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TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Contents
Contributors
April 2021
30 Judy Abbott 52 Don Akridge 28 Stacy Brown
Canton Termite & Pest Control
42 Charlice Byrd 38 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency
On the Cover
60 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists
Owners Tim and Robin McWhirter say regular treatments are so important in making sure this destructive pest doesn’t invade our homes.
67 Greg Fonzeno
76 Barbara P. Jacoby 22 Harry Johnston
Pages 44 & 45
Cover photo by J. King Images
56, 73 Ann Litrel
70 Rob Macmillan
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Inspiring Women
Part two of our interviews with women who inspire others, like Cindy Nelson, in honor of Women’s History Month.
26
Celebrate Spring
Woodstock officials introduce a new lineup of activities that maximize time spent outdoors.
32 Deidre Parker
48 Denson Pepper
66 Christopher Purvis 34 Susan Schulz
51 Sonny Sellers
40 Dr. Mary Swantek
32 Ursula & Associates 14 Ashley Velez
In Every Issue
4 Around Towne 8 Local News
18 Noteworthy
20 Celebrations
23 County Commission Highlights
54 Towne Lake Dining Guide 58 Everyday Angels
62 Community Calendar 64 Library Events 68 Lake Map
70 Rob’s Rescues
72 Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide 74 School News
78 Recent Home Sales
38
79 Greenprints Trail Map
From Spring to Summer
If you’re thinking about enrolling your children in camp, consider the advice from these experts.
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TOWNELAKER | April 2021
80 Cherokee Photography Club 82 Community of Faith
84 Clubs & Organizations
86 Directory of Advertisers
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Around Towne 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 over 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! A year of virtual church and meeting outdoors under a tent, has been enough. We’re planning our first in-person service that will take place a year to the day that we shut down for the pandemic. I am afraid our members will forget that they shouldn’t hug each other; we have a very loving and huggy congregation. Maybe I’ll bring my little water gun and squirt them if they get too friendly. It works on the cats when they try to scratch the furniture. Ebenezerites reading this, consider yourselves warned! 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.
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.
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TOWNELAKER | April 2021
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock
285 Ridgewalk Parkway Suite 104, Woodstock 404-383-0357 www.nothingbundtcakes.com
What’s New
The Plaid Picnic Company is open, serving Woodstock, the Atlanta metro area and North Georgia, offering luxe, styled pop-up picnics. For more information, contact Ella Blake at plaidpicniccompany@gmail.com and on social media @theplaidpicniccompany. Rossi’s Gluten Free Market at 8265 Highway 92 in Woodstock is a grocery store stocked with only gluten free products, as well as dairy free and vegan options. 770-779-7142. www.rossisgfmarket.com.
What’s Coming
Your Pie Woodstock will open at 285 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite 100, offering brick oven pizza, pasta, paninis and fresh chopped salads, along with local craft beers and wine. Targeted opening date is early April. Check Facebook for updates. Eden Woodstock is coming to 470 Chamber St., and will offer juices, smoothies and bowls, as well as soups and salads. Follow the progress on Facebook. www.edenwoodstock.com.
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com
Around Acworth | Around Canton Around Woodstock | TowneLaker
Our Mission
Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.
Results With Us “Working with the TowneLaker magazine has been an excellent experience for our business. Their staff is extremely professional, and the quality of their work is top-tier. We received a substantial amount of new business as a result of being on the front cover of the magazine. I wholeheartedly recommend the TowneLaker's platform as an opportunity for businesses small and large to build your local reputation and to get the attention of new and existing customers!” — Tim McWhirter, Canton Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Managing Editor Katie Beall 770-852-8481 Katie@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt Kat@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
Community Board Kurt Johnson, Ann Litrel, Scott Coleman, Bettie Sleeth, Lynne Saunders
Advertise With Us
Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Get Social With Us!
TowneLakerMagazine @Townelaker townelakermagazine
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www.townelaker.com TOWNELAKER | April 2021
TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,620 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 780 are placed in racks in the community. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021. TowneLaker 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 Volume 25, Issue 12
America’s Community Magazine
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Local News
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. 8
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
MUST Welcomes New Board Members MUST Ministries has added five members to its board of directors. MUST has served Cherokee, Cobb and surrounding counties for 50 years, and particularly has been active during the pandemic, serving more clients in every area of service. MUST typically serves 33,000 people in a year, but, since March 2020, it has fed almost 173,000 people 2 million pounds of food. “As we look back at the last 50 years and particularly 2020, a great part of the success and significance that MUST Ministries has experienced is due to an amazing group of board members,” said MUST President and CEO Ike Reighard. • Angelo Brown is the CEO of Shepherding Leaders and a business professor at Chattahoochee Technical College. He also is on the boards of Center of Children and Young Adults, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Drawchange. • Ellen Hill is a Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. She also serves on the board for the Marietta Visitors Bureau. Hill volunteers with the Junior League of Cobb Marietta and is a Leadership Cobb alumna. • Milton Overton is the director of athletics at Kennesaw State University. He is a member of the Cobb Chamber, and Acworth and Kennesaw business associations. • Ellen Pugh has been on the board of Cobb Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has volunteered at Calvary Children’s Home, Safepath, American Cancer Society, Mount Paran Christian School and MUST Ministries. She serves in the children’s ministry, Vacation Bible School and teen ministries of Burnt Hickory Baptist Church. • Dan Styf is president of DS Healthcare Strategies and a former MUST Ministries board member and chairman of the board of directors. During his time with MUST, Styf helped establish a 5-year strategic plan that was the cornerstone of Build Hope a Home, the new homeless shelter that will open in 2021.
Angelo Brown
Elen Hill
Milton Overton
Ellen Pugh
Dan Styf
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Local News
Lions Club and St. Michael volunteers work together to meet the needs of the food insecure.
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. 10
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
Texas Transplant a New Hire at Elm Street Elm Street Cultural Arts Village has hired an events and volunteer coordinator, Camille Whitlow. The position focuses heavily on volunteer efforts for the nonprofit arts organization, as well as the variety of events offered throughout the year. “Camille has an immense amount of experience in both the arts, large events, and volunteer support,” Executive Director Christopher Brazelton said. “As the organization grows, Camille is going to bring a wealth of knowledge to help our volunteers in that growth, and welcome more people to our volunteer community. It is fun to see some of her ideas already come to fruition!” Whitlow moved recently from Texas, where she received her masters degree in nonprofit management and worked on staff with the National MS Society and the American Heart Association. At both organizations, her primary role was helping volunteers and programs manage some of the biggest events those organizations produce nationwide. “I choose to work with volunteers, because I believe they are the greatest humans on the planet, and I work in the arts, because our existence would be meaningless without them,” Whitlow said. “I’m so glad I can now combine my passion for both of these things into my work.” Those interested in volunteering with Elm Street can learn more and sign up to receive additional information at the following link: https://elmstreetarts.org/ get-involved.
Camille Whitlow
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MARIETTA COUNTRY CLUB 1400 Marietta Country Club Dr. Kennesaw, GA TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Local News Chatt Tech Recognized as Military Friendly For the fourth consecutive year, Chattahoochee Technical College has been designated as one of the nation’s top military friendly schools by Victory Media, a national leader in connecting the military community to educational and career opportunities. Chattahoochee Tech received a 2021-2022 silver-level military friendly ranking, exceeding the standards for all areas in which the college was evaluated. Areas of assessment included: military student support and retention; financial aid and assistance; culture and commitment; and graduation and career success. “Given the new and certainly different challenges brought by the pandemic, I am thrilled to know that we are still able to provide services to meet the needs of our students who are either veterans or military family members,” Veteran Services Coordinator Barry Munday said. He said enrollment numbers have remained strong during the pandemic for students who are veterans or veteran family members. Munday credited school staff for earning this title. Chattahoochee Tech employees, like Kay Paul, who is financial aid specialist/VA certifying official, have worked tirelessly to serve hundreds of veterans or military family members enrolled at the college. Paul spent many long hours to recertify benefits for hundreds of students who are veterans or military family members. For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 12
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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.
TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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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.
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TOWNELAKER | 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 16
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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.
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TOWNELAKER | 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! TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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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.
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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. TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
Email to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com May deadline is April 10. Please specify TowneLaker.
Michael F. Pratt, M.D.
Retired after 20 years of practicing in Cherokee County. Congratulations! Hope you enjoy your retirement. We will miss you, Trina Bonner, Blake Bonner and Jenny Chaban.
Colton Bruce, age 6 on April 3. Kensley Bruce, age 3 on April 12.
Enrique Torres Jr.
Age 18 on April 1. Happy 18th birthday, Enrique. We love you! Mom, Dad and Valerie.
Kathryn Flannery
Happy 12th birthday! We love you bunches! Love, Daddy, Mommy and Jessica. 20
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Reagan Potz
Happy birthday to you both. We love you and wish you a very special birthday! Love, Mom and Dad.
Age 8 on April 16. Happy birthday, sweet little shoogs! We love you so much! Dad, Mom and JJ.
Versailles
Happy 11th birthday, Versailles! We love you so much. Dad, Mom and Grandma.
Brieanne Reyes
Age 18 on April 14. Happy birthday to our amazing daughter. Can’t wait to see what adulthood holds for you. Love, Mommy, Daddy and Trent!
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. 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.
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.
Sponsored Content
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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
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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.
For the full minutes and a schedule of upcoming meetings, visit www.cherokeega.com/ BOC.
Board of Commissioners A public hearing related to amendments to the Bells Ferry Community Design District Regulating Plan drew a crowd from Bells Ferry Road-area residents on March 2. Residents of the Cherokee Estates neighborhood spoke about changes to the plan related to a possible development near their neighborhood. The board reviewed the plan during its 3 p.m. work session and made changes based on previous communication from area residents. Nearly a dozen residents spoke, sharing their thoughts on through traffic in their neighborhood, possible townhomes in a new development adjacent to their neighborhood and water runoff. The amendment affects Heritage at Towne Lake, Prescott at Wade Green, Buice Lake and Hunter Trail at Forest Drive. The amendment called for adjusting the regulating plan to designate as Neighborhood Edge to correct a mapping error at Eagle Drive at Brolley Woods Drive. A piece was previously identified as right of way instead of a parcel. See the full minutes on the county website for more details on changes made to the neighborhood designations. Additionally, the Board included additional language that reflects the concerns of the Cherokee Estates residents. The language includes adding a boundary line between Land Lot 1114 and 1115, allowing no townhomes to the west. “Part of this change is saying from that line to the east will be the possibility of townhomes. That is no different than what is allowed today. From that line to the west, no townhomes, only single-family detached residential will be allowed,” said District 4 Commissioner Corey Ragsdale. “The through-traffic access, connecting these proposed neighborhoods, that’s not happening. We discussed that at the work session, but we need to discuss making the connections for gated emergency access or not making the connection.” Following the discussion, the commissioners opted to have the developer deed land to the county for future emergency access. Ragsdale made the motion to approve the amendments with the additional language, which was seconded by District 2 Commissioner Richard Weatherby. The board voted 5-0.
Commissioners also:
• Appointed former District 2 Commissioner Raymond Gunnin to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Tax Assessors. • Approved a resolution in support of House Bill 599 to de-annex property located on Arnold Mill Road. • Approved the purchase of a pontoon boat for the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Rescue Dive Team for $81,953.38. The cost includes lights and radios for the boat. TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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New Program Provides Transportation for Veterans
A museum visitor examines one of the detailed exhibits.
Cherokee Nation Stories Brought to Life The Funk Heritage Center’s Buffington Gallery is home to the stories of Cherokee natives who lived in North Georgia during the early 19th century. The current exhibit, “Resistance and Resilience: the Cherokee Trail of Tears,” opened a little more than a year ago, when members of the Fourkiller family, Melanie Fourkiller and Paislee Raby, cut the ribbon during the center’s 20th anniversary celebration. The Fourkillers were the Cherokee family living nearest to what now is the Reinhardt University campus during the Cherokee removal in 1838 and were friends of the Reinhardt family, the university’s namesake. “This exhibit fills in an immense gap in the Native American story. Previous exhibits focused primarily on the Woodland and Mississippian Native Americans, who preceded the Cherokee. The new exhibit focuses squarely on the people and events leading up to the forced removal of 1838,” said Jeff Bishop, director of the Funk Heritage A play table holds Cherokee syllabary Center. wooden blocks and there is a scale “Twenty-four interpretive panels model of the reconstruction of the were developed, touching on everything original Cherokee Nation Court House. from early Cherokee history to the formation of the Cherokee Nation in Georgia. Topics also include traditional Cherokee lifeways, Sequoyah and the development of the Cherokee syllabary, early Cherokee communities and families living in or near Waleska, and Cherokee roads and commerce, along with the Cherokee struggle to remain in their Southeast homeland and the events leading up to the Trail of Tears.” www.reinhardt.edu/funkheritage. 24
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The Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program has finished a memorandum of understanding with the United Way 2-1-1 program to provide access to a new pilot Lyft program that will provide veterans with rideshare capability — up to $600 — to get to and from their jobs. “Transportation continues to be a large issue for our homeless veterans, as well as those veterans who are disabled, or veterans who do not have access to public transportation that would take them to and from their jobs,” said Jim Lindenmayer, director of Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program. The funded program from Lyft initially was announced in January to help veterans get into and remain in the job force. United Way 2-1-1 was one of the two organizations selected by Lyft to roll out this program. The original program in Georgia was focused on covering veterans in need from the eight counties centered around Atlanta, and ended last June. For more information, call 678-9837590 or email jlindenmayer80@gmail.com.
Chamber Announces Teen Leadership Class Members of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Teen Leadership Cherokee (TLC) class have been selected. Students are: Bethany Akinola, North Cobb Christian; Nandita Bipin, River Ridge; Ryan Britt,Sequoyah; Lilly Carter, Creekview; Eli Cook, Creekview; Miriam Cousin, Woodstock; Madison Hawthorne, Cherokee; Isaac Martin, Creekview; Jay McCord, River Ridge; Summer McCoy, Cherokee; Deesha Panchal, Etowah; Ila Prabhuram, Etowah; Haley Roberson, Cherokee; Andrew Solano, Cherokee; Clay Tucker, Sequoyah; Jack Tucker, Sequoyah, and Milan Yadav, Woodstock. The mission of TLC is to develop the knowledge and leadership skills of young people in Cherokee County, so they confidently can become our leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit www.CherokeeChamber.com.
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April 3
Essential Herb Gardening
10 am.-noon at the William G. Long Senior Center extension, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Join Cherokee County UGA Extension Agent Josh Fuder to learn how to grow and incorporate common and unique culinary herbs into the garden, deck and landscape. Registration required.
April 11
Discovering Disc Golf
in Woodstock
The Woodstock Parks and Recreation Agency has planned activities for area families to enjoy. For more information, contact Jamey Snyder at jsnyder@woodstockga.gov. Register for the following events at www.WoodstockParksandRec.com. Aroundabout Local Media would love to see photos from your outdoor excursions! Let us know how you’re spending time around Woodstock with your family. Send your favorite pictures to candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com to be considered for future photo features.
April
Visit the Towne Lake Pass Trail during April for Trailstory, which combines the healthy activities of walking and reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. Created by Sequoyah Regional Library System and Woodstock Parks and Recreation, TrailStory is a project aimed at giving elementary school aged children and their families a fun, active and socially safe way to enjoy reading and Woodstock’s trails. Along the trail from Woofstock Park toward Woodstock High School, 15 signs will feature pages from the book on one side, and interactive/QR code questions about the book on the other side. Children and their families can enjoy reading those pages and the trail at their own pace, anytime, as many times as they like throughout the month.
2-3:30 p.m. at Prodigy Par 2 Disc Golf Course in Dupree Park. Participants will learn a basic level of the sport of disc golf so they can walk away from the class and be able to play a fun round. Each session of Discovering Disc Golf will cover the basics and, in addition, April’s session will focus on the technique for tee shots and long drives. Equipment for the class is provided. In addition to learning what equipment is necessary, participants will learn stance, throwing and scoring. The official rules also will be discussed. Registration required.
April 17
Discovering Gold Panning, 1-3 p.m., at the William G. Long Senior Center extension, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Led by Woodstock resident Rob Kelly, a longtime recreational gold panner, and his team from Allatoona Gold Panners Association, this activity will be a historical and functional introduction to panning for gold. Participants will learn about the history of the Georgia Gold Rush, the geological origin and properties of gold, the gold mines of Georgia, and how to locate an authorized gold creek that may be in your backyard. Also discussed will be how to “read” a gold creek to spot potential pay streaks and, finally, the steps of panning the gravel for flakes of Georgia’s 23-karat, placer gold, some of the purist in the world. Participants will be panning in troughs salted with gold in order to practice the skills required for panning in authorized creeks in North Georgia. Registration required.
April 23
Discover Rucking
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6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Learn about rucking (walking with weight). Participants wear a weighted backpack (or better yet, a rucksack) and hike a course. Discovering Rucking is an introductory ruck led by an instructor in a Woodstock Park or on a Woodstock Trail to help participants learn the basics of rucking and its health and social benefits. With a goal of a 20-minute mile, the ruck will include a few light physical training components to get the sweat flowing. Your weighted rucksack (backpack) should be between 10 and 20 pounds. Weighted rucksacks are encouraged, but a limited number will be made available. Bringing your own reflective clothing and safety lights are encouraged as well. Registration required.
Other Activities Disc Golf
The Prodigy PAR2 Disc Golf Course is a full 18-hole short course located in Dupree Park. This course is perfect for practicing your short game or playing a round with the family.
Mountain Biking
The Taylor Randahl Memorial Mountain Bike Trail system consists of
three trails providing more than 14 miles of single track: Explorer (Intermediate), Avalanche (Intermediate) and The Mill Trails (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced). Avalanche opened in 2010, Explorer in 2011 and The Mill in 2015. Woodstock partners with Sorba Woodstock for the management and maintenance of this trail system. Information and current trail status are available at www.sorbawoodstock.org/olde-ropemill-park
Dupree Park is home to a series of mountain bike trails that are perfect for beginner biking and hiking. Come to the park to perfect your riding on one of several trails: Lions, Tigers and/or Bears, and learn new skills on Oh My! Participants in a past session of AMPED in the Park.
April 24
AMPED in the Park
Get ready to work out with the folks from Strongside, at 9 a.m. at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Part of a free, monthly fitness series presented by Woodstock Parks and Recreation. All workouts are fitness friendly (meaning you don’t have to be super fit to participate). Participants will adhere to social distancing guidelines and restrictions from the office of the governor and the CDC. Registration required.
April 24
Storytime Live! With Cinderella
Cinderella will be at the Park at City Center gazebo at 11 a.m. to read a story and pose for photos. Presented by the FoxTale Book Shoppe and Woodstock Parks and Recreation. Free admission and socially-distanced.
Fitness Station at Dupree Park
The Dupree Park outdoor fitness station is located adjacent to the walking path. This equipment utilizes body weight as resistance, providing a great, full-body workout. Please inspect each piece of equipment before use and contact the Woodstock Parks and Recreation office immediately if you find any issues. Remember to take two minutes of rest between exercises and stay hydrated.
Fishing
Olde Rope Mill Park has several opportunities to fish from the banks or docks along the Trestle Rock Trail.
Little River and Lake Allatoona are known to have bass, catfish, bream, crappie and other species. For a fishing forecast, search for Lake Allatoona at www.arcgis.com. Dupree Park has a pond that is stocked for fishing and includes a boardwalk and fishing pier to cast from.
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Events Reimagined In Downtown BY STACY BROWN
Staff members of Visit Woodstock GA, the city’s official destination marketing organization, have been brainstorming and planning a series of fun new events for 2021. The events are intended to help participants move through the city, enjoying Woodstock’s thriving business community, while remaining safe and distanced. Past events, such as Friday Night Live, will not take place this year, and will be replaced with less congested, more purposeful programming. Be sure to follow Visit Woodstock GA, Downtown Woodstock and the Woodstock Visitors Center at Historic Dean’s Store on social media, or go to visitwoodstockga.com to learn more about these events as details are released throughout the year.
Sip + Shop
Aug. 19, Back to School Nov. 18, Holiday Preview
This is a late evening ticketed shopping event, where participants receive specials and goodies offered by downtown retailers. The visitors center will help promote shopping and service establishments, and create a lively atmosphere, by booking sidewalk musicians. Food establishments will offer to-go or quick-service specials for participants, so they can keep moving and maximize their deals.
Saturday Afternoon Pub Crawls May 1, Cinco de Mayo July 3, Independence Day
These themed Saturday events will feature food and drink specials at downtown food establishments. Participants are encouraged to visit all of the participating restaurants.
Walking Tours
Dates to be determined
Free small-group tours, focused on a particular topic of interest (history, trail system, architecture/ development, ghost tour, etc.), will be hosted by the visitors center. Tours are under development, and will be announced on visitwoodstockga.com and Downtown Woodstock social media. Top, Funk Cake performed for pub crawlers earlier this year. Photo courtesy of Prime 120. Left, shoppers look for Christmas treasures during December’s Sip + Shop. 28
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n Woodstock
Taste of Woodstock Target date is Fall
This event, held on the Elm Street Event Green at Market Street, is being reimagined in a new way, to ensure social distancing measures.
Farm. Fresh. Market. Mid-April through December
Located on Market Street in downtown Woodstock, this year’s market will include occasional chef demos from local restaurants.
Oktoberfest Sept. 18-Oct. 3
Look for a multi-week celebration for Oktoberfest, occurring at the same time as the traditional celebration in Germany.
Stacy Brown is the marketing and communications manager for the city of Woodstock. She can be reached at 770-592-6056 or sbrown@woodstockga.gov.
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Growing Virtually
Helping Make Sense of Seed Packets BY MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEER JUDY ABBOTT
While I would like to tell you that I have read every seed packet before purchasing, that would be a big fib. More than once, I have purchased solely on the picture and sun exposure, which resulted in varying degrees of success. Besides the plants’ required growing conditions, there are some terms you may want to be familiar with prior to purchasing seed packets. GMO vs. Non-GMO. Fewer than 10 GMO (genetically modified organism) crops are grown in the U.S., and these are production crops such as soybeans, corn, sugar beets, canola and cotton. There are currently no GMO seeds available for purchase by home gardeners. So, don’t be confused if you see signs advertising nonGMO seeds; all home garden seeds are non-GMO. Hybrid seeds result from crosspollinating different varieties within the same species, to produce plants with a desirable trait, such as disease resistance. These seeds may be labeled as hybrid or F1. Open-pollinated seeds are produced through natural pollination, without interference from humans. These seeds will regrow the same plant each time. Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated varieties passed down through generations. Do not confuse open-pollinated with heirloom; not all open-pollinated seeds are heirloom. Organic seeds are grown following the standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, and the packet will be labelled “USDA ORGANIC.” These seeds are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. 30
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MGVOCC and the UGA Cooperative Extension Service present a web series focused on maintaining a healthy garden. The free horticultural education programs are available, via Zoom, the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. April 20 - Common Plant Diseases To register and receive Zoom access information, visit www.cobbmastergardeners.com.
Brandywine tomato seed packet information.
Treated seeds are coated with a substance, or have gone through a process to reduce, control or repel diseases or pests. These seeds are brightly colored, to indicate they have been treated and will be labeled as such on the packet. Dates. Look for seeds that were packed for the current season. The “packed on” and “sell by” dates will be printed or stamped on the envelope. Determinate vs. Indeterminate.
Tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, beans and peas are examples of plants that can be either determinate or indeterminate. Most determinate garden plants grow in a compact bush form that doesn’t require staking. Their crop ripens at the same time. In order to extend the harvest, you’ll have to use successive plantings. Indeterminate garden plants continue to grow, or climb as far as they want, which will require support/staking. These plants produce all season long, until the final frost.
Stratification and Scarification.
Stratification occurs naturally in winter, keeping seeds from germinating until the spring warmth starts. You can duplicate the process, using your refrigerator, by placing seeds in a plastic bag with either damp peat moss, damp potting soil or a damp paper towel for 30 days. Scarification means to break down the seed coat to encourage germination. This can be done by soaking the seed, or nicking the seed coat with a knife, or sandpaper, so the seed will absorb water and start the sprouting process.
Start seeds inside. You will need to do a little math. The Brandywine tomato packet recommends starting seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Transplants should then go into the ground 1-2 weeks after the average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60 degrees. Cobb County Extension recommends using April 15 as the average last frost date. Using this date, add a safety net of 1-2 weeks, for a transplant date range of April 22-29 for the Brandywine tomatoes. Working back 4-6 weeks from those dates, seeds should be sown indoors March 18-25. Once the Brandywine transplants go in the ground, look at harvesting in July. As the estimated transplant date approaches, pay attention to local forecasts for frost updates. For additional information on seed starting, visit www.extension.uga.edu/ publications and search for Bulletin 1432, “Starting Plants From Seed for the Home Gardener.” Have fun and happy sowing! Georgia Master Gardeners are now on YouTube. Cobb County Master Gardeners, North Fulton Master Gardeners and UGA Extension Cherokee County have posted videos on home gardening and other horticultural topics. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County (MGVOCC) supports the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and strives to improve the quality of life in our community by delivering research – based on horticultural information, educational programs and projects. Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is a part of the University of Georgia Extension in Marietta.
5
$ off
Purchase of $25 or more
Excludes alcohol & taxes.
Greek and Mediterranean inspired cuisine
One per table.
entire order
Excludes alcohol & taxes. Not valid with any other of fer or special.
Not valid with any other of fer or special. Expires: 5/31/21
20
% off
Dine-In, Carry-Out, Catering
One per table. Expires: 5/31/21
Sun–Thurs 11:30am–8:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am–9:00pm
1 8 0 Tow ne L a ke P a r k w ay · Wo o d s t o c k , G A 3 01 8 8 · 7 70 -4 8 5- 5 23 6 · G y r o A e g e a nG r i l l .c om TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Solutions in the Current Housing Market PROVIDED BY URSULA AND ASSOCIATES
Today’s real estate market is unlike anything we have seen before. With the demand for houses incredibly high, and supply at an all time low, we are facing the decision to accept that reality, or come up with ways to meet the challenge headfirst. In most public-facing industries, necessity has been the driver of creativity and ingenuity. Doctors have allowed for virtual appointments, teachers and students have adjusted to digital learning, and restaurant owners have created digital menus and spaces for outdoor seating. All industries, including real estate, make changes with one question and goal in mind: How can we best serve our students, clients, customers or patients? In real estate, a common obstacle for buyers is financing. Realizing that buying a house is one of the biggest, and often best, investments someone will make, agents and lenders have been brainstorming for solutions. One lender has created a solution to help clients purchase a home with cash. Once buyers complete the basic approval process, they can begin shopping the market
with confidence. Cash buyers often can hand-select their dream house, with a three-times-greater guarantee that an all-cash offer will be selected as the most desirable. In today’s market, houses that go on the market have multiple offers, typically within hours. With this type of innovative lending solution, you can stand out among the rest, and win the home! Also, when buying a home with cash, you are able to close quickly and on time, as compared with typical financing. We have found that cash offers yield 2% to 5% in discounts (specific qualifications apply). In a time where everything on the horizon still may look a little uncertain, we believe there is a glimmer of excitement and hope for an exciting future ahead, for you and for your dream home. Ursula and Associates (Jason Wilson and Ursula Butler) is a real estate team, associated with Keller Williams Realty Partners, that has specialized in Woodstock and surrounding areas for more than 23 years.
How the Pandemic Affected Auto Repairs BY DEIDRE PARKER
I have the pleasure of talking to members of the community every day, and it’s fascinating to hear how the pandemic has affected lives. I hear stories of great tragedy and stories of amazing heroes. COVID-19 has been a challenge, and I want to thank everyone for having courage and patience through these tough times. For most of us, cars are our livelihood and, when we must be without one, it adds to all the other stresses we face daily. No automotive shop owner wants your car to take any longer to be repaired than necessary. But the auto repair industry is facing several new challenges with getting repairs completed as quickly as it did pre-pandemic. Parts take longer to source. Whether it’s due to import/ export regulations, cargo ships being stuck in customs, slowdowns at the factory, or warehouses employees calling in sick, etc., the delivery of auto parts is just taking longer. One recent situation I am aware of required ordering a part, and then discovering there were only four in the entire country, and they were all on the West Coast. Shipping for this part took almost two weeks. For all the reasons parts take longer to get, parts now cost more than before the pandemic. Then add in the necessary protocols, and repairs take longer to complete. Auto repair shops need to sanitize areas 32
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and tools before and after the work. While it might not seem like much, it takes an extra five to 10 minutes per car, and the time adds up quickly. Another thing to keep in mind is that employees sometimes must stay home to care for family members or themselves. When employees are unable to work, this also causes auto repairs to take longer. I know times can be difficult right now, and I like to believe everyone is doing the best they can under the circumstances. I know some days are more trying than others. I just hope that if you find yourself in a situation with an auto repair facility where things are not exactly as you expected, that you take a minute and really try to communicate with the person on the other side of the counter. Ask them why these things are not what you had expected them to be. You will be surprised what you learn.
Deidre Parker, owner-operator of Chloe's Auto Repair, holds an ASE certification and has extensive experience in the area of automotive repair.
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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 postsecondary 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, 34
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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.
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PHOTOS BY JOYFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Child’s Play Builds a Foundation for Learning Child’s Play Early Learning Center is a family-run, comprehensive learning facility where the objective is to inspire young children to develop a love of learning that they can carry with them throughout their educational experiences. The hands-on learning center serves children ages 18 months to 5 years. The school has been serving Towne Lake since 1994, and now has three locations, including two in Canton. The Towne Lake school is at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, while the Canton locations are at Hopewell Baptist Church and Hickory Road Baptist Church. The school believes in teaching children beyond the typical subjects covered in a classroom setting. Child’s Play’s approach to learning is one that encourages students to develop socially, cognitively, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Child’s Play prepares the children beyond the preschool years by exposing them to handwriting, sight words, phonics, counting club, hands on science and much more. The school has computers in its PreK classes and offers chapel, in addition to music and movement. The goal is for children to leave Child’s Play confident and ready for the challenges ahead. “Over the years, we get to know each child personally, and we pride ourselves in getting to know the whole family as well,” said owner Donna Swedberg. “We’ve been blessed to help parents with simple classroom tasks, and teaching new skills, and we are really proud of being able to impact families on a much larger scale as well. Customer service looks a little different when you’re involved with children. It means being trusted by parents to care for, teach and love their children while at Child’s Play. I truly believe the best example of this is touring a new family and hearing they were
Ace R., Skylar F., Poppy B. and Roman S. making scientific observations. Right, Piper H. practicing reading.
referred by an existing student.” Although the last year has been challenging for all families, Child’s Play safely reopened all three locations to offer a safe learning environment. The school has safety protocols in place that align with the CDC and the Georgia Health Department’s guidelines. “We pride ourselves on helping families build a foundation for learning that will carry them throughout their educational experience,” Swedberg said.
What Parents Are Saying
“This is an amazing place where kids are greeted with smiles and happy faces every day! My daughter absolutely loves going to school every day and has never had a bad day here. This school instills the love for learning in children, which is the most important thing. This is the first group setting my daughter ever attended and never cried. Five stars all the way!” - Melinda Jordan “What an amazing preschool! My son is in his second year attending Child’s Play, and the growth he has made is tremendous beyond description. The teachers are amazing, along with the owner and directors. They involve the parents in every aspect and over communicate, which when it comes to your child(ren) there is no such thing as over communication. I cannot recommend and brag about this school enough!” - AmberLee Smith
1.
Loves children and believes when they are competent in skill areas, it gives them confidence to try things that are more challenging.
2.
Believes and respects parents. The facility encourages strong parent involvement and provides many opportunities for parents to join activities, which will resume after the pandemic.
3.
Is dedicated to giving children the best learning materials available (STEM), sensory and hands-on learning resources.
Child’s Play Early Learning Center | 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189 | 770-924-6534 www.cpelcenter.com | Facebook: Child’s Play Early Learning Center | Instagram: @childsplayearlylearningcenter 36
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Sponsored Content
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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.
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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.
Archery, left, and kayaking are great outdoor activities to seek in an outdoor camp.
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.” 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.
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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. Also, it may be recommended that you see an
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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.
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Election Reform Increases Integrity, Security BY CHARLICE BYRD
The sacred right to vote in a free and fair election is a fundamental building block to our civil society. If we take this right for granted, the confidence in our electoral process, and the democracy that blossoms from its practice, are eroded away into a slippery slope of chaos. I believe that we have an obligation to do everything possible to ensure election security and integrity, and I am working to make it a reality. From 2003 to 2020 (18 sessions), the Legislature passed elections-related legislation each of every year, approving a total of 59 bills. We learned many lessons going back to the 2018 elections, and certainly following the implementation of a new voting system last year and an unprecedented pandemic revealed stresses in our elections system, such as the need for greater transparency, uniformity and confidence in the individual ballot and processes overall. This is why I supported HB 531, a comprehensive election reform package that passed the House. The legislation aims to shore up Georgia’s election laws in a number of ways. The bill will strengthen absentee ballot requirements by revising the period to address unnecessary burdens on elections staff by changing the time requirements for voters to request an absentee ballot from 180 days to 78 days before the election and modifies the request deadline from three days prior to an election to 11 days prior to the election. These changes will reduce the number of canceled ballots, which lead to longer voter lines and an increased burden on election officials.
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The bill requires at least one drop box in every county to be housed at registrars’ offices or inside early voting locations. It also requires one early voting Saturday, and a second weekend day of early voting, either Saturday or Sunday. It revamps the state elections board by replacing the secretary of state as chair with a designee appointed by the Legislature to ensure a broader oversight of the elections process. Lastly, the legislation eliminates private funding directly to county election offices, bringing additional uniformity in elections in all 159 counties. The legislation will increase confidence in the elections system by reducing the prospect of undue partisan influence and unlevel private funding for county election activities. While working to implement a very strong election reform package, my colleagues and I are committed to ensuring every Georgian legally eligible to cast a ballot is able to do so. We are committed to removing barriers to access and providing all voters with critical election resources and information. We can — and will — enhance election security while increasing voter access legally and fairly.
Rep. Charlice Byrd represents District 20 in the Georgia House of Representatives. charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov
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Your Hometown Pest Control
Time for Spring Cleaning! Make sure pest control is on your to-do list.
I
going to the dentist. Just as you need regular dental cleanings to maintain your teeth, you also need regular inspections and treatments to keep your home clean and pest-free,” McWhirter said. “If you wait until you see pests to schedule a treatment, it will be a lot harder to deal with the problem.” Often, you won’t see pests in your home until an infestation is advanced. Most pests are fairly reclusive, preferring to hide out of sight. This means that you will usually only spot pests in the open when the population is too large to hide. “Detecting the problem late in the game makes treatment more complicated since the pests have had more of an opportunity to spread throughout your home,” he said. “In the case of destructive infestations such as termites, the timing of detection can be the difference between minor repairs and thousands of dollars in damages.” PHOTOS BY J. KING IMAGES
s pest control on your springcleaning list? If not, you might want to reconsider. Tim McWhirter, owner and operator of Canton Termite and Pest Control, says that pest control is an often neglected but critical aspect of home care. “Pest control is a lot like
Termite team with the new computer-controlled HP2 system. 44
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Best Plan is Prevention
Termites are the greatest pest threat to Georgia homes, doing billions of dollars in damage every
Ed Sullivan, Brent Pickens, William Jacob Baka and Dwayne Epps. year. The southeast region is home to several species of termites, all of which feed on wood-based materials in homes such as the frame, wallpaper, furniture, and even paintings. Termites are a long-term problem. Keeping them at bay requires regular inspection and preventative treatments. Homeowners should schedule an initial inspection of their home with a pest control professional and then set up an ongoing monitoring and treatment plan.
Ongoing Treatment a Must
A contract for termite treatment is popularly called a termite bond. A termite bond is simply a service contract that provides for three key protections: 1. Regular inspections and monitoring services. 2. Treatment solutions if a termite infestation is detected.
Canton Termite & Pest Control | 770
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m Botts, Jonathan Gay, Tim and Robin McWhirter, Jennifer Baggett, Linda Palmer,
3. In some cases, repair expenses for some of the damage caused by termites while the home is under warranty. The two most common termite treatment methods use a liquid soil barrier or a bait system. Liquid treatments are usually applied around the foundation of the home. Termites are stopped when they try to pass through the treatment barrier product before they damage the home. Not all liquid treatments are created equal though. Some are more and less effective depending on weather and soil conditions, and older treatment often required intrusive and damaging trenching and drilling around the foundation. Bait stations, on the other hand, attract termites with termiticidetreated bait which they then eat and spread to the rest of their nest. The bait stations are visible in the landscape. Bait often requires
repeated monitoring visits to be effective. “Now there’s a third option, the new Termidor HP2 system. It offers all the benefits of liquid treatment without the damage, plus it lasts up to ten years,” McWhirter said.
Advice for Homeowners
The fact is, there is no one approach for all homes. The most effective termite treatment will be determined by the unique circumstances of your property. That’s why it is so important to work with a trained and experienced pest professional. “We recommend that you schedule an inspection of your home as soon as possible,” McWhirter said. “We are in the middle of swarm season right now, so termites are a lot more active than normal. Guarantee your home’s protection with a comprehensive treatment plan.”
0-479-1598 | www.CantonTermite.com
d Content
Jacob doing an outside perimeter service.
William setting up a wildlife trap.
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Be Vibrant, Be Different, Be Beautiful!
Necklace by Weisinger Designs Tops by Bali of Canada and Habitat “Clothes to live in.”
J
ust a short drive north, from Woodstock 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 Towne Lake 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. 46
Sponsored Content TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Tax Deadline Looms for Procrastinators BY DENSON PEPPER
Have you put off filing your taxes for years? You may request an extension for the current year to file your return to give you a bit of extra time, but you still must pay the taxes due by April 15. However, it is much worse to not file at all.
Why is non-filing such a big deal?
By filing late, or not at all, you subject yourself to several unpleasant consequences, including possibly increasing your chances of being subject to an audit. The IRS may file a return for you, with scant deductions allowed. Failure-to-file penalties will be added to any amounts owed. Finally, the statute of limitations never runs out on non-filed tax returns.
If you’re expecting a refund.
If the IRS owes you a refund, you still need to file in a timely manner. An original return claiming a refund must be filed within three years of its due date for a refund to be allowed in most instances. Do not lose your refund by procrastinating.
Ignoring your taxes is a bad idea.
The IRS may file a return on your behalf — using minimal deductions that lead to an incorrect assessment — and resulting in a costly and timeconsuming mess to fix. The IRS has 10 years to collect the tax debt. The statute of limitations on debt collection never runs out on non-filed returns.
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If you owe money and can’t pay it now.
If you’re required to file and owe a balance, but can’t pay all of the tax due, there is help available to establish a good payment agreement. File your taxes on time, even if you owe money, to avoid failure-tofile penalties added to the balance due. Worrying about non-filed taxes will not make the problem go away. Consider making an appointment today with a professional to guide you and help you deal with the tax authorities in a professional manner.
Denson Pepper is a CPA in the Acworth/ Kennesaw area with 30-plus years of experience. He is an expert at helping people resolve their income tax problems.
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Faith and Science Working Together BY REV. SONNY SELLERS
The question I ask many of my parishioners these days is, “Have you gotten your COVID-19 shot?” We are, maybe, at the beginning of the end of the pandemic, and it was not just a shot in the dark. Science has made a major in-road, a breakthrough in technique and in process, for us to see three vaccines (with more coming) in less than a year from the beginning of the outbreak in America. A shot in the dark means “taking a guess at something even though one lacks knowledge on the subject.” We call part of human history The Dark Ages because we were pre-science, lacking knowledge, filled with superstition. Doctors’ cures were a shot in the dark, and many times made you worse or could even kill you (blood letting anyone?). Poor George Washington died of a swollen throat that a simple antibiotic would cure today. At the same time, John Wesley (a favorite for us Methodists), was studying medicine as well as Scripture. His catchphrase was, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Wesley was a practical theologian. His faith
informed the “WHY ” of life, while science informed the “HOW” things worked. Science and theology are not enemies. We Methodists believe in Scripture as our foundation, yes – but life should not be a shot in the dark because our minds are “in the image of God” gifted to humans. We consider Scripture under the light of Christian practice over the years. We must use reason (don’t check your brains at the door) as we work together to interpret and apply Scripture. We must let our own experience guide us as well. Always be willing to ask, “How’s that working out for you?” Not so good? Maybe you need to do something different! Even so, we must balance a shot in the dark with a leap of faith. Science (especially medicine) is still an art. We don’t know it all. Faith is a vital reality that many, if not most, humans find absolutely vital to living full lives. Faith, as we Christians say, is the abundant life.
"
Wesley was a practical theologian. His faith informed the ‘WHY’ of life, while science informed the ‘HOW’ things worked.
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"
Rev. Sonny Sellers is an elder serving Bascomb United Methodist Church. A teacher, musician and actor at heart, he can be reached at sonny. sellers@ngumc.net.
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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.
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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.
2020
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Towne Lake Dining Cancun Mexican Grill
Johnny’s Pizza
Cheeseburger Bobby’s
Kani House
Mexican 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #200 770-693-4680 www.cancunmexicangrill.net American 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200 www.cheeseburgerbobbys.com
China Fun
Chinese 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671 www.chinafunwoodstock.com
Donovan’s Irish Cobbler American Irish 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763 www.donovansirishcobbler.com
El Ranchero
Mexican 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616 www.elranchero8.com
Family Tradition
Homestyle Cooking 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885 www.familytradition.net
GAMEDAY Fresh Grill American/Burgers 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754 www.gamedayfresh.com
Izumi Asian Bistro
Thai/Sushi/Chinese 2035 Towne Lake Parkway 678-238-1899 www.iloveizumi.com
J.D.’s Bar-B-Que
Barbeque 6426 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 160 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com
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Pizza/Pasta/ Salad 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494 www.johnnyspizza.com Japanese Steak/Sushi 2455 Towne Lake Parkway, #110 770-592-5264 www.kanihouse.com
Keegan's Irish Pub
Irish/Pub 1085 Buckhead Crossing, #140 770-627-4393 www.keegansirishpub.net
KPOP BBQ and Bar Korean BBQ 1105 Parkside Lane 770-485-3055
La Parrilla
Mexican 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606 www.laparrilla.com
LongHorn
Steakhouse 1420 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-5494 www.longhornsteakhouse.com
Maple Street Biscuit Co. Southern 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, #160 678-903-2161 www.maplestreetbiscuits.com
Mellow Mushroom
Pizza/Pasta 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331 www.mellowmushroom.com
NaNa Thai Eatery
Thai 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. Suite 110 770 -485-6008
NY Style Deli & Pizza Pizza/Subs/ Bakery 2340 Towne Lake Parkway 678-426-7004 www.pizzabymansi.com
Panera Bread
Bakery/Soups/Sandwiches 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809 www.panerabread.com
Peking & Tokyo
Chinese/Japanese 200 Parkbrooke Drive, #160 770-591-8858 www.pekingandtokyoga.com
Song’s Garden
Chinese 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #320 770-928-8387 www.songsgarden.com
Tavern at Towne Lake
American 1003 Towne Lake Hills East 770-592-9969 www.tavernattownelake.com
The Place
Bar/Grill 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901 www.theplacebargrill.com
Tuscany
Italian 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888 www.mytuscanyrestaurant.com
Volcano Steak & Sushi Asian 2990 Eagle Drive, #100, 101 678-498-7888 www.volcanowoodstock.com
WOW Pho & Grill
Vietnamese 6242 Bells Ferry Road, #118 678-383-6099 On Facebook at: Wow Pho & Grill
Earn College And High School Credit At The Same Time @ C H AT TA H O O C H E E T E C H
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.
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Taking a Tour of the Yard Pantry ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM
BY ANN LITREL
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You know the food pyramid – food groups layered in a pyramid shape, showing a healthy human diet. But did you know that nature has its own pyramid? The Native Plant Food Pyramid (trees, shrubs and flowers) forms nature’s pantry for our birds, bees and butterflies. My yard is small, but I’ve encouraged and planted native plants to help stock this pantry. Let’s take a short tour.
The Tree Layer
We’ll start outside my studio window with my favorite white oak. Look and you’ll see two chickadees flitting through the branches, poking into every cranny of the twigs. They’re foraging. Their pantry raids will become heroic over the next few months as they gather 6,000-9,000 caterpillars for their babies, until they’re big enough to leave the nest. And they’ll find those caterpillars in the trees. Our canopy trees such as oaks, hickories and maples are the most important layer of the pyramid. My oak tree supports 400-plus species of butterfly caterpillars, the most important food for baby birds. Baby birds can’t eat seeds. The soft package of a caterpillar is their perfect food, easy to eat and full of nutrients. Now look down at last year’s fallen leaves. A clump goes flying in a noisy scrabble as a pair of towhees look for bugs and cocoons. I leave the leaves instead of raking them into bags – hence the towhees have been here all winter.
The Shrub and Small Tree Layer
Now let’s stroll over to my dogwood tree, another Georgia native. It’s just beginning to flower, but in the fall it’ll be covered in berries, a nutritious food for migrating birds. The dogwood’s leaves turn red just as the fruit ripens - a signal to flocks flying far above: Berries here. Beside the dogwood, you’ll notice several native blueberry bushes. Every spring, their pink blooms feed the small blueberry bumblebees (their evolutionary pollinators). And, of course, more than a dozen species of birds enjoy the berries in the summer.
The Perennial Layer
You’ll notice, tucked here under the trees, some of nature’s early spring woodland flowers – dainty gold trout lilies. If you look closely, you can see tiny, colorful bees feeding there, in need of food after winter. Later on, they’ll enjoy flowers of beardtongue and foamflower in this same space. In the summer, at the sunny edges of my beds, you’d see a swirl of butterflies and pollinating bees visiting orange milkweed, blue Georgia aster, and white rattlesnake weed. (Every plant I’ve named I’ve found relatively deer resistant).
Non-native Layer
Non-native plants don’t feed the wildlife nearly as well. They didn’t evolve together. Compared to the oak tree, which helps support hundreds of butterfly species, the non-native crape myrtle supports virtually none! But that doesn’t mean we have to avoid non-natives altogether. Here in the front you can see a few pansies I’ve added to give my yard a reliable cool season splash of color, without taking away from my yard’s ability to support our native wildlife. Thanks for taking this tour with me! You can stock your yard pantry and enjoy your flying visitors. It’s fun and easy. Just a half-dozen flowers tucked into a sunny or shady corner make a big difference!
Ann Litrel is an artist and certified Master Naturalist. She instructs nature journal workshops and paints in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.
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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
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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.
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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.”
Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
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Around & About APRIL
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Evening egg hunt at Woodmont Golf and Country Club,
3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. Open to the public. The night before Easter, bring the little ones to search for eggs on the driving range. There will be a bounce house, free popcorn and music on the outdoor lawn area beginning at 6:30 p.m. Egg hunt begins at dusk or approximately 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact robert. gilbreath@woodmontgolfclub.com.
Woodstock will hold Easter services at 4:30 p.m. 3,4 Sojourn Saturday, and 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday in the Elm Street
Theater, 8534 Main St. www.sojournwoodstock.com.
Wednesdays at Northside Hospital Cherokee is a 7 Wellness virtual series, beginning at noon, 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.
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 404-5314444.
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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 770720-5600. www.reinhardt.edu.
Live! With Cinderella at 24 11Storytime a.m. at the Park at City Center Gazebo.
Cinderella will read a story and pose for photos. Presented by the FoxTale Book Shoppe and Woodstock Parks and Recreation. Free admission and socially distanced.
AMPED in the Park at 9 a.m. with Strongside
based comedians monthly with Jessica It’s All Good as the host. Streaming through April 24 at 11:59 p.m. Recommended for ages 12 and older (content). www.elmstreetarts.org.
at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Part of a free monthly fitness series presented by Woodstock Parks and Recreation. All workouts are fitness friendly (meaning you don’t have to be super fit to participate). Participants will adhere to social distancing guidelines and restrictions from the office of the governor and the CDC.
destination will feature more than 50 artisans from around the country. Their creative booth displays will decorate Main Street with paintings, pottery, folk art, jewelry and more. www.splashfestivals.com.
Greenstock Day, a recycling and paper shredding event, takes place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Woodstock Elementary School, 230 Rope Mill Road. A citywide yard sale will be held downtown April 24-25. Details available at www.woodstockparksandrec.com.
Laugh is a new hybrid comedy series, sponsored 10 byTheElmLasting Street Cultural Arts Village, that features two AtlantaThe Acworth Art Fest returns, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 10-11 Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. This art-buyers
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cancer screening, open to 15 Atheskin community, will be held 6-8 p.m. at
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MAY Cinco de Mayo pub crawl throughout downtown 1 Woodstock. These themed Saturday events will feature
food and drink specials at downtown food establishments. Participants are encouraged to visit all of the participating restaurants. www.visitwoodstockga.com.
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. North Cobb Rotary Club, city of Acworth and 7-8 The the Georgia Barbecue Association will hold the
Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, presented by Superior Plumbing, at Logan Farm Park. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds are distributed among local charities. www.smokeonthelake.org. & Rock Fest returns to Etowah River 15-16 Wing Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton, noon-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Details available at www.wingandrockfest.com.
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
CHEROKEE RECREATION AND PARKS AGENCY 770-924-7768 www.playcherokee.org
Cherokee County Aquatic Center
May 29: Oasis Outdoor Pool opens June 14-18: Water Safety Week at the Oasis June 20: Dad’s Day at the Oasis- Buy one kid’s
admission and get dad’s admission FREE! July 2, 30: Family Fun Night at the Oasis (on the 30th donate a school supply and receive $2 off admission) July 18: Mom’s Day at the Oasis- Buy one kid’s admission and get mom’s admission FREE! Dec. 11: Swim with the Grinch 10 a.m.-noon, $10 per child
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@ 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.
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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.
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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. 66
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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. 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.
FOLLOW US
Because CTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization your donations are tax deductible.
Cherokee Theatre Company PO Box 5885 • Canton, GA 30114 TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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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.
Acts2Pups
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.
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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.
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Downtown Woodstock Dining Canyons
J Christopher’s
Salt Factory Pub
Century House Tavern
J Miller’s Smokehouse
Semper Fi Bar and Grille
American 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 www.canyonsfresh.com Modern American 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 www.centuryhousetavern.com
Copper Coin Coffee
BBQ & Southern Sandwiches 150 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-8295 www.jmillerssmokehouse.com
American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com
MadLife Studios
Freight Kitchen & Tap
Partners II Pizza
Southern 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 www.freightkitchen.com
Gyro Aegean Grill
Greek/Mediterranean 180 Towne Lake Parkway 770-485-5236 https://gyroageangrill.com/
Habanero’s Taqueria
Mexican 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 www.habanerostaqueria.com
Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 www.icemartinibar.com
Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 www.ippspastaria.com
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Diner 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 www.jchristophers.com
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Southern 8722 Main St. www.madlifestageandstudios.com
Pizza 8600 Main St. 678-224-6907 www.partnerspizza.com/woodstock-ga
Pure Taqueria
Mexican 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 www.puretaqueria.com/woodstock
Prime 120
Steakhouse 120 Chambers St. 770-800-8049 www.prime120steakhouse.com
Reel Seafood
Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 www.reel-seafood.com
Rootstock
Wine bar & Tapas 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstocknow.com
Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 www.saltfactorypub.com/woodstock American 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 www.semperfibarandgrille.com
Tea Leaves & Thyme
English Tea room 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 www.tealeavesandthyme.com
The Daily Draft Tap Room and Bar American 8594 Main St. 770-783-2799 thedailydraft.net
Truck & Tap
Variety of Food trucks 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 www.truckandtap.com
Vingenzo’s
Italian 105 E. Main St. 770-924-9133 www.vingenzos.com
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.
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ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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School News
Teacher Named Top Agriculture Educator in Nation
Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy teacher Karen Garland was recently honored as a 2021 Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award winner, one of eight educators honored nationwide. Each year, the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Farm Credit recognize the top teachers in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade for innovation in using agricultural concepts to teach across the curriculum. Garland, who teaches science lab classes to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, was named the state winner for her success in showing students the impact of agriculture in their lives each day. The national award judges recognized Garland for “using a school garden to teach kindergarteners about the five senses, first-graders about the water cycle, second-graders about plant and animal life cycles, third-graders about habitat conservation and soil health, fourth-graders about the weather and ecosystems and fifth-graders about erosion and other destructive forces in the garden and classification systems.” Garland will be honored at the 2021 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference this summer in Des Moines, Iowa.
Karen Garland 74
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Brian V. Hightower congratulates Amanda Graves for being chosen as the county’s 2021 Media Specialist of the Year.
Media Specialist Uses Creative Approach E.T. Booth Middle School media specialist Amanda Graves doesn’t wait for students to visit her library. She dons a biker vest and peddles a custom tricycle down the school’s halls to deliver books to them as the Book Biker. She stocks a vending machine inside the school with books, instead of snacks, to feed their hunger for knowledge. She fills a Little Free Lending Library on the school’s campus with books students can borrow at any hour. She surprises them by appearing in costume – an inflatable T. Rex is among the most memorable – to remind them that books have the power to spark imagination and joy. “She is one of the most creative individuals I have had the pleasure of working with,” Principal Todd Sharrock said. “There is never a dull moment with Mrs. Graves at the helm.” Her incredible enthusiasm for literacy and dedication to the learning of her students and colleagues led to her being named the Cherokee County School District’s 2021 Media Specialist of the Year. “Amanda is a dreamer and a doer,” Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower said. “She not only embeds creativity in all she does, but she also backs it up with knowledge gained from her years of experience and studies in her field. This honor comes as no surprise to me, as it is much deserved and overdue.” “I believe that student engagement is more than walking between the bookshelves,” Graves said. “It is my vision that media specialists and media centers have the ability to be a true change agent within their schools.”
Students Continue to Top National, State Averages on AP Exams
For the 11th year in a row, Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) high schools have earned top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance that continues to exceed national and state averages. All of CCSD’s high schools were named Georgia 2021 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit. Overall, students who took the exam earned passing scores of 3 or higher on 72% of the 4,640 tests administered last school year, as compared to 61% for Georgia and 59% nationwide. In looking specifically at the Class of 2020, including those who did not take AP courses or exams, 32% of all CCSD graduates scored at least a 3 or higher on one exam or more, as compared to 23% for Georgia and 24% nationwide. “Despite the obstacles faced during their final weeks of school last spring, our high school students triumphed on their AP exams. We’re so proud of their success and the dedication of their teachers who rose to the challenges of teaching them remotely last spring,” Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower said. “Offering our college-bound students a wide variety of AP courses is an important preparation for their future success, and these results affirm the value of our community’s investment.” Schools can achieve AP Honor School recognition in various categories based on participation and performance. All CCSD high schools again earned recognition as AP STEM and AP STEM Achievement Schools, and three – Creekview, Etowah and River Ridge high schools – also were named AP Humanities and AP Humanities Achievement Schools. Two schools – Creekview and Woodstock – additionally earned AP School of Distinction Honors.
School Earns Digital Citizenship Certification E.T. Booth Middle School has been named a Common Sense Certified School for Digital Citizenship by Common Sense Education, a national nonprofit that assists educators in teaching students to develop successful digital skills and habits and to understand and safely use technology. “We applaud E.T. Booth’s faculty and staff for embracing digital citizenship as an important part of their students’ education,” said Liz Kline, Common Sense Education’s vice president of education programs. “They deserve high praise for giving students the foundational skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21stcentury workplace and participate ethically in society at large.“ Principal Todd Sharrock praised Media Specialist Amanda Graves for coordinating the school’s successful digital citizenship program and application. In order to earn national recognition, schools must demonstrate best practices for teaching students to responsibly use technology and think critically, including how to avoid plagiarism, understand privacy issues and combat cyberbullying.
Thank you notes were attached to the boxes of Girl Scout Cookies.
Girl Scouts Give a Sweet Treat to School Workers
Bascomb Elementary School Girl Scouts from eight troops, Daisy through Junior, coordinated with their principal, Kathleen Chandler, and the school’s PTA to raise more than $750. The money was used to purchase Girl Scout Cookies, which were handed out to the 120-plus members of the school’s staff. The Girls Scouts wrote thank you notes to school workers, which were distributed with the boxes of cookies. A small group of girls was able to pass out cookies to the bus drivers, while the remaining cookies were picked up by the staff members.
Boxes of cookies waiting to be picked up by Bascomb Elementary staff members. TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Time to Start Thinking About Kindergarten BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
Trigger warning: Parents of little ones, you may want to get a tissue. It’s time to talk about kindergarten. Registration for Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) outstanding kindergarten program is underway, as we prepare to welcome the Class of 2034 in August! While the thought of your little one getting on a bus for a full day of school may make your eyes water, know that they will come home filled with joy from learning and making new friendships. CCSD’s kindergarten program balances important early academic steps such as learning to read and write sight words, and count numbers, with the art, music, movement and fun that have always been a part of the experience. Kindergarten is for children who are turning 5 on or before Sept. 1. Exceptions for children who will turn 6 on or before Sept. 1 are considered on a case by case basis after an assessment, and a meeting between parents and school staff to make the best placement decision together. The first step in the registration process is completing the online Registration Gateway form at https://registration.cherokeek12. net. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to enter information, such as emergency contacts. Once you complete the online process, call your child’s school to set up a follow-up appointment, 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. Our Office of Curriculum & Instruction is creating resource 76
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Kindergarten students at Liberty Elementary in 2019.
webpages for parents to learn more about each grade, with pages for kindergarten (http://bit.ly/ CCSDresourcesK) and first grade (http://bit.ly/CCSDresources1) completed. These webpages not only outline skills that will be covered, but also how parents can help prepare their children with links to online resources and printables, such as flashcards and handwriting templates. As a parent of four children in CCSD elementary schools, I know deciding when and where to enroll can be difficult. We enrolled all of our children, who all have second semester birthdays, in CCSD kindergarten on time at age 5. We felt they were well prepared by CCSD’s Pre-K program, which we strongly recommend (learn more at https://bit.ly/CCSDPreK). The first decision was the hardest, as our oldest has special needs, but there truly is no better place for
a special-needs child to be served than in a CCSD school. Our schools have the trained teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists and nurses, as well as the instructional resources, equipment and technology, to provide them with the highest quality special education possible — and the opportunity to learn alongside typical peers in regular education classes. Through the mutually beneficial inclusion practices of CCSD, special-needs children benefit from the role modeling of their typical peers, and those peers learn valuable lessons in empathy and kindness. And that benefit should make all of us need a tissue.
Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children.
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TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM
Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Visit website for more information on these or other trail projects. www.greenprintsalliance.org
Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail
Towne Lake Pass - This approximately 1.2 mile
begins at M arket Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street. It continues toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.
trail connects the Towne Lake community to Downtown along Noonday Creek. It runs from the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South to Woofstock Park.
Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile flat paved trail is
Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails.
located in Olde Rope Mill Park on the banks of Little River.
Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along
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Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to the winners of the February Competition “Abstract!”
Monochromatic
1st Martin Longstaff “Ice Age”
2nd David Johnson “Oculus 1” 80
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3rd Dayle Geroski “Tulip Detail”
Color Print
1st “Aroun 1st Martin Longstaff “Woody”
2nd Don Newton “Lost Highway”
3rd Eddie Myers “Fall Reflections”
The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. Please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net for more information. TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Community of Faith
ADVENTIST
Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-7304, cherokee.netadvent.org Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106, www.cantonadventist.org
AME
Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348, www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691, www.stpaulame-canton.org
BAPTIST
Canton Bible Church 94 North St., Canton CantonBibleChurch.org Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-439-5108, www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 Faith Community Office: 345 Parkway 575, Suite 100, Woodstock Sunday Services: 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428, www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538, www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349, www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415, www.HeritageCanton.com Hickory Road 2416 Hickory Road, Canton www.hickoryroad.org Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100, www.hbcacworth.org 82
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Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723, www.hopewellbaptist.com Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324, www.mtzb.org New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org Rising Hills Church 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock www.gorhc.org River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975, www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com
CHURCH OF GOD
Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956, www.bellsferry.com Generations Church 110 Bluffs Parkway, Suite 206, Canton g.church Grow Church 2510 E Cherokee Dr, Woodstock 770-693-1018 New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660, www.newlifecanton.com Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018, www.sunnysidecog.org Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096, www.toonighcog.org
EPISCOPAL
Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003, www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916, www.ecamarietta.org
Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575, www.mynertamid.org Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137, www.etzchaim.net Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 770-642-0434, www.bethtikvah.com Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630, www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533, www.kolemeth.net
MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS
Sar Shalom 180 Parkway 575, Suite 150, Woodstock http://sarshalomgeorgia.org/
LUTHERAN
Celebration of Grace 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-345-8540, www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286, www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812, www.tlcwoodstock.org
ORTHODOX
St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-485-0504, www.stelizabethga.org
PRESBYTERIAN
Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564, www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869, www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-3558 , www.heritagepres.com Trinity 1136 Trinity Church Road, Canton www.trinity-presbyterian-church.org
Saint Clement’s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722, www.stclementscanton.org
Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074, www.woodstockpcusa.com
JEWISH
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255, www.jewishwestcobb.com
Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923, www.lasalettecanton.com
St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009, www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442, www.transfiguration.com
UNITED METHODIST
Ball Ground 3045 Canton Hwy, Ball Ground 770-735-6247, www.ballgroundumc.org Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755, www.bascombumc.org Big Springs 2066 Sugar Pike Road, Woodstock Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502, www.cantonfirstumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030, www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-5969, www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883, www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920, www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495, www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0837, www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644, www.sixesumc.org The Way | Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770- 516-0371 www.TheWayWoodstock.com Waleska 7340 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska 770-479-4428 www.waleskaumc.org
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533, www.emersonuu.org
OTHERS
Abiding Church 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766, www.abiding.church Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030, www.actionchurch.tv
Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road, Canton 770-475-9628, www.antiochcanton.org Antioch Church 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193, www.antiochchurch.life Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com
Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170, www.lifechurchcanton.com
Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964, www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 7745 Main St., Woodstock 770-517-2977, www.bpc.life Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572, www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280, www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733, www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Engage Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 150, Woodstock 678-445-8766 The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock 770-517-7265, www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560, www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-720-2227, www.fivestonesga.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841, www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135, www.fdvida.org God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500, www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 452 Milton Drive, Canton 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com Life Bible Church 124 P. Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton www.lifebiblechurch.com
New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412, www.newcovenantcanton.org
Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347, http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 ,www.MomentumChurch.tv
New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660, www.newlifecanton.com North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001, www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652, www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795, www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040, www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737, www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 8534 Main St., Woodstock 770-769-7495, www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100, www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795, www.thrivechapel.com Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100, www.unitynorth.org Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366, www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092, www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515, www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990, www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Towne Lake Area Clubs & Organizations
CHARITABLE
Ahimsa House helps domestic violence victims 24-hours a day get their pets to safety. 404-452-6248. www.ahimsahouse.org.
Anna Crawford Children’s Center, dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through prevention and intervention services. 678-504-6388. www.cherokeechildadvocates.org. Bend Your Knees, Inc. raises awareness, helps children with pediatric brain tumors. Bob Dixon, 678-922-1560. CASA for Children has programs to increase safety and improve educational, social and emotional functioning of children impacted by abuse. 770-345-3274. www.casacherokee.org. CCHS Thrift Store accepts donations, sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. 770-592-8072. Cherokee Family Violence Center offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. 770-479-1703. Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800-334-2836 option 2. www.cfvc.org. Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) 770-928-5115. admin@cchumanesociety.org. www.cchumanesociety.org. Cherokee FOCUS works to improve lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. 770-345-5483. www.cherokeefocus.org. Cherokee County Senior Services offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. 770-345-5312. 770-345-5320. www.cherokeega.com/senior-services. Cherokee Young Life for high school students, meets Monday nights at Bradshaw Farm clubhouse, 7853 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 104, Woodstock 30188. 678 653-5707. www.cherokeecounty.younglife.org. Community Veterinary Care provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. 678-640-3512. www.communityveterinarycare.com. Companion Animal Connection 678-493-9847. www.adoptapet.com. Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.
Green Shelters America animal rescue group. 770-712-4077. GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com. www.GreenSheltersAmerica.com. Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia, 770-587-9697. www.habitat-ncg.org.
HopeQuest Ministry Group helps people with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. 678-391-5950. www.hqmg.org. HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 770-924-0864. info@hopectr.com. www.hopectr.com. HOPE Center — Seeds Thrift Store offers men, women & children’s clothing, furniture & other home goods. 770-517-4450. www.seedsthriftstore.com. Life Connection Ministries provides humanitarian relief in the form of wells and greenhouses to impoverished communities. Mission trips offered. 678-234-1798. www.lcm-ga.com. Matthew E. Russell Foundation establishes literacy and libraries in rural areas worldwide. 678-234-1798. www.mattrussell.org. MUST Ministries provides groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy. www.mustministries.org. National Alliance for Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org. Never Alone provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. 770-592-1227. www.nextstepministries.net. The North Georgia Angel House Girls Home, residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn selfsufficiency. 770-479-9555. www.angelhousega.com. North Georgia Pregnancy Center offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. 706-253-6303. www.ngapregnancy.org.
Feed My Lambs, Inc. provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. 770-795-9348. office@feedmylambs.net. www.feedmylambs.net.
Papa’s Pantry, a year-round food ministry that includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. 770-591-4730. www.papaspantry.org.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges coaches, college, high school, junior high and youth level athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Steve Hyland. 770-789-7150. shyland@fca.org.
Pet Buddies Food Pantry provides pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs to families in need. 678-310-9858. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org.
Forever Fed is a mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org.
Safe Kids Cherokee County offers free child safety seat inspections by appointment. 770-721-7808. www.cherokeesafekidscherokeecounty.org.
Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. 770-842-8893. www.funds4furryfriends.com.
SmileUp! Charitable Foundation works to get children involved in volunteering with local charities that help children. www.smileupfoundation.org.
Georgia Animal Project, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats. 770-704-PAWS (7297). www.theanimalproject.org. Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. 770-796-4618. www.goshenvalley.org
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The Blue Ribbon Foundation fosters a national dialog toward finding the cause, cure and prevention of ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. 478-397-5542. www.theblueribbonfoundation.org. Volunteer Aging Council helps raise funds for seniors in Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. 770-310-3474. www.vac-cherokeega.org.
SUPPORT
AA Meetings Canton: 9:30 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Mondays at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. 11 a.m. Saturdays at Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road.Woodstock. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html. Abortion Recovery Helping those who have been impacted by abortion. 678-223-3519. Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton: 8 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays Al-Anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2208, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. American Heart Assoc. - Cherokee Div. 678-385-2013. American Red Cross metro chapter 770-428-2695. A-Typical Parkinson’s Education and Support Group Meets 6:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Ball Ground UMC, 3045 Canton Hwy. in Ball Ground. Contact Norma Schmidt at 770-366-9585. Caregivers Alzheimers Spousal Support Group Meets: 12:30 p.m. first Tuesday of every month for lunch at Benton House of Woodstock, 3385 Trickum Road. 678-494-4500. woodstockinfo@bentonhouse.com. Celebrate Recovery, Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. 770-366-7515. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist. 770-345-7644. www.sixesumc.org. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House, 678-459-2347. www.MinistryHouse.org. Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-764-8660. www.celebraterecovery.com. Cherokee County Support Group for people with autoimmune conditions. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs. 404-402-0571, 770-337-0294, jhmom88@comcast.net or christystephenson@msn.com.
SERV International operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Offers mission trips. 770-516-1108. www.servone.org.
Cherokee County Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org. Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association for pastors and ministry leaders. Meets: 11:30 a.m. last Wednesday at New Life Church in Canton. 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton, GA 30102. www.cherokeeministers.org. Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock. 770-793-7818.
Timothy’s Cupboard, a food pantry associated with Timothy Lutheran Church at 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. 770-591-5515 www.timothylutheran.360unite.com/timothyscupboard-home.
Grace Valley Ministries connects pastors through small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. 727-251-7690. info@gracevalleyministries.org. www.gracevalleyministries.org.
Georgia Canines for Independence. 404-824-4637. gcidogs@aol.com. www.gcidogs.org.
Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). 770-919-9275. Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta chapter for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings at the Senior Center on Arnold Mill Road. nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com. La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church. 678-315-7686. 770-517-0191.
Male Veteran Support Group
Meets 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays at First Baptist Church Woodstock in Building "A" Room 260. Snacks provided. MOMS Club of Woodstock-Towne Lake momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com. www.sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock. MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-924-4777. Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. 678-677-2589.
BUSINESS
American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter. Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont. 678-493-3618. Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. Wednesdays at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-345-8687. Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Meets: Various times during the year. Schedule at www.cherokeechamber.com. 770-345-0400. Gini@CherokeeChamber.com. Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: virtually noon-1:15 p.m. every Wednesday. Meeting details are on their website. www.cherokeetoastmasters.com. Downtown Woodstock PowerCore Team Meets: 7-8:30 a.m. Fridays at Freight Kitchen & Tap Phone: 770-241-0373 www.powercore.net The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations. 678-789-6158. www.xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/ woodstock/. Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 678-389-3887. www.tlba.org. Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first Wednesday of the month at Tavern at Towne Lake. info@womenofwoodstock.com. www.womenofwoodstock.com.
VETERANS SERVICE
American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 678-662-2366. Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program Contact Jim Lindenmayer at Jlindenmayer80@gmail. com or 678-983-7590, or Mike Satterly at 404-680-2412. Cherokee Veterans Community Support Groups for males and females meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of the month at First Baptist Church Woodstock. www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org. 678-494-2680. veteransministry@fbcw.net.
Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. 404-663-4663.
CIVIC & COUNTY
AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Tuscany. Lunch is $15. 770-926-1944. Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at Canton Police Department 151 Elizabeth St., third floor training room. www.saltcherokee.com. Cherokee County Historical Society 770-345-3288. www.rockbarn.org. Citizen Oversight and Education 678-520-2236. citizenoversighteducation@yahoo.com. Firestorm Robotics FIRST Robotics Competition Team for High School Students in Etowah, Woodstock and River Ridge. Meets: 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays at Cherokee Makerspace, 6436 Hwy 92 Ste 100 Acworth. 678-247-1972. www.firestormrobotics.org. Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. 770-345-8687. Kiwanis Club of Greater Cherokee Meets: 8 a.m. first Monday, at Hillside United Methodist Church, Room 2107, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 678-468-9900. www.greatercherokeekiwanis.org. Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy. 20. 770-393-1766. Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com. www.pilotinternational.com. Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 770-480-4179. Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Tavern at Towne Lake, 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock. www.townelakerotary.com. Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92. 678-428-6514. Service League of Cherokee County 770-704-5991. www.serviceleague.net. South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-926-3522. Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Tavern at Towne Lake. 770-715-3375. www.townelakeoptimists.com. Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road. 770-926-8336. Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club www.woodstockjwc.org. Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at The Arbor at Bridgemill, 700 Freedom Blvd, Canton. 770-906-2958. Woodstock Preservation Group 770-924-0406. http://preservationwoodstock.com/.
POLITICAL
Cherokee County Democratic Party Monthly Social: 1 p.m. first Saturday at Canton IHOP. Monthly Business Meeting: 7-9 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot. Monthly Dinner Social: 6:30 p.m. second Thursday at Las Palmas, Holly Springs. 470-240-1529. www.cherokeedemocrats.com. Charles Ravenscraft, chairman@cherokeedemocrats.com.
Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. www.cherokeelp.org. Cherokee County Republican Party P.O. Box 1267, Woodstock 678-721-1969. www.cherokeecountygop.com. Contact us to verify meetings, time and locations. Follow us on Facebook and twitter. Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton. 770-592-7811. jkconkey@gmail.com. Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at Chick-fil-A, 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall. 770-294-0922. Republican Women of Cherokee County 678-520-2236. www.rwccga.com.
RECREATION & HOBBIES
Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events, outings. rrkelly@bellsouth.net. Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com. Cherokee Community Chorale 678-439-8625. www.cherokeechorale.org. Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton. 770-704-6244. www.CherokeeArts.org. Cherokee County Master Gardeners 770-721-7803. www.caes.uga.edu/extension/ cherokee/mastergardeners. Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org. Cherokee County Saddle Club hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com. Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey. www.cherokeehockey.org. Cherokee Music Teachers Association 770-720-1701. www.cherokeemta.org. Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187. www.csaimpact.com. Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com. Firestorm Robotics Meets Wednesdays and Saturdays at Cherokee Makerspace, 6436 Highway 92, Suite 100, Acworth. 678-247-1972. firestormrobotics.org. Girl Scouts Atlanta Sherry Saunders, ssaunders@gsgatl.org 404-293-3511. www.girlscoutsatl.org. Kingdom Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. Les Marmitons, for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org. Neighbors and Newcomers of Towne Lake (NNTL) is a social club for residents of 30189 area code. 770-855-9623. www.nntlclub.com. Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton. www.cherokeechapter.com. William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Advertisers
For advertising rates and information Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com
April 2021
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Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 770-591-9500 www.townelakevets.com
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Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
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AUDIOLOGY At Home Hearing Dr. Jan Henriques, 770-325-3763
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CHIROPRACTIC Ribley Family Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com
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CREDIT UNION Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org
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Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630
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Chloe's Auto Repair 770-575-8800 www.chloesautorepair.com
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AUTOMOTIVE
Christian Brothers Automotive 678-904-9670 www.cbac.com/townelake
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Polished Peach Car Wash 770-592-8102 www.polishedpeachcarwash.com
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TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Chattahoochee Technical College 55 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu/deadmissions Childs Play Early Learning Center 770-924-6534 www.cpelcenter.com
St. Joseph Catholic School 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org
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Cherokee Theatre Company 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org
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Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org
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Men of HIllside Golf Tournament www.menofhillsideorg
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Pork & Torque www.pamahfoundation.org
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Wing & Rock Fest
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Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.citadelwealthcare.com
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Woodstock Wealth Management 800-279-4468 www.wwmria.com
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FITNESS/RECREATION R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com
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S3 Volleyball www.s3volleyball.com
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FUNERAL SERVICES
EDUCATION & RELATED SERVICE Brookwood Christian School 678-401-5855 www.brookwoodchristian.com
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FINANCIAL SERVICES
(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric) Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.bairdfamilydentistry.com
Piano Lessons by Ralph Iossa 973-519-6863 www.woodstockpianolessons.com
ENTERTAINMENT
DENTAL
ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES
Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
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BUSINESS SUPPORT
ANIMAL/PET SERVICES
Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.debranski.com
Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898
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KennedyMathews Educational Consultants 33 765-721-1212 www.kennedymathewsconsulting.com
Poole Funeral Home 678-932-2097 www.poolefuneralhome.net Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com
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HEALTH & WELLNESS JianKang Spa and Massage 770-779-9158 www.jiankangmassage.com
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HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR B & T Exterior Cleaning 404-218-3635 Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277
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Budget Blinds 678-540-1615 www.budgetblinds.com/woodstock
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CFM Electrical Services 678-614-9661
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Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com
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Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com
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Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490 www.thhmga.com
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Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 [675-8651] www.mrjunk1.com
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Myst Power Washing 770-546-6028 www.mystpowerwashing.com
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PebbleStone 678-708-7894 www.pebblestonepros.com
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Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045
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Scrappy’s Junk Removal 678-330-9282 www.scrappysjunkremoval.com
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That’s My Patio/That’s My Pergola www.thatmypatio.com www.thatsmypergola.com
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Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com INSURANCE
Allstate, Joe Parks 37 770-516-4011 https://agents.allstate.com/joe-parks woodstock-ga.html INTERIOR DESIGN Robinson Interiors 770-617-0683 www.robinsoninteriors1.com
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LANDSCAPING Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346
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OPTOMETRY Pearle Vision 770-790-0000 www.pearlevision.com
Inseide back
PEST CONTROL Canton Termite & Pest Control Cover, 44, 45 770-479-1598 www.cantontermite.com
PHOTOGRAPHY J. King Images 404-384-2794 www.jkingimages.com
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Joyful Day Photography 678-947-1200 www.joyfuldayphoto.com
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Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC 65 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Northside Hospital Inside front www.northside.com/excellence Optimal Performance Medicine 9 678-250-0700 www.optimalperformancemedicine.com Plastic Surgery Center of the South 52 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
Atlanta Communities, Lindsey Haas C: 678-933-1962 www.thelindseyhaasteam.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com
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REMAX Town & Country Sarah Terrell 770-928-6525 www.realestateagent.net
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RESTAURANTS/CATERING
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
Atlanta Communities, Shonna Sherrill C: 678-634-5581 O: 770-240-2005 www.shonnasherrill.com
Prosperity Home Mortgage 404-895-0641 www.lisaeifert.phmloans.com
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Broadus Realty Group 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com
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Capital Mortgage Solutions 770-450-9717 www.cmshomeloans.com
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Gyro Aegean Grill 770-485-5236 www.gyroaegeangrill.com
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J.D.'s on the Lake 770-213-4127 www.jdsbbq.com
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RETAILERS Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net
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Crawford Collections 706-946-0772 www.crawfordcollections.com
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Girlfriends Market
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Southern Sky Outlet 678-842-8411 www.southernskyoutlet.com
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Wild Birds Unlimited 770-928-3014 www.mywbu.com/woodstock
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SENIOR SERVICES Life Balance Personal Care Home 47 C: 706-224-2125 O: 678-426-8187 www.lifebalancepersonalcarehome.com The Reserve at Towne Lake 770-928-2440 www.reservetownelake.com
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SPECIALTY FOOD
Clear Summit Realty Ken Jones, 770-842-4531 Ryan Jones, 678-327-9326 www.clearsummitrealty.com
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Homeowners Financial Group The Dean Team 25 470-863-7070 www.homeownersfg.com/location/canton
The Butcher and A Baker 770-517-2225 www.thebutcherandabaker.com
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SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS Gift of Music, The 888-551-0077 www.giftofmusic.org
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Goshen Homes 770-345-9535 www.goshenvalley.org/homes
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MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org
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Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
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Keller Williams, Ursula and Assoc. Back Cover Direct: 678-569-4044 Broker: 678-494-0644 www.callursula.com TOWNELAKER | April 2021
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Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine. At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines,
we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.
OUR PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNERS We work with some of the best professional photographers in the business.
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TOWNELAKER | April 2021
Beth Fornuto Beth Fornuto Photography 770-846-3848 www.bethfornuto.com
Heather Stevens Joyful Day Photography 678-947-1200 www.joyfuldayphoto.com
Abigail Peyton www.apeytonphotography.com
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