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AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Contents

Contributors

April 2021

32 Don Akridge

TwelveStone Health Partners

24 Lottie Davenport 20 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency

On the Cover

43 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists

A spa-like setting and dedicated team members make every visit to TwelveStone a pleasant experience.

47 Greg Fonzeno

Pages 28 & 29

41 Barbara P. Jacoby

Cover photo by Joyful Day Photography

34 Harry Johnston

Inspiring Women

Part two of our interviews with women who inspire others, like Cindy Nelson, in honor of Women’s History Month.

Picking a Summer Camp

If you’re thinking about enrolling your children in camp, consider the advice from these experts.

51 Ann Litrel 44 Rob Macmillan 24 Dr. Scott Merritt 46 Christopher Purvis 48 Susan Schulz 30 Elisabeth Stubbs 42 Dr. Mary Swantek 16 Ashley Velez

In Every Issue

4 Around Canton 8 Local News

12 Celebrations 14 Noteworthy

26 Everyday Angels

38 Community Calendar 40 School News

44 Rob’s Rescues

52 Library Events

54 Directory of Advertisers

46 2

Update from the Lake

Allatoona is open for the season, if you are ready to go camping or boating.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Around Canton Letter From the Editor

I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful time of year! The days are longer and the weather is warmer, but not too hot. If you’re like me, you’re looking forward to a spring that, hopefully, offers a little more freedom. Remember a few months ago when I wrote about the skills I picked up during our year of isolation? I was sure I could remodel and flip a house with the best of the HGTV stars. Well, I’ve learned that’s not the case. As demo is being done right now on a wall that we’re having removed in our living room, I wasn’t offered a hammer, and probably for a very good reason. I was sad that, when I mentioned helping, our contractor didn’t take me up on my offer. He didn’t need to look twice to know that wouldn’t be a good idea. Smart man. One skill I know I’ve sharpened during the last year is livestreaming our church services through Facebook. Although, last Sunday I admit I accidentally hit the reverse camera button and, all of a sudden, you see a closeup of my hand, which looked more like a spider than anything. I quickly corrected my mistake, typed “Oops!” in the comments and kept going. Mistakes happen! During the past year, we’ve become more aware of the needs in our community, and our church has embraced a year-long mission project that focuses on a different nonprofit each month. So far, we’ve donated more than 700 pounds of food to Forever Fed, collected toiletries, chocolate and flowers for single moms, and are learning ways to help homeless veterans in Cherokee County. I’d like to challenge you to find out for yourself something I learned long ago: it’s a blessing to be a blessing. Maybe April’s kindness challenge will give you some ideas.

April

Get Crafty. Paint or color pictures or cards and send to the residents of a local nursing or assisted-living home, or tuck a positive note into random places, like under the wiper of your neighbor’s car or on the shelf in a retail store.

Cherokee Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Eggs Up Grill – Canton

104 Prominence Point Parkway, Canton 678-990-3447. www.eggsupgrill.com. On Facebook.

What’s Changed

R&D Mechanical Services, Inc. in Ball Ground

has been acquired by Rogers Mechanical Contractors, a large HVAC/mechanical and plumbing contractor. www.randdmechanical.com.

What’s Open

The Avenue Boutique is open at 3760 Sixes Road in The

Market at BridgeMill. The shop carries women’s clothing and accessories, as well as gift items. 770-213-3977. On Facebook.

What’s Coming

Canton City Council has unanimously approved the development of Crystal Lagoon, a mixed-use health and wellness, entertainment, retail and residential development. The 2.57-acre saltwater lagoon will have approximately 800 feet of beach entrance. The project includes an amphitheater and stage for live outdoor entertainment with a video board for outdoor viewing of professional sporting events and movies. Also there will be an indoor/outdoor meeting/event space and wedding venue of approximately 20,000 square feet, and multiple food outlets and a catering kitchen for events. For more information, visit www.crystal-lagoons.com Holly Springs has been awarded funding to complete Phase III of its Holly Springs Parkway Widening Project. The $6 million loan award will be used toward widening Holly Springs Parkway from Ronnell to Childers roads, and will include installation of a raised and grassed median, curb and gutter, 5-foot sidewalks, and pedestrian lighting.

Kudos

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

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

The city of Holly Springs has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2019 comprehensive annual financial report. Holly Springs also has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

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www.aroundcantonmagazine.com AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Around Canton, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. A total of 25,000 free copies are distributed monthly; approximately 24,100 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 900 placed in racks around the community. Many readers catch the latest edition online each month. Around Canton welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of each month. Yearly subscriptions are available for $24. Send a check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Canton is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021.

Around Canton

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AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Local News

Field Operations Chief Shane West, right, with his son, Andrew at the Guns and Hoses Run.

Fire Chief Tim Prather, right, with Goshen Valley representative Evan Ingram.

It’s Hoses, for the Win!

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services won the 2021 Guns and Hoses Run, the seventh year they’ve taken the victory. The fire department had the most runners sign up for the 15th annual event. A representative with the parks and recreation department said that this year’s race was close, because there was only a difference of 26 runners between the Hoses team and the Guns team. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services (Hoses) and the Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office (Guns) solicit registrations from runners to raise money for their charities. The event was open to the public, and runners were asked to pick the team they wanted to run for, Guns or Hoses; part of their registration fee was donated to an area charity. The fire department donated $2,244 to the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, and the sheriff ’s office gave $1,932 to Sheriff Frank Reynolds Charities. 8

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

St. Michael Food Pantry Awarded Grant The food pantry at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Woodstock has been awarded a $14,600 Hunger Pilot Grant from the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF). The grants support Lions projects focused on alleviating hunger. Ranging in amounts from $10,000 to $100,000, the grants require a 25 percent contribution from local Lions Clubs and must be used for capital improvements, including construction or expansion, kitchen equipment, or vehicles used for transporting food. The Woodstock Lions Club became aware of equipment and construction needs at St. Michael’s pantry last year, when the club partnered with St. Michael and other local food pantries to distribute approximately 6,000 boxes of food to Cherokee County families under the Farmers to Families Food Box program. In the fall of 2020, the Woodstock and Ball Ground Lions Clubs jointly applied for the LCIF grant to address those needs. With donations from each club, and the church, grant requirements have been met, and the partnership between the church and the clubs will continue. “As a longtime partner agency of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we have been fighting hunger within our community for 18 years,” Food Pantry Director Patrick Arko said. “The funds received from this grant will enable us to replace equipment at its useful service life, increase frozen food storage capacity by 20 percent (purchasing two new commercial grade refrigerator and freezer units), and will protect our refrigerated truck from accelerated degradation due to weather exposure” with a new canopied carport. Currently, 400 Cherokee County families are served each month with frozen meat, produce, dairy, bakery and nonperishables. The pantry is open 10-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; no appointment is needed. The location is 490 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. For more information, call 904-468-0945.

Lions Club and St. Michael volunteers work together to meet the needs of the food insecure.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Local News Canton Officials Break Ground on $70 million Plant Expansion The city of Canton broke ground recently on the construction of a $70 million water pollution control plant expansion, the largest capital improvement project undertaken in the city’s history. “This investment will ensure many more years of sustainable, high quality growth in Canton, and the initiative meets a big goal in our Roadmap for Success tenet of Improving Infrastructure for Future Demand,” Mayor Bill Grand said. “Even more exciting is the fact the $70 million project will be fully funded by our water and sewer fund revenues, and the city’s excellent credit ratings will result in millions of dollars in interest savings over the term of the project.” The upgrades will me made to Canton’s primary wastewater treatment plant, increasing the plant’s capacity by 50% to handle six million gallons per day. The new facility also elevates the water treatment system to a higher standard of regulatory compliance with the installation of a membrane filtration system and upgrades to the solids handling process. Project completion is slated for 2024.

Representatives from the project’s contractors, Clark Construction Group and joint venture partner Reeves Young, joined Canton officials for the ceremonial gold shovel groundbreaking.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

2021 Races Boost Wreath Program Wreaths Across America, which provides Christmas wreaths for the graves of veterans at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, has begun a race program with virtual and in-person options. The 737-mile virtual Escort to Arlington Challenge includes two virtual Running for Wreaths options (5K and 10K) in May and September, and one in-person Stem to Stone Remembrance Run in July, with a virtual option. This year’s race program is the result of an expanded partnership with event-management and timing company CompetitorME, after a successful inaugural year in 2020, where eight virtual road races were held across the country. The options for supporters provide an opportunity to build community awareness and understanding of WAA’s yearlong mission to remember, honor, teach. The list of race options and registrations can be found at competitorme.com/wreaths-acrossamerica. Each individual race registration sponsors a fresh balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero on Dec. 18, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com May deadline is April 10. Please specify Around Canton.

Genevieve Grace

Happy seventh birthday! We love you, Gam Gam & Billpa

Shyam

Happy 19th birthday! From Dad, Mom and Brother.

Joyce and Lynn Hammond

Said, “I do!” April 7, 1961. Happy 60th wedding anniversary!

Happy 43rd anniversary, Kathy! There will be many more. Love always, Joe.

Hillary

Happy ninth birthday to our princess! From Daddy, Mommy and Leyla. 12

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Novalee Page

Age 6 on April 14. Happy birthday, Novalee! Love, Mom and Dad, Nana and Pop, and Xavier.

Steve and Gretchen Caldwell

March 23 Happy 30th anniversary to my husband and best friend! Can’t wait to see what the next 30 brings! Love, Gretchen.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Realtors Issue a Challenge to Local Residents

At the beginning of 2021, members of Ursula & Associates, a Woodstock real estate team, took time from work to organize a food drive. The response was so positive, they’ve been inspired to challenge others to do the same. Seven team members spent several days distributing full-size grocery bags with instructions for collection, and included a list of needs from Never Alone Food Pantry. They collected the bags later in the week. “When we delivered 105 overflowing bags to Never Alone, we were met by the staff with deep gratefulness. We saw in their eyes that each bag, each can, each box of cereal represented an amazing family that wouldn’t have otherwise eaten. We saw how much of a need was truly being met.” Inspired by their experience, Ursula & Associates is issuing a challenge to other businesses and residents in the area. Here are a few of their suggestions. Contactless: Through Instacart or AmazonPantry, put together a cart of food to be delivered to a local food bank. Send “Thinking of You” cards to residents of local nursing homes. In-person: Join volunteers at Never Alone to assemble food boxes. Volunteer at a nearby animal shelter. “We are honored to lock arms with you, Towne Lake, in supporting the betterment of this amazing community that we are all proud to call home,” Wilson said. “Each act of kindness or service may feel small, but, we can assure you, is making a difference beyond that moment. We’ve seen it — and so can you.” Ursula and Associates collected 105 bags of groceries for local food pantries.

Sean Bloomer has volunteered for more than a decade.

Volunteer is Honored for Decade of Service

Canton resident Sean Bloomer was awarded the G. Cecil Pruett Family YMCA Volunteer of the Year award recently at the virtual YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s 2021 Celebration of Community Champions, honoring his volunteer work with the community center. Bloomer has been volunteering at the YMCA in Canton for more than a decade. In the early 2000s, Bloomer was looking for a place where his oldest son could participate in a positive sports environment, which inspired him to join the organization and start his journey of volunteerism. “My main volunteer role at the YMCA is to serve as a youth sports coach,” Bloomer said. “I believe that a coach’s role is not only to teach a young athlete about a particular sport, but also to instill confidence, discipline, self-respect and respect for others. I also want to create a fun environment.”

Kudos to a First-time Author Deborah Corrao, author of “Once Upon a Chicken,” grew up loving to read and write stories, has worked in the children’s department at the RT Jones Memorial Library in Canton, and served as a coordinator for homeschool groups. Since her retirement, Deborah and husband John live on a farm and grow vegetables, fruit trees and raise chickens for eggs. As an experiment about three years ago, she chose one of the baby chicks to raise to adulthood, named her Miss Buttercup, and made her the subject of a children’s storybook. Published by Yawn’s Publishing in Canton, it is available on Amazon.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Scout Creates Golden Opportunity Local Girl Scout Ambassador, Alanis “Laney” Broussard is one of the latest scouts to be awarded the 2021 Gold Award, an accomplishment that less than 6% of Girl Scouts from across the country achieve. The ceremony took place on March 7, which is International Women’s Day and the first day of Girl Scout Week. Laney, a Woodstock High graduate, is a freshman at Boston University, and began a website called Soul to Speak (www. soultospeak.org). The site gives students a safe space to “unleash their soul” while building their oratory skills to create testimonies of change. “Students will be equipped to engage any audience, present themselves with confidence, and truly speak their soul,” according to the website. “Girl Scouts allowed me to truly find my voice and to help others find theirs,” Laney said. In addition to her website, Laney also created a podcast, in which she interviewed Condace Pressley of Cox Media and Brian Hightower, superintendent of schools for Cherokee County. To tune in to the Podcast or book a session for public speaking, please visit her project website at http://soultospeak.org.

Laney Broussard recently earned her Gold Award.

Cherokee County Fire Educator Beth Elder, left, with Tammy Dorsten.

CPR Training Comes in Handy In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell, an English soldier and the founder of Scouting, devised the Scout motto: Be Prepared. Baden-Powell wrote that to Be Prepared means “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.” Cherokee County resident, Tammy Dorsten, understands the meaning of those two words even more after an incident a couple of weeks ago at a local Kroger store. “I was in a Kroger at approximately 7:30 that night, and I had just made my purchases. As I turned to leave, I heard something fall. I turned and it was a gentleman that had collapsed and hit his head in the self-checkout line,” Dorsten said. “I realize that nobody’s taking control of the situation. So, I just said, I know CPR and I just started directing the way that I had been taught to do. So, you call 911, you go meet the ambulance and you get me the first aid kit. Do you have an AED (automated external defibrillator)? You know, those kinds of things.” As director of the Holdheide Academy in Woodstock, Dorsten had taken a class taught by Cherokee County fire educators. Childcare workers in the U.S. are required to take CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certified classes. The course teaches critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid or sudden cardiac arrest emergency until help arrives. The class also shows how to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock, choking, and other first aid emergencies. “I think Tammy is a great director of her daycare. She knows her employees well and she helps them and drills them in the CPR skills before they take their test. I also think the good Lord knew that Tammy was going to need all those skills to use later on,” Cherokee County Fire Educator Beth Elder said. The 55-year-old gentleman who fell was unconscious for approximately 6 minutes. Paramedics from Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services arrived on the scene minutes later and transported the man to an area hospital to be evaluated. “You just can’t describe that feeling of being able to help somebody else in a minute when they are completely helpless and nobody else was willing to help, knowing you stepped up and did the right thing,” Dorsten said. “I made a difference and there’s no better feeling than that.” For information on upcoming first aid and CPR classes, visit www.cherokeecountyfire.org. Classes are taught once a month and cost $25. AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Cindy Nelson

Attorney at Nelson Elder Care Law Firm

Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

Inspiring Women Meet Some of Our County’s Influential Women BY ASHLEY VELEZ

Last month’s feature on some of the inspiring women of Cherokee County was so well-received that I was asked to write a continuation, featuring a few more women who make our community great. Again, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed listening and learning from them. To finish off this two-part feature, I was invited to share my own responses. I’m delighted to share some of my own snippets and inspirations to include alongside the others, and hope that if you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting any of the women included here, ask them about their incredible lives. These conversations were an important reminder that despite everything going on in the world, connection is there, and women are so often at the center of it. Ashley Velez is a digital marketing strategist, freelance writer and company culture advocate. She's a proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her family.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

My mother was my first role model. She was always a professional woman with a keen sense of business. As I entered my adult life, I was fortunate to work at Hewlett Packard, a company known for including and encouraging diversity. Anne Livermore, an Executive Vice President at HP until 2011, was one of the only female executives of a Fortune 100 company at the time. Throughout my career at Hewlett Packard I worked for great female role models. I started my career working in IT. At the time, there were not very many women working in t hat area of business, and it was not uncommon for me to be the only female at the table as I was promoted. This instilled a sense of responsibility in me to mentor women. I’ve spent my life helping women to live their best life, whatever that means to them. I have always believed that a woman can achieve any goal she sets for herself and is not restricted because of her gender.

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

Look for a female and a male mentor. Choose someone you admire and respect who is willing to give you honest guidance and feedback. Throughout your life, you should have many mentors who can offer you assistance in a variety of different skills and strengths.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

Carol Tome, the CEO of UPS, is a wonderful inspiration. I worked with her when she was the CFO of The Home Depot. She has created her own style and maintains her individuality while still effectively working at the executive level in Fortune 100 companies. She is a brilliant woman who has the skills to lead large international companies and make it look easy. If you have not heard Carol on an earnings call, I would encourage you to make a point of listening to her. She is also an inspirational speaker.

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has always been a woman I admired. She had to put forth the extra effort to be seen beyond her gender and her looks. She was able to show the world that it didn’t matter whether she was a female, wife and mother. What mattered was she was an intelligent attorney who was interested in focusing her energy on making positive changes in the United States. She was effective making significant strides for women and people in general because of her brilliance and dedication.

Continued on page 18

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Inspiring Women

Lori Baker

Executive Director, Next Step Ministries, Inc.

Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

Ashley Velez

Digital marketing strategist Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

My maternal grandmother, Evalyn Pierce, has had an enormous impact on my life. Meemaw, as she’s affectionately known, taught English and history for 35-plus years. We share a love of the written word, world history and traveling. As a small child (and the only granddaughter), we shared a love of makeup, fresh-picked flowers, and playing dress up. I owe so much to her during my formative years. I’m very lucky to have other women in my family who encourage and inspire me daily, including my Mom, my mother-in-law, my stepmom, my other grandmother and my Aunt Angie. I also have a close group of female friends, many of whom I’ve known for 20-plus years. I am a better wife, mother, daughter and friend because of their love and guidance.

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

Take some time to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life early on. Travel! Try new things and be open to the self-discovery process.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

My friend, Paige Reid. She is kind, caring and a bright light for Cherokee County, and has started a special needs day program, Limitless Disability Services, for underserved special-needs families. She’s a friend, an influencer and supporter of small businesses and organizations that make up our wonderful community.

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why?

Jen Pastiloff, writer, podcast host, retreat leader - I’ve met many amazing women through Jen’s retreats and work, and they’ve become my extended family. Her retreats and workshops are a way for me to re-center and re-focus, and get back to the heart of being human. One of my favorite quotes of hers is: “When I get to the end of my life, and I ask one final ‘What have I done?’ let my answer be: ‘I have done love.’”

Favorite women to learn from?

There are so many women I gravitate toward for inspiration these days. I love Ann Handley, Tonya Ingram, Anne Lamott, Brené Brown, Maya Angelou, Jen Hatmaker, Austin Channing Brown, Elizabeth Gilbert, Morgan Harper Nichols and Byron Katie, to name just a handful.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

My mother has probably made the biggest impact. She was very physically disabled, which led me into physical therapy and ultimately to founding Next Step Ministries. She taught me what it was like to live with a family member who was very disabled, as well as perseverance in life. Another very impactful woman was Sally Washburn, one of my Sunday School teachers from FBCW?. Although older (in her 70s and 80s), she had such a zeal for life and new adventures. She also taught us about depending on the Lord and keeping our priorities straight. A very wise woman who now resides in heaven!

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

Find a job that you are passionate about doing – do it well – and the rewards will come.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

Cindy O’Leary, the Executive Director at The Hope Center. Cindy has an amazing ability to see God’s work and presence in all situations, and to encourage people to see what God is doing in their lives.

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why?

Lynne Saunders, the Executive Director at Encompass Ministries. Lynne has a compassionate heart for people in need, and the ability to address those needs. From the food bank (Papa’s Pantry), helping people become more competent with life skills, working on affordable housing solutions, helping develop the Recovery Organization of Cherokee County, to writing an inspiring magazine – she has made a huge impact on the lives of people in Cherokee County.

Favorite women to learn from? Christian business leaders.

Lynne Saunders

Founder and Executive Director, Encompass Ministries (Papa’s Pantry) The Master’s Training Center, My Community Spirit magazine

Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

Stefanie Joyner

Executive Director Cherokee County Historical Society Which women have made the biggest impact in your everyday life?

I would say that my mother and sister have had the biggest impact on my everyday life. My mom was nurturing, yet inspired me to reach out of my comfort zone and try new things. My older sister, Diana, led by example, and has shown me how to be a good leader and business manager.

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

Just do it. Learn to be self-reliant, but don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Set ambitious goals and take small steps if necessary to keep moving in the right direction.

Who’s one local female who’s inspired you?

I am fortunate to be working with an amazing team of women on the new Cherokee County History Center. Many are volunteers, including Lisa Hillhouse Tressler, who is our building chair and Rebecca Johnston, the fundraising chair. They inspire me every day by their dedication and passion to this project. My staff, Jessica Gordy and Kaylee Johnson, are young museum professionals, who have an unending curiosity and enthusiasm to share history. They understand museums have the power to bring people together and change communities. And that is our goal - to build something bigger than ourselves that will have a lasting impact on the people around us.

The first woman who comes to mind is my Auntie Ruthie, my mother’s older sister. She knew how to laugh and love BIG. When I was young, we would visit her in upstate New York. No matter what the season, she made sure I was dressed properly for the weather and was exposed to experiences way outside my daily life in south Florida. In the winter, her friends helped provide me with head-to-toe snow gear. We would ride snowmobiles and hike through the most ridiculous of terrains. In the summer, I learned to sail and race 32-40 foot sailboats, assigned to various boat owners (captains) through race seasons. I was fearless as a teenager, and when it came to navigating treacherous passes, my captains would put me at the helm. I never had a mishap and always kept time. The second woman who comes to mind is my Grandmother, Granny Helen, my mother’s and Aunt Ruth’s mother. She worked all the time, as the post office general (I think) for the small town of Sodus Point, and was a nurse at the community hospital. Granny Helen loved to garden, which is probably the root of my passion. Behind the Encompass/Papa’s building, there is an organic garden today, which produces fresh seasonal produce 12 months out of the year. She had a heart for serving the community, no matter what it took or the role it required.

What piece of advice would you offer young women who are just graduating from school?

I am a Christian, so biblical principles guide my life and decisions. I would absolutely encourage young women to seek the God of Christianity if they haven’t already. I have had some very real personal encounters with God that have propelled me into the ministry world I live in each day. There is no way I could achieve all that on my own. Secondly, I would say, “trust your gut.” There are many voices in the world encouraging and promising great things. The easiest path is generally the wrong one. It’s better to take more time in making big decisions than feeling pressured to make quick ones.

Who’s one local female who has inspired you?

I have a very good friend, Holly Hill. She and her husband, Morgan, own Hill and Hill Financial with offices in Woodstock and in Tennessee. I met Holly when she reached out to me about a food drive as the recipient of a birthday celebration many years ago. I took a donation barrel to their house, then proceeded to have a long conversation about the ministry. She seemed to really enjoy connecting with people in need. I appreciated her professionalism in her approach to every situation and solution. Over the years she has served a few terms on our Board of Directors as well as launching her own non-profit, The 2:10 Foundation, that helps students financially finish their education.

Who’s one female leader you admire, and why?

Condoleezza Rice, because she is a woman of great grace, intelligence, talent and influence. Growing up, she was a prodigy, spending hours playing and perfecting the piano, advancing in school quickly, and learning several languages. She grew up in the 1950s and ’60s in Birmingham--a very segregated time--and experienced discrimination firsthand. In 1963, two of her schoolmates and friends were killed in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing that killed four young black girls. Condoleezza had every reason to grow up hating the America she experienced at a young age. Instead, she worked hard in all she took on, including becoming the U.S. National Security Adviser under President Geroge W. Bush in 2001. Working in ministry for so many years, I appreciate her determination and hard work to never let circumstances get the best of her. That takes work and great courage. Now, in regard to playing the piano, that is a project I personally began last year… Sadly, I don’t ever expect to get very good any time soon. However, I’m proud to play Happy Birthday to my grands! AROUND CANTON | April 2021

1. Start with your child.

Assess if the camp will fit your child’s interests and needs. There are many options, from day camps to overnight residential camps, where campers can stay for a week or longer. Check the facility to see if the camp takes place indoors or outdoors. Numerous specialty camps also offer unique themes such as robotics, horseback riding, and even a week of fishing. Options also include inclusive therapeutic camps. The possibilities are endless – you just have to find the right one that fits your camper’s interests and needs.

the safety of the overall environment. 2. Check

For 2021, make sure the camps have the required COVID-19 protocols in place. Assess the facility to see if it appears safe and maintained. Check if the staff is required to have first aid/CPR certifications, and if they go through adequate training prior to the beginning of summer. Ask for recommendations from the community about the camp. If you read a lot of negative reviews, it might be best to look for another location.

sure it benefits your family. 3. Make

Picking the Perfect

SUMMER CAMP

SUBMITTED BY THE CHEROKEE RECREATION AND PARKS AGENCY

Trying to decide where to send your child for summer camp sometimes can be overwhelming! Here are the top five things we suggest you look for when deciding the best place for your future camper.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Review how much it costs to attend, and determine if it is financially achievable. If not, ask if they have scholarship assistance. Research the hours of operation and the dates that are available to ensure they work for you and your family, especially if you are utilizing the camp for childcare. Look at the camp’s mission statements, and see if their overall philosophy matches your family’s.

the activity schedule. 4. Consider

Ask about a day in the life of the camper so you know what your camper will be doing each day. Do they remain stationary all day, are they constantly rotating through activities, or are they going out on field trips within the community? Does the schedule seem extremely repetitive or do their campers get to experience new things and opportunities each day? Decide what works best for your camper and make sure it fits his or her needs.

Earn College And High School Credit At The Same Time Archery, left, and kayaking are great outdoor activities to seek in an outdoor camp.

@ C H AT TA H O O C H E E T E C H

5. Weigh the benefits for your child.

Camp should be a time for fun and allow kids to be kids. Make sure the camp looks like an environment where your child will thrive socially, and will have opportunities to grow independently or leave camp having gained a new skill. Ensure the camp can accommodate any specific needs your camper requires, supporting them in any way. Another good resource for parents is the American Camp Association (ACA), www.acacamps.org, which has the following recommendation for camper/counselor ratios. “ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs … At day camps, the ratios range from: one staff member for every six campers ages 4 and 5; one staff member for every eight campers ages 6 to 8; one staff member for every 10 campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff member for every 12 campers ages 15 to 17.”

The Dual Enrollment Program allows eligible high school students the opportunity to maximize their education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit at the same time! www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/deadmissions I 770-528-4545 A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.

Whichever camp you and your family choose, get ready for your campers to have fun, make a ton of memories, and for them to beg you to be on the lookout for registration dates for the summer of 2022! Cherokee Recreation and Parks staff members Lauren Voss, Jarron Amburgey and Adam Fussell collaborated on the article.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

From left, Ansley Gulledge, Brianna Dempsey, Anna Weitnauer, Rylie Springer, Carra Sassack and Ashley Vincent.

It’s Like a Day at the Beach

Canton is roughly 300 miles from the nearest beach, but is home to the longest standing beach-only volleyball club in the state: S3 Volleyball (short for Southern Select Sand Volleyball). “We specialize in training only beach volleyball players. We don’t train indoor,” Director Bryan Jones said. “While there are some obvious similarities, the skills and strategies between beach and indoor are actually very different. At S3, we focus on teaching our athletes those beach specific skills.” “Some other volleyball clubs are

Fastest-growing Sport

S3 was founded in the fall of 2014, when there were around 45 collegiate beach volleyball programs in existence across the U.S., according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Currently, beach volleyball is the fastest growing NCAA D1 sport in the last five years, and more than 170 schools have programs.

PHOTOS BY DAN DUREN

For the local beach volleyball fans, S3 offers:

1. Year-round and seasonal programs, with two sessions in the summer and another in the fall, to work around the high school indoor season. Kristen Obijeski passes the ball.

indoor clubs who also offer beach, but as far as beach only, we are the oldest.” Over the past year, more than 170 athletes trained with S3, on the courts at Badger Creek Park in Canton and Lakepoint Sporting Community in Emerson. With three courts currently at Badger Creek, and two more opening in time for the spring/ summer season, the club will be welcoming more girls and, hopefully, some boys to the sport.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

2. Competition in Metro Atlanta and across the country. “Each year

we travel around the southeast for multiple events,” Bryan said. “We head to Texas at least once a year, and we end our regular season in late July with a trip to California for several national level events.”

3. An opportunity to play, no matter the athlete’s experience. “Beach volleyball is a unique game because it is played in pairs. It’s just you and your partner. There is no bench in the sport of beach volleyball.” 4. Training for beginners, starting in fourth grade, through collegecommitted athletes. More than 30 players have been placed in collegiate programs, and S3 helps with the process, thanks to solid connections in college programs coast-to-coast.

Fun and Competitive

A little sand on a volleyball court is the foundation of a challenging yet fun sport that continues to grow in popularity. Expanding the courts at Badger Creek has helped with the club’s growth, especially over the past two years. S3 teams have won several national championships: USA Volleyball, AVPFirst, Rox Beach Volleyball Tour. Many S3 players have made various USA Volleyball High

Sponsored Content

Protect Your Smile With a Mouthguard BY SCOTT V. MERRITT, DMD

Are you and your family gearing up for springtime sports? With the warmer weather comes more outdoor recreation, and the need to take the necessary precautions to protect your smile when playing contact sports. A mouthguard is an important piece of equipment while out on the field or the court. Sports-related injuries cause millions of lost teeth every year. A sudden impact to the face can cause gum bleeding, fractured teeth, or more serious permanent damage to the mouth. Don’t put your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, cheeks and jaw at risk. Dental injuries can be minimized and prevented when you wear a custom-fitted mouthguard provided by a dental professional. Dentist-made mouthguards are personalized to fit your specific mouth. A mold is made from your teeth to secure the perfect fit. After a careful dental examination, your dentist will determine the best material for your mouthpiece. Once the mouthguard is completed, your doctor will confirm that your athletic gear is comfortable to wear so that it can work effectively when you are playing physical sports. Although overthe-counter mouthguards can be purchased, they do not provide the same level of protection. Keeping your mouthguard in tip-top shape is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to your oral healthcare. Mouthguards can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly. Safeguard your smile, and your valuable sports tool, by giving 24

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

your mouthguard a good rinse after each use, or brushing it with toothpaste, and storing it in a ventilated container when not in use. Not wearing a protective mouthguard can result in a knockedout tooth. When an accident does occur, it is crucial to visit the dentist to relieve the pain and to determine the best treatment for your smile. Be sure to act quickly! Depending on the circumstance, your tooth can be saved. Do not try to position the tooth back into place. Doing so can further damage the supporting bone structure. Play it safe this National Facial Protection Month by investing in a mouthguard. Missing teeth can impact your quality of life. Pearly whites are extremely vulnerable, and unfortunately, a new set cannot regrow. Make any dental emergency less stressful in the future by scheduling and maintaining regular dental checkups with your dentist. As you suit up for your favorite sports activities, protect your game face by wearing a mouthguard.

Dr. Scott Merritt founded BridgeMill Dentistry in 2002. The office is located on Sixes Road between Ridge and Bells Ferry roads.

Fighting Year-round and Seasonal Allergies BY LOTTIE DAVENPORT

An allergy is your immune system’s reaction to certain plants, animals, foods, insect bites or other things. When you have allergies, the immune system overreacts and tries to fight ordinary things, like grass, pollen or certain foods. The substance that causes allergies is called an allergen. Your immune system produces antibodies, and, when you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.

Symptoms

Some allergens cause sneezing; runny nose; sore throat; itchy, red, watery eyes; and itchy ears. Other allergens, such as food, can cause a rash, tingling of the mouth, hives, a stuffy nose, stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea. Occasionally, allergens can cause more severe symptoms, including breathing difficulties, such as wheezing, shortness of breath or anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Some allergies, such as from foods, are a problem all year long, while others are considered seasonal, depending on current blooms.

Treatment

Look for ways to avoid allergens, even if you are treating your allergies with medications. If you have outdoor allergies, limit your time outside, and keep windows and doors closed during peak season. If indoor allergens are a problem, dust, vacuum and wash bedding often. Keep a diary to try and identify what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms. Track your activities, what you eat when symptoms occur and what treatments help. If you have a severe allergic reaction, it might be a good idea to wear a medical alert bracelet. Allergy medicine comes in the form of pills, liquid or sprays for your nose. If avoiding allergens and taking medicines does not relieve symptoms, an allergist may prescribe injections or a serum to use under the tongue. If you have symptoms that you think are caused by an allergy, and over-the-counter allergy medicines don’t provide enough relief, call your medical provider. If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the provider who prescribed it right away. For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911 or go to the emergency room. If you carry an EpiPen, give yourself a shot immediately. Lottie Davenport is a family nurse practitioner with Prestige Medical Group, with special interests in women’s health and aesthetic medicine. www.prestigemedicalgroup.org.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

EVERYDAY

Throughout 2020, Hillary Foster, 40, began experiencing different health concerns. For a young mom, hormones are usually to blame. “It began with common gynecological complaints, then urology. Everything checked out normal. Until August, I was hospitalized with severe abdominal pain and diverticulitis, an infection in one or more small pouches in the digestive tract. Never had I experienced gastric issues. There was a small abscess and perforation in my colon and, once healed, it was recommended that I have a colonoscopy. In October, my colonoscopy confirmed that the pressure of an aggressive mass was the cause of all my issues. On Oct. 22, I was diagnosed with stage 3b adenocarcinoma of my rectum. My diagnosis came on the same day the U.S. Prevention Services Task Force lowered the colon cancer screening age from 50 to 45. Still not early enough for me and many others,” Foster said. “Ten years ago, I lost my dad - my hero, my person - from esophageal cancer. Little did I know that his brutal journey prepared me for what was ahead for me. Since my diagnosis, I can tell you cancer changes you immediately. Your faith becomes everything while you love deeper and appreciate all that

Hillary Foster 26

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

A Christmas photo of the family, from left: Jarae, Addison, Hillary, Brendan, Jermaine and Cannon.

you may have once taken for granted. Every sight and view are seen with beauty and felt with deep emotions,” she said. “I share my journey in hopes that it may save just one person. Your family’s health history should not be private. Everyone needs to be aware of cancers in their lineage as well as recurring colonic polyps. If your parents have a history of polyps, then their children must become diligent and not wait until the government’s recommended age to get tested,” Foster said. Studies estimate by 2030, colon cancer rates in 20- to 34-year-olds will increase by 90% and rectal cancer rates will rise by more than 124%. The National Cancer Institute also states 10% of colon cancers and 22% of rectal cancers diagnosed in the United States are expected to be in patients younger than 50. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in men and women. Foster just completed her first aggressive phase of treatment. Thankfully, her body has responded positively, and she will move onto her

next phase of 28 rounds of radiation and chemo five days a week before surgery is scheduled. “I want people to see the beauty in my struggles throughout my journey. To see God’s work through me and let others see that cancer can make you better instead of bitter. “I fight because I have so much to live for and so many to love. I am a wife, mother and grandmother, sister and daughter. I did not ask to be placed on this journey, but God has a plan and I have a calling. Be diligent, stay connected with family and openly share. Your story has purpose. It does not make you weak, it makes you human,” she said. Everyday Angels loves this strong young lady. Her faith and light are an inspiration. It is our hope that her story will help someone and inspire everyone. We want to help her by relieving some of the financial burdens. Foster continues to work during her treatments when she is able, but she does not get paid when she misses work. Friends have created a GoFundMe page, or you may give through Everyday Angels.

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

TwelveStone Offers Professionally Monit T

welveStone Infusion Center has opened an office in Canton, where residents of Cherokee County and Metro Atlanta can expect a very personalized infusion experience. For more than 35 years, TwelveStone has focused on the medication needs of patients with complex and chronic conditions. “The Canton location supports a wide variety of infusions necessary to support patients with chronic conditions or those requiring medical supervision. The center is beautiful and offers a spa-like experience, including private suites, Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks,” said Chief Marketing Officer Amanda Cecconi. “We

Nurse practitioner Jennifer Carruth prepares medication.

offer patients individual care in a private treatment room, along with a full staff of certified clinicians who partner with the patient’s care team to assess and recommend care plans.” The next logical step was a move into North Georgia, building on a network with locations in the Tennessee cities of Knoxville, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro (company headquarters) and Chattanooga.

A Visit to TwelveStone

Perhaps the patients say it best when describing the TwelveStone experience. “I am so impressed with TwelveStone. It is the best facility I have ever used for infusions. The staff is incredibly attentive to my individual needs. They listen to me and respect the knowledge I have of my own body. The facility is welcoming and very clean ... The nurses are kind and gentle with me and make sure to protect my fragile skin. I feel well cared for every time I go for my infusion.” Carolyn C. “The wonderful staff and facilities at TwelveStone make my monthly infusions actually enjoyable. It is so nice to have a private room with such a comfortable recliner and huge TV. The nurses are so nice and so accommodating. They go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need. It’s such a nice change from doing infusions at the hospital.” - Karen H. “I go to TwelveStone every eight weeks to receive an infusion for an autoimmune disease. This is the second facility I have received my

The TwelveStone Canton team from left, Jennifer RN, BSN and Laura Elledge, NP.

infusions in, and it is hands down the best facility … It is biblically based and, after my infusion, they call me a few days later to check on me and to pray with me. I highly recommend this place. They put your needs first.” - Jesse C.

5 Ways The Center is Unique

TwelveStone is committed to a higher level of patient care that supports mind, body and spirit through packaged medications, infusions and specialty medications in partnership with specialists in every area of healthcare. That commitment is expressed in very personal - and caring - touches to let the patient know their needs are the primary concern. 1. Locations of the centers are carefully considered to give

125 Oakside Ct, Suite 201, Canton, G 28

Sponsor AROUND CANTON | April 2021

tored Infusions in a Spa-like Setting

r Carruth, NP, Amy O’Shaughnessy,

patients the most convenient access from their workplace or home.

Registered nurse Amy O’Shaughnessy talks with a patient undergoing infusion treatment.

2. Personalized follow-ups are made on each patient after their visit, including prayer with patients and family members who are interested. 3. Each new patient gets a gift bag that includes a stone, emblazoned with the number 12, to remind them that they are never alone. 4. A smooth and concierge-style service for onboarding, to put patients at ease. 5. TwelveStone reduces stress for each patient by submitting bills and paperwork to the individual’s insurance company.

Fulfilling the Founder’s Vision The CEO is Shane Reeves, a pharmacist who took a family business in Murfreesboro, TN, and built TwelveStone Health Partners in 2016. As an organization, TwelveStone supports the transition from acute to postacute care environments and the transition from sickness to health. The underlying objective is to glorify God by delivering a higher level of service to partners and patients. The name TwelveStone comes from the biblical story of Joshua, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. After the river

was parted for them, and they reached the other side, 12 stones (representing the tribes of Israel) were taken from the river and set up as a monument so that future generations would know the power of God. The Canton office, working to fulfill this mission, includes a team that collectively offers excellent clinical care management: Laura Elledge, NP Amy O’Shaughnessy, RN BSN Jennifer Carruth, NP John Dennis, Territory Sales Manager For more information visit www.12stonehealth.com.

GA 30114 | 844-893-0012 | www.12stonehealth.com/infusion-center/canton

red Content AROUND CANTON | April 2021

See it in your room

Many manufacturers have created the technology for you to see their different types of flooring in the rooms in your home. Often, you can upload a picture of your room (be sure it shows a lot of floor), and the style and color you are interested in can be superimposed over your current floor. Then, you can save the picture you created for future reference. It’s almost magical!

Facebook

You can find Facebook pages for almost every flooring manufacturer, as well as your favorite retailers. Their pages typically are filled with pictures of their products. Share a photo to keep it on your page, or save the image for future use.

Instagram

Many manufacturers’ websites offer an option to see what their flooring looks like in your room by simply uploading a photo.

Using Technology to Create Your

DREAM HOME BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Are you getting frustrated shopping for new floors? We get it. It can be difficult to envision how a tiny flooring sample will look installed in your home. Here are some options for seeing what the flooring might look like in your home. You may be wondering if these tools really are helpful. Often, shoppers have a hard time describing the product they want, but a picture really is worth a thousand words. Install these apps on your smartphone or tablet, and you’ll have your favorite ideas with you everywhere you go.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

This social networking app is made for sharing photos and videos. Use hashtags to search for the product(s) you are interested in, for example #lgviatera or #mohawkrevwoodplus. You can save individual photos you like, to refer to later.

Houzz

Take inspiration from this website, which focuses on home improvement projects and has millions of photos. You can create your own Ideabooks, and start saving pictures of what inspires you.

Create your own web-based virtual pinboard. It’s a high-tech version of tearing pictures you like out of magazines. You can set up separate boards for each of your projects and name them accordingly; for example, Baby’s Room or Master Bathroom. As you find pictures you like, pin them to your project board. Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Today’s Spotlight is Shifting to Bonds BY DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

One time-tested principle of investing is, “when bond yields move higher, bond prices tend to move lower.” Investors are doing a double-take on the 10-year Treasury yield, which recently topped 1.5% — its highest level in about a year. With the increase in yield comes a drop in price.1 For some, the first time they experience a change in bond prices is when they open their monthly statement and review their investments. But, before you check your February statement, here is some background that may help put the most recent move in longterm rates in perspective. The interest rate on the 10-year Treasury dropped steadily in the first half of 2020 and bottomed at 0.54% in late July. While rates remain at low levels, the yield on the 10-year Treasury has nearly tripled in the past seven months. That’s a significant increase in a relatively short period.2 Bond yields may increase for several reasons — some of them good (strong economic growth) and some of them concerning (accelerating inflation). Bond investors are anticipating a pickup in economic growth, and appear concerned about inflation due to the Federal Reserve’s easy monetary stance and federal fiscal spending in response to the pandemic. The question is, at what point do stock investors begin to worry about higher bond yields? The answer may be if 10-year Treasury yields start to rival the dividend yield on the S&P 500.3 Remember, the Federal Reserve has reiterated its support for its zero-interest-rate policy, but much of the Fed’s influence is on short-term interest rates. Market forces play a larger role in determining long-term rates like the 10-year Treasury.4 Bonds can play an important part in any portfolio, but, like any investment, periods of volatility are expected.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

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. The market value of a bond will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. As rates rise, the value of existing bonds typically falls. If an investor sells a bond before maturity, it may be worth more or less than the initial purchase price. By holding a bond to maturity, an investor will receive the interest payments due, plus your original principal, barring default by the issuer. Investments seeking to achieve higher yields also involve a higher degree of risk. Asset allocation and diversification are approaches to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee against investment loss. This material was prepared by MarketingPro Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1. U.S. Department of Treasury, Feb. 26, 2021 2. CNBC.com, Feb. 26, 2021 3. Multpl.com, Feb. 26, 2021 4. The Wall Street Journal, Feb. 24, 2021

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.

Be Vibrant, Be Different, Be Beautiful!

Necklace by Weisinger Designs Tops by Bali of Canada and Habitat “Clothes to live in.”

ust a short drive north, from Canton to Blue Ridge, will take you to the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll also discover another beautiful destination on Main Street of the picturesque town: Crawford Collections. The designer clothing boutique is the dream of former Woodstock resident Candace Youngberg, and it has become a popular destination for women from Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. Crawford Collections caters to the stylish woman who loves expressing herself through bright, unique statement pieces. Candace and her staff spend time with each customer to find the right style and fit. Their goal is to help each woman “Be Vibrant, Be Different, Be Beautiful!” Candace said. “You were born to stand out, not blend in. We love to help each woman find comfortable clothing that makes her feel beautiful. Providing excellent customer service has always been my number one priority.” Shoppers will find clothing and designer jewelry from talented artisans, and a selection of handbags, scarves and other accessories to complete any outfit. A few new lines have been added to meet the comfort needs of women who work from home. JuJu Jams features luxury

loungewear, and Dantelle specializes in cozy tops. Other brands include Habitat Clothing, Tribal, Clara Sun Woo, Bali of Canada, Foxcroft, Susan Shaw, Jess & Jane, Krazy Larry, Betty Carre and Bee Attitudes. “We are currently the only premier women’s boutique on Main Street in Blue Ridge,” Candace said. “Come see us and let us help you with outfits for travel, a girls’ night out or weekend, or relaxing with family at a sports event.”

Wild Goose wristlets

Candace Youngberg

Crawford Collections | 500 E. Main St., #204, Blue Ridge 30513 | 706-946-0772 | www.crawfordcollections.com On Facebook, Instagram. Sponsored Content

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Local Sales Tax to Reduce Property Tax BY HARRY JOHNSTON

Property taxes may be the most despised form of taxation, even more than income taxes. People often say they’d like to shift the tax burden toward sales tax, and away from property tax. We have two 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOSTs) in Cherokee County, as do almost all Georgia counties. One pays for school facilities. The other is for local road work and other county facilities and equipment. Those taxes must be renewed by voter referendum every five to six years. Both will come up for renewal in the next two years, and it’s important that they are renewed. Without them, property taxes would have to increase substantially to continue to fund roads, schools and other facilities. What we don’t have in Cherokee is an additional 1% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) to help fund county operations and directly reduce the county’s maintenance and operation (M&O) property taxes. All but three Georgia counties have a LOST or similar Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST). In spite of that, our county M&O tax rates are in the lowest 20% of all Georgia counties, at 5.216 mills. But, they could be even lower. A voter referendum is required to enact a LOST or HOST, and those taxes are permanent unless removed by a referendum. Either could make a big reduction in the county M&O tax. Proceeds from a LOST must be used to roll back the county M&O tax rate equally for all types of properties. In Cherokee, the county M&O is about $600 on a property valued at $300,000. A LOST would reduce it by about half. Homeowners get first priority

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

for tax rollbacks from HOST proceeds, so a HOST could eliminate fully the M&O tax for them. But, business and investment properties would get a much smaller reduction. Neither a LOST nor a HOST helps with the school, fire or park bond property taxes. Those add up to about $2,700 per year on a $300,000 property. So, the current total tax bill of about $3,300 on that property only would drop to $2,700 to $3,000. It’s not such a big help when you look at it that way. Households typically spend about 30% of their gross income on purchases subject to sales tax. Real estate and most services are exempt. Vehicles are now subject to a separate Title Ad Valorem Tax that’s not affected by a LOST or HOST. A family with $80,000 in gross income probably would pay about $240 more per year in sales taxes. That yields a small net savings with a LOST. The difference is made up by people from outside the county who make purchases in Cherokee. For homeowners, the net savings is more significant with a HOST. I’m neutral on the LOST/HOST issue, not trying to persuade anybody either way. But, as always, I’m very interested in your opinion on this or other county issues. Please email me at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.

Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

• The business.

Cotton Mill Exchange is an exceptional collection of 200 local artisans, designers and merchants providing new and handmade furniture, antiques and primitives, home goods, handcrafted and new jewelry, distinctive gifts as well as a variety of new sophisticated clothing. Cotton Mill Exchange occupies 48,000 square feet of space within the 120-year-old cotton mill, located in the historic district of downtown Canton. The store consists of a multitude of shops where worn wood finishes, architectural salvage and vintage industrial pieces blend seamlessly with modern design.

• The difference.

Cotton Mill Exchange is a unique retail shopping experience with its 120-year-old brick walls and wooden floors and ceilings. The store has the largest footprint in the old Canton Cotton Mill #1, which set the standard for high quality denim being produced in our country. The store connects with its historical past with huge black-and-white photos and other historical items on display throughout the interior. The Cotton Mill Exchange logo also pays tribute to its denim-producing past with the color blue. The store is part of a mixed-use development that includes a brewery, restaurants, a bridal venue, office suites, hair salon and other retail shops opening later this year. The large video board and green space outdoors is home to concerts, game-day viewing and family time throughout the year.

225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 100 Canton 30114

770-992-9294

www.cottonmillexchange.net On Facebook and Instagram “Cotton Mill Exchange is a fantastic place to shop for all things. It’s every boutique shop, in every small historic town square, in one location.” - Michael W.

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AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Clients Have More Choices

Competitive rates for purchasing or refinancing Capital Mortgage Solutions recently moved closer to Woodstock’s business district to fulfill a professional and personal commitment to the city. That’s just one way owners Ben and Candice Thornton are positioning themselves to help their neighbors in the current housing market. Another way is working closely with realtors to thoroughly preapprove buyers and to help their mutual clients win multiple offer situations. Navigating the industrywide shortage in available homes

can be challenging, so it is more important now than ever for buyers to have a team of people dedicated to helping them. “Many houses are selling for top dollar with multiple offers. We want our buyers to win, and we have developed an approach to help them and their realtors in this hyperaggressive seller’s market,” Candice said. “We work closely with realtors on the terms of a buyer’s offer. We are a team advocating and working for our buyers.” Capital Mortgage Solutions handles residential purchases and refinances in Georgia and Florida, serving the standard programs — conventional mortgages, FHA, VA, jumbo and high-balance mortgages are their focus. The extra measures taken to help clients in this current climate are a natural extension of the philosophy at Capital Mortgage Solutions. The firm offers a unique, boutique oneon-one approach in which all clients — from someone who’s purchased 10 homes to the first-time homebuyer — are treated the same. “The goal is to help clients understand the process, from A to

Z,” Candice said. “We know it can be an emotionally stressful time, so we want to take off any added stress. Clients, to us, are not just units or numbers,” she said. “We hand-hold people through the process, and we celebrate with them.”

Clients Save Time, Money

Ben has worked in all areas of residential lending, from large banks to direct lenders to small brokers, before deciding to open Capital Mortgage Solutions. After their success and experience working for other companies, Ben and Candice realized they could offer more flexibility and savings to clients within the framework of a small, local business, and so they opened Capital Mortgage Solutions. “We opened so we could have control on the pricing we offered our clients. We wanted to have control over the process, from beginning to end,” Ben said, describing their business model as one in which they keep their overhead low so they can pass savings on to their clients. “We save people money, because

Capital Mortgage Solutions | 8255 Main St., Woodstoc

Benjamin Thornton NMLS # 279007 | Candice Orman Thornton NMLS # 1507325 | C 36

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Sponsor

PHOTOS BY BRIAN NEJEDLY

Candice and Ben Thornton shop multiple lenders to find the best fit - and the best prices - for their clients.

we shop multiple lenders to find which lender the client fits best with, and we shop the best prices,” Candice said. “Also, because our overhead is less, the cost to the client is much less. Our goal is to get you the best rate and the best cost, while providing the best service and experience.” For existing homeowners, Capital Mortgage Solutions offers highly competitive interest rates that can save clients tens of thousands of dollars in interest. For clients interested in home improvements or debt consolidation, a cash-out refinance is an option. “Interest rates are still at historic lows,” Candice said. “We firmly believe now is a great time to take advantage of these low rates by refinancing.”

A Part of the Community

Ben and Candice opened Capital Mortgage in 2015, bringing their 25-plus years of combined experience to a community that reminds them of their roots. They both grew up in a small town in Alabama and, when they relocated their family from a neighboring city to Woodstock, they knew they wanted to move their business here as well. “It’s so great to literally live, work and play here in Woodstock. The city is booming, and we are thrilled to be right in the middle of the growth,” Candice said. The Thorntons believe that being part of a live-work-and-play community means supporting activities and outreach that make life better for all residents. They enjoy being involved in sports with

their son and daughter — through coaching for Cherokee Youth Football Association (CYFA) football and cheerleading, and East Cobb baseball — and want to help other families do the same. That’s why they set aside proceeds from each closing to donate toward youth sports programs. When clients work with Capital Mortgage Solutions, Candice said they are, in turn, contributing to these great causes. The firm has grown exponentially over the past six years, and plans include opening small branches in surrounding cities while maintaining that local-company feel. “When members of the community think of buying or refinancing,” Candice said, “we want to be the mortgage company that comes to mind.”

ck GA 30188 | 770-450-9717 | w w w.cmshomeloans.com

Capital Mortgage Solutions NMLS # 1407612 | Georgia Residential Licensee # 47419

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AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Around & About APRIL

Wednesdays at Northside Hospital 7 Wellness Cherokee is a virtual series, beginning at noon,

& Rock Fest returns to Etowah 15-16 Wing River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton, noon-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Details available at www.wingandrockfest.com.

CANTON FIRST FRIDAY

15 22

The Reinhardt University Wind Ensemble

will perform a concert that will be livestreamed on social media, beginning at 7 p.m. on the Falany Performing Arts Center Facebook page. For more information, call 770-720-5600. www.reinhardt.edu.

Fore the Children golf tournament will take place at the BridgeMill Athletic Club, with 8 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. shotgun start Proceeds benefit the Malon D. Mimms Boys golf. and Girls Club of Cherokee County. For more information and to register, visit www. bgcma.org/cherokeegolf.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

The Market at Menagerie will be open to the

community, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Menagerie on Main, 351 W. Main St., Canton, featuring music and art. www.menagerieonmain.com.

offering health information on a variety of topics; April 7, occupational therapy month, maintaining fine motor skills, with Bob Breingan, occupational and physical therapist; April 14, TBD; April 21, infertility awareness week, with Dr. Mike Hulse of North Georgia OB/GYN; April 28, world immunization week with Dr. Beatrix Ohienmhen of Northside Cherokee Pediatrics. Register through email at nswellness@northside.com or call 770-224-2424.

A skin cancer screening, open to the community, will be held 6-8 p.m. at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology Cherokee, 460 Northside Cherokee Blvd., Suite T10, Canton. Pre-registration is required. To schedule an appointment or for information about other upcoming cancer screenings, call 404-531-4444.

MAY

The monthly block party, sponsored by the Canton Main Street Program. 6-9 p.m. in downtown Canton. www.cantonhdl.com. On Facebook.

May 7: The Whiskey Holler, Todd and Marissa, 293 Band June 4: Rupert’s Orchestra July 2: GLOW Aug. 6: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute - On the Border Sept. 3: Trotline Oct. 1: Electric Avenue Oct. 29: Halloween/costume event featuring No Sweat. CANTON BUSINESS CLUB Meets weekly, 8-9 a.m. Wednesdays at Reformation Brewery, 125 Railroad St. Check Facebook for an optional Zoom link, and other club news and events.

FARMERS MARKETS Canton Farmers Market opens June 6 in Brown Park.

Continues weekly, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 16. Details available at www.cantonga.gov.

Farmers Market at River Church opens April 27,

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. On Facebook.

Woodstock’s Farm. Fresh. Market. opens April 17 for

the season on Market Street. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon. Saturdays through Dec. 18. Details available at www.visitwoodstockga.com.

LANTERN SERIES At the Elm Street Event Green in Woodstock; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Check for updates at www.elmstreetarts.org.

May 15: GinaChavez April 17: VoicePlay May 22: JigJam April 24: Little Texas May 1: Crystal Bowersox FRESH START CHEROKEE @ THE CIRCUIT 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600 www.circuitwoodstock.com/events.

1 Million Cups Cherokee (1MC) Cherokee

Held in person, and on Facebook Live. The free, biweekly coffee gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level. Visit www.1millioncups.com/Cherokee for more details.

Learning Community

Book study meets the second Thursday of the month at the Circuit, at 10:30 a.m.

WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. More details at www.woodstockconcertseries.com.

May 8: Christopher Cross June 12: Black Jacket Symphony will perform

Tom Petty’s “Damn the Torpedoes” July 9: The Ultimate Queen Celebration with Marc Martel Aug. 14: Steep Canyon Rangers Sept. 18: Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band AROUND CANTON | April 2021

School News

Pictured, from left: Holly Springs STEM Academy Café Manager Malynda Wehunt, Cameron Womack and school district Nutrition Director Tina Farmer.

Student Advances to State Art Contest Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy fifthgrader Cameron Womack has won the Cherokee County and District 7 levels of competition in the Georgia School Nutrition Association’s annual art contest. She now advances to the state-level competition. The theme of this year’s art contest is School Nutrition Legacy. The local level of the competition was sponsored by the Cherokee County Nutrition Advisory Council.

Top Three in National Humanities Bee Creekland Middle School seventh-grader Abigail Moore won third place at the National Humanities Bee competition, which was held virtually this school year. The academic bowlstyle event tests middle and elementary school students’ knowledge in literature, art history and technique, music history and theory, dance, film, religion, mythology and philosophy. Moore qualified twice for the national competition by finishing first and third in two consecutive tournaments. She is known as an outstanding student, who excels in all of her classes and has expanded her humanities knowledge through English and social studies classes, as well as through electives in French and art - and plenty of reading. Abigail Moore 40

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Time to Start Thinking About Kindergarten BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

(http://bit.ly/CCSDresources1) completed. These webpages not Trigger warning: Parents of little ones, you may want to get a only outline skills that will be covered, but also how parents can tissue. It’s time to talk about kindergarten. help prepare their children with links to online resources and Registration for Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) printables, such as flashcards and handwriting templates. outstanding kindergarten program is underway, as we prepare to As a parent of four children in CCSD welcome the Class of 2034 in August! elementary schools, I know deciding when and While the thought of your little one getting on where to enroll can be difficult. We enrolled all a bus for a full day of school may make your eyes of our children, who all have second semester water, know that they will come home filled with birthdays, in CCSD kindergarten on time at age joy from learning and making new friendships. 5. We felt they were well prepared by CCSD’s CCSD’s kindergarten program balances Pre-K program, which we strongly recommend important early academic steps such as learning (learn more at https://bit.ly/CCSDPreK). to read and write sight words, and count The first decision was the hardest, as our numbers, with the art, music, movement and fun oldest has special needs, but there truly is no that have always been a part of the experience. better place for a special-needs child to be Kindergarten is for children who are turning 5 served than in a CCSD school. Our schools on or before Sept. 1. Exceptions for children who have the trained teachers, paraprofessionals, will turn 6 on or before Sept. 1 are considered therapists and nurses, as well as the instructional on a case by case basis after an assessment, and resources, equipment and technology, to provide a meeting between parents and school staff to Barbara Jacoby’s son, J. Henry, them with the highest quality special education make the best placement decision together. during a Thanksgiving play at possible — and the opportunity to learn The first step in the registration process is R.M. Moore Elementary School alongside typical peers in regular education completing the online Registration Gateway STEM Academy. classes. Through the mutually beneficial form at https://registration.cherokeek12.net. inclusion practices of CCSD, special-needs children benefit It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to enter information, such as from the role modeling of their typical peers, and those peers emergency contacts. Once you complete the online process, learn valuable lessons in empathy and kindness. call your child’s school to set up a follow-up appointment, And that benefit should make all of us need a tissue. at which you will need to present required documents (birth certificate, proof of residency, etc.). A list of those documents, as well as a helpful guidebook and a “day in the life of a kindergartener” video, are at http://bit.ly/CCSDkindergarten. Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for Our Office of Curriculum & Instruction is creating resource the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with webpages for parents to learn more about each grade, with pages four children. for kindergarten (http://bit.ly/CCSDresourcesK) and first grade

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Understanding the Ringing in Your Ears BY DR. MARY SWANTEK

Tinnitus is a common problem in the United States, with approximately 25 million Americans, or 10% of the adult population, experiencing this phenomenon. Generally pronounced in the medical field as TIN-uh-tis, the word also is referred to in lay terms as tin-NIGH-tus. This term refers to the perception of sound in the absence of external noise (Moller, 2011)1. Tinnitus is derived from the Latin word tinnere, or to ring. However, the sound perceived may instead be a clicking, hissing or buzzing. Some cases of tinnitus may involve multiple sounds, hearing music or voices. Patients report varying degrees of tinnitus, ranging from nonbothersome tinnitus, mainly occurring at night, to symptoms that hinder their ability to function each day. The main reason patients experience tinnitus typically is related to the ear, with the most common cause being hearing loss (Baguley, David, Don McFerran and Deborah Hall, 2013)2. Permanent hearing loss, often caused by aging, noise exposure, and/or genetic components, causes damage to the cells inside the inner ear. Other frequent causes of tinnitus include excessive ear wax, heightened stress, medications or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). When you experience tinnitus, the first step is to rule out hearing loss. Almost 80% of tinnitus cases are related to hearing loss. It is imperative to see an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation, preferably one who specializes in tinnitus management.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Also, it may be recommended that you see an otolaryngologist, to rule out possible medical problems related to tinnitus. Contrary to popular belief, there are many different treatment options to aid in the management of tinnitus. However, there is not a scientifically validated cure. Treatment options may consist of hearing aids, sound therapy, lifestyle changes or cognitive behavioral therapy. The American Tinnitus Association recommends treatment plans involving masking the tinnitus with a pleasant sound that retrains the brain to disregard tinnitus. Masking may consist of programs integrated into a hearing aid, a sound generator, or apps that are available on smartphones. Dietary changes, such as limiting salt, caffeine or alcohol, may help. Stress management, through yoga or exercise, also has shown benefits. Protecting your hearing is equally as important in the treatment of tinnitus, by using hearing protection while around loud sounds. 1. Møller, Aage R. “Epidemiology of tinnitus in adults.” Textbook of tinnitus. Springer, New York, NY, 2011. 29-37. 2. Baguley, David, Don McFerran, and Deborah Hall. “Tinnitus.” The Lancet 382.9904 (2013): 1600-1607. Dr. Mary Swantek joined North Georgia Audiology in 2019. She earned her doctorate degree from the University of Florida and her bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University.

Two Pairs of Twins Doubles the Fun BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

Being told you are expecting twins can be quite shocking for most couples, but hearing it again four years later is an even bigger shock. That’s exactly what happened to Bethany and her husband Zach. With no family history of twins, and no infertility treatments, the thought of having twins never crossed their minds. But, having twins is not as uncommon as you might think. It is estimated that 1 in 250 natural pregnancies will result in twins. And, if you have had twins once, you are much more likely to have them again. If your first set of twins were fraternal, then your chances of having another set of fraternal twins is multiplied by four! Some of the factors that increase the odds of having twins are: • A family history of twins. • Having a body mass index greater than 30. • Being taller than 5 feet 5 inches. • Getting pregnant while you are still breastfeeding. • Being older than 35. Twins, on average, are born sooner and smaller than a single birth. A single pregnancy is considered full term at 40 weeks, but, for twins, it is considered 38 weeks. Premature birth — delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy — is the most common complication when you are pregnant with multiples. According to the March of Dimes, about 60% of twins are born early. In Bethany’s case, she delivered both sets of twins right around 37 weeks, and all four weighed more than 6 pounds. Identical twins are always two babies of the same sex; fraternal twins can be a boy and a girl, two boys, or two girls. Bethany first gave birth to a boy and a girl, the most common fraternal twins. Then, two boys, the least common fraternal twins. Having two sets of twins can be lots of fun, but it also is a lot of work. Bethany’s advice to help other twin moms: “Put your pride aside and ask for help. It’s OK to admit you can’t do it all.” Though there was no family history of twins in Bethany or Zach’s family, about 3½ years after they had the first set of twins, Bethany’s brother and his wife also had twins. These days, when asked if twins run in the family, Bethany replies, “I guess they do now.”

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AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Rob’s Rescues This cat’s name is Pebbles, and is at Cobb County Animal Services. She is 10 months old. She was a stray and is very sweet. She doesn’t mind being picked up and likes to be petted. Cobb County Animal Shelter doesn’t have a huge amount of cats at the moment, but that always changes.

Linda Hunt, Rob and Act2Pups intern Alex Barnett with dogs Queenie and Chelsea.

Act2Pups

This month’s interview is with Linda Hunt, founder of Act2Pups Senior Dog Rescue.

Where do you get your dogs from? How long have you been doing this?

Around 80% come from Cobb County Animal Services, and I also get requests from other rescue organizations who get senior dogs in. I’ve been in rescue since 2010 and started Act2Pups in 2013.

Why did you start doing this?

There was a need. A lot of the time I get old dogs in that have outlived their owners. The owner passes away and I step in. And a lot of the time, dogs get old and owners surrender them, which is really terrible.

What is the oldest dog you have ever found a home for? A 17-year-old. He lived about seven months. He was mostly blind, mostly deaf and had terrible teeth (this is a big problem with senior dogs). Poppy was his name. He was part of a bonded pair. Bonded pairs should always be taken together from a shelter.

What is the average age of dogs that you help? The average is 8 to 12 years old. We take younger, but only if they are in horrible condition.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

What are the best things about adopting old dogs?

This dog is Rick. She is an Act2Pups dog looking for a home. She is a little Chihuahua who is 6 years old. She spent three weeks abandoned in an apartment with no food or water, but she is fine now. She is just 5 pounds and will be a great dog to have.

In most cases, they are already used to living in a home. They are housetrained, have manners, and know what it is like to live happily in a home with people.

What should people know about adopting older dogs?

They are often more expensive. At Act2Pups, we do blood work and dentals. We get in dogs with tumors. Sometimes limbs have to be amputated. The dogs we take in are usually health-challenged.

Rob with Pebbles.

What is a story you like to tell? Older dogs can be so loving. Even having an old dog for a few months can be wonderful. We also take in hospice dogs that may only have a few days, but they are loved and feel loved for their remaining time.

How can the community help Act2Pups?

We always need donations for medical expenses. That’s where 95% of our donations go. We do rigorous background checks and trial adoptions. We make very sure the dog is going to a good home.

Rob and Rick the Chihuahua. Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. www.robsrescues.com. On Facebook @robsrescues.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Allatoona Lake Opening for the Season! BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

Allatoona Lake is one of the busiest Army Corps of Engineers Lakes in the nation, with an estimated 6.7 million visitors every year. The Corps manages numerous boat ramps and dayuse areas situated around the lake, and our convenient campgrounds offer great opportunities for a full outdoor experience close to your own backyard!

Campgrounds

The Army Corps of Engineers manages seven Class A campgrounds on Allatoona Lake. Sweetwater Campground in Canton, McKaskey Campground in Cartersville, Payne Campground in Acworth and Victoria Campground in Woodstock all officially opened for the season on March 19. Two other campgrounds, Old Highway 41 No. 3 in Acworth and Upper Stamp Creek in White, are projected to open May 14. The big question on everyone’s mind is, when will McKinney Campground open? McKinney, located in the Acworth area, has been closed since early 2020. The campground is receiving an upgrade and is being converted from septic to county sewer. The estimate from the Bartow County contractor is that work will be completed sometime this spring. Once reopened, McKinney will be open year-round and is considered one of the busiest Corps campgrounds in the nation. All campsites will continue to be 100% reservable at every campground managed by the Corps on Allatoona. Campsite pricing will stay the same and is based on the location and the amenities on the campsite. Please remember to bring your debit or credit card, as all Corps campgrounds went cashless in 2019. Campsite reservations can be made by calling (toll-free) 1-877-4446777, or visiting www.Recreation.gov, which links to various recreational sites around the nation. 46

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Blockhouse Ramp.

Day Use Areas

The Corps also offers a wide variety of day-use areas that we manage on the lake. There are 10 separate ramps, five beaches, seven shelters, four picnic areas, five trails and a disc golf course. Many of the areas are a combination ramp/beach/shelter area. The day use areas have different opening dates, starting in February with all areas open by May 7. The Etowah Disc Golf Course at Riverside Park in Cartersville has become one of the most popular courses in Georgia. It recently was featured in a national disc golf calendar and high-profile Facebook posts that garnered national attention depicting holes-in-one on the unique course. Automated fee machines at most areas will be up and running again this year after recreation fees were suspended last year due to the pandemic.

Passes

The Army Corps of Engineers sells and issues most of the federal America the Beautiful Passes from the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office. Passes give free admittance to Corps-managed

day-use areas and ramps. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders also receive 50% off on camping. All other pass holders will be charged full price for camping. The Every Kid in a Park pass program is now called the Every Kid Outdoors program. This is a federal initiative that started five years ago to educate children on the importance of the great outdoors, and to introduce them to our great federal areas. All current fourth-graders can receive a free annual pass that covers day-use entrance fees for the entire family at all federal lands and waters for a full year. This year, fifth-graders also are eligible for the pass, after missing much of last year due to the pandemic.

For questions concerning Allatoona Lake or the recreation program, contact the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700, http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/ CivilWorks/Recreation/AllatoonaLake. aspx, or visit our Facebook page. Christopher Purvis is lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.

Always File a Float Plan Before Boating BY GREG FONZENO

Whether your boating preference is for sail, power or paddle, at some point you could find yourself in trouble and needing rescue. If that time comes, will someone know where to look for you? Does anyone know where you went, or where your favorite fishing spot is? Is there anyone who knows you are overdue or possibly in trouble? You can’t be rescued unless someone knows to search for you. The search part is the most difficult, when it comes to search and rescue. If you can’t be found, rescue won’t happen. So, how do you help with the search, so the rescue can be easier? You prepare a float plan prior to departure. A float plan includes a description of your boat, where you are going, and what time you should be back. Leave this plan with someone in case you don’t return on time. It indicates to searchers what to look for and where to look. Plans don’t need to be overly complicated, but should include some key components. • Description of your boat, type, length, color, with its registration number and name. • A description of your car, its tag number and at what marina or launch ramp it’s parked. • Number of people on board. • Your departure point. • Time you are leaving. • Where you are going. • Your route. • When you expect to return and where. • If you have a marine radio. • Your cell phone number. • Your contact on shore and phone number. • What to do if you don’t return as scheduled.

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Leave the float plan with a friend or family member, who you trust to take action once you’re overdue. Your float plan tells the rescuer just where to look. You can print a short float plan with the above information, either pre-entered or completed just prior to the trip. If this still seems like too much, just tell someone where you are leaving from, and when you will be returning, and what to do if you are overdue. You can find sample float plans online, or use the Coast Guard app, which has a float plan option that allows you to enter your information, and send it to a family member or friend. No matter how you file your float plan, doing so will help others help you. Remember to let the person with your float plan know when you get home.

Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and vice commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Opportunities for Adults With Disabilities BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

While employers struggle to find qualified talent, nearly 80 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed, and nearly one in four lives in poverty, according to statistics from the Department of Labor. The Georgia Bridge Academy (GBA) works to solve these problems, and bring hope and confidence to that population by focusing on job training. A partnership between the North Georgia Autism Foundation, Three Talents and Genesis Elevator Co. was formed to create the academy. The GBA is an innovative post-secondary training program in which students with disabilities, ages 18-38, from North Georgia and surrounding areas can earn industry-recognized Cisco skills and certifications in network security. Classes are scheduled to begin June 7 at the Kennesaw (Georgia Elevator Co.) and Blue Ridge (North Georgia Autism Foundation) locations. “We are passionate advocates for people with disabilities who are committed to transforming lives through employment,” said Patrick Romzek, founder and CEO of Three Talents and parent of a special-needs child. “We see the profound impact people with disabilities contribute to culture, brand, business and workforce, and the transformative impact it has on their lives.” Three Talents launched a hiring program for people with disabilities at a global information technology company. They found the people they hired worked harder, had lower error rates, lower turnover and higher productivity than their typical worker. To increase the talent pool, they started training candidates for specific entry level IT roles, which led to the development of the academy program currently being used worldwide. “By providing free training for Cisco certification for network security, we hope to level the playing field for access to a meaningful career and economic empowerment for people with disabilities in Georgia,” said Peg Nicholls, board member of North Georgia Autism Foundation and senior sales director at Cisco. “The Bridge Academy has enrolled over 200 students worldwide, tuition-free, and has a 96% graduation rate. Of those who graduated, 92% are employed. We expect that number to double in 2021. In addition to the academy here in Georgia, launches are planned in Florida, 48

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Detroit, Bangalore and Nairobi,” Nicholls said. Jay Arntzen, president of Genesis Elevator, is excited about the first GBA classroom training session at his Kennesaw office. “I believe employment provides everyone a pathway to reach their full potential,” Arntzen said. With training sessions on the calendar, the search is on for qualified students. To apply, visit ngafinc.org and complete the GBA interest form under the programs tab. Here are a few important details about the program: • Eligible students receive free full tuition, fees and equipment lending. • Nine months of classroom training in the Genesis Elevator classroom in Kennesaw. • A three-month internship is available. • Classes are 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. • Learning format includes online, in-person, or a combination. “This is the beginning of the beginning here in Georgia,” said Tripp Ritchie, executive director of North Georgia Autism Foundation, which was formed to help fill the significant gaps in autism spectrum disorder services, with a focus on early detection. The mission has expanded to support individuals with disabilities from birth through life. “At the GBA we strive to seamlessly match ability, education and opportunity to change many lives,” he said. The greatest need for the launch is funding for the student scholarships and internships within companies in IT fields. Approved students will receive a full scholarship, at the cost of approximately $15,000 per student. One graduate, Nigel Floris, beamed when he shared, “Now, I not only have a job, but a career.” Companies interested in participating should contact Tripp Ritchie at 706-946-0499 or Tripp.ritchie@ngafinc. org. To learn more or donate tuition funds, visit North Georgia Autism Foundation at ngafinc.org.

Susan Schulz is a wife, mom, writer and mentor who lives and plays along the Etowah River in Canton. She loves serving at Woodstock City Church. Connect with her at www.susanbrowningschulz.com.

2020

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Lantern Series Nights Etched into Memory BY ANN LITREL

“The Lantern Series has been a surprise to me,” says Lane Wilson. “Bluegrass and Americana are my favorite genres – but I’ve enjoyed the diversity of the Lantern [Series] music in a huge way. That was a surprise.” Lane is a season subscriber to Elm Street’s Lantern Series, an outdoor concert series that brings worldrenowned artists to the heart of Woodstock. I spoke with several season patrons to find out why these concerts are such a community favorite. In a town where live music sounds from every bar and street corner on a weekend summer night, what makes the Lantern Series special? “One really special quality is the Event Green being small and cozy,“ Lane added. “It just has a different feel from any other outdoor concert. It’s intimate. We’ve used our table as a way to bring many old friends back together, sometimes even people we haven’t seen in twenty years. It’s a special place.” “These concerts are a BIG thing on the company calendar,” commented another patron, Katie Caldwell. “With our company subscription, everybody looks forward to the concerts, and the table is full every concert. It’s a chance to slow down, have dinner and drinks, relax together… What I personally love is the feeling I get of being connected to the community – to see all the faces, everyone coming together for the same purpose ... to enjoy the music and the arts experience.” I think back to my own favorite Lantern Series memory: the magical August night in 2019 when The Lone Bellow came to Woodstock. The artist, Zach Williams, is a Georgia native – a local boy, now famous, returning to his hometown. The crowd was joyous. The waves of applause and love from the audience washed over the Green again and again, as Zach returned their gratitude with a passionate and almost missionary performance. After intermission, the sunset beauty of the venue began to dazzle, as though to honor the heartbreaking beauty of the music. We listened as the sun sank slowly behind the stage, the sky glowing rose-gold between the shadows of the old trees ringing the stage. A trio of little girls in flowered dresses, among them Zach’s daughters, waved glow sticks and danced around the base of the stage, little figures flickering in the twilight. A Lantern Series night among so many, etched into the memory of our community.

Ann Litrel is a co-founder of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. She is a visual artist and serves on Elm Street’s Board of Directors.

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

Classic Country | Lantern Series

LITTLE TEXAS

APR 24, 2021 TABLES SEATING UP TO 6 & 8

PLUS INDIVIDUAL SEATS AVAILABLE!

Crystal Bowersox

Gina Chavez

Indie Folk | Lantern Series

Latin-Folk | Lantern Series

MAY 1, 2021

MAY 15, 2021

SUMMER CAMPS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND CANTON | April 2021

@ the Library Sequoyah Regional Library System www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491

April 26

Paint-A-Pot. 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Get ready for spring and summer planting. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered. To register for this event, contact the Rose Creek Public Library.

Celebrating National Library Week with Fine Forgiveness Program.

Sequoyah Regional Library System is offering a fine forgiveness program in honor of National Library Week (April 4-10). During this week only, visit any Sequoyah library to be forgiven up to $15 in overdue fines per library card. To participate, visit or contact your local Sequoyah library April 4-10, tell a staff member you wish to take advantage of fine forgiveness, and they’ll waive up to $15 from your account. Some fees may be excluded. For more information and a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/fine-forgive.

Explore Your Local Trails While Reading

Read a book and enjoy Woodstock’s trails with Trail Story. As you walk through Hobgood Park and Towne Lake Pass Trail this month, look for signs with storybook pages and discussion questions. Enjoy a book and the trail at your own pace, anytime, as many times as you like, all month long. Trail Story is a collaboration between Sequoyah Regional Library System, Cherokee Recreation and Parks, and Woodstock Parks and Recreation.

Pick Up Library Crafts

WOODSTOCK 7735 Main St., Woodstock, 770-926-5859

April 20

Super Chicken Storytime. 11:30 a.m. Spring has sprung,

and it’s the perfect time for a patio storytime! Join us for an outdoor, socially distanced storytime all about chickens. To register for this event, contact the Woodstock Public Library.

R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, 770-479-3090

April 15

Among Us. 4 p.m. Join in and play the fun sci-fi deduction murder mystery game, Among Us! This program is open to teens and adults. To register for this event, contact the R.T. Jones Memorial Library.

HICKORY FLAT 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565

April 14

American Red Cross Community Blood Drive.

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Giving one pint of blood may save three lives! Appointments are available. Visit redcrossblood. org and enter code: Hickorylib, or call 1-800-Red-Cross. For ages 18 and older.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

All Sequoyah Regional Library System locations are offering make-and-take crafts during April, while supplies last. Pick up materials to create a superhero mask, Play-Doh Infinity Stones, crafts, poetry journals and much more. View the full pickup schedule at calendarwiz.com/sequoyahreglib.

Suit Up for Super Sequoyah-Con!

Sequoyah Regional Library System presents a month-long celebration of fandom featuring superheroes, gaming, cosplay, take-home crafts and virtual programs; all free. First hosted in 2016, Sequoyah-Con invites families to join the fun in 2021 by participating in online events on the library’s Facebook and YouTube pages. View the full schedule of events at calendarwiz.com/ sequoyahreglib.

Upcoming Events for Local Entrepreneurs

In April, Sequoyah Regional Library System is providing a series of virtual events in partnership with Grow with Google to support local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and veterans seeking employment. Attendees will be able to learn from local entrepreneurs, explore career services offered by the Georgia VECTR Center, and discover how free library resources can help your business succeed. To register for these events, visit calendarwiz.com/sequoyahreglib.

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

Advertisers

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April 2021

ACCOUNTING & TAX

ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION

Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com

Treasure Tax 678-888-4829 www.treasuretax.com

ATTORNEYS Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com

AUDIOLOGY At Home Hearing Dr. Jan Henriques, 770-325-3763

AUTOMOTIVE BridgeMill Auto Care Canton location: 770-720-0765 East Cobb location: 770-641-9906

CREDIT UNION Credit Union of Georgia www.cuofga.org

DENTAL BridgeMill Dentistry 770-704-1812 www.bridgemilldentistry.com Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

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EDUCATION/TRAINING Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu

CampSplash Summer Camp 770-591-1998 www.goldswim.com

St. Joseph Catholic School 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org

AROUND CANTON | April 2021

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

Fore the Children Golf Tournament www.bgcma.org/cherokeegolf

Kentucky Derby Day 770-345-3208 www.historycherokee.org

Pork & Torque www.pamahfoundation.org S3 Volleyball www.s3volleyball.com

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Wing & Rock Fest www.wingandrockfest.com

Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.CitadelWealthCare.com Edward Jones, Sarah Kendall 770-720-6245 www.edwardjones.com/sarah-kendall The Piedmont Group Paul Kill, 770-757-3313 www.thepiedmontgroups.com

ckb Kitchens Bath and More 770-485-0911 www.ckbpros.com

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

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

Scrappy’s Junk Removal 678-330-9282 www.scrappysjunkremoval.com Sundance Pressure and Seal O: 770-720-2303 C: 404-771-0071 www.sundancepressureandseal.com

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Farmers Insurance Michael Thomas 678-880-9985

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HEALTH & WELLNESS JianKang Spa and Massage 770-779-9158 www.jiankangmassage.com

YogaSix BridgeMill 770-274-6372 www.yogasix.com/bridgemill

Your CBD Store Canton 770-704-0550 www.cantonga.cbdrx4u.com

Joyful Day Photography 678-947-1200 www.joyfuldayphoto.com

LuxRe Photography 470-437-9339 www.luxrephoto.net

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

HOME & GARDEN Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

FUNERAL HOMES Darby Funeral Home 770-479-2193 www.darbyfuneralhome.com

City Painting and Construction 770-462-9077 www.citypaintingandconstruction.com

PebbleStone 11 678-708-7894 www.pebblestonepros.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BEAUTY SALON & SPA Salon La Faye 678-880-0113 www.salonlafaye.com

Downtown Canton First Friday Concerts www.cantonga.gov

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

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 42 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Prestige Medical Group 706-692-9768 www.prestigemedicalgroup.org

TwelveStone Health Partners Cover, 28-29 844-893-0012 www.12stonehealth.com/infusion-center/ canton REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Capital Mortgage Solutions 770-450-9717 www.cmshomeloans.com Century 21 Celina Meador C: 361-463-6170 O: 770-640-6800

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RESTAURANTS/FOOD SERVICES

7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant 3 www.7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com My Home My Chef 508-353-7356 www.myhomemychef.com

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EXP Realty, Jason Fleeman Inside front C: 404-643-7417 O: 888-959-9461 www.atlantatennisrealtor.com www.jasonfleeman.exprealty.com Homeowners Financial Group The Dean Team 3 470-863-7070 www.homeownersfg.com/location/canton REMAX Town & Country, Charmon Young 9 404-538-5734 www.charmonyoung.com

Clayton Homestead Feed & Seed 770-479-4411 www.claytonhomestead.us Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net Crawford Collections 706-946-0772 www.crawfordcollections.com Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com The Avenue Boutique 770-213-3977

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Wild Birds Unlimited 770-928-3014 www.mywbu.com/woodstock

SENIOR LIVING/SENIOR SERVICES Life Balance Personal Care Home 13 C: 706-224-2125 O: 678-426-8187 www.lifebalancepersonalcarehome.com Manor Lake BridgeMill 678-990-5055 www.manorlakebr.com

The Lodge at BridgeMill 470-863-2690 www.bridgemillseniors.com

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

Next Step Ministries www.nextstepministries.net

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Real Estate Photos & Video Tours / Drone / Headshots / 24 hr. turnaround / Blue Sky Guarantee 470·437·9339 / www.luxrephoto.net AROUND CANTON | April 2021

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. At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines,

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