5 17 townelaker webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

May 2017 Volume 23, Issue 1

8 Charlie Daniels

Country music legend talks about faith, veterans, music.

14 A Community Mourns Parents, students remember beloved music teacher.

16 Growth Spurt

Greenprints Trails grow with new trails, bike rentals.

32 Think YOU’RE Busy?

Towne Lake mom of three to tackle Appalachian Trail.

36 Allatoona Lake Map

Comprehensive guide to sites for camping and swimming.

56 Silver Roamers

New listing of summer, fall ventures for senior citizens.

60 Bend Your Knees

Nonprofit honors memory of young Collins Dixon.

76 Slam Dunk!

Etowah basketball player gets his dream room.

84 Walkable Woodstock Overcoming misconceptions about our growing city.

15 Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Don Akridge 38

Dr. Jordan Harrell

Rev. John Beyers

Around Towne 4

Kurt & Sheila Johnson 46

Community News

Danny Branom 54

Sean Kaufman

Everyday Angels

Christopher Brazelton

Joseph Lemmo

Birthdays

77 85

Stacy Brown 84

Ann Litrel 52

Ribbon Cuttings 20

Carla Caldwell 30

Rob Macmillan 24

TLBA 54

Michael Caldwell

Matt Neal 58

Community Calendar 72

Cherokee Office of Economic Development 26

Dr. Sarah Obarowski 68

Faith 77

Christopher Purvis

School News 78

Dr. Jennifer Dattolo

Bill Ratliff

Towne Lake Dining Guide 82

Kathleen Gamblin 62

Susan Schulz

Downtown Parking Map

Delia Halverson

Jennifer Stockton 17

Woodstock Dining Guide

Dr. Scott Harden 64

Tim Timmons 44

Recent Home Sales 88

Dr. Amy Hardin

Dr. Duncan Wells

Directory of Advertisers 94

www.townelaker.com

48 & 49 On the Cover Art Jewelers Photo by Hailey Huggins 2

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

ADVERTISING Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Twitter: @Townelaker Instagram: townelakermagazine

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

AROUND TOWNE The People, The Places and

The

Pleasures that make Towne Lake

From the Editor

What’s Changed

I don’t like to admit it, but I’ve lived in Cherokee County for 30 years. My reluctance comes from having to admit I’m older than 30, not from any discontent about living here. I’ll have to fess up to my age (but not in this column!) because I can’t pretend that I was born here - my South Carolina roots run too deep. Neither can I claim rights for having the idea to move to this area. In 1981, before we were married, my husband bought a three-bedroom cedar-siding home on Putnam Ferry Road in Woodstock when he left Ft. Lauderdale to work at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His co-workers thought he was crazy … at that time, I-575 ended at Highway 92. Bells Ferry was two lanes, and there were no fast food restaurants in south Cherokee, at all. The intersection of Highway 92 and Bells Ferry Road was a four-way stop, two lanes each way, with two gas stations, the bank (currently Wells Fargo) and an empty lot (now the site of a check cashing company) where people would sell firewood. When I joined the AJC staff in 1983, I moved intown near Buckhead and then to Virginia Highlands. It was fun at the time, but - back to those South Carolina roots - I missed open spaces and a rural setting. I’m thankful not only that I met and married Glenn, but that it led me to this community. As I look back on our 30 years of marriage as residents of Cherokee County, I’m amazed at the growth I’ve seen in both areas. I’m thankful for the connections we made in our community through church and friends who supported us as we raised our three children. Growth in our personal lives continues as we navigate these empty nest years. One idea we have is to buy a travel trailer so we can carry “home” with us while we visit our children. After reading Christopher Purvis’ article on camping at Allatoona (page 34), I’ve decided our first stop needs to be a campground close to home where we can practice before hitting the road. Years ago when our children were small, we camped at Allatoona with a group from church, and held a Sunday morning service on the steps of the log house at Red Top State Park. We’re blessed to be near such a beautiful natural resource, and to be able to share it with special friends. I hope you find many activities in this issue that will help you form happy memories with those who matter most to you.

The new owners of Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 110 in the Colonnade At Towne Lake, are Brian and Celena Hachadorian. The couple has 32 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Celena is the executive chef, and Brian handles manager and owner responsibilities. New hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. “We deliver, cater and serve breakfast all day, every day,” Brian said. “We are adding new and delicious items daily and have brought a lot of items back.”

Diamond Castle, at 9940 Highway 92, Suite 1 in Woodstock, is under new ownership. The new owners are Tamar Boz and Selin Dedeoglu. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 770-516-5689. http://diamondcastleofwoodstock.com/. Jessi Meeks is the new owner of Sweet River Rough River in downtown Woodstock; she has

made a few additions to the store. In addition to the boutique clothing for women, and preppy outdoorsman choices for men, the women’s section has been expanded, a men’s sitting area with TV has been added, spa items are available for sale and a section with dog supplies has been added. Check out ShopSweetRiver on Facebook and Instagram.

Congratulations! Nelson Elder Care Law

finished in a tie for Readers’ Choice winner in the attorney category.

What’s Coming A request by RaceTrac to build a gas station on the corner of Woodstock Parkway and Towne Lake Parkway is scheduled for a hearing on May 4 with the planning commission and May 22 with city council. www.woodstockga.gov.

Costco received its land development permit for construction on the north side of Ridgewalk Parkway, across from Woodstock City Church.

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

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Demolition should begin soon on the building (8560 Main St.) between the former Hot Dog Heaven and Towne Lake Parkway. City council approved variances requested to turn the hot dog site into a new wine, tapas and dessert bar called Rootstock & Vine. Owners of the new restaurant hope to open sometime this summer.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

COMMUNITY BOARD 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.

Kurt Johnson, co-founder of the Kurt and Sheila real estate team, has been involved in real estate most of his adult life. He and his wife have lived in Cherokee County for more than 13 years, their three children have attended county schools since the oldest started first grade at Bascomb Elementary. Kurt and Sheila work hard to promote Cherokee County and all it has to offer. Ann Litrel 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.

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com Managing Editor Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com Market Support Associate Terri Spencer Terri@AroundAboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Dee Locklin is a Georgia State University retiree

who moved to Towne Lake in 1998 with her beloved husband Lewis, now deceased, and their only son Taylor, who now lives and works in Sandy Springs. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and spends much of her time catering to two pampered American Eskimo dogs, Lea and Gidget.

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County since 2000. He performs improv comedy in and around Atlanta. He lives in Woodstock with his wife Justine, his son Beethoven and his cat, Wasabi. Lynne Saunders is the founder and executive director of Papa’s Pantry and The Master’s Training Center. Her employment classes are based on a book she wrote, “21st Century Keys to Employment.” Lynne has been married to Bill for 33 years and has three grown daughters and five grandchildren. Dr. Scott R. Harden is

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

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

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 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 900 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. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2017. TowneLaker PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Volume 23, Issue 1

America’s Community Magazine

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Community

Country Music Legend to Perform in Woodstock The Charlie Daniels Band will perform at the new Northside Cherokee Hospital Amphitheater on May 12, kicking off the 2017 summer concert series. The music legend shows no signs of slowing down; in fact, 2016 was one of the most important years in his almost 60-year career. • He celebrated his 80th birthday on Oct. 28, 2016, with a star-studded Volunteer Jam that included Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Chris Stapleton, 3 Doors Down, Travis Tritt and Larry the PHOTO BY ERICK ANDERSON Cable Guy. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Journey Home Project, a nonprofit he founded to help American veterans meet education, health care and employment needs. • Daniels was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Oct. 16, 2016, along with Randy Travis and Fred Foster. He was given the first Rare Country Humanitarian of the Year award for his commitment to helping veterans. • The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honored the music legend with an exhibit called Million Mile Reflections that opened Sept. 23, 2016, and will remain open through Sept. 4.

• He worked on his memoir “Never Look at the Empty Seats,” which will be released Oct. 24; and he released his latest album, “Night Hawk.” • The Charlie Daniels Band performed more than 100 concerts in 2016, including performances at the Grand Ole Opry. Daniels told Aroundabout Local Media there was no special reason he used our state in his hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” “That’s just the idea that came to my mind,” he said, adding that he lived in Baxley and Valdosta when he attended grammar school. Because he is known for being transparent about his faith, politics and support for U.S. military members, we offered several community leaders in those fields the chance to ask Daniels a question. First Baptist Woodstock pastor Johnny Hunt wanted to know why Daniels’ personal faith is important, and how his faith journey began. Daniels said that the story is too long to go into, “but, suffice it to say that I’m a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus. I believe the Bible and try to reflect my beliefs in my daily life.” continued on page 92

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YOUR LOCAL NEWS Teen Leaders Complete Course The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has graduated the 16th annual Teen Leadership Class, a 20-member group that has attended a retreat, business sessions and classes that touched on community involvement, personal development and team building. Front row, from left: Katelyn Provost, Woodstock; Amelia Westmoreland, Sequoyah; Abigail Smithwick, Creekview; Taylor Glass, Etowah; Caroline Booth, Etowah, and Sophia Clark, Sequoyah. Middle row, from left: TLC Chair Matthew Thomas, city of Canton; Katie Gilliam, Woodstock; Angelica Millen, River Ridge; Taylor Bramblett, Woodstock; Hannah Galloway, Cherokee; Erin Franchini, Creekview; Natasha Ambriz, Sequoyah, and Jamila Otieno, Etowah. Back row, from left: Rolo Lopez, Cherokee; Kieran Black, Etowah; Thomas Brumbeloe, Sequoyah; Brendon Jones, Sequoyah; Eli Weatherby, Cherokee, and Jerod Bayly, Sequoyah. Not pictured: Casey Bates, Sequoyah.

Porche Receives Municipal Revenue Administration Certificate

Bill and Linton Dean at Dean’s Store in front of the store’s soda fountain, circa 1910.

Bustling City Turns 120 Woodstock has a special birthday this year; the city turns 120. Woodstock was first settled in the early 1830s but did not officially become a city until it was granted a charter by the state in 1897. To commemorate this occasion, Preservation Woodstock is hosting an exhibit at the Woodstock Public Library through May 21. The Woodstock Remembers 120 exhibit features items from Woodstock’s history that help tell the stories of Woodstock’s citizens, businesses, organizations, churches and events. The library is at 7735 Main St. For more information, visit www.preservationwoodstock.com. 10

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Woodstock Finance Director Robert Porche has received a Municipal Revenue Administration Certificate from the Georgia Municipal Association. Certificate holders will be recognized at GMA’s annual convention in June in Savannah. The program is designed to strengthen the understanding of city managers, city clerks, finance officers, customer service staff, elected officials and other city employees on different municipal revenue sources and applicable laws of the administration and collection process. Atlanta-based GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 521 member cities.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

YOUR LOCAL NEWS WellStar Kennestone Hospital Earns Certification

Republicans Elect New Executive Committee The Cherokee County Republican Party recently elected a new executive committee for 2017-2019. Monthly meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday at Cup Up Coffee, inside Audio Intersection in downtown Canton. Front row, from left: Assistant Secretary Kerry Luedke, Assistant Treasurer Patricia Arnold and Area Precinct Manager Post 1 John Marion. Middle row: Vice Chair of Candidates and Elected Officials Tim Adderholdt, Secretary Debbie Staver, Vice Chair of Membership Lyn Murphy, Chairman Trenton Adams and Vice Chair of Fundraising and Events Kevin Wright. Back row: Area Precinct Manager Post 3 David Hodges, Convention Chairman Pete Castello and Vice Chair of Communications Brandon Roberts. Photo by Eric Haffner. Not Pictured: 1st Vice Chair Don Ware, Vice Chair of Precinct Development Derek Poarch, Treasurer Bill Parrish, Area Precinct Manager Post 2 Jim Murray, Area Precinct Manager Post 4 Sharlet Keilman and General Counsel Kyle Wallace.

WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s cardiac program is one of only two programs in the United States to receive the Joint Commission Gold Seal Disease-Specific Certification for Heart Valve, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Congestive Heart Failure. As one of only two hospitals to receive the certification, WellStar offers patient-centric cardiac care through innovative treatments, technologies and approaches. An example is the CardioMEMS™ device offered to stage three heart failure patients with frequent readmissions. This implantable device measures a patient’s pulmonary artery pressure and heart rate through a sensor that is implanted in the pulmonary artery. This allows physicians to wirelessly manage heart failure. The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the U.S. To receive this two-year certification, healthcare organizations must invite Joint Commission teams to survey the desired programs and evaluate the clinical teams, processes and outcomes. To see the full list of certifications and accredited hospitals, visit www.jointcommission.org.

Woodstock Warrior Ready for Competition Local resident John Lemoine, a 2009 Etowah High School graduate who suffered a spinal cord injury, will represent the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program in the June Warrior Games set in Chicago. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is often confused with the Wounded Warrior Project. The Warrior Games is for members of all branches of service who are active duty or in the process of being medically discharged. The annual competition recognizes the importance that adaptive sports plays in the recovery of wounded warriors. Participation in the Warrior Games allows service members and veterans to build a supportive social network, developing relationships with other athletes with similar disabilities, giving them a sense of community and acceptance on their path to recovery. 12

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EVERYDAY

On the morning of March 24, 2017, our community was rocked by the sudden loss of beloved husband, father, teacher, colleague, adviser and friend, Kevin Oliver White. In 37 short years of life, Kevin made an immeasurable impact on the lives and hearts of those who were blessed to know him. Kevin grew up in Cherokee County and graduated from Cherokee High School. His talents and love for music led him to earn his master’s degree in music and serve as choir director and music teacher at E.T. Booth Middle School. Throughout the years, Kevin invested his time and passion for music to influence and impact the lives of his students in a way few others have. He genuinely loved God, his family and his students, and it showed every day. He understood the complexities of the difficult transitional middle school years of his students and embraced, loved and mentored them through it - not just for three years of middle school, but his friendship continued long after his students graduated high school. “Mr. White made my daughter look forward to going to school, he made her feel loved, let her know he cared, made her bad days good and her good days better. His boldness of faith and example of how to live life will serve as inspiration to all who knew him,” said a parent of one of his students. Kevin, an active member of Canton United Methodist church, sang almost every Sunday and was a member of the praise and worship band and Cherokee Chorale. Kevin leaves behind wife Courtney, his childhood friend who later became his wife. He and Courtney have one daughter, Piper. Courtney is an eighth-grade teacher at Dean Rusk Middle School; she, like Kevin, lives to serve our children. Courtney is now challenged to fill role of mom and dad for their daughter. Piper, Kevin’s pride and joy, was born 8 years ago with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues in the face. To Kevin and Piper. 14

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Kevin and Courtney with their daughter Piper.

date, Piper has endured 11 surgeries and will require more in the future. She will need extensive dental work, therapies and hearing aids every five years. The cost of one hearing aid is $5,000 and insurance covers only a small portion. Please pray for Courtney and Piper as they begin their new normal without their amazing partner and father. Pray for faith stronger than fears and for peace beyond understanding. Since Kevin’s passing, current and former students have rallied in tribute to him through memorials, a balloon release, fundraising events and social media campaigns to help each other cope with their loss and to honor their admired teacher. “Thank you to everyone who has showered us with prayers and gifts. It has meant the world to us, especially Piper. I know more than anything that Kevin would want to know that we are being taken care of by our wonderful family, church and community,” Courtney said. Because Kevin was never shy to share his compassionate heart with his students or parents, we share an excerpt from an email sent to parents of his students before sending them off to high school: “In this email, which may be one of the last ones many of you get from me, let me express my heartfelt gratitude, my heartfelt admiration I have for all of you. But remember, as I sang on Tuesday, ‘There is no ‘Goodbye...’ only ‘We’ll meet again!’ From the bottom of my heart ... thank you for blessing my life with the opportunity to teach your children.” Mr. White Kevin White, it is WE who are thankful! Your legacy will forever live in the hearts of our children. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23 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.

A Tribute to

Mr. Kevin White

How do teachers communicate effectively that they care about you? BY JOSEPH LEMMO

On March 24, E.T. Booth Middle School experienced a great loss when Mr. White passed unexpectedly. Teachers lost an amazing colleague and friend, and students lost a remarkable teacher and mentor. I worked with Kevin for nine years and constantly felt acknowledged when I was around him. Conversations were regularly fun since we shared a similar passion for sarcasm, and we always seemed to banter like a couple of brothers. In fact, we frequently told the students we were brothers because they got us mixed up over and over again! He truly was a special person and knew how to effectively communicate that he cared very much about the people around him. On this page, you will find some thoughts about Mr. White from some students who he and I taught. If you’d like to share any stories or thoughts about Mr. White, please send them to joseph. lemmo@cherokee.k12.ga.us. “Dear Mr. White, You showed so many people and students how much you cared about them. I remember my first day of school, you were so sweet, and you would always make jokes about everything. I remember I walked in the room and you said, ‘I mean you could stand there all day or you could introduce yourself to everyone.’ I knew at that moment that I was going to like you. When I was sad, you were always there for me. You always cared about everyone else’s feelings, and you would never think about yourself. You always made me laugh, even when I had a bad day; in fact, you always made sure that EVERYONE was happy. “I rather feel bad for leaving chorus, but I never forgot about you. Every day you would always say hi to me when I was leaving to go home. I would always walk by your classroom and constantly see someone laughing. I know you are in a better place, and that we will meet again. Nevertheless, know we all love you, and we will never forget about you, the best chorus teacher we ever had.” Love your former chorus student, Emily Correa

“Mr. White, where can I begin to talk about him? He was one of my favorite teachers, but he was not just a teacher, he was part of my family. I will always remember the funny things he said: anonymouse, cornfused, ‘fluffy donkey,’ and ‘It’s not rocket surgery.’ There was just something about him that always made someone smile. Anytime kids were on their phones, he would go and get a hammer from his office; of course, he never used it. There were so many memories of the times we had with him, and he always communicated that he cared. “Mr. White was the best chorus teacher I have ever had, and probably the best I will ever have. He would pick songs that were challenging, but he knew we could do it. Chorus/school will never be the same without him. He always knew how to make someone laugh. His class was one of the classes I always looked forward to. I will always remember Mr. White as the teacher who loved his students dearly, and would want them to keep singing. Today is a Monday. On Mondays, he would wear plaid and a tie, and he would call us by our middle names. I will treasure those days that we had to spend with him, and cherish the days we sang together. He was such an inspiration to so many of his students, and I have no doubt that we will keep singing!” Leila Anderson

“Well, from my experience, a teacher communicates effectively by making you a priority. They check on you to make sure you are having a good day and doing the right thing in class. This shows they care about your well-being and your grades. Another way they can show they care about you is by listening to you when you ask a question and answering to the best of their ability. “Teachers being serious is a good thing most of the time when talking about a serious topic, but the occasional joke can help when a student is down. Mr. White used to joke with some of the students if they walked up to him to ask a question. Everyone in the whole classroom knew he cared about us because of the way he spoke and acted around us. During LGPE, Large Group Performance Evaluation, when the buses stopped for lunch, Mr. White made sure to thank the chaperones and tell them that, ‘These kids are yours, biologically, but they are also mine. They’re part of my family.’ I have never had such a thoughtful teacher and a fantastic mentor.” In Loving Memory of Mr. Kevin White, Amelia Ganues Kevin White directing the chorus in spring of 2011.

continued on page 92 TOWNELAKER | May 2017

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYST

Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, ÂŠ OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Visit our website for more information on these or other trail projects. greenprintsalliance.org

Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in Downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street.

It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.

Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass - This approximately 1.2 mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South.

Rubes Creek Trail - This .5 mile trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. 16

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TEM: Enjoying a Year of Growth BY JENNIFER STOCKTON

If you live in Cherokee County, chances are you’ve heard about the growing network of trails that increases your ability to get outside and connect with the natural resources in this area. Although the plan for trails isn’t new, the growth happening this year alone has been impressive. In March 2017, the city of Woodstock held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Towne Lake Pass Trail, dedicating the segment to Mary Tessa Bassford, a former councilwoman who passed away in 2014. This 2-mile trail will provide a connection from downtown Woodstock to just north of Woodstock High School on Towne Lake Hills South Drive. This trail segment should be completed by the end of the year, and will provide a critical connection for residents between downtown Woodstock and Towne Lake Parkway. Funding for this segment came from the Cherokee County Parks Bond. In addition, the City of Woodstock and Cherokee County recently began the scoping phase of the Noonday Creek Trail from Highway 92 south to Noonday Park in Cobb County. Currently, there is a 4-mile gap between the Cherokee and Cobb County Noonday Creek trails. The study will look at the best path for this first 1.5-mile section that Cherokee residents

can use to get to Noonday Park. That will leave a 2.5-mile gap for Cobb County to connect their Noonday Creek Trail. Once both counties connect to Noonday Creek Park, Towne Lake and Woodstock residents will be able to utilize the trails to get to Kennesaw Mountain, Kennesaw State University, the new SunTrust Park and, eventually, the Beltline. This month, Greenprints Alliance is announcing a partnership with Rezide Properties and Zagster Bike Share Program. In March, local developer Tony Perry of Rezide Properties agreed to be the program’s inaugural sponsor. The first installment of bikes will be on the Noonday Creek and Rubes Creek Trail. Over time, more bikes will be added to the system. The rental prices are nominal to the end user, and all proceeds from the bike rentals will be reinvested in the trail system. Greenprints Alliance hosts its annual Trailfest fundraiser on May 6. The event, which culminates in a great live music show featuring the Dexateens, kicks off with the early morning Plae Hard 5K (sponsored by Northside Hospital Cherokee) on the Noonday Creek Trail. Come join us and learn more about trails! Visit www.greenprintsalliance.org to learn more about Greenprints Alliance. Trailfest information is available at www.trailfest.org, and registration for the Plae Hard 5K is at www.trailfest.run.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Will Keeney

Age 2 on May 12 Happy Birthday to our favorite little man! We love you so much! Mommy and Daddy

Ethan Yarber

Happy second birthday to our sweet, handsome boy! We look forward to watching you learn and explore the world sweet Ethan! Love. Mom and Dad, Amber and Brian

Jenna Jewel Forte

Age 11 on May 31 Happy Birthday, sweet Birdie! We love you with all our hearts! Mama, Daddy, Jess and Charlie

Happy first birthday Briliegh

We all love you so much! Mom, Dad, Katina, Kyreonia, Junior, Tyler, Nana and Papa

Devan Hutchinson

Age 11 on April 20 Happy birthday! We LOVE you, from your entire family

Abigail Potts

Age 8 on May 27 Happy birthday to our amazing daughter! We are so proud of you and all of your hard work. We love you, Mommy, Daddy and Tyler

Dean LaRue Bouton

Age 5 on May 9 Happy birthday to our great grandson! Love ya, kiddo

Carson Telfair

Age 8 on March 25 Happy Birthday to our amazing oldest son! We love you CJ! Mom, Dad and Carter

Happy fifth birthday Maggie!

You are growing up so fast. We love you little princess! Mommy, Daddy and little brother

Colton Chanthaboury

Age 8 on May 20 Happy Birthday Colton! We love you! Daddy, Mommy, Brody and Owen

Carter Telfair

Age 5 on April 2 Happy Birthday to our amazing baby boy! We love you Blue! Mom, Dad and Carson

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Riley Allen

Age 1 in April Daughter of Jordan and Antonio Allen

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Happy third birthday Nash!

We love you more than you will know! Mommy, Daddy, Mary Lane and Lucy

E-mail to: Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com June deadline is May 10. Please specify TowneLaker.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce May 18

Power Hour 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400, www.cherokeechamber.com

May 16

Business After Hours

10-11 a.m. at the chamber office. Fast-paced networking with fellow business leaders, chamber board Chairman Bryan Reynolds and chamber President and CEO Pam Carnes. Sponsor is Cobb EMC. Before the hour ends, you will have a chance to share with everyone about your business or organization. Cost: $5 for members; $10 future members, payable at the door, no advance registration required.

4:30-6:30 p.m. at Suntex Boat Club and Water Sports, Little River Marina, 6986 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. Networking event. Cost: members, $5; future members, $10. Advance registration Good Morning due by 5 p.m. May 12.. Register online or Cherokee Breakfast email Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com.

May 17

B.L.A.S.T.T. Workshop: The 1% / 1 Day Solution

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the chamber office. Presented by Andy Fried, KSU Small Business Development Center. Cost: chamber member before May 11, $30, or $35 after; future member, $55. Lunch provided. Sponsor is Reinhardt University. Register online or email Brandy@CherokeeChamber. com.

May 18

Community Outreach: CPR/AED Training

May 4

Sponsor is Northside Hospital Cherokee.

June 1

Sponsor is Piedmont Mountainside. 7 a.m. at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The breakfast meeting offers current and future chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. Cost: advance single registration, $17; on-site registration, $22; future members, $30.

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office. A representative from the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services will teach the class. Must be age 14 to receive certification. Cost is $41. Sponsored by Reinhardt University. Register online or emailÂ Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com.

May 19

Regional Issues Awareness Program

8-9:30 a.m. at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. Legislative update by members of the Cherokee County legislative delegation. Series sponsor is WellStar, program sponsor is AT&T. Register online or email Gini@ CherokeeChamber.com.

June 5

Chamber Classic Golf Tournament

8:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. shotgun start. An opportunity to network with existing and potential clients at BridgeMill Athletic Club. Fee is $600 for a foursome. Sponsor is Northside Hospital Cherokee. Register online or email Gini@CherokeeChamber.com.

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TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Gorgeous Hair Spring Renewal

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As warm weather brings a seasonal renewal, it is a wonderful time to consider renewing one’s personal style. The dramatic impact of uniquely personalized hair fashion and makeup is powerful in making you look and feel your absolute best. Spring 2017 hottest trends feature smooth hair, flatter curls, tousled waves, variations of the Bob, gorgeous colour and a continuation of Balayage’s popularity. The key to making any trend work for you is proper assessment of your physical features by a stylist who has the technical skills to tailor the cut and colour to flatter your specific needs. This is where the stylists at élon shine. With one of the most intensive continuing education programs in the entire hair industry, our stylists are always prepared to create one of a kind looks that keep you at the forefront of fashion. All photos: Hair cuts, colour and styles by élon Salon.

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facebook.com/elonsalon youtube.com/elonsalon instagram.com/elonsalon1 TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Making the Move, Patients and All SUBMITTED BY NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL

On the morning of May 6, just before the sun peeks over the North Georgia foothills, Northside Hospital Cherokee will embark on the move of a lifetime — transitioning patients, staff and services from the current hospital, located on Hospital Road in Canton, to the new hospital, not quite 3 miles away off I-575 at Northside Cherokee Boulevard. “Since January, each department has been training and running drills for this move, familiarizing themselves with the new space and understanding the logistics that make their care process patient-centered and efficient,” said Billy Hayes, CEO of Northside Hospital Cherokee. “That’s why every detail, no matter how small, has been planned for.” With an undertaking so grand in scale, Northside leadership has prepared a comprehensive “Patient Move Manual” to give staff a clear view of logistical operations before, during and after the patient move to ensure a safe and efficient transition. The hospital also will enact an Incident Command Center at the new facility. Comprised of Northside Hospital Cherokee leadership and logistical specialists, the command center will manage the patient move, support the opening of the replacement hospital and handle questions that arise from staff. “The safety of our patients during this transition is our No. 1 priority,” said Katie Pearson, director of operations at Northside Hospital Cherokee. “To accomplish a safe move, we have a detailed logistics and communication protocol between care teams and their patients.” Hospital departments will move in stages, allowing staff, patients and equipment to transfer to the new hospital while maintaining direct patient care operations as needed at the current facility. Staff will begin moving patients at 5 a.m. May 6, beginning with the closure of the Emergency Department at the existing hospital. (After 5 a.m., anyone requiring emergency care should go to the new hospital.) Northside Hospital Cherokee has contracted

Patients will be admitted to the new hospital on May 6.

with Metro Ambulance Service to transport patients to the new hospital, and will be using only advanced cardiovascular life support and critical care ambulances for the patient move. Patients will be moved to the new hospital, unit by unit. The Women’s Center will employ heightened security protocols to ensure the safety and security of infants and mothers during the move. As the critical move date approaches, Northside Hospital Cherokee leadership and staff are reflecting on the countless hours of planning that have made this transition possible, and the future of the hospital. “Without all the hard work and collaboration among our staff and partners, this move would simply not be possible,” Hayes said. “We expect the same spirit of determination and energy to carry through to the new hospital, where we will provide Cherokee and surrounding communities with the exceptional patient care they deserve.”

Heightened security will be in place at the new Women’s Center, for the safety of moms and their babies. 22

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

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• • • • • • •

Adult and pediatric sports medicine Minimally-invasive surgery for the shoulder, knee and elbow Shoulder and knee arthroplasty Operative and non-operative injury management Fracture care Arthritis care Tendon repair Call or visit today: (770) 517-6636 684 Sixes Road, Suite 130, Holly Springs, GA 30115 TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Rob’s Rescues This cat’s name is Sugar. She is 1 ½ years old and she likes to play with toys - a lot. She is a stray domestic shorthaired black cat. I think she would be a perfect pet for someone. This dog is Felicity and she has a lot of endurance. She is a stray pitbull mix and is 1 ½ years old. She doesn’t like cameras. She would make a great dog and needs a running partner.

PET FOOD COLLECTION There is a Rob’s Rescues bin at Rebound Physical Therapy, 980 Woodstock Parkway, Suite 200, Woodstock, to collect dog and cat food for local pets in need. I took some of the food and blankets from the Yumsa collection to a mobile home park in Woodstock with Ms. Candi Hannigan and others from Ebenezer United Methodist Church who did an outreach there.

Rob with the owners of Yumsa International Market, Will and Alanna Pieterse.

Rob with Araceli Limon and her dog Molly at an Ebenezer UMC outreach.

Follow Rob on Facebook! www.facebook.com/robsrescues/ 24

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

I did a pet food and blanket drive with Yumsa International Market at 106 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. There is always a Rob’s Rescues bin there if anyone wants to donate some food.

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.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

A Fresh Look at a Sustainable Cherokee SUBMITTED BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

When most people think of sustainability, the environment comes to mind, with a focus on programs like recycling and clean energy. Defining sustainability means looking beyond the environment to the community the environment supports. In other words, focusing on sustainable communities. Specifically, a sustainable community is one whose programs and infrastructure enable its members to flourish while positively impacting the environment. Based on this definition, Cherokee County is a sustainable community. In 2010, Cherokee County was one of the first communities to be certified as a green community by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The county reaffirmed its commitment to being green in 2014, when it was recertified at the bronze level. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) highlighted sustainability in their Opportunity Cherokee Strategic Blueprint in 2015 and was subsequently awarded one of the first Sustainable Connections interns sponsored by ARC. The internship program seeks to connect the wealth of talented university students in the region with local governments and nonprofits that have active needs associated with sustainability. COED hired Joy Harris, current Georgia Tech MBA student and Princeton graduate, with the intention to redefine sustainability, identify a wealth of existing sustainability programs

The Cherokee County Aquatic Center.

Bridge leading to a Cherokee park.

continued on page 92 The Outlet Mall at Atlanta.

Aerial view of the new hospital. 26

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

New industries move into Cherokee.

UNIQUELY WIRED and WONDERFULLY MADE. We’ll be learning about how God made each of us in HIS image and unique at the same time. What an incredible way to show off God’s power by using the special way He made us to make a difference.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Picture of Oaks at Pooler, a replica of Towne Lake’s community which is painted a khaki brown color.

Oaks at Towne Lake Family Owned Senior Living Company Cultivates Person-Centered Lifestyles

he Salabarria family, inspired by a heart-wrenching personal decision, created Oaks Senior Living in 1998 to care for seniors who can no longer live safely at home. Almost 20 years later, family members are about to open the company’s eighth Georgia community. The Oaks at Towne Lake will open to residents June 29th. The two-story craftsman style community, perched on 4.65 acres next to the Rose Creek Library on Towne Lake Parkway, will accommodate close to 100 residents, with 61 assisted living and 29 memory care apartments. Each aspect of the Towne Lake community, and the company’s other properties, has been built with the best interests of older adults in mind, fulfilling a mission that CEO Alex Salabarria and his father began more than two decades ago

“My father was faced with the difficult task of how to provide care for his mother when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” Salabarria said. “Her options were limited to skilled nursing homes or small personal care homes, with limited security for wandering and no dementia programming. The only choice was to place her in a skilled nursing facility - an environment she did not need and was so institutional it was depressing to even visit her. It was at that point, my father dreamed of building a community where seniors could live with dignity and respect in an environment that even my grandmother would be proud of.” Oaks Senior Living is unique because it’s family owned and operated. Alex’s wife Denise is vice president of sales and marketing, brother Nelson is chief financial officer, brotherin-law Douglas Shook is president of construction and development, sister Mirian and sister-in-law Melissa are the interior decorators. Chief Operations Officer Linda Bennett is like family, with more than 18 years with the company. “We’ve never brought equity investors into our family company. We act as our own development group, design, build and operate our communities,” Alex said. “There’s nobody that I’m aware of that offers all of that under the same umbrella. We’re a Christian family and this is a calling for us.”

Person-Centered Lifestyle

The family’s mission is to create a flexible, home-like environment that promotes physical, social and spiritual well28

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

COO Linda Bennett visits with a resident.

Residents tend to their garden.

being of the residents through a philosophy they call a personcentered lifestyle. Alex explains that while structure is good within a senior living community, it’s also essential to build in flexibility so residents feel they are at home. Staff members learn about each resident’s habits, interests and personality to create the best personal experience, encouraging independence and choices to enrich their lives. The shift toward making a smooth transition to the Oaks includes: • Flexible dining. Residents can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at any time between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The owners understand that while some are early risers, others enjoy sleeping in. • Flexible care delivery starting with options to bathe in the morning or evening, whatever best suits the resident. • Consistency in caregiving, meaning that caregivers will be assigned to the same residents to build confidence and trust. • Activities tailored to the residents. Depending on their hobbies and interests, residents can continue gardening, practice their putting, tend to animals, or other activities just as they did before the move. “We’re going to take it to the next level, beyond the typical card games and other activities,” Alex said. “We’re creating lifestyles in our communities, not just care centers.” Caregivers do nothing but care for residents. Meals are prepared by a full-service food department, medications are distributed by Certified Medication Aides, and activities are created by lifestyle directors. The caregiver-resident ratio is typically 1-13 in assisted living, 1-8 in memory care. The number may vary depending on acuity of residents and behavioral needs.

• • • •

Scheduled transportation to shopping and banking. Social, educational, spiritual and recreational programs. Medication reminders and administration. Regular monitoring for general health and well-being, including blood pressure, weight and nutritional status checks. • Beautifully landscaped interior and exterior courtyards, water features, walking path and gardening area. • Chapel, theater, salon, library, country kitchen and therapy room.

Memory and Respite Care

The Horizons community within the Oaks, for those with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, is staffed with a highly trained nurse, lifestyle director and caregivers. Horizons offers individualized programming and a routine that benefits each resident. Oaks at Towne Lake also offers a day program and respite options. Visitors to the day program have the opportunity to socialize with people who share the same interests and hobbies while living in their own homes. Hours are 7 a.m.7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and guests receive one meal and snacks. Additional meals, beauty/barber shop, podiatrist and arrangements for medical transportation are charged separately. Respite care can be a short-term alternative for individuals recovering from surgery who need physical or occupational therapy, for caregivers who need to leave town, or for potential residents to become familiar with the Oaks.

Amenities

• 24-hour access to staff with state-of-the-art emergency call and smoke/fire system. • Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing and eating. • Housekeeping and laundry services. • On-site physical/occupational therapy, beautician, dental and podiatrist services. • Private apartments with all utilities (excluding phone and cable). • Wireless internet. Sponsored Content

Oaks at Towne Lake 4580 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

New Express Bus Route Connects to Atlanta BY CARLA CALDWELL

A new express bus route will provide service from Kennesaw State University to SunTrust Park and schools in downtown Atlanta and Marietta. The route is targeted to university students, faculty and staff, but will be open to the public. CobbLinc Route 10X has a target start date of spring 2018. The route includes stops at Kennesaw State University, SunTrust Park, Life University, KSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marietta campus, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology and Savannah School of Art and Design. Route 10X will provide express service by limiting stops and will relieve crowded CobbLinc Route 10. That route has the highest ridership in the CobbLinc system and is one the highest ridership routes in the Southeast, according to Cobb transportation officials. The new express route is the result of a transit study conducted by KSU and the Cobb County Department of Transportation to improve options for students and staff of Kennesaw State and Life universities. The new route addresses the need for reliable transportation alternatives in the U.S. Highway 41/Interstate 75 corridors in Cobb County and in Midtown and downtown Atlanta, Cobb officials said.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

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Appalachian Trail Gives New Meaning to Busy Mom “You can totally do that!” Those are the successful on her adventure. words every human longs to hear when they The director of Wilderness Initiative (WI), are contemplating a personal challenge that Anne Tuttle, is an expert long distance hiker is outside their comfort zone. Those were having through-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the the exact words Towne Lake resident Cari Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Kilgore heard from her husband that gave Trail. According to Tuttle, “The sole purpose her the encouragement she needed to set a of WI is to allow people from all walks of life goal to hike 100 miles in June on the historic to enjoy a challenging experience away from Appalachian Trail. Cari is a busy mother of the rigors of everyday life. Explorers will be three who, like many women, has made a challenged in many respects, including mental habit of setting aside her personal aspirations toughness, physical strength, bravery and to spend the majority of her time meeting the trust.” needs of her family. The leader of the expedition is Two years ago, Cari supported her husband 51-year-old Cheryl Wolfinger from and son when they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro Woodstock, who is also one with Acworth-based International Sports of Cari’s biggest supporters. Federation (ISF). Now it is her turn. Cari “Cari was the first person to heard about a new division of ISF called the sign up for the trip and I could Wilderness Initiative, designed specifically to not be more excited for her. I Above, Cari trains every help people challenge themselves through know this trip is going to be a outdoor adventures. When she saw a 100-mile chance she gets to be tremendous challenge for Cari ready for the challenging trip for women, she knew she wanted to do it. hike. and a couple others on the trip The trip is specifically designed for women in who have never been backpacking Right, Cari and husband, Ken; her their 40s and 50s with little or no backpacking biggest fan and cheerleader. or even camped,” Wolfinger said. “We experience. want people who have maybe secretly After recently celebrating her 40th birthday, Cari set some desired to do something like this, to know we are here and specific goals to live a more fit and adventurous lifestyle. This ready to help them make some amazing memories in the great Wilderness Initiative trip was just what she needed. The trip is in outdoors!” June, so now Cari has a deadline and purpose for her training. She Wilderness Initiative offers expeditions and educational is not walking a mile or two here and there as she can fit it into her opportunities for people of all skill levels and ages. You can schedule; she has a calendar with a training schedule, a detailed learn more at www.wildernessinitiative.com or email anne@ packing list, expert gear advice and everything she needs to be wildernessinitiative.com.

Above, Wolfinger will lead the 13-day excursion on the Appalachian Trail.

Tuttle, shown here on the last leg of her Continental Divide hike, is a triplecrown hiker; having finished the Continental Divide, Pacific Crest and Appalachian trails. 32

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

2016 did not go the way I thought it would. I had big plans and even bigger goals for myself. But as life sometimes does, it got a little ugly, and come spring all of my plans were suddenly derailed. I found myself looking in the mirror on my 40th birthday thinking, ‘How did I let this happen? I was doing so well.’ I blinked and the new year was here and I was still feeling defeated and frustrated. I started spending time alone, asking myself what I wanted the next 40 years of my life to look like. I had no idea. And then on March 2, I got my answer. I saw Cheryl’s post on social media about a 13-day, 100-mile hike along a section of the Appalachian Trail, and I felt a twinge in my spirit. I shared it with my husband and he immediately told me I should do it. I made a decision that day to no longer allow fear or self-doubt to keep me from experiencing all that life has to offer. I tell my kids that we can do anything we set our minds to! It’s time I start believing that for myself. I have less than 100 days until I leave, so I’ve made some major dietary changes and I’m doing lots of walking! My family and friends are encouraging me as I prepare and what a boost that has been. I know I - Cari Kilgore couldn’t do this without their support.

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Campers kayaking at Payne Campground.

Head to the Lake BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

The 2017 recreation season officially has begun on Allatoona Lake! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages numerous boat ramps and day-use areas situated around the lake, and eight convenient campgrounds offer great opportunities for a full outdoor experience close to your own backyard. Now is a good time to start making reservations for campsites and busy day-use shelters. See pages Five corps campgrounds will be open by early May: 36-37 for a map Sweetwater, McKaskey, Payne, of Allatoona Lake, Victoria and McKinney. The remaining three campgrounds showing all the — Stamp Creek, Old Highway opportunities for 41 #3 and Clark Creek North camping, boating — will open in mid-May, just before Memorial Day weekend. and swimming. The corps operates more than

Campers, Boaters and Swimmers

600 sites, each equipped with an impact pad and fire ring, and most with water access and 30- and 50-watt electrical hookups. To make reservations, visit www.recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six month in advance, so plan ahead to make sure you have your favorite spot. The corps operates 14 day-use areas around Allatoona Lake. During weekends in May and June, these areas usually fill to capacity by noon. Make your plans to come earlier or later during this busy season. There are 10 boat ramps, four beaches and seven shelter areas available to the public. There is a $5 user fee at most areas, but annual corps and interagency passes are accepted. May is National Safe Boating Month and the corps has several water safety initiatives in place to keep the public safe during the recreation season. The Life Jacket Loaner Program is located at every corps-operated area around the lake. These life jackets are provided at no charge, either at area gatehouses or loaner boards located at ramps and beaches. Remember: LIFE JACKETS WORN … NOBODY MOURNS! The corps’ Ranger Trading Card Program is again in full swing. When your child sees a ranger, remind him or her to ask for a card. Children under 15 can collect 14 different cards by demonstrating their knowledge of water safety. The more cards collected, the more prizes they can earn, including life jackets, beach towels, beach mats, Rome Braves and Booth Museum passes, and more! Let’s make safety a priority during the busy 2017 recreation season. Be safe, and we will see you at the lake. For more information concerning recreational programs, please call the Operations Project Management Office at Allatoona at 678-721-6700.

Christopher Purvis is the lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.

Swimmers enjoy the beach at Galts Ferry. 34

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Expert Surgical Care for the Cherokee Community

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TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Federal Reserve Raises Benchmark Interest Rate DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Monetary policy is normalizing due to economic improvement. On March 15, the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 0.75-1.00 percent. The increase was widely expected, and it represented a vote of confidence in the economy.1 This was the central bank’s second rate hike in three months, and Wall Street took it in stride, with the S&P 500 rising nearly 15 points that day. One reason may have been the Fed’s latest dotplot forecast, which remained as it was when the last interest rate adjustment was made in December. The Fed still projects a total of three hikes in 2017.1,2 When the economy picks up its pace, the Fed responds. In the past several months, job growth and economic output have been steady, and inflation pressure has built to where consumer prices are rising close to 2 percent a year. The central bank thinks economic growth is now significant enough to warrant a series of small rate hikes.3 As interest rates slowly rise, retirees and savers could benefit. While higher rates do imply costlier borrowing, there are also some positives that come with tightening. Rising rates are good for interest-bearing bank accounts and fixed-rate investment yields. Higher interest rates encourage banks to lend more, improving the availability of credit. Rate increases often promote dollar strength, meaning the dollar could buy more abroad – a perk for travelers. Even with slim inventory in the housing market, home sales could now get a boost – prospective home buyers may not want to wait much longer to arrange a mortgage. If interest rate adjustments occur two or three times a year (as they once commonly did), then investors may interpret Fed monetary policy statements less obsessively and focus on market fundamentals to greater degree.4 As Fed chair Janet Yellen commented to reporters after the

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Federal Open Market Committee’s decision Wednesday, “The simple message is, the economy is doing well.” Sustained economic improvement commonly leads the central bank to increase interest rates.1 Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor 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 - marketwatch.com/story/fed-raises-interest-rates-by-a-quarter-pointsees-two-move-moves-this-year-2017-03-15 [3/15/17] 2 - bigcharts.marketwatch.com/historical/default.asp?symb=SPX&close Date=3%2F15%2F17&x=0&y=0 [3/16/17] 3 - nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/15/business/federal-reserveinterest-rates.html [3/15/17] 4 - bankrate.com/finance/federal-reserve/benefits-higher-interest-ratesfrom-federal-reserve-1.aspx [3/15/17]

Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

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Andrew Cheney From left: Kristi Walker, Liam Peeples, Faith Renee Kennedy, Collin Alexander Brown and Maddox Robinson.

On Track with Another Dirt track racing churns up drama in the new faith-based film “Champion,” releasing theatrically May 19 from Brannon Pictures, produced with support from First Baptist Church Woodstock. Moviegoers may recognize places and the faces of some of the actors; scenes were filmed at Dixie Speedway, Capital Race Cars, several homes in Cherokee County and a rain scene in downtown Woodstock. Delving into topics like forgiveness, fatherhood, foster parenting and the power of second chances, “Champion” depicts race car driver Sean Weathers’ journey following a tragic on-track accident that rips apart his family, leaving

Robert Amaya and Lindsay Sparks 40

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Local Film

him vulnerable to the last person on earth who should help him. “I saw the community and family involvement in the dirt track industry and felt it would be the perfect setting to provide both excitement and a family-centered focus,” director and producer Judd Brannon said. “The driving force for the plot was my desire to reach people with the love of Christ.” First Baptist Church Woodstock and Pastor Johnny Hunt supported Brannon from the beginning. Hunt, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, has been involved with racing as a chaplain for Dixie Speedway for 25 years. The heart of the story is in its theme of forgiveness. “The film tackles forgiveness in a way that is very creative,” Hunt said. “In ‘Champion,’ the viewer sees the need Faith Renee for forgiveness but doesn’t imagine how Kennedy it’s going to happen. Then, all of a sudden, there’s a ‘wow’ moment.” This production would not have been possible without the support of local talent, Brannon said. Woodstock locals Missy Reedy and Sarah Inabnit worked in collaboration to complete the screenplay. Several key actors also call the Woodstock/Canton area home, including Collin Brown, Lindsay Sparks, Kathy Dillon, Kristi Walker, Ty Hunter, Katherine Shepler, Diane Tuttle, Phil Cunningham, Taryn Chidebelu-Eze, Richard Holden and Rachel Grubb. Some are veteran actors and others make their debut in “Champion.”

continued on page 92

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Debunking the ‘House of Cards’ Myth BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

“How much is it really like ‘House of Cards’ down there?” “Do you guys have a Frank Underwood?” “What is a majority whip anyway?” For anyone who has seen Netflix’s hit “House of Cards,” it probably doesn’t shock you that these are common questions I get from constituents. For the first two, I’ll answer them simply: You might very well think that, but I couldn’t possibly comment. Just kidding. It’s not like “House of Cards.” Less killing (none that I’m aware of) and far less coordination of efforts (the House and Senate just chase each other in circles more often than not). As far as Frank Underwood, thankfully, he’s one of a kind. The last question keeps coming up, though: “What is a majority whip?” To help answer that, let me explain the way our House chamber is laid out, what our officer positions are called and a brief summary of their roles. These positions are not (always) mirrored in the Senate, so, for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus solely on the chamber you send me to, the “People’s House.” There are only three officers required in the House by our state’s constitution. No. 1: the speaker of the house, who is elected by the members of the House (ordinarily between two nominees, one selected by the Republicans and one by the Democrats) as the presiding officer in the chamber. The speaker must be a member of the House and is by far the most powerful member of the House of Representatives, tasked with presiding over daily operations, appointing committee chairmen and more. No. 2: The speaker pro tempore of the House is elected in like manner by the whole

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

House from among its members. The speaker pro tempore serves much like a vice president and is the natural heir to the speakership in case of death, resignation, etc. No. 3: There is also a clerk of the house, whose role is operational. The clerk is elected by the members, but is not required to be a member. They keep track of legislation for the members, process bills and serve as the back office for the body. Then come the partisan officers. There is a majority leader and minority leader. The majority leader is elected among the members of the party in power (currently the Republican Party, with 118 of 180 members) and the minority leader among members of the party in the minority (currently the Democratic Party, with 62 of 180 members). Their role is to lead their party in the chamber on legislation and policy matters. There is also a majority whip and minority whip. The whips are elected from their respective party members and their role is simple: an accurate count. They speak with their members to determine the sentiment of the caucus on issues and legislation. If the speaker or the leader wants to know whether we have the votes to bring a measure to the floor, they turn to the whip. These are the four partisan officers whose jobs are what I would consider “in chamber” roles. There are also partisan officers whose roles are electoral. There is a majority caucus chairman and a minority caucus chairman, who lead their respective caucuses politically. They help members in their elections and act as a resource for them politically. There are also vice caucus chairmen in each party whose job it is to assist the chairs. In the GOP caucus, we have a majority caucus secretary treasurer, whose job is to keep up with caucus dues and ensure continued on page 92 Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Mind OVER

Chatter BY TIM TIMMONS

Many people are curious about guided meditation and how it can be helpful. Guided meditation is when you are guided, by a narrator, to elicit a specific change in your life. You are first guided to relax your body and mind, to help you reach a deep meditative state before going on a journey, in your mind, to reach a specific goal. The goal is to reach a deep restful state to allow the mind and body to relax. This process is used to train the mind and body to handle and embrace a more serene state. Guided meditation can help people deal with stressors. Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. An example often used is to imagine a lemon in great detail – the smell, the color, the texture of the peel. Continue to imagine the smell of the lemon, and then see yourself taking a bite of the lemon and feel the juice squirting into your mouth. Many people salivate when they do this. This demonstrates how your body can respond to what you’re imagining. Guided meditation is used to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. You also can use it to help reach goals, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, getting restful sleep, managing pain, promoting healing or overcoming low self-esteem. It even can help you to prepare for an athletic event or for public speaking.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Guided imagery, sometimes called guided relaxation or guided visualization, utilizes individual life experience and imagination, as opposed to predetermined images. There is scientific research showing that imagery can reduce the need for postoperative pain medication, help wounds heal more quickly, lower anxiety, decrease blood loss and lead to a shorter hospital stay. Imagery isn’t strictly visual. It’s a perception that comes through any of the senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Since the brain doesn’t The goal is always distinguish between an imagined event and a real to reach a one, the experience you have deep restful with a guided meditation state to allow is often like having a real experience. Guided meditation the mind and has the power to reach your body to relax. subconscious mind by feeding it images and sounds, and directing your imagination to experience with all your senses. When you have a real experience, new neural pathways are made that rewire your brain and affect your whole body. The changes that we seek in our lives can happen, but we need to take the initial steps toward our goal, and be open to accepting the journey.

Tim Timmons is the owner of Salon Gloss and Spa. Tim’s industry experience includes positions as trainer/educator, celebrity stylist and beauty consultant for the Grammys and MTV video music awards.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Real Estate Market Still Strong BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

We are pleased to report the housing market in our area (neighborhoods served by the TowneLaker) has continued to show strong improvement by almost every measure in 2017. The data is showing us that because of the decline in inventory of available resales and new construction, homes sold faster, for more money and for more than their list price as compared with the first quarter of 2016. Homes sold for 7.86 percent more money per square foot in 2017 than 2016, with the average single family home selling for an average of 9.12 percent more (or $21,094 more on average). The total days on market improved by 16.53 days as well. Homes are taking an average of only 60.91 total days to sell and closer to 45 days when priced correctly. We are a little surprised to see a decline in total sales (resales

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and new construction) when comparing the first quarter of 2016 with 2017. Judging from the increase in prices and the shortening of the days on market, there is no lack of buyer demand, just a lack of supply. This could be a function of new construction labor shortages in combination with resale sellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reluctance to sell without knowing they will find a home to buy. Â Market conditions are still ideal for sellers and should be improving even more for buyers as we move into a more balanced market, provided interest rates remain low.

Kurt and Sheila are a top-producing real estate team that lives in Towne Lake and has served Cherokee County for more than 15 years. Â www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Visit Woodstock’s Oldest Jewelry Store for the Coolest Experience!

ife events are often marked by the gift of jewelry: weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, motherhood and even memorials. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of jewelry to commemorate a special event, the folks at Art Jewelers can guide you through the process; even letting you cast the metal for your one-of-a-kind gift. Art Jewelers is a manufacturing jeweler - which means jewelry is designed and crafted on the premises. The store opened in 1985, making it Woodstock’s oldest full-service jeweler. Owner Dave Meadows fell in love with Woodstock as a child, when his family passed

through Georgia on their way from Michigan to Florida for vacation. “I always said that when I grew up, I wanted to live in Georgia,” Dave said, “and here I am.” The business was originally started in 1926 in Detroit by Arthur (Art) Meadows, and continues to be a multi-generational business. Several family members work side-by-side to preserve the tradition of skilled craftsmanship and personalized customer service. Dave has a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. He is certified by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and holds a Bachelor of Theology. His daughter Angelica is one class away from earning her graduate of gemology degree. Custom designs set Art Jewelers apart from other jewelry stores. Customization of a piece of jewelry is an experience; customers are given complete

ONE-OF-A-KIND DESIGNS

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control by being included in every step. From the computer design and choosing stones and metals, to creating 3D wax molds and casting the final piece, clients are part of the process. Not many guys can say they were able to cast the metal used in their fiancee’s ring. “Customers typically fall into one of three categories,” store manager Andrew McDeermond said. “They have no ideas and no materials, they have materials but no ideas, or they have an idea of what they want and they’re looking to us for guidance. We have the ability to work with all of these.” Consistent success prompted an expansion to their current location in 2016. The size of the store was doubled, a second 3D printer was added and the store’s appraisal service capacity was expanded. The additional space also allows for more displays of one-of-a-kind creations and award-winning original designs. The staff is proud of the multiple first- and second-place design competition awards won by Art Jewelers. The store also has been awarded Best of Show for the past two years by the Georgia Jewelers Sponsored Content

136 Woodstock Square Ave., Suite 400 Woodstock, GA, 30189

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Association (GJA) and recently placed first in three categories at the annual GJA jewelry competition. Jewelry repairs and restoration also are among the services offered. The highest levels of craftsmanship are found at all stages, from the design concept to the finished piece. Even the most inexpensive piece of jewelry may hold the most valuable memory and be a treasure to someone. The staff at Art Jewelers counts it a privilege to be entrusted to work on a piece of jewelry for your family. Customers are treated like

artjewelers

family at Art Jewelers and it’s obvious that family and faith are cornerstones of the business. The store gives back to the community in many ways, including donating to various local private and public schools, and supporting an orphanage in Ecuador. “We love to laugh and cry with our customers, and rejoice and remember. It’s a joy to see the excitement on someone’s face when they find the perfect piece of jewelry to commemorate their special event,” Dave said. Find the perfect gift of jewelry this season at Art Jewelers.

PHOTOS BY HAILEY HUGGINS

AWARD-WINNING DESIGNS

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Meet the New Girls on the Block flowers, five fuzzy “toes” that resemble a cat’s paw – thus the name. It just so happens that pussytoes is It can happen in any neighborhood. the host plant for a native butterfly, Once pussytoes arrive on the strip, the painted lady. When the butterflies pretty soon the painted ladies follow. arrive in spring to flutter around my Some don’t think a respectable flowers, it’s like watching angels visit. community should have these girls in The painted lady is not a woman of plain sight, but for the past 15 years I disrepute. She is a beautiful soul that have encouraged it. brings joy to my heart. I first met pussytoes at a ballpark. I plant native nectar plants each My oldest son Tyler was spending ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM season for the butterflies. But when endless hours in ball practice. One it comes to attracting them year after morning I wandered off by myself to year, you have to keep your eye on the ball; butterflies need not explore the wild edges of the park. The sound of birdsong was a only nectar, but also a place to lay their eggs, and something their peaceful respite to the voices of the coaches on the field - or my caterpillar offspring will munch on. husband Michael in the stands. I have noticed painted lady caterpillars every summer in my front And there she was - lying in the sun on a mound of the driest, yard, sheltered in the silver leaves of the pussytoes. Native plants worst-looking dirt imaginable. I didn’t know her name at the time, feed native insects, which feed our wild birds and animals. If we but the silver-leaf ground cover was beautiful. all plant native plants, pretty soon a subdivision can be a thriving I had to bring her home. ecosystem - with pussytoes and painted ladies on every corner. On the ride back, Michael wanted to know why - instead of For years I’ve listened to Michael complain these can’t be real watching our son play baseball and listening to him yell from the plants because they don’t sell them at the local nursery. Three stands - I had dug up “dirty bags of weeds.” I tried to show him years ago I began to see pussytoes for purchase online. I showed the beauty of these unnamed FREE Pussytoes for Michael so he’d know those “dirty bags of weeds” were actually plants, but by then he was considered prized ground cover by master gardeners. talking to Tyler about “keeping the First 5 Takers: He admitted he was wrong and apologized. It’s fun winning an your eye on the ball.” For the first five people argument - even if it takes 10 years. You just have to keep your eye So I planted the silver-leaf who text or email me on the ball. ground cover in my front yard (go to annlitrel.com) along a sunny island strip. I’ll set out a pot of I looked it up: Antennaria pussytoes on my porch plantaginifolia, or pussytoes. to share. Let’s give Ann is an artist who lives in Towne Lake with her husband Silvery leaves, totally deer Woodstock painted Dr. Michael Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached proof, light up any sunny spot. at Ann@annlitrel.com. ladies on every corner. In the spring, they send up their BY ANN LITREL

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Avoid Making a Roadside Pit Stop BY DANNY BRANOM

If you are planning a road trip, here are a few tips to help you spend time making good memories instead of waiting on the side of the road for a tow truck. Check your vehicle before leaving. Not being up to date on routine maintenance before taking a trip can be costly and inconvenient. Many of today’s shops will perform a safety inspection as a courtesy while doing your scheduled oil change. Have your vehicle inspected by a trustworthy and trained professional. Be familiar with your vehicle. Knowing how to change a flat tire can be priceless. As crazy as it sounds, some vehicles today do not have a spare tire or jack. Read your owner’s manual to learn what to do if you have a flat tire. If time allows, I strongly suggest you practice by changing a tire at home a week or two before taking your trip. Be alert while traveling. I know this sounds easy, but with all the distractions today (especially cellphones) it only takes a split second to have a disaster. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates more than 3,000 deaths and 400,000 injuries occur each year because drivers become distracted. Be sure to maintain a safe following distance, especially on the interstate. If you have more than one driver in the car, share the driving time to reduce your fatigue. This

Towne Lake Business Association www.tlba.org May is typically a busy month of graduations and making summer plans. We also hope it includes time to increase your business’ bottom line. Join us to hear business consultant Drew Tonsmeire of KSU’s marketing department. He will give us some “tricks of the trade” to help your business be found in online searches. TLBA’s May Lunch-N-Learn When: 12:15- 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 Where: The Grille at Towne Lake Hills Cost: $12 ( includes lunch) Speaker: Drew Tonsmeire - consultant with SBDC at KSU Topic: SEO for local business Workshops are presented by leading business speakers discussing topics geared toward local business owners and supporters. Visitors are welcome! Thank you for supporting our community by “ Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee” 54

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

also allows you to make stops to get out and stretch your legs. Check the weather. Fast-changing weather can create hazardous road conditions. Help keep everyone safe and be aware of weather you will be traveling through. Pack an emergency roadside kit. I believe most of us remember our parents having one of these emergency kits in the trunk of the family car. You may need to be creative if you have an SUV, minivan or car without a trunk. My first choice would be to use a plastic tub with a resealable lid. It does not have to be large, but, regardless of the size, make it a priority to make room for it. Your kit should include a set of jumper cables, first aid kit, pair of old gloves (these come in handy when changing a flat tire), spare phone charger, flares, a gallon of bottled water and a flashlight with new batteries. Last but not least (and hard to find these days) is a road map of the area you will be traveling. For additional tips on safe summer driving, visit icsw.nhtsa.gov/ nhtsa/tips/summer.

Danny Branom is owner/operator of Christian Brothers Automotive in Towne Lake. 770-926-4500. www.cbac.com/townelake.

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Woodstock Funeral Home

Woodstock Funeral Home continues to grow with the South Cherokee County community. The professional, experienced and dedicated staff provides compassionate care to families at a difficult time in their lives. The staff believes funeral services should reflect the lives of those being honored, and strives to create meaningful tributes to those who have meant so much to family and friends. A memorial service should be as unique as the person it honors, and Woodstock Funeral Home takes pride in creating personalized services that capture the essence of you or your loved one. Family members are offered help in finding inspiration – in a song, a hobby, a trademark style, a defining philosophy, a lifelong passion – which can be turned into a memorial service filled with thoughtful and meaningful details. There is no limit to the special tribute that can be created so that your life – or the life of someone you love – is well celebrated. Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188 770-926-3107.

Perimeter North Family Medicine Now Serving the Canton Community! Perimeter North Family Medicine is proud to now serve the families throughout Canton and North Georgia. Offering a full range of adult and pediatric services, our board-certified physician, Dr. Haroon Mian and experienced Nurse Practitioner, Leslie Head, NP-C offer the highest standard of care to keep you and your family happy and healthy. We accept most insurance plans, offer same-day appointments for sick visits and offer a new, convenient location on the Northside Hospital Cherokee medical campus.

Haroon Mian, M.D.

Our Services Include: • • • •

Physical examinations & wellness care for men, women & children General and chronic care for geriatric patients Immunizations Acute illness treatment for colds, fevers, flu & more

Call 770-395-1130 to schedule an appointment 460 Northside Cherokee Blvd, Suite 170, Canton GA 30115 PNFM.com

Leslie Head, NP-C

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Fun with The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Department offers an active group for senior citizens called the Silver Roamers. For a $24 yearly fee, members can attend monthly gatherings for fellowship and to discuss upcoming events. Members get discounts on trips and events, and win prizes through the Roamers Mileage Club. Non-members can take part in day and overnight excursions, but the cost is a little more. For details and costs, call Frankie Sanders at 770-924-7768, or go to www.crpa.net.

May 4

July 20

beautiful grounds at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. After a 20-minute video, participants will get a map and venture out to see the museum, gardens, and can choose to join the monks in prayer. Boxed lunch served. Cost: $25 members, $35 nonmembers.

with some shade and includes food. Cost: $35 members, $45 nonmembers.

Mystery Trip. Where there is a mystery, there is always joy! Cost: $60 member, $70 non-members.

May 10

Aug. 17

Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Visit Conyers and explore the

Appreciation Luncheon/Bingo. Meeting at noon at the Union Hill Community Center, 1780 AJ Land Road, Canton. Free. For members only.

May 18

Rome Braves. Seating will be on the first-base side on the field level

July 27

Historic Uncle Ruban Trolley in Marietta/Shillings on the Square. A fully narrated trolley tour around Marietta and the square, with a meal at Shillings on the Square. Cost: $60 member, $70 nonmembers.

Barnsley Garden/Woodland Grill. Guided tour of the

Aug. 31

June 3

his story, visit the home of his birth, and where he played as a child. Walk in his footsteps, and hear his voice in the church where he moved hearts and minds. Marvel at how he was an instrument for social change. Lunch at Noni’s Deli. Cost: $35 member, $45 non-members.

property, which sits on approximately 3,300 acres. Cost: $50 members, $60 non-members.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site/Noni’s Deli. Hear

Georgia Renaissance Festival. Enjoy the interactive arts and entertainment festival held each year combining theater, entertainment, and arts and crafts. The 32-acre village is filled with more than 150 Artisan Craft Shoppes, 10 stages of endless entertainment, pubs and taverns, and food. Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members.

Senior Adventure Camp. The week includes trips to Chattanooga Cycleboats, Etowah Indian Mounds, Escalade Rock Climbing, Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel and a Braves game. Prices vary.

June 8

Oct. 2-5

the historic Bulloch Hall, Roswell’s Antebellum houses and Old Roswell Mills to learn how the town started in the 1840s. Lunch at Hugo’s Oyster Bar. Cost: $55 members, $65 non-members.

Ark replica and Cincinnati. Non-members welcome. $150 nonrefundable deposit due at registration. Final payment due Sept. 1. $550 double room, $750 single room.

Tour of Roswell & Alpharetta/Hugo’s Oyster Bar. Visit

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Sept. 11-15

Overnight trip to Williamstown, KY. Trip includes a visit to Noah’s

Senior Sense:

A Part of the Earth BY DELIA HALVERSON

We’ve had such up-and-down weather this year, that it reminded me of the 13 years I spent in the Dakotas. We never knew when the real spring would arrive. One blizzard was the first day of May, but spring finally arrived, followed by a blistering 100 degree summer. Such are the Dakotas. Soon, we will move into summer here. When we were younger, our family and my brother-in-law’s family enjoyed yearly trips to the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. We left cars at the end of the road, and never saw “civilization” for seven to 10 days, crossing lakes and portaging canoes and packs between the lakes. We enjoyed each other, but more importantly we found an understanding of nature. On one island hidden deep in the backwaters, two small quarreling squirrels joined our campsite. They spent all their time chasing each other away from our campsite – each hoping for crumbs we might leave. Another squirrel exhibited a different view on life. He paid no attention to us, busily harvesting pinecones until almost dark, preparing for the winter ahead. We watched him, high in the tree, as he chewed off one cone after another, dropping them to the ground, and whisking them away for winter storage. At another campsite I watched several water spiders fight over a mosquito. The spider in possession of the mosquito had no time to eat it, trying to keep it away from others. I wonder if the mosquito was ever eaten or if the spiders wore it to nothing, shuffling it from one grasping mouth to another. We also learned from the trees. Some appeared to grow out of the rocks. Many years ago a seed burst forth and sent tiny roots into a crack, searching for nourishment. In every direction lay rock. To conquer the environment seemed impossible. However, the searching roots made adjustments, worked with the environment and soon found the path to establish themselves to nourish the strong, healthy tree. The tree that appears to grow out of a solid rock found a balance with its environment. We found rocks with long and dominant scratches indicating movements of glaciers many years ago. The earth and its creatures have adjusted. But often we step in and try to change things, forgetting our responsibility to this earth. We have trees to give us oxygen, if we don’t cut them all down. We have the sun to give us energy, and we must learn to use that, instead of squabbling like the squirrels on our canoe trip. We need not conquer the earth, but better learn to adjust and fit into its system.

Delia writes books and leads workshops internationally. She and her husband settled in Woodstock after living in eight states. Their children and grandchildren live nearby.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Walk in the Woods for Father-Son Bonding BY MATT NEAL

When I was a boy, before my teenage years warped my brain beyond recognition with thoughts of girls, popularity and cool cars, I was really into outdoor activities. Anything involving hiking and camping, knives and building fires was for me. Now, as an adult, when I want to find out what’s going on in my son’s life, nothing beats a walk in the woods. “Hey Dad,” my son said, as we clambered over rocks on a newly discovered hiking trail, “what foods would you stock up on if it were the zombie apocalypse?” I’ve wasted a lot of time asking him, “How was your day?” and, “Tell me what’s on your mind.” It’s sometimes frustrating that he’s willing to discuss those more personal things with his mother, so that I only hear what’s going on in his life secondhand. But, men bond at a different level. We are less direct than our wives and daughters, sisters and mothers. Men’s brains work differently and we focus on things that are more primal, based more on instinct, survival, and in-the-moment experiences. My wife has the uncanny ability to get to the heart of the matter when she asks my son about the girl who has been leaving messages on our phone. If I ask those same questions, he clams up. Men have a different super power. We can talk in a “been-theredone-that” sort of way that allows the younger cubs to discuss

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

things as if it’s not an embarrassing subject. These aren’t the types of conversations that happen while sitting on the sofa. It’s not like on TV, where the father says, “Son, come over here and we’ll have a man-to-man talk.” It happens when you enter your son’s world. When you get into the trenches, and get involved in his interests. As we continued our hike, I explained the different types of trees. He spotted some graffiti on an old train trestle. “Hey Dad, what does that word mean?” I told him, along with a short lecture on why we don’t use that word. “Hey Dad, if you had to fight zombies, would you rather have a battle ax, or a katana?” “A katana, of course.” This wasn’t my first rodeo. As we neared the end of the trail, the late afternoon sun cast a glow on the water. We looked at it for a moment. I wondered what he was thinking. Surely something profound. “Hey Dad, would you rather fight 10 chicken-sized zombies, or 10 zombie-sized chickens?” Hmm. I’ll have to think about that one.

Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived in Woodstock with his wife since 1999. He can be reached at mattnealwriter@outlook.com.

The Welcome Home Embrace BY SEAN KAUFMAN

I am a big man. I don’t cry too much, but there is something that makes me cry and shake like a little baby. I can’t explain it – it just happens. I grew up with my father coming and going; it was one military exercise after another. We moved every two to three years to a new place, a new life and new friends. My mother, brother and I were a unit, fully functional when Dad was gone. My father had three rules when he would go away: “No. 1 take care of your Mom. No. 2 do what we have always expected of you. No. 3 don’t embarrass our family name.” I can remember him bending down on one knee, looking me in the eyes and saying this almost every time before leaving. One day, during my senior year in high school, the principal called me into his office. Go home he said and hurry. I grabbed my brother and ran to our truck. We tried to guess what was happening as we drove home. As we pulled up, my father was there on bended knee. This time was different. He had watery eyes, and as he said the three things, he said them with a tone meant for eternity. He was headed to Iraq, and was uncertain if he would see us again. A big hug and two minutes later, he was gone. Six months later my father returned. He got to see his sons graduate and eventually play with his grandchildren. But the day he returned, I couldn’t go and see him. It was like I was frozen until he walked through the door of our home. The minute he did, the six months of fear and anxiety poured out as I gave him a welcome home embrace. I cried more than I ever had. Recently, I was at the Home Depot on Highway 92, and I noticed a sign; a tribute and sign of respect for those who have served our country, were injured while doing so, and returned home to be embraced by their families. I was grateful for the opportunity to see my father again, and I hurt for those whose final embrace was one of goodbye. To those who serve our country and for the families of those who serve, I am humbled and remain in debt to all of you. May God bless all of you and grant you that welcome home embrace. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Sean Kaufman, an expert in behaviour change, specializes in life coaching and workforce motivation and owns The Texting Coach and Behavior-Based Improvement Solutions. sean@seankaufman.com TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Helping Hands

Finishing BY SUSAN SCHULZ

Helen Keller said, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Even though deeply loved, Collins Dixon is no longer with us. He remains a part of our community through Bend Your Knees Inc., a nonprofit started in his honor. Through Bend Your Knees, Collins’ parents, Bob and Robin Dixon, are dedicated to raising pediatric brain tumor awareness and financially supporting families with a child who has a brain tumor. They also work with other organizations, such as the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Collins’ shout of encouragement to “Bend your knees!” — which he would yell to his big brothers when they took foul shots — has echoed through Cherokee County beyond the basketball court. It began when Collins received a harmless hit on the head during basketball practice in February 2011. After the bump to the head, he experienced flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t go away. Doctors ordered a CT scan that revealed a rare tumor in the center of his brain. In the 10 months battling this tumor, he lived life to the fullest. He continued playing sports, spoke about his faith and brain tumor awareness at a community event called Fields of Faith, and even ran a 5K. He never lost his joy, no matter what he went through during his treatment. He finished strong on Jan. 14, 2012. About Collins, Chris Page said, “Typical sixth grade boy who loved sports, his family and his friends. That’s how I assessed Collins when he entered my youth group. But, as is true of any person, when life gets real, gets hard, what’s really inside us comes out. After being blindsided by the uncertainty of living with a brain tumor, what was inside him indeed came out. It came out bright, clear and strong. “First, and never wavering, came out faith. But, were Collins here among us, he would challenge us all to not be typical. He would tell us to live for God and others, to let that kind of living

Robin Dixon in Collins’ jersey, son Ron Chastain, and Bob Dixon with Cherokee High Football Team on Senior Night.

become the new normal, the new typical.” There’s nothing typical about his football teammates (who are now seniors). They wanted Collins represented by his parents and older brother on the Cherokee High School field last fall on Senior Night. This young man’s legacy of giving back lives on through the foundation. Denise Whitfield shared how Bend Your Knees impacted her family’s life when her son, Joshua, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. “There is no way to describe just what the support has meant to Joshua and our family through the years since his diagnosis,” Denise said. “The Dixon family and Bend Your Knees have gone over and beyond in supporting us in many ways. Just to name one, they treated us to a Braves game. Our prayer is to one day be able to help others in similar ways.” Last year, the foundation helped the families of 14 children with this difficult diagnosis, in Cherokee County and throughout the Southeast. Bend Your Knees has fun annual community events like sporting clay shoots, golf tournaments and 5Ks. The next one, and the most popular, is the Collins Dixon Bend Your Knees Run (5K and One Mile). The 5K for this year lands on Collins’ 18th birthday, July 22, 2017 (register via the website). If you are a family in need or know of one, are looking to volunteer, or can contribute financially, visit: BendYourKnees.org and facebook. com/BendYourKneesInc or call 678-922-1560 or 877-389-1560.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher, author, wife, and mom of three grown children. She lives and plays along the Etowah River and loves serving at Woodstock City Church.

Warriors Coach, Richard White, praying with Collins and his teammates. 60 TOWNELAKER | May 2017

MAY FLOWERS AND

2017

READERS’

CHOICE

RELIABLE HEATING & AIR:

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Spring traditions we can always rely on.

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Health & Wellness

Common Misconceptions About Knee Pain BY DR. DUNCAN WELLS

Eighty percent of American adults can expect to have at least one episode of significant knee pain in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Although most of these episodes will resolve spontaneously, many won’t. This means there are thousands of people suffering with daily knee pain, more than likely because of misconceptions regarding available treatment. The first misconception is that all chronic knee pain needs to be treated with surgery. The fact is, the vast majority of patients with knee pain don’t have a surgical problem. Often the cause is as simple as a biomechanical imbalance of the muscles surrounding the knee, perhaps as a result of a sprain, a sudden increase in activity, or as a result of the aging process. This imbalance will usually respond to a combination of a short course of physical therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and a moderate amount of activity modification. The second misconception is that, if the knee pain is caused by arthritis, the only treatment available is a knee replacement. In fact, early arthritis can be treated effectively with physical therapy, medication and bracing. If these three methods of treatment only provide partial relief, then there are new

injections, such as Visco supplementation injections (purified hyaluronic acid), and platelet rich plasma injections that can lead to remarkably long pain-free stretches of time. The third and final misconception, is that, if all of the above treatment methods fail, and the patient does indeed need a knee replacement, then he or she is facing a complicated, risky surgery, and a painful extended recovery. Let’s begin with the fact that the term knee replacement is a misnomer, since nothing is replaced during surgery. The procedure involves simply removing and resurfacing the damaged cartilage of the knee with a thin layer of ultra-hard stainless steel, separated by high density polyethylene. The operation takes less than two hours and has a very low complication rate. Patients typically spend only one night in the hospital, and they usually are walking within hours after the surgery. Dr. Duncan Wells, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, has been practicing in Cherokee County for 25 years. He is founder and president of Atlas Orthopaedics. www.Atlasorthopaedics.com. 770-517-2257

Keeping Cancer Patients on Course BY KATHLEEN GAMBLIN, RN, BSN, OCN

Being diagnosed with and treated for cancer can be a difficult process that brings many uncertainties. Oncology nurse navigators work to guide cancer patients through this challenging journey with emotional, physical and spiritual care. What is an oncology nurse navigator? From the moment there is suspicion of cancer or a cancer diagnosis, oncology nurse navigators begin providing the patient with guidance and support. The navigator is a constant point of contact for the patient and family, whether the patient is admitted to the hospital or being treated as an outpatient. They provide clinical education, testing and treatments, assist in communications with doctors and remain an easily accessed resource to the patient and caregiver. This role, originally conceived in the 1980s by Dr. Harold Freeman, a surgical oncologist in Harlem, N.Y., has become an integral component of the multidisciplinary cancer care. Patient support Oncology nurse navigators are proactive. They assess patients for any barriers that could keep them from receiving the care they need. These barriers could include: not understanding their disease or procedures, difficulty paying for care and/or treatment, lack of transportation to appointments, emotional 62

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

and psychological issues and even social issues such as lack of a support system or being a caregiver to someone else. While navigators may not be able to fix these issues, they have extensive resources, including their hospitals, the community and national assistance groups. Facilitator of care Like clinical nurses, oncology nurse navigators are trained in nursing school and hospitals. They most often have extensive knowledge and training in the field of oncology. Navigators often specialize in specific diseases, such as breast, lung, melanoma, prostate or gynecology. The oncology nurse navigator, like all nurses, finds the hardest part of the job to be the emotions that go with caring for patients going through the worst moments of their lives. However, the hardest part of their job is also the most rewarding. Being allowed to enter someone’s life during this difficult period is an honor and privilege and one that is not taken lightly.

Kathleen Gamblin is a registered nurse certified in oncology. She’s coordinator of Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Oncology Patient Navigation program.

An Award-Winning Assisted Living and Memory Care Community is Right Here in Woodstock. A unique, cluster-style neighborhood of 6 homes. Designed to be a change of address but not a change of lifestyle. Locally owned by committed and involved healthcare leaders. A deliberate, person-centered approach that values each individual. Camellia Place is less than a year old and has already been recognized as being in the top 1% of Senior Living Communities in the country. Now the readers of TowneLaker magazine have honored us in our own hometown. Visit our website, or better yet, visit us in person and discover the award-winning quality of life at Camellia Place.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

The Future of Dentistry is Here and Now BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

More than 20,000 dental professionals typically attend the annual Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting, sponsored by the Hinman Dental Society each March. Dr. Thomas Hinman had the simple idea 105 years ago that dentists should meet and share ideas about dental materials and techniques to advance the field of dentistry. As I walked through the 100,000 square feet of sophisticated dental technology located in the Georgia World Congress Center, I wondered what Dr. Hinman would feel if he could see the modern day extravaganza he created. The Hinman meeting demonstrated CAD CAM (computer automated design, computer automated manufacturing) technology that makes crowns on ceramic printers, utilizing light to scan teeth and stitch together 30,000 pictures per minute to generate a 3-dimensional image that is transferred through the internet to a lab or in-office machine. It defies anything I ever dreamed of when I graduated in 1988. The advancements made with dental implants have changed dental restorative treatment options for patients and allow dentists to replace missing teeth without a removable denture, which was the only option for more than a century. The use of white composite resin is now an

accepted standard that has replaced silver fillings, but, more importantly, has created aesthetic options for front teeth. My visit to the Hinman Dental Meeting made me realize that the amazing breakthroughs we experience in dentistry today are all based on the technology from years ago. In other words, the future of dentistry is here and now. Dentistry has improved tremendously since Dr. Hinman’s day, and has improved tremendously since I graduated. The key to success in dentistry is to utilize successfully the modern instruments and materials available today and optimize the best dental restorations that today’s technology will allow. I often observe gold crowns in patients’ mouths that were placed there 40 years ago and are still in excellent condition. Dental professionals can be snobby and think only today’s modern dentistry is viable, but seeing 40-year-old crowns, in good shape, creates a humble acceptance that older technology is still amazingly good.

Dr. Scott Harden, a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry, has served Woodstock for more than 25 years. 770-926-0000. www.FountainViewSmiles.com

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TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Teenagers: The World’s Smartest Ignorant Beings BY DR. AMY HARDIN

It’s amazing how much my daughters know about today’s online society. They’ve taught me about Instagram, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word shortcuts, and my Snapchat tutorials are ongoing. That being said, they still need my help for what I consider the easiest things. Many kids will head off to college or start apartment living in the next few months. You still have time to teach these important life tasks.

Health care: When your child is away from home for the first time and gets sick, does he or she know how sick is sick enough to head to student health or urgent care? Give them some guidelines about when to call you. Tylenol, ibuprofen, Benadryl, cough drops, Maalox and a thermometer are good additions to a medicine kit. Show them how to read their insurance card and check for medical care near college that is covered by insurance. Mental health also is important. Make sure they understand that mom and dad need to know when things seem to be spinning out of control.

Auto care: If your child is going to college with a car, make sure they know how to change a tire, recognize warning lights, and when to get an oil change and tires rotated. This can save you a lot of money down the road.

Doing the right thing: There are a lots of opportunities to do the wrong thing in college. Underage drinking is a big part of many kids’ college experience. Make sure they understand the laws involved, and that using fake IDs or underage drinking could lead to arrests and removal from college. If they insist on drinking, make sure they use a designated driver or Uber and don’t go to bars or parties by themselves. Also, since more than 70 percent of college kids are having sex, it needs to be discussed. First, it’s OK to be in the 30 percent. Many forms of birth control are available for girls, and condoms for both girls and boys.

Cooking: If they’re moving off campus, make sure your kids know how to make their favorite foods. When our daughters moved into their apartments, I sent a little box of their favorite recipes, and had them make them under my watch the summer before.

Dr. Amy Hardin has been a pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics in Woodstock for more than 20 years. www.northsidepediatrics.com.

Putting the Focus on Vision Problems BY DR. JENNIFER DATTOLO

There are four types of refractive errors a person can have. The one most patients have questions about is astigmatism. Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea (front of the eye) is shaped more like a football than a basketball. This means light entering the eye is scattered across the retina, causing blurry vision, “stretched out” vision and sometimes even double vision. This blurry, distorted vision occurs at all distances, near and far. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a refractive error in which objects in the distance are seen more clearly than those up close. However, with higher degrees of hyperopia, distance vision also will become blurry. Farsightedness usually occurs when the eye is shorter in length, causing images to focus behind the retina instead of directly on the retina. The most common refractive error is myopia, or nearsightedness. This is when near objects are clear and those at a distance are blurry. Myopia usually occurs when the eye is too long, making objects focus in front of the retina. Some studies have shown myopia also can develop from prolonged time spent doing up-close work (computers, IPad, reading books for extended periods of time). Recent studies also suggest the increase in nearsightedness in children could be related to a decrease in the amount of time they spend outdoors today. 66

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Those with higher amounts of myopia are at a greater risk of developing a retinal detachment, making yearly dilated eye exams extremely important. Presbyopia, or “old eyes,” is the inability of the lens to focus up close. This occurs as you age, and is most commonly seen over the age of 40. As presbyopia emerges, you may experience having to push your arms further away to read more clearly. Presbyopia often is confused with farsightedness, the main difference being that presbyopia is due to decreasing ability to focus as we age, not the length of the eye. Everyone can look forward to needing reading glasses due to presbyopia at some point as we age. Your eye doctor can detect all of these refractive errors, and it is possible to have all of them at the same time. Correction for astigmatism, hyperopia, myopia and presbyopia comes in many forms. Glasses and contact lenses can be prescribed for all to improve vision. Refractive surgeries (LASIK, PRK) treat astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia. Be sure to ask your optometrist which option is best for you.

Dr. Jennifer Dattolo, FCOVD, optometrist at Eyes on Towne Lake, has been in practice for 17 years and enjoys serving the Woodstock community. 770-702-5996. www.EyesonTowneLake.com.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Solutions for Single-Sided Deafness BY DR. SARAH OBAROWSKI

Single-sided deafness (SSD) is the loss of hearing in one ear. SSD most often is caused by viral infections, head or neck trauma, Meniere’s disease or surgical procedures to remove brain tumors that are on the auditory nerve. Individuals with SSD may not only experience impaired hearing on one side, but may also have a difficult time determining the direction of sound. This can put the individual in dangerous situations, particularly when they are trying to cross the street or navigate traffic relying only on one ear. SSD is more common and has more negative effects than most people realize. There are treatments available for this type of hearing loss. Two options that are approved by the FDA are a contralateral routing of the signal (CROS) device and a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) device. The CROS is a non-surgical option for SSD that utilizes how we traditionally listen using the outer, middle and inner ear. The device resembles a hearing aid and is made up of two components: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sits in the “dead” ear and picks up sound in your environment. The sound is then sent wirelessly to the receiver in the good ear. This allows for awareness of sounds located on the side of the deaf ear. For example, if a person has SSD in the left ear, with a CROS system they would be able to hear someone talking on their left side; however, all the sound would be funneled into the right ear with the receiver device.

The BAHA is a surgically implantable option for SSD that uses vibration to stimulate the inner ear directly through bone conduction. A titanium rod is surgically placed in the “dead” ear’s mastoid bone, which is located directly behind the ear. After allowing time for the incision site to heal, a small removable, box-like device is snapped onto the rod. This device picks up sound in your environment and, through bone vibration, sends the signal from the “dead” ear to the good ear. This device also would allow for sound awareness on the side of the deaf ear, as in the example described for the CROS. This device also is used widely for other types of hearing losses in addition to SSD. Although the user is gaining sound awareness from the “dead” ear, there are some realistic expectations to consider. Localization, or knowing where a sound is coming from, still will be challenging, since the sound is being presented to the good ear alone. Listening in background noise is most optimal with two ears, and this setting still will be difficult. It is important to discuss what your goals are and the best option for your hearing healthcare needs with a doctor of audiology.

Sarah Obarowski, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2016.

Avoid the Dangers of Dehydration BY DR. JORDAN HARRELL

The weather is officially humid, hot and unforgiving. Moving toward summer leads to more outdoor activities. From baseball games and walks in the park to lake activities, everyone wants to soak in some vitamin D from the sun. One thing to remember while you are outside is to remain hydrated. Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids faster than they are replaced. This rapid loss can cause a chemical imbalance in the body and lead to minor and Dehydration severe problems. occurs when the The main cause of dehydration is not body loses fluids drinking enough water, faster than they but there are other factors that include fever, are replaced. heat exposure, excessive exercise, vomiting and diarrhea. There are many ways to tell if you are dehydrated. Some are very obvious, such as increased thirst, dry mouth and lack of energy. The more serious symptoms that may require medical attention are weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations, confusion, fainting, decrease in urine output and inability to sweat. 68

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If you or someone you are with has minor signs of dehydration, sip small amounts of water. You also can have a sports drink, a popsicle made from juice or sports drinks, or chew on crushed ice. To help decrease the body temperature of someone who has become dehydrated, seek a cool or shaded area. Remove excess clothing, place a wet towel around the neck or sit in front of a fan. Be careful not to use ice packs or ice water, because this can cause the skin’s blood vessels to constrict and actually increase body temperature. Dehydration can be avoided with a few simple steps. Always bring along extra water if you are going to participate in outdoor events. Avoid exercise and exposure during high heat-index days. If you need to be outside for long periods of time, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid alcohol consumption, since it increases the amount of water you lose and masks signs of dehydration. If symptoms become serious, contact a medical professional or call 911.

Dr. Jordan Harrell is a third-generation chiropractor who focuses on neurostructural correction of the atlas. www.townelakechiro.com

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THE CHEROKEE CHARTER DIFFERENCE

Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton, GA 30114 678-385-7322 School hours: K-8, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Office hours: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. www.cherokeecharter.org

herokee Charter Academy, located on Sixes Road just off I-575 in Holly Springs, is a tuition-free public charter school. Charter schools are schools of choice, which means any student who resides in Cherokee County attending grades kindergarten through eighth is eligible to attend. Parents have said they are surprised there is no tuition, because many elements of the school feel more like a private than a public school. Students wear uniforms, parents actively volunteer, class sizes are a little smaller and students receive personal learning plans with one-on-one learning opportunities. As a charter school, the staff has more flexibility in how they

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

teach. While the school is still held to the same standards as a traditional public school, the learning environment is more flexible. All of the school’s teachers are state-certified. Cherokee Charter administrators reinforce with each educator the important role he or she has on the student’s experience. According to Phyllis Miller, her children learn best by doing, not just listening. The hands-on field trips planned by the teachers made all the difference. “The lessons they retained the best were the ones where they could see, touch, visit or experiment,” Miller said. “My girls enjoyed numerous field trips in middle school, from testing water in a stream by the school, to climbing Kennesaw Mountain, studying geology at Stone Mountain and learning to camouflage themselves at the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center. They took their first visit to the symphony with their music teacher. They viewed art exhibits at The High Museum. They traveled to Savannah, Washington, D.C., and Chattanooga. ” The school’s curriculum incorporates a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focus throughout Sponsored Content

each student’s lessons. This approach allows the school to partner with local businesses and universities to bring a more global approach to learning and catapults students to the next level in their preparation for high school and beyond. Many students earn high school credits in middle school. In fact, many eighth-graders enter high school with four high school credits: physical science, Spanish, ninth-grade literature and algebra. These students have flexibility in their junior year to take AP courses and enter a dual enrollment program with local colleges. The school recently received a $2,000 grant from the Towne Lake Optimist Club to purchase two hydroponic gardens, one for the elementary and one for the middle school STEM labs. Students will be able to explore a farm-to-table approach with the school cafeteria. If they can grow it, they’re going to eat it. According to parent Addie Price, the overall family-like environment provided a turning-point in her child’s life. “Cherokee Charter Academy not only changed my daughter’s life, I firmly believe that it saved her life,” Price said. “Prior to entering CCA, she was a shy little girl who had been bullied and picked on until she wouldn’t even raise her hand in class. She was entering the seventh grade reading on a second-grade level, but was brilliant in other subject areas. Thanks to the innovations and individualized learning plans, she soared to the top, becoming the first student government president of CCA and was recommended to start high school honors classes in her eighth-grade year.”

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TOWNELAKER | May 2017

MAY

The theme is Western Night for this month’s Friday Night Live in downtown Woodstock, 6-9 p.m. www.visitwoodstockga.com. Downtown Canton’s Cinco De Mayo First Friday event takes place 6-9 p.m., and includes a concert and classic car display. www.cantonhdl.com.

Trailfest 2017, a benefit for

Greenprints Alliance, takes place on the Resurgens Orthopaedics Community Stage at the Elm Street Arts Village on Market Street in Woodstock. Event is free, but donations to Greenprints are appreciated. Food and drink will be available from event partners. Visit www.trailfest.org for the music schedule.

Derby Day at the Rock Barn, an annual event sponsored by the Cherokee County Historical Society, begins at 3:30 p.m. and concludes with the crowd watching the Kentucky Derby on big screen TVs. Tickets are $60; proceeds support educational programs at the historical society. To purchase tickets, call 770-345-3288 or visit www.rockbarn.org. Showing of “Gone With the Wind” at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. Tickets $10. 770-704-0755. www.cantontheatre.com.

The Cherokee Music Teachers Association annual awards

ceremony and reception begins at 7 p.m. at Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center. Performances by the organization’s scholarship winner and guest artist Susan Naylor. No charge; open to the public. For more information, contact Linda Lokey at 770-720-1701 or linda@lokey.net.

Plant sale, sponsored by the UGA

Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County, is the first of three sales 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. Sale items include hellebores, succulents, herbs, vegetables, birdhouses, garden art and more. Other sales set for 9 a.m.-noon June 24 and Sept. 9.

Cherokee County Relay for Life will be at Sequoyah High

School, with the opening ceremony at 6 p.m., luminaria ceremony at 10:30 p.m. and closing at 11:30 p.m. To form a team, register as a survivor or make a donation, visit www.relayforlife.org/CherokeeGA or call 770-429-1624. www.relayforlife.org.

Woodstock’s Summer Concert Series

at the new Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater begins with a 7:30 p.m. show by The Charlie Daniels Band, with Across the Wide. For details, visit www.woodstocksummerconcertseries.com. Learn more about Daniels on page 8.

Rehab the Ranch Work Day 9 a.m.-1

p.m. at Healing Hands Youth Ranch, 114 Addington Lane, Waleska. Volunteers needed to cut grass, weed, plant flowers, groom the round pen and horse stalls, and clean and oil horse tack. Bring water bottle, sunscreen, hat and work gloves. Hot dogs and hamburgers provided for lunch. Meet the horses while beautifying the ranch. RSVP at admin@hhyr.org or 404-662-6898.

Johnny Hunt Golf Classic at

Woodmont Golf Club will begin with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., tourney play at 9. The day includes contests, prizes, food and player gifts. To register, visit www.fbcw.org/golf.

‘Gone With the Wind” to show in Canton.

The Woodstock Exchange, for women in Cherokee County, will meet at 7 p.m. at Venue 92 in Woodstock. The topic is: The Power of Forgiveness. Two courageous women will share their stories of heartache and pain as well as forgiveness and healing. The format is to explore a topic, engage in conversation and enrich lives. www.theexchangega.org.

The Charlie Daniels Band. Photo by Erick Anderson

The Georgia Chapter of the

Trail of Tears Association

(GA TOTA) will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Bartow County Library in Cartersville. Speaker Wanda Patterson will do a presentation on John Rollin Ridge, grandson of Major Ridge and son of John Ridge. Rollin Ridge, considered to be the first Native American novelist, witnessed his father’s execution in 1839. He spent the last 17 years of his life working as a newspaper editor and writer for the Sacramento Bee and the San Francisco Herald, among other publications. For meeting info, email harris7627@ bellsouth.net. www.gatrailoftears.org.

Tennis tournament, sponsored by the

Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club, begins at 10 a.m. at Eagle Watch. The doubles charity event is $20 per person or $40 per doubles team. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Awards given for winning teams per division. Cookout and refreshments provided. http://woodstockjwc.org. continued on page 74

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

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TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Around & About

Ball Ground SummerFest

5K and 1 mile runs and tot trot will take place at Ball Ground City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road. Sponsored by the Ball Ground Lions Club to fund renovations to the city gym and Red Cross Disaster Relief Center. www.bgsummerfest.net.

Seminar for gardeners, sponsored by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County, at the senior center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. Topic is native plants. To register call 770-721-7803 or e-mail uge1057@uga.edu

13-14

Cherokee Indian Festival and Pow

Wow, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at

Boling Park 1098 Marietta Highway, Canton. Features a Native American dance competition, warriors on horseback, hoop dancers, Aztec Dancers, teepees, wigwam and living Indian village displays, Northern Plains encampment, primitive skills, and other activities and displays. Cost is $15 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger. 770-735-6275. www.rthunder.com.

24th annual United Methodist Scholarship Golf Outing,

benefiting Reinhardt University students, will be held at Bent Tree Golf Club in Jasper. The event begins with registration at 10 a.m., practice and a putting competition, followed by lunch and a shotgun start at 1 p.m., a late afternoon barbecue meal and awards presentation. For info, call Dale Morrissey, tournament director, at 770720-5506 or email dsm1@reinhardt.edu. www.reinhardt.edu/golfrsvp.

sponsored by Bascomb United Methodist Church. Four-person scramble. Cost is $75 per player. Proceeds will support the church’s ministries. For info, contact Roger at 678-414-6291 or ballhawkers@comcast.net, or John at 404275-3598, wjohnclark1@yahoo.com. www. BascombUMC.org.

Woodstock Spring Festival, will take place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Park at City Center with moonwalks, games, police K-9 demonstrations, food and arts and crafts vendors, display of fire trucks, and more. Early morning Hustle for Heroes 5K race takes place at First Baptist Woodstock. For more details, call 770-592-6000 ext. 1008, or visit www. WPSFoundation.org. a fundraiser for the nonprofit that helps single mothers. Check in at 8:30 a.m. at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta; ends with lunch at First Baptist Church in Jasper. $40 single rider, $50 for two. Lunch for non-riders is $8 adults, $3 children age 10 and younger; registration required. T-shirts are $10. Preregistration required; call 770-733-9728, email tara@serenadeheights.com or sign up at www.serenadeheights.org.

Cherokee County Prayer Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m. at

the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Canton. Tickets $25. For details, call Alan King at 678-772-4894.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Canton Festival of the Arts, 10 a.m.-

5 p.m. in Brown Park. Presented by the Cherokee Arts Center, the festival features an artist’s market, serenity gardens, literary celebration and an interactive children’s experience. www.cherokeearts.org.

Golf Outing at Eagle Watch,

Serenade Heights’ third annual Motorcycle Ride Benefit and BBQ,

Native American dancer at the Indian Festival.

20-21

The 5th annual Charity Poker Run for the Cherokee County Aging Council begins at 9 a.m. at Semper Fi Bar and Grill, 9770 Main St. in Woodstock. First group goes out at 10 a.m., with the last bike in at Buffalo’s Cafe at 1625 Ball Ground Highway in Canton. Entry fee is $25, $5 per passenger. New this year is a bike show, 4-6 p.m. with a $10 registration fee. For more details, contact Judy Davila at Vacjudy.davila@ gmail.com or 770-432-9075, Ricky Dean at cueball43@gmail.com, or Dean Hill at deanohill@gmail.com.

Face painting is popular at the Canton festival.

Memorial Day 5K and Fun Run, a benefit for Holly Springs

Woodstock Memorial Day ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

Elementary School STEM Academy, begins at 8 a.m. at the school and ends at Barrett Park. Day of race registration is $30, $25 for pre-registration. To sign up, visit www.active.com or www.hollyspringsga.us.

sponsored by the city and the American Legion, Marine Corps League and other veteran groups at The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road. Music by the Cobb New Horizons Concert Band. 770-517-6788.

JUNE

3-4

Wing and Rock Fest will

be noon-9 p.m. Friday, noon6 p.m. Saturday at Etowah River Park, featuring chicken wings from metro Atlanta restaurants, live music on two stages from more than a dozen bands. Also offering cold beverages, arts and crafts, and a kids’ zone with teen bands. A wing-eating contest will be held Saturday. More than 25,000 attendees are expected this year. www.WingAndRockFest.com.

Trinity River Band concert

at Bascomb United Methodist Church. Dinner at 5 p.m. in the fellowship hall, concert at 6 p.m.in sanctuary. The church is at 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755. www.BascombUMC.org. www.TrinityRiverBand.com

CRA YO N

CRAYON AY O N CRAYON

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ENROLL TODAY

MAY 30 - JULY 28 • WOODSTOCKGA@GODDARDSCHOOLS.COM

ENROLL TODAY! WOODSTOCK • 3115 Parkbrooke Circle • 770-516-0880

GoddardSchool.com The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2017.

License #CCLC-14776

-----------LEARNING FOR FUN. LEARNING FOR LIFE.® ------------

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Room Makeover is a

Slam Dunk!

Matthew Lane sports-themed bedroom includes a quilt made from T-shirts, including one of his Etowah shirts.

Etowah High School basketball player Matthew Lane was the recipient of a recent room makeover by Sunshine on a Ranney Day (SOARD), a nonprofit that completes home renovations to bring joy and hope to children and families facing serious illnesses. The 16-year-old was diagnosed with cancer after a mass was found in his jaw, and in January he underwent an 18-hour surgery to remove the tumor. His six-month recovery period has involved a soft diet, alkaline water, and physical and speech therapies. Matthew’s mom is a single mom and has had to take a leave from work to care for her son. “We hope that an inspiring and stimulating bedroom, showcasing all of his favorite things, will have a positive impact on his recovery,” stated the SOARD website that hosts photos of the reveal. “Renovation, rest and remission are just what the doctor ordered!” www.sunshineonaranneyday.com/matthew-2017

Project decorator and Woodstock resident Shelley Herod of Designing Women sits with Matthew, his mom and sisters.

PHOTOS BY KRISTI WEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Marriage Moments

Faith

Be Strong and Courageous BY BILL RATLIFF

Many years ago, when I was in seminary, my wife and I had the privilege of going on a mission trip one summer to Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada. Because we were new to missions, it was exciting but scary to leave our life for the summer, and go on a big adventure to a very unknown place and situation. We had to work together and coordinate our mission efforts every moment of each day and trust that all our needs would be met in a foreign country. One of the families in the church we worked with invited us to stay at their home for a week, while they were on vacation. Their house was in a beautiful setting at the edge of a dense forest, with a large open field in front of it. One evening, around dusk, we were enjoying a quiet moment when my wife looked up and saw a sudden movement. She said, “Look at that huge dog running across the field.” We both ran to the window and realized pretty quickly that it was NOT a big dog. It was a goodsized black bear, and the first one that either of us had seen outside of the zoo. I ran to get my camera, which was merely a classic Instamatic. I proceeded out the front door to the field with camera in hand

to get a snapshot of the bear. My wife screamed, “Don’t go out there chasing that bear! Are you crazy? Get back in here! You’re going to get killed!” I did get the picture and I did run back inside the house to safety, to the relief of my wife. In 1 Chronicles 28:20, David said to Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage and do it!” The moral of the story is that, at times in your marriage, you have to be strong and courageous and take the opportunities put in front of you.

Date Your Mate Take your mate to Helen and take a horse-and-buggy ride around the town. Better yet, take your mate to New York City and take the horse-and-buggy ride through Central Park!

Bill Ratliff is the senior pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He can be reached at 678-445-8766 or bratliff@tlcchurch.com.

Happy Mother’s Day BY DR. JOHN BEYERS

I love Mother’s Day because I have a godly and good Mom. I also love Mother’s Day for all of the women who have mothered me by investing their unique gifts in my life. Some of these women have children of their own, and some do not. Each has helped shape me into a better and stronger man, and minister. I love celebrating Mother’s Day in the church, because the first Mother’s Day celebration was held at the Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, W.Va., on May 10, 1908. Anna Jarvis organized a service in memory of her late mother, Ann Maria Jarvis. Ann, who had lost eight of her 12 children before they reached age 7, began Mothers Friendship Clubs in the 1850s to improve health and sanitary conditions in rural Appalachia, and to provide assistance and education to families to reduce disease and infant mortality. When the western part of Virginia broke away and formed West Virginia in 1863, declaring loyalty to the Union, Mrs. Jarvis urged the Mothers Friendship Club members to remain neutral and to provide aid to both Confederate and Union soldiers. The clubs provided food and clothing to soldiers

from both sides stationed in the area. Club members nursed suffering soldiers when typhoid fever and measles broke out in the military camps. Mother’s Day was born out of one daughter’s love for her remarkable Mom and her commitment to peacemaking, to reconciliation, and to social action against poverty. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor all mothers. As we approach the 109th Mother’s Day in the United States, I invite you to join me in giving thanks for your mother, and for the strong women who helped shape and sustain your life. Happy Mother’s Day!

Dr. John Beyers has served in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1987, and currently is senior pastor of Hillside UMC. He can be reached at jbeyers@hillsideumc.org. TOWNELAKER | May 2017

School & Sports

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Safety Patrol: Conscientious and Responsible Leaders

Carmel Elementary Safety Patrol members provide fellow students with directions and assistance. Each morning, they help monitor assigned stations at entrances and in the hallways around

the school. In the afternoons, they help during bus loading. They are conscientious and responsible leaders and set a positive example on campus.

Front row, from left: Caleb Barnes, Ricky Zetin, Osasu Evbuomwen, Ariana Maniatis, Ashley Burke, Brycelyn Casey, Haley Wilson, Gabi Lowe, Ashley Moctezuma, Sophia Perez, Melanie Delacruz, Caroline Powell and Aldo Ferretiz. Back row: Jason Himstedt, Trey Parks, Dominic Macdonald, Aaron Wood, Blake Schappert, Jackson Warren, Jack Hegman, Malachi Bisbee, Jackson Fox, Owen Schaferling, Luke Renninger, Harrison Greene and Noah Brownlee.

Finally, I have an OB who listens. At Cherokee Women’s Health, we form trusting, lifelong relationships with our patients. ur Read o t n ie t a p on s review B F our page!

WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Call 770-720-7733

Towne Lake and Canton

cherokeewomenshealth.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Kudos & Congratulations If you know a student, teacher, parent volunteer, school group or team who deserves a “shout out,” please send their picture and the details to jackie@ aroundaboutmagazines.com.

E.T. Booth Middle School Media Specialist Amanda Graves was recognized with the 2017 Georgia Library Media

Amanda Graves

Association Intellectual Freedom Award. The honor recognizes an individual for upholding the principles of intellectual freedom as set forth by the American Library Association of School Librarians and the American Library Association. She will be honored at the Georgia Library Media Association Summer Institute Conference in June in Peachtree City. The Etowah Junior Eagles select lacrosse team recently played in the 2017 Destin

Spring Lacrosse Invitational and won the championship. The team, made up of sixthseventh- and eighth-graders, went undefeated in the tournament. Front row, from left: Carson Reeder, Alex Lobel, Jack “Fitz” Fitzgerald, Nick Fowler, mascot Benjamin Herring, Joey “Dizzy” Didzbalis, Tanner “Scrappy” Allen, Holden Whitecliffe. Back row: Nathan “Titan” Walker, Conor “Murph” Murphy, Jake Putnam, Caden Booth, Julian “Big Daddy” Vaccaro, Brayden O’Neill, Broderick “Rifleman” Herring, Brice Sims, Zack Fowler, Drew Putnam and Jon “Big Spoon” Brown. Not Pictured: Mitchell Burke.

Etowah High School counselor Michele Dowd was recently named Cherokee County School District 2017 Counselor of the Year. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower presented her with the honor in front of a crowd assembled for a student-staff basketball game fundraiser for Relay for Life.

Front row, from left: Jacob Brabec, Michael Boster and Kai DeMerrit. Back row: Sarah Brabec, Sarah Boster and Katie Battista.

Celebrating with Dowd, center, are, from left: Principal Dr. Bob Eddy; friends, Jason and Tiffany Skipper; her husband, Billy Dowd; her mother, Susan Hayhurst; her brother, Billy Hayhurst, and Dr. Hightower. 80

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Congratulations to Kate Battista and her FIRST LEGO League team members, known as the H.I.P.P.I.E.S. (Humans in Peaceful Pursuit of Intellectual Engineering Skills). They recently won the state championship by placing first out of 672 Georgia teams. The team, coached by Craig Brabec and his wife Lisa, is a mix of homeschool, public and private school students. FIRST LEGO League is a robotics program for ages 9-14, designed to encourage children’s interest in science and technology, and teach valuable employment and life skills.

Summer School Opportunities

Area 12 Commander Rustie Hibbard congratulates, from left: Evan Setter, Anna Fournaris, Irenee Houngblame and Lilli Georgescu.

Congratulations to the Woodstock High School Navy Junior ROTC cadets for their second-place finish in the Area 12 Academic Brain Brawl Championship. Team members Evan Setter, Irenee Houngblame, Anna Fournaris and Lilli Georgescu competed against two dozen teams from Georgia and northern Florida. Cadet Fournaris also placed fourth in the individual competition, which included the top 16 individuals from the Brain Brawl.

Miracle spent time in Hawaii on UGA’s study abroad program.

Madison Miracle, a 2013 Etowah graduate, will graduate next month from the University of Georgia with the designation of First Honor Graduate; the highest academic honor accorded an undergraduate at UGA. Miracle will continue her education in August at medical school. She has been accepted to: Medical College of Georgia; Mercer; University of Florida; University of South Carolina - Greenville, and University of Miami. At press time, she had not decided where to attend.

Etowah High School junior Brooke Lancaster was one of three high school juniors chosen by Cobb EMC as delegates for the electric cooperative’s 2017 Washington Youth Tour, an allexpenses-paid, weeklong leadership trip to Washington, D.C. She also received a $500 scholarship.

Brooke Lancaster

Shelby Rice, a fifth-grade student from Bascomb Elementary School, was the winner in the K-sixth grade category of the Cherokee Andrew and Shelby Rice County Water and Sewerage Authority 2016 CCWSA photography contest. Her winning photograph depicted plants and animals that use the Etowah River Watershed water supply for survival. Rice received a framed copy of her winning photograph and a check for $50. Shelby also has won first place in the K-12 division in the Light Matters! image competition sponsored by Citizen Science. Her brother Andrew placed in the top 10.

The Cherokee County School District is offering summer school opportunities for students to earn credit for high school classes or gain recovery credit for high school classes not passed during the regular school year. The district is also offering an opportunity for specifically identified rising ninth-grade students to participate in a Summer Bridge program to preview core ninth-grade content, with an emphasis on high school transition skills and processes. Details and complete registration information can be found on the district website under Parents and Community and then chose Forms. http://cherokeek12.net/forms/

From left, Tanner Allen, Natalie Calbert and Ava Springer check plants.

Life Science and Gardening Make a Good Pair E.T. Booth Middle School seventh-graders are learning about life science through vertical gardening and aeroponics. Teacher Kara Reeder’s students are leading a classroom project called the Tower Garden; a sustainable, soil-less system that allows a variety of plants to grow in 90 percent less space. So far, students have harvested kale, spinach, strawberries and cucumbers.

Chickens Provide Unique Learning Experience Third-graders at Cherokee Charter Academy are learning to take care of chickens. “We have learned how to feed them, how to give them water and how to clean the coop. We Mark Wachira, Anderson Craft and Dana know what kind of Ledbetter with eggs they gathered. treats to give them and how to hold and grab a chicken. We collect their eggs every day of the week. We also keep track of the number of eggs each day on a chalkboard in the hall. Third grade has learned the difference between a breakfast egg and fertilized eggs. We are incubating 20 fertilized eggs to study the life cycle of the chicken. We are now selling the eggs that the chickens have laid. We are doing this because we are learning about supply and demand. The eggs can be purchased every Friday at afternoon carpool. Half a dozen costs $3 and a dozen costs $5. The money made from selling eggs will help take care of the chickens,” third-grader Dana Ledbetter said. TOWNELAKER | May 2017

CUISINE

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

Cancun Mexican Grill, 4430 Towne Lake Parkway 770-693-4680

Mexican

open

full bar

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

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

open

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885, familytradition.net

Homestyle Cooking

closed

GameDay Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754, gamedayfresh.com

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/ Chinese

open

full bar

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

Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494, johnnyspizza.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-5264, kanihouse.com

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

Keegan’s Public House, 1085 Buckhead Crossing #140 770-627-4393, keegansirishpub.net

Irish/Pub

$$-$$$

open

full bar

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

Mexican

open

full bar

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

Steakhouse

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Marco’s Pizza, 2068 Eagle Drive 678-213-2100, marcos.com

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

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

Pizza/Pasta/

$-$$

open

beer/wine

NY Style Deli & Pizza, 2340 Towne Lake Parkway, 678-426-7004

Pizza/Subs/ Bakery

$-$$

open

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Chinese

$-$$

open

The Grille at Towne Lake Hills, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Dr., 770-592-9969, thegrilletownelake.com

American Casual

$-$$

open

full bar

special events

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

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

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

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

Volcano Steak & Sushi, 2990 Eagle Drive 678-498-7888, volcanowoodstock.com

Asian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

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

Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Parkway 678-238-1899, iloveizumi.com

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Song’s Garden, 4451 Towne Lake Parkway 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

* Denotes Advertiser

RESTAURANT

Casual and Upscale Restaurants

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

TOWNE LAKE AREA DINING

Welcome to

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

Ridgewalk Pkwy

To I-575 Exit 9

The Outlet Shoppes

T at Atlanta at Nike Woodstock Community Church

Woodstock

T Public Library

Public Parking Lots

Dobbs Rd

- park in marked spaces only

Trolley Routes outlined in red

City Center

Pkwy

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa) St

Trail

er St

n St

rS t

bb d Rd

Reeves St

e tim

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

ry St

iley

Pade

Fowler St

Hicko

Reformation Brewery Fri 6:00-close Sat 2:00-close Sun 2:00-close

T Wheel

Oak St

le St

Elm

Map

in St

reek

E Ma

day C

To GA Hwy 140

Noon

T Park at City Center Arnold Mill Rd

Mill

Mca ffee

Lake

Route and schedule subject to change Check downtownwoodstock.org/trolley for more info

Cham bers

Town e

Wall

To I-575 Exit 8

Mark et S t

Fridays 6-10 PM Saturdays 4-10 PM Sundays 2-6 PM

Chattahoochee Technical College

Kyle St

TROLLEY SCHEDULE:

Main

Trolley Stop

T St

On-Street Parking

Main

Rope Mill Rd

- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only

To GA Hwy 92

r Pe

ns ki

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Walk Woodstock! BY STACY BROWN

Locals and greater Atlanta area neighbors love how vibrant downtown Woodstock has become. Amazing restaurants, shops, trails and events are drawing locals, day-trippers and even travelers from far away in greater numbers. Two common misconceptions voiced by residents, more frequently around town and online, are: “Woodstock has a parking problem” and “Woodstock is a victim of its own success.” A study conducted last year show midweek and on weekends there are generally several hundred vacant spaces around downtown. There are 1,700 parking places in the downtown district - of those 1,300 are public and 400 are privately owned. The core parking areas on Main Street, East Main Street, Chambers Street, Wheeler Street, Mill Street and the City Center offer 780 spaces. About 280 of those are on-street spaces, and 500 are in parking lots located just a block off Main Street. While on-street parking is roughly 80 percent occupied at peak times like lunch, the parking lots average only 10 percent to 25 percent of capacity. So, if you’re willing to take a few minutes and a few steps, you can take your pick from the 300 to 450 spaces available. The city has added signs (look for the large blue circles with a capital letter P) along Main Street, Towne Lake Parkway and Arnold Mill Road, indicating the locations of public parking lots.

It’s closer than you think.

There’s a great map of downtown parking areas on the Woodstock trolley webpage (visitwoodstockga.com/trolley) and on page 83 of this issue. In addition to the core parking areas studied, there are an additional 180 spaces available to residents in the evening and on weekends at the Woodstock campus of Chattahoochee Tech, when classes aren’t in session. There’s a trolley stop in front of the campus, but it’s just a six-minute walk from Chattahoochee Tech to that frozen margarita on your favorite rooftop bar. When you look at it that way, it’s a four-minute walk from the lot at City Center to the window of your favorite food truck on Wall Street. The city continues to improve walkability in our community by developing new signage. Look for directional signs coming soon that will tell you how many minutes you are from your favorite places downtown. A favorite Woodstock small business owner recently put it perfectly when he said, “Woodstock doesn’t have a parking problem – we have a walking problem.” Walk Woodstock. It’s not too far.

Stacy Brown is the marketing and tourism coordinator for the City of Woodstock. She can be reached at 770-592-6056 or sbrown@woodstockga.gov.

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.**

May 26 Woodstock Fire Department Chief Dave Soumas **at Fire Station 14** For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Elm Street

‘Annie Get Your Gun’ Comes Naturally BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

One of the perks of living to 101 is that, after you die, nobody is left to debunk your mythology. By the end of his life, composer Irving Berlin was more folk hero than human. We’ll probably never know whether Berlin actually let his song “God Bless America” languish in a trunk for 20 years, or whether he really knocked out “Anything You Can Do” during a 15-minute cab ride. Of course, the entire score of Berlin’s 1946 masterpiece “Annie Get Your Gun” inspires disbelief. The musical boasts an unmatched string of American standards: “I Got the Sun in the Morning,” “Doin’ What Comes Naturally” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” They all radiate the infectious postwar exuberance that Berlin was feeling at the time. “Annie Get Your Gun” is about the equally heroic figure Annie Oakley. She was a self-made woman who overcame a horrible childhood, made a name for herself in the man’s world of shooting, and became one of America’s greatest If you think cultural icons. Irving Berlin about it, “Annie immortalized her story with Get Your Gun” this musical. If you think about it, “Annie is probably one Get Your Gun” is probably of the few true one of the few true classics. Musicals were changing at the classics. time … arguably, “Oklahoma!” (1943) reshaped musicals into what they are today. The only other musicals of this format (that are commonly performed today) are “The Wizard of Oz” (1942), “On the Town” (1944) and “Carousel” (1945). Each has an “escape from reality” feel because of the war going on at the time. Why produce “Annie Get Your Gun”? Because we value relevance, and Berlin wrote a show that still speaks to 2017 American society. How many times does our job force us to choose between life and work? Frank Butler faces this challenge. Annie Oakley faced problems we still face today. How many instances today do we see of stereotypes being broken? If you think the show’s line directed at Annie, “Why don’t you put that gun down and go get some knitting needles” isn’t still said today … Why do we need to talk about it? Well, that question is still asked, that’s why. Elm Street will be showing “Annie Get Your Gun” May 5-21.

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

CITY CENTER • DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

MAY 5-21 Fri/Sat @ 7:30PM Sun @ 2:00PM

PRESENTING PARTNER

Call or visit us online to learn about our

SUMMER CAMPS ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | May 2017

RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Go Salad 9550 Main St. #190 678-401-5674 Habanero’s Taqueria 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com

Casual and Upscale Restaurants

CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY American no $ $ open

SPIRITS RESERV. Beer/Wine no

Modern American

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

Wood-fired Pizza & Grill

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Southern

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

Salad, Soup

$-$$

closed

Mexican

$-$$

open

Full bar

yes

American

open

Tapas/Sushi

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

Italian

open

Full bar

Diner

$-$$

open

Weekends only

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Beer

Mad Life Studios 8722 Main St madlifestageandstudios.com

Southern

$-$$

$$-$$$$

open

Full bar

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 Reel Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006

Mexican

Sat./Sun. Brunch

open

Full bar

6 persons+

Seafood

Sunday Brunch

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Salt Factory Pub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225

Gastropub

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

Semper Fi Bar and Grille 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com

American

open

Full bar

English Tea room

closed

yes

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Italian

Sunday Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com TOWNELAKER | May 2017

$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20 * denotes advertiser

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING

Zombie Prom 2017 Downtown Woodstock was Zombie-fied during the April Friday Night Live Zombie Prom event. The undead were strolling the streets promoting Elm Street’s production of “Zombie Prom” and the Oct. 21 Georgia Zombie Fest that will take place in Woodstock this year. Photos courtesy of Patty Ponder and Sonia Carruthers.

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Towne Lake Sales for MarchIN 2017 TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD MARCH Beds Baths Yr Built

Days on Sales Price Market

List Price

Address

Subdivision

$$/sq ft

$189,900.00

406 Belmont Way

Belmont Trace

2.5

2005

$192,000.00

$194,000.00

418 Belmont Way

Belmont Trace

2.5

2005

$196,000.00

116.74

$133,500.00

205 Chelsea Court

Britley Park

1995

$128,000.00

140.35

$205,000.00

210 Whirlaway Cove

Brookshire

2002

$210,000.00

128.44

$209,900.00

582 Ashland Parkway

Brookshire

2.5

2001

$209,900.00

113.15

$216,900.00

905 Castleton Place

Brookshire

2.5

2003

$220,000.00

124.43

$168,500.00

225 Rose Cottage Drive

Cottages at Towne Lake

1999

$168,000.00

$264,000.00

3989 Dream Catcher Drive

Deer Run

2.5

1996

$259,000.00

$284,500.00

400 Raven Mocker Lane

Deer Run

3.5

1995

$284,500.00

89.92

$289,900.00

4268 Moccasin Trail

Deer Run

2.5

1999

$289,000.00

116.81

114.35

116.4

$325,000.00

215 Wolf Dancer Court

Deer Run

3.5

1998

$324,000.00

87.24

$214,900.00

1003 Wedgewood Court

Eagle Watch

1989

$205,000.00

159.66

$299,989.00

4001 BENT WILLOW Lane

Eagle Watch

3.5

1989

$295,000.00

112.6

$325,000.00

905 Fernwood Road

Eagle Watch

2.5

1990

$325,000.00

116.32

$325,000.00

802 Azalea Springs Court

Eagle Watch

4.5

1992

$320,000.00

129.5

$339,900.00

189 Colonial Drive

Eagle Watch

2.5

1990

$336,000.00

129.93

$390,000.00

1065 Longwood Drive

Eagle Watch

3.5.5

1994

245

$373,000.00

92.28

$187,000.00

231 Emerald Cove Lane

Emerald Cove

1986

$178,000.00

114.25

$219,000.00

713 Emerald Ridge

Emerald Cove

1985

$222,000.00

116.23

$215,000.00

306 Princess Avenue

Kingsridge North

1974

$215,000.00

124.57

$174,900.00

217 Cedar Mill Lane

Magnolia Walk

1984

$178,500.00

128.23

$220,000.00

408 Mirramont Lane

Mirramont

2.5

2001

$208,000.00

106.83

$234,900.00

314 Mirramont Court

Mirramont

2000

$229,000.00

93.17

$159,900.00

523 Parkstone Lane

Parkview

2.5

1999

$166,000.00

117.65

$178,000.00

526 Parkstone Lane

Parkview

2.5

1999

$172,000.00

121.9

$185,000.00

213 Parkridge Drive

Parkview

1997

$180,000.00

114.07

$209,900.00

1040 Legacy Walk

Providence Place

2.5

1997

$206,000.00

93.64

$195,000.00

314 Rose Creek Way

Rose Creek

1991

$195,000.00

98.53

$249,900.00

1015 Atherton Lane

Sturbridge

1986

$244,000.00

94.14

See all the photos and details of these sold listings at www.TowneLakeListings.com $224,650.00

405 Summerchase Way

Summerchase at Towne Lake

2.5

1991

$220,000.00

101.52

$337,900.00

103 Summit Lane

Summit at Towne Lake

2016

104

$327,900.00

139.65

$285,000.00

2510 Garden Plum Way

The Arbors

3.5

1993

$285,000.00

91.14

$299,900.00

716 Rosedale Road

The Arbors

1989

$299,900.00

$330,000.00

602 Stillwood Drive

The Arbors

3.5

1989

105

$315,000.00

$340,000.00

3105 Royal Troon

The Fairways

3.5

1992

$320,000.00

$350,000.00

2618 Gladstone Terrace

The Fairways at Towne Lake

3.5

1993

$347,000.00

$484,866.00

2815 Andover Way

The Fairways at Towne Lake

4.5

1989

$477,000.00

96.03

$535,000.00

160 Batten Board Way

The Village at Towne Lake

4.5

2007

$535,000.00

150.83

$425,000.00

5013 Winding Hills Lane

Towne Lake Hills East

4.5

1996

$410,000.00

90.99

$315,000.00

2018 Westside Lane

Towne Lake Hills West

3.5

1994

$320,000.00

96.39

$229,900.00

2113 Township Drive

Township Place

1997

169

$225,000.00

82.96

$239,900.00

2096 Township Drive

Township Place

1997

$239,900.00

78.55

$269,900.00

2055 Township Drive

Township Place

3.5

1996

$273,000.00

86.47

$289,900.00

105 Township Court

Township Place

3.5

1994

$282,000.00

65.83

$220,000.00

305 Woodson Way

Townview Commons

2.5

2016

$219,102.00

135.92

$220,000.00

315 Woodson Way

Townview Commons

2.5

2016

272

$216,965.00

134.18

$237,000.00

129 Kasey Drive

Townview Commons

2.5

2016

274

$245,000.00

128.61

$187,000.00

302 Bethel Drive

Victoria Landing Estates

1983

$182,000.00

89.13

$318,900.00

1023 Wellesley Crest Drive

Wellesley

2.5

1994

$315,000.00

122.57

$349,900.00

1027 Wellesley Crest Drive

Wellesley

3.5

1994

$354,900.00

89.17

$369,900.00

2176 Summerchase Drive

Wellesley

3.5

1996

$370,000.00

106.02

$172,000.00

107 Wood Wind Station

Wood Wind Station

1983

$165,000.00

120.53

$204,900.00

1406 Long Shadow Court

Wyngate

2.5

1991

$216,000.00

107.46

$230,000.00

1015 Camden Lane

Wyngate

2.5

1995

$230,000.00

113.41

$230,000.00

1019 Deer Hollow Drive

Wyngate

3.5.5

1993

169

$230,000.00

78.66

$279,900.00

106 Stuart Place

Wyngate

2.5

2001

$277,900.00

121.94

$290,000.00

424 Sycamore Trail

Wyngate

3.5

2001

$284,500.00

129.38

$309,900.00

101 Stuart Place

Wyngate

2001

$309,000.00

112.16

$265,185

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

83.55 116.29

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Reference

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-7304 http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106 www.cantonadventist.org

AME

Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org

BAPTIST

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Cornerstone Community 4206 North Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007

River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.com

CHURCH OF GOD

Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com

Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068

Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.org

Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org

Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org

First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com

First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Harvest Baptist Church 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth www.hbcga.org Heritage Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.HeritageCanton.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org

New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448 www.newvicbaptist.org

EPISCOPAL

Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.ecamarietta.org Saint Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com 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 2017

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, Acworth 770-926-3558 www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074 www.woodstockpcusa.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com

St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com

UNITED METHODIST

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombumc.org

Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com

CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org

BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org

Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com

Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org

Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org

Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net

Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com

Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com

Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org

Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org

Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org Unity North Atlanta 4255 Sandy Plains Rd. Marietta, GA 30066 678-819-9100 www.unitynorth.org

OTHERS

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Antioch Christian Church 3595 Sugar Pike Road Canton, GA 30115 770-475-9628 www.antiochcanton.org Antioch Church 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.antiochchurch.life Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com

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.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841 www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135 www.fdvida.org God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 534 Keith Drive Canton 30114 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com

Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 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 11303 Highway 92, 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 Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092 www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | May 2017

Country Music Legend to Perform

A Fresh Look at Cherokee

Jim Lindenmayer, director of the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program, is a West Point graduate who was curious about Daniels’ nonprofit, the Journey Home Project (TJHP). “We started TJHP because we saw a lot of need and felt we could best address it by being able to direct our funds at what we deemed to be the most needy,” Daniels said. TJHP supports various initiatives that help veterans transition from active duty to civilian life. Last year also was a record year in giving, with hundreds of thousands of dollars pledged. To learn more about the country music legend, visit www.charliedaniels.com. Details about the Woodstock concert are available at www.woodstockga.gov.

throughout the community, and help develop an action plan to advance sustainable business development through the Fresh Start Cherokee program. “The county was recognized by ARC for its diverse sustainability initiatives,” COED President Misti Martin said. “It was important to take the next step and develop a plan that outlined the strategic priorities related to sustainability.” COED looked at four community dimensions, including social programs, economic opportunities, environmental programs and infrastructure. As an example, one Cherokee company offers a social program that provides virtual professional development and training at little or no cost to Cherokee residents. COED facilitates economic opportunities through its online career center, which showcases job openings in the area. There are local recycling efforts and other programs to nurture the environment. Also, COED works alongside various government and community partners to continue to build upon the sustainable infrastructure designed to support industries, parks and recreation, health care needs, entrepreneurial endeavors and housing. Harris said, “This internship has been an invaluable part of my education as a Georgia Tech MBA student. The experiential assignments are a perfect complement to my classroom training, and I am thankful to the COED staff for giving me this amazing opportunity to grow in the field of sustainability.” There is an additional effort to attract entrepreneurs as part of Fresh Start Cherokee. Over time, entrepreneurs throughout Cherokee County will help maintain sustainable business development goals. As a start, COED surveyed existing start-ups and industries throughout the county to identify business needs. The next step will be to utilize the survey results to design and implement workshops, networking sessions, webinars and other opportunities to cultivate and grow sustainability. Sustainability is much larger than any single green initiative. With the right strategy and sustainable infrastructure, Cherokee County will continue to grow and flourish.

continued from page 8

Debunking the ‘House of Cards’ Myth continued from page 42

members file their ethics disclosures in a timely manner. The Democratic caucus has split that role into a minority caucus secretary and a minority caucus treasurer, who fill those roles individually. Several of these descriptions are overly simplified by nature of the medium, but this should give you a great starting point in understanding these positions. Many of them trace their origins back to the halls of Parliament, as our American republic framed many of its legislative roles from our British cousins’ example. In fact, “House of Cards” was actually a British TV series in the 1990s starring the Parliament’s majority whip, Francis Urquhart, before Netflix revamped it in its American form. If you take nothing else away from this article, at least you have a new Netflix binge-watching project to tackle. If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cellphone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse. com. You also can 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!

A Tribute to Mr. Kevin White continued from page 15

“Teachers can show they care about their students in many different ways. One way that stands out to me is when they tell you, ‘Good morning!’ and ask how you have been. Another is when they care about what you have to say and help you understand things better when everyone else already gets it. They take time to help you, which shows they want to help and want you to get better. Some teachers will respect that you do not like asking questions in front of the whole class, so after they finish talking, they will walk over and ask you if you have any questions. This shows they understand how you feel, and they care. “Every day I went to class, Mr. White would say, ‘Good afternoon!’ and we would all get our music and sit down. Sometimes he would let us walk around and talk a little before we started to get our ‘chatters’ out. He would start calling roll call and for some people he had special names like Becca. He called her Berecka. There was another girl named Dakota who he called Dakatta. He had many more, but those are just two that stood out to me. He often told us how much each one of us meant to him and that each one of us is his own child. He would tell us how he is not just our teacher, but he is also our friend and that if we ever needed anything, he would be there for us. This showed all of us how much he cared about us. He was more than a teacher to every student, and for some he was their best friend. This is how Mr. White effectively communicated that he cared about us and loved us.” Grace Archer 92

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

continued from page 26

On Track with Another Local Film continued from page 40

Judd Brannon has directed and produced multiple video projects. His music video “For Freedom,” featuring the music of Avalon, was selected to be a part of Sean Hannity’s Freedom Tour. His recent projects include working on the Kendrick Brothers feature film “War Room.” Brannon is the staff video producer at First Baptist Woodstock. www.ChampionTheMovie.com www.facebook.com/championthemovie

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish TowneLaker, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and Around Acworth. 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.

Seated, from left: Patty Ponder, Jon and Karen Flaig and Jackie Loudin. Standing, from left: Katherine Amick, Denise Griffin, Susan Rodney, Michelle McCulloch, Carla Caldwell, Laura Latchford, Candi Hannigan and Christie Deese. Not pictured Terri Spencer. Photo by J King Images

At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.

TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,400

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

TOWNELAKER DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES

COMPUTERS

Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

Hill & Hill Financial,LLC 770-672-0402 www.hillandhillfinancial.com

Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900 www.ccrguys.com

Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com

Limbocker Law 678-401-6836 www.limbockerlawfirm.com

Canton Dental Town 770-627-7260 www.dentaltownsmiles.com

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC Inside front 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com

Fountain View Family Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com

AUTOMOTIVE 46 7

Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail 71 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Downtown Buzz 84 770-592-6056 www.mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz Towne Lake Business Association www.TLBA.org

Salon Gloss and Spa 770-693-6968 www.salongloss.biz

Salon Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com

Shape & Shave 404-290-9267 www.shapenshave.com

Perfect Touch Nails & Spa 678-445-0011 www.PerfectTouchNailsandSpa.com

Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com Kragor Orthodontics 770-485-8827 www.kragorortho.com

HEALTH & FITNESS 13

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 73 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com Towne Lake Family Dentistry Dr. Ray Morgan Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554 and 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

R2 Total Fitness 678-809-7833 www.r2totalfitness.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Papa’s Pantry 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org

DENTAL

Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.Debranski.com

Christian Brothers Automotive 770-926-4500 www.cbac.com

Elon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric)

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES

Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

HAIR SALON, MASSAGE & SPA

Cherokee Charter Academy 678-385-7322 www.cherokeecharter.org

AquaDoc Plumbing 770-516-9000 www.plumdr.com Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

55 5

Casey’s Painting 678-445-9661 www.caseyspainting.com

CFM Electrical 678-614-9661

Coleman Home Services 770-294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com

Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 770-974-2390 www.DrFixitPHD.com

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

Joint Chiropractic, The 678-214-4449 www.thejoint.com

Grant Academy, The 770-926-7827 www.thegrantacademy.net

Hammock’s A/C, Inc. 770-794-0428 www.HammocksHVAC.com

Ribley Chiropractic 770-592-2505 www.ribleychiro.com

Music Together 678-613-2048 www.musictogether.com

Handy Handyman, The 404-316-1490 www.thhmga.com

Towne Lake Academy North Campus: 770-928-6162 South Campus: 770-928-9134

JD Kitchens Bath & More LLC 770-516-1602 www.JDKitchens.com

Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 www.MrJunk1.com

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-00459

Precision Painting & Remodeling 678-234-9668 www.precisionpaintingatlanta.com

CHIROPRACTIC

CHURCHES Hillside United Methodist Church 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org

CLEANING Cinderella Maids Service 678-386-1249 www.cinderellamaidsservice.com

MiniMaid 770-656-2726 www.minimaid.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2017

FUNERAL SERVICES Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services 678-932-2097 www.poolefuneralhome.net

Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations Inside front 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com

SOTO Remodeling 404-376-5443

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346

Landscape Matters 770-403-5813 www.LandscapeMattersInc.com

Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping 404-520-0710 www.excavationandlandscaping.com

Overstreet Lawn Care 770-861-7272 www.overstreetlawncare.com

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

OPTOMETRIST Eyes on Towne Lake 770-702-5996 www.eyesontownelake.com

PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Merry Mac Dog Training 770-579-3865 www.MerryMacDogTraining.com

Pet Hospital, The 30 678-401-8750 www.thepethospitalofwoodstock.com Sassy Paws Pet Boutique 678-275-2126 www.sassypawspb.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Photos By Hailey www.photosbyhailey.com

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Atlanta Gastroenterology Assoc. Woodstock: 770-926-5459 Canton: 678-593-1295 www.atlantagastro.com

Atlas Orthopaedics 770-517-2257 www.atlasorthopaedics.com

Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

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

Hale Healthcare 678-744-HALE (4253) www.halehealthcare.com

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com

Cruise Planners, Kathy Faisal 678-445-5235-Office 770-231-7033-Cell

CYFA.org

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

Northside Cherokee Surgical Assoc. 770-924-9656 www.ncsurgicalassociates.com

Park Marina www.bestinboating.com

Northside Hospital Cherokee www.NorthsideCherokee.com

Northside Pediatrics 770-928-0016 www.NorthsidePediatrics.com

Northwest ENT & Allergy Center 770-427-0368 www.nwent.com

Perimeter North Family Medicine 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com

Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (770) 517-6636 northsidecherokeeortho.com

56 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Rausch Family Practice 678-384-7305 www.judithrauschmd.com Wellstar Cancer Network 678-581-5900 1-877-366-6032 wellstar.org

Atlanta Communities, Tara Daigle 404-925-6351 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

RESTAURANTS/FOOD Butchers Block 770-517-2225

Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910

Eagle Watch/Bentwater Golf 404-960-9225 gary.weller@clubcorp.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Art Jewelers 770-924-3133 www.artjewelers.net

Cover, 48, 49

Blue Frog Imports 770-592-0122 www.BlueFrogImports.biz

Flagpole Warehouse 770-974-0507 www.FlagpoleWarehouse.com

Nature’s Corner Market naturescornertownelake@gmail.com www.naturescornermarket.com

No Longer Bound Thrift Store 678-679-1172

PDI Bath & Lighting 770-924-2730 www.relyonpdi.com

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

5 69

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES A & M Residential Properties 678-383-7174

50, 51

Georgia Platinum Mortgage Matt Lillquist 9 Direct 770-274-2855, Cell 770-231-7868 www.GeorgiaPlatinumMortgage.com Julie Lillquist, Keller Williams 9 Cell 678-313-4927, Office 678-494-0644 www.LillquistPremierHomes.com Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cvr 404-954-2486, 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheilateam.com Soliel Laurel Canyon 678-880-3071

Southeast Mortgage 770-279-0222, ext. 719 Todd Littlejohn: 678-662-3451

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Canton Festival of the Arts www.cherokeearts.org

Cherokee County Tennis Assoc. www.cherokeetennis.org

SENIOR LIVING/ SERVICES Camellia Place 770-296-1513 www.camelliaplace.com

Lotus Adult Day Center 678-653-4775 www.LotusAdultCenter.com

Oaks at Towne Lake 770-592-2195 www.oaksseniorliving.com

7, 28, 29

SUMMER CAMPS Cherokee YMCA 770-345-9622 www.ymcadaycamping.com

Goddard School, The 770-516-0880 www.GoddardSchool.com

TOWNELAKER | May 2017