatics Division director for Cherokee County Parks and Recreation, presents the trophy to Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather. AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Follow These Unexpected Instagram Accounts BY STACY BROWN
Instagram is a great way to discover new places and events. The photo-sharing app has more than a billion monthly users. The IN WDSTK team has created individual Instagram accounts to share each of our unique perspectives on Woodstock and the state of Georgia. Since Woodstock’s destination tagline is A City Unexpected, it was only fitting we include that phrase as part of our account usernames. Because of our varied responsibilities, people often ask about a day in the life of the city’s economic development team. The “unexpected” Instagram accounts are a great way to get inside information on what’s happening in Woodstock. The idea for the staff Instagram’s accounts came about as I planned the 2018 travel season for the Woodstock Mobile Visitors Center. Tourism Manager Kyle Bennett and I travel thousands of miles around the state each year. With all of the travel we do as Georgia certified travel counselors, Kyle and I were taking lots of photos at places like Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, and posting them to our personal accounts. He and Economic Development Director Brian Stockton were posting pics from Atlanta United games, too. Program Manager Mitzi Saxon was posting about time on Lake Allatoona and her favorite boutiques. With our team’s varied interests, and
all of the time we spend out in the community, influencer accounts seemed like something we really should be doing. I shared 116 posts on my Instagram, @stacyunexpected, in 2018. I began my account with a picture of the sunrise taken Easter morning overlooking a marsh on the Georgia coast. My top posts of the year included the view from the top of Lookout Mountain, a first look at the setting for Santa’s visits to the Woodstock Visitors Center, a picture with friends from Reformation Brewery’s Cadence Fair in October, selfies with food and drinks found in downtown Woodstock, and my first triathlon medal earned last summer in Acworth. The posts on Kyle’s Instagram, @kyleunexpected, took followers to Gibbs Gardens, the Woodstock Summer Concert Series, DragonCon, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Center for Wildlife Education in Statesboro. Kyle even shared a post about the unique features inside updated rooms at the Marriott Marquis downtown. Brian’s wit comes through on his Instagram, @brianunexpected. He pokes a little fun at Kyle’s and my profile descriptions in his own, continued on page 61
Stacy Brown is the Marketing Manager INWDSTK for the city of Woodstock. She can be reached at 678-217-2386 or sbrown@woodstockga.gov.
Life in the Techno Generation BY CALVIN MOSS
If you are a teenager, you are part of a generation that is comfortable with technology. You grew up with it, and probably use the internet for homework and things that interest you. You may even have one — or more — online identities through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Vine, or other social networking sites. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 95 percent of teens are online in one form or another, and 24 percent report that they are online “almost constantly.” That’s probably not a surprise to you. The internet has changed drastically the way that we interact with the world. We have access to in-depth knowledge and to people all over the world, and tools to express creativity. Yet, along with a fascinating way to connect with the outside world, the internet also offers new, and very real, risks, such as identity thieves, online predators and cyberbullies. Identity thieves and online predators want your personal information to exploit you, financially or physically. The first clue that often provides personal information is your screen name or email address. So, when creating your online persona, don’t use your real name, birthdate, city or location. Names that leave it unclear if you are female or male are best, and never publicize your address or phone number. Use privacy settings that allow only your friends to view your online profile or posts. Think before you post. Don’t write anything you wouldn’t want your parents or principal to read (remember, they can, and might!). Help protect your friends’ online identities, 14
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
as well. While it’s nice to post “Happy 16th birthday, Janice,” you just gave someone your friend’s age, birthday, and first name. If you post selfies or pictures, make sure they’re appropriate and won’t attract attention for the wrong reasons. Whatever you post online, no matter how briefly, remains available online forever. Your pictures also can be edited by someone to make them appear very different. Be sure your pictures don’t contain more information than you intended. A team jersey, for example, can inadvertently identify your team, reveal your player number and location, and can allow someone to piece together your information. Add a photo showing your car tag and a predator or identity thief is well on his or her way to knowing where you are. Be careful blogging about your activities. Predators often use your posted likes to convince you how much you have in common and to secure your trust. Don’t be gullible if someone you don’t know posts how much you are alike, and wants to meet. And, NEVER meet someone you met online alone or without talking it through with a parent or trusted adult. Technology can be misused to bully and cyberbully, and can be extremely difficult for the victim, as it can go on 24/7. Think before you post, because defamatory comments and threats can have continued on page 61
Woodstock Police Chief Calvin Moss was sworn in February 2012, after serving 30 years with the Atlanta Police Department.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Farmers Markets In Cherokee County
Canton Farmers Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays Cannon Park, 130 E. Main St. On Facebook cantongafarmersmarket@yahoo.com 770-704-1548
The Farmers Market at River Church 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays, April 26-Oct. 25 2335 Sixes Road, Canton Co-managers Tina Rhoades and Gwen Massey On Facebook events@riveratlanta.org 770-485-1975
Waleska Farmers Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays, May 31-Nov. 1 Heritage Fellowship Church 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway 404-805-7568 mrsconleyskitchen@gmail.com
Woodstock Farm Fresh Market 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays Market Street, downtown Woodstock On Facebook kbennett@woodstockga.gov 770-924-0406 16
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
SERVing
Fresh Foods, Locally A Canton-based nonprofit, SERV International, is taking its passion for feeding families around the world and focusing on a local effort to get fresh foods into more homes. The project, called SERV Food Local, offers a $40 box filled with an estimated $60 to $80 worth of fresh fruit and vegetables from farmers markets to feed a family for a week. People can donate boxes to families in need, or buy for themselves, their families or friends. Boxes, which carry different fruits and vegetables every month, can be ordered online. Pick up locations are the SERV Store, at 3245 Marietta Highway, Canton, or Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton. SERV is looking for partners in businesses, churches and individuals to support the local food initiative, SERV founder Steve Kasha said. The ministry has established relationships in local neighborhoods, and plans to continue to provide those residents with food boxes. “We want to be that giving outlet for companies and churches and individuals to reach the community,
Cherokee Is Still a Farm Community BY LIZ PORTER
Far left, volunteers who participated in the Christmas food box giveaway. Above, teams of volunteers went door to door, delivering food boxes at Christmas. Left, each box was filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. Bottom, a cheerful volunteer with a box for a special family.
and make a difference by donating fresh fruits and vegetables to people in need,” he said. The next distributions of fresh food boxes for SERV Food Local are scheduled for April 27 and May 5. To order or donate, go to www.servfoodlocal.com. If you would like to volunteer, go to www.servone.org, and go to Volunteer at the bottom of the home page. During the 2018 holiday season, SERV partnered with Revolution Church, Never Alone, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the House of Hope, Cherokee Veterans, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church and the Cherokee Family Violence Center, to package and distribute more than 350 boxes to families in need. More than 100 volunteers and ministry partners were involved in the project. Kasha began SERV in 2000; the ministry provides meals that cost 8 cents each and consist of dehydrated vegetables and nutrients that vary with the areas where they are served. Frequent distribution sites are in Kenya, eastern Africa, Cambodia and the Dominican Republic. In addition to food, the nonprofit builds water wells and distributes water filtration devices to provide clean water to those that need it. A facility in northern Kenya, called the House of Hope, provides children a safe shelter, food and water, education and vocational training. SERV also works with at-risk children in Cambodia to support their education. The charity supports churches in the communities they serve, often organizing serviceoriented short-term mission trips. SERV’s headquarters are located at 3145 Marietta Highway in Canton, next to the SERV Store. 770-516-1108. www.servone.org.
Cherokee County is blessed with many food-producing farms and gardens, thanks to the abundance of undeveloped land (for the moment!). Some farmers raise beef cattle, goats, chickens for eggs or meat, as well as animal feed crops, such as hay or corn. Others specialize in a variety of vegetables and fruits that grow well in this part of Georgia. Methods of farming vary in our county. Some farmers prefer to use conventional fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, while others rather would use organically permitted inputs (OMRI). Other farmers use little or none of that, and are classified as certified natural. Some farms work on more stringent levels of inputs, using permaculture as a growing method. As for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), there are not many of those types of crops grown in Georgia. The only GMO crops commercially available in the United States are soybeans, corn (both field and sweet), cotton, summer squash, alfalfa, canola, sugar beets and papaya. Of those, the first four are the most common in Cherokee County, and are likely to be grown by large-scale farm operations. Seeds treated with pesticides and fungicides are common in our area, because of the humid climate. Grasses, corn, clovers and other cover crops may be treated. Check with your farmer about the use of GMOs or treated seeds. As farmers and caretakers of the land, we prefer to use minimal sprays and inputs for pests and disease control. However, depending on the weather and type of pest or disease, it may be necessary to treat crops in order to save them. When you are shopping at a local market, you can ask the farmer what methods he or she uses. Most farmers at markets are happy to explain exactly how they grow their crops, if they aren't too busy. It's good to find out how your food is produced, and your local farmers market is a great place to learn. Take time to visit one or more of the wonderful markets here in Cherokee County this season.
Liz and Randall Porter operate Buckeye Creek Farm, growing produce for restaurants. She is active with Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Cherokee County Master Gardeners and Cherokee Farm to School Committee.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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IN Town
Woodstock
WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 7:30 p.m. Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater www.woodstockconcertseries.com
May 11: Mark Wills June 8: Better Than Ezra July 13: Who’s Bad (The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience) Aug. 10: Little River Band Sept. 14: The Molly Ringwalds (World’s Greatest 80’s Experience)
LANTERN SERIES
7:30 p.m. Elm Street Cultural Arts Center’s Event Green, 113 Elm St. www.elmstreetarts.org/lantern-series/
April 13: Break of Reality, Alt-Classical, New York May 18: Huntertones, Jazz Brass, New York June 1: Violet Bell, Americana, Asheville, North Carolina June 22: The Lee Boys, Sacred Steel, Miami July 27: House of Waters, World, Senegal
ELM STREET THEATER www.elmstreetarts.org
April 5
Bluegrass on the Elm Street Green, 113 Elm St., from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy music from
the cast and band of “Bright Star.” Free.
iThink Improv Troupe show at Elm Street at 8 p.m. Tickle your funny bone and spend your Friday night with an Improv Comedy show fit for the entire family.
April 12-28
Steve Martin's “Bright Star.” The bluegrass Broadway musical set in the Carolinas is a haunting and moving piece about finding your past. Friday/ Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. No show on April 20 and an additional show at 2:30 p.m. April 19. An opening night reception follows the April 12th show.
April 13
Break of Reality on the Elm Street Green at 7:30 p.m. The New York-based group blends classical instruments with a distinct rock sound.
April 18
Brew HaHa at Reformation Brewery at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Belly laughs plus beer on tap with iThink Improv Troupe every third Thursday. Join the local performers for improv games and loosen up those go-with-the-flow vibes, plus 20 percent off your favorite pours all evening. 18
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
APRIL
Farmers Market 20 Woodstock opens for its 11th year, featuring
vendors that grow at least 85 percent of the products they sell at the market. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon, and the market is located on Market Street. This year’s market will include events from the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and live music. A Tuesday evening market will be held 5-8 p.m., May 7 through August, in the yard outside Reformation Brewery. For more information, contact Kyle Bennett at 770-924-0406 or kbennett@ woodstockga.gov.
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The ninth annual Taste of WDSTK is set for 5-9 p.m. at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Event Green. Woodstock area restaurants will serve samples of their best dishes and compete in a variety of categories. The event benefits the Woodstock High School band program, and kicks off Woodstock Restaurant Week, April 28May 5. Admission is free. Taste tickets cost 50 cents each; packages start at $5.
Day is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 27 Greenstock at Woodstock Elementary School,
230 Rope Mill Road. A celebration of Earth Day that includes recycling of electronics, cellphones and batteries, and document shredding. Visit www.woodstockga.gov for more details.
MAY Mondays are 6, 13, 20 Music 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the
Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. For more details, visit www.woodstockga.gov and click on the special events tab.
WDSTK Roots Music Nights begin 16 with a 7 p.m. show on May 16 with
Andrea Colburn. The Muckers will perform on June 20, followed by Pony League on July 18 and Reverend Hylton on Aug. 15. Concerts at the Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm St.
& Banjos takes place 18 11Bacon a.m.-6 p.m. at the Northside
Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. The annual festival, which benefits the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, is a convergence of the salty goodness of bacon and the downhome sounds of bluegrass music. www.baconandbanjosga.com.
Day ceremony begins 27 atA Memorial 10 a.m. at The Park at City Center.
For more details, visit www.woodstockga.gov.
Woodstock New Construction Neighborhood Guide PROVIDED BY THE PREMIER GROUP
There’s something in Woodstock for everyone, from families with young children, to young professionals retirees. If you’re planning to start your search for a new “home sweet home” in Woodstock, check out our guide to the best Woodstock neighborhoods for new construction homes. This is the first of a two-part series to be continued in the May issue.
28 and Mill: A community of 28 townhomes two blocks from Main Street. Price: $368,900-$384,900. Square footage: 1,656-2,093. Traton Builders. Addison Point: Townhome community. Coming soon.
Beazer Homes.
Aldyn: A community of low-maintenance townhomes.
Coming soon. Pulte Homes.
Collingswood: Located close to Little River Elementary, Mill Creek Middle and River Ridge High schools. Price: $590’s. Square footage: 2,600-4,665. Edward Andrews Homes. Evelyn Farms: located near downtown Woodstock, Roswell and Alpharetta. Price: $288,990-$384,990. Square footage: 1,598-3,016. Meritage Homes.
Estates of Fernwood Creek: Off Cox Road. The community is between shopping districts in Woodstock and Roswell. Price: $458,490-$510,490. Square footage: 3,000-4,101. Meritage Homes. Heritage at Towne Lake: Low-maintenance, single-family homes, in a gated 55+ community. Price: $354,990-$524,209. Square footage: 1,909-2,591. David Weekley Homes. Hickory Manor: Quick access to Woodstock and Roswell. Price: $377,900-$495,505. Square footage: 2,745-4,080. Lennar Homes. Highland Park: Featuring 22 homes connected by sidewalk to downtown Woodstock. Price: starting $369,900. Square footage: approximately 2,306. Beazer Homes. Inwood: On Rope Mill Road between Woodstock and The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Price: $458,900-$514,900. Square footage: 2,802-3,364. Stanley Martin Homes. Oakhurst: Two miles from downtown Woodstock. Price: starting at $429,900-$499,900. Brock Built.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Northside Hospital Easter Eggstravaganza 2018
Egg Hunts April 7
• Bunny Bash
Noon-4 p.m. at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. Visit the Easter Bunny and receive a free printed photograph. Personal cameras are welcomed. Enjoy face painting, a cotton candy station, balloon twisters, a live DJ and more.
April 12
• Flashlight Egg Hunt
Hosted by Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. Check in 7:30 p.m., hunt starts at 8:30 p.m. for ages 1-12. $10 per child. Craft and snack stations, along with a visit from the Easter Bunny. At Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. Pre-registration required. For information, contact Lindsey Collett, lcollett@cherokeega.com. www.crpa.net.
April 13
• Northside Hospital Easter Eggstravaganza 2-4 p.m. at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Activities, snacks and selfies with the Easter Bunny are free. Souvenir T-shirts are $10. Registration is free, however, you can make a donation during registration, and all proceeds benefit the Special Care Nursery at Northside Hospital Cherokee. Guests also are encouraged to bring donations of diapers, baby wipes and baby food for MUST Ministries in Cherokee. No glass bottles or jars. Collection bins available at the event. Egg hunt times are: 2:30 p.m. for ages 0 to 3, and for those who have special needs and require assistance; 2:45 p.m. for ages 4 to 6; 3 p.m. for ages 7 to 9; and 3:15 p.m. for 10 and older. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to April 14. In case of inclement weather on April 14, the event will be canceled. give.northside.com/ events/easter-eggstravaganza.
continued on page 22 20
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Egg Hunts April 13
• City of Holly Springs Easter Egg Hunt
At Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane. The egg hunt will begin promptly at 11 a.m. The Easter Bunny will arrive at 10:30 a.m. to begin taking complimentary pictures with eager Easter Egg hunters. Pictures will continue after the hunt. There will be a petting zoo and free craft for kids to take home. For more details, contact Erin Honea at 770-345-5536 or ehonea@hollyspringsga.us.
• Canton Egg Fest
Hosted by Oak Leaf Church, is a unique, entertaining, free, family-friendly event that will benefit the Cherokee Family Violence Center. The 11 a.m.-2 p.m event will include an egg hunt, kids zone with bounce houses and crafts, live performances by musical groups from around the county, food and merchandise vendors and more. On Facebook.
continued from page 20
April 20
• Easter Egg Hunt, Community Cookout and Unity Walk
Noon-3 p.m. at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton.
• Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza
At the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. There will be an egg hunt for ages 1-3 on the outdoor grounds of the Aquatic Center 2:15-2:30 p.m. (participants must provide their own baskets), a shallow water egg hunt for ages 4-6 and an underwater egg dive for ages 6-10, 2:30-5 p.m. You will register for a 15-minute time slot for the in-pool activities. (The pool depth is 3½ feet to 5 feet.) Baskets are provided for all water egg hunts, but must be returned after the hunt along with the eggs. There will be inflatables, face painting, crafts, prizes and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Times and registration are listed on the website: www.crpa.net/special-events/ eggs-traordinary-extravaganza. For more info, contact Jordan Kenney at Jlkenney@cherokeega.com.
• Sutallee Baptist Church
At 2 p.m. at 895 Knox Bridge Highway. 770-479-0101. For children up to fifth grade. www.sutaleebaptistchurch.com.
• Little River United Methodist Church Community Hunt
At 10 a.m. children will be divided into three age groups: 3 and younger, 4-7 and 8-12, to hunt for more than 10,000 eggs. Free cupcakes and punch for refreshments. 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock.
• New Victoria Baptist Church Easter Egg Hunt
Family festivities in Canton.
April 20
• Bascomb United Methodist Church
Egg hunt from 11 a.m.-noon for infants to children in sixth grade. Free activities include games, crafts, snacks and a picture with the Easter Bunny. The church is at 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. For more details, contact Tammy Smith at tammysmith.bumc@live.com or visit www.BascombUMC.org.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
11 a.m-1 p.m. at 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Egg hunts for infants through fifth-graders. Activities include games, a cake walk, inflatables and face painting. Prizes, popcorn and Sno-cones available. 770-926-8448. For more details visit the Facebook page @newvicbaptist.
• City on a Hill
7745 Main St., Woodstock. Free community event. Doors open at 9 a.m. with the hunts at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Children will be divided by age during each hunt. There will be hotdogs, cotton candy, a petting zoo, bounce house, and the Easter Bunny will make an appearance. For more information, call 678-445-3480 or email coah@cityonahillumc.org.
R
Readers’ Choice Awards
Time to FREE CONCERT David Wiseman Blues, Folk, & Ballads; Truth and Lies
NATIONAL TOUR
Friday
APRIL 26
live at
7:00-10:00 PM
No tickets needed. Just show up & have a great time.
400 CHAMBERS ST WOODSTOCK GA 30188
Voting opens at 9 a.m. April 1 and closes at 5 p.m. May 10. We hope you will take time out from your busy schedules to vote for your favorite businesses in Cherokee County. Visit www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com, look for the Readers’ Choice logo and, with a click of your mouse, you will be directed to the voting site. Follow the prompts and cast your votes!
WWW.COPPERCOINWOODSTOCK.COM
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. 2. 3. 4.
Voting begins at 9 a.m. April 1 and ends at 5 p.m. May 10.
Winners will be announced in the June issue. Businesses will not be notified ahead of time. Everyone will find out at the same time. Vote in as few or as many categories as you’d like. There isn’t a minimum number of votes required for your votes to count. No more than five votes per category will be accepted from each IP address.
Happy voting!
Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ Choice Awards
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Certain Uncertainties in Retirement DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
The financial uncertainties we face in retirement may risk reducing our sense of confidence, potentially undermining our outlook during those years. Two financial unknowns may erode our degree of confidence. Indeed, according to the 2018 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefits Research Institute, only 17 percent of pre-retirees said they are “very confident” about having enough assets to live comfortably in retirement. In addition, just 32 percent of retirees were “very confident” in their prospects for doing so.1 Today, retirees face two overarching uncertainties. While each one can lead even the best-laid strategies awry, it is important to remember that remaining flexible and responsive to changes in the financial landscape may help you meet the challenges posed by uncertainty in the years ahead. An uncertain tax structure. A mounting national debt and the growing liabilities of Social Security and Medicare are straining federal finances. How these challenges will be resolved remains unknown, but higher taxes — along with means-testing for Social Security and Medicare — are obvious possibilities for policymakers. Whatever tax rates may be in the future, taxes can be a drag on your savings, and may adversely impact your retirement security.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Moreover, any reduction of Social Security or Medicare benefits has the potential to increase financial strain during your retirement. Consequently, you will need to be ever-mindful of a changing tax landscape, and strategies to manage the impact of whatever changes occur. Market uncertainty. If you know someone who retired (or wanted to retire) in 2008, you know what market uncertainty can do to a retirement blueprint. The uncertainties have not gone away. Are we on the cusp of a bond market bubble bursting? Will the eurozone find its footing? Will U.S. debt be a drag on our economic vitality? Over a 30-year period, uncertainties may evaporate or resolve themselves, but new ones also may emerge. Solutions for one set of financial or economic circumstances may not be appropriate for a new set of circumstances. Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle said, “He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years.” Preparing for uncertainties is less about knowing what the future holds than being able to respond to changes as they unfold.2 continued on page 61 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.
Evaluate and Define Office Culture Part 2 of a 2-part series examining the workplace with millennials in mind. Part 1 is on page 39 of the March issue. BY ASHLEY VELEZ
Recap: A shift in the workforce caused by rising levels of millennial talent is shifting office culture. Organizations are starting to understand that, and in the words of Simon Sinek, “Customers will never love your company until the employees love it first.” Not defining your culture early puts your organization at risk, including creating policies and programs based on other employers versus your work environment, hiring employees that don’t fit, communication problems, management styles that threaten employee engagement and retention, and more. On average, 70 is the number of employees a company employs when it realizes culture is important. For many, by the time this number is reached, office culture already has formed, and it’s up to leadership and management to determine the viability in its current state. Put culture first by taking a step back, and making time to evaluate and define your workplace culture to determine what factors contribute and take away from your desired culture.
Use surveys and assessment tools.
Assessment tools and surveys can help gauge your culture and reveal gaps between what you have and what you want. Multiple resources and tools can help you assess the current situation at your office, including Gallup, CultureIQ, CultureAmp, Zugata, and others.
Google your organization.
Employer review sites like Glassdoor, Indeed and Comparably can provide powerful insights to your current employees’ feedback. This can open a dialogue with your leadership team about key issues that require examination and potential changes.
Become the example.
Interact with customers the way you want your team to interact with them. Communicate openly and honestly, and hold yourself to the same standards to which you hold your employees. Your decisions set the tone and pace for your employees, and communicate the team dynamic you want cultivated at your business.
Tips to get started.
Smaller companies, that may not have the budget and resources of larger companies, can start defining culture with three questions: • Why does our company do what it does? (Why do we exist?) • What do we believe? (What are our values?) • Where do we want to go? (What is our company’s vision?) The good news is, culture is a work in progress. It can and will change, especially if you place the same importance on it as the other foundations of your business.
Ashley Velez is the social media director for YPOW and is a digital marketing expert and proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her husband Oscar and their two sons. http://atlantaseo.pro. AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Preserving Liberty for Elizabeth are inherent to human beings. They are not gifted to us by government. We have rights simply because we are human. In January 2015, I wrote about the birth of our son, Oliver This idea sparked a movement toward liberty across Caldwell. We celebrated his fourth birthday recently, and, the globe, and if we allow that flame to go out there are by the time you’re reading this, we will have celebrated the no other nations waiting in the wings to serve as that birth of our daughter, Elizabeth. beacon. I refuse to allow Ollie and Eliza to grow up in a If all goes according to plan, the week of her birth promises world without it. This is why ran for office. Our Republic to be an exciting one. As you know, the Georgia House and was cleverly designed to ensure one person couldn’t Senate are limited to 40 legislative days per year. As we individually determine the direction of our state or our near the end of that limit, the time spent on the floor of the nation, but for the small part I am allowed to play on behalf House often spans until midnight or beyond. This year, day of the 60,000 Georgians I represent, I’ll do my best to 39 is set to take place on ensure our government is March 29, and our time on consistently trending in a the House floor will easily direction that reflects our last until midnight. founding principles. We have a scheduled The 10 generations C-section for Elizabeth on since our nation’s March 30. Katie, Oliver, inception have jealously Eliza and I will spend the guarded our liberties 30th, 31st and April 1 in the for each of us. We can hospital, and I’ll return to never take for granted the capitol for Sine Die (the that we’ll be able to pass last day of the session) on them on to posterity. It April 2, where we’ll spend takes increasing vigilance from early morning until and dedication to the midnight, at the earliest, in principles of a free people the House chamber. and an independent This “citizen legislator” Republic. We are among thing isn’t just a talking the most fortunate human point. It can be an beings in history to take adventure balancing part in this gifting of legislative service with an liberty. It is the honor of already hectic family and my lifetime to play a small business life. Seasons in role in handing it down Katie, Oliver and Michael Caldwell wait for the arrival of Eliza. Photo provided by life like this bring great to Oliver and Elizabeth, Michael Caldwell perspective. As I reflect and Katie and I will be on the article I wrote anticipating Oliver’s birth, and the instilling in them a sense of responsibility to preserve it for importance of protecting our Great American Heritage for their children as well. him and his generation, I thank God that four years later As we start this exciting new chapter in our family’s story, Elizabeth will be inheriting the American Experiment as we certainly appreciate your prayers. We are more excited well. It reassures me of the importance of protecting what than we can say to welcome little Elizabeth to the world. our forefathers handed down to us. As President Reagan God is very, very good. reminded us, “Freedom is never more than one generation As always, If you ever have any questions for me, please away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone 678-523bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed 8570 or email me Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. You can on for them to do the same.” also meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 This experiment in self-government transformed the nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown world. We blazed a new path forward for humanity in our Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of Declaration of Independence, recognizing that people are representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly! “endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” Our Great American Experiment remains the only nation in the history of the human race to recognize that rights Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District come from God and not government. Regardless of what 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. you believe about divinity, take pride in the fact that the Caldwell@house.ga.gov. United States of America is the only nation recognizing rights BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Elm Street
For the Experience Seeker BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW
“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Instagram is famous for inspirational quotes that encourage us to be our best self and take risks and to love everyone — but, how many people read those quotes and actually act upon them? We find comfort in our everyday, and most of us want change, but don’t want to chase it. Experience, as a verb, means to encounter, but it also means to feel. To experience something new would create new feelings in our lives. Whether it is a change, or not, experience pushes culture and forces us to grow, by stretching and inspiring us. Elm Street is an arts center that is doing just that. It is part of our mission to engage the community with relevant art experiences every day. We always are striving for community growth, with new programs, artists and ways to present art to everyone. Elm Street constantly is trying to create ways to bring vibrant and unexpected experiences to the community. Our inaugural season of the Lantern Concert Series does just that. On April 13, we are bringing Break of Reality to our outdoor stage. This alternative-classical ensemble has sold out concerts in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The band’s signature cello rock sound has bridged the gap between classical, rock and world music listeners, and, in 2015, the members of Break of Reality were appointed music ambassadors by the U.S. State Department. We also are one of the first to bring you “Bright Star,” a bluegrass musical written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains between 1920 and 1940. This story follows Alice Murphy, a literary editor who meets a young soldier, just home from World War II. He awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past, and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. By bringing the community these new cultural experiences, Elm Street hopes to spark an interest, a change or a feeling for expanding our audiences’ minds. “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” — Thomas Merton
UPCOMING AT ELM STREET
APR 12-28 PRESENTING PARTNER:
BREAK OF
REALITY Alt-Classical Chamber
APR 13 | 7:30pm PRESENTING PARTNER:
Registration OPEN for
Siobhan Brumbelow is on staff at Elm Street. She holds a BA in Theatre from Brenau University and toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre.
SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
27
Mayor’s Recycling Challenge Watch for details of the eighth annual Mayors’ Recycling Challenge that will kick off in Cherokee County in June. This Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Going Green Committee initiative is aimed at sparking continued awareness surrounding community recycling while spurring a little friendly competition between the cities involved. During June and July, Cherokee County cities will be competing to see which can collect the most recycling. Awards will be given for most pounds of recycling collected overall, most improved city, and most pounds collected per capita. www.cherokeechamber.com.
Celebrating It’s evident that commemorating Earth Day is a priority for Cherokee County residents. While April is especially busy with Earth Day on April 22, there are ongoing opportunities for recycling throughout the year.
Greenstock Day in Woodstock
Cherokee County Recycling Stations Hobgood Park
6688 Bells Ferry Road
Blalock Road Facility 370 Blalock Road
• Noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays • 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays
9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27 at Woodstock Elementary School, 230 Rope Mill Road. A celebration of Earth Day that includes recycling of electronics, cellphones and batteries, and document shredding. Visit www.woodstockga.gov for more details.
• Closed Sundays and Mondays
Canton Dumpster Days
• BridgeMill Recycling Bells Ferry Road. 770-591-0771.
8 a.m.-noon first Saturday of each month at 151 Elizabeth St. The city of Canton’s Dumpster Days is a great opportunity for any Canton resident to dispose of trash, unwanted items, up to 10 tires per resident, and recycle many electronics free of charge. Please note: Dumpster Days are provided for Canton residents only. Please bring proof of residency when dropping items off. More details at www.cantonga.gov.
Items accepted
Computers/laptops, gaming systems, VCR/DVD players, stereo equipment, vacuums, microwave/toasters, hair dryers, curling irons, tools, wires and cables (all types), phones (cellphones and home phone systems), printers/fax machines, washers/dryers, dishwashers and other home appliances (excluding refrigerators), sofas, mattresses and dry paint.
Items NOT accepted
CRT TV or monitor (old style tube TVs or computer monitor), refrigerators, fuel tanks, motor oil, fuel drums, household hazardous waste, antifreeze, wet paint, paint thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals or commercial waste. If you have any questions, please contact Code Compliance Manager Merrick McClure at 770-704-1554 or merrick.mcclure@cantonga.gov.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Other public recycling centers
• Cherokee C&D. 770-479-1083. • Chadwicks, Highway 140 770-475-9868. • Dixie, Highway 92. 770-924-6110. • Pine Bluff, East Cherokee Drive 770-479-2936.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Prepare Now for Severe Weather BY RENEE CORNELISON
While spring brings warmer temperatures, especially welcome after our dreary, cold, rainy winter, it also ushers in a greater chance of stormy weather. There are several things you can do ahead of time to help stay safe during a severe weather event. The first thing is know what types of severe weather are possible in your area. The second is to have a way to receive severe weather warnings. The third is to have a plan. Make sure you know what to do and where to go during a severe weather event to keep out of harm’s way.
• Severe weather risks
Severe weather can occur any time of the day and any time of the year, but in Georgia, it’s more likely during the spring and in the fall. Severe weather typically refers to thunderstorms, tornadoes and floods, and Georgia can, and has, experienced them all. Make sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means conditions are favorable for a specific type of severe weather. Be prepared to take action. A warning means severe weather is occurring or has been indicated on radar. Take appropriate action immediately.
• Severe weather notifications
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings. Do not rely on an outdoor warning siren (a.k.a. tornado sirens) as your only warning. Outdoor warning sirens are just one tool utilized in Cherokee County to keep residents safe. Outdoor warning sirens originally were placed in areas such as
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ballparks and shopping centers, where people might be outside and have no other way of receiving a tornado warning. As time has gone by and technology improved, most people carry a smartphone with them all the time. There are many weather apps available so you can receive a warning directly on your phone. Also, keep in mind that outdoor warning sirens are not designed to alert people who are inside their homes and especially not when they are asleep. Homes are designed to keep out outside noises, but an NOAA Weather Radio is an excellent way to be notified at home. The radio can be programmed specifically for your county, and will only sound when a watch or warning is issued.
• Have a plan
Make sure you know where your “safe place” is located at home and work. Pay attention any time severe weather is mentioned in the forecast, and check back regularly for updates. You can get more in-depth information about preparing for severe weather by going to the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency website (www.cherokeega-ema.org), the National Weather Service website (www.weather.gov/ffc/) or Ready Gov website (www.ready.gov).
Renee Cornelison is director of the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency. www.cherokeega-ema.org.
Perimeter North
Medical Associates
Welcoming New Patients! A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Mian is a board-certified physician in family medicine who is proud to serve the families of Canton and North Georgia with the highest standard of care. Dr. Mian works alongside our experienced nurse practitioner, Leslie Jackson NP-C, serving each patient with the time, attention and personalized care you and your family deserve. We offer early office hours for your busy schedule, same-day appointments for sick visits and a convenient, new location in the BridgeMill Community.
Haroon Mian, M.D.
Services: • Care for patients aged 2 and older • Chronic disease management and acute illness care • Physical exams for school and sports participation • Immunizations for children and adults
NEW Location! 10515 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200 Canton, GA 30114 Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 770-395-1130 to schedule an appointment PNFM.com
Leslie Jackson, NP-C
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Pineapple Park Brings Your Home Style to Fruition
T
PHOTOS BY J. KING IMAGES
Above: Pineapple Park’s inviting retail shop gives customers inspiration. Below: New apothecary shop inside Pineapple Park.
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he staff of Pineapple Park, led by owner Pacita Wilson, is as much family as they are co-workers. Perhaps it’s a natural result from working in an environment that feels like a home, with displays of sofas and chandeliers, dining tables, chairs, desks, lamps and other accessories. Customers who walk into Pineapple Park are greeted warmly, welcomed by the soothing scents of burning candles. The newest addition to the store is an apothecary shop, filled with yummy soaps, lotions, bath salts and men’s products. “When somebody walks into Pineapple Park, I want them to experience the warmth and comfort of home,” Pacita said. “We develop relationships with our customers, so that we can truly understand what ‘home’ looks and feels like to them. We utilize a layering method, which allows us to incorporate personal touches into the design that directly reflects who the family is. My career is about more than just decorating; it is about designing a space that connects on an emotional level with my clients, giving them a sense of relaxation.” That family feel is extended to Pineapple Park’s turnkey design services that can accommodate any style home. “Our claim to fame is we accomplish it within 24 hours,” Wilson said. “We are a call-you-by-your-first-name business that offers personalized customer service.” Pacita and husband, Ken, have deep roots in home design. In 2010, they opened Pineapple Park in downtown Woodstock after moving from Florida, where she operated a furniture showroom and several warehouses. Pacita has been in the design business for more than 20 years, and is excited about her newest ventures.
The Park
The designer always is looking for more opportunities to serve the community. In May 2019, Pacita opened The Park on Rope Mill Road, a warehouse and design center located 1 mile from the Chambers Street shop. The Park is open to the trade and turnkey design clients.
Furniture Line
With the expansion of the Pineapple Park Home furniture line, business is growing and the shop’s hometown is being honored. Pacita has named a few furniture pieces after her beloved town: The Woodstock Hutch and The Chambers Table.
Mobile Design
The latest venture is a mobile store, coming soon. Pacita hints for Pineapple Park fans to look forward to something shiny and bright. For up-to-the-minute details, follow Pineapple Park on social media. “We strive to be of service to anyone looking to create a wonderful home filled with peace, grace and hospitality by offering everything from full service interior design down to gift items for friends and family,” Pacita said. “It is always our goal to create space with our clients’ visions in mind and bring them to fruition.”
Pineapple Park
The Park Warehouse
678-494-8494
678-401-4893
240 Chambers St. Woodstock, GA 30188
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
Pineapple Park – Home
The Park’s reception area
202 Rope Mill Road Woodstock, GA 30188
By appointment only to the trade Thepark_warehouse
Pineapple_park
www.pineapplepark.com Sponsored Content
The Park’s offices
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Yogi enjoys life in and around Woodstock, despite his disability.
Yogi Gets A Leg Up BY TEDDY THE SPAZ MAN
“Cool, that dog’s doing a handstand!” I looked up to see a woman next to us on the Elm Street Event Green watching Yogi “water the plants,” clearly in awe of his mad skills. Yogi’s my 12-year-old, 10-pound, 3-legged chihuahua brother. He learned this potty trick shortly after one of his rear legs was amputated. The rescue group, Hightower Farm, figured he was in a car accident. Either way, he came to live with us as a foster a week later. The first night in our home, Yogi escaped through an impossibly small hole in the backyard, and took off running. A chase ensued, but Mom and Dad figured he wouldn’t be too hard to catch. After all, he’d just had his leg removed. So, how fast could he be? Crazy fast, as it turned out, because
within seconds, he was standing in the middle of East Cherokee Drive, frozen with fear as rush hour traffic whizzed by, swerving to avoid him. It was a frightening sight, and Mom began pleading for help. “I promise I’ll give him a good life if you just let him live. PLEASE, God!” Yogi eventually was caught that night, and, afterward, Mom and Dad made the decision to return him to his forever home — our home. It turned out that Yogi’s “disability” had nothing to do with his legs, but everything to do with his mind. He was terrified of everything and everyone. He bit out of fear, so it took weeks before Mom could touch him without wearing welding gloves, and it took months before he’d even be in the same room with Dad. But, with a lot of time, love and understanding, Yogi slowly began to trust us. Today, he’s a happy little dude who lives a very full life. He walks and bikes on the trails, gets belly rubs from Dad, eats lunch at the finest restaurants downtown and enjoys long strolls with his lady friend, Miss Ellie Mae. And, to top it all off, he’s a loyal friend. In fact, he even chaperoned my Valentine’s date with Brianna at Tiny Bubbles. Yep, he sat in the window all night staring at her to make sure she didn’t try anything funny. He even texted her after the date to make sure she got home OK, and then the next day to see how she was doing. Hey, wait a minute! Maybe he wasn’t there as a chaperone after all! Grrr… Teddy the Spaz Man is a social media dog and not-so-humble Hallmark star living in downtown Woodstock. Facebook/ Instagram: @teddythespazman.
Yogi watched through the window while Teddy and Brianna enjoyed their date. 34
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Cobb’s Purpose BY JONI GOMMO
My husband Paul and I were not intending to adopt a third dog. After Misty, our oldest miniature schnauzer, passed away, we decided that our two remaining girls were enough for now. After all, there were only two of us, so it made sense. Not long after making this decision, I saw an injured dog’s story on the Schnauzer Love Rescue page I follow on Facebook. With each sentence I read, I felt my heart strings being tugged a little more. This little guy, named
Cobb’s gender reveal party was a special occasion, marking his adoption. 36
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Paralyzed Schnauzer Spreads Joy, Hope and Love
Cobb, had a spinal cord injury that rendered him paralyzed in the hind end. While I wasn’t paralyzed, I had spinal cord compression a few years back, and I understood some of the pain he probably felt. Without saying anything to my husband, I looked up his foster family and sent a Facebook message asking if we could meet this little guy. She responded within minutes and invited us over the following day. Knowing that Paul has a soft spot for dogs, I casually mentioned our plans for that Sunday. To my surprise, he was just as excited as I was. To make a long story a little shorter, we ended up fostering him, initially part-time, and then full-time. With all of his special needs, it wasn’t long before we began to wonder, “Would anybody else want to learn to take care of him? Would they be diligent enough to maintain his schedule of eight pills a day, multiple times a day? What if someone adopted him out of the area and we never heard about him again? Or, worse, what if someone adopted him, not fully realizing all the special care he needs, and then dumped him a second time?” After pondering these questions, we realized the answer. Cobb was meant to be a part of our family. We loved him, and he loved us, and he got along great with our other two schnauzers. We even did a twist on a gender reveal photo shoot, calling it a “Cobb reveal,” with him popping out of a box with blue balloons. We celebrated with champagne, a pet blessing, and even a unity candle that Cobb’s first foster family, and Paul and I, lit together. That very night was the first time that Cobb initiated play with our other two. It was like he KNEW he finally was home, and it brought tears of joy to my eyes. Since the adoption, we have taken Cobb and his schnauzer sisters, Daisy and Lily, on many RV trips across the country. Cobb has had his picture taken at Mount
Rushmore, Old Faithful, the Grand Tetons, and he even has walked along the shores of Maine. Cobb has a following of thousands on the rescue page, and many have driven up to 100 miles simply to meet him. He has become an inspiration to so many. Recently, we were excited to see Cobb making progress in using his hind legs a little more, so we posted that we would be putting him back in rehab for another six sessions. Just a few days later, one of his fans sent Above, Cobb is able to walk with money covering the entire the help of a special apparatus. cost. We were astonished! Left, Joni and Cobb walking This was someone along the coast in Maine. Photo who followed Cobb on provided by Joni Gommo. Facebook, and didn’t even live in the area. We exchanged emails and agreed to meet if we found ourselves near each other. That day finally came. A few weeks ago, while in Florida, we arranged a meeting. The day before, the wife, Nancy, told me her husband was on hospice care, and had been following Cobb’s story from the beginning. Being a hospice nurse myself, this meeting was now even more special. On our way to their home, she sent me a text asking, “Do you think that Cobb would snuggle in the bed with Greg?” I told her that I was sure he would. We told Cobb what a very special visit he was about to have, and how he had to be on his very best, most gentle behavior. The look in his eyes told me he understood. Nothing prepared us for the way Greg’s face lit up when we walked in with Cobb. The very second we put Cobb on the bed, an unspeakable bond was formed between an amazingly accomplished man, his beautiful caregiver and wife, and our little Cobbler. Their kindness, generosity and new friendship is something Paul and I will cherish forever. We have been blessed beyond measure to have met so many new people, made friendships that we will cherish for a lifetime, and had our lives forever changed for the better, all because of a rescued, paralyzed little schnauzer named Cobb. If you would like to hear more about life with Cobb, you can follow his Facebook page, Cobb’s Purpose: Life With a Paralyzed Schnauzer.
Joni Gommo lives in Canton with her husband, Paul, and three miniature schnauzers, Daisy, Lily and Cobb.
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Is Respite Care Right for You? BY SHELLEY WINTER
Providing care for someone who is ill or disabled can be challenging. It can require a lot of time and energy, in some cases around the clock. Caregivers need to take time for themselves to rest and relax, run errands or exercise. If not, the result can be burnout. Caregivers can use respite care to receive a muchneeded break from their day-to-day responsibilities. Respite care is a temporary stay at an assisted living community, adult day care center, nursing facility or in-home. It usually is offered for hours, days or weeks at a time. During a respite stay, someone can receive care that includes meals, bathing, dressing, assistance with medications, and activities such as exercise, or socialization. Adult day programs provide a break to caregivers during the day only. Senior living communities generally offer this service from a week to a month, often with a minimum and maximum stay. There are other reasons an elder and his or her family may decide on a respite stay. • To try out a community. The senior may be considering a permanent move, and this can be a great trial period to see how well the older adult adapts to life within the community. A 30-day stay is recommended, so there is enough time to become familiar with, and get a feel for, the community.
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• To recover after surgery or rehabilitation. • To receive care while family is out of town on business or vacation. Respite care usually is charged by the hour, or by the number of days that services are provided. Unfortunately, most private insurance plans don’t pay for respite stays. Medicare may pay when the patient is under hospice care. Some long-termcare insurance plans may cover some or all of the costs. With Medicaid, each state is different, where coverage options are concerned. The funds to cover the cost of most respite care will come from personal savings. Other sources may include veterans’ benefits, county programs and tax credits. Respite care has benefits for both the caregiver and their loved one, and can be a welcome break for all. You may want to talk to a few respite care providers, or visit several places to find the best fit. If possible, let your loved one take part in the process of choosing. This will make you both feel more at ease with this temporary stay.
Shelley Winter, community relations director at Oaks at Towne Lake, has worked in assisted living/memory care communities since 2008. 770-592-2195. shelley@oaksseniorliving.com.
Exercise and Arthritis: Keep Aging Joints Healthy BY DR. BRIAN SENG
Arthritis affects more than 50 million U.S. adults, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Exercise is important for overall joint health, even for those with arthritis. If you have arthritis, exercise is probably the last thing on your to-do list. In fact, walking, running and other high-impact exercises once were thought to be a major cause of arthritis. We now know that it may be a lack of physical activity that can lead to worsening arthritis symptoms. Moderate exercise actually can help improve flexibility, strengthen weak muscles and decrease pain. Here are some ways to protect your joints and keep them healthy as you age. • Maintain a healthy weight. Every extra pound you gain can put up to four extra pounds of stress on your weight-bearing joints (knees, hips and spine). Even the smallest amount of weight loss will give you relief. • Get regular low-impact aerobic exercise. Choose activities such as walking, biking, swimming/water aerobics, or use an elliptical machine. Those types of exercises protect the joints and the muscles around them. Aim for 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity, three to four times a week. Avoid rapid weight-bearing/ joint-loading exercises that put a lot of stress on your joints, such as stair-stepper machines, running/jogging or high-intensity Zumba classes (try Zumba Gold or Aqua Zumba instead).
• Add weight-bearing exercises. These keep bones strong with lower weights and more reps. Use weight machines, free weights and resistance bands, or aerobic activities where you must support your own weight (push-ups). However, patients with arthritis should avoid heavy weight lifting and CrossFit. • Include stretching to stay limber. This helps prevent tight muscles, which exert extra force on joints and limit range of motion. Yoga is great. However, patients need to understand that arthritis may limit their range of motion and the types of yoga positions they can perform. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to help reduce pain and swelling in joints affected by arthritis. Turmeric is a natural alternative to anti-inflammatory medication. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are options that may support healthy joints; however, research is inconclusive. There are more than 100 types of arthritis; some are more limiting than others. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program, or if you experience any unusual pain.
Dr. Seng is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Northside Hospital Cherokee and Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists in Woodstock, specializing in hip and knee replacement. 770-292-6500. www.arthritisandtotaljoint.com.
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EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community.
In our 20 years of serving Cherokee County, Everyday Angels has featured a few too many stories of colon cancer that have affected our neighbors at a young age. Colorectal cancer (cancer that starts in the colon or rectum) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. Historically, the American Cancer Society has recommended we wait until our 50th birthday before we begin colon screenings. However, research published last year indicates a rise in colorectal cancer between the ages of 40 and 54; now it’s recommended to begin screenings at age 45. It’s a much younger age if you are at a higher risk because you smoke, are obese, or have a family history of colon cancer. As we share our most recent cancer story, we remind our readers to be vigilant and don’t let your age slow down the process. In November, before her 45th birthday, Cara Keener began experiencing dull, persistent abdominal pain. “It would not go away, so I decided to go to urgent care where they performed an exam, X-ray and blood work. The blood work indicated that I was anemic and dehydrated so they sent me home with medication, which did alleviate my pain,” Cara said. When her pain returned in December, she returned to urgent care, and more blood work indicated another drop in her hemoglobin count, which was concerning. Numerous referrals and doctor appointments 40
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Cara, left, with daughter Olivia.
later led her to a gastroenterologist. However, before that appointment, she experienced pain severe enough to send her to the emergency room, where she had more bloodwork and scans. Her hemoglobin counts continued to drop, and her CT scan revealed a 7.25 centimeter-mass in her colon. “My GI doctor performed a colonoscopy which was blocked by the mass. He sent a biopsy to pathology which revealed it was cancerous and must be removed. I immediately met with the surgeon the next day and surgery was performed on March 7. The surgeon was able to confirm during surgery that it was contained to the colon. The tumor turned out to be 12 centimeters, but they are unsure if that was all cancerous.
They are checking to see if some of that mass is blood or infection. The surgeon is confident that he was able to remove all the cancer that he could see, however chemotherapy will be necessary,” Cara said. Due to Cara’s weight loss, her oncologist wants her to rest and get stronger before starting chemotherapy. Meanwhile, she is unable to work. Cara works full time in a sales position on 100 percent commission. She does not have the security of a base salary, so when she is out of work, she does not get paid. She also supports her 13-year-old daughter, Olivia. She is hoping to return to work in a few months, but until then, she needs our help to get her through this stressful and scary time.
Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com
Options Available for Single-Sided Deafness BY DR. SARAH LICHT
Single-sided deafness (SSD) is the loss of hearing in one ear. SSD is most often caused by viral infections, head or neck trauma, Ménière's disease, or surgical procedures to remove brain tumors that are on the auditory nerve. Individuals with SSD may experience impaired hearing on one side, and also have a difficult time determining the direction of sound. This can subject the individual to dangerous situations, particularly when trying to cross the street or SSD is most navigate traffic. This type of hearing loss is more often caused common than most people realize, by viral however there are treatments available. Two options, currently infections, approved by the FDA, are the head or neck contralateral routing of the signal (CROS) device and the bone trauma ... anchored hearing aid (Baha) device. The CROS is a non-surgical option. The device resembles a hearing aid and has two components: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sits on the deaf ear and picks up sound in the environment. The sound is sent wirelessly to the receiver in the good ear. For example, if a person has SSD in the left ear, with a CROS
system, they would be able to hear someone talking on their left side; however, the sound would be funneled into the right ear through the receiver. The Baha is a device that is surgically implanted, and uses vibration to stimulate the inner ear directly through bone conduction. A titanium rod is surgically placed in the deaf ear’s mastoid bone, which is located directly behind the ear. After the incision site heals, a small removable, box-like device is snapped onto the rod. This device picks up sound in the environment, and, through bone vibration, sends the signal to the good ear. This device also is used for other types of hearing loss. Although both options allow the user to gain awareness of sound from his or her deaf ear, expectations must remain realistic. Localization, or knowing where a sound is coming from, will still be challenging, since the sound is being presented to only the good ear. Listening with background noise present is optimal with two ears, and this type of setting will remain challenging.
Sarah Licht, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2016.
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Mom's Legacy Helps Special-Needs Community BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
There are so many ways to give in this life that don’t cost anything: smiles, kindness, appreciation, honor and time. Kathy B. Davis was known for this kind of giving. She had a passion for serving and supporting others, especially young people with special needs. After Kathy passed away in 2009, her husband, Dave, desired to carry on Kathy’s legacy in her honor and memory. As result, the Kathy B. Davis Foundation was established in 2011 with the goal of reaching out into the community bringing together people from all walks of life. Kathy and Dave’s inspiration to serve the special-needs community came from their middle son, Eric, who has Down syndrome. Eric has two brothers, Chris and Matt. The Davis family lived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, while the boys were growing up. After Chris and Matt moved to Atlanta for work, Dave retired from Kroger and moved to Lake Arrowhead with Eric in 2013. The Kathy B. Davis Foundation is funded through an annual memorial golf tournament, live auction and social event, as well as private and corporate donations. This year’s tournament is April 6 at the Lake Arrowhead Country Club in Waleska. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Besides flight winners and raffle drawings, there are car and boat giveaways for a hole-in-one.
A Flowers for a Purpose session at the Empower Cherokee Center.
The KBD Foundation serves our community through three main programs. • Special Needs Golf Clinic, now in its third year, is held prior to the start of the annual fundraising tournament. Volunteers are directed by Dave, a certified Special Olympics golf coach for Cherokee County. The volunteers work with area residents who have intellectual or developmental challenges and teach them basic golf skills and a love of the game. The clinic is 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at Lake Arrowhead Country Club. • Flowers for a Purpose began when Dave expanded the organization’s sphere to include senior citizens. It’s a monthly activity that brings together members of the special-needs population and area senior citizens who want to learn about flowers and how to create beautiful arrangements. The bouquets are shared with the participants and Cherokee County residents who may appreciate a little extra sunshine in their day.
• KBD Foundation Adam Holland Special Education Scholarship was
created in honor of Adam Holland, a
courageous young man with Down syndrome who is Eric Davis’s best friend. It is awarded annually to an area college student majoring in special education. Dave stays connected to the community through the KBD Foundation. “Whenever I think of positive people, my mind jumps to Dave Davis,” Dolores Bennett said. “I help volunteer for the foundation in the various programs, but one of my favorites is Flowers for A Purpose. It is truly heartwarming to see and be involved in the interaction of these two communities working together to create beautiful floral arrangements.” “Eric and I have stayed involved in all kinds of sports, but just love the game of golf,” Dave said. “As a certified coach for the Special Olympics, I’m excited about working to expand the sport of golfing in the Special Olympics all across Georgia.” For more information about getting involved, registering for the tournament and clinic, or donating, visit: www.kbdfoundation.net or contact Dave Davis at 615-533-0668 or ddavis@kbdfoundation.net.
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.
Eric and his mom. 42
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Around & About APRIL “For a Good Time … Mary?”, directed by Cheryl 5 Lambert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 5-6, 12-13,
and 2 p.m. April 7 and 14 at the Canton Historic Theatre, 171 E. Main St. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students/seniors. A free champagne reception will be be held April 5. www.broadwayboundproductionsinc.com.
golf clinic is planned for 10 a.m. 5-6 atA special-needs Lake Arrowhead Yacht and Country Club, followed
by a golf tournament with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Both are fundraisers for the Kathy B. Davis Foundation in Waleska. Details available at www.kbdfoundation.net.
6 at Home
The 2019 Spring Symposium: A Greener World Begins , presented by the UGA Extension Master Gardeners of Cherokee County, is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Yanmar EVO Center, 5889 Old Alabama Road, Acworth. Keynote speaker will be Erica Glasener. The event includes two breakout sessions and lunch. The $40 fee includes welcome bags, door prizes, seeds, vendors and a silent auction. www.cherokeemastergardenersinc.wildapricot.org.
11 leaving 8:45 a.m., and 9:15 a.m. from the recreation center. Silver Roamers trip to Gibbs Garden and the Arbor Café,
Cost is $50 for members, $60 nonmembers. www.crpa.net.
Roamers trip to the Georgia National Cemetery, 25 Silver leaving at 9 a.m. from the recreation center, and 9:30 a.m. from the boys and girls club. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers. www.crpa.net.
IN WDSTK ONGOING INFluence
Meets the last Friday of each month at 8 a.m. Breakfast is served. The event includes a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by greater Woodstock or Cherokee County officials on important issues or services offered that affect the community. www.inwdstk.org.
Small Town Creatives (STC)
STC is for creative professionals (designers and makers), and alternates between a morning event and an evening event every other month. The morning events are the third Friday and the evening events are the fourth Tuesday. www.inwdstk.org.
YPOW AM
Young Professionals of Woodstock meet 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Copper Coin. www.inwdstk.org. 44
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Skin cancer screening will take place 6-8 p.m. at 25 Northside Hospital Cancer Institute at the Cherokee
campus, 460 Northside Cherokee Blvd., Suite T10. The free screening is open to ages 18 and older. Recommended screening attire includes shorts and T-shirt. Qualified interpreters will be available free of charge, with advanced requests. Pre-registration is required. To schedule an appointment or for information about other upcoming cancer screenings, call 404-531-4444.
for Life begins at 6 p.m. at E.T. Booth Middle School, 26 Relay featuring entertainment, food, team competitions and
more. The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and honors cancer survivors and victims. https://bit.ly/2QyR3zW.
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2019 annual Senior Extravaganza, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at First Baptist Church Woodstock conference center, 11905 Highway 92. Presented by Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. with Northside Hospital Cherokee, The Holbrook at Woodstock and Humana. The event features vendors who offer resources and options for a higher quality of life for senior citizens. Free admission. www.saltcherokee.com.
MAY Holly Springs Job Fair is a free event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the 1 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.
4 Cleanup
Holly Springs is participating in the Great American , the country’s largest community improvement program, which kicks off each spring and engages more than 4 million volunteers in more than 20,000 communities nationwide. The event is set for 9 a.m.-noon. Location to be determined. Watch www.hollyspringsga.us for more information.
Kentucky Derby Day at the Rock Barn, sponsored by the Cherokee County Historical Society, begins at 3:30 p.m. The Rock Barn is located at 758 Marietta Highway in Canton. Guests will enjoy gourmet food, open bar, silent auction, pony pull betting, bourbon tasting, and a competitive hat parade and contest. The event benefits the society’s education programs and ends with the crowd watching the Kentucky Derby on big screen TVs. www.rockbarn.org/events. Canton Festival of the Arts, produced by the 4-5 Cherokee Arts Center, will take place in Brown Park in downtown Canton. The festival, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, is the primary fundraiser of the center, which is dedicated to enriching community life through the arts. The festival features the Artist Market, Serenity Garden, Jack Fincher Jr. Rising Artist Area, Kids Zone and Food Court. For more information, visit www.CantonArtFestival.com.
MAY
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The 19th annual Feed My Lambs classic golf tournament will take place 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Marietta Country Club. Feed My Lambs provides free Christian preschools in impoverished communities, including a school in Canton. www.feedmylambs.net.
11-12 Powwow and Indian Festival
The 30th annual Cherokee County Mother’s Day at Boling Park in Canton, featuring native American dance competition, honor dance for Chipa Wolfe, and Mother’s Day honor dance; Native American cuisine; native arts and crafts, jewelry, and clothing; living Indian village and displays; environmental and wildlife displays; kids’ activities and more. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and younger, and free for ages 5 and younger. The grand entry takes place at 1 pm. each day.
Bacon & Banjos is set for 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Northside 18 Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. The annual festival, which
benefits the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, is a convergence of the salty goodness of bacon and the downhome sounds of bluegrass music. www.baconandbanjosga.com.
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The fourth annual Galloping Against Violence fundraiser for the Cherokee Family Violence Center will take place 1-5 p.m. at Chukkar Farm Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. The event will include an unlimited buffet, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. The festivities include a polo match, a silent auction, music, games and contests. Individual tickets are $50 each. www.cfvc.org/events.
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The inaugural Etowah Film Festival will take place at the Historic Canton Theatre. The international event includes a Friday evening filmmaker’s reception, Sunday morning patron brunch, and screenings through the four days of the films, which will be entered to win in the following categories: best documentary (short or feature), best environmental subject (short or feature), best narrative short, best narrative feature, and best student short. www.EtowahFilmFestival.com.
JUNE Volunteer Aging Council Poker Run is a fundraiser to 1 benefit senior citizens and senior veterans. 9 a.m. registration, kickstands up at 10 a.m., last bike in at 1 p.m. Starts and ends at the Lotus Adult Day Center, 4595 Towne Lake Parkway. For details, email info@vac-cherokeega.org.
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The Cherokee Chorale will perform “Days of Wine and Roses” 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Scott Martin is the conductor. For ticket information, visit www.cherokeechorale.org.
COED @ THE CIRCUIT 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600 The 2019 Spring Symposium: A Greener World Begins at www.cherokeega.org by the UGA Extension Master Gardeners Home, presented of Cherokee County,www.facebook.com/ is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Yanmar EVO Center, cherokeeofficeofeconomicdevelopment 5889 Old Alabama Rd. Acworth. Keynote speaker will be Erica Glasener. The event includes two break-out sessions and lunch. The $40 fee includes welcome bags, door prizes, 1 Million Cups Cherokee seeds, vendors and a silent auction. To see list of speakers and (1MC CHK) to register, go to www.cherokeemastergardenersinc.wildapricot. First and third Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. org or mail check (with phone number) to CCMG, Attn: Diane First Wednesdays are held at The Circuit, third Walton, 326 Lauren Lane, Woodstock, Ga.30188 Wednesdays are held in different Cherokee County cities. The Springs free, biweekly gathering Holly Eastercoffee Egg Hunt beginshelps at 11build a.m. at startup communities on a grassroots level. Perfect for for Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane. Guests can arrive early entrepreneurs looking to practice their pitch skills, the petting zoo, face painting, spin art and to have their gain picture valuable feedback, or belong a community. taken with the Easter Bunny. Eachto family gets a complimentary printed picture. More than 15,000 eggs will be hidden for The infant Lunch children, to 12Circuit years old. Every child will receive a special 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second Wednesdays. A prize. www.hollyspringsa.us/easteregghunt. monthly exclusive lunch gathering of aspiring and Canton Eggentrepreneurs Fest, hosted by is a unique, current to Oak eat, Leaf buildChurch, community entertaining, free, family-friendly event that will benefit the and learn the stories behind successful Cherokee Cherokee Family Violence Center. The 11 a.m.-2 p.m event will entrepreneurs. include an egg hunt, kids zone with bounce houses and crafts, live Woodstock performances by musical groups from around the county, WordPress Meet-Up foodFirst andand merchandise vendors and more. On Facebook. third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Local WordPress designers and publishers Street Dog Dash 5Kdevelopers, , a fundraiser for the Cherokee County
get together to share experience, and600 to Animal Shelter, begins at 8knowledge a.m. at theand Etowah River Park, meet other WordPress users in the area. Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. The flat, scenic course crosses the river into Heritage Park and then winds back to the finish at Entrepreneurship 101Peachtree Book Club Etowah River Park. An official AJC Road Race qualifying Every other Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 event. Visit the race’s Facebook page or p.m. http://streetdogdash5k. This new meet-up is a partnership com/race-info for registration details. with Creative Muscle Studios. Battle of Blankets Creek 5-mile and 10-mile trail run, and 15-mile and 30-mile mountain bike races at Blankets Creative Problem Solvers Creek Trails in Canton. Shirt and event headband for all runners. Meet-Up FreeFirst half-mile kids Tuesdays, 10 and under race. Fundraiser for SORBA and third 7-8:30 a.m. Join an innovative, Woodstock. www.sorbawoodstock.org. diverse community of creative problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, “want-repreneurs” and innovators Relay to forhelping Life begins at 6 p.m.work at E.T.through Booth Middle dedicated one another School, featuring entertainment, food, team business challenges. competitions and more. The event is a fundraiser for the American Society, andCherokee honors cancer survivors and OTP Cancer and Greater victims. https://bit.ly/2QyR3zW. Tech Pros
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Every third Thursday, 7:30-8:45 a.m. A gathering of local technology professionals.
Women Entrepreneurs Meet-Up
Every third Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For aspiring and current female entrepreneurs who want to take action and hold one another accountable for stated goals. NOT a lead exchange or referral networking program. AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Straight Teeth Are More Than Cosmetic BY DR. AMBRE KRAGOR
With the recent popularity of braces and clear aligners, we are asked often if having straight teeth is merely a cosmetic concern. The truth is, some companies, providers or do-ityourself orthodontics may provide only the cosmetic portion of straightening teeth, and leave the patient with worse form and function than when they started. As specialists in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, we value form and function as equal in importance to the esthetic value of alignment. No one ever died from crooked teeth, but your overall health can be affected positively by having straight teeth. There are many reasons that orthodontics are not just cosmetic. Crowded teeth are difficult to maintain. It can be more challenging to floss and keep your teeth clean when they overlap or are out of alignment. This may cause plaque to attach to areas that pose periodontal risks, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which are active infections that can lead to systemic concerns. Spacing may cause problems. Too much space between your teeth may be problematic if you cannot keep them clean. Food can get trapped between your teeth, leading to cavities or localized periodontal infections. Poor bites may cause physical damage to teeth. Malocclusion, or a poor bite, may lead to uneven chewing, wearing, chipping, trauma and cracked teeth, resulting in required dental work. Sometimes, damage may be severe and result in the loss of a tooth.
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Crossbites may lead to jaw asymmetries. If the bite is severely off, and the teeth do not fit together at a young age, this can lead to asymmetrical growth of the jaw to one side or the other. In addition, this also may create uneven wear patterns on the teeth themselves, sometimes requiring surgical correction. Poor bites may affect your chewing muscles and TMJ. Lack of a harmonious bite may result in alterations to the biology of your temporomandibular joint and the supporting muscles. This can lead to headaches, and/or TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction). Underbites may cause difficulty with eating, chewing and speech. In severe cases, where the lower jaw juts out past your top teeth, there can be concerns for speech and eating. Very severe cases may require surgical correction, if not caught early. Self perception matters. Some children are teased because of the way their teeth look, and they do not want to smile or laugh. Their confidence may be affected during developmental years. This, alone, may be reason enough for orthodontics, if there are no other concerns. Many teens and adults feel more confident with straight teeth.
Dr. Ambre Kragor, and her husband Andy, are orthodontists who practice in the Towne Lake/Woodstock area. 770-485-8827. www.KragorOrtho.com.
Hope After Miscarriage: A Mother’s Story BY JAMES HALEY, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
One in four women experiences miscarriage, and, often, hope is what helps many women get through it. Though that hope may ebb and flow, it’s always there below the surface, waiting to rise again. That’s what happened with a patient named Jamie. Jamie and her husband had been trying to have a baby for nine years. During that time, she had three miscarriages — two of which were tubular pregnancies. She also had been experiencing a significant amount of pain. Jamie had been to five different OB/GYNs, and all of them told her there was nothing wrong. Jamie was feeling sadness, guilt, doubt and, yes, loss of hope, not unlike many women who have experienced similar situations. She and her husband started discussing adoption as an option. She thought perhaps that would be the path she would take to motherhood, because Jamie knew in her heart that her purpose on earth was to be a mother, one way or another. She relied on her strong faith during the dark times, and that’s how her hope resurfaced again. It was August of 2017 when she decided to try yet another OB/GYN. This time, she felt she was listened to and believed when she talked about her constant pain. A laparoscopic procedure was recommended. As a result, it was discovered one of her fallopian tubes was severely
damaged due to the tubular pregnancies. The tube was removed, and it was discovered that her pain was caused by endometriosis. That was removed as well. Though no promises were made, Jamie felt hope once again. And, then, three months later, she found out she was pregnant! Like many moms who have been through a miscarriage, or multiple ones, Jamie was apprehensive. It wasn’t until about 20 weeks into the pregnancy that she finally thought, “This may actually happen!” While she experienced a few complications, such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, her pregnancy was successful. After 36 hours of labor, she gave birth on Aug. 29, 2018, to her precious, healthy “rainbow baby,” Bella Klaire. Rainbow baby is a term for a baby born after a miscarriage or stillbirth, referring to the rainbow after the storm. When asked to share any advice she has for other women traveling this difficult road, Jamie said, “Even when things seem hopeless, don’t give up hope. Hold on to your faith and find a doctor you can trust.”
Dr. James Haley is a double board-certified OB/GYN and Urogynecologist with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Canton and Woodstock. He was a patients’ pick in a survey by Atlanta magazine on top area doctors.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Wildlife Improves Property Values BY ANN LITREL
My phone rang. “They’re here!” It was my neighbor, Darlene. “If you come over right now, you can see them playing!” I ran across the street to join Darlene on her back deck. There, down the hill under the trees, were three fuzzy red fox kits, tumbling and wrestling. Their triangular ears popped above the leaves like radio dishes, rotating whenever they stopped for a moment to look around. Darlene was smiling wide. “This is the fifth year we’ve had fox kits at our house.” Fox kits are a special treat, but nature brings me something beautiful every day. A song sparrow. The fragrance of clethra. The red pop of winter toadstools. Sadly, the fox den was a large burrow dug underneath Darlene’s garage. “I hate to do it, but we’ll have to fill it up this summer when they’re gone. I don’t want our garage floor to sink.” I agree with Darlene. You have to keep nature under control. Deer? I spray my yard with a natural repellent (just to give the native azaleas a fighting chance). Squirrels? Last year we had the eaves under our roof closed off when we found chewed wires. If my relationship with nature was a marriage, I would say we enjoy wonderful moments - and also, at times, a healthy distance. But when it comes to a relationship with nature, some choose instead the advice of a divorce attorney. Healthy trees? Take them down. Lawn? Spray with chemicals. Divorce is the result. No bugs, a few flats of flowers, an orderly but spiritless corridor with no wildlife.
It’s simply not American to divorce nature. We inherited our concept of the “ideal yard” from European aristocracy. Green turf, a couple ornamental trees, a row of trimmed bushes. A fox? Send out a hundred dogs and men on horseback to kill it. America was the great wilderness when discovered, an Eden where God’s nature still smiled. My small suburban yard is actually a “Certified Wildlife Refuge,” with a small brass sign under a bush proving this designation. This is easy to do. Guidelines are published by the National Wildlife Federation. www.nwf.org.
ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM
Only small changes are required. Introducing native plants, supplying a water source for animals – even a small bird bath will suffice. The questionnaire walks you through the process. It’s a fun project to do with children, the way I introduced my kids to nature. A community that is healthy for wildlife is healthy for our children and our pets. Fewer toxins. Improved water and air quality. Getting kids back outside for mental health and development – and the joy of natural exploration and discovery. Roswell and Alpharetta are a bit ahead of us. Both cities have already joined the National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat program. It has improved the property values in the cities, according to countless reports correlating communities that are naturefriendly to property values. But, it was worth making even my small yard into a Certified Wildlife Refuge. Last April, sitting with coffee at our kitchen table, we watched the mother fox creep up to our small pond water feature to get a drink of water. The moment seemed a gift from God. Ann Litrel is an artist, writer and certified Master Naturalist. She works in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.
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Ann Litrel's yard is a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Photo provided by Ann Litrel.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Ribbon Cuttings CHEROKEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 • www.cherokeechamber.com
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1. Alpha Helicopter P.O. Box 2604, Woodstock 770-592-4434 www.alphahelicopter.com 2. Technical Resource Solutions, LLC 120 Arnold Mill Park, Suite 100, Woodstock, 678-928-9491 www.technicalrs.com
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IN WDSTK 3. Torrid, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 30188 www.torrid.com 4. Cellairus, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 30188 www.cellairis.com
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@ the Library
Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Parkway • Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 • www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SEQUOYAH REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM
HICKORY FLAT 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-7565
April 9
Bad Art Night at 4 p.m. No talent is needed to make bad art! Can you make the worst of the worst? Materials and refreshments provided. For students in grades sixth-12.
April 10
The Art of Feminine Presence and Women Energy Healing at 6 p.m.
Presented by Adele Wang, this seminar covers how to instantly increase your magnetic presence, how to attract better relationships, and how to avoid being drained by other people’s energy. The Woodstock Public Library celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a Seuss-themed storytime.
WOODSTOCK 7735 Main St., Woodstock • 770-926-5859
April 5
Sing First at 10 a.m. These music and movement classes for children and their parents are provided by music teacher Justine Lemmo. Session one (for ages 0-18 months) begins at 10 a.m., session two (for ages 19-35 months) begins at 10:40 a.m., and session three (for ages 3-7 years) begins at 11:20 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
April 10
Homeschooler’s Book Club at 1:30 p.m. Join a community of readers who meet
once a month to enjoy some lively conversation about literature. This month’s theme is Africa. Children should read a book independently, or with a caregiver and share a brief talk about their book with the group. Refreshments are provided.
April 15
Protect Your Peeps at 6:30 p.m. Easter is coming and the Peeps MUST be protected! Can you keep them safe in these STEAMrelated challenges? For ages 6 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
April 16
Manga Club at 5 p.m. Teens are encouraged
to read and discuss different manga series and related topics, draw characters, and compete in manga/anime-inspired group games.
April 17
Music and Moves at 10:30 a.m. Get
All writers interested in joining a group to share writings, ideas, and feedback are invited to attend!
moving and grooving with friends from Go Noodle! It’ll be a dance party to remember! Experience parachute play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one actionpacked hour. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
April 16
April 27
with new friends. This month’s selection is “Jars of Hope” by Jennifer Roy. All ages are welcome; new members are encouraged.
at 11 a.m. Are you prepared to be an executor? Have you prepared your executor? Learn the benefits of planning ahead and preparing executors to handle their duties with confidence and ease.
April 13, 27
Inklings Writers Critique Group at 11 a.m. Love to write, but need some feedback?
Book Discussion Group at noon. Enjoy coffee, conversation, and a book discussion
April 17
Marshmallow Engineering at 4 p.m. Teens in grades sixth-12 are invited to celebrate Teen Tech Week with marshmallow engineering STEAM fun! Materials are provided.
April 24
Special Tinkergarten Story and Activity Time at 10:30 a.m. Sing, listen to stories, and do a simple nature project. For ages 18 months to 8 years; children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
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Estate Management Planning Strategies
DIY Stretch Cord Bracelets at 3 p.m.
Lynne Mock will help you make stretch cord bracelets. Materials are provided. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required; call 770-345-7565.
Helping the Homeless in Cherokee County BY HARRY JOHNSTON
We’ve all had growing awareness of homeless people in Cherokee County, including children and veterans. A statue dedicated in January at Veteran’s Park depicts two homeless veterans. It’s a beautiful yet cold and constant reminder of this problem. At that dedication, I pledged to help in some way. I don’t think we can stand by with vulnerable and better-deserving folks suffering. A spot-count, taken two years ago, showed almost 300 homeless people in our county. Most of them had found somewhere indoor to sleep for that night, mostly with friends or relatives. But they had no real place to live. Tragically, about 67 were unsheltered − literally out in the cold. Another count was taken recently. We don’t have the results yet, but no one expects lower numbers. I talked about the problem with Kendall Jones and Greg Elder of MUST Ministries. They’re doing great work in this area. They don’t have an emergency shelter in Cherokee, but they can provide motel vouchers to a limited number of people for up to 30 days. They also can provide some emergency help to people who are facing eviction, to help them to stay in their homes. And, they provide longer-term housing support for others, to help them get back on their feet and transition into stable independent housing. But, they’re forced to turn many away. On the night of the spot-count in January 2017, there were 67 people living in cars, in the woods, or otherwise out in the cold. Kendall, Greg and I talked about ways the county could help. One option we discussed was renting apartments to use for emergency sheltering, longer-term transitional housing, or both, as needed. The daily cost of each unit would be far less than the $75 per day that motel rooms cost. We discussed that $100,000 per year could rent up to 20 such apartments that could house two to four people each. In theory, at least, they could house most of the 67 people who were out in the cold at the last known count. We discussed that $100,000 is less than one tenth of 1 percent of the county’s operating budget. It seems like we can afford that. It’s just a concept at this point. I want the county to help in a meaningful way, with priority given to veterans and children. But, there might be other, more effective ways. What do you think? Can and should we commit one tenth of 1 percent of the county’s budget to significantly close the unsheltered homelessness gap in our county? Can we afford not to? Please email me about it at hjohnston@ cherokeega.com.
Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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Rob’s Rescues What animals usually come here and why?
This dog’s name is Lucy. She is 12 years old, and was an owner surrender. She just wants a comfortable bed to lie on. She won’t run 5Ks with you, but she happily will watch TV with you. She has an easygoing personality, and will love you and be a good companion.
We get a lot of hawks, owls, opossums, squirrels, song birds. Usually, they have been hit by cars. We also get a lot of squirrels and opossums that have been orphaned.
How do animals get to you?
Mostly people bring them to us.
How many animals do you have here?
We have 24 permanent residents. We take Scott Lange and Rob. them to schools and help educate the public about them. We have around 200 in hospital care at the moment. We accept every specie of native Georgia wildlife, and care for up to 2,000 injured, orphaned or sick animals each year.
What is the strangest animal that you have had?
We got a Canada Goose with an arrow sticking out of his head. Someone had shot him but not killed him. A volunteer went out and caught him. We did surgery to remove the arrow.
What is the smallest and largest animal you have had here?
Baby squirrels, baby opossums, baby hummingbirds. We had a bear cub once, before I came on board.
What story do you like telling?
There are 20 adult cats for adoption at the moment at the Cherokee County Shelter. Since everyone loves kittens, and kitten season is coming, it is important to find homes for the adult cats. Adult cats are way easier to have because they’re already litter box trained, and are used to other things. There is a lovely 8-year-old cat named Whitey who really likes to be petted on his head. Also, there are three cats that are very similar and came to the shelter together, and it would probably be very helpful if you adopt them together. The one in the picture is named Orangie, who is an owner surrender because his owner moved. 52
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
We have two barred owls, Tappy and Gazer. Gazer came to us as a baby with a genetic cataract, which makes him unable to see well enough to survive in the wild. Tappy was brought to the center after being hit by a car. They were introduced but never got along so arrangements were made for Tappy to go to an educational facility in New York. The permits were all obtained, and the day before Tappy was scheduled to get on the plane to go to New York the two owls started calling to each other. We put them together and they started preening each other, and we canceled the flight to New York. They have bonded and been together ever since.
Why do you like working here?
I like helping animals. The people who work and volunteer here have sacrificed a lot. They are very inspiring to be around and it is a very positive atmosphere.
How long do the animals stay here?
The educational animals that we have here can't be released and are permanent residents. Rehabilitated animals stay, on the short end, a couple of days. A six-month rehabilitation is normally the maximum.
What can I and the community do to help you?
Adult volunteers and donors are always needed. We get no government funding. We also need items like towels, pillowcases, cat and dog food.
What else do you want people to know about AWARE?
We do everything we can to be there when animals are in need. If you find a wild animal that needs help, please email us to get advice on whether to bring it in: help@awarewildlife.org.
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.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROB’S RESCUES
I interviewed Mr. Scott Lange, who is the executive director of AWARE Wildlife Center (www.awarewildlife.org) that rehabilitates injured and orphaned wild animals.
YPOW AM
Networking and Local Leaders Every Thursday at 7 AM Copper Coin Coffee
MORNING INFLUENCE
Friday April 26, 2019 // 8 AM
TICKETS: INWDSTK.ORG/EVENTS
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM
Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, Š OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Visit our website for more information on these or other trail projects. www.greenprintsalliance.org
Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street.
It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.
Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass - This approximately 1.2 mile trail connects the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It runs from the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South to Woofstock Park.
Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. 54
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Maintain Your Child's Learning Momentum BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
Research shows longer summer school breaks negatively impact a child’s learning, and, while our balanced calendar reduces those concerns, here are a few helpful ideas.
CCSD Summer Discovery
This summer, the school district is expanding its week-long summer enrichment program to all rising first- through fifth-graders. The program will be offered at two campuses, Hickory Flat and Liberty elementary schools, and is open to Cherokee County students, no matter which school they attend. Two daily sessions meet 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. June 3-7. Students can enroll in one or both (students who enroll in both will have time to eat a lunch brought from home on campus). Parents need to provide transportation, as well as lunch; before- and after-care is not provided. More details, including course offerings and costs, are available at www.cherokeek12.net.
High School Personal Fitness and Health Program
Rising high school freshmen and current high school students can take a half unit of personal fitness and/or health for high school credit from June 5-25. Each class lasts four hours daily (personal fitness 8 a.m.noon and health 12:30-4:30 p.m.), and will be offered at Cherokee High School (for Cherokee, Creekview and Sequoyah students) and Etowah High School’s Etowah East campus (for Etowah, River Ridge and Woodstock students). Attendance is mandatory to earn credit. Registration is in May; rising freshmen can register at their middle school’s main office,
while current high school students can register at their counselor’s office. The cost is $200 per class; transportation is not provided.
Online Resources
The Learning Tools page and Bulletin Board on our website offer great resources for parents. Look on the homepage for the blue buttons with these names. At the top of the Learning Tools page, you’ll see links to resources sorted for elementary, middle and high school students. Each page provides several dozen online learning opportunities such as i-Ready Math, Khan Academy and SAT prep. The Bulletin Board is a continuously updated one-stop shop for community information, including: special events; summer camps at CCSD partners like the Cherokee Outdoor YMCA and Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency; and community service options for teens.
Summer Reading Program
The Sequoyah Regional Library System’s Summer Reading Program offers special events at all branches, as well as rewards for students who meet reading goals. We hope you and your family have a wonderful summer break, filled with fun, relaxation and, hopefully, some learning, too.
Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children. AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Students from Sequoyah and Woodstock High schools recently competed in the three-day DECA State Career Development Conference in Atlanta, and several qualified for the international contest in April in Orlando. The students from Sequoyah are: Hanna Palmer, who placed first in Job Interview; Emily Duke, who earned fifth place in Principles of Hospitality; and Tyler Price, who won sixth place in Professional Selling. Austyn Tressler also competed and placed ninth in Apparel and Accessories Marketing. Sequoyah students Max Frye, Dylan Poulsen and Victoria Ergle earned the opportunity to advance to internationals, as well, by placing in the Top 10 on the State DECA test last fall. Also during the Atlanta conference, the Sequoyah DECA Club was named the 13th largest chapter in the state. Marketing teacher Kari Palmer is the club’s sponsor. Woodstock High School juniors Tom Lawrence and Evan Conley also competed in the association’s Atlanta competition. Lawrence, who placed first in the Principles of Finance event, is headed to the international contest in April. Lawrence is a Superintendent’s Key Scholar, Eagle Scout, member of the Beta Club and Latin National Honor Society, and runs cross-country and track. Students advance to internationals through high scores on a test taken in advance of the event and/or by succeeding in role-playing scenarios at the competition that test their marketing knowledge, and abilities to develop Above, from left: Sequoyah High School DECA members Tyler Price, Hanna Palmer and and present solutions. Emily Duke. Top, from Woodstock High School, Evan Conley, left, and Tom Lawrence.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEATHER FROY
All three sixth-grade River Ridge boys’ teams that made the Final Four in the CYB tournament.
River Ridge Rec Teams Make Final Four Three teams from the River Ridge High School innovation zone made the final four in the sixth-grade division of the recent Cherokee Youth Basketball (CYB) Tournament. CYB is a local recreational basketball league open to all eligible Cherokee County residents (kids in grades kindergarten through 12th). According to the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency’s website, “Through the strategic partnership with the Cherokee County School District, players in grades 6-8th are able to represent the high school that they will attend.” 56
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Scholarship Opportunity for Graduating Seniors The BridgeMill Sixes Service League (BSSL) is offering two $1,000 scholarships, available to seniors graduating from a Cherokee County High School. The Lexine Harper Community Service Textbook Scholarship was created to recognize students committed to serving in the community. The scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Lexine Harper, founding member of BSSL. Applications are available online at http://bssl.org. Application deadline is April 18.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CCSD
DECA Members Advance to Internationals
The Cherokee County School District and Woodstock High School Principal Mark Smith are finalists for national school spirit awards. The school district is a contender for the Spirit of St. Jude Award, while Smith is in the running for the Most Spirited Principal award. The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards celebrate schools, organizations and individuals who “go above and beyond the call of duty to build school pride, student engagement and community spirit.” Winners will be announced May 11 at the company’s School Spirit Awards Show in Orlando. “School spirit plays an important role in the success of a school, and we’re so proud and excited about these honors,” Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower said. “Everyone who knows Mark knows he’s the school’s, and the town’s, No. 1 cheerleader. He cares deeply about every student and staff member, and all of their families, and that’s evident in everything he does. It’s also humbling to be recognized for having the Spirit of St. Jude. Kids are what we’re all about, and when kids are hurting, we all hurt. Visiting St. Jude’s and meeting those kids moves your heart, and so does seeing our own students put their ice cream money in a jar to help.” Smith is one of five finalists named from a pool of thousands of eligible principals. The longtime educator and principal is known, not only in his school community, but also throughout Cherokee County, for his incredibly infectious school spirit and sincere support of all students and staff. He also is beloved for his hilariously charming hype videos on social media, usually featuring various costumes, the shouted chant “We are … Woodstock,” and, occasionally, wrestling. The Spirit of St. Jude award, named for the children’s research hospital, honors schools and school districts that engage the majority of their students in fundraising for the charity, which is a major recipient of Varsity Brands’ philanthropy.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCSD
National School Spirit Awards Finalists
Principal Mark Smith is well-known for his school spirit.
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Photo courtesy of Joy Cristofanelli.
A Night to Remember
BY BRYCE JONES
We are all born with differences; however, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, to be reminded they are loved and that our differences make us unique and amazing. This is exactly what the Tim Tebow Foundation is doing with the event Night to Shine, which is held all around the world one night in February. This prom-like event brings the community together to create a spectacular night for those ages 14 and older with special needs. Volunteers come from all over to participate in Night to Shine, and can help out in many ways. They can be a buddy who escorts the children with special needs around for the evening. They can cheer them on as they walk down the red-carpet, or even help valet cars or serve dinner. The volunteers are there to help the attendees have a good time, but just being there to witness the joy shining from each attendee’s face brings its own sense of happiness to all who witness it. Attendees are always excited for this prom-like event, which allows them to have the time of their lives.
Photo courtesy of Cindy Hamilton. 58
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
“One child, so excited about the event, wore his tuxedo on the back of his wheelchair for the entire two weeks leading up to the event,” said Belinda Jenkins, a director for Night to Shine at First Baptist Church Woodstock. I was able to enjoy a few of the many activities alongside some of the guests. I got to ride in a limo with a young man named Brian. I saw beaming faces singing happily on the karaoke machine, accompanied by members of the Woodstock High School football team. Above all, one of my favorite moments was when I got to cheer for the attendees as they ran, walked or even waltzed down the red carpet. Guests received mini-makeovers, had their shoes shined by volunteers, and there was a big dance floor, where guests could strut their stuff and show off their moves, knowing they were in a safe environment where no one was judging them. To top that off, each guest was crowned king or queen of the night, to remind them that they are beautiful individuals, each with a special purpose. Before Night to Shine came to Woodstock five years ago, there was no large-scale event or prom designed for children and adults with special needs. However, this amazing event changed that. If every day was like Night to Shine, the world would be such a better place. We need more events like this. It reminds us to look past others’ differences and see their true, unique and amazing personalities. Night to Shine proves that giving joy brings joy, and makes everyone see each special guest the way we should see them, like the kings and queens they are.
Bryce Jones is a seventh-grader at Woodstock Middle School and a member of the Friends Club.
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING
Casual and Upscale Restaurants
RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY Canyons American no $ $ open 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsfresh.com Century House Tavern Modern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Copper Coin Coffee American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 coppercoinwoodstock.com see ad 1, 23
SPIRITS RESERV. Beer/Wine no
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
8 persons +
$
$
$
open
Full bar
no
Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. $ 9550 Main St. Brunch 678-498-8243 11-1:30 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no Fri./Sat. 380 Chambers St. only 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no $$ 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com
$-$$
open
Full bar
yes
$$
open
Full bar
yes
$$
open
Full bar
no
J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no 315 Chambers St., 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer 150 Towne Lake Parkway Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Mad Life Studios Southern no $-$$ $$-$$$$ open Full bar 8722 Main St. madlifestageandstudios.com Partners II Pizza 8600 Main St. 678-224-6907 partnerspizza.com/woodstock-ga
Pizza
no
Weekends only no
no
no
$$-$$$
open
Beer/Wine
no
Pure Taqueria Mexican Sat./Sun. 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 Brunch puretaqueria.com/woodstock 11-3
$$
$$
open
Full bar
6 persons+
Reel Seafood Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 reel-seafood.com
Sunday Brunch 10:30-3:30
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Rootstock and Vine 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstockandvine.com
Wine bar Tapas
Sun. Brunch 11:30-3
$-$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Salt Factory Pub Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225
Sat./Sun. Brunch 11-3
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
no
Semper Fi Bar and Grille 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com
American
no
$
$
open
Full bar
no
English Tea room
no
$$
no
closed
no
yes
Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com
Variety of Food trucks
no
$-$$
$-$$
open
Craft Beer
no
Sunday Brunch 10:30-2
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Vingenzo’s Italian 105 E. Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com
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$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Fire Stone Wood-fired Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill Brunch 11-3 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com 10:30-3
WOODSTOCK AREA HOMES SOLD IN FEBRUARY
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List Price Address
Subdivision
$609,000 $235,000 $489,900 $369,900 $210,000 $180,000 $369,000 $236,777 $367,140 $499,900 $320,000 $249,900 $389,000 $269,500 $257,000 $365,000 $195,000 $339,990 $259,000 $499,900 $369,900 $429,900 $225,000 $318,000 $235,000 $245,000 $435,000 $159,900 $250,000 $184,000 $169,000 $335,000 $237,000 $324,999 $254,900 $357,000 $269,400 $349,800 $290,000 $195,000 $237,900 $169,900 $212,500 $175,000 $175,000 $274,900 $250,000 $205,000 $299,900 $222,000 $221,000 $369,990 $259,000 $228,000 $364,955
Fernwood Creek None Oakhurst Highland Park Wellington Manor None Stoney Creek Farmington Villas at Mountain View Bradshaw Farm Woodlands Waverly Park Wynchase Westridge Park at Kingsgate None River Oaks Woodlands Woodlands Oakhurst Highland Park Serenade Bramble Oak Woodlands Farmington East Cherokee Village Bradshaw Farm CREEKVIEW The Village At Weatherstone Daventry Village River Oaks Stoney Creek Weatherstone Woodlands Westridge Stoney Creek Woodstock Village Serenade None Applewood Springfield none River Oaks Riverchase Colony Woods Woodstock Village Westridge Riverchase Woodlands Indian Wells Deerchase Evelyn Farms Ansley Forest Waverly Park Cornerstone Park
118 Fernwood Drive 2184 E Cherokee Drive 2304 Isla Run 162 Goshen Lane 1396 Chatley Way 408 Holly Springs Road 555 Lost Creek Drive 303 Westover Drive 115 Altmore Way 602 Creekbank Court 524 Papillion Trace 712 Habersham Place 547 Rokeby Drive 204 Ridgepoint Court 613 Dahoma Trail 325 Dobbs Road 121 River Oaks Drive 902 Warnock Way 525 Watercress Drive 2302 Isla Run 208 Highland Park Point 409 Whisper Wind Lane 903 Laurel Court 404 Beeton Court 1107 Canterbury Lane 801 Sandra Lynn Lane 111 Wayfair Overlook Drive 133 Creekview Drive 221 Weatherstone Pointe Drive 1009 Daventry Crossing 5006 River Rock Way 609 STONE HILL Drive 204 Weatherstone Crossing 821 Lazarus Drive 208 Colony Center Drive 146 Stoney Creek Parkway 210 Lakeside Drive 384 WINDSONG Way 159 STONE MANOR Court 150 Apple Valley Drive 315 Winchester Way 3193 Trickum Road 3023 River Station Drive 357 Knollwood Lane 606 Colony Court 212 Lakeside Drive 266 Colony Center Drive 351 Knollwood Lane 208 Revillion Way 525 Tomahawk Trail 608 Jeffrey Court 240 Neese Farm Drive 704 Amy Court 708 Habersham Place 208 Cornerstone Drive
AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
Beds Full Baths Yr Built Sales Price 5 4 3 3 4 3 4 3 3 5 4 3 5 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 5 3 3 4 3 5 3 3 2 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 4
4 2 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 5 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3
2008 1960 2018 2018 1989 1985 2015 1979 2019 1997 2005 1996 2017 1995 2000 1997 1984 2004 2004 2018 2018 2002 1981 2004 1983 1987 2000 1977 2002 1998 1991 2014 1998 2004 1996 2015 2013 2001 2015 1982 1986 1970 1988 1984 1980 2013 1995 1984 2004 1977 1986 2018 1988 1996 2012
$600,000 $231,500 $484,000 $359,000 $209,000 $175,000 $364,000 $235,000 $344,971 $490,000 $320,000 $249,900 $380,000 $260,000 $255,000 $350,000 $168,000 $335,000 $262,000 $499,900 $369,900 $415,000 $222,000 $318,000 $235,100 $235,000 $435,000 $157,750 $250,000 $184,500 $174,000 $330,000 $235,000 $314,900 $253,900 $355,000 $267,000 $348,000 $286,000 $193,000 $230,000 $175,000 $210,000 $181,000 $177,500 $259,000 $245,000 $204,500 $299,900 $222,000 $218,000 $355,000 $262,000 $226,000 $364,955
Days On Market 188 211 449 111 63 58 168 45 264 164 11 39 7 70 11 3 12 34 13 344 84 43 18 0 164 11 94 2 2 5 14 292 15 45 20 31 13 46 3 27 15 2 64 4 1 3 10 4 127 34 50 4 26 14 2
Unexpected Instagram Accounts
Certain Uncertainties in Retirement
where he describes himself as an uncertified travel counselor and storyteller. Posts on Brian’s feed focused on trails, beer, tourism, and even public art in Savannah. Mitzi’s Instagram, @mitziunexpected, shared posts at Chateau Elan, Rootstock and Vine, and the Lantern Series by Elm Street Arts. Her profile boasted a bit of celebrity flair, featuring photos with country music artist Mark Wills, and Paul Milliken from Fox 5. Follow these accounts to experience these unique takes on Woodstock, and, of course, don’t forget to follow @VISITWOODSTOCKGA, as well. IN WDSTK brings together local residents and businesses from every community who are investing, involved and included in Woodstock’s growth and opportunity. The organization hosts more than 125 events annually. The staff also operates the visitors center and promotes the city as a tourism destination.
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.
continued from page 14
Life in the Techno Generation continued from page 14
consequences. If you know someone being bullied, take a stand against it. And, if you’re being bullied, don’t respond. Instead, block the offender, tell an adult and keep a copy of the message, email or webpage until you get help. Technology should be helpful, not hurtful. So, be smart, and remember: A vigilant community is a safe community.
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Citations. 1 - https://www.ebri.org/docs/default-source/rcs/1_2018rcs_ report_v5mgachecked.pdf?sfvrsn=e2e9302f_2 [4/24/18] 2 - https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/thomas_ carlyle_118785 [12/17/18]
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Advertisers April 2019
For advertising rates and information: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 • Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
ANIMALS/PETS Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
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Furry Friends Gentle Pet Grooming 770-475-8845 www.furryfriendsgroomer.com
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Sassy Paws Pet Boutique 678-275-2126 www.sassypawspb.com
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Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com
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35
Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 7 678-505-8907 www.frankfurtforeignautomotive.com 21
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CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
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CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union Inside front www.lgeccu.org, 770-424-0060 DENTAL Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com 62
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Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 19 770-592-5554 and 770-345-4155 www.drwilliamsorthodontics.com Giving Care Training Center 678-831-0830 www.givingcareathome.com
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FINANCIAL SERVICES 39
HEALTH & WELLNESS Your CBD Store 770-627-3512 www.cbdrx4u.com
5
HOME & GARDEN
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS INWDSTK inwdstk.org/events
Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 35 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com
Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.citadelwealthcare.com
AUTOMOTIVE
Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898
41
EDUCATION/TRAINING
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
Kragor Orthodontics 770-485-8827 www.kragorortho.com
Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277 Budget Blinds 678-540-1615 www.budgetblinds.com/woodstock Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.LandscapeMattersInc.com
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1
L. Bean Interiors 770-824-8386
23
Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1(675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com
31
INSURANCE State Farm Agent Sheila Geist 770-924-3680 www.sheilageist.net
30
NAIL SALON Main Street Nail Studio 770-928-2662
31
Polish Nails Spa 678-324-1500
38
PHOTOGRAPHY J. King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com
49
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Canton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 9 770-479-8791/770-345-8670 www.cnrc.co Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists Woodstock: 770-852-7740 Canton: 678-493-2527 www.cherokeelungandsleep.com
9
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 43 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 3 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.yourhearinglink.com
24
Northside Hospital Cherokee 770-517-6636
11
Perimeter North Medical Associates 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com
31
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Atlanta Communities/The Lindsey Haas Team 35 Direct: 678-933-1962 Office: 770-240-2005 www.thelindsethaasteam.com Coldwell Banker, Mike Taylor O:770-642-03999, D: 770-344-7720 www.cbhomes.com
25
Premier Group, The — Keller Williams Back cover 678-494-0102, www.tpgsells.com Serenity 43 770-592-2404 www.treetopresidential.com RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT American Cancer Soc. Relay for Life 5K 61 800-227-2345 www.relayforlife.org/cherokeega Canton Festival of the Arts www.cantonartfestival.com
5
CYFA www.cyfa.org
47
Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org
27
Etowah Film Festival www.etowahfilmfestival.com
21
Hillside UMC Charity Golf Tournament www.menofhillside.org
51
Kennesaw State Football 470-KSU-OWL www.ksuowls.com
53
Must Ministries Golf Tournament
43
Taste of Woodstock www.visitwoodstockga/taste
15
1, 23
RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Neighborhood Nest, The 770-485-5898 www.theneighborhoodnestga.com Pineapple Park 678-494-8494 Park Warehouse, The 678-401-4893 www.pineapplepark.com
46
Urban Renewal Consignment 678-398-7691 www.urcwoodstock
21
Wild Birds Unlimited 770-928-3014 www.wbu.com/woodstock
46
SENIOR LIVING/ SENIOR SERVICES
RESTAURANTS Copper Coin Coffee 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com
Queen Custom Couture 678-310-0257 www.queencustomcouture.com
5
Cover, 32, 33
Arbor at BridgeMill, The 770-284-4864 www.arborbridgemill.com
7
Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com
25
Senior Extravaganza www.saltcherokee.com
37
SEWING Ashby Sewing Machine Co. 770-427-9947 www.ashbysewing.com
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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.
Front row, from left, Laura Latchford, Christie Deese, Patty Ponder and Jackie Loudin. Back row, Michelle McCulloch, Denise Griffin, Candi Hannigan, Karen Flaig, Katie Beall and Katherine Amick. Photo by Beth Fornuto.
Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | April 2019
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