AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
1
May 2015
Volume 2, Issue 7
10 A New Arts Coalition
Volunteer group to bring visual arts to downtown Woodstock.
16 The New Hollywood?
Extensive database attracts many filmmakers to Cherokee County.
17
17 Saluting Single Moms
Woodstock nonprofit helps mothers provide for their children.
18 Above and Beyond
Meet a few very special - and busy extraordinary moms.
24 Farmers Market
Fresh foods, chef demos and children’s programs ready for summer.
26 Off to the Races
Blankets Creek festival raises funds to support local trails.
28 Everyday Angels
Teen and her family eager for better health after kidney transplant.
41 Roller Derby
Today’s version is not how you may remember it.
45 River Ridge Prom
Pictures celebrate special memories of high school event.
45
24 Contributing Writers Chantel Adams Kyle Bennett Siobhan Brumbelow Michael Caldwell Trent Chambers Cathy Wendland-Colby Linde Ferrere Claire Frost Rene Gable Delia Halverson Dr. Scott Harden Dr. Jan Henriques Dan Hultquist Sean Kaufman Lorre Lamarca
31 24 14 22 43 46 17 34 10 21 50 48 38 19 35
In Every Issue Ann Litrel
40
Around Woodstock
4
Dr. Mike Litrel
23
Community News
8
Rob Macmillan
30
Birthdays 12
Matt Neal
19
Everyday Angels
28
Tricia Nitti
24, 25
Dining Guide
36
Community Calendar
39
Office of Economic Dev. 16
School News
44
Premier Group
29
Recent Home Sales
52
Lisa Randall
26
Parking Map
53
Susan Schulz
18
Ward Map
54
Jessica Leigh Smith
46
Trails Map
60
Jodi Tiberio
20
Advertisers Index
64
Northside Hospital
50
Contact us and view the magazine online at
www.AroundWoodstock.com
32 & 33 On the Cover
Broadus Realty Group and Georgia Pride Remodeling. Photo by J King Images. 2
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Patty Ponder, ALM President and Marketing & Advertising Sales 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com
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3
Community
AROUND WOODSTOCK The People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Woodstock What’s New
The Grant Academy, the first private school in Cherokee County for students with disabilities, is registering for the fall 2015-16 school year. Open house events are planned for May 7 at 7 p.m., May 16 from 1-5 p.m. and May 20 from 9-11 a.m. at 102 Springfield Drive in Woodstock. For more information, call 770-926-7827, Candi Hannigan is the visit www.thegrantacademy.net or check executive editor of Around Woodstock. She out the article on page 13. has lived in Cherokee The 272-apartment complex called The County for 28 years. Send your comments Crest at Laurelwood in Woodstock, at the or questions to Candi@ corner of Main Street and Highway 92, is AroundAboutMagazines. com open and accepting renters. Amenities include, two-story fitness center with yoga room, billiards room, business center, bocce ball court, swimming pool with tanning ledge and pet park. The community is gated and offers electric car charging stations. www.crestatlaurelwood.com. Blush Nail Salon has opened at 9999 Highway 92, Suite 150 in Woodstock. The salon offers manicures, pedicures, gel, acrylics, etc. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Allatoona Outdoors & Archery is new to Towne Lake, at 95 Grove Park Lane just off Rose Creek Boulevard. The archery and outdoor shop, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, will carry a full line of archery, hunting and shooting equipment including various price point bows and equipment for all ages and genders. For information, look for Allatoona Outdoors & Archery on Facebook.
What’s Coming
Brooklynn’s, the clothing boutique in downtown Woodstock, is adding a second store to be located in the Town Center at Cobb, on the lower level by Starbucks, and should open in early May. Follow Brooklynn’s on Facebook for all the grand opening festivities, or go to brooklynns.com for more details. Woodstock West by Walton Apartments recently broke ground on an expansion that will add 94 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 10 townhomes. The apartments will be part of a five-story building with an elevator, outdoor cabana area for grilling and entertaining, and a parking deck. Seven of the 10 townhomes, which will be available for lease, will be on Market Street behind Salt Factory; the remaining three will be in back of the property. Apartments should be completed by this time next year, and the townhomes should be ready by end of summer 2016. www.waltonwoodstock.com. A 33,000-square-foot expansion to The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, the center’s second phase, is set to open before this year’s holiday season and will include GAP Outlet and Banana Republic. 4
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Total Aesthetic & Nutrition Center (TANC) is a full nutrition store with all major brands along with a full aesthetic center providing non-surgical face lifts, body contouring, laser hair removal and more. Scheduled to open May 1 at 2990 Eagle Drive, Suite 108, Woodstock. 678-354-8001. www.tancfit.com
What’s Closed
Stock Bistro at 6424 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 118 in Woodstock, has closed and is expected to reopen under a new owner. A new opening date has not been announced.
Ribbon Cuttings Cherokee Angel Adult Day Care Center, 3353 Trickum Road, Suite 104, Woodstock. www.cherokeeangels.com. Harmony Burger Cafe, 2210 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 120, Canton GA. www.harmonyburgercafe.com U.S. Congressman Barry Loudermilk’s office at 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock. www.barryloudermilk.com Brownlee Agency, Inc., 3213 S Cherokee Lane, Bldg. 1700 Unit 1710, Woodstock. www.brownleeagency.com The HOPE Center, 295 Molly Lane, Suite 120, Woodstock. www.supporthopecenter.com Workout Anytime Woodstock, 6232 Old Highway 5, Woodstock. http://workoutanytime.com/locations/woodstock
GROW volunteers, from left back row, are Debbie Tidwell, Rebekah Gibson and Diane Geeslin. Front row from left, Cindy Nichols, Renee Gable, Melissa Casteel, Pat Tanner and Suzie Thomas. Not pictured: Kathy Sawyer, Tarne Eyle and Sarah Eyle.
What’s Blooming
Things are blooming in and around downtown Woodstock, thanks to some hard-working GROW volunteers. If you’ve been enjoying the Noonday Creek Trail (formerly called Town to Creek Trail), you may have noticed wildflowers blooming. The volunteers organized a seed bomb party earlier this spring and scattered donated seeds along the trail. Volunteers also just finished filling flower pots and planting beds in downtown Woodstock with summer flowers. And not to let anything go to waste, the volunteers salvaged about 200 daffodil bulbs from an area undergoing construction and are replanting those around town.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in many ways that include serving as contributing writers, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Kris McKeeth is team leader and visionary for The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts that include her position on the Business Board of downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah Foundation. Photographer Darleen Prem specializes in natural light portrait photography and enjoys dog, pet and family photography. She spends much of her time photographing local events for the city of Woodstock and is the official “unofficial” photographer for Woodstock’s fire and police departments. Darleen’s son serves overseas as an Army Military Police Officer. Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church in 2005 and still serves as head pastor. He draws from his experiences in more than 21 years of ministry and 19 years of marriage to challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for better living, loving and laughter.
Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive for Window Expert Tinting, volunteers for many committees that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance because of her desire to help create safe and natural trail riding experiences. Beth Hermes is a graduate of Auburn University’s School of Journalism, and a professional writer for more than 26 years. Her writing has appeared in magazines, newspapers and online publications, and she has created marketing campaigns for corporations and nonprofits.
Suzanne Litrel is a young adult historical fiction author and doctoral student in GSU’s graduate history program. Suzanne resides with her family in downtown Woodstock, which she is very happy to call home.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Woodstock AROUND
Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3322 Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3309 Assistant Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3307 Graphic Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Around Woodstock, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in Woodstock and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,300 free copies. Approximately 15,000 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,300 are placed in racks around the community. See page 61 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 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. Around Woodstock is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015. Around Woodstock PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com Powered by TrustWorkz, Inc.
Volume 2, Issue 7
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*Membership eligibility and $5 minimum balance required to maintain base savings account. Fees could reduce earnings on accounts. Current APY (Annual Percentage Yield) as of 05/01/15 for qualifying HRC accounts is 1.50% APY for balances up to $25,000. A lower rate will be paid on balances over $25,000. This is a variable rate account and rate may change without notice after the account is opened. If qualifying criteria are not met, it will become a non-dividend bearing account. Visit www.LGEccu.org/checking for qualifying criteria for HRC. **Account eligibility requirements apply. If eligibility is not met, a message will appear. Federally insured by NCUA. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
7
Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS New Ramp Gives CHILL Mom a Better View An astute parent with the Cherokee Hockey In-Line League (CHILL) noticed that Yvette Pegues was having a hard time watching her boys practice at the rink behind the Cherokee Recreation and Parks facility on Main Street in Woodstock. Yvette has had a traumatic brain injury and uses a wheelchair. In order to see her sons make a play, she and her husband worked out a plan where he would let her know when one Before the ramp was built, of their boys got close to the puck Yvette Pegues would have to push herself up in her so she could push herself up in wheelchair to watch her sons her wheelchair to peek over the from the sidelines. barrier and cheer him on. The parent approached CHILL Director Matt Brackett, who spoke to a representative of Cherokee Recreation and Parks. A plan was set in motion. Within two weeks, a new wheelchair-accessible viewing platform was built next to the rink. The addition was built by employees Tony Stargel, Ray Yvette with her son Isaiah on the Hendrix and Steve Ralston, park superintendent. new ramp.
“I taught and shared roller skating with my boys when they were 5 and 3 years old, prior to my injury. So while it was bittersweet to lose that connection, watching them use those same skills for in-line hockey with CHILL makes me smile,” said Yvette, who is the reigning Ms. Wheelchair USA. “Not in our wildest dreams or prayers did we expect such a well-built, well-intended gesture. I was honestly in tears and my oldest never practiced so hard. He called out to me so many times during practice that I thought we’d be asked to leave. In fact, he told his dad that he’d be playing extra hard because my Mommy’s watching.”
In less than two weeks, the ramp was ready.
Hospital Offers Access to Screening, Treatment Northside Hospital is continuing to offer breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to underinsured women, thanks to a $179,956 grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Atlanta office, and $39,954.83 from It’s The Journey, producer of the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Funding will be used to offer mammograms and other procedures like ultrasounds biopsies and more for women who can’t afford them. For information on the services, call 770-667-4400. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements. www.northside.com
Thrilling Thursdays at the Library This summer the Woodstock Public Library and teachers from Woodstock Elementary are teaming up again to offer “Thrilling Thursdays,” June 11July 23. Each Thursday at 10:30 a.m., teachers from Woodstock Elementary School will make stories come alive in the children’s department of the Woodstock Public Library. Come listen to stories, check out books, catch up with friends, and learn new things. This is a free event. No need to register. 8
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
National Cemetery Site of Memorial Day Observation Memorial Day will be observed at the Georgia National Cemetery at 10 a.m. May 23. The keynote speaker will be Brigadier General Denis Shortal, USMC, Ret. Attendees should carpool and arrive early due to parking constraints. Folding chairs, blankets, and weather related items (umbrellas, hats, hand fans, and water) are recommended items to bring to enjoy the ceremony.
Students Raise Money for Books Students at Goddard School of Woodstock recently participated in “book wars,” where kindergarteners raised $137 through a coin collection in March. The children took a trip to the Woodstock library and presented books and a monetary donation.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS
Cherokee Judge Earns Award
Cub Scout Pack 2010 and American Heritage Girls Troop 2012 get ready to clean up at Little River Elementary.
Cleanup Day on the Playgrounds Woodstock Cub Scout Pack 2010 and American Heritage Girls Troop 2012 worked together recently to clean up the playground areas at Little River Elementary on Trickum Road. More than 50 volunteers arrived armed with rakes, brooms and shovels. They cleared mulch from the paved and lawn areas and spruced up the play yard even though the weather threatened rain. “Scouting is about service,” said Pack 2010 Cubmaster Jamie Wallace. “It’s not always about fun. It’s about becoming a leader.” Cub Pack 2010 is looking for new den and pack leaders. If you are interested in volunteering, visit www.cubpack2010.com. Photos courtesy of Kelli Miller
Glenn Greet helps Pack 2012 Cub Scouts and American Heritage Girl 2012 troop member Hailey Acocello rake mulch.
Cherokee County Probate Court Judge Keith Wood was named 2015 Outstanding Probate Judge of the Year by the Council of Probate Court Judges (CPCJ) at the judges’ spring seminar in Athens. Judge Wood, who joined the court in 2004 as an associate judge and its chief clerk, began serving as an elected official in 2009. His contributions to the council have included assisting in the creation of an accredited educational program for Probate Court judges, developing and teaching classes for both judges and clerks and, for the last two years, serving as the chair of the Training Council.
Dedicated Woodstock Citizens Form Arts Coalition BY RENEE GABLE
Ever heard the saying “build it and they will come?” A group of dedicated volunteers in Woodstock has come together with the vision of creating a vibrant arts presence in Woodstock through public visual art. They have formed a volunteer group, Arts Coalition of Woodstock (ACW), which will be a Main Street Woodstock program. The mission is to create a sense of place for the city of Woodstock through exposure of public visual arts. The group is an independent voice for promoting a vibrant cultural community by facilitating, empowering and advocating for the arts in city of Woodstock. ACW members represent a diverse skill set that brings much to the table to facilitate the addition of public art in the city. The members, all Woodstock citizens, are Susan Wright, chairperson, Quest Consulting; Diane Geeslin, vicechairperson and artist; Melissa Casteel, Mondo Land Planning Design; Christopher Brazelton, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village; Brian Stockton, Economic Development Director for the city of Woodstock; Liz Cole, landscape architect; Jenna Hill, Woodstock city employee; Renee Gable, Greenprints Alliance Board of Directors; Judy Mod, Woodstock citizen, and Tarne Eyl, 10
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Woodstock artist. The ACW will be responsible for developing Woodstock’s Public Art Master Plan, which will recommend locations for public art to be placed on land owned and controlled by the city. ACW will facilitate a series of public meetings to get the community’s opinions of what they would like to see in public art, facilitate the RFP process for artist submissions, fundraise, apply or recommend grants to obtain funds to purchase art installations for the city’s permanent collection, as well as facilitate temporary art installation programs. ACW has the goal of enhancing Woodstock with exhibits of individual and unique pieces of art that will stimulate a public art initiative in Woodstock and serve as an economic development tool by attracting visitors, residents and businesses to the area through public arts. Membership in ACW is by nomination and approval process. If you are interested in joining the effort to bring public art to the city of Woodstock, contact Susan Wright at wrightsusan277@gmail.com or Diane Geeslin at dgeeslin@ yahoo.com.
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE IS WORKING TO KEEP CHEROKEE GREAT. BECAUSE, IT’S OUR HOME,TOO. Northside Hospital-Cherokee has served the residents of this county for many years. And our commitment to bring you the very best possible care goes well beyond our walls.
BEING NEIGHBORS Most of the people who work at Northside Hospital-Cherokee live in Cherokee. They’re not just your doctors or nurses, they’re your neighbors.
INVESTING
VOLUNTEERING
We’ve invested more than $100 million to bring the best the medical world has to offer right here to Cherokee.
Our employees and physicians have volunteered more than 10,000 hours to Cherokee County schools and organizations.
CONTRIBUTING We contribute to Cherokee County schools and support local venues and community activity centers.
Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Community
Happy Birthday!
Lexie Rollbuhler
Age 14 on April 28 Love, Mom and Dad
Bria Lane McCready
Jorge Shifflett
Age 10 on March 29 Happy birthday -- we love you! Love Mom, Dad, Jordan, Riley & Sydney
Mitchell Drought
Age 6 on April 25 Happy birthday! You make us so proud! We love you! Dad, Mom and Eliza
Stacy Splawn
Age 38 on May 5 Happy Birthday to a great mother and wonderful girlfriend!! Love, Sean Sr, Kaleb, Corriene and Sean Jr
Engagements
Merritt Smith and John Croland
will wed at the end of May on a riverboat in Rome, GA
Kim Rollbuhler
Age 12 on May 2 Happy birthday!
Benjamin Blackburn and Maria Flores
Son of Alan and Sarah Blackburn Daughter of Fernando Flores and Myrna Suarez
Celebrated that milestone on April 13. Happy birthday, honey! Love, Tom
Jenna Jewel Forte
Age 9 on May 31 Happy Birthday to the sweetest girl in town!! We love and adore you and are so proud of you! Mom, Dad, and Jessica
May 26 Happy Birthday Nani! Your mother, kids, husband and grandkids love your very much!!!
Celebrating
Julian Hamlin
will be receiving his first Eucharist at Transfiguration Catholic Church on May 9. May the light that guides you, Fall from heaven above, as you walk each day with Him and enjoy His Holy love. Love, Mom and Dad
Barb Hinkle
Destiny Barnett
Age 14 on April 11 Daughter of Bruce and Julie Barnett Sister of Karlie and Ian
Eliza Drought
Age 5 on May 21 Happy Birthday! Your laughter is the best medicine. We love you! Dad, Mom, and Mitche
Enrique Torres
Age 12 on April 1 Happy birthday! We love you and are very proud of you. Mom, Dad, Valerie and Nataly
Anniversaries
Adam and Valerie Kidd Married 3 years on May 5
Shane & Denise Shifflett Celebrating 12 years and wedding renewal
Paul and Jennifer Gentile Married 5 years on May 18 Happy Anniversary to the love of my life!
Announcements are free! E-mail to: Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com June deadline is May 10. Please specify, Around Woodstock, TowneLaker or Sixes Living. 12
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
NOW REGISTERING FOR FALL — CALL TODAY FOR A TOUR! The Grant Academy 102 Springfield Drive, Woodstock GA 30188
770-926-7827 (STAR) www.thegrantacademy.net info@thegrantacademy.net
Grades 1-5 • S.T.E.M. School
Where the Students are the Stars
The Grant Academy Elementary School
Melissa Wright has spent 17 years teaching special education in a range of environments, including public schools and high-end private academies. Her husband David, whose background is in business, has learned a lot through the years as he’s experienced the highs and lows of helping special needs students through Melissa’s successes and frustrations. They’ve taken a shared vision for helping special needs students reach their full potential and are opening The Grant Academy in Woodstock, the first private school for special needs children in Cherokee County. The name was chosen to honor Melissa’s parents, Ron and Ellen Grant, who passed away in 2014. “Our philosophy is that every child is capable of learning. Each child just learns differently. We will have our teachers look at each child as an individual and teach to the student—not the curriculum,” said David, the school’s business director. The academy will be a STEM school (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and will serve students with mild to moderate cognitive and intellectual disabilities that can include dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, autism, Asperger’s and developmental disabilities. Melissa & David Wright The goal is to help each child reach his or her potential, which is the inspiration behind the school’s logo that pictures students reaching for the stars and inspiration for the motto: Where Dreams and Potential Become Reality. The logo is also the inspiration for the school’s mascot, The Stars. The academy will open with grades one through five and a grade will be added each year. The Grant Academy is unique because class sizes are small, planned for six to 10 students depending on diagnosis and abilities. Students will have physical education, social studies, science, language arts, reading, math and integrated social skills courses daily, with art and music offered every other day. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and counseling will be offered as needed and incorporated into the classes. Students will also participate in monthly academic field trips. All classes will be based on the needs of the students. The students will change classes and teachers will instruct only one subject. Teachers are certified and trained in special education and the subject area to ensure they are experts in what they teach. The school’s curriculum uses programs such as Orton-Gillingham and Touch Math which utilize a whole-brain
approach and have proven results for struggling learners. Melissa has a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Alabama and a master’s of education degree in special education from the University of West Georgia with a reading endorsement. She’s certified to teach pre-K through grade 12 in all subjects and will be the academy’s education director. David earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and bachelor of science degree in criminology from Auburn University, and has worked in sales and marketing Hayleigh Wright modeling management for more than 20 years. school’s uniform Years of experience have taught Melissa what works and what doesn’t. She remembers a special needs student who left high school with only a certificate of attendance. His parents cried out, “Where does he go now? What can he do?” He had no job skills. She wants to help students like him succeed. “My passion is special education and I want to make sure that our students get as much as they can out of their education. We’re going to have some kids who, with help, can go on a college path. Yet others may never go to college, but we can help them develop skills that will take them on a career path and enable them to be productive and happy,” she said. Students will be tested before starting at The Grant Academy. These results will be used to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which will be reviewed each grading period with the teacher, parent and student instead of once a year. Changes can be made, if needed, to benefit the student. The IEP then guides the teachers’ lesson plans, ensuring that the students’ needs are always being met. Students who have IEPs can get tuition reimbursement through the state-funded Special Needs Scholarship Program. Tuition will include monthly field trips, a monogrammed backpack and school supplies. The school is on Highway. 92, one mile east of I-575. To find out more about The Grant Academy you can meet the directors on Thurs., May 7 at 7 p.m. or Wed., May 20 from 9-11 a.m. or attend the Open House on Sat., May 16 from 1-5 p.m. or call 770-926-STAR (7824). AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Photos by Kim Bates
Private School for Students with Disabilities to Open in Fall
Community
Bitten By the “Bug” BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW
CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK
MAY
15, 16, 22, 23 AT 7:30PM 17 & 24 AT 2:00PM
Call or visit us on the web to learn about our
SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
There once was a young girl who was extremely shy. She was afraid to talk to others. Maybe she thought she would be wrong. Maybe she thought she would upset someone. Needless to say, she always sat quietly among a group of people. This girl had a wild imagination. She loved to create fantastical stories, games and art. She loved to sing, but only did so in choir. She dreamed Siobhan Brumbelow has been involved in bright colors and aspired to be with Elm Street since something big. 2002 and holds a BA in Theatre from She was encouraged by her family Brenau University. She to try out for her high school musical toured for a year with Missoula Children’s ”Annie.” Nerves got the best of her, Theatre and she but it didn’t matter. She pushed currently manages and performs with the through and the next day she iThink Improv Troupe discovered she got the lead. Thrilled, she immediately called her mom from a pay phone. From that moment on, she was no longer the same. She was bitten by the “theatre bug.” That young girl was me, and for those who know me, many would be surprised that I actually used to be shy. I had aspirations of becoming a big Broadway star someday, and as I made my way toward that spotlight, I made a discovery. I loved theatre. I loved every single aspect of it. I didn’t just want to perform, but I wanted to be a part of everything involved. I wanted to teach, direct and create. And it didn’t matter what I was doing, I just wanted to be involved. I’m happy to be making those opportunities for our younger generation through Elm Street, giving children a springboard for their own big aspirations. I only wish there had been a theatre like ours when I was 5. We all have big dreams. Take Millie for example: she aspires to make a name for herself in Manhattan; to marry a wealthy man and live a rich life. However, she too makes a self-discovery about life and love. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” takes audiences on an uplifting, toe-tapping journey through the eyes of a dreamer in the 1920s. Elm Street is ecstatic to present this heartwarming show May 15-24.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Community
What Hollywood Likes About Cherokee County SUBMITTED BY THE CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Tom Cruise. Kristen Stewart. Sony Pictures. Three names harnessed to one industry: film. But when a production company can shoot anywhere, what attracts movie makers to Cherokee County? “We’ve worked with a number of film scouts since Cherokee earned its Camera Ready designation in 2011,” says Misti Martin, President of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED). “Cherokee is attractive because it’s so diverse. It’s rural. It’s urban. There are mountains, lakes, waterfalls, incredible architecture and some very distinctive buildings and downtowns. Plus, we have a skilled workforce. That’s always attractive to production crews looking to hire locals.” No one really tried to keep it a secret, yet few realize COED is the county’s liaison with directors, scouts and crews. If a film is looking for something specific, like a mansion with Mediterranean architecture for a scene set in the 1940s, they’ll check the state’s Camera Ready Reel Scout database. If they find what they’re looking for in Cherokee, they’ll call COED. “Each request is a little different than the one before and you can absolutely never guess what’s coming next,” said Martin. Cherokee garners a lot of attention from location scouts. For example, in 2011, the county received 11 inquiries. In 2014, that number grew to 41. Martin credits the state’s Camera Ready Reel Scout database, which is an electronic file of locations across the state. It’s one-stop shopping for most scouts. COED recognized the opportunity and assembled a think tank of community leaders to help identify every area in the county that would attract film scouts. The Camera Ready program was the first of its kind in the nation when it launched in 2010. It’s designed to establish a liaison in each community for film and television companies to contact and work with on a local level. Throughout the state, a majority of economic development authorities have taken on that role. But think of it like this: COED’s mission is to attract new business
and help existing industry expand. There’s lots of money to be made by landing a movie production in your community. It’s an obvious match. Last year, more than 158 feature films and television productions were shot somewhere in the state of Georgia, generating a combined production cost of $1.4 billion. Add in the revenue each film fosters in the community where it’s shot, and Georgia enjoyed an economic boost of about $5.1 billion last year thanks solely to A crew member checks the camera the film industry. while filming at the Blanton Property. With those kinds of dollars, just about every community in the state is ready and willing to roll out the red carpet and say “Hi y’all” to Hollywood. And like so many things in life, some of the strongest attractions to Cherokee are also its greatest challenge in movie land. Over the past five years, production companies have stayed close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. There are also a number of sound stages peppered around that same area. Yet Cherokee, true to its motto, “where the metro meets mountains,” has topography the region around the airport can’t offer. “There’s no doubt, the film industry is big business,” said Marshall Day, COED Chairman. “But with any business endeavor, you have to make sound decisions. I think you’ll see in the next several months that COED has been extremely savvy about attracting some incredible projects to film in our community.” Hmmm. On that note, as they say in the business, stay tuned.
Ready for that close-up?
If you’re interested in applying to work as a background artist, also known as an extra, here is a list of casting companies that handle that work in metro Atlanta. Email them two pictures, preferably taken with your cell phone in normal light. They’ll need a close-up of your face and a second picture that’s full length. Include your name, contact information, weight, height, age and sizes. Atlanta Casting and Talent
Extras Casting Atlanta
Direct info: 404-808-0685 Direct email: acturr7005@gmail.com Website: atlantacastingandtalent.net
Phone: 404-865-3330 Email: extrascastingatlanta@gmail.com Website: extrascastingatlanta.com
Big Picture Casting
Phone: 404-963-1105 Website: HyltonCasting.com Extras Submission Page: http://hyltoncasting.com/submissions/extras/ Twitter: twitter.com/hyltoncasting Facebook: facebook.com/HyltonCasting
Phone: 404-919-9293 Website: bigpicturecasting.com
Christopher Gray Casting
Phone: 323-301-3185 Website: christophergraycasting.com
CL Casting (Catrett Locke Casting) Website: clcasting.blogspot.com/ Facebook: facebook.com/CLCastingCo 16
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Hylton Casting
New Life Casting
Phone: 404-444-0565 Email: info@newlifecasting.com Website: newlifecasting.com Facebook: facebook.com/NewLifeCasting
Marinella/Hume Casting
Email/Casting: casting@marinellahumecasting.com Email/Talent: talent@marinellahumecasting.com Website: marinellahumecasting.com
Tammy Smith Casting
Phone: 404-433-7616 Email: contactatl@tscasting.com Website: tammysmithcasting.com/TSCasting/ HOME.html
William Reynolds Agency
Phone: 404-636-1974 Email: rwreynolds2@cs.com Website: williamreynoldsagency.com
A Salute to Single Moms BY LINDE FERRERE
On Mother’s Day, Serenade Heights would like to honor the single moms our ministry serves. Our ministry is a six- to 24-month faith-based program that helps single women with children achieve family stability. We have been blessed to have the opportunity to house a total of six single mothers in the past two years, and currently house five single mothers and eight children. Our ministry serves these mothers by offering them support through affordable housing, a weekly life coach, counseling, employment guidance, financial education, Bible classes, and by directing them to community resources. But each week, the Serenade Heights staff members meet and review the progress of the single moms in our ministry with marvel and astonishment. Our women are more than just moms. They are inspirational women building a better future for their children. They do the typical “mom jobs” like making breakfast, lunch and dinner. They manage the homework, projects and crafts. They tuck their children into bed and try to get them to the extracurricular activities like most moms. So what makes our single moms within our ministry so different? All our moms work one if not two jobs and go to school. They take their children to doctor and dentist appointments at the sacrifice of a day’s wages. Our moms attend life coaching sessions weekly and participate in community workshops. They do this with the stress and burden and knowledge that the responsibility is all theirs. They manage their day-to-day lives without a second income or a second set of hands in the house. Our ministry is designed to help single moms who just need someone to walk beside them and hold their hand. From the staff of Serenade Heights, we want to wish our single moms a Happy Mother’s Day because we are amazed by you. I’ve never met such amazing women in my life; it is an honor to work for them. As busy as I am, they put me to shame when I hear all they do! If you’d like to support a home within this single mom’s ministry, go to https://gosponsorit.com/serenadeheights. For more information about the ministry and how you can be involved, visit www.serenadeheights.org.
Natalie
Natalie, mom of two beautiful children, has nearly completed her time in our ministry and has impressed our staff in more than one way. Challenges that would break a mother’s spirit have made her strong. Her ability to trust God’s hand on her plan in life, regardless of how challenging it is, has made the staff and volunteers marvel at her success. She leans not on her own understanding, but on God’s promise for her wonderful future.
Jackie
Jackie and her daughter came into our ministry at the beginning of this year and we are excited to work with her as she begins the road to a great future for her daughter. She works two jobs while driving her daughter nearly 20 miles for reasonably priced child care. She hopes to find more stability during her time in the ministry with one full-time job or possibly returning to school for more education. Her devotion to making her life better and her ability to push through challenging circumstances makes it apparent to Serenade Heights that God is doing something big in her life.
Chasity
Chasity, who has three children, has been in our ministry for six months and already has her CNA certificate and has just successfully completed a challenging phlebotomy class. There was hardly a moment of rest after she moved into her home before she was out the door making huge strides in her life. Not only is she working to support her family, but she is attending school every night to earn more certifications with the hopes that her hourly pay rate will continue to rise. With a place to call home and a ministry supporting her efforts, this single mom can do anything her heart desires, and Serenade Heights is honored to be a part of her journey.
Selina
Serenade Heights is proud of Selina as she begins her journey in our ministry. She has been blessed with the challenge to raise her four boys, one who has a rare disease. She is inspirational as she learns to navigate single parenting. Selina is currently working a parttime job while searching for a job that will meet her family’s full financial needs. To supplement her income, she cleans homes and hopes to one day own her own cleaning company. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Extraordinary Moms BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
Milton Berle said, “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” Yes, of all the rights of women, the greatest and most challenging is to become a mother. Those who make that choice often feel like they need more than two hands.
Steen Jones
A creative and beautiful young mom, Steen Jones, faces the challenges of autism head on, but the beginning was quite difficult. A heart wrenching time, Steen described the early years of her children’s autism as “the dark ages.” She’s the mom of two wonderful children, Elijah (11) and Peyton (9), both of whom were diagnosed as toddlers. When doctors sat down with Steen and her husband, Andy (a middle school pastor at Watermarke Church), and explained the results of Elijah’s evaluation, they were heartbroken. They experienced a repeat diagnosis only a few years later with their daughter, Peyton. Steen was having lunch in a restaurant with her son and her mom when Elijah, who was having a bad day, began acting out and making a lot of noise. A man came up to their table and said, “If you can’t control your kid, find someone who can.” Crushed, she rarely left the house for years. While in survival mode she decided to put her artistic side to work. Andy took a turn staying home with the kids while she built a career as a hairstylist at Clark Salon and started crocheting scarves and what she calls, “skinnies.” What started as a hobby in 2010 became a full-forceahead business in 2012. At that point, she quit the salon to focus on her three main walls: her husband, her children, and her business, Colors: Freedom in Fashion.
Laura George
Laura George, who gave birth to 11 children (six boys and five girls), could certainly use more than two hands. As a teenager
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she watched the movie, “Cheaper by the Dozen.” This film inspired her to start a large family of her own after marrying her sweetheart, Brent. Laura felt led to continually fill the number 12 spot by opening her home to the downtrodden. Unwed mothers, young men, the homeless, troubled family members, and those dealing with financial issues and hard times found refuge in the George home. Today, two of her teen children live at home, while nine married sons and daughters are adding to the George legacy with 16 grandchildren (13 born and three on the way). As a resourceful, think-outside-the box homeschooler, Laura founded Compass Prep Academy in Woodstock, where students learn in a unique, three-day learning community.
Dr. Nadine Thomas
“I like to say that we are the family that love built,” Nadine said. “Our family of 10 is comprised of biological, adoptive and step children. It is good, hard work. Being a mom is my most challenging and rewarding blessing. It may be the most important thing I’ll ever do. I’m addressed by others in many ways—Mrs., Doctor, Aunt— but the title Mommy beats them all.” Nadine works as a pediatrician in Ellijay and is married to Charlie Thomas. People often ask her, “How do you do it? How do you work full time and take care of all of those kids?” “Well I believe in a very good God, I have a great husband, I pray a lot, and I laugh a lot!” One day, her stepdaughter said, “We are such a blessed family. We need to help those who don’t have families like ours.” Nadine agreed and adopted their third child at birth and applied to foster at-risk children. The Thomas family soon fostered three siblings. When the birth mother became pregnant again she contacted Nadine explaining that she had been raised in the foster care system and did not want that for her children. “Will you adopt my children, even the new baby?” Nadine and Charlie said, “Yes,” and the day after adopting the family of four their youngest child was born. He was adopted nine months later. They have their challenges. After the emotional trauma of separation and experiencing and watching violence, the foster children now receive counseling and top notch care. For more information on how you can get involved with foster care visit: fostercare.com, adoptuskids. org or contact your DFACS office.
The 575 Mother’s Day Miracle BY SEAN KAUFMAN
It happened on I-575 South, right before exit 9 on the morning of Feb. 7. I was returning home from Kroger when a horrible car accident occurred. I jumped out of my car and I could hear screaming. As I ran to assist, I noticed a woman laying motionless on her back, and another woman had been ejected from the vehicle. The accident involved three sisters on their way to work. Two of them Sean Kaufman lives in Woodstock with his were mildly injured, but the one who wife, two sons and had been ejected was in big trouble. daughter. He specializes in intrinsic coaching/ One of the sisters screamed for her motivation, owns Mom and pointed. Mom was about a behavioral-based consulting business and 300 yards away and was not allowed to is an internationally come near the scene of the accident. recognized trainer. He can be contacted at I ran to her to let her know what was sean@seankaufman. happening. com. As I approached their mother, I could tell her soul was breaking. She already knew two of her babies were okay, but the third one needed a miracle. I saw Minerva, mother of the three girls, a week later at the
hospital. She refused to leave the hospital and likely spent every waking moment praying for her daughter, Scarlet − the one ejected during the accident. I cannot imagine the pain I would feel seeing one of my children struggle to live. Doctors were not hopeful. When Scarlet left the hospital, Minerva was told she would live in a “vegetative state” or absence of responsiveness and awareness due to overwhelming damage to the brain. Regardless, Minerva’s faith was a mother’s faith and never wavered. On April 3, Scarlet started nodding. On April 4, Scarlet starting talking. Not only did she start talking, she remembers everyone and everything! Two months after she was violently ejected from a car, struggled to survive in a hospital, and was sent home with the prognosis of living in a vegetative state, Scarlet returned to her family. No parent should ever have to see his or her child suffer. Not only is it heartbreaking, it is soul-breaking. Minerva’s pain during the past two months has been unimaginable. Though this story is far from being over, on this Mother’s Day, Minerva will be able to hug all of her daughters. This was a miracle and it happened in Woodstock right on 575. Happy Mother’s Day, Minerva. Thanks be to God and the love of a mother!
Moms are Easy BY MATT NEAL
As a toddler, my son would toddle around the yard. He would pick a handful of weeds and present them to my wife as a token of his affection. The reaction was invariably, “Thank you, sweetie! How beautiful!” My daughter could draw the goofiest picture of her mom, with weird stick arms and crazy hair. But my wife would act like it’s the Mona Lisa. Stick lady would hold a Matt Neal is a freelance prominent place on our fridge for years writer who has lived to come. in Woodstock with his wife since 1999. He It’s interesting that those same ladies has a daughter who aren’t so easy to please in their role turns shoeboxes into dollhouses, a son who as wives. Men, back me up on this: fights those stealthy when was the last time you picked a ninjas, and a wife, Diane, who provides patience, handful of weeds for the wife and got compassion and a kick in that same reaction? Our stick figures the pants when needed. mattnealwriter@yahoo. are never fridge-worthy, and wives com are brutally honest about our many shortcomings. But here’s the strange part. I’m fortunate enough to still have a mother that I can call. When I do, I’m always surprised at how impressed she is with everything I do. It’s like I’m a little boy again. I don’t have to do great things. I can tell her I washed the car and she will make
over me like I’m the Pope. It’s because she’s my mom. It’s true. When it comes to their kids, moms are easy to please no matter what age. Yet after you move out and as you grow older, it’s often harder to make time for your parents. Sometimes, a simple phone call is all that’s needed to make their day. But our lives are so busy with kids and work and all the rest, we have to set aside time and check our calendars. If you don’t live nearby, then a visit to mom’s house might feel like planning an annual vacation. Sometimes we make it too difficult. Parents spend years teaching us, guiding us, loving us. Later in life, they don’t stop loving us or wanting to spend time with us. They never stop. I know how grateful I am with my own children over the smallest things they do. To our parents, we are still those small children. So we need to remember, they don’t want the Mona Lisa; a stick figure will do. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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A New Look for a Special Mom BY JODI TIBERIO
It is difficult to imagine what Debbie Bowman has been through Jodi Tiberio owns Branches Boutique over the last two years. Debbie’s for women in Towne daughter Emily was seriously injured Lake as well as a in a hit-and-run accident, and since second Branches that time, Debbie has spent all of her location and attention on caring for Emily. That Brooklynn’s boutique in Downtown has left Debbie with very little time Woodstock. to spend on herself. Last month, we Contact Jodi at jodi@ featured a makeover on Emily, who is tiberioretail.com. making remarkable progress since that life-altering accident. Now it’s time to focus on Debbie, in honor of Mother’s Day, and to celebrate the devotion she has had in helping Emily in recuperating. I was delighted to do something to honor Debbie and brighten her day. Like lots of women who go through our makeover process, Debbie admitted to me that she has “no style.” She was wearing a cute top when she came in, but the jeans had to go. Debbie is very narrow through the hip and thigh. We got her into some Silver jeans in the skinny pencil fit. Silver comes in many fits, so it gives us lots of options. Whether you need low or mid-rise, relaxed, boot-cut or skinny, Silver has got you covered. The pocket designs are simpler without all the embellishments of some of our other brands. She was amazed at how much better the new jeans looked. I always say that a great fitting pair of new jeans can make any top look great. We sent Debbie home with tons of new clothes and booties, but her favorite look was Debbie Bowman with this dove gray tunic and soft cardigan. daughter Emily, who was treated to a makeover and Layering her clothes was something featured in the April issue Debbie really struggled with and this of the TowneLaker. outfit makes it seem easy. She found lots of great chiffon kimono style pieces to layer with solid tops or tanks as the weather gets warmer. With Debbie all set with her new clothes, it was time for hair and make-up with our friends at Salon and Spa Venéssa. With Debbie’s hectic lifestyle, she normally wears a no-fuss haircut that can be washed and worn without much styling. Stylist Bethany Renner describes Debbie as being like many of today’s busy mothers who put their needs last. Debbie has super straight, fine hair that requires product and styling to achieve any type of volume. Bethany gave Debbie a strong, shorter cut that is cropped close through the sides and back. She left a wispy softness around her ears and on her neckline, and finished the cut by adding texture through the top. Then stylist Megan Wood gave Debbie bright blonde highlights, 20
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creating a bold texture. Once washed, a texturizing cream was used to show Debbie that she can style her hair without a blow dryer. The end result is a true no-fuss style that gives this busy mother a new, fresh look. Esthetician Amy Chandler gave Debbie a finishing touch of makeup, showing Debbie that the look can be recreated in just five minutes. Amy used a dual finish powder to even out Debbie’s skin tone, added a shimmery coriander eye shadow, softly smudged a cacao eyeliner along her lash line, and completed her look with sheer peony lip color. Debbie’s new look is fresh and simple for her to recreate, as she continues to focus daily on Emily’s recovery. Debbie is smiling ear to ear, and while I know it is mostly because Emily looks so great too, I know she is feeling really good. She plans to rock her new look at an upcoming Willie Nelson concert - a night out that is well deserved. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. You are all amazing with great stories to tell; we appreciate all of you.
Photo courtesy of Darleen Prem
Senior Sense: Parental Tidbits BY DELIA HALVERSON
“Don’t cry over spilled milk!” “Little folks want what they want right now, but big folks can afford to wait!” These are some of the parental tidbits that I grew up with, and I’m sure that you have your own set of tidbits that helped shape your personality. I often hear that it’s the grandparents’ job to spoil their grandchildren, but I’m not sure that that’s true. Perhaps the job Delia has written of grandparents is to bring back some more than 25 books, of the parental sayings that have been leads workshops and has trained teams lost through the years. These were in the Congo and truths clothed in gentle sayings instead Mozambique. She and her husband have lived of harsh words. These were usually said in eight states, but now over and over so that they stuck in our reside in Woodstock, and have a daughter, minds. Many have been lost through son, daughter-in-law the years and parents today don’t have and four grandchildren living in Cherokee time to say much more than “Don’t do County. that!” or “Grow up!” On the wall of a friend’s home I found a framed copy of such tidbits that had been her mother’s sayings. They were done in calligraphy and framed nicely. What
a tribute to her mother, and how convenient to have them where we could all be reminded of such wisdom. These little sayings may seem old fashioned, but they held much wisdom that was given to us in subtle ways. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, and next month, Father’s Day, we can thank our parents for teaching us wisdom in ways that are easy to remember. Perhaps you heard some of these. Pass them on to your grandchildren or children. • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. • I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. • Don’t believe everything you hear. • A stitch in time saves nine. • Focus on what’s right in your world instead of what’s wrong. • Never spend your money before you have it. • Keep an open mind. • Any plan is bad that cannot be changed. • Nothing remains constant except change itself. • The best cure for a short temper is a long walk. • Take one day at a time. • It’s okay to make a mistake as long as you learn from it. • If you fall in the mud puddle, check your pockets for fish. For more wise old sayings, go to www.wiseoldsayings.com.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Sine Die - 2015 Legislative Session Wrap Up BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL
On April 2, your citizen legislature packed up and left the Capitol when the clock struck midnight and marked “Sine Die,” the end of the 40th legislative day and final constitutionally permitted day of the session. This year’s contentious legislative session dealt with some big issues. The debate ranged from medical marijuana to transportation funding and nearly everything in between. Michael Caldwell Though I won’t be able to cover is the state everything of interest in this limited representative for District 20, which article, I’d like to touch on a few key covers Towne Lake highlights from the session, both good and Woodstock. He can be reached at and bad. 678-523-8570 or email Balanced Budget for 2016: The him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com. Constitution of Georgia has only one annual requirement of the General Assembly: to pass a balanced budget for the following fiscal year. Fiscal Year 2016 will begin July 1, 2015 and end June 30, 2016. The total FY15 budget comes out to just over $44 billion with nearly $21.7 billion in state funds. Our budget, in contrast to the federal government’s, is constitutionally required to be balanced. This budget included a massive increase in K-12 education funding and an additional three judges for the Georgia Court of Appeals. I
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voted yes. Transportation Funding Act: With the start of the session came a debate over the way transportation is funded in Georgia. Out of 50 states, our state has the 10th largest transportation network and spends 49th per capita on our infrastructure. The estimated shortfall in funding was roughly $1 billion and the legislature set out to bridge the gap. The plan, as it began, was to consolidate and simplify our transportation taxes, set up an effective user fee, and do it all without raising taxes. The end result was a significantly more convoluted tax structure that taxed users and non-users and raised Georgia’s tax burden by roughly $700 million. This is not conservative governing. I voted no. Haleigh’s Hope Act: Medical cannabis oil use for children experiencing seizure disorders has been debated in the General Assembly for nearly two years now. After barely missing the finish line in the 2014 session, the House and Senate were able to come together on a final bill this year. I voted yes. Student Data Privacy Act: This simple bill places strict guidelines around when the State Department of Education can make personally identifying information about individual students available to other governmental and non-governmental agencies. This becomes one additional check and balance to protect private performance, identity and other information that belongs to students and parents. I voted yes.
continued on page 63
A Clumsy Doctor BY MIKE LITREL, MD
I was a clumsy waiter. Not all the time—just when things got too busy. I worked in an upscale restaurant at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York during my late teens. My biggest blunder was spilling a pot of coffee on a mink coat. I wiped off the fur, muttered an embarrassed apology, and made a feeble attempt to distract the irate customer by pointing out the window to a Concorde headed for France on a twoDr. Mike Litrel has authored two books hour transatlantic flight. on the faith-health She still didn’t give me a tip. connection. He is a board certified OB/GYN Practicing medicine has similarities to and specialist in pelvic waiting tables. Instead of flight delays, reconstructive surgery at Cherokee Women’s we get urgent work-ins—patients who Health Specialists need to be seen on top of regularly www.cherokeewomens health.com scheduled patients. Just like at the airport, when things get busy, I can occasionally get clumsy. One morning a young mother rushed in for a pregnancy test. With three children, two still in diapers, she and her husband were anxious for the results. “We have the results,” I began as I entered their exam room. Suddenly I realized I was holding a prescription for a patient leaving the office. I dashed out to give it to her. When I returned,
my patient and her husband, now quite agitated, reminded me where I had left off. They were able to laugh at the confusion once they found out they weren’t expecting. But not all mistakes can be laughed away. Recently a patient returned to the office after cancer surgery. Elizabeth had wanted children, and the loss of her uterus and ovaries had been heartbreaking. Her recovery had gone well, but lines of sadness marked Elizabeth’s face. “I think you need some other magazines in your exam room, Dr. Litrel,” she said quietly. Tears shone in her eyes. I glanced at the coffee table. Every magazine bore the smiling face of a pregnant woman, or a mother holding a baby. Clumsiness in a doctor’s office can cause pain. I heard myself say I was sorry. As I searched for words of comfort, I found myself telling Elizabeth the story of another patient. Dawn wanted nothing more than to get pregnant. For 10 years she visited doctor after doctor. I referred her to an infertility clinic for in vitro fertilization, where she spent tens of thousands of dollars. Still, she wasn’t able to have a child. At her check-up she was confused and bitter. Nothing mattered more to her than becoming a mother. Why had God filled her with dreams of motherhood only to leave them unfulfilled? We talked a while about the miracle of pregnancy, wanting to be part of it. The conversation turned to motherhood—not just continued on page 63
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201 5 Farmers Market Season From Our Farms to Your Table
BY TRICIA NITTI / MARKET MANAGER FOR RIVER CHURCH, ROSWELL FARMERS MARKETS
The key to any meal is fresh, quality ingredients, and Cherokee County Farmers Markets offer an array of Georgia-grown produce and artisan foods to satisfy the latest trend of buying from local and sustainable food sources. It’s even more appealing when you think that most food available at the supermarket travels an average of 1,700 miles and is picked four to seven days before being placed on the shelf. With a multitude of small family farms in Georgia, where agriculture is our No. 1 commodity, we are able to satisfy the demand for the freshest produce, harvested within a day to just a few hours of being brought to market. In a time when every dollar counts, imagine the difference it can make to a family when buying directly from the producer. Only 18 cents of every dollar goes to the actual grower of food purchased in a large supermarket. Shopping at your farmers markets not only benefits the farmers—who get full value for their products—but it keeps those dollars in the community, benefiting other area businesses. Food grown locally, processed locally and distributed locally generates jobs and supports the overall local economy. “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” isn’t just a catchy phrase. Direct-to-consumer purchasing opens the door to relationships between the buyer and the person who grew the food. It gives you the ability to ask questions about the food and how it was raised. The goals are transparency and a willingness to share farming methods and information. Farmers take pride in their products and demand the highest quality. The same food that feeds their own families is what they offer to the greater community. In addition to the relationships, the markets offer a sense of community and what I like to term “a return to yesteryear.” Family and children’s activities bring together neighbors who shop, play and enjoy the market’s festive atmosphere. If these were not reasons enough, then the basic fact that the food just tastes better when picked at peak freshness should be the final incentive! When I was a child, I never knew just how great a strawberry, blueberry or peach could taste. By shopping local, you are treating yourself to the best varieties each season that Georgia has to offer.
An employee from a local Georgia farm sells produce that has been raised using new technologies in organic farming at the River Church Market.
Markets in Cherokee County
• River Church: 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays, open through Nov. 24 at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. • Waleska: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, opening May 7 at Reinhardt University at the corner of Highway 108 and Highway 140. • Canton: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, opening May 25 at Cannon Park. • Downtown Woodstock: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays and 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays, opening May 2 on Market Street.
… And Beyond
• Acworth: 7-11 a.m. Fridays at Acworth First Baptist, 4583 Church St. • Jasper: 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the Park and Ride lot at Lee Newton Park on Highway 53. • Marietta Square: 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, open year round. • Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market at City Hall: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, now open. • Sweet Apple: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, now open at World Harvest Church, 320 Hardscrabble Road.
Cooking Demos, Pie-Eating Contests
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The Woodstock Farmers Market, presented by the Bank of North Georgia, will kick off its seventh season on May 2 on Market Street between Mill and Maple streets adjacent to the Elm Street Arts Village event green. Saturday market hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon. This year the Tuesday market will be held at the same location as the Saturday market. Tuesday market hours are 4:30-7:30 p.m. Events will including cooking demonstrations by local chefs, farm-related activities presented by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, pie baking and eating contests, canning demonstrations and urban garden classes. For more information on the Woodstock Farmers Market, please check out www.downtownwoodstock.org/farmer/ or call the Woodstock Visitors Center at 770-924-0406. - Kyle Bennett AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
201 5 Farmers Market Season Kids “POP” at River Church Market Last year, the Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market Manager gave me the inspiration to bring the Power of Produce (POP) Club to River Church Market to help educate children on the importance of good nutrition. POP Club is designed to help children ages 5-12 explore nutrition, culinary arts, agriculture and science, and to learn lifelong habits of healthy food choices. Club members earn passport stamps by participating in a series of market events. Once the passport is filled, the child will receive a free kid’s meal from participating local restaurants. The activity gives each child a sense of community and ownership in the markets. Parents can enroll their children at participating markets (River Church, Woodstock and Sweet Apple). Waleska and Acworth have limited participation. The Power of Produce is sponsored nationally by the Farmers Market Coalition and recognized by the USDA. Cherokee County Farm Bureau and Century House Tavern in Woodstock, the original sponsors of POP Club, made the first year a success. They will be joined this season by Family Traditions and Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe. POP Club activities planned for this season include the following: • Cherokee County Master Gardeners will present a monthly activity similar to the school garden clubs. • Girl Scouts are developing a nutrition program focusing on at-risk children. • Local chefs will do demonstrations in culinary arts to encourage great tasting, healthy options. • Cherokee Charter Academy students will take field trips to the River Church Market, where they will devote time to agricultural projects and have a tent. For more information, contact Tricia at 770-630-2715 or Roswell.fam@gmail.com. —Tricia Nitti
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Blankets Creek Spring Sports Festival Supports Local Trails Photos by Featherbrush Photography
BY LISA RANDALL
April marked the arrival of warmer weather and the SORBA Woodstock/ Mountain Goat Adventures season opener at Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails in Canton. The Spring Sports Festival featured an entire day of races, with a five-mile trail run and off-road duathlon in the morning, followed by a 15 or 30 mile mountain bike race in the afternoon. Athletes were able to pick their favorite discipline, at an event that offered a bit of something for everyone. Max McAllister of Woodstock rides to a win in the Men’s 40+ Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Sport Division in the Mountain SORBA Woodstock volunteers, the Bike Race. trails were in great shape leading up to the event, and were not affected by the rain from the previous day. By the time the events started, the courses were once again dry and fast. On race day, more than 30 SORBA Woodstock volunteers came out and helped make this event a huge success for both the participants and the trails. The event raised more than $4,000 for SORBA Woodstock, which will be used to build and maintain trails at Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Park.
Jonathan Hiott of Canton takes the win in the men’s 40-44 division in the Duathlon. Eddie Delacruz from Suwanee won second, and Charles Oswald from Ball Ground came in third.
Blankets Creek Dirty Duathlon started with a five-mile trail run.
Expert riders hit the opening singletrack in the 30-mile Mountain Bike Race.
PERIMETER NORTH FAMILY MEDICINE Offering a full range of adult and pediatric services, our board-certified physicians proudly offer the highest quality care to keep you and your family happy and healthy. We accept most insurance plans and offer same-day appointments and extended hours at many of our locations.
Our services include: • Physical examinations and wellness care for men, women and children • General and chronic care for geriatric patients • Immunizations • Acute illness treatment for colds, fevers, flu and more • Comprehensive women’s health services
Call (770) 395-1130 for an appointment 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 210 Woodstock, GA 30189
pnfm.com 26
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Every Picture Tells A Story J.KING IMAGES Portraits | Corporate | Lifestyle & Family Commercial Marketing | Weddings | Events Canvas and Metal Prints Available 404.384.2794 404.200.0881
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@ jkingimages
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
27
Community
EVERYDAY
Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www. everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.
When Kelly and Scott McDonnell were expecting their first child, a sonogram revealed there was no amniotic fluid, the baby had no kidneys and her head was not forming properly. Despite a doctor’s recommendations to terminate the pregnancy, the McDonnells believed that as long as their baby had a heartbeat, she had a chance. They relied on faith and prayers for a miracle. As the pregnancy progressed and Kelly spent months on bed rest, her amniotic fluid doubled, a small kidney had grown, and the baby’s head began to take shape. Their baby was delivered six weeks early weighing less than 4 pounds with one very small kidney functioning at only 10 percent. They named their baby girl Faith. Miraculously, a sonogram performed at her four-month appointment revealed a second, larger kidney had grown. “I am so glad we chose life! This beautiful, intelligent, caring and very strong-willed girl has influenced and changed our lives in the best of ways. Through her health struggles, we have had to lean and rely on the Great Physician and not rely on the negative report of the doctors,” said Kelly. Today, Faith is 16 years old and has battled kidney disease her entire life. “We were always warned that Faith would need a kidney transplant when she gets older but they have been wrong before. Thanksgiving Day, 2014, Faith began to run a fever and get ‘the look.’ She has had many kidney infections in her life, so that wasn’t surprising. Faith was
28
The Miracle of
hospitalized with a kidney infection and sepsis. Four days later, Dr. Jernigan said she would need a transplant within the year,” said Kelly. Today, the McDonnells face their transplant challenge with excitement and hope. “We are hopeful to see color return to her face and have swelling Faith at age three. removed from her beautiful blue eyes. The doctor said these things will be immediate after the transplant, so instead of dread and fear, we now feel an excitement,” Kelly said. The McDonnells’ health insurance will cover 70 percent of the transplant expenses, leaving them responsible for the balance. Faith has begun her testing and her dad and a family friend have been confirmed as potential donor matches and continue in the qualifying process. Meanwhile, the McDonnells remain in a holding pattern on the deceased donor list until a surgery date is confirmed. Financially, the McDonnells have asked for assistance from Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, to help them with Faith’s transplant expenses. Through COTA, 100 percent of funds donated in honor of Faith will be used for transplant expenses. Donations are tax deductible. The account is hers for the remainder of her life. If you feel led to donate, please visit http://cota.donorpages.com/ PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforFaithM. Everyday Angels has featured stories and followed the journeys of local children and adults who were patiently waiting for organ transplants. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 79 people receive organ transplants each day. However, an average of 21 people die each day waiting for transplants that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs. To help save a life, designate yourself as an organ donor on your driver’s license, or by an advance directive, will and living will.
“We are so thankful for our support system. We have a big need but an even bigger God! It is your love and prayers that have helped us get this far and it will be what carries and encourages us in the days ahead,” said Kelly. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Features Sought by Home Buyers in 2015 BY THE PREMIERE GROUP
If you’re considering selling your home, it’s important to understand the current real estate market, from both the big picture and local levels. In addition to knowing the average home sale prices and other pertinent data for your neighborhood, you need to know which features home buyers love or hate. Knowing what your potential buyers are looking for will help you determine how to stage your home, play up its strengths and minimize weaknesses. Walk-ins welcome Walk-in closets are on the must-have list for many home buyers. Even if you don’t have spacious, his-and-her’s walkin closets, you should do your best to make your closets appealing. One smart strategy is to remove out-of-season clothes from your closet. Grateful for great rooms Homeowners want open spaces that merge the living room, kitchen, and/or dining area into one cohesive room. This allows for more conversation and enables parents to keep an eye on kids while they play in the adjoining space. Luxurious laundry room Today’s home buyers are not content to settle for a gloomy basement corner or a cramped closet off the kitchen. Buyers are looking for more space for folding and storage, high-end appliances and handy features like built-in ironing boards. Energy efficiency, inside and out Whether motivated by conservation concerns, frugality or both, energy efficient features are in high demand. Energy Star appliances are a good selling point, as are other features like programmable thermostats and low-e windows. If your home has any features that decrease utility bills, make sure buyers know. Spacious first-floor ceilings Home builders are getting requests for kitchens, dining rooms and great rooms with nine or 10-foot ceilings, but buyers still prefer the cozier dimensions of normal 8-foot ceiling heights for upper-story bedrooms. The tall-ceiling appreciation does not extend to cathedral ceilings in great rooms. As previously mentioned, homeowners want more energy efficiency, and large rooms with 2-story high ceilings are anything but efficient when it comes to heating and cooling.
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
29
Community
Rob’s Rescues This dog is Waldo. He is a puppy and he is calm and patient, unlike other puppies. He is nearly 7 months old. He was found as a stray and he is a mixed terrier and Chihuahua. He likes to snuggle. The shelter called him Waldo because he likes to hide. He is very soft, likes other dogs and walks on a leash. He sits very happily with you and he would be a really good dog and friend.
I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@ gmail.com www.robsrescues.com
These cats must be adopted together. The one with the white face is called Tigger and the other one is Finnegan. Finnegan is 3 years old and Tigger is 9, and they are very close. Tigger likes to look around and Finnegan likes to sleep. They have been at the shelter quite a long time now. Their adoption fee is discounted to $150.
Callum Underwood, Lachlan’s brother, and Rob Macmillan of Rob’s Rescues.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
We have recently received a great kindness. Every year on his birthday, the family of Lachlan Underwood, who died of a pediatric brain tumor almost four years ago, chooses a cause to support in his name. This year the family donated 30 bags of cat food to Rob’s Rescues, which we have passed on to Pet Buddies Food Pantry and the Cherokee County Animal Shelter for their outreach programs. We are very grateful for this and know that Lachlan’s Light will always shine brightly. Please visit the organization’s website site, www.lachlanslight.org.
IT’S FINALLY TIME FOR
Gardening
BY CHANTEL ADAMS | CHANLYNNADAMS@GMAIL.COM
Even though we live in the South, my mama always told me to wait until Mother’s Day to plant a garden. Now that I am a mom, I can’t think of a sweeter way to celebrate our special day. Who wants to spend an afternoon at the spa when you can spend it with your family? A little dirt under the nails, a little sweat on the brow, and the satisfaction that you and the people you love created something beautiful together. I hope you enjoy this month’s selections. Please feel free to send photos to chanlynnadams@gmail.com. I’d love to see your projects!
1
1. A simple galvanized pail becomes a chic way to display seasonal
flowers. I found these for $39 at Georgia Antiques and Treasures . Located on Old Highway 5, next to the post office.
2
2.
I found these seed kits for $9.99 and an easy-to-understand gardening book for kids (and adults!) for $14.99 at Learning Express in Towne Lake. The store even sells a little red wheelbarrow. I already purchased these for my nephew’s spring birthday.
3. I have to admit that I included this houseplant in our shopping
guide because it has such a funny name. It’s commonly known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, so I wouldn’t recommend giving it as a gift to your mother-in-law unless you can keep the name a secret. Don’t worry, I won’t tell! You can find this easy-to-maintain Sansevieria plant at your local Home Depot for $10.98.
3
4
4.
Terrariums are all the rage, and Pike Nurseries in Towne Lake has the most wonderful terrariummaking station. Containers of all shapes and sizes, adorable plants called itty bitties, pebbles, sand and—best of all—teeny tiny benches, mushrooms and ceramic figurines will help you customize your terrarium in the cutest way possible. It’s a grown-up version of designing your own dollhouse. Terrariums range from $29.99 to $99.99. Prices on accessories vary, but the itty bitties are only $3.49 each.
5
5. This fairy house would look stunning nestled next to an old oak
tree. Can’t you just see it covered in moss and decked out with a string of twinkling lights? Available at Linden in Towne Lake for $100. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
31
Community
REALTOR AND REMODELER TEAM
P
utting your house up for sale can be a daunting project that raises many questions. How do you know what repairs need to be made before you put the sign in the yard? What can you do inside to make your home more appealing to potential buyers? Donna Broadus of Broadus Realty Group and Jeff Kalteux of Georgia Pride Remodeling have the answers. They have teamed up to offer a free home analysis for potential sellers, combining her experience in real estate and his expertise in home remodeling. “Both Jeff and I go to the homes, assess the property and help potential sellers determine what they can do to update the home and point out problem areas. We both try to save the client money by giving them inexpensive ideas for updating,” said Donna. “Of course the sellers are not required to use our services, but we both feel that to give the sellers a more realistic idea of what buyers are looking for, we want them to be prepared for any possible objections and negatives that may come out during the marketing of the property, inspections during due diligence periods, and contract negotiations.”
Debi Radcliff, Donna Broadus and Amy Duska
D
onna has been in the real estate business since 2003, and has lived in the Woodstock area for more than 22 years. She has raised her children here and has five of her seven grandchildren nearby. She is the lead agent and broker for the realty group. Amy Duska, associate broker, has been in real estate since 2005. She is a buyers’ specialist who works with moveup and new home buyers and investors, as well as those looking for land or lake property. The mom of three and step-mom of four has lived in the Towne Lake area for more than 15 years. Debi Radcliff is a buyers’ specialist and has been a licensed agent since 2014. The former Cherokee County school board member has lived in Woodstock for more than 20 years and loves working with first-time buyers and those looking to downsize or buy second homes.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
In her 12 years of real estate experience, Donna has learned what helps a home sell. As part of the free home analysis, Donna gives the client a comparable market analysis and offers tips on decluttering and staging the house to show well. In fact, she said other real estate agents tell her that they love to show her listings because they are staged properly and most of the work and updating of the home has been done. Donna doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar traditional office; her virtual office travels with her as she meets clients in their homes, or in a coffee shop prior to showing property. Saving money on overhead allows her to spend more on marketing properties and taking advantage of the latest technology to help her clients.
3D VIRTUAL TOURS
A new marketing technique that Donna is embracing is using 3D virtual tours to showcase her listings. She’s starting a new company for the 3D tours, and hopes to begin the service in June. Buyers will be able to virtually walk into any room of a home and scan 360 degrees to look around, as though they were there in person. “This technology
just came out for Realtors and I’m really excited to be offering it to my sellers. This will be an essential tool for out-ofstate home buyers looking to transfer to this area,” said Donna. Visit www. matterport.com for a 3D sneak peek.
GREEN CERTIFICATION
Donna recently received a National Association of Realtors GREEN certification which will help her in selling and buying properties that are certified EarthCraft, LEED, Energy Star and just plain energy efficient homes. “Jeff and I can help both sellers and buyers by giving them ideas to make their homes more energy and cost efficient, but also to help with design ideas on what buyers are looking for in homes now as well as doing repairs to get their homes market ready.” In conjunction with the green certification, Broadus Realty Group is a paperless brokerage firm. Contracts are finalized online utilizing an e-signing feature. Donna doesn’t use paper flyers for properties, and relies on online viewing. She has an option for sellers to upgrade their listing by including property flyers and/or listing CDs that potential buyers can take with them. The old-fashioned contract signing is available for clients who aren’t technologically inclined. “Although we love staying on top of the latest technology, we also love building personal relationships with all of our clients. I have made many new friends from my past clients and still enjoy relationships with them,” said Donna. “We want to make the experience a wonderful one for each of our clients, whether they are buying or selling. There can be bumps along the path to finalizing a real estate transaction, but we feel we have the knowledge and experience to help our clients navigate those bumps.”
Broadus Realty Group Donna Broadus 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com
UP TO GET YOUR HOUSE SOLD
photos by J King Images
Jeff Kalteux and Donna Broadus work with each client, like homeowner Colleen Crumpton, to provide a thorough home analysis.
Georgia Pride Remodeling
Kris Ziegler and Jeff Kalteux
G
eorgia Pride Remodeling is a full service business that tackles small and large remodeling and building projects. Owner Jeff Kalteux became interested in construction 19 years ago when he was an executive in the restaurant industry and supervised construction of 40 to 50 restaurants. No matter the size of the job, Jeff said the difference that Georgia Pride Remodeling offers is thoroughness. Jeff sits down with new clients and goes through a questionnaire that covers not only what they want done, but their expectations. He says the goal of Georgia Pride is to exceed those expectations. “The guys who work for me have worked for me for many years and are specialists in their fields. My hardwood floor guys only do hardwood floors. My
plumber is a licensed plumber, and the same for my electrician and so on,” said Jeff. “In my business, you can’t be any better than the people you work with, and my guys are awfully good.” Georgia Pride handles everything from minor repairs to a full home remodel. An extensive project he’s working on now involves removing load-bearing walls, redoing hardwoods and tiling a bathroom. A priority for Jeff and his crew is to complete the work on time. “Remodeling jobs can be very invasive in the lives of our clients, so we make sure to get the work done on time.” Among the most common requests are outdoor living spaces and updated kitchens. A relaxing and beautiful outdoor area can be created with stacked stone fireplaces and flagstone patios. Customers also are looking to renovate their kitchen by cleaning or resurfacing existing cabinets. “If you’re trying to remodel on a dime, we can do that. It doesn’t have to be a full replacement. You can make big changes to your house and not spend a lot of money,” said Jeff. Clear and constant communication is another feature of the company that makes it stand out above others. A
detailed scope of the job is given to each customer, and Project Manager Kris Ziegler or Jeff are continually on site, making sure work is progressing as it should. The more diligent monitoring reduces the number of surprises that can come in a remodeling job. “When you’re doing remodels, you can’t see what’s behind the walls. Our project manager goes on site on a daily basis to make sure things are happening, work is done on time and correctly.” By teaming up with Broadus Realty Group, Georgia Pride Remodeling offers services for buyers and sellers. Buyers who’ve found a home they’re interested in purchasing can rely on Georgia Pride to visit the property and give an estimate on potential repairs and upgrades. This information helps the buyers know how to formulate an offer on the house. Sellers can get a free analysis of indoor and outdoor improvements that will help their house sell more quickly. “It’s common when I work with Realtors to do very specific things to get a house ready to sell or do repairs listed on an inspection report,” said Jeff.
Georgia Pride Remodeling Jeff Kalteux , 404-465-4457 jeffrkalteux@gmail.com GeorgiaPrideRemodeling.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Lifestyle
The Mother Load BY CLAIRE FROST
Before I was a mom, baby showers were the stuff nightmares were made of. Other moms in attendance would tell stories about how the gift they bought was a ray of hope in the otherwise stormy sea that is being a new parent. Meanwhile, back at the mimosa table, I was just crossing my fingers that the onesie I brought that said “Silently Judging You” would go over as well as I had hoped. Claire is the editor of I recently attended my first baby House of Frost, a blog juggling family, fashion, shower as a mom, and suddenly all of food and furnishing the products I’d been confused about with a little sparkle. HouseFrost.com made perfect sense. I knew what was useful and what wasn’t, and I used this opportunity to showcase my newfound mom-knowledge by putting together a new-mom survival kit called the Mother Load. It included: • Light-Sensitive Night Light: It comes on in the dark and is a lifesaver for those 4 a.m. feedings. Your un-stubbed toes will thank you. • Headbands: Styling your hair? Puh-lease! I’ll take “Things There’s No Time For” for $500, Alex. Cute headbands are a nice solution. • T-shirt: I lived in soft T-shirts for months. • Tissues: There will be tears. • Spray Lotion/Dry Shampoo: Remember when I said there’s no time for styling your hair? There is no time to wash it either. General up-keep flies out the window for a while. (Or maybe that was just me … Anyone? Bueller?) • Disinfectant Wipes: These are handy for cleaning the kitchen in a pinch for unexpected visitors. • Wine: Enough said. • Chapstick: No dry lips here! • Water Bottle with Straw: It’s hard to take sips with a baby in your lap. The straw is key. (Breastfeeding requires a lot of water intake.) • Ibuprofen: No matter how tough you think you are, you will have pain somewhere. Don’t agree with everything on my list? That’s fine! Every experience is different. If you know a new mom this Mother’s Day, let this be your starting point. Make your own Mother Load. (You don’t even have to give me credit!) Just make sure you put everything in a cute container and provide your recipient with an explanation of the contents and why you think she needs them, just like I did here. Happy Mother’s Day! 34
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
The Myths and Truths About Heartworm Disease In Animals BY LORRE LAMARCA
Did you know that each year one million dogs are diagnosed with heartworm disease? Heartworms can also affect cats and other wildlife in addition to dogs. Luckily for pet owners, there is a monthly preventive medication for heartworm disease. But why are some pets not getting the monthly pill? There are many myths that surround heartworm disease and hopefully this article will clear up some of them.
Lorre LaMarca is the owner of the Bark Station, 240 Arnold Mill Road. www.barkstation.com. 770-517-9907
Myth.
Animals get heartworms from other animals and my pet never goes around other pets.
Truth.
Pets can only get the disease by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no way to tell if a mosquito is infected. That’s why prevention is so important. Just one bite from a mosquito infected with the heartworm larvae will give your dog heartworm disease.
Myth. Heartworm disease mainly affects dogs in the Southeast region of the United States. Truth.
in America.
Heartworm disease has been reported in every state
Myth.
It is smarter to save the monthly pill money and just pay for treatment if my pet becomes infected.
Truth. Treatment could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, and that’s only if no surgery is involved. Monthly pills are a bargain compared to the time and risk involved in the long, painful treatment.
Myth. Yearly heartworm testing before writing a prescription is another way vets can make extra money. Truth. Your veterinarian wants to make sure your dog doesn’t have an active infection of heartworms before giving a heartworm medication. Infected animals can have a severe reaction if given heartworm medications. Sometimes owners forget and miss a dose or the dog spits the medication out unnoticed. It is a veterinarian’s job to check for the disease yearly and rid the pet of the infection as early as possible.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
35
Lifestyle
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com
CUISINE
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
SUNDAY
SPIRITS
RESERV.
American
no
$
$
open
Beer/Wine
no
Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com
Modern American
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
8 persons +
Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com
Wood-fired Pizza & Grill
no
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Southern
Sat./Sun. Brunch
$$
$$$
open
Full bar
no
American
no
$
no
open
no
no
Tapas/Sushi
no
Fri./Sat. only
$$
open
Full bar
yes
Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com
Italian
no
$$
$$
open
Full bar
no
J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com
Diner
$-$$
$ - $$
no
open
no
weekdays only
BBQ & Southern Sandwiches
no
$ - $$
$ - $$
open
Beer
no
Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com
J Miller’s Smokehouse 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com
Southern
Sunday Brunch
no
$$$$
open
Beer/Wine
yes
Pure Taqueria 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock
Mexican
Sat./Sun. Brunch
$$
$$
open
Full bar
6 persons +
Seafood
Sunday Brunch
$$
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
limited
English Tea room
no
$$
no
closed
no
yes
Italian
no
$$
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
Reel Seafood 8670 Main St., 770-627-3006 reel.seafood.com Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com 36
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
37
Lifestyle
A Reverse Mortgage for Financial Planning? BY DAN HULTQUIST
Most people these days see plenty of reverse mortgage advertising. As a result, you probably already know that if you’re 62 or older, you can access your home’s equity at a low interest rate through a government insured reverse mortgage. But, did you know that according to the Journal of Financial Planning, many financial planners are advising clients with no immediate need for a reverse mortgage to consider one? Dan Hultquist is a certified reverse In fact, “cash poor” homeowners are mortgage professional becoming a smaller portion of those and originator. For information, obtaining reverse mortgages, also known call 404-992-7798 as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages or visit www. understandingreverse. (HECMs). com. Ten thousand baby boomers are turning 62 every day, and unlike the previous generation, most don’t have defined benefit plans like pensions. Many have disproportionate amounts of their retirement savings held in real estate. Using a reverse mortgage to draw monthly retirement income, tax-free, from home equity nest eggs can help their more traditional retirement funds last longer. Today, doctors, lawyers and mortgage executives are getting
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
reverse mortgages. This isn’t because they’re desperate for cash; they choose HECMs for the significant retirement planning advantages. The HECM line-of-credit (LOC) is the primary financial planning advantage. The LOC experiences compounded growth, and many homeowners will opt-in to reverse mortgages as early as possible (age 62). But they will wait to draw their funds until the funds have grown. Since the LOC becomes considerably larger over time, it becomes a valuable form of tax-free retirement income. Homeowners only accrue interest on the amounts they take or borrow. So, electing to get a reverse mortgage now allows homeowners to have emergency funds that grow at current interest rates plus 1.25 percent. When interest rates rise, homeowners get the benefit of a line of credit that is outpacing their home appreciation. The available funds can even exceed home value. Then, these funds can be converted to monthly income when traditional retirement savings are depleted. Financial planners, advisors, CPAs, estate planners, and other finance professionals are realizing that obtaining a reverse mortgage early opens up potential income later in retirement. The growing line of credit is not taxed on its growth, and is a secure collection of funds that can act as a second source of taxfree retirement income when needed. The reverse mortgage is a powerful retirement planning tool that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Out & About May 2
Trailfest 2015 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. with the Dirty Guv’nahs and Davin McCoy at the Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. In addition to the concert, the event includes a 5K race, 1-mile Fun Run, food and beer vendors. Trailfest is the largest fundraiser for Greenprints Alliance. www.woodstocktrails. com/trailfest.
May 4
Kells Weatherby Golf Classic, at the Marietta Country Club, is a fundraiser for Feed My Lambs ministry, a nonprofit organization that provides free Christian preschools for children living in poverty areas. Proceeds will benefit Georgia schools, one of which is in Canton. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., shotgun start at 11. Register at www.feedmylambs.net.
May 6
Job Fair 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Historic Train Depot in Holly Springs. Employers attending include Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Fifth Third Bank, Aflac and Edward Jones, plus many staffing agencies and independent distributors. Free. Bring your résumés. www. hollyspringsga.us.
raised will be used to build a quarter-mile track at Johnston Elementary for school and community use. To register, visit www.runsignup.com and type in the race name.
May 16, 30
Artisan and crafts show at Latimer Hall on May 16 and His Hands Church on May 30. For details, visit www.mainstreetcraftshow.com.
May 23
Memorial Day 5K Run Walk and 1K Fun Run begins with check in at 7 a.m. at Holly Springs Elementary. $25 pre-registered, $30 day of race. Supporting the Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation, Inc. www. hollyspringsga.us/memorialday5K.
May 30
Strike Out Cancer bowling event, 10 a.m.-noon at Cherokee Lanes, 1149 Marietta Highway, Canton. Sponsored by the BridgeMill Sixes Service League. Raffles door prizes, awards for best and worst score. $15 adults, $7 for children 12 and younger, free for age 3 and younger. Two hours bowling, shoes included. 770-345-2866. www.bssl.org/ relaybowl.
May 7
National Day of Prayer services at noon in Woodstock at the gazebo in the Park at City Center, hosted by Pastor Larry Baker, and in Canton at the gazebo at Cannon Park, hosted by the Rev. Fred Goodwin. Sponsored by the Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association. www. cherokeeministers.org.
May 8
Relay for Life will kick off at 6 p.m. at Creekview High School, 1550 Owens Store Road, Canton. www.RelayForLife.org/CherokeeGa.
May 8-10, 15-17
“Everybody Loves Opal” by the Cherokee Theatre Company will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. in historic downtown Canton. General admission is $15, seniors and students $12. Groups of 10 or more, $10.
May 9
Church Yard Sale, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m in the parking lot of Woodstock United Methodist Church, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, one block south of Main Street. Bargains include knick-knacks, household goods, yard and garden items, crafts, baked goods. Money raised goes to church projects and missions.
May 11
Marcy’s Mulligan golf tournament is planned for the Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. Individuals and teams of four are invited to complete. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont Hospital. Hosted by FM Radio 97.1 The River’s morning show host and cancer survivor Kaedy Kiely. More details at www.marcysmulligan.org.
May 13
The annual city of Woodstock Police Memorial Ceremony will begin at 7 pm at The Park at City Center in Downtown Woodstock. www. woodstockga.gov.
May 16-17
Festival of the Arts, sponsored by the Cherokee Art Center, in downtown Canton. Featuring an artist’s market, children’s area, food and concessions and a serenity garden where you can learn about and purchase locally grown plants and produce. For details, visit www.canton-georgia.com.
May 16
The Jungle Run 5k and 1-mile Prowl, sponsored by Johnston Elementary School, begins at 8 a.m. at River Ridge High School. Funds
Classes are led by Nathan Brandon, director of senior services.
Ongoing
Body Recall Class meets 9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Boys & Girls Club Gym, 1082 Univeter Road, Canton. The concentration is on strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in order to maintain independence. The exercises are chair-based and involve all muscle groups. Balance challenges are offered each class in order to sharpen one’s ability to avoid falls. No need to register in advance. Just show up and join in.
May 30-31
Wing and Rock Fest in downtown Woodstock is noon-10 pm. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday with chicken wings with bold sauces, live music on two stages, arts and crafts area, children’s activities and a wing-eating contest. More than 25,000 people attended the free event last year. www.wingandrockfest.com.
June 5
Canton First Friday Bike Night 6-9 p.m. featuring live music by No Sweat in downtown Canton. www.canton-georgia.org.
June 6
Coffeehouse 6:30-8 p.m. in Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, sponsored by Woodstock United Methodist Church. Quarterly event begins with refreshments and includes music and time of personal testimony.
Free Community Screenings
Hearing screenings during May at North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center. Call 770-726-8948 for an appointment. www. northgeorgiahearing.com. Stroke screenings 9 a.m.-noon May 2 at Northside Hospital Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Screenings may also detect heart disease and diabetes. Free parking. Appointments required. Call 404-845-5555 and press 0. www.northside.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Lifestyle
BB Guns and Wild Mint Tea BY ANN LITREL
Art by Ann Litrel, annlitrel.com
There are BB holes in my bird feeders. Our backyard is wooded. For 15 years I’ve been working to restore it to its natural state with native flowers and berries to attract birds and other wildlife. I see it as a mini ecosystem. Growing up, my sons Tyler and Joseph saw it as a handy place for target practice. Over the years I watched them Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally run around with a pack of their published work fellow warriors dressed in masks includes decorative art, paintings for and camouflage pants. They shot private and corporate paintballs, airsoft pellets, arrows and collections, and writing and illustration for a BBs at a variety of targets pinned range of publications. against my long-suffering trees. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband So with a recent visit from my and co-author Dr. 8-year-old niece Evelyn, I had a Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can feeling of tentative but then growing be reached at Ann@ happiness as she took my hand for a annlitrel.com walk through my backyard. Here was a quiet companion, interested in just looking. We watched the bumblebees, starving after winter hibernation, getting their first meal at the plump blueberry blossoms. Later on, I explained, they would feed on the nectar of beebalm and wild mint, whose young leaves were just emerging from the ground. Violets lit up the edges of the shady moss lawn. Walking with a child reminds you that violets are a magical sight, not a yard weed. Evelyn listened with interest when I told her that violet leaves are the host food for a whole family of caterpillars, those of the beautiful orange and spotted fritillary butterflies. We love to see these adult butterflies in our gardens, drinking the nectar of zinnias and lantana – but we forget their caterpillars! There can be no butterflies if the young have nothing to eat. And some eat only violet leaves. I suggested to Evelyn that we make ourselves a little meal from nature. She gave me a skeptical look but seemed quietly excited. We consulted a plant guide. Right away we spotted several edible wild flowers perfect for a mid-morning tea. We headed to a shady edge of the yard, the woodland
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butterfly garden. We plucked a handful of violet blossoms and then a small bag of leaves from the wild mountain mint. Evelyn chose a little yellow ceramic teapot. Carefully we poured boiling water to make a tea of steeped wild mint, mixed with a little local wild honey. Then we frosted and decorated two (not wild) sugar cookies with violets to make a very pretty “Mother Nature” cookie. Violets are edible! We carried our spring tea outside on a tray. Surrounded with bumblebees and butterflies, we sampled our culinary creation at nature’s table. Evelyn licked her fingers. A spring tea, from the perfect pantry Mother Nature provides for her children. Right in our backyard.
Resources “Bringing Nature Home” by Douglas W. Tallamy This revolutionary book explains the unbreakable link between native plants and wildlife. For the first time, gardeners have become important players in the management of our nation’s wildlife. “Peterson Field Guides: Edible Wild Plants” by Lee Allen Peterson Exercise common sense when teaching children about nature. Children of around 8 or older understand that some plants are poisonous and not to eat anything without guidance from an adult. Wild blackberries are easy, but use a plant guide when in doubt. “Prairie Moon Nursery,” www.prairiemoon.com Prairie Moon’s Native Gardeners Companion sells deer-proof plant kits for different lawn environments. I like the “Semi Shade Native Woodland Garden.”
Today’s Roller Derby — It’s Not How You Remember It There’s a modern version of roller derby, a contact sport of roller skating and female athleticism, and promoting selfmany of us remember from the 1970s, that’s a bit different esteem in young women by offering alternative and athletic and has more of a philanthropic twist. If you’d like to see avenues of expression. The Darlins support other local nonfor yourself, the Marietta Derby profit organizations like MUST Darlins (MDD), a local league Ministries, the Etowah Valley formed in 2011, has a seasonHumane Society and other opening home bout planned qualified amateur athletic for May 17 at Hot Wheels Skate organizations. Center in Woodstock. In the early 1900s, multiOff the track, skaters for day roller skating endurance the Darlins are teachers, small races were popular spectator business owners, librarians, events. By the late 1930s, the artists, students, moms and popularity of collisions and other business professionals crashes led to the development including a few from Cherokee of a sport that maximized the County. Today’s roller derby is a physical contact. During the far cry from the 1970s version. next 30 years, roller derby The Marietta Derby Darlins will have their first home bout of the 2015 It’s not played on a banked track evolved into a popular traveling season on May 17. Photo courtesy of Blaine Cone. and there are no flying elbow spectator sport that resembled take-downs or flips over the outside railing. It is a fast-paced, professional wrestling with scripted storylines, exaggerated full-contact team sport that requires athleticism, speed and falls and staged theatrics. The modern, flat track revival of the strategy. sport began in 2001 and by late 2005, claimed more than 50 allThe mission of MDD, a non-profit amateur athletic female leagues. By 2009, there were 425 amateur leagues, some organization, is to offer athletic skating entertainment while outside the U.S. In December 2011, the first Roller Derby World promoting the sport of roller derby. The focus is hosting Cup tournament took place with teams representing 13 countries. family friendly events, raising awareness of the health benefits continued on page 63
The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770592-6056. Presentation:
May 29 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency Bryan Reynolds, Director Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available
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Faith
Mercy and Marriage BY TRENT CHAMBERS
According to my generation, “Marriage no longer works.” It seems like the doom of marriage is on the horizon; according to CNN and “The Millennial Project,” the Marriage Apocalypse is nearly upon us. This is an important topic because it speaks to a longing that we all have: the longing to be known, loved and have a joy that lasts. The sobering reality is that most Trent Chambers is everybody has experienced the hurt pastor at Sojourn Community Church, and pain of a marriage’s demise. husband to Emily and Forget happily ever after; too many of father of Abby Grace and Isaac. Trent us think the idea of happiness, even for and Emily moved to a moment, is a fairytale. Woodstock in 2012 to start a church that I get it. There have been moments would connect the of pending doom in my marriage. To hope of the gospel to everyday life. be transparent, it nearly ended 12 weeks after it began. Today, I want to share with you what has made all the difference. What has caused this good gift to sparkle and shine again. What has become the glue of our broken pieces and been a catalyst for great joy. Here it is: mercy. It is a short word rarely used. Mercy. It is a powerful word for the hurting, the ruined and the broken. Mercy. It is the display of love in the Holy Scripture and the sweetener of our lives together. Marriage is designed to display mercy. Many of us celebrated Easter last month. Easter is the greatest display of mercy the world has ever seen and the most meaningful invitation for me to become a recipient of mercy. This is essential, because unless I am first a recipient of mercy, I will not be an instrument of mercy in the lives of those I love. Here are some of the ways we practice mercy in our home: • Celebrate Forgiveness. Emily and I have made it a habit to be quick to apologize, quick to forgive and quick to embrace. • Enjoy a Weekly Activity Together. Mercy flows most naturally when our relationships are meaningful. Time together matters. • Serve Others. We want to be instruments of mercy to each other and others. Find a way you can bless a neighbor or someone in need and do it as a team. • Pray Often. Prayer, by its nature, is an admission of dependency and an act of praise. Doing mercy demands that we seek not our own praise and live not on our own strength. Sojourn Community Church is sponsoring the
Redeem Marriage Conference
May 8-9 featuring Robert and Karen Cheong. For details, visit www.redeemmarriage.com
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School & Sports
Science Olympiad Teams Advance to State Competition
Woodstock Elementary Science Olympiad winners.
Elementary schools from around the county competed in the Cherokee County Elementary Science Olympiad at River Ridge High School, sponsored by Cobb Electric Membership Corporation. Nine of the 35 teams qualified to advance to the state competition held in May at Kennesaw State University. More than 100 medals were presented to individual students and team trophies were presented to: first place Woodstock Elementary (Team 1), second place Bascomb Elementary (Team White), and third place Oak Grove Elementary Fine Arts Academy (Team 1). Science Olympiad is designed to encourage students to explore new and challenging ways of solving problems as part of a team. Events require knowledge of science facts, concepts, processes, skills and applications.
Sequoyah Sophomore Selected As a Youth Ambassador Cecilia Webb, a sophomore at Sequoyah High School, has been selected as one of 250 Youth Ambassadors for the 2015-16 school year by the U.S. State Department-funded Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX). This program has been in place for 30 years and is one of the most prominent exchange programs of its kind, funded jointly by Germany and the United States, with the goal of mutual cultural appreciation and cooperation. Cecilia Webb Cecilia will live in Germany with a host family for the year-long immersion program. She will fly to Washington, D.C., in August to meet with members of Congress and then on to Germany, where the first three weeks of the program will include an intensive language immersion class. Students will then be introduced to their host families and new homes, where they will spend the rest of the academic year. In the meantime, Cecilia will be trying to get ahead, taking Georgia’s required courses in independent study and in summer school, so that she will be able to graduate with her class.
From left: Felicia Williams, Joshua Isaksen, Chetan Velivela, Rishab Kaup, Brandon Perez and Garrett Johnston, team captain.
Bowl Team Wins State Championship The Academic Bowl Team from River Ridge High School recently won the state championship in Division 3 (schools with 1,400-1,700 students). The team will compete at the national competition in Chicago in May.
Winter Guard Earns Silver Medal
The Sequoyah High School Varsity Winter Guard won the second place silver medal in the Scholastic Regional A Championships with its performance of this year’s program, “Shelter” at the Southern Association for Performing Arts (SAPA) Championships in Chattanooga, Tenn.
River Ridge High School Indoor Marching Band.
Indoor Marching Band Wins Silver The River Ridge Knights Indoor Marching Band competed at the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships in Ohio and was awarded the silver medal for its division. WGI is an international competition for the performing arts that features groups from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. River Ridge Band Director Daniel Gray said this is the first time a group from Cherokee County has medaled at this event.
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Front row, from left: Mikey Barraza, Josie Fournier and Hannah Fisher. Back row: Allison Reid, Sydney Kyle, Kylee Bonham, Elena Gardner, Katie Clayton and Kate Haruch.
River Ridge Prom 2015
River Ridge student Jordan Dye with Caroline Gross, who attends Etowah High School.
Lindsay Wagner and Jacob Samuels.
River Ridge students Satpal Sagoo, Allison Morian, Zach Jamison, Katie Mohundrun, Brandon Dollar and Kendall Williams, who attends Sequoyah High School.
Sarbeth Nolan and Arron Schroeder, Cherokee Rabjohn and Matt D’Andrea. AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Health & Wellness
Nature’s Perfect Food BY DR. CATHY WENDLAND-COLBY
If you could provide a baby with nature’s perfect nutrition, complete with the exact nutrients the baby needs in the precise quantity needed, would you be interested? What if you could save countless hours every week by not having to drive to stores, shop, unpack bags, prepare baby’s meals and clean up? And if there was a way to save about $2,500 in one year while still providing the best Dr. Wendland-Colby nutrition for baby, would you want to is an international know how? speaker, writer, When it comes to providing chiropractor, wife and nourishment for a baby, the best choice mother to two. She can is nature’s most perfect food. It’s the one be reached at www. ColbyChiropractic food source that has been consistently Lifestyle.com or by perfect since the very beginning of time. calling 770-592-1915. There have never been any manufacturer recalls, no false advertising claims, no added sugars, chemicals, preservatives or fillers. Nature’s most perfect food constantly changes nutrient content to meet the needs of the growing baby, it is always served at the correct temperature, it is readily available and comes in the most perfect carrying cases that all babies love. So what is the most perfect food source? It’s mother’s breast milk, and the benefits are astounding.
Breast feeding gives babies antibodies to diseases, aids in immune system development, facilitates proper jaw and dental development, creates better cognitive development, improves communication skills and is a natural tranquilizer for mom and baby. Breast milk helps protect baby from diarrheal Infections, bacterial meningitis, respiratory infections, visual defects, Haemophilus B, reflux / colic, ear infections, inguinal hernia, urinary tract infections and SIDS. Breast milk decreases baby’s risk of developing Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, dental cavities, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, necrotizing enterocolitis, obesity, diabetes, asthma, Hodgkin’s disease and cardiopulmonary distress during feedings. In addition to the bond that develops between a mother and her baby while nursing, baby also feels a sense of warmth, safety and security. While nursing, mom and baby will continually make close eye contact, which helps develop eye strength and reinforces that loving connection. But baby is not the only one to benefit from nursing. Breast feeding moms have so much to gain as well, including increased metabolism, decreased need for insulin in diabetics and a decreased lifetime risk of breast, cervical, uterine and endometrial cancer. For these reasons, and more, all babies should be exclusively breast fed for the first 6-12 months of life before introducing any water, vegetables, fruit or protein.
Feeling Discouraged in Your Fight for Good Health? BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH
There seems to be a natural progression to just about every fad. First, it seems that no one is doing it. Then everyone is doing it. Finally, you get grief if you’re still doing it. That has been the way with eating gluten-free. First, hardly anyone had even heard of gluten. Then we saw GF eaters pop up everywhere. I am grateful for this stage because it brought about a wonderful Jessica Leigh Smith slew of GF options that had not been lives in Cherokee County with her available until recently. But as with most family. Jessica is popular things, the people engaging in the also an actress and producer. www. popular thing are derided by those who are JessicaLeighSmith.com not. and Facebook.com/ NotFinishedInc. We seem to have hit that last tier in the GF “fad.” It’s tough to turn around and not find some “scientific” article explaining why no one is really, truly affected negatively by gluten. Some of these pieces make exceptions for those with Celiac disease. But most of these articles claim that those of us who claim to have symptoms are either making them up or have convinced ourselves of what isn’t there. In other words, “it’s all in your head.” You may have friends or family members who question your need to lead a gluten-free lifestyle. I have them, and it isn’t easy to 46
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listen to the criticism. Here is where the rubber meets the road. If you are concerned about pleasing others, then you can choose to eat gluten. I am not. My symptoms are not “all in my head.” I would never turn down a hot Krispy Kreme if I could get away with it. But I know what will happen if I don’t, and that is why I have chosen to ignore the critics. Maybe I am wrong and I am not sensitive to gluten. But I am sensitive to something. Whatever it is, it currently presents itself as gluten. And until I find out differently, I will be abstaining from all forms of gluten. I hope you are seeing positive results from your change in diet and you will have confidence in your own ability to decide what is right for your body. Now go enjoy all those inherently GF fruits that are so abundant this time of year.
Egg and Tuna Salad
One of my favorites for a sunny, spring lunch is an egg salad. This particular recipe is inherently gluten-free, so it isn’t showing you how to replace your favorite gluten-filled version. 4-6 hardboiled eggs 1 ½ tbsp mayonnaise One fresh lemon
One 5 oz. can of tuna, in water Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro Mix all but the lemon together in one bowl. Grate the lemon zest into the mixture and then squeeze the juice of half of the lemon into the bowl. Mix all together and serve immediately. For stronger flavor, allow it chill in the fridge for at least an hour up to overnight.
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Health & Wellness
May Is Better Hearing and Speech Month BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.
“How’s Your Hearing? Ask an Audiologist” is the tagline of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and is used to promote awareness of hearing loss identification, prevention and treatment. May has historically been designated Better Hearing and Speech Month by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Henriques is a board certified audiologist and lead provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 1985, after earning a doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from LSU Medical Center.
Facts regarding hearing loss in America according to AAA: • Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. • More than half of the people with hearing loss are younger than age 65. • Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the U.S.
• Nearly three in 1,000 babies are born with some degree of hearing loss in the U.S., according to the March of Dimes. Common signs of hearing loss: • Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments such as restaurants or cars. • People seem to “mumble” all the time. • You often ask others to repeat. • You have trouble hearing if someone is not facing you. • You have ringing or buzzing noises in your ear or head. Common causes for hearing loss: • Exposure to excessive loud noise. • Ear infections, trauma or ear disease. • Damage to ear drum from contact with a foreign object (cotton swabs, bobby pins, etc.). • Illness or certain medications. • Deterioration of hearing due to aging process. How can you protect your hearing? • Wear ear protection in noise that measures 85 decibels or louder. Use earplugs, earmuffs, etc. • Avoid using earbuds with MP3 players at a volume that others are able to hear even though the plugs are in your ears. Turn the volume down to avoid damage. See page 39 for information about free community hearing screenings during the month of May. 48
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Which Of These Neuropathy Symptoms Do You Suffer From? If You Suffer From A Single One Of These Torturous Symptoms – Numbness, Tingling, Or Sharp Nerve Pain – THEN THE FACTS BELOW MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT YOU HAVE EVER READ IN YOUR LIFE! Neuropathy affects every part of your life -- walking, sitting, and even sleeping. Maybe you’ve had multiple tests, only to find out no one has any idea what you have. Maybe you’ve even been put on a drug with heavy side effects. Do you have any of the following symptoms... • Pins and needles feeling • Numbness in the hands or feet • Tingling or burning sensations • Weakness in the arms or legs • Sharp shooting or burning pains If so you may have a condition called peripheral neuropathy. My name is Dr. Erin Arnold, and I’ve been helping people with neuropathy and nerve problems for years. More than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a problem caused by damage to the nerves that supply your arms and legs. This painful condition interferes with your body’s ability to transmit messages to your muscles, skin, joints, or internal organs. If ignored or mistreated, neuropathy can lead to irreversible health conditions. Why not get help by those trained to correct the major cause of peripheral neuropathy? Data from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ Job Analysis of Chiropractic lists arm and leg neuropathy as the second most common nerve problem treated by chiropractors. Often neuropathy is caused by a degenerating spine pressing on the nerve roots. This can happen in any of the vertebral joints from the neck all the way down to the tail bone.
The Single Most Important Solution To Your Neuropathy
By using gentle techniques, I’m able to
release the pressure that has built up on the nerve. This allows the nerve to heal and the symptoms to go away.
Listen to what some of our patients have to say about it:
“I came into North Cobb Spine and Nerve with extreme leg pain that caused a lack of sleep and decrease in activity. Now that I have been getting care I have a lot less pain and I am able to be more active. What amazed me the most is that I don’t have to take any medication and I feel that my nerves have healed a lot!” Thank you, B. Johnston “I originally came into the office seeking relief for symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy. Since receiving treatments I have less pain, tingling and numbness in my legs and feet. I can walk longer, farther and my mobility has really improved! The doctors and staff here are very friendly and I am thankful for their concern of my well-being. Thanks, T. Oglesby
How To Find Out If This Will Work For You
It’s time for you to find our treatment will be your neuropathy solution. For 14 days only, $20 will get you all the services I normally charge new patients $250 for! What does this offer include? Everything. Take a look at what you will receive: • An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where I will listen…really listen…to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms… (NOTE: These would
normally cost you at least $100). • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • You’ll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like it has been for so many other patients. The appointment will not take long at all. And you won’t be sitting in a waiting room all day either.
Here’s What To Do Now
The offer is only good until May 15th. Call today 678-574-5678 and we can get you scheduled for your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening. Our office is located at 3451 Cobb Pkwy Suite 4. Acworth, GA 30101 (on the corner of Mars Hill and 41). When you call, tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Neuropathy Evaluation so she can get you on the schedule and make sure you receive the proper credit for this special offer. Sincerely, Erin Arnold, D.C.
CALL TODAY! 678-574-5678 North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4 Acworth, GA 30101
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Health & Wellness
10 Reasons For Tooth Sensitivity BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN
1.
You brush too aggressively. A common source of tooth sensitivity is brushing with too much force or with a stiff toothbrush. Using a toothbrush with hard or medium bristles damages your teeth by wearing down the protective layers and exposing dental nerves that are sensitive to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods. Switch to a soft toothbrush and brush more gently. Dr. Scott Harden is a 2. You eat acidic foods. Tomato dentist at Fountain sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, pickles View Family Dentistry and has served the and other acidic foods can cause tooth Woodstock area for more than 21 years. pain. Soft drinks and sports drinks also You can reach Dr. have high acidic content, and ultimately Harden at 770-926-0000 or visit de-mineralize your tooth structure FountainViewSmiles. along the root surface to create com. sensitivity. 3. You’re a tooth-grinder. Grinding teeth, which most often happens subconsciously at night, can wear off the protective enamel layer and expose the sensitive part of your teeth, called dentin. Ask your dentist to make a mouth guard that serves as a buffer between your teeth. 4. You use tooth-whitening toothpaste. Many manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to toothpaste, which may cause some people to develop tooth sensitivity. Try switching to a non-whitening formula to get relief. 5. You use too much mouthwash. Some mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive, especially if your teeth have
exposed roots. Stop using mouthwash to see if the sensitivity disappears. If you’re concerned about missing the benefits of mouthwash, try flossing and using a tongue scraper to cut the amount of oral bacteria in your mouth, which will reduce bad breath and the risk of cavities or gum disease. 6. You have excessive plaque. Excessive plaque buildup results in acid eroding your teeth, ultimately leading to sensitivity. The easiest solution is to practice good daily dental care and visit your dentist twice a year or more frequently if necessary. 7. You have gum disease. Gum disease is common in 75 percent of the population and is caused by bacterial acid present on your teeth for prolonged time periods. Gum disease causes inflammation, infection and tooth sensitivity. If you’re concerned you have gum disease, check with your dentist. 8. You’ve had a dental procedure. Teeth can become more sensitive after a dental procedure. It’s common to have some sensitivity after multiple fillings or a crown procedure. If your sensitivity doesn’t disappear after a reasonable time, another visit to your dentist is in order. You may need your bite adjusted or an antibiotic for infection. 9. Your tooth is cracked. A nerve can be exposed through a cracked tooth. The protective enamel coating is gone and allows hot, cold and sweets to aggravate the tooth. Even a small fracture can allow bacteria to cause decay that results in tooth sensitivity. 10. There is decay around the edges of fillings. Fillings have a lifespan of 10-15 years. They weaken and fracture or leak around the edges. It’s easy for bacteria to penetrate into these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and tooth sensitivity.
Sleep Apnea is Serious Health Risk BY NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER
Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder that occurs when a person experiences repeated pauses in breathing, sometimes hundreds of times a night, and often for a minute or longer. As a result, these people are unable to reach the deepest, most restful stages of sleep and often feel sluggish throughout the day. Studies show that sleep apnea also increases the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke in the more than 18 million Americans with this condition. Types of Sleep Apnea • Obstructive, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. • Central, in which the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep. Obstructive is far more common than central. Although a person may experience episodes of choking or gasping for air throughout the night, which he or she may not remember the next morning, and as such, many cases go undiagnosed. Lack of sleep may also worsen psychological conditions such as depression, but more 50
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importantly may cause extreme daytime sleepiness that could result in falling asleep at inappropriate times. Symptoms and Risk Factors Sleep apnea can affect anyone, at any age, but you’re more likely to have it if you are overweight, a male, older than 40, have a family history of the condition, and/or suffer from nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies or sinus problems. Snoring is a major sign of sleep apnea, but it’s not the only one. Seek help if you: • Have been sleeping poorly for a month or more. • Are drowsy throughout the day or if drowsiness prevents you from carrying out your normal activities. • Have been told by your bed mate that you snore loudly, have pauses in breathing or make strange noises in your sleep. • Wake up with a very sore or dry throat. • Occasionally wake up with a choking or gasping sensation. • Have morning headaches. • Experience forgetfulness, mood changes and a decreased interest in sex.
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Reference
WOODSTOCK AREA HOMES SOLD IN MARCH List Price 429,900 420,000 399,000 385,000 365,900 355,000 350,000 340,000 320,515 310,000 305,000 299,900 292,900 289,900 289,265 285,000 280,000 255,000 253,900 229,900 229,900 227,000 224,000 205,000 204,500 200,000 199,900 190,000 189,900 185,000 185,000 180,000 179,900 179,900 175,000 174,900 170,000 169,900 169,900 167,900 165,900 162,000 159,900 159,390 156,900 156,900 154,900 150,000 144,500 139,900 130,000 130,000 124,500 119,999 116,600 110,000
Address 207 Autumn Glen TRL 106 Autumn Glen DR 5008 Hickory Hills DR 407 Castle Creek DR 1796 GRAND OAKS DR 319 Spotted Ridge CIR 332 Arnold Mill RD 106 Normandy DR 431 Spring View DR 166 Susobell PL 528 Augusta DR 134 Cornerstone PL 104 Brendylynn TRCE 2008 Woodside Park DR 162 Riverside LN 705 Aroura DR 118 Towey TRL 218 Freelon LN 230 Haleys CT 228 Haleys CT 305 Melilot CT 216 Mountain View DR 303 Don Pierre WAY 203 Cleavers Close 307 Acuba VW 803 Westover CT 219 Mincey WAY 1002 River Plantation DR 405 Parkstone DR 508 Lazy River LN 4012 Westridge XING 370 Westchester WAY 127 Farmington DR 1303 Kensington LN 126 Chickasaw RUN 327 Independence WAY 606 Jeffrey CT 513 Rivercrest DR 724 Habersham PL 1140 Dunedin TRL 127 Dials DR 307 Water Ridge CT 347 Winchester WAY 444 Village VW 2100 Toonigh RD 620 Bluff DR 928 River Rock DR 509 Magnolia DR 205 Daventry WAY 96 Farmington DR 144 Bramble Oak DR 703 Etowah CT 201 Prissy LN 302 Creekbend DR 113 Pioneer DR 568 Rivercrest DR
Subdivision Autumn Glen AUTUMN GLEN Bradshaw Farms Woodstock Knoll Oakhurst Woodstock Knoll Woodlands Enclave Woodview Enclave Woodlands BRADSHAW ESTATES Cornerstone Park Woodlands Enclave Bradshaw Farms Woodview Court Woodlands Woodlands Meridian at Ridgewalk Haleys Mill Haleys Mill Woodlands Walnut Creek KINGSGATE Woodlands Park Cottages of Woodstock Farmington Whitfield at Ridgewalk River Plantation Cornerstone Estates River Plantation Westridge Waverly Hills Farmington Farmington Indian Wells Colony Woods Deerchase Driftwood Forest Waverly Park The Regency At Kingsgate Misty Mountain North Towne Springfield Woodstock Village NONE Colemans Bluff Colemans Bluff Bramble Oak Daventry Village Farmington Bramble Oaks Little River Crossing Southern Oaks Creek View Pioneer Crossing Driftwood Forest
Beds 4 4 3 5 4 5 2 5 4 5 4 3 4 4 2 4 4 3 5 3 3 3 4 3 2 5 5 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3
Full Baths Yr Built Sales Price 4 2005 420,000 3 2005 401,269 2 1996 370,000 3 2012 385,000 3 2014 369,900 3 2012 348,000 1 1976 165,000 3 2003 340,000 3 2015 320,515 3 2004 310,000 3 2002 305,000 3 2014 299,900 2 2004 291,000 3 1997 286,000 2 2014 290,265 2 2006 276,000 2 2003 280,000 2 2013 240,000 3 2010 251,500 3 2011 225,000 2 2003 228,000 2 2002 225,000 2 1999 218,000 2 2003 190,000 2 2006 200,000 3 1983 196,000 3 2004 191,000 2 1998 182,000 2 2012 184,000 2 2000 181,000 2 1996 178,500 3 1994 180,000 2 1980 179,900 3 1983 177,300 3 1975 175,000 3 1980 175,000 2 1985 170,000 2 1975 155,000 2 1996 164,000 2 2000 171,000 2 1980 162,840 3 1999 151,000 2 1993 159,000 2 2014 156,290 2 1988 151,000 2 1991 143,600 2 1986 149,900 2 1979 150,000 2 1998 142,000 2 1982 139,900 2 1979 132,000 2 1984 130,000 2 1985 108,500 2 1977 65,000 2 1979 116,600 2 1977 96,938
FMLS SF Detached residences data provided by The Premier Group, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Woodstock, GA Data believed to be accurate, but not warranted.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
WOODSTOCK CITY GUIDE
City Manager Jeffrey S. Moon, 770-592-6001, jmoon@woodstockga.gov Rhonda Smith, exec. assistant, 770-592-6001, rsmith@woodstockga.gov
Stay Connected on Facebook
City of Woodstock: www.facebook.com/WOODSTOCKGAGOVT
City Council Representatives
Woodstock Fire: www.facebook.com/woodstockfireandrescue
For minutes and agendas of meetings, visit www.woodstockga.iqm2.com.
Woodstock Main Street: www.facebook.com/MainStreetWoodstock
Ward 1: Warren Johnson Ward 2: Chris Casdia
Woodstock Parks and Recreation: www.facebook.com/woodstockparks
Ward 3: Bob Mueller
Woodstock Police: www.facebook.com/woodstockpolicegeorgia Woofstock Dog Park: www.facebook.com/woofstockpark
Ward 4: Liz Baxter
On Twitter
Ward 6: Rob Usher
Ward 5: Bud Leonard
www.twitter.com/woodstockpd www.twitter.com/woodstockfd www.twitter.com/woodstockparks www.nixle.com Sends alerts, advisories and community notifications from the city of Woodstock and Cherokee County Sheriff Department. www.cherokeega-sheriff.org A resource to check for registered sex offenders in your neighborhood. Click on Georgia Sexual Offender Registry then click on Register for Email Alerts for updates. City of Woodstock government 770-592-6000
Council appointed committees: Downtown Development Authority and Convention & Visitors Bureau; Ethics Board; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Economic Development
Downtown Development Authority Convention & Visitors Bureau Brian Stockton, Director, 770-592-6056, bstockton@woodstockga.gov Woodstock Visitors Center/Dean’s Store Kyle Bennett, Tourism Manager, 770-924-0406, kbennett@woodstockga.gov
City Officials
Mayor Donnie Henriques, 770-592-6001, dhenriques@woodstockga.gov
Mitzi Saxon, Administrative Coordinator, 770-592-6056, or ext.-2250 msaxon@woodstockga.gov
Community Development Jessica Guinn, direct 770-592-6050 ext. 1600, jguinn@woodstockga.gov
Public Safety
Finance Robert Porche, CFO 770-592-6003, rporche@woodstockga.gov
George Williams, community outreach, Fire Marshal’s office 770-592-6000 ext. 1845, gwilliams@woodstockga.gov Woodstock Police Department 770-592-6030 Woodstock Post Office 770-591-0364
Parks and Recreation Preston Pooser, 770-517-6788, ppooser@woodstockga.gov
The Outlet Shoppes
T at Atlanta at Saks
Fifth Avenue Off Fifth
- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only - Chatt Tech parking is limited until early 2015
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Trolley Routes outlined in red
Chattahoochee Technical College
Parks Cir
Trolley Stop
Public Parking Lots
Rope Mill Rd
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Dobbs Rd
Kyle St
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Download the Visit Woodstock App for info on downtown businesses and events! AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
53
Reference
W OO D STO CK C ITY G OV E RNMEN T Mayor and Council Members Mayor Donnie Henriques dhenriques@woodstockga.gov Ward 1 - Warren Johnson wjohnson@woodstockga.gov Ward 2 - Chris Casdia ccasdia@woodstockga.gov Ward 3 - Bob Mueller bmueller@woodstockga.gov Ward 4 - Liz Baxter lbaxter@woodstockga.gov Ward 5 - Bud Leonard bleonard@woodstockga.gov Ward 6 - Rob Usher rusher@woodstockga.gov
Rid ge wa lk Pk wy .
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Hwy. 92
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners
202-456-1414 fax: 202-456-2461
Sen. David Perdue (R)
202-224-3521 B40D Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 GA: 678-248-6444 perdue.senate.gov
1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114
Commissioners
L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman Steve West (R) District 1
131 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington DC 20510 202-224-3643 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 GA: 770-661-0999 isakson.senate.gov
Ray Gunnin (R) District 2
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 11 238 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington DC 20515 202-225-2944 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 GA: 770-429-1776 loudermilk.house.gov
bpoole@cherokeega.com
State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)
404-652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov
Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov
404-463-1378
Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20
678-523-8570
Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21
678-576-2644
Rep. Wes Cantrell (R) District 22 wes@cantrellforhouse.com
770-722-7526
Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R) District 23
404-656-0254
scot@turnerforhouse.com
mandi.ballinger@house.ga.gov
lbahrens@cherokeega.com swest@cherokeega.com
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)
michael@CaldwellforHouse.com
www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001
rgunnin@cherokeega.com
Brian Poole (R) District 3 Scott Gordon (R) District 4 sgordon@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County Coroner
Earl W. Darby 770-735-8055
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
www.cherokeega-sheriff.org
Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
678-493-4100 fax: 678-493-4228
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little
2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo 221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
678-493-6400 fax: 678-493-6420 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us 770-479-1871 fax: 770-479-1236
Kyla Cromer (R) District 1
678-493-8088
Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us
770-893-2970
Superior Court
John Harmon (R) District 3
404-462-4950
Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. 678-493-6270 Judge Jackson Harris 678-493-6260 Judge Ellen McElyea 678-493-6240
Janet Read (R) Chair
770-516-1444
State Court
Rick Steiner (R) District 4
Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 john.carson@house.ga.gov
404-656-0287
Cherokee County Courts
Judge W. Alan Jordan 678-493-6490 Judge A. Dee Morris 678-493-6480 Magistrate Court Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) 678-493-6431 Judge Gregory Douds 678-493-6431
Probate Court Judge Keith Wood (R) 678-493-6160
kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us
john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
770-721-4398, x4370
rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Clark Menard (R) District 5
770-928-0341
Mike Chapman (R) District 6 mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us
770-345-6256
clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us
City Government Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood
770-704-1544
Chief Judge John B. Sumner 678-493-6250 Judge Anthony Baker 678-493-6280 District Attorney Shannon Wallace 770-479-1488
Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing
770-345-5536
Clerk of Courts Patty Baker 678-493-6511
Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
770-592-6001
Juvenile Court
www.canton-georgia.gov www.hollyspringsga.us. www.woodstockga.gov
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
55
Reference
WOODSTOCK AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock Contact: Marci Zied 770-345-8687 Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock Contact: Richard Stacy 843-697-5189, richbstacy@gmail.com www.cherokeetoastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets: 8:30 a.m. third Thursday at J Christopher’s, 315 Chambers St., Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations Contact: Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 http://xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/woodstock/ Main Street Woodstock Meets: 8 a.m. last Friday of every month at 8534 Main St. at City Center www.mainstreetwoodstock.org Southeast Cherokee Business Networking Meets: 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Frosty Frog Creamery, 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy., #112, Canton www.secbn.com Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: 770-615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle 770-952-5000, ext. 20 or 404-816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com Ahimsa House Helps victims of domestic violence 24-hours a day who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 404-452-6248 www.ahimsahouse.org Angel House Girls Home A residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn selfsufficiency. Contact: 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com Anna Crawford Children’s Center Dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and protecting and serving children and families through prevention and intervention services. Contact: 678-504-6388 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Bethany Place A transitional home for single women, unwed mothers. Contact: 770-479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org CASA for Children Promotes the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse through programs that increase their safety and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning. Contact: 770-345-3274 www.casacherokee.org CCHS Thrift Store Accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Contact: 770-592-8072 Cherokee Family Violence Center Offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. Contact: 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800334-2836 option 2 www.cfvc.org Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes Challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Contact: Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: 770-928-5115 or admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org Cherokee FOCUS Works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. Contact: Sonia Carruthers 770-345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org Cherokee County Senior Services Offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. Contact: 770-345-5312 or 770-345-5320 www.cherokeega.com/senior-services Community Veterinary Care Provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. Contact: 678-640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com Companion Animal Connection Contact: 678-493-9847 www.adoptapet.com Everyday Angels Offers financial assistance for local families in need. Contact: aaeverydayangels@gmail.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. Contact: 770-795-9348 office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net Forever Fed A mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness in North Georgia by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org Funds 4 Furry Friends Helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter 770-842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Georgia Animal Project, Offers high quality, low cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. Based in Ball Ground Contact: 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. Contact: 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org Green Shelters America Animal rescue group. Contact: 770-712-4077 or GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com www.GreenSheltersAmeric.com Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: 770-587-9697 www.habitat-ncg.org Harvesting Hope Ministries Gives surgery care packs to children facing liver and kidney failure. Contact: dawn@harvestinghopeministries.org www.harvestinghopeministries.org. Healing Hands Youth Ranch Offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and healing. Contact: Jennifer Simonis 770-633-4451 www.hhyr.org
Contact: 770-924-0864 or info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com HOPE Center — Baby & More Thrift Store Offers adult and children’s clothing. Contact: 770-517-4450 www.babyandmorethriftstore.com MUST Ministries Offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway 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 Outreach Provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org. Next Step Ministries Offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. Contact: 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net North Georgia Pregnancy Center Offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. Contact: 706-253-6303 www.ngapregnancy.org Papa’s Pantry A year-round local food ministry, which also includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. Contact: Lynne Saunders 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry Helps families in need by providing pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs. Contact: 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County Provides free child safety seat inspections by appointment. Contact: 770-721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org SERV International Operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. Contact: 770-516-1108 www.servone.org Volunteer Aging Council A nonprofit that helps raise funds for the seniors of Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. Contact: 770-310-3474 www.vac-cherokeega.org Veterans Service Organizations American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin 678-662-2366 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Andrew Yrabedra 404-663-4663 Civic, County Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter For anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich 770-926-1944
HopeQuest Ministry Group Helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. Contact: 678-391-5950 www.hqmg.org
Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room) www.saltcherokee.com
HOPE Center Offers support for unplanned pregnancy.
Cherokee County Historical Society Contact: 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org
Citizen Oversight and Education Contact: 678-520-2236, citizenoversighteducation@ yahoo.com Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. Contact: Marcie Zied 770-345-8687 Junior Service League of Woodstock Contact: 770-592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org/ Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy 20 Contact: Lynda Goodwin, 770-393-1766 or Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com www.pilotinternational.com Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 770-480-4179 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 678-428-6514 Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Featherstone’s Grille at 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock www.townelakerotary.com
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 A community of singers from all walks of life including housewives, teachers, retired professionals, office managers and professional musicians who love the art of choral singing. Contact: 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton Contact: 770-704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Master Gardeners Contact: 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
Service League of Cherokee County Contact: 770-704-5991 http://serviceleague.net
Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey 770-720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org
South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: 770-926-3522
Cherokee Soccer Association Contact: 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com
Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com
Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock www.christianauthorsguild.org
Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: 770-926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Contact: 770-906-2958
POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democratic Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs Contact: 770-345-3489 www.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 http://cherokeelp.org Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. second Saturday at Winchester Woodfire Grill, 110 Mountain Vista Blvd., Canton Contact: 678-809-1411 http://cherokeecountygop.com/ Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli 770-378-8232, conradquag@gmail.com www.teapartypatriots.org/groups/cherokee-tea-partypatriots/ Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton Contact: 770-592-7811 or jkconkey@gmail.com Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at the Wendy’s in Holly Springs, 5343 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Contact: Bill Dewrell 770-294-0922 Republican Women of Cherokee County Contact: 678-520-2236 www.rwccga.com
RECREATION & HOBBIES Allatoona Gold Panners Periodic events and outings to pan the creeks in the Dahlonega Gold Belt along the Lake. Contact: Rob Kelly rrkelly@bellsouth.net
Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com
Kingdom Riders A forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome. Les Marmitons For men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org Wildlife Action, Inc. A conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. Contact: 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com Cherokee Senior Softball Association www.seniorsoftball.com
Contact: 770-428-2695 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets: 10 a.m. - noon first Thursday of each month at Northside Hospital—Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: 404-843-1880 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. Contact: 770-366-7515 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist Contact: 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House Contact: 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton Contact: 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Cherokee County Support Group Provides support for people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, etc. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs Contacts: Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@ comcast.net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 christystephenson@msn.com Cherokee County Special Olympics Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association For pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock www.cherokeeministers.org Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock Contact: Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Georgia Canines for Independence Contact: 404-824-4637, gcidogs@aol.com www.gcidogs.org Grace Valley Ministries Connects pastors by offering small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. Contact: 727-251-7690, info@gracevalleyministries.org www.gracevalleyministries.org
Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Highway, Canton www.cherokeechapter.com
Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Contact: Jeannie 770-919-9275
William G. Long Senior Center Offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Contact: 678-445-6518
Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter Support and resources offered at free and quarterly meetings in the Woodstock area. Contact: nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church Contact: Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770-517-0191
AA Meetings Meets: 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton; 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Meets: 8 p.m. Thursdays at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road, Canton; Al-Anon at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Al-A-Teen at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Contact: Reba, 770-516-3502 www.ga-al-anon.org/district-number.php?district=17 American Heart Association - Cherokee Division Contact: 678-385-2013 American Red Cross Metro Chapter
MOMS Club of Woodstock - Towne Lake Contact: momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com https://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 Contact: 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 Contact: Kelly 678-677-2589 AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Reference
COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST
Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-7304 http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106 www.cantonadventist.org
AME
Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org
BAPTIST
Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org
River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com
CHURCH OF GOD
Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com
Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007
Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.com
Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 www.crossroadspbc.org
Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org
Faith Community 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org
EPISCOPAL
First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com
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New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448 www.newvicbaptist.org
Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clement’s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org
JEWISH
Chabad Jewish Center 4255 Wade Green Road NW, Suite 120, Kennesaw 678-460-7702 www.jewishwoodstock.com
Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org
Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org
Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com
Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net
Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org
Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net
MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS
Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Road, Roswell 770-641-3000 www.bethhallel.org
LUTHERAN
Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-503-5050 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.tlcwoodstock.org
ORTHODOX
St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-485-0504 www.stelizabethga.org
PRESBYTERIAN
Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564 www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869 www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-3558 www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074 www.woodstockpcusa.com
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com
UNITED METHODIST
Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombchurch.org
Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org
Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com
New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org
CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org
Church at North Gate 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.ngca.org
North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-733-2585 www.mormom.org
Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com
Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net
Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org
Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.ngumc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org
OTHERS
Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv
Cornerstone Community 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.info 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 Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com
Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Community Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Watermarke 2126 Sixes Road, Canton 678-880-9092 www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org
Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth
Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org
Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com
Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org
Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com
BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org
Momentum 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv
Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org
Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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G R EE NPRI N T S T RAI L SYST E M WOODSTOCK, GA
Noonday Creek Trail - Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street, and continues downhill toward Noonday Creek. The trail meanders along Noonday Creek and intersects the future Towne Lake Pass and the bridge to Woofstock Park. Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2015) - This approx. 1.2-mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the interesection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2015) - This 1-mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails.
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
CHEROKEE COUNTY CONTACTS Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
770-345-0400
Cherokee County Government
Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency www.crpa.net. 770-924-7768 (Includes Aquatic Center, Barnett Park, Blankets Creek, Cherokee
www.cherokeega.com Building Permits, Business Licenses 770-721-7810 Commissioners 678-493-6001 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) 678-493-6077 Environmental Health 770-479-0444 Extension Office 770-479-0418 Jury Phone 770-479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) 770-479-1953 Planning & Land Use 678-493-6101 Senior Services 770-345-2675 Sheriff’s Office www.cherokeega-sheriff.org 678-493-4100 Voter Registration 770-479-0407
Mills, Field’s Landing Park, Kenny Askew Park)
Taxes
Animal Control
License Plates/Tags, Property Tax – Canton office Woodstock office Renewals online https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags/ Tax Assessors/Evaluation
678-493-6400 770-924-4099 678-493-6120
Children and Family
Anna Crawford Children’s Center 770-345-8100 Bethesda Community Clinic 678-880-9654 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club 770-720-7712 Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. www.ccfapa.com 770-560-2624 Cherokee Family Violence Center 770-479-1804 Cherokee FOCUS 770-345-5483 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org 770-345-3274 Division of Family & Children Services 770-720-3610 Goshen Valley Boys Ranch www.goshenvalley.org 770-796-4618 Hope Center www.hopectr.com 770-924-0864 MUST Ministries - Cherokee www.mustministries.org 770-479-5397 Never Alone www.neveralone.org 770-363-5272 Next Step Ministries www.nextstepministries.net 770-592-1227 North Georgia Angel House www.angelhousega.com 770-479-9555 North Georgia Pregnancy Center www.ngapregnancy.org 706-253-6303 Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org 770-591-4730
Hospitals
Kennestone North Fulton Northside Hospital — Cherokee
Hotlines — 24-hour help lines
Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center Poison Control Center (outside metro Atlanta) Probate Court Information Line Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center
Parks and Recreation
770-793-5000 770-751-2500 770-720-5100 770-479-1703 770-345-7920 404-616-9000 800-222-1222 770-704-2610 770-427-3390
Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Outdoor YMCA, 201 E Bells Ferry Road www.ymca.net Cherokee Senior Softball Association www.cssasoftball.com Cherokee County Soccer Assoc. www.csaimpact.com 770-704-0187
Cherokee Tennis Association, www.cherokeetennis.org 678-909-0252 Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Assoc., http://cherokeelacrosse.uslaxteams.com South Cherokee Recreation Association (SCRA)
770-928-5917
Cherokee Youth Football Association, www.cyfa.org
770-710-2835
North Atlanta Soccer Association: www.nasa-ga.org
770-926-4175
SCRA Baseball www.scrabaseball.com Wildlife Action, Inc. www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com
770-924-7464
Pets 678-493-6200
Cherokee County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoptions www.cherokeega-animals.org
770-345-7270
Cherokee County Humane Society www.cchumanesociety.org
770-928-5115
Emergency Veterinary Clinic
770-924-3720
Funds 4Furry Friends
770-842-8893
Lost Pets:
www.townelaker.com.
(click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet) Pet Buddies Food Pantry
www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org
Community Veterinary Care www.communityveterinarycare.com
678-640-3512
Utilities Atlanta Gas Light Co. Canton Water
www.aglc.com
770-907-4231
www.canton-georgia.com
770-704-1500
Cherokee Water & Sewerage Auth. www.ccwsa.com
770-479-1813
Cobb EMC
770-429-2100
www.cobbemc.com
Georgia Power
www.georgiapower.com
Woodstock Water
www.woodstockga.gov
Recycling Center
888-660-5890 770-926-8852 770-516-4195
Free, Reduced-Price Health Care Bethesda Community Clinic www.bethesdacommunityclinic.org
678-880-9654
Cherokee County Health Department www.nghd.org/CherokeeHealth
770-345-7371
Urgent Care Facilities American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd. Woodstock, 770-200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, off exit 11 at I-575
678-426-5450
Physician’s Express Care at Towne Lake 900 Towne Lake Pkwy. #104 Woodstock
770-693-5880
SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton
678-661-3166
Wellstar Urgent Care 120 Stonebridge Pkwy. Woodstock (off exit 8)
678-494-2500
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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Reference Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine. At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. Candi Hannigan Executive Editor
Michelle McCulloch Art Director
Jackie Loudin Assistant Editor
Laura Latchford Page Designer
Patty Ponder ALM President Marketing & Advertising Sales
Denise Griffin Controller
Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,300
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Christie Deese Sixes Living Sales Manager
Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher
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.
Sine Die - 2015 Legislative Session Wrap Up
A Clumsy Doctor
J. Calvin Hill Jr. Act: This was my legislation, which is now on the governor’s desk for signature. It is the first true repeal bill in the history of the state of Georgia and comprises 23 pages that repeal unconstitutional and antiquated law from the books. I am very honored to have carried it on behalf of our code revision committee and to have voted yes after presenting it on the House floor. These were just a few of the highlights from the 2015 legislative session. If you have any questions for me about any specific initiatives from this session or anything you’d like to see enacted in Georgia in the future, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. You can also meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly!
growing another human being inside your body, but also about caring for another human being and watching over him or her growing from baby to adult. She left my office agreeing to pray, and to consider adoption. Three years later, she came in for an exam. With her was a little girl. She had the straight dark hair and almond eyes of her birthplace in China, and the pink dress and smile of a true American princess. Dawn told me she had prayed for weeks, asking God for help to see the path toward adoption. She believed it no coincidence that on the other side of the world, on the very day she decided to adopt, her future daughter was born. She paused as she left my office, and I’ll never forget her next words, or her peaceful smile: “My infertility has been the greatest blessing of my life.” I knew the story about Dawn wouldn’t excuse the magazine selection, or fix the pain Elizabeth was experiencing, but I thought perhaps the message might be conveyed: God is not clumsy.
continued from page 22
Today’s Roller Derby continued from page 41
Marietta Derby Darlins versus Soul City Sirens of Augusta at 7:30 p.m. May 17 at Hot Wheels Skate Center, 228 Farm Ridge Drive, Woodstock. Tickets are $8 pre-purchased, $10 at the door, $5 for ages 6-12, free for age 5 and younger. For details, email mariettaderbydarlins@gmail.com or visit www. mariettaderbydarlins.com.
continued from page 23
Send Us Your
Prom
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candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com Deadline is May 5
AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES LGE Credit Union 7 12186 Highway 92, Suite 111B, Woodstock www.LGEccu.org, 770-424-0060 Open Mortgage 21 404-992-7798, understandingreverse.com Schuckers & Associates 770-329-8873 or 706-745-2475 3760 Sixes Road, Suite 126 #127, Canton Schuckers.Consulting@gmail.com
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ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 47 678-445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200 BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Bambu Salon and Spa 27 150 Prominence Point Parkway, Suite 700, Canton 30114, 770-345-0027 Salon Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079, www.salonvenessa.com 8516 Main Street, Woodstock
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BUSINESS Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Spring Business Showcase
63
Downtown Buzz
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CHIROPRACTIC Colby Family Chiropractic 47 770-592-1915 10917 Highway 92, Suite 160, Woodstock www.colbychiropracticlifestyle.com North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute (678) 574-5678 3451 Cobb Parkway, Suite 4, Acworth
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Ribley Chiropractic 2453 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-592-2505, www.ribleychrio.com
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DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric) Fountain View Dentistry 51 770-926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 200, Suite A Hickory Flat Dental 7840 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-479-8654
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Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Drive Suite 200-C
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Spillane Orthodontics 770-928-4747 www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Parkway 575, Suite 200, Woodstock
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AROUND WOODSTOCK | May 2015
Williams Orthodontics 35 770-592-5554 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 201, Woodstock 770-345-4155 205 Waleska Road, Suite 1A, Canton www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com EDUCATION/TUTORING Piano Instructor-Ralph Iossa 973-519-6863
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The Grant Academy 9, 13 770-926-7827, www.thegrantacademy.net 102 Springfield Drive, Woodstock Tutor Doctor 770-308-6300 www.InHomeTutorNorthAtlanta.com
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HOME & GARDEN Alcaraz Drywall 678-949-8689, fidelalcaraz@yahoo.com Blue Horizon Air Cond. & Heating 678-279-2244, BHCool.com
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Inside Front
Elite Roofing of Georgia 770-445-1290
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EM Universal Construction, LLC Reese, 678-773-2804
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Georgia Pride Remodeling 404-465-4457
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Grout Doctor, The 678-383-1311, www.GroutDoctor.com
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Landscape Matters 22 770-403-5813, LandscapeMattersInc.com Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1, www.mrjunk1.com
25
Precision Plumbing 25 678-758-3493, PrecisionPlumbingPros.com Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com
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Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969, ReliableAir.com
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Soil Sense Landscape Group 678-483-5185, soilsenselandscape.com
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PETS/ANIMALS
Bark Station 240 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-517-9907, www.bark-station.com
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Cherokee County Animal Shelter 770-345-7270, cherokeega-animals.org 1015 Univeter Road, Canton
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PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 25 678-224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place, Suite 250, Woodstock
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For advertising rates and information please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322, Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com.
North Georgia Audiology 1 and Hearing Aid Center, 770-560-4775 203 Woodpark Place, Suite B-100, Woodstock www.NorthGeorgiaHearing.com
770-395-1130, www.pnfm.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Ste. 210, Woodstock Wellstar Cancer Network 770-956-STAR (7827) www.wellstar.org
Inside back
Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 1 770-517-0250, www.woodstockpeds.com 2000 Professional Way, Bldg. 200, Woodstock
PHOTOGRAPHERS J King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.JKingImages.com
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Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com
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REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Ashton Woods 605 Stone Hill Drive, Woodstock 770-517-9114 or 770-592-3375 ashtonwoods.com
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Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage, Tara Daigle, Realtor 37 404-925-6351, tara@keatingbrs.com Broadus Realty Group Cover, 32, 33 Donna Braodus, 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com The Crest of Laurelwood 10247 Highway 92, Woodstock www.crestatlaurelwood.com
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The Premier Group, Keller Williams 678-494-0102 Back cover 8604 Main Street, Woodstock www.TPGsells.com RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Canton Festival of the Arts
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Dance Imagination 7 678-445-2731, www.DanceImagination.com 119 Mill Street, Woodstock Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251
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Memorial Day 5K, City of Holly Springs
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R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833, www.r2totalfitness.com 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock
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RETAILERS/SHOPPING Max Video Games & More 37 770-924-9300 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Ste. 124, Woodstock www.facebook.com/maxvideogames
Northside Hospital – Cherokee 770-720-5100, www.northside.com 201 Hospital Road, Canton
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Spirited 8670 Main Street, Suite 2, Woodstock 678-214-5304, www.spritlala.com
Perimeter North Family Medicine
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Trickum Wine 678-503-2269, www.TrickumWine.com 3333 Trickum Road, Woodstock
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Tumors have nowhere to hide Patients now have somewhere to turn The future of cancer treatment is here. And it’s only available at WellStar. WellStar is the only health system in metro Atlanta to offer TomoTherapy® and CyberKnife® for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
TomoTherapy
CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System
Unlike conventional systems, which allow radiation to be delivered from only a few directions, TomoTherapy rotates in 360 degrees, meaning that treatments can be delivered continuously to the tumor from every angle. More beam directions give physicians more control in how they plan treatments – and more assurance that the dose will be confined to the tumor.
The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System involves no cutting, and for many, can offer a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of tumors. The system is composed of a radiation delivery device, which is mounted on a flexible robotic arm which enables CyberKnife to deliver radiation to tumors anywhere in the body. Its exceptional tracking ability eliminates the need for patients to have stabilizing head frames or limited breathing during treatment.
For more information, call 770-793-7550 or visit wellstar.org/cancercare.