5 15 townelaker webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

No one knows your face better than your dentist Learn about the benefits of cosmetic injectables.

Lights! Camera! Action! What brings movie makers to Cherokee County?

FARM to TABLE

Fresh foods, new season for farmers markets

Actual Patient

770.591.7929 www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy | Building 200, Suite 100 | Woodstock, GA 30189

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

May 2015

Volume 21, Issue 1

15 Mom to the Rescue

Local physician recalls a challenging spring break.

16 Saluting Single Moms

Woodstock nonprofit helps mothers provide for their children.

22 Roller Derby

Today’s version is not how you may remember it.

24 The New Hollywood?

Extensive database attracts many filmmakers to Cherokee County.

28 Everyday Angels

Teen and her family eager for better health after kidney transplant.

32 Farmers Market

Fresh foods, chef demos and children’s programs ready for summer.

56 Vacation Bible School

County offerings include “visits” to orchards, oceans and Everest.

68 A Summer Checklist

Make sure your student is ready for the next grade.

80 A Proper Retirement

Respectful ceremony retires old flags.

No one knows your face better than your dentist. Learn about the benefits of cosmetic injectables.

Contributing Writers Chantel Adams Don Akridge Kyle Bennett Siohban Brumbelow Michael Caldwell Caron Catalon Amy Cobb Rick Coughlin Linde Ferrere Claire Frost Renee Gable Delia Halverson Dr. Scott Harden Dr. Amy Hardin John Harris Dr. Jan Henriques Dan Hultquist Kurt & Sheila Johnson Sean Kaufman

43 53 32 78 20 35 26 57 16 41 79 21 58 62 72 63 46 30 14

In Every Issue Lorre Lamarca 52 Joe Lemmo 64 Ann Litrel 50 Dr. Mike Litrel 44 Rob Macmillan 42 Matt Neal 14 Tricia Nitti 32, 33 Northside Hospital 61 Office of Economic Dev. 24 Lisa Randall 54 Bill Ratliff 71 Lynne Saunders 51 Jessica Leigh Smith 34 Jodi Tiberio 18 Van Tran 60 Lynne Watts 55

Around Towne

Community News

Birthdays 12 Everyday Angels

TLBA News

Community Calendar

Towne Lake Dining Guide 47 School News

Faith

Parking Map

Woodstock Dining Guide 77 Recent Home Sales

Greenprints Trail Map

Advertisers Directory

Lights! Camera! Action! What brings movie makers to Cherokee County?

FARM to TABLE

Fresh foods, new season for farmers markets

Actual Patient

EDITORIAL Contact us and view the magazine online at questions and comments www.townelaker.com Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com

770.591.7929 www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com

120 N. Medical Pkwy | Building 200, Suite 100 | Woodstock, GA 30189

5-15 TL Cover.indd 1

48 & 49 On the Cover Towne Lake Family Dentistry 2

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

4/16/2015 8:54:50 PM

ADVERTISING questions and comments Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com

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Community

AROUND TOWNE

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of TowneLaker. She has lived in Cherokee County for 28 years. Send your comments or questions to Candi@ AroundAboutMagazines. com

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

What’s New

Ribbon Cuttings

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. Look for Allatoona Outdoors & Archery on Facebook.

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 LGE Community Credit Union, Corner of Cumming Highway and Northside Cherokee Blvd. www.LGEccu.org Workout Anytime Woodstock, 6232 Old Highway 5, Woodstock. http://workoutanytime.com/locations/woodstock

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 7 p.m. on May 7, 1-5 p.m. on May 16 and 9-11 a.m. on May 20 at 102 Springfield Drive in Woodstock. For more information, call 770-926-7827 or visit www.thegrantacademy.net. The 272-apartment complex called The Crest at Laurelwood in Woodstock, at the corner of Main Street and Highway 92, is open and accepting renters. Amenities include a 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.

What’s Coming 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 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, that should open in early May. Follow Brooklynn’s on Facebook for all the grand opening festivities, or go to brooklynns.com for more details. 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.

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. 4

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

On The Movie Scene Projects featuring Tom Cruise, Kristen Stewart, Vin Diesel, Steve Martin and Michael Keaton are scheduled to be shot in our county during the weeks and months to come, according to the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. To learn what attracts filmmakers to our county and find out how you can increase your chances of appearing on the big screen, see page 24. Keep your pen and autograph book handy: • “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” an adaptation of the 2012 novel by Ben Fountain is filming scenes at the Georgia National Cemetery. The film follows the story of U.S. soldiers sent on a PR tour after returning from battle. A rolling roadblock scene along I-575 will be shot with help from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department. • Downtown Canton will see Hollywood excitement with “The Founder,” a story about Ray Kroc’s success in turning McDonald’s into a food empire. Filmmakers will use the old Canton Cotton Mill Offices at 221 W. Main St. this summer. Oscar nominee Michael Keaton will star as Kroc. One entertainment publication calls it “a project every studio in Hollywood apparently wanted to be part of.” • “Mena,” a Tom Cruise drug-crime thriller, will be filming in Ball Ground starting sometime this summer. • In February of this year, “American Pickers” announced it was looking to strike gold in Cherokee County. No updates on that yet.

Father’s Day Email photos of your dad or husband to candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com and we’ll help you celebrate that special father in your life! Send us your photos by May 5 to be considered for publication.

New Location, Accepting New Patients

We are proud to announce that we are expanding to provide services in both the Holly Springs and Woodstock communities. Our family friendly practice is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care possible, and offers treatment for sports-related injuries, concussion management and effective, minimally-invasive treatment procedures for all types of musculoskeletal conditions.

Northside/Da Imaging

Services Offered:

HOLLY SPRINGS WOODSTOCK

Exit 11 (Sixes Road)

sw ell R

• Treatment of pediatric, adolescent and adult patients • Prevention, evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries • Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the upper and lower extremities • Total joint replacements (hip, knee, ankle & shoulder) • Diagnosis, evaluation and management of concussions • Fracture care

NEW 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 320, Woodstock, GA 30189 son Fe rr y Rd 684 Sixes Road, Suite 130, Holly Springs, GA 30115 . (770) 517-6636 • northsidecherokeeortho.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

COMMUNITY BOARD

Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.

The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine and providing valuable feedback. Ann Litrel — Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com

Dee Locklin — Dee is a Georgia State University retiree who moved to Towne Lake in 1998. She and husband Lewis are the proud parents of KSU student Taylor. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and now is focusing her energy on caring for her beloved husband as he battles late-stage cancer.

G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now-grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds.

Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.

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 TowneLaker, 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 the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 14,900 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker 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. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015.

TowneLaker

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For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by TrustWorkz Inc. Volume 21, Issue 1

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Boy Scout Troop Has Successful Food Drive Members of Boy Scout Troop 641 collected 918 items in a recent food drive in the Wyngate neighborhood. A team of 10 scouts gathered the items and delivered them to local food pantries. Scouting for Food is a national event sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America as part of the strong Troop 641 members Henry Fornuto, Trey Lewis, tradition of teaching Lucas Ludwiczak, Sam Kopeski, Jonathan McCoy, community service. Brandon Teijeiro, Mark Kopeski, Steven Naliwajka, Last year, the Atlanta Austin Doss and Connor Campbell. Area Council alone collected more than 280,000 pounds of food that provided more than 180,000 meals to needy families in metro Atlanta. Troop 641 meets at 7 p.m. every Monday in “The Hut” at Bascomb United Methodist Church.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Cherokee Judge Earns Award 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. Judge Wood (left) with Council of Probate Court Judges President Judge Chase Daughtrey.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS New Ramp Gives CHILL Mom a Better View

Before the ramp was built, Yvette Pegues would have to push herself up in her wheelchair to watch her sons from the sidelines.

Yvette with her son Isaiah on the new ramp.

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 of their boys got close to the puck so she could push herself up in her wheelchair to peek over the 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

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. Dale Israel (left), with Northside In 2014, 1,703 underinsured women Hospital Cancer Institute and received breast cancer screening and Laurel Sybilrud, chairman of grants committee with It’s The diagnostic services through Northside’s Journey. Cancer Institute, and 15 breast cancers were detected. Early detection of breast cancer saves the lives of thousands of women each year. However, medically underserved and uninsured women often lack access to care. For information on the services, call 770-667-4400. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements. www.northside.com. 10

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Stargel, Ray Hendrix and Steve Ralston, park superintendent. “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.

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.

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 11-July 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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

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 14

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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.

A Memory for Mother’s Day

r. Amy Hardin recalls a spring break memory that is “the best example of what a great mom she was, why I truly miss her more than 10 years after her death and why I try every day to be the mom she was to me and my brother. After a 19-hour solo trip (my dad had to work) from Toledo to Ormond Beach in 1974, I stepped on a chopped off tree three hours after arriving, and had to get six stitches in my foot. I remember her holding my head (and a towel wrapped around my profusely bleeding foot) while a nice man from Canada rushed us at about 90 miles per hour to the nearest hospital as if my foot had been chopped off, all while comforting me, and telling me it was no big deal. Goodbye to playing in the ocean and pool for me! Goodbye to reading the latest Jacqueline Susanne novel with a glass of Ripple and a few Kent cigarettes by the pool for my mom! My mom bought me three different rafts and gave up her fun to entertain me all week, and yet I still remember that break as one of the most fun we ever had.”

The day when 14-year-old Amy’s mom took her to YMCA camp. “I was the tallest person in my entire grade and camp was the place I could be myself and be happy through those awkward years Luckily, my parents agreed.”

Leaha Rice writes that her mom, Nancy Hill (shown here with Leaha’s daughter Shelby) “is one of the most gracious, humble, and selfless women I have ever been lucky enough to know. I am lucky to call her mom!”

Olivia and Tina Kirkland

June Barriga and daughter Cee Cee Fisher

Denise and Lexus Shifflett

Haley O’Brien and Harriet Harden TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

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, 18

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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

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TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

Sine Die - 2015 Legislative Session Wrap Up BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which covers Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com.

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. Though I won’t be able to cover everything of interest in this limited article, I’d like to touch on a few key highlights from the session, both good and bad.

Balanced Budget for 2016 The 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 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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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 nongovernmental 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.

This year’s contentious legislative session dealt with some big issues.

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. continued on page 81

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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

Today’s Roller Derby

It’s Not How You Remember It There’s a modern version of roller derby, a contact sport promoting the sport of roller derby. The focus is hosting many of us remember from the 1970s, that’s a bit different family friendly events, raising awareness of the health benefits and has more of a philanthropic twist. If you’d like to see for of roller skating and female athleticism, and promoting selfyourself, the Marietta Derby esteem in young women by Darlins (MDD), a local league offering alternative and athletic formed in 2011, has a seasonavenues of expression. The opening home bout planned Darlins support other local for May 17 at Hot Wheels Skate non-profit organizations like Center in Woodstock. MUST Ministries, the Etowah Off the track, skaters for Valley Humane Society and the Darlins are teachers, small other qualified amateur business owners, librarians, athletic organizations. artists, students, moms and In the early 1900s, multiother business professionals day roller skating endurance including a few from Cherokee races were popular spectator County. Today’s roller derby events. By the late 1930s, the is a far cry from the 1970s popularity of collisions and version. It’s not played on a crashes led to the development The Marietta Derby Darlins will have their first home bout of the 2015 banked track and there are of a sport that maximized the season on May 17. Photo courtesy of Blaine Cone. no flying elbow take-downs physical contact. During the or flips over the outside railing. It is a fast-paced, full-contact next 30 years, roller derby evolved into a popular traveling team sport that requires athleticism, speed and strategy. spectator sport that resembled professional wrestling with The mission of MDD, a non-profit amateur athletic scripted storylines, exaggerated falls and staged theatrics. The organization, is to offer athletic skating entertainment while continued on page 81

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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. A crew member checks the camera while Last year, more than filming at the Blanton Property. 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 the film industry. 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

continued on page 81

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 24

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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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

Wear It! BY AMY COBB

It’s finally that time of year where we will see many of you out in the parks and on the water all around Allatoona Lake. This year, park rangers at Allatoona Lake want you to wear it! Wear what, you might ask? Your life jacket, of course. Last year there were five water-related fatalities on Allatoona Lake. We want all of Park Ranger Amy Cobb is a Georgia native our visitors to play smart and and has been a Corps leave alive. One way to play Ranger at several locations around the smart is by wearing a life jacket. South. On May 15, park rangers and staff members at Allatoona Lake From left: Park Ranger Rusty Simmons, Allatoona Lake Manager Jerry Fulton, will be sporting our most comfortable life jackets for Wear Assistant Manager Doug Evans and Park Ranger Amy Cobb sporting their life jackets in preparation for “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day.” Your Life Jacket to Work Day. This is an annual event hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) to Follow these tips for a safer summer: heighten awareness about the different types of life jackets that are available, and to demonstrate their comfort and versatility by • Never swim alone. encouraging people to wear them to work. We invite you to join • Swim in designated swim areas. us by wearing your life jacket to work on May 15, and encourage • Never dive or swim in unknown waters. your friends, family and co-workers to do the same. Take pictures • Be aware of underwater hazards such as stumps, rocks or and share them with us on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, other objects. Mobile District, Allatoona Lake Facebook page. • Obey all posted signs, markers and navigational aids. If you visit Allatoona Lake and you forget your life jacket, don’t • NEVER drink and boat. worry. All areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have life jacket loaner stations. Some of our unmanned areas have orange life jackets hanging on a loaner board. Just take one, wear it, and return it when you come off the water. You can also borrow a life jacket at most of our gatehouses, just ask the park attendant.

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For questions or information about Allatoona Lake, please contact the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700 or on the web at www.sam.usace.army. mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/AllatoonaLake.aspx. Let’s have a fun, safe summer at Allatoona Lake!

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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

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. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

Some Homes Sell Faster and for More Money BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

The most important factor in getting the most money for your home in the least amount of time is pricing it correctly. A study of last quarter’s FMLS single-family home sales data indicates that the average days on market was only 18 for homes that did not need a price reduction after being listed. These listings Kurt and Sheila Johnson sold for an average of 98.2 percent are Keller Williams of their list price. When homes are Top Producing Agents (over 80 deals in 2014) overpriced, the inverse is also true. and have been serving Of homes sold last quarter, 47.4 Cherokee County for more than 10 years. www. percent of the homes needed at least KurtandSheilaTeam.com one price reduction and ultimately sold for an average of 87.8 percent of their original list price and in an average of 220 days. Determining the right price for your home is a delicate balance between a variety of analysis methods and market area experience. It’s not enough to rely only on past sales when market conditions are indicating a strong trend up or down. To get the highest price for your home, you must prepare it for sale. This may involve a mix of staging and improvements.

TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Once again this year, scholarship awards in the amount of $1,000 each will be presented to the two winners of the 13th Annual TLBA (“Towne Lake Business Association”) Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Awards during Etowah and Woodstock High Schools’ Honors Programs. Please read upcoming columns in The TowneLaker for more information about each of our winners. Continuing our tradition of providing our Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship Awards, the TLBA will be hosting our second annual Bowl-A-Thon, on a date to be determined in August. Our inaugural Bowl-A-Thon in 2014 was a fantastic family-friendly event for all levels of bowlers, including kids, and this year’s event will be even better. Please look for more information in future issues and our website. The topic of our April Lunch ‘N’ Workshop was “Legacy Planning.” We want to thank Deanna of TimeWise Financial, LLC for leading the workshop.

Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop

Tuesday, May 19, 12:15 — 2 p.m. Please check our website at tlba.org for further information on the topic and speaker. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events by email to gjsnyder@bellsouth.net.

As always, thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” Visit us at tlba.org.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Industry studies indicate that with the right staging, a seller can add 20 percent to the sales price of his or her home. For example: $500 in staging can bring 20 percent more for a $300,000 home (or $6,000). Our experience with flipping homes has taught us that a fresh paint job and new carpet ($6,000) can add $20,000 to the value of a home. That’s over a 300 percent return on those repair costs. The goal is to get the most for your home with the least amount of money. Agents must be asking buyers to view your property. The National Association of Realtors surveyed home buyers in 2014 to determine how they found the home they purchased. Over 90 percent of these home buyers utilized the Internet for their searches. It is more important than ever to market your home with professional photos and high placement on the most popular real estate portals online. It’s just not enough to have your home on the multiple listing service. Traditional marketing and social media methods are important too. Open houses, Facebook posts, print advertising and Just Listed postcards to your neighbors are still effective ways to enlist their help to find a buyer for your home. This method of marketing seems to be more effective in a community like ours because so many of the homes sold are bought by other community residents wishing to upsize or downsize.

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Renasant Bank: Understanding You Founded in 1904, Renasant Bank is one of the South’s oldest financial institutions. With perseverance as its watchword, Renasant has a rich history of achievement and stability with a collection of community banks that values its relationships with employees and clients above all else. Renasant has found its strength in being a company dedicated to solid leadership, innovation, Jean Staughton and community partnership. Renasant currently operates more than 120 banking, mortgage lending, insurance and wealth management offices across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. North Georgia has 12 branches across Fulton, Forsyth, Cherokee, Pickens and Bartow counties. Jean Staughton, branch manager of the Towne Lake office in Woodstock, puts it best. “Our bank team strives to understand and meet the financial needs of our customers. We have all the products of a large regional bank combined with the personal touch of a hometown community bank. At its core, Renasant is a bank that knows its clients by name and meets their needs through understanding.” Building relationships, helping families and businesses reach their financial goals and supporting the communities Renasant serves has always been the company’s calling. Renasant Bank Member FDIC – www.renasantbank.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Community

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

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 TOWNELAKER | 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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

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 slew of GF options that had not been Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Cherokee available until recently. But as with most County with her popular things, the people engaging in the family. Jessica is also an actress and popular thing are derided by those who are producer. www. not. JessicaLeighSmith.com and Facebook.com/ We seem to have hit that last tier in the NotFinishedInc. 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 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 When the weather turns warmer, I can’t help but get super excited about things like cook outs, homemade ice cream and picnics with my family. One of my favorites for a sunny, spring lunch is an egg salad. Just recently, I discovered some additional flavors to the traditional egg salad and my favorite part is how it is packed with even more protein. This particular recipe is inherently gluten-free, so it isn’t showing you how to replace your favorite gluten-filled version. However, many healthy dishes are inherently gluten-free, and this is a good reminder of all the bounty we have available to us.

Ingredients: 4-6 hardboiled eggs 1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise One fresh lemon One 5 ounce can of tuna, in water Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro—as much as desired 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.

I TO U Q S MO R IT Y O H T AU

678.294.7597 BugsBITE.com 34

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Carrot and Zucchini Salad

In Ireland, we call zucchini “courgette,” and a rutabaga is a “turnip.” I had a hard time with some of my words when I moved here. When I waited tables after first moving to the U.S., I ended up with an ingrown toenail. I searched the yellow pages for a “chiropodist” and was amazed to see that there were none in Atlanta. When I told my boss, she informed me that here the word was podiatrist. In our house we say “boot” for trunk and “bonnet” for hood. It wasn’t until my kids had a need to mention either word with their friends that they came home to inform me I was using the wrong word. I always joke and say, “or is your word wrong?” Anyway, enjoy this summer salad while you attend the many barbecues and outdoor events of the summer! – Caron and Alberto

Ingredients:

Dressing:

1 lb. bag carrots, peeled and grated

1 cup sunflower oil

1 lb. zucchini, grated

1 cup olive oil

Bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

1 cup peanut oil

4 tablespoons dressing

1 cup red wine vinegar

1-2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds (or a seed of your choice— pumpkin, almond, pine nuts, etc.)

Salt and pepper

1-2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional) Juice of 1 medium orange

2 garlic cloves 3 tablespoons grainy mustard 2 tablespoons honey

Grated zest of 2 medium oranges Place all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend. This can be stored for several weeks in the refrigerator. Shake well before use. Place grated carrots, zucchini and as much chopped cilantro as you like in a bowl and mix dressing, seeds, orange juice and orange zest. Use as much or as little of the cilantro and orange zest to suit your taste. Caron and Alberto Catalán are the owners and managers of Papa P’s – Mexican with an Irish side, located in the Towne Lake Kroger shopping center. They have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. They have four children, Conor, Ciara, Derek and Fiona. Visit them online at www.papa-ps.com or call 770-592-3100.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

GET SET FOR SUMMER Adventures Express & Special Needs Camps

Club Scientific Summer Camps

Art of Living at “Community of Hope”

Core Camps Plus

Campers ages 4-15 can choose from dozens of themes. Sessions held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. K.A.O.S. is an exclusive camp for special needs throughout the summer at Cherokee children, and has a 1:3 ratio of experienced counselors to participants. Cost is $130 weekly. Charter Academy, 2126 Sixes Road. www. clubscientificatlanta.com. 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.

Art camp for ages 7-12 will be 9 a.m.-noon June 14-19, 22-27, July 6-10, 13-17. $135. 770-4796961. www.patriciareeves.com.

Brainy Bytes Tech 4 Kids

Creative technology camps. Half-day and full-day sessions available June 1-July 31 for children ages 6 and older. Cost is $210 half day, $310 full day. 770-826-0449. www. bbtech4kids.com.

Camp Gideon

Christian camp on Lake Allatoona is offering leadership camp is June 20-26, Discovery day camp is June 22-26, June 29-July 3 and July 6-10. Overnight camp July 13-17. Camp Gideon is in Acworth at 3545 Walden Lane. www.campgideon.com.

Canton Golf Club Junior Golf Camp

Learn the fundamentals of golf for ages 7-16, 8:30-11:30 a.m. June 8-10 with PGA Class A instructor Craig King. Cost is $165. Call or text 404-285-7557.

Cherokee Junior Tennis Camps

Five sessions offered June 8-July 30 for all ages at the Cherokee Tennis Center, 155 Brooke Blvd., Woodstock. Cost is $50 tiny tots, $160 day camp. 770-592-4582. Proshopctc@gmail. com. www.cherokeetenniscenter.com.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Half-day sessions for elementary through high school students covering math, science, robotics, improve SAT/ACT preparation, rapid reading, and more at Cherokee Christian School, 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock. www. corecampsplus.com.

Dance Imagination Fairytale Ballet

Sessions 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 16-July 24 for ages 2 and older at 119 Mill St., Woodstock. $40/ day. 678-445-2731. www.danceimagination. com.

Elm Street Drama

Campers write, produce and perform with help of trained counselors. Sessions available weekly June 8-July 31. Junior division for ages 5-7, senior division for ages 8-14. 678-4944251. www.elmstreetarts.org.

CRPA Fishing Camp (10th anniversary edition)

The basics of fishing, strategies and tactics, and other skills for campers ages 9-14 June 1-5. Cost is $150. Contact Jay Worley at jworley@ cherokeega.com or 770-924-7768. www.crpa. net.

Georgia All-Star Gymnastics

Sessions for children ages 3-12 are held 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekly June 1-July 31 at 105 Arnold Mill Park, Woodstock. (770) 516-2654. info@ ga-allstars.com. www.ga-allstars.com.

Goddard School

June theme is Passports Around the World with sessions 8;30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through June 30. July Fun in the Sun sessions July 1-Aug. 1. Cost is $160/week or $35day for 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., or $170/week or $40 day for 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. At 310 Prominence Point Pkwy., Canton. 770-720-3003.

Kids Time Academy

Adventure and Exploration Camp has weekly themes with field trips and activities for ages 4-12. Camp includes full meal plan. 9562 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. www.kidztymeacademy. com.

Paper.Scissors.Cake

Mixed media art camps for children ages 6-12, along with toddler and preschool camp Crafternoons available Tuesdays. 6687 Bells Ferry Road,Woodstock. 404-867-1630. Check Paper.Scissors.Cake’s Facebook page.

Safety Town

Three 9 a.m.-noon sessions throughout June. $75 fee includes T-shirt and daily snack at Bascomb Elementary School in Woodstock. www.cherokeecountysafetytown.org.

Teams of Sports & Science

Sessions 7 a.m.-6 p.m. June 1-July 24 for ages 5-12 at Allen Temple Church, 232 Arnold Mill Road. $125/week, registration fee $40 per child. www.allentempleame.org.

Towne Lake Community Church Weekly themes change for ages 4-10, with sessions 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 8-26 and July 6-24. 132 N. Medical Parkway, Woodstock. $90/ week. camp@tlcchurch.com. 678-445-8766, ext. 203.

VBS Registration Now Open!! June 8-12 for PreKâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3rd grade 9:30 am-12 pm $15 before May 17, price increases to $20 after

June 14-17 for 4th-6th grade 6 pm-8:30 pm $15 before May 17th, price increases to $20 after

Visit www.hillsideumc.org or contact Pat Walker at pwalker@hillsideumc.org for more information

4474 Towne Lake Pkwy | Woodstock, GA 30189 770.924.4777 | www.hillsideumc.org TOWNELAKER | May 2015

PARAGON Property Group

Real Estate Services Focus on Leasing and Property Management

few years ago, best friends Anna Daily and K.K. Lopez found themselves frustrated in their careers. Both are real estate professionals who were ready to make a change. K.K. was tired of working 15 hour days in Atlanta, a schedule that took time away from her family in Towne Lake. Anna was looking to rebound from the downturn in the real estate industry. During a brainstorming session at a local restaurant, the two decided to follow their dreams and start a business - Paragon Property Group, a real estate firm that focuses on property management. Paragon means “a model of excellence,” which is the center of their business today. “K.K. has extensive knowledge of property management and leasing, and as a licensed broker, I am experienced in real estate. We combined those skills and make a really good team,” said Anna. Paragon manages single or multiple assets, and is committed to helping clients benefit from increased revenue, decreased expenses and efficient operations while receiving a personalized business relationship. Paragon is a fully licensed brokerage firm with experience in all areas of real estate. While the focus is on leasing and management, K.K. and Anna also are equipped to assist buyers in purchasing homes, offering them the same level of excellence and personalized service. “Working with buyers is something we both love,” said Anna. “There is a unique element of satisfaction when you witness a buyer at the closing table. There is so much emotion in purchasing a home, to be intricately involved in making the dream a reality is magical.” K.K. spent 12 years managing property across Atlanta including homes in Midtown, Dunwoody and Decatur - before starting Paragon. Anna has extensive experience in purchasing investment properties, having purchased 25 properties in a seven-year period. Anna also guided K.K. in the purchase and sale of her own investment property. After five successful years in business, the two want to expand their property base in Towne Lake. There is a growing interest in rental properties because executives who are relocated here have left behind unsold homes. Towne Lake is a prime area for executive leases because it’s filled with large communities that offer many amenities and access 38

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Anna Daily

K.K. Lopez

Paragon Property Group GA, LLC. P.O. Box 1202 Woodstock, GA 30188 888-664-6689 www.paragonga.com adaily@paragonga.com klopez@paragonga.com

to excellent schools and shopping. Anna and K.K. have each lived in Towne Lake for more than 10 years. They know the market well and are easily accessible to their clients. Anna is the initial point of contact, working with homeowners to prepare their homes for the market and informing them how the process works, from listing to occupying the property. Once a tenant moves in, Anna assists with inspections and maintenance. K.K. handles the accounting, contracts, and business operations. “We are very personally involved and know our home owners on a first-name basis. When our clients call, we immediately know who they are and which property belongs to them,” said Anna. Paragon uses a technologically-advanced accounting system that allows tenants to make rental payments online, and property owners have a portal to Paragon’s website where they can monitor information regarding their home. Clients can check maintenance requests, see when rent payments were made and their payments were disbursed, what repairs have been done, and other details. The precise records in this system make end-of-year reports easy for accountants at tax time. K.K.’s experience in managing properties and fair housing law decreases liability for the homeowners, avoiding mistakes that can be made unknowingly. The value of having someone well-versed in laws pertaining to fair housing and property management adds an edge to Paragon Property Group. Paragon currently manages rental properties in Wellesley, Eagle Watch and Towne Lake Hills. If you’d like to discuss rental possibilities, call Anna and K.K. at 888-664-6689 for a free consultation.

photos by J King Images

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

May 2

Out & About

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.

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 28-10, 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 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 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. 40

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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

Coffee House 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.

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 Claire is the editor of over as well as I had hoped. House of Frost, a blog I recently attended my first baby juggling family, fashion, food and furnishing shower as a mom, and suddenly all of with a little sparkle. the products I’d been confused about 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!

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

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.

TOWNELAKER | 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. 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.

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.

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. 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. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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 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.

Attention Sciatica And Low Back Pain Sufferers……

Could One Hour With Our Doctors Give You The Answer To Your Disc Pain? Now, in Acworth, GA, Dr. Erin Arnold, D.C. & Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. have what may be the most important breakthrough in non-surgical back pain treatment. Before and after MRI studies have shown disc bulges shrink in size – even with the most painful cases of L4-L5 & L5-S1 herniations. If you’ve had disc problems for years, recently injured your back, or you’re suffering with sciatica, you must hear about these new studies. Scientific studies tell us that spinal discs are responsible for most of the aches and pains people suffer from. Discs act like a cushion between our backbones and allow for a space at each level so the nerves can exit the spinal column. When these discs get injured or wear out from bad posture, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniations begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. If the herniations occur at L4-L5, they can severely compromise the large sciatic nerve, causing muscle weakness, tingling, and severe pain. The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. This costs quite a bit of money. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000-$15,000, and sometimes more. The recovery time and missed work can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgery. But here’s the biggest problem… there is a high failure rate of back surgery. One medical study found that on average, 53% of L5-S1 back surgeries fail to produce relief of symptoms (International Orthop 1987.) Do You Have A Disc Problem? If you experience any of the following in your back or neck, chances are your pain is due to a disc bulge, herniation or degeneration: • A vice-like squeezing feeling in your back • Sitting causes back or leg pain • Stabbing pain at the belt line or in your neck • Can’t turn over in bed without hurting • Numbness in your toes or fingers • Fire down your legs • Searing pain radiates into your arm • Prickling in your leg or toes Finally, Some Good News…… If you’ve been suffering with back pain or arm/leg pain caused by a disc bulge, disc herniation or squashed or compressed discs. Until recently, the only advice for many of you suffering in pain was to try what you’ve been told: • Try exercising • Try physical therapy • Try pain medications • Try muscle relaxers • Try pain shots • Try dangerous back surgery • Just live with it If you’re like most, none of these have worked for you or you are afraid of what could happen if you do try some of these. Exercising makes you hurt more, pain medications and muscle relaxers cover up the problem and give you side effects. Pain shots can cause more pain, don’t work or don’t last very long or FIX the problem, back surgery didn’t work, or made you worse. Or maybe you were one of the lucky ones that back surgery actually helped, but now the problem is back with a vengeance. Whatever your situation, you owe it to yourself to check into a Breakthrough Computerized Non-Surgical Treatment

for back pain and sciatic or leg pain caused by a bulging, herniated or squashed disc or discs. It has helped hundreds of people who were suffering just like you. This new treatment machine we are calling “the squashed disc machine.” How “Good” Discs become “Bad” Discs Over time the discs in your back tend to get squashed or compressed, especially if you’ve played certain sports when younger or have a job that requires lots of sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time. Car accidents, lifting things, very physical jobs just to name a few. It’s kind of like a cookie with cream filling, and the cream filling will start to ooze out from between the sides of the cookie if pressure is applied on top of the cookie (like gravity on our spines). Eventually this happens to a lot of us. Statistics show over 80% of Americans will suffer with back pain some time in their life. Spinal decompression treatments are very gentle. In fact, every once in a while I even catch a patient sleeping during treatment! How Does This Machine Work? Haven’t you ever had the thought…”Gosh, if somebody could just pull me apart…I would feel a whole lot better.” Yeah, we know you have. And it kind of makes a bit of sense. Well someone else, actually a medical manufacturer, back pain specialists, neurosurgeons and engineers have come up with just that. A machine that gently pulls you apart, stretches the disc to a certain point that causes a drop in pressure inside the disc (like a little vacuum in the middle of the cream filling) causing the cream filling to suck back in! You’ll simply lie on your stomach or back, whichever is comfortable, and then a specialized belt is gently put around your waist. We’ll set the machine to focus on your problem area – then the advanced decompression computer system will do the rest. Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and best of all there will be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, and no painful exercises. Does Decompression really work? Absolutely! When you come in we will provide you with studies that show why decompression is a preferred method of treatment. But what provides the best “proof” on how well decompression works is what patients say about it: Just Listen to What Our Patients Had to Say: I started at North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute for pain in my low back that traveled down my right leg. The pain felt like a burning sensation down my leg and numbness into my toes. I was unable to walk my normal 5 miles. Since starting the spinal decompression therapy I am now able to walk again without any pain. The pain and numbness down my right leg is completely alleviated. I was surprised to find that I am even sleeping better at night and that the tension in my upper back has also been relieved. The staff here has treated my great and is very caring! Thanks Bill Norman “Before I started getting spinal decompression therapy I was having severe pain in my low back and numbness down my leg constantly. I had been suffering with this for 3 years. I had two nerve abrasions, multiple steroid shots in my back, pain killers, PT and water therapy and nothing worked. After the first spinal decompression treatment I could stand up straight with very little pain. I can now sleep through the night and exercise again. I am 90-100% better and I am so thankful I found this office.” Thanks, John Ratledge

Dr. Erin Arnold As you can see, spinal decompression has a high success rate with helping disc herniations, sciatica, and back pain. In just a matter of weeks you could be playing golf, enjoying your love life, or traveling again. The Single Most Important Solution To Your Sciatica and Back Pain It’s time for you to find out if spinal decompression will be your sciatic and back pain solution. For 15 days only, we’re running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. What Does This Offer Include? Everything we normally do in our new patient evaluation. Just call before May 15th, and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your health and wellbeing where the doctor 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. • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • An extensive review of your MRI. • You’ll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like is has been for so many other patients. Until May 15th, you can get everything listed here for $20. The normal price for this type of evaluation including x-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking us up on this offer. Here’s What To Do Now: Due to the expected demand for this treatment, we suggest calling our office at once at 678-574-5678.

CALL TODAY! 678-574-5678 North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4 Acworth, GA 30101

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

A Reverse Mortgage for Financial Planning? BY DAN HULTQUIST

Dan Hultquist is a certified reverse mortgage professional and originator. For information, call 404-992-7798 or visit www. understandingreverse. com.

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? In fact, “cash poor” homeowners are becoming a smaller portion of those obtaining reverse mortgages, also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs).

Why the increase? 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 reverse mortgages. This isn’t because they’re desperate for cash; they choose HECMs for the significant retirement planning advantages. Why obtain one early? 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. continued on page 81

Restoring Freedom From Foot And Ankle Pain Treatment and Surgery for All Ages • Heel Pain, Bunions • Foot and Ankle Fractures • Sports Injuries • Work-related Injuries

DR. STEVEN WEISKOPF

• Custom Orthotics WOODSTOCK 1198 Buckhead Crossing Suite D Woodstock, GA 30189 ph. 770.928.9263 46

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

RESTAURANT

CUISINE

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

American

open

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-7676, chilis.com

American

$-$$

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad/ Sandwiches

closed

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Homestyle Cooking

closed

American Casual

$-$$

open

full bar

special events

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/ Chinese

open

full bar

yes

JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road 678-445-7730, jdsbbq.com

Barbeque

$-$$

open

Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Road 770-790-5740

American

open

full bar

yes

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

American Casual

Sun. Brunch

$-$$

open

full bar

yes

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

Mexican

open

full bar

LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com

Steakhouse

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Marco’s Pizza, 6424 Bells Ferry Road 678-213-2100, marcos.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331, mellowmushroom.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

*NY Style Deli & Pizza, 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, d 678-426-7004 *see a

Pizza/Subs/ Bakery

$-$$

open

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Mexican/Irish

Sat.&Sun. brunch

open

full bar

large groups call ahead

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Song’s Garden, 2068 Eagle Drive 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com

Chinese

$-$$

open

The Place, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901, theplacebargrill.com

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

Town Lake Diner, 2290 Eagle Drive 770-675-3390

American

$-$$

open ‘til 3

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671, chinafun88.com Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616 Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885, familytradition.net Featherstone’s Grill, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club 770-592-9969 GameDay Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754, gamedayfresh.com Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Parkway 678-238-1899, iloveizumi.com

Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494, johnnyspizza.com *Jump Kitchen Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crossing d 678-388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com *see a Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-5264, kanihouse.com

pg. 20

La Parrilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606, laparrilla.com

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com

*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-3100, papa-ps.com Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com

Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com

pg. 74

d *see a 8 . g p

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

* Denotes Advertiser

Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com

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

Towne Lake Area Dining Guide

Feature

770-591-7929 | www.Town

BOTOX® JUVEDERM® Before

After

ORTHODONTICS Before

After

No One Knows Your Face Several years ago, the Georgia Board of Dentistry joined many other states by allowing dentists to use injectables (also known as fillers and Botox®) provided they received additional training. This practice has allowed Dr. Ray Morgan and the staff at Towne Lake Family Dentistry to expand their dentistry services to include Botox and Juvederm® injectable fillers, all designed to brighten your smile and your face. The use of Botox and fillers is a natural extension to the services already provided by dentists since the face is the area that dentists are most familiar with. Each day, dentists spend 100 percent of their time working in or around your mouth. Most clinical studies include the muscles, nerves, blood supply and function of the head and neck, making injectables a logical inclusion. The state of Georgia requires extensive post graduate training before granting a license to perform these procedures, and the practitioners at Towne Lake Family Dentistry have completed that training. Certification requires completion of a series of courses along with patient treatment. The use of Botox isn’t new in the medical field. It is currently used for treatment of pain associated with TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), also commonly referred to as TMJ. Additionally, Botox can help to reduce a “gummy” smile or minimize smile lines. Juvederm, another injectable filler, is very effective in filling in fine lines, enhancing lips and correcting downward turning corners of the mouth. Juvederm Voluma® is an excellent choice to replace midface volume. It’s never too late to address other dental concerns. Common smile issues—including dark yellow teeth, crooked teeth, gummy smile, damaged decaying teeth or missing teeth—can all be easily addressed in a few quick procedures. Just a few changes can make a big difference in your appearance. Professional tooth whitening and dental bleaching can be significantly more effective than over-the-counter home remedies. Teeth whitening is a popular treatment for good reason; it is quick and inexpensive. The two main options for teeth whitening are in-office whitening or custom-made trays for use at home. The effects of bleaching can last for several months, but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Tooth contouring is a quick procedure to reshape teeth for a smile hampered by slightly crooked, uneven or overcrowded teeth. This procedure can create a more natural, rounded and youthful smile. Sometimes just smoothing the edges of the teeth can give the appearance of a straighter smile. This is a conservative approach that is fast, and these small adjustments can make a big difference. You will have a straighterlooking smile immediately after treatment. Less gum and more grin is also a quick treatment for teeth that appear short and square, giving the look of a gummy smile. Removing

120 N. Medical Parkway | Building 200 TOWNELAKER | May 2015

neLakeFamilyDentistry.com

Better Than Your Dentist excess gum tissue (gingivectomy) and reshaping the remaining gum tissue (gingivoplasty) are effective ways to reveal more of your teeth so that your smile, as a whole, is more proportionate and age appropriate. Laser technology allows for immediate removal of excess tissue without bleeding or the need for sutures. If you have crooked teeth that you’ve always wanted to straighten for a more attractive, youthful smile, you have multiple choices. You can choose traditional metal, enamel-colored ceramic braces, or custom trays (Invisalign® aligners), shifting your teeth into a straighter, more even position. Both can result in a great improvement. Custom-made trays are a more discreet option. You can choose to wear clear removable plastic aligners that slip over your teeth, gradually moving them into place. Sculpting is an option if you are looking to conceal imperfections like spacing, chips and even dark stains. Tooth colored resin or dental bonding can give the appearance of a straighter, more balanced smile. You may elect to change the size, shape and color of your teeth, which can be achieved in two visits. Veneers have revolutionized aesthetic dentistry. These thin porcelain shells are permanently bonded to the fronts of the teeth to enhance and/or improve the smile. While they cannot be used to replace missing teeth or realign severely crowded teeth, they are still a versatile, relatively conservative option. Because of the support they provide, crowns are better options for preserving and protecting damaged teeth that are severely worn, broken or have large cavities or fillings. Crowns can be used to make a crooked smile appear straighter, to repair broken or damaged teeth or to cover a bridge or implant. Replacing missing teeth with implants can make a dramatic improvement. Implants create a younger smile for patients who are missing teeth and would otherwise need dentures. This is a good option for replacing severely cracked or broken teeth, failed root canals or for those who suffer from advanced periodontal disease. Patients with complete dentures can opt for implant-restored dentures. This technology allows the dentures to function more like traditional teeth by fixing them on implants. Simple, in-office procedures offer many options to create a new smile that can last a lifetime and result in a healthier, happier and youngerlooking you. Dr. Morgan, founder of Towne Lake Family Dentistry Ltd., and his team have served the Woodstock area since 1988. “Using only the latest technology, our office is designed for your comfort and our trained professional staff works as a team to make your visit a very pleasant experience. Patient comfort is our top priority. We invite you to experience what we call ‘relaxation dentistry’,” said Dr. Morgan. “Allow us to help you feel more like yourself; more rested, youthful, healthy, beautiful, approachable and confident.”

PORCELAIN VENEERS Before

After

CROWNS Before

After

0, Suite 100 | Woodstock, GA 30189 TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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.”

Interview Tips for Teens BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

Just a couple of Sundays ago I had an opportunity to speak at a local church. Afterward, an enthusiastic teen approached me, excited to tell me that she had an interview coming up that week - it was for her potential first job at a restaurant. I asked her what could be a first interview question: “Why do you want to work for this company?” Her reply went something like, “To Lynne is an author and the director of become financially stable, and, uh, Papa’s Pantry and the um, to learn how to be financially MastersTraining Center.com. She can responsible, and, uh…” I stopped her be reached at (770) there and began coaching. 591-4730 or visit www.papaspantry.org. Within minutes, her answer became, “I just love it here! My family brought me here for my birthday dinner just a couple weeks ago. Everyone is so friendly and the food was great! I’d love to be a part of it!” She went from trying to sound grown up by giving what she thought was a responsible answer to the real reason - she loved the food and the environment and wanted to be a part of it. She didn’t have experience, but this answer communicates to the employer a willingness to learn the job and to perform to the company’s high standards. Here are some interview do’s and don’ts for teens. • Be punctual. Arrive 10 minutes early. Turn off your cell phone, don’t just put it on silent. • Know about the job and company. A little research will give you an advantage. • Don’t bring friends for moral support. They won’t be coming to work with you. • Have a good appearance. Dress conservatively: no jeans, shorts, or anything revealing. Avoid flimsy shoes, and stay away from visible tattoos or unprofessional piercings. Make sure you don’t have strong smells such as from cologne or cigarettes. • Offer a handshake before and after. Practice with an adult. • Make good eye contact. Teens sometimes have trouble relating to adults they do not know. This too, may take practice. • Speak with a confident voice. No “ums,” “like,” or profanity. • No gum, candy or energy drinks. • Don’t downplay relevant past experiences. Talk about prior activities that required responsibility, follow through and a high level of performance. • Set realistic wage expectations. It is understood that a person wants to work to earn an income. Don’t dwell on it or make it the first thing talked about. You may need to accept a lower starting wage. Do your job well and earn raises. • Be yourself! TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

The Myths and Truths About Heartworm Disease In Animals BY LORRE LAMARCA

Lorre LaMarca is the owner of the Bark Station, 240 Arnold Mill Road. www.barkstation.com. 770-517-9907

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.

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. Heartworm disease has been reported in every state in America.

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.

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 52

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Reining in Your Debt Americans are spending freely again. That has a downside. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CPA/PFS, CFP® U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

As the Great Recession faded, American household debt gradually decreased. In fact, it declined by $1 trillion between mid-2008 and mid-2014, according to the Federal Reserve.1 Now household debt is increasing once more. The Fed found it climbing by $78 billion (0.7 percent) during the third quarter of 2014.1 On the macroeconomic level, that Don Akridge is president of Citadel can be interpreted as a positive: it Professional Services, hints at greater consumer spending, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 easier credit, and more lending taking and conveniently place to accommodate consumer located off Chastain Road between I-575 borrowers. On a microeconomic & I-75 in Kennesaw. level, it is more troublesome. It may Phone 770-952-6707. mean a change in perception, with debt not seeming as onerous as it once did. If households really are looking at debt through rosiercolored glasses, they might do well to remember an inescapable fact: When they use a credit card or take out a consumer loan, they are borrowing money they do not have for things they do not absolutely need. The average indebted U.S. household was carrying $15,611 in credit card debt alone in December, the Fed notes. Even if Mom or Dad is a business owner or self-employed entrepreneur, that is an awful lot of revolving debt for a couple or family.2 There are only two ways to reduce debt: spending less, and paying it down. The first tactic requires a change in habits; the second usually requires more income. How about not buying 20 percent of what you want? Or alternately, paying for everything in cash? Either strategy might reduce your household debt significantly in a given month.

If households really are looking at debt through rosier-colored glasses, they might do well to remember an inescapable fact: When they use a credit card or take out a consumer loan, they are borrowing money they do not have for things they do not absolutely need.

Where can you find more income? Life may allow you to take on an additional, part-time job, or a higher-paying one. Most people do not have either option at their disposal, so they must look for additional short-term or recurring income derived from consumer savings: they stop eating out or drinking lattes, they stop subscribing to cable or keeping up health club memberships they seldom use, they elect not to buy any clothing for a few months, vacation locally or drive the same car for a decade. All that can put more money in a family’s pockets. Most households lack budgets. Rather than being oldfashioned or bothersome, budgets are instrumental in determining spending patterns and opportunities for savings. What is mysterious about your personal finances can clear up with a budget, and you get the sense of being on top of your financial life. Debt can be managed. When you look at your spending habits, ideas to reduce it, control it and defeat it will surface. Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment Citations. 1 - news.investors.com/investing-personal-finance/010215732937-cut-debt-and-manage-household-spending-andbudget-in-2015.htm [1/2/15] 2 - nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-card-data/average-creditcard-debt-household/ [3/19/15] TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

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 Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Jonathan Hiott of Canton takes the win in the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Walking Options To Keep You on Your Toes BY LYNNE WATTS

Walking has become America’s newest favorite pastime. May is a great time to enjoy the outdoors while getting in your 10,000 daily steps and soaking in some vitamin D. Locally, the Greenprints Trail System continues to expand with several different options. A good starting place is the Town to Creek Trail that begins at Market Street in downtown Woodstock and intersects with the Noonday Creek Lynne Watts is an and Towne Lake Pass trails. The paved author, speaker, coach and mom. Follow her at .86-mile trail meanders through wooded http://acalledwoman. property and alongside Noonday Creek, com/, http://lynnewatts. com and http:// providing a pleasant and easy walking wyatthewonderdog. experience. Check out the trail map, on com. page 91. www.woodstocktrails.com Red Top Mountain State Park, offers several trails ranging in length from ¾ of a mile to 5.5 miles. The one-mile Lakeside Trail offers serene views of Allatoona Lake and is also wheelchair accessible. Bring the kids on May 16 for the traditional iron pour, where you can discover the art of casting metal through pouring molten iron into scratch blocks that you personally design. www.redtopmountainstatepark.org For more of a challenge, visit Kennesaw Mountain State Park for a great variety of trails for walking. Starting at the visitor center, the round-trip distances for the trails are two miles, six miles, 11 miles and 17 miles. All involve moderately steep climbing. On a clear day, you will be rewarded at the top of the mountain with a view of downtown Atlanta and Stone Mountain. While you are there, take in the short orientation film, the civil war museum and browse in the bookstore located in the visitor center. Bring the kids at 10 a.m. May 15 for Artful Fridays, when parents and children can make their own original creation using various mediums. www.nps. gov/kemo/index.htm Gibbs Gardens in northern Cherokee County is always a treat, and the month of May heralds the rhododendron festival with more than 150 varieties in bloom. Roses and hydrangeas also grace the many trails and landscape, with more than 1,000 roses and 1,400 hydrangeas in bloom. Visit during Twilight in the Garden and enjoy a glass of wine while listening to local musicians. Take a leisurely stroll through one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens and experience the peace and tranquility that a day in nature’s presence can bring. www.gibbsgardens.com

May is a great time to enjoy the outdoors while getting in your 10,000 daily steps and soaking in some vitamin D.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Lifestyle

Vacation Bible School 2015 Bascomb UMC

Hillside United Methodist Church

Everest, July 13-17. 2299 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. www.bascombchurch.org.

Cherokee Presbyterian Church

Summer Sea Quest, 9 a.m.-noon July 6-10. To register, call 770704-9594 or visit www.cherokee-pca.org.

First Baptist Church Canton

Everest, 9:30 a.m. - noon June 8 -12 for grades K–3, and 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. June 14-17 for grades 4-6. Fee is $15 before May 17, price increases to $20 after. 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. To register, contact pwalker@hillsideumc.org or visit www.hillsideumc.org.

Hopewell Baptist Church

Journey Off the Map, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. June 15-19. To register, visit www.hopewellbaptist.com.

Journey Off the Map, 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. June 15-19, for ages 4 (by Sept. 1, 2015) through eighth grade. To register, visit www. fbccanton.org.

Sixes UMC

First Baptist Woodstock

Bible Blast to the Past, 9 a.m.-noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 2226. Family night 6:30 p.m. June 26. The whole family is invited. 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. www.fbcw.org.

Good Shepherd Lutheran

G-Force: God’s Love in Action, 9 a.m.-noon June 15-19 for rising Pre-K (age 4 by Sept. 1, 2015) to rising sixth graders. 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock. 770-924-7286. www.gslutheran.org.

Everest, 6:30-8 p.m. June 21-25. 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. www.sixesumc.org.

St. Clements Episcopal Church Everest, 9 a.m. – noon, June 15 - June 19. For more info, contact 770-345-6722.

Sutallee Baptist Church

Journey Off the Map, 6:30-9 p.m. June 1-5 for ages 3-18. 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White. www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com.

Heritage Presbyterian

Abundance Orchard, 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 14-18. 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Register online at www.heritagpres.com

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Health & Wellness

Where Do Mosquitoes Go In the Winter? BY RICK COUGHLIN

We never see mosquitoes in the winter, but as soon as warmer weather returns, they appear to be everywhere. They seem to magically reappear every year, so where do mosquitoes go in the winter? Believe it or not, they are out there - but unless we have unseasonably warm weather, they remain inactive during the winter months. Rick Coughlin is the owner of The Some mosquitoes lay winterMosquito Authority. hardy eggs which lie dormant in the Email him at rick@ bugsbite.com soil until spring. In late summer or fall, the female mosquito lays her eggs individually in areas where the ground is moist. The eggs hatch when conditions become favorable again, usually in the spring when temperatures begin to rise and sufficient rain falls. Some mosquitoes can survive winter in the larval stage. All mosquito larvae require water, even in winter. As the water temperature drops, it induces a state of diapause, a type of hibernation, suspending further development and slowing metabolism in the mosquito larvae. Development resumes when the water warms again. Many mosquitoes live through the winter as adults. In fall the mosquitoes mate and the males die. Only females spend the cold months hidden in protected places, such as animal burrows or hollow logs. When warm weather returns, the females must find a blood meal to develop their eggs. Just when we are beginning to enjoy the spring weather, the newly awakened mosquito moms are out in force, looking for blood. Once theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve fed, the female mosquitoes lay their eggs in whatever standing water they can find. This is why it is extremely important to remove all standing water from our yards. It is important to get an early jump on controlling mosquitoes in your yard. Mosquitoes may carry any number of deadly diseases including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and encephalitis. Mosquitoes also carry heartworm, which can be lethal to your dog.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Health & Wellness

10 Reasons For Tooth Sensitivity BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Dr. Scott Harden is a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry and has served the Woodstock area for more than 21 years. You can reach Dr. Harden at 770-926-0000 or visit FountainViewSmiles. com.

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.

2. You eat acidic foods. Tomato

sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, pickles and other acidic foods can cause tooth pain. Soft drinks and sports drinks also have high acidic content, and ultimately de-mineralize your tooth structure along the root surface to create sensitivity.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

10.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Health & Wellness

Signs and Treatment of Scoliosis BY DR. VAN TRAN

Scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine, affects boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18. The two most common causes are congenital and habitual. Congenital scoliosis occurs when someone is born with a lateral curvature of the spine. Habitual causes are environmental or situational depending on the habits of the individual. Signs and symptoms of scoliosis are the spine curving Dr. Van Tran is a board certified chiropractor abnormally to the side, shoulders and/ with Discover or hips appearing uneven, backache, Chiropractic in Towne Lake. He can be reached low back pain, fatigue and stooped at 770-516-9900. posture. Congenital scoliosis refers to a spinal deformity caused by vertebrae that are not properly formed. This occurs very early in development, usually within the first six weeks, and often before the mother knows she is pregnant. The cause is not known. Although congenital scoliosis is often discovered during the infant or toddler period, in some children it does not appear until their adolescent years. The first step in treating scoliosis will be to order an X-ray of the spine to make a firm diagnosis. The X-ray also will show

the severity of the curve. In planning your child’s treatment, your doctor will take into account how severe your child’s curve is and where it occurs in the spine. If the child’s spine is still growing, it will affect treatment choices. Your doctor will determine how the curve will get worse and then suggest treatment options to meet your child’s specific needs. In general, curves measuring 25 to 50 degrees are considered large enough to require treatment. Curves greater than 50 degrees will likely need surgery to restore normal posture. Curves that are less than 20 degrees will be monitored to make sure the curve is not getting worse. Your doctor will check your child’s spine every six to 12 months and schedule follow up X-rays. Two factors predict whether a scoliosis curve will get worse: age and severity of the curve at the time of diagnosis. Children younger than 10 years old with curves greater than 35 degrees tend to get worse without treatment. Once someone is done growing, it is rare for a curve to progress rapidly. Chiropractic is a method of treatment that seems most effective in treating acute and short-term pain associated with scoliosis. Patients with scoliosis will be treated conservatively and most of the time will be co-managed with orthopedist or neurosurgeon. If you suspect your child may have scoliosis, seek help as soon as possible.

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TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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 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. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Health & Wellness

Time to get more RealTime! BY DR. AMY HARDIN

I’ve spent time in many patient rooms watching as toddlers or younger kids try to get the attention of a parent who found his or her smartphone more interesting than the child. Before I get holier than thou, all four Hardins pulled out their cell phones this weekend to post some cute pics that were snapped at our 18-year-old’s birthday dinner. So how do we get more “RealTime” with our families? Dr. Amy Hardin is a pediatrician in Towne A study out of Boston on families Lake at Northside dining out shows we are spending too Pediatrics. much time on our phones, and even little kids are noticing. Kids in the study complained they had to compete a lot with devices for their parents’ attention. More importantly, they are learning these bad habits from us. Parents with too much screen time have kids with the same issues. Preteens in another study were shown to text their friends more than talk to them. As a result, their ability to read facial expressions when interacting with others has declined. So here are a few ways to improve your RealTime: First, be a role model. Mobile devices—including yours—aren’t allowed at the dinner table. Turn off televisions when no one is watching

them. Record shows on the DVR to watch them later. Make sure to start these habits early. Set your family’s screen time limits and stick to them. When it is screen time, do it together. Choose one or two favorite family shows. Ask your kids what they think about what you’re watching. I remember getting an earful about the show “Teen Mom” during one spring break; it’s not something I would have chosen, but it was a learning experience for all. Play video games that your family can play together. Share stuff from your social media to help draw out your older kids. I’m often sharing interesting tweets or Facebook posts with our teens, and I enjoy seeing photos of them and their friends on Instagram. We’re not asking you to be perfect and I’m not expecting the four of us to be either, but just knowing that you’re making an effort really goes a long way, especially with younger kids. I know I can do better and really am trying. I bet you can too. Your kids will truly appreciate it!

A study out of Boston on families dining out shows we are spending too much time on our phones, and even little kids are noticing.

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TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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). Facts regarding hearing loss in America Dr. Henriques is a board certified according to AAA: audiologist and lead • Approximately 36 million provider at North Georgia Audiology in Americans suffer from hearing loss. Woodstock. She has • More than half of the people with been practicing since 1985, after earning a hearing loss are younger than age doctorate in audiology 65. from the University of Florida and a master’s • Hearing loss is the third most degree from LSU common health problem in the U.S. Medical Center. • 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 40 for information about free community hearing screenings during the month of May.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

School & Sports

Making Mundane Tasks Seem More Interesting By Using Sensory Language CREATIVE WRITING ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY JOE LEMMO’S, 7TH GRADE E.T. BOOTH LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS

I woke up to the call of the birds outside early Saturday. The sun was shining, and multi colors of flowers were waving as the wind blew by. Quickly, I scrambled out the door and felt the fresh air. As I took this all in, I remembered it was spring. Suddenly, I realized it was spring cleaning day, which meant I needed to clean my room. I sadly entered my room. The smell of trash filled the air, and there were piles and piles of dirty clothes. I had to quickly get rid of the bad stench and mess to return back outside, so I went to work. The piles of clothes seemed to never end and I could feel the weight of carrying all of it. It seemed to be wet, and then I realized some of my water bottles spilled in my room. When I finished with my clothes, I searched for leftover food. The smell now started to fill my nostrils and made me dizzy. I searched until I felt something cold and picked it up. The moldy green sliced object oozed onto my hand. I worked my way through the room. The smell had lessened, and I could now see my closet. The taste of rotten food in the air had gone away. Now, all I had to do was remove the pile of trash. The weight was unbearable, but finally I threw it away. Now I could enjoy the warm sunshine!

The splintered wood was pressed to my fingertips as I pushed my seat back. A loud squeal emerged from the metal rubbing across the tile, luring goose bumps onto my skin. I felt the red springing to my cheeks as I turned my head away from my fellow pupils, my golden hair brushed over my eyes. I pushed it behind my ear and dodged the rough blue chairs and swerved around a desk, but just barely. I still felt the ghost of pain where my hip had grazed over the polished wood when I realized I wasn’t alone in the race. To my left, I saw Casey Laner battling her way through the sea of desks and chairs that groaned under the weight of the heavy bodies. I picked up my speed, and saw we were neck and neck. My shoes scuffed along the floor, and my bright pink bangled bracelet clacked around my wrist. With one final stretch of my body, I shoved my broken pencil into the metal contraption with a satisfying click. I put my hand on the cool plastic and spun it around, sharpening the tool I used to transfer my thoughts to paper. The grinding stopped when I took the pencil away.

My hand was throbbing as I finished my paragraph on question 5. I quickly shook my hand back and forth and I felt relief. I looked from my study guide to the notes as I spotted the next answer. “Ah ha!” I thought to myself. “Directly off of the notes. Well played!” This scavenger hunt to find the answers had been going on for hours and I felt my eyelids getting heavier, so I looked over at the clock. Squinting to see the numbers because my vision was blurry from reading and writing for so long, I found that it was 12 a.m. You know that you’re tired when you can practically hear sleep calling your name. I smiled as I continued to play my teacher’s “game” to write down answers. “Wait a minute.” I thought to myself. “I just smiled and referred to a study guide as a game!” Wow, I must really be losing it. I tasted the mint toothpaste with which I had used to brush my teeth earlier as I put my study guide to the side. I was already in my bed, so as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. I think I’m done with this “scavenger hunt” for tonight.

I got out of bed ready to start the day. I walked toward my shower as the cool carpet and fresh air pecked at my skin. I listened as the hum of the shower turned into a smooth sound that seemed to resonate off the tile. I looked at the crimson red clock hanging above my dresser, reflecting blue light into my eyes. I slipped into the comforting feel of jeans and a cotton shirt. I headed downstairs as the smell of pancakes and sausage wafted up towards me. The sweet taste of chocolate and fluffiness of batter filled my mouth, only to be joined by the crack of the casing and the fresh sausage. I looked outside and saw the lake’s water shimmer against the sun, and the slightest hint of moving bright yellow. I realized it had almost reached my house, and I sprinted to brush my teeth. The minty taste made the water even cooler. I heaved my book bag onto my shoulder, last night’s mundane homework weighing a hundred pounds. I heard the squeal of brakes and laughter of my friends. It was time for me to go to school.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

School & Sports

Ghost Out Etowah High School recently held its Prom and Circumstance/Ghost Out, sponsored by the Etowah PTSA and Parent Awareness for School Safety Committee. Student actors and local authorities helped stage a “fatal” car wreck while members of the junior and senior classes watched. Ghost Out is a program designed to highlight the consequences of reckless, distracted and drunk driving.

Members of Junior Beta Club, from left: Manuel Abreu, Gabrielle Bridges and Ashlee Dozier. Not pictured, Morgan Busbee.

School Club Assists Animal Shelter

First responders care for a mock victim while students observe.

The Boston Elementary School Junior Beta Club recently collected items for the Cherokee Animal Shelter. Members of the club toured the facility when they dropped off the donated supplies. They visited with the animals and were able to see how their donations will be put to use by the shelter.

Local Students Showcase Career Talents Students from Etowah High School won second and third place awards in video production competitions at SkillsUSA, Georgia’s annual State Leadership and Skills Conference. Jenna Murray and Xavier Owens won second place in digital cinema production, and Ryan Harris and James Stevens won third place in television video production. SkillsUSA is a national, nonprofit organization that empowers students to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible citizens. SkillsUSA Georgia is the Career and Technical Student Organization for students enrolled in Architecture, Construction, Communication and Transportation (ACCT), Cosmetology, and Public Safety Pathways in Georgia’s secondary schools. SkillsUSA winners, from left: Jenna Murray, James Stevens, Xavier Owens and Ryan Harris. 66

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Science Olympiad Teams Advance to State Competition 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.

Woodstock Elementary Science Olympiad winners.

County Named a Top 10 Technology District The Cherokee County School District has been named one of the top 10 large school systems nationwide for its effective use of technology in education. The district placed seventh in the annual Digital School Districts Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Education and the National School Boards Association (NSBA). The survey compares public school districts from across the nation and awards top 10 rankings to those that fully integrate technology into the classroom and throughout their system as a whole. This is the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th appearance in the top 10 since 2004.

Oratorical Contest The Towne Lake Optimist Club recently held its annual Oratorical Contest at the Cherokee County Board of Education building in downtown Canton. All area middle and high schools were invited to participate in this Optimist International program through various clubs in Cherokee County. Contestants ranged from ages 12 to 16, and included students from Woodstock, Etowah and Creekview high schools, as well as home-schooled students.

Contest participants included, in front: Samuel Snyder. First row from left: Grayson Snyder, Carson Newsome, Devin Snyder, Landis Simmons and Gabriella Ramos. Second row: Paul DiCicco, Braden Peterson, Austin Cox, Jason Ogbomoh and Abigail Morris. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

School & Sports

Summer Guidelines for Elementary Students Woodstock Elementary School Principal Kim Montalbano shares with our readers some keys for helping your children prepare for the next grade level when school resumes in the fall. Here are a few goals to work on during the summer.

Getting ready for kindergarten: • Can sit and listen quietly for five or 10 minutes. • Is ready to handle school situations without separation anxiety. • Has appropriate eating habits as well as restroom manners. • Knows address, phone number, full name, birthday, age and gender. • Communicates basic needs effectively. • Can follow two-part oral directions. • Listens and speaks appropriately with adults and peers. • Knows how to hold a book. • Can hold pencil/crayon correctly and cut with scissors. • Recognizes name in print and can identify letters of first name as well as print first name with capital and lowercase letters (ie: Sue). • Can recite the alphabet and count to 10. • Can count number of objects to 10 and recognize numbers to 10. • Can identify nine basic colors and basic geometric shapes (circle, rectangle, square, oval, diamond, triangle). • Recognizes and continues patterns (ie: square, circle, square, …).

Getting ready for first grade: • Knows address, phone number, full name, birthday, age and gender and can write first and last name with capital/lower case letters. • Knows how to tie shoes. • Can recognize and name all upper/lowercase letters and sounds. • Knows what letters are vowels, consonants and the difference. • Knows how to blend CVC words (ie: c-a-t sounds = cat). • Knows Dolch sight words (mrsperkins.com). • Can write a complete sentence with proper spacing, capitalization and punctuation. • Knows days of the week/months of the year. • Can rote count to 100 by 1s, 5s, and 10s. • Can add and subtract basic facts to 10 with manipulatives. continued on page 81 68

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Faith

Easter in Cherokee

Northside Hospital-Cherokee PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE

More than 2,000 people attended Northside Hospital- Cherokee’s 29th annual Easter Eggstravaganza in Canton. Children and their families visited with the Easter bunny, ate hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn and enjoyed carnival games and arts and crafts. Approximately $2,600 was raised for the hospital’s special care nursery from photos with the Easter bunny, T-shirt sales and other donations.

Sojourn Community Church PHOTOS BY CHRIS GOODSON, AMANDA TANNER

Sojourn Community Church hosted a community Easter service, attended by more than 300 people, at the Resurgens Orthopaedics Stage on the campus of the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Attendees were treated to coffee and pastries, discussed the promise of life in the Easter story and had free family portraits taken by local professional photographer, Andrea Wood.

Adults and children enjoyed the beautiful day.

Felicia Torrico, 6, shows off her face paint.

Two-year-old cousins Corrina Preston and Karmah Hayes, of Canton, after the egg hunt.

Macauley Greeson, 8months old, isn’t sure what to make of the colorful eggs. 70

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Marriage Moments : Nurturing and Remembering BY BILL RATLIFF

The month of May includes both Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. Mother’s Day is about nurturing and Memorial Day is about remembering. Both of these can be applied to our marriage relationships. Nurturing can be defined as caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something. It’s a natural tendency for mothers to nurture. To nurture a marriage involves an intentional effort on the part of Bill Ratliff is the Senior each partner. Some years ago my wife Pastor at Towne Lake encouraged me to take a painting class. Community Church. He can be reached She paid for it, arranged the schedule at 678-445-8766 or and purchased the necessary supplies. I bratliff@tlcchurch.com. have looked at that introduction to art as a way of opening up a part of my brain that I seldom used. I encouraged my wife in her pursuit of further educational degrees. I cared for the children, prepared meals and provided quiet time for her to study. This offered her an opportunity to expand her career goals and choices. Memorial Day is about remembering. When applied to marriage, remembering is essential for a strong relational bond with your spouse. I have often heard something over the years that disturbs me. I have heard this from men particularly, that they have trouble

remembering their wedding anniversary. Forgetting your wedding anniversary is inexcusable! Not only do you need to remember it every year, but you need to celebrate it in some exceptional fashion. Treat your wedding anniversary as a routine incident and you will find your marriage becoming routine. Remembering and nurturing go hand in hand. When you remember something important in your spouse’s life, you are actually nurturing them. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Date Your Mate: It’s not always easy to read your mate’s mind. Make a list of things that you feel would nurture and encourage yourself for personal growth. Have your mate do the same. Share the list with each other and determine how you might support your mutual growth.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Faith

Finding Hope BY JOHN HARRIS

One of the most powerful forces that we know of is hope. It can sustain life, give life and propel us to show life. Many today have lost it; you may be one of those. You may feel like you are drowning in a sea of darkness, depression and death. In Matthew 28, you’ll find one of the greatest turnaround moments in the entire Bible. Two ladies approach the tomb of Jesus at the breaking of dawn. Their John Harris is senior week had been terrible. They had seen pastor at New Victoria the death of two people they were Baptist Church on Bells close to, Jesus and Judas. They had Ferry Road. He lives with his wife, daughter seen their group of fellow believers run and two sons in in different directions. They had seen Woodstock. johnharris@ newvicbaptist.org Peter openly forsake his Lord. They had seen the humiliation of the trial, beating and death of their Lord. But in this chapter, they find hope. How can we find hope today? First of all they found hope in an unlikely place. In verse 1 the Bible tells us that on the first day early in the morning they were on their way to His tomb. I doubt that a dark graveyard is a place of hope for anyone. They did not find hope in the

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

synagogue on the Sabbath; they found it in a cemetery at sunrise. That is often how God works with us as well, in the least likely of places and times. Also, we see that they found hope in an unlikely process. In Mark’s (16:1) account of this, we also learn that they were bringing spices to anoint Jesus’ body. They were in the process of serving, and serving with great humility. God will always honor service. If you need hope, you probably also need an area of service. Then we see an unlikely plan. I find it amazing that in one of the darkest times of the New Testament, the brightest light begins to shine. Just when they thought God’s plan was over, they discovered that His plan was just beginning. They were the first to announce to the world that hope was alive.

First of all they found hope in an unlikely place. That is often how God works with us as well, in the least likely of places and times.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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Welcome to

photo by Darleen Prem

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

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

Trolley Routes outlined in red

Chattahoochee Technical College

Parks Cir

Trolley Stop

Public Parking Lots

Dobbs Rd

Rope Mill Rd

Kyle St

On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only

T Pkwy

Arnold Mill Rd

er St

Mca

t Rd

r Pe

e Rd

S er d ar

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

Dupre

Reeves St

iley

tim

Main St

Mark et

ry St

Sat 1:45-4:15

T Wheel

Fowler St

Hicko

Reformation Brewery

T Fri 6:00-8:15

Pade

n St

le St

To GA Hwy 140

Elm

Map

in St

ail

E Ma

ek Tr

Cham bers S

to Cre

Oak St

Pinehill

Park at City Center

Pinehi

ll Dr

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa)

City Center

Mill

Town

ffee

Lake

Wall

Town e

To I-575 Exit 8

To GA Hwy 92

ns ki

Fow le

r St

Download the Visit Woodstock App for info on downtown businesses and events! TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Downtown Woodstock

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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com

CUISINE

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

SUNDAY

SPIRITS

RESERV.

American

open

Beer/Wine

Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com

Modern American

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com

Wood-fired Pizza & Grill

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Southern

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

American

open

Tapas/Sushi

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com

Italian

open

Full bar

J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com

Diner

$-$$

$ - $$

open

weekdays only

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches

$ - $$

open

Beer

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

$$$$

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

closed

yes

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

Reel Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

Downtown Woodstock

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

TOWNELAKER | 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.

Dedicated Woodstock Citizens Form Arts Coalition BY RENEE GABLE

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, 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 This colorful bench is an example of the type of art the coalition would like to bring to or Diane Geeslin at dgeeslin@yahoo.com. downtown Woodstock.

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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Downtown Woodstock

American Legion members, from left, Otto Rust, Irma Martin and Bud Leonard. Far right, The Kings Academy AJROTC presented the colors.

A Proper Retirement

Above, flags held by the firefighters represent each branch of military service. Right, John Fuller salutes the flag being presenting for retirement and placed in the burner.

PHOTOS BY DARLEEN PREM

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

The eighth annual flag retirement service, cosponsored by American Legion Post 316 and the city of Woodstock, was held in Woodstock recently to properly dispose of unserviceable flags. Assisting in the service were members of the AJROTC from The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy, Boy Scout Troop 356, Woodstock Fire and Police Department representatives and city officials. The annual event retires flags that are old, worn, tattered, frayed or faded. Throughout the year, residents deposit their old flags in eight flag drop boxes placed throughout the community for the service. Post Commander Irma Martin describes the service as very respectful, starting with presenting of the colors by The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy AJROTC. A portion of the ceremony is dedicated to speakers, who described the symbolism and meaning of the American flag. Michael Stepat of Boy Scout Troop 89 and AJROTC members properly folded the 600 plus flags, which were presented by representatives of the fire department, Boy Scouts and Post 316. Five flags were dedicated to represent each branch of the military as well as a POW/ MIA flag. Burning is the proper method of retiring unserviceable flags, so fire and police officials as well as Post 316 members stood guard over the burner until the flags were reduced to ashes, which were taken to the Georgia National Cemetery for burial. For more information about Post 316, visit www.alpost316ga.org.

Reverse Mortgage for Financial Planning?

Summer Guidelines for Students

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 tax-free retirement income when needed. The reverse mortgage is a powerful retirement planning tool that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Getting ready for second grade:

continued from page 46

What Hollywood Likes About Cherokee Co. continued from page 24

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.

Sine Die - 2015 Legislative Session Wrap Up continued from page 20

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!

Today’s Roller Derby continued from page 22

modern, flat track revival of the sport began in 2001 and by late 2005, claimed more than 50 all-female leagues. By 2009, there were 425 amateur leagues, some outside the U.S. In December 2011, the first Roller Derby World Cup tournament took place with teams representing 13 countries. 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 68

• Can write first and last name with capital/lower case letters. • Can read and write short and long vowel words. • Identifies rhyming words. • Knows Dolch sight words (mrsperkins.com). • Can read grade level appropriate passages with fluency. • Can retell a story with beginning, middle and ending, and can identify characters and setting in a story, • Can write a complete sentence with proper spacing, capitalization and punctuation. • Can identify basic shapes, all coins, odd/even numbers, and ordinal positions (first, second, third…). • Can add and subtract fluently through nine. • Can tell time to the hour and knows days and months. • Can skip count by 2s, 5s and 10s to 100. • Can create and describe simple patterns ( ie: abba, 123123).

Getting ready for third grade: • Can read and summarize an extended passage. • Can answer When?, Where?, Why? and How? about a story. • Can identify parts of speech: noun, verb, adjective, adverb. • Can write a three-paragraph story with a topic sentence, supporting details and conclusion. • Can add and subtract fluently through 18. • Can add and subtract with double digit regrouping (ie: 51-38=). • Can multiply fluently with 0s, 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s. • Can use keyboarding skills to explain how the answer was derived for math problems. • Take time this summer to practice addition, subtraction and multiplication facts. • Take time this summer to practice keyboarding skills. • Take time this summer to read, read, read!

Getting ready for fourth grade: • Can identify all types of nouns: common, proper, concrete and abstract. • Can identify all types of verbs (examples provided): regular (cooked), irregular (taught), action (jumps), helping (am), and linking (is floating). • Can read and retell a passage or story at grade level 3.5 or higher. • Can formulate ideas from a graphic organizer into a multi-paragraph story writing complete sentences with proper spelling, capitalization and punctuation. • Can multiply fluently through 12s. • Can identify shapes: quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, octagons. • Convert measurements: inches to feet, feet to yards, feet to miles, ounces to pounds, pounds to tons. • Can use keyboarding skills to type extended responses. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to the winners in the March competition, “Signs.” If you placed in either the color or monochromatic print category, please send a digital file of your image to Dean Kelley for the website. deankelley@windstream.net

Digital Projection:

1st Mark Mozley “Road Closed - Yes!”

3rd Mike Voeltner “For Sale in Cartersville”

2nd David Ferguson “Upscale”

HM Cory Mitchell “Warn People”

Color Prints:

1st Vicki Sellers “Vintage Florida” 82

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

2nd Cory Mitchell “Beginning”

3rd Naomi Shively “Private Way”

HM Martin Longstaff “Varsity”

Monochromatic:

1st Eillene Kirk “Warning”

2nd Cory Mitchell “This is the End”

2nd Martin Longstaff “Saloon”

HM Jay Minor “Traverse City Sign”

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN MARCH Towne Lake Sales for March 2015 Address

Subdivision

1424 Reed LN 1121 Canvas Back DR 101 Bennett Farms DR 1111 Britley Park LN 316 Ashland CT 546 Ashland PKWY 204 Julia Lynn LN 299 Shaw DR 289 Shaw DR 223 Rose Cottage DR 234 Rose Cottage DR 4104 Dream Catcher DR 4134 Dream Catcher DR 3998 Dream Catcher Drive DR 4170 Dream Catcher DR 431 Old Deerfield LN 420 Old Deerfield LN 7029 Hunters RDG 7027 Hunters RDG 110 Eagle Glen DR 915 Fernwood RD 3188 Eagle Watch DR 833 BERMUDA RUN 409 Woodruff XING

Allatoona Downs Allatoona Woods Bennett Farms Britley Park Brookshire Brookshire Cameron Creek Centennial Lakes Centennial Lakes Cottages At Town Lake Cottages At Towne Lake Deer Run Deer Run Deer Run Deer Run Deer Run Deer Run West Deer Run West Deer Run West Eagle Glen Eagle Watch Eagle Watch Eagle Watch Eagle Watch

List Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

145,000 190,000 179,900 129,499 175,000 289,900 160,000 237,629 240,317 150,000 150,000 224,900 238,900 250,000 285,000 300,000 179,900 277,000 314,900 196,000 200,000 275,000 305,000 359,900

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

175,000 264,900 255,000 162,000 173,000 225,497 244,992 189,000 259,900 169,900 159,900 134,500 256,500 269,900 247,500 286,900 300,000 475,000 234,900 299,900 274,900 142,500 150,000 199,900 299,500 275,000 132,900 355,000 385,000 159,390 217,165 299,900

Beds Baths Yr Built 4 3 4 3 3 5 3 3 3 2 2 4 4 5 5 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 6

2 2 2 2 2.5 3.5 2 2.5 2.5 2 2 3 2.5 2.5.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 3 3 3 3.5 3.5

1988 1991 1995 1995 2001 2002 2004 2014 2014 2000 1999 1995 1997 1996 1996 1999 1999 1994 1994 1993 1990 1993 1998 1988

Days on Sales Price $$/sq ft Market 110 85 7 50 7 2 14 165 161 13 22 31 7 22 13 41 189 58 18 113 5 155 158 124

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

136,000 185,000 181,000 121,000 175,000 299,000 160,000 237,663 240,351 151,000 147,000 213,000 232,000 236,500 280,000 300,000 180,101 272,000 285,000 189,000 202,000 262,000 270,000 355,000

$ 62 $ 95 $ 105 $ 161 $ 98 $ 107 $ 107 No data No data $ 114 No data $ 83 $ 100 $ 81 No data No data No data No data No data $ 116 $ 94 $ 110 No data $ 92

See all the photos and details of these sold listings at http://TLMARCH2015.KurtandSheilaTeam.com

$ 234,448

402 Hearthstone WAY 411 Lovinggood Landing DR 218 Freelon LN 307 Water Ridge CT 418 Christina WAY 218 Providence Walk CT 211 Providence Walk CT 954 Rose Creek RUN 116 Sable Ridge DR 203 Poppy Tree LN 347 Winchester WAY 716 Bedford CT 1156 Arborhill DR 303 Jasmine CT 560 Fairway DR 2002 Linkside LN 3022 Towneside LN 3001 Golf Crest LN 2091 Township DR 154 Little Victoria RD 653 Briarleigh WAY 6493 Will Dupree LN 6502 Will Dupree LN 219 Mincey WAY 5143 Chestnut CIR 310 Mogie LN 1053 Braddock CIR 319 Spotted Ridge CIR 407 Castle Creek DR 444 Village VW 137 Village TRL 7316 Carriage Creek RD

AVERAGES IN MARCH 2015

Hearthstone Lovinggood Landing Meridian at Ridgewalk North Towne Owl Creek Landing Providence Walk Providence Walk Rose Creek Sable Trace Ridge Spicers Grove Springfield Stonecroft The Arbors The Arbors The Fairways At Towne Lake Towne Lake Hills East Towne Lake Hills East Towne Lake Hills North Township Place Victoria Cottages Wellesley Westland Mill Westland Mill Whitfield at Ridgewalk Willow Creek Woodland Trace Woods at Colony Crossing Woodstock Knoll Woodstock Knoll Woodstock Village Woodstock Village Wyngate

4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 2 4 4 5 4 5 6 4 3 5 4 4 5 4 4 3 5 5 3 4 4

3 3.5 2.5 3 3 2 3 3.5 3 2 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 3.5 2.5 3.5 5.5 3.5 2 3 2 2.5 3 3.5 3 2 3 3 2.5 3.5 3.5

1994 1998 2013 1999 1997 2015 2015 1993 2007 1996 1993 1998 1991 1993 1996 1993 1994 1998 1997 1960 1997 1989 1989 2004 1986 2007 1991 2012 2012 2014 2014 1992

Seize this opportunity to sell. Rates can only go up from here which will make homes less affordable for buyers using financing.

16 103 38 355 28 12 60 32 54 12 75 26 105 117 313 49 51 15 120 181 3 19 35 28 15 7 36 188 46 117 16 24

69.04

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

170,000 264,900 240,000 151,000 170,000 225,082 241,952 187,000 260,000 169,900 159,000 134,000 255,375 268,500 241,000 274,000 275,000 465,000 225,000 270,000 275,000 140,500 148,000 191,000 290,000 275,000 125,000 348,000 385,000 156,290 215,165 285,000

$ 90 $ 99 No data $ 67 $ 87 $ 106 $ 84 No data $ 110 $ 73 No data $ 138 $ 70 $ 98 $ 60 $ 105 $ 76 $ 71 $ 107 $ 95 No data $ 95 No data $ 82 No data $ 107 No data $ 109 $ 126 No data $ 93 $ 65

$ 228,398

$ 95.85

Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by Townelaker)

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meets: 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays at Dynastic Buffet at the intersection of Canton Highway and Piedmont Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, 678-493-3618 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 Street, 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/ 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 Charitable Organizations 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 is a residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn self-sufficiency. Contact: 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com Anna Crawford Children’s Center is 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 is 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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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 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 is 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, based in Ball Ground, offers high quality, low cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. Contact: 770-704-PAWS (7297) www.theanimalproject.org Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee sponsors a yearly backto-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 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

HOPE Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. 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 Pkwy. www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness is 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 is 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 is 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 Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Contact: Andrew Yrabedra 404-663-4663 CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS AARP Woodstock Chapter is 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 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

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 Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Featherstone’s Grille at 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock www.townelakerotary.com Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 678-428-6514 Service League of Cherokee County Contact: 770-704-5991 http://serviceleague.net South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills. Contact: 770-926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club. Contact: 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com 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 www.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 , outings Contact: Rob Kelly rrkelly@bellsouth.net Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee Community Chorale 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 Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey 770-720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association Contact: 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.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 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 is for men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. Contact: 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Hwy., Canton www.cherokeechapter.com William G. Long Senior Center offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Contact: 678-445-6518 SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS 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. http://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 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 Rd, 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 Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Contact: Jeannie 770-919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter For people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings in the Woodstock area. Contact: nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church Contact: Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770517-0191 MOMS Club of Woodstock-TowneLake 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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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

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 Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

TOWNELAKER | 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

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

Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net 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 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union 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

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Reference

ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov

Sen. David Perdue (R)

B40D Dirksen Senate Ofc. Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 perdue.senate.gov

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

202-456-1414 fax: 202-456-2461 202-224-3521 GA: 678-248-6444

1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

Commissioners

L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman Steve West (R) District 1

131 Russell Senate Ofc. 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 Ofc. 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 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov

404-652-7003

Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov

404-463-1378

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

678-523-8570

michael@CaldwellforHouse.com

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

Rep. John Carson (R) District 46 john.carson@house.ga.gov

404-656-0287

Cherokee County Courts Superior Court Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea

678-493-6270 678-493-6260 678-493-6240

State Court Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

678-493-6490 678-493-6480

Magistrate Court Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds

rgunnin@cherokeega.com

Brian Poole (R) District 3 Scott Gordon (R) District 4 sgordon@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

678-493-6431 678-493-6431

Probate Court 678-493-6160

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

www.cherokeega-sheriff.org 678-493-4100 fax: 678-493-4228

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

John Harmon (R) District 3

404-462-4950

Janet Read (R) Chair

770-516-1444

kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us

john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R) District 4

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

770-721-4398, x4370

Clark Menard (R) District 5

770-928-0341

Mike Chapman (R) District 6 mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us

770-345-6256

City Government Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood

770-704-1544

Juvenile Court

770-735-8055

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner

clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Judge Keith Wood (R)

lbahrens@cherokeega.com swest@cherokeega.com

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R)

Governor Nathan Deal (R)

www.cherokeega.com 678-493-6001

www.canton-georgia.gov

Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker

Holly Springs Mayor Timothy Downing

770-345-5536

District Attorney Shannon Wallace

678-493-6250 678-493-6280 770-479-1488

Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

678-493-6511

Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

770-592-6001

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

www.hollyspringsga.us. www.woodstockga.gov

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

Town to Creek Trail - This 0.57 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street. It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with the Noonday Creek & Towne Lake Pass trails. Noonday Creek Trail - This 0.86 mile paved trail is a continuation of the Town to Creek trail meandering along Noonday Creek. It intersects the future Towne Lake Pass trail 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. TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Reference

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County Government:

Animal Shelter Business Licenses Clean & Beautiful Commission Commissioners Courthouse Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation

Taxes:

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration

Children/Family:

770-345-0400

770-345-7270 770-721-7810 770-517-7650 678-493-6000 770-479-1953 678-493-6077 770-479-0418 770-479-9011 770-479-1953 678-493-6101 770-345-5312 678-493-6120

678-493-6400 770-924-4099 770-479-0407

Anna Crawford Children’s Center Bethesda Community Clinic Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry

770-345-8100 678-880-9654 770-720-7712 770-479-1804 770-345-5483 770-720-3581

770-345-3274 770-720-3610 770-924-0864 770-479-5397 770-591-4730

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)

678-413-8400

Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)

770-926-7155

Georgia State Patrol

770-205-5400

Health Department

770-345-7371

770-793-5000 770-751-2500 770-720-5100

Hospitals:

Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center

Libraries:

Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock

Non-Emergency 911

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

770-479-1703 770-345-7920 404-616-9000 800-222-1222 770-704-2610 770-428-2666

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org 770-591-1491 770-479-3090 770-926-5859

770-479-3117

Parks and Recreation:

BridgeMill Athletic Club 770-345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA 770-591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency 770-924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association 770-704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club 770-591-1000 Hobgood Park 770-924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. 770-926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park 770-926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club 770-592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. 800- 753-2264

Pets:

Animal Control 678-493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions 770-345-7270 www.cherokeega-animals.org Cherokee County Humane Society 770-928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic 770-924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends 770-842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) 770-928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org

Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com

800-275-8777

Recycling Center

770-516-4195

Sheriff’s Department

678-493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Utilities:

Atlanta Gas Light Co. 770-907-4231 www.aglc.com A T & T 404-780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority 770-479-1813 Comcast 770-926-0334 Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com

Urgent Care Facility

American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock 770-200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy 404-851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton 678-661-3166 Wellstar Urgent Care 678-494-2500

Woodstock, City of:

(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,

ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall 770-592-6000 Fire Department 770-926-2302 Police Information 770-592-6030

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

Christie Deese Sixes Living Market 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. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine.

TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,000

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Townelaker

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge

Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 65 678-445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200 AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Road, 770-591-3630

Christian Brothers Automotive 770-926-4500, 1930 Eagle Drive

Mike the Mechanic Auto Service & Repair 7 770-928-2828, www.mikethemechanic.com 3155 Parkbrooke Circle, Woodstock Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 39 678-505-8907, FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com 9817 Main Street, Woodstock, BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 22 770-952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Suite 440, Kennesaw Michael & Company, PC 1 195 Chastain Meadows Court., Suite 110, Kennesaw 770-420-8020 ext. 225, www.MichaelCPApc.com BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA

Family Chiropractic & Wellness 770-517-5610, www.drkristie.net

North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 678-574-5678 3451 Cobb Parkway, Suite 4, Acworth

Optimum Health 13 770-516-7477, www.optimumhealthrehab.com 2360 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 104 Ribley Chiropractic 2453 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-2505, www.ribleychrio.com

CHURCHES City on a Hill www.woodstockeaster.com

Hillside United Methodist Church 770-924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org 4474 Towne Lake Parkway

Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 57 678-224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place, Suite 250, Woodstock Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554, www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 201 EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION Bascomb UMC Preschool 55 770-926-0397, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd. Compass Prep Academy 7 Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 30188 404-643-9424, info@compassprep.org www.compassprep.org Goddard School, The 3115 Parkbrooke Circle, Woodstock 770-516-0880, GoddardSchool.com

CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry-Tech 678-368-5991

Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com

COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900, www.ccrguys.com 10511 Bells Ferry Road, Canton

North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252, ncchristian.org 4500, Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw

Park View Montessori School 770-926-0044, 6689 Bells Ferry Road

Ralph Iossa, Piano Instructor 973-519-6863

The Grant Academy 1 770-926-7827, www.thegrantacademy.net 102 Springfield Drive, Woodstock

DENTAL

Azure Salon & Spa 23 770-345-8280 1359 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 110, Canton

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

Marie Miller Spa Services 63 678-653-0443 www.mariemillerspaservices.com 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1000, Woodstock

Advanced Dental Restorations, LLC 60 678-810-0881, www.BringBackSmiles.com 1505 Stone Bridge Parkway., Suite 220, Woodstock

Salon Spa Venéssa 19 770-591-2079, , www.salonvenessa.com 8516 Main Street, Woodstock

Byrd Dental Group Inside front 770-926-8200 2035 Towne Lake Parkway., Suite 130

The Sundance Massage Center 678-591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com

Fountain View Family Dentistry 59 770-926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 200, Suite A

Atlanta Prestige Flooring 35 770-516-3227, atlantaprestigeflooring.com 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1338, Woodstock

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Drive Suite 200-C

AquaDoc Plumbing 770-516-9000

Blue Horizon Air Conditioning & Heating 678-279-2244, BHCool.com

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Spring Business Showcase

Downtown Buzz

Towne Lake Business Association

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org

CHIROPRACTIC Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation 72 770-516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Parkway

TOWNELAKER | May 2015

Spillane Orthodontics 36 770-928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Pkwy. 575, Suite 200, Woodstock Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 29 770-517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Parkway Towne Lake Family Dentistry Cover 48,49, Dr. Ray Morgan Inside Back 770-591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Parkway, Bldg. 200, Ste 100

Tutor Doctor 770-308-6300 www.InHomeTutorNorthAtlanta.com

FITNESS R2 Total Fitness 1025 Rose Creek Drive 678-809-7833, www.r2totalfitness.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277 Casteel /The Woodstock Home Depot 770-591-8663 Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com Design Options 866-595-FLOOR

1 23 7

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390

Elite Roofing of Georgia 770-445-1290

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta North Dermatology & Skin Care 31 770-516-5199, www.altantanorthdermatology.com 100 Stoneforest Drive, Suite 320, Woodstock

Grout Doctor, The 678-383-1311, www.GroutDoctor.com

Hammocks Heating & Air 770-794-0428

Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490

Innovative Contractors 423-421-0667, 678-776-5202

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1

Nelson Exteriors 678-283-8171

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 3 770-726-8948, NorthGeorgiaHearing.com 203 Woodpark Place, Suite B-100, Woodstock

Precision Painting & Remodeling 678-234-9668

Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com

Precision Plumbing 37 678-758-3493, PrecisionPlumbingPros.com Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969, ReliableAir.com

HOME SECURITY RLC Security 678-346-5557

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346 www.calvarylandscaping.com

Garden Artist Designs 23 770-713-9298, www.gardenartistdesigns.com Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.landscapemattersinc.com

Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping 404-520-0710

Overstreet Lawn Care 770-861-7272

RPM Landscape & Pavers 770-597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

PEST CONTROL The Mosquito Authority 678-294-7597, www.BugsBITE .com

PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 39 770-591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Rd. Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 44 770-591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital 33 770-924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp Street

Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C

Georgia Eye Partners 56 404-953-4044, www.GAEyePartners.com 600 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 312, Woodstock Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 61 770-485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Drive

Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 5 770-517-6636 www.northsidecherokeeortho.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 320, Woodstock 684 Sixes Road, Suite 130, Holly Springs Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 71 770-928-0016 Northwest ENT & Allergy Center 37 770-427-0368, www.nwent.com 13 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 30114 Perimeter North Family Medicine 52 770-395-1130, www.pnfm.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 210, Woodstock Plastic Surgery Center of the South 79 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann Street, Suite 150, Marietta Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 23 770-592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com

Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams 404-954-2486, 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheila.com

Back Cover

Paragon Property Group Anna Daily, 888-MNG-MNT9 ext. 1007 adaily@paragonga.com K.K.Lopez, 888-MNG-MNT9 ext. 1006 klopez@paragonga.com www.paragonga.com

The Village at Townelake Inside front www.TheVillageAtTowneLake.com RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251

Canton Festival of the Arts

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK Butchers Block 770-517-2225, 1025 Rose Creek Drive

Jump Kitchen 20 678-388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock NY Style Deli & Pizza 74 678-426-7004, 2340 Towne Lake Parkway Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-3100, papa-ps.com

Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 110 678-324-1910

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Diamonds R Forever 74 4200 Wade Green Road, Suite 212, Kennesaw 770-422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net Dismero 470 Chambers Street, 678-398-4008

Rausch Family Practice 678-384-7305, judithrauschmd.com 1000 Wyngate Parkway, Suite 210

Towne Lake Family Pharmacy 770-635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 110

Village Podiatry Center 1198 Buckhead Crossing, Suite D 770-928-9263

Wellstar Cancer Network 770-956-STAR (7827)

Spirited 8670 Main Street, Suite 2, Woodstock 678-214-5304, www.spritlala.com

Wild Birds Unlimited 42 770-928-3014, www.woodstock.wbu.com 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock

PHOTOGRAPHERS J King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Berkshire Hathaway, The Tomlinson Team 68 770-365-6193, 678-494-2953 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Gifted Ferret, The 60 770-693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400 Max Video Games & More 25 770-924-9300 6424 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 124, Woodstock www.facebook.com/maxvideogames 37

For advertising rates & information please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com TOWNELAKER | May 2015

COUPONS & SPECIAL OFFERS! These local businesses have special offers just for you! Animal Atlanta

Max Video Games & More

Atlanta Prestige Flooring

Mclellan Excavation & Landscape

Aqua Doc Plumbing

Mike the Mechanic Auto Service & Repair

Aspen Falls Auto Spa

Mr. Junk

Blue Horizon Air Conditioning & Heating

North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute

Butchers Block

NY Syle Deli & Pizza

Optimum Health

Byrd Dental

Inside front

Carpet Dry Tech

Plastic Surgery Center of the South

Christian Brothers Automotive

Precision Plumbing

Discover Chiropractic

R2 Total Fitness

Rejoice Maids

Elite Roofing of Georgia Family Chiropractic and Wellness

Reliable Heating & Air

Garden Artist Designs

RLC Security

Hammockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heating & Air

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Home Depot/Casteel

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Landscape Matters

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TOWNELAKER | May 2015

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120 N. Medical Pkwy | Building 200, Suite 100 | Woodstock, GA 30189