WE GOT NICK BACK BEHIND HOME PLATE WHERE YOU TAKE THEM MATTERS
When Nick Hassan fractured his leg, he worried he’d miss his sophomore season. That’s when his dedicated team of Children’s surgeons and physical therapists stepped in with a game plan. Nick did more than recover quickly; he made first team all-region. Not bad for a kid who was in a wheelchair a few months earlier.
Children’s at Cherokee | 1554 Riverstone Parkway, STE 160, Canton Children’s at Town Center Outpatient Care Center | 605 Big Shanty Road NW, Kennesaw
©2019 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. Sports Medicine Physical Therapy is a department of Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital.
Nick Hassan, Femur Fracture
choa.org/nick
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Contents
32 & 33 On the Cover
Goshen Community Wellness Center Rendering by Barbara Ratner
May 2019
14
18
28
In Every Issue
Features
Contributors
14 Mother Knows Best!
4 Around Canton
28
Chantel Adams
8 Community News
34
Don Akridge
61
Christopher Brazelton
42
Cherokee Women’s
Health Specialists
30
Cindy Crews
52
Greg Fonzeno
46 Rob’s Rescues
47
Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry
51 Ribbon Cuttings
56
Barbara P. Jacoby
24
Harry Johnston
60
Joseph Lemmo
48
Ann Litrel
38
Joshua Nelson
16
Merry Quarles
50
Susan Schulz
20
Robert Tidwell
ALM friends and family share words of wisdom from their moms.
12 Celebrations
18 A Little Art, A Little Wine
26 Downtown Canton Events
27 Downtown Canton Dining Guide
Canton Art and Wine Walk participants enjoyed beautiful weather, creative art and delicious wine.
40 Community Calendar
28 On Track at 78
Bill Wuth works toward his goal of ranking among the top 10 at the World Championships.
52 Boaters, Be Aware!
36 Everyday Angels
Tips for staying safe on the water this summer from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit.
44 Library Events
58 School News 62 Directory of Advertisers
Advertising
Katherine Amick Director of Marketing 678-279-5502 Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com www.AroundCantonMagazine.com @AroundCantonMagazine
2
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
@AroundCantonMag
@around_canton
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
3
AROUND CANTON The
People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Canton/ Holly Springs/ Sixes Letter From the Editor
The print product is far superior to any other ways of communicating. I say this at the risk of offending social media fans, but it’s my truth. The glory years of a booming Atlanta Journal-Constitution in the 1980s and ’90s certainly provided for our family a satisfying way to make a living, and a dependable salary on which we raised our three children. I was drawn to journalism, as were many others my age, in the 1970s, when being a reporter was a glamorous job. However, I decided reporting wasn’t for me, and focused on graphic design and copy editing. I was a page designer for the St. Petersburg (Florida) Times and Evening Independent when the company was leading the industry, winning awards in newspaper design. A glamorous job in its own right. There’s something incredibly satisfying about holding the printed product, whether it’s a newspaper or magazine. I’m especially proud to be working at Aroundabout Local Media, where we are celebrating the beginning of our 24th year in publishing community magazines. Our flagship publication, the TowneLaker, began as a black-and-white neighborhood publication that celebrated birthdays, successes of local students, and kept the readers up to date on the latest construction projects. In 1996, a lot was happening in the Towne Lake community - much as it is now in east and north Cherokee County. Over the years, we’ve grown to cover all of Cherokee County and to connect with Acworth/West Cobb residents. I’m excited to see where the future takes us! I’m thankful to be in my seventh year with ALM, and for the opportunity it gives me to integrate my journalism experience with my love for Cherokee County and my desire to connect people around me. Throughout high school and college, my parents encouraged me to follow my dreams, no matter where they led me. As a mom, I appreciate that even more, especially considering I am an only child. It must have been tough for my mom to see me off to another state after college. After gathering comments for our special Mother’s Day spread, I’m reminded of the important role our moms have played in our lives. It’s never too late for good advice; turn to pages 14-15 to see what the moms of our friends and neighbors have to share. Happy Mother’s Day!
Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Canton. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com.
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
What’s New Signature Nails has opened at 4504 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 103, in Holly Springs. 770-224-8921. For details and hours, visit Signature Nails on Facebook. A Step Above Pet Nutrition and Training
has opened at 402 Argonne Terrace, Suite 230, Holly Springs. 678-880-8699. The Canton Exchange has two new restaurants. Pita
Mediterranean Street Food
has opened at 2247 Cumming Highway, Suite 108. 770-2133755. www.pitastreetfood. com. De Allende Mexican Kitchen Canton is expected to open this month at 2193 Cumming Highway.
Kudos At the Upper Etowah River Alliance’s annual meeting, the
city of Canton was presented the 2018 Partnership Award. Professor Zach Felix of Reinhardt University accepted the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Partner of the Year Award. Julie Moeller of Woodstock High School was awarded Educator of the Year. Past Chair Lori Forrester was presented with the Gene Cornelison Award for her many years of dedication to the Upper Etowah River Alliance. For more information, visit www.etowahriver.org.
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
5
COMMUNITY BOARD
The Around Canton Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders who assist us as contributors to the magazine and advisors who offer valuable feedback.
Pat Gold moved to Canton 33 years ago when she married
Dr. Homer (Nugget) Gold. After 18 years with Delta Airlines and another 12 working for the Cherokee County School District, Pat began volunteering. She volunteers on numerous boards and committees. Pat and her husband have four children and four grandchildren.
Dr. Christopher Alvey, an Owensboro, KY native, graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, and earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1988. He has owned and operated Cobb Central and Mobile Vet Services, and provided medical and surgical services as a relief veterinarian until he opened BridgeMill Animal Hospital in 2004. Dr. Alvey and wife Kathy have two children, Jake and Madison, four dogs (Bogey, Allie, Lu-Lu and LeRoy) and two cats (Cartman and Aubie). Cindy Crews is a longtime Cherokee County educator. She joined the Sixes community as assistant principal of Sixes Elementary School in 2011 and is now principal. Cindy and her husband, Andy, have lived in Woodstock for more than 20 years, and they have two young adult daughters. Her motto: Children are the future of the human race; teach them well.
Sonia Carruthers is the executive director and CEO of Cherokee FOCUS and the Cherokee Youth Works program, based in Holly Springs. The Cherokee County native grew up in Canton and lives in Woodstock with her son and daughter. She is very active in the community and currently serves with local and regional organizations to strengthen families and children. Chantel Adams is the founder and CEO of Purposeful Play of Georgia, an organization that celebrates kindness and equips young leaders. She has a biology degree from the University of Evansville, serves on the executive board of Highland Rivers Health, and volunteers with the Cherokee County Juvenile Court. Chantel and her husband, Gavin, live in Canton and have four children. Dr. Oliver “Ollie” Evans is the chiropractor at Holly
Springs Chiropractic and Massage. The Cherokee county native attended Holly Springs and Sixes elementary schools and Woodstock Middle and High schools. His secondary education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise and health science from Kennesaw State University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University. Dr. Ollie serves as the team doctor for the KSU ice hockey team, is a USA hockey referee, and very involved in the CrossFit community. Dr. Ollie also serves on the Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation and several other charity boards. 6
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com Director of Marketing Katherine Amick 678-279-5502 Katherine@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 Christie Deese 770-615-3324 Christie@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
Around Canton, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to build a sense of community and pride in the Canton, Holly Springs and Sixes areas by sharing positive stories and timely information. A total of 25,000 free copies are distributed monthly; approximately 24,200 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 800 placed in racks around the community. Many readers catch the latest edition online each month. See page 64 for a distribution map. Around Canton welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of each month. Yearly subscriptions are available for $24. Send a check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Canton is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2019. Around Canton
1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620 Woodstock, GA 30189
For Advertising: Katherine Amick Katherine@aroundaboutmagazines.com or 678-279-5502
Volume 7, Issue 2
America’s Community Magazine
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
7
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Canton Introduces New Concert Series The city of Canton has announced a new concert series called 2019 Canton River Rock at the Etowah River Park Amphitheatre. The free family events will begin at 6 p.m., with activities for children and food trucks. A variety of music is represented throughout the summer: May 18: Electric Avenue (the ’80s MTV experience) June 15: Thomas Fountain Band (country music) July 20: A1A (Jimmy Buffet tribute show) Aug. 17: The Kentucky Headhunters For more details, visit www.cantonga.gov.
Cooling Assistance Program Opens On May 1, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, opened a cooling program to homebound and elderly households. Homebound households are those in which every member is confined to the home because of medical conditions or disabilities. Elderly households are those in which every member is age 65 or older. (If anyone is younger than 18 and all the other household members are 65 or older, that household will meet the definition of elderly.) On June 1, the application period opens to all other households. Call North Georgia Community Action at 770-345-6531 with any questions. To qualify, households must meet the income criteria; be responsible for paying energy bills directly to the supplier; and be U.S. citizens or aliens admitted to the U.S. for lawful, permanent residence.
Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan presents a 2019 Outstanding Women in Leadership award to Cherokee County District Attorney Shannon Wallace. Also pictured are Senators Renee Unterman, left, and Freddie Powell Sims, right.
Cherokee County D.A. Receives Honor Cherokee County District Attorney Shannon Wallace recently received a 2019 Outstanding Women in Leadership award. Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan honored 25 outstanding women leaders, including Wallace, during a presentation that celebrated Women’s History Month. “I am honored to be recognized as an outstanding woman leader,” Wallace said. “I am proud to represent Cherokee County among a group of highly accomplished leaders from across our state. While this award honors me, I believe it truly represents all of the great work we accomplish in the district attorney’s office.” 8
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
Inaugural Film Fest an International Event The Historic Canton Theatre will host a four-day film festival May 2326, featuring submitted works from around the world. Of the 73 films received to date, 29 are from other countries, with five from India. The inaugural event is a collaborative effort of co-founders Brent LambertZaffino and Laine Kirby Wood. The festival offers the opportunity to showcase the beautiful and historic theater, to bring high quality and cultural entertainment to Canton, and to raise awareness of Canton as a potential filming location to attending filmmakers. The opening night of the festival will showcase local and national student films made by high school and college students. The genres/ categories chosen to screen are: Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary, Environmental Documentary and Student Short Films. The co-founders have chosen the Upper Etowah River Alliance (www. EtowahRiver.org) as the beneficiary of a special donation to further important work protecting the Etowah River. The alliance’s mission is to educate and conserve the beauty and health of the Etowah River, from the headwaters to the Cartersville Dam. Coincidentally, many of the environmental documentary films the festival received are highlight water quality issues. Each year, a nonprofit will be chosen and a genre will support the theme. Special presentations at the festival include “Peggy,” which follows a housewife who seems perfect until a birthday party tests her social graces, and “Mercy’s Kennel,” a full-length documentary, filmed over an eightyear period, about Atlanta’s problem of gangs, backyard breeding of pit bulls, dog fighting and the animal rescue efforts to stop the cycle. Tickets are $70 for all-access passes or $15 for day passes. Student Film Night tickets are $5. To purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer, or for more information, visit www.EtowahFilmFestival.com.
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We provide the boat. You provide the FUN! (770) 331-2040 l www.SuntexBoatClub.com
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
9
YOUR LOCAL NEWS
Front row, from left: Bekah Seng, Cherokee; Ethan Lasenyik, Woodstock; Aarya Kothari, River Ridge; Will Dowd, Creekview; Grayson Richards, Creekview; and Emma Parker, Creekview. Middle row, from left: Chair Jessica Helms, R & D Mechanical Services; Kayli Jones, Woodstock; Jack Cody, Creekview; Brinn Dameron, Creekview; Emily Baldwin, Creekview; Will Jones, Creekview; Gabby Christian, Creekview; Abbi Gallagher, Creekview; and Vice-Chair Will Goodwin, Oak Leaf Church. Back row, from left: Ethan Nichols, The King’s Academy; Ivan Shi, Creekview; Aliyah Salame, Etowah; Josh Vickers, Cherokee; Faith Burns, Cherokee; Analise Black, Etowah; and Tori Pitts, Creekview.
Chamber’s Teen Leadership Class Graduates Twenty high school sophomores recently completed the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 18th annual Teen Leadership Cherokee class. Over the past three months, class members attended an orientation with their parents, a retreat, and several class sessions planned by local business leaders, all of whom are graduates of the chamber’s adult Leadership Cherokee program. The classes addressed topics such as community involvement, economic and educational responsibility, personal development and team building. The class participated in an ongoing project designed to challenge the students with real-life scenarios that would instill invaluable skills and introduce them to tools in the community that could assist them in many circumstances. www.CherokeeChamber.com.
Community Prostate Cancer Screening The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is offering a community screening for men, at no cost, to determine their risk for developing prostate cancer. Times are 5:30-8 p.m. May 16 at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology — Cherokee, 460 Northside Cherokee Blvd., Suite T10, Canton. Northside offers prostate cancer screenings (PSA blood tests) throughout the year at multiple locations. To be eligible, men must be between ages 45 and 75, and must not have a PSA blood test within the past year or a previous prostate cancer diagnosis. Qualified interpreters will be available free of charge, with advanced requests. Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Men who have a father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer, and men of African descent, may have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Pre-registration is required. Call 404-531-4444 to make an appointment or get more information. www.northside.com.
Jail Expansion to Be Complete in 2020 The Cherokee County Jail is getting an extra 580 beds with a 110,000-square-foot expansion that should be complete in 2020. The facility currently has 612 beds. The $40-million expansion also will include new special needs housing, an expanded kitchen and laundry capacity, according to Jay Baker, director of communications for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Other improvements will focus on the main lobby, as well as the existing security and video visitation systems. Studio 8 Design Architecture designed the newest addition, and Ajax Building Corp. is doing the construction/building. The six-story tower will be located on a former impound City and county leaders joined sheriff's department representatives for the March parking lot behind the current facility. groundbreaking ceremony. 10
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
11
Celebrations!
Xela
Happy 10th birthday! Hope you have the most AMAZING year ever! We love you so much, sweet girl!
Abbey
Happy seventh birthday to our sweet Abbey! We hope you have the best day! Mommy, Daddy and Mason love you!
Ryan Thomason
11 years old on May 20. We love you with all our hearts! Mommy, Daddy, MeMe, Papa Lee, Papa Bob, Grannie Ann, Grandma Gigi, Uncle Matt, Bella, Kodi, Oreo and Louie!
Callie Ward
Happy 80th birthday! We love you, Vanesse, Eric, Tory, Halston and Evan.
Vanesse W. Mack
Happy birthday! Much love, Eric, Tory, Halston and Evan.
Anna Grace
Happy fifth birthday to our princess! You are the sweetest and most fun little girl ever! We hope you have the best birthday. Love, Mommy, Daddy and Addison.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
E-mail to: Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com June deadline is May 10. Please specify Around Canton.
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
Aaliyah
Happy fifth birthday on May 14. Happiest of birthdays to our Aaliyah. Love, Mom, Dad, Scarlett and PopPop.
Pain of the or Knee? A CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY is currently evaluating an investigational drug for the treatment of moderate to severe osteoarthritis knee or hip pain. • Are you 18 years of age or older? • Have you been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in your knee or hip? • Are you experiencing moderate to severe knee or hip pain? • Are you intolerant to your current OA pain treatment? • Is your current treatment not providing adequate pain relief? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be eligible to participate in this study.
Call Us Today to Learn More. (678) 581-5252 Drug Studies America 400 Tower Road * Suite 150 * Marietta across from Kennestone Wellstar Hospital www.drugstudies.net AROUND CANTON | May 2019
13
Mother Knows Best!
“Because I said so!” These are words we’ve all heard from our moms, at one time or another. It probably was valuable guidance in that moment, even though it wasn’t the nugget of wisdom we expected to hear. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the exceptional wisdom moms bring to our lives. Here are some sage words of motherly advice, shared by friends of Aroundabout Local Media.
Tim Cavender
Cindy Crews
Director of Public Affairs, Cherokee County Fire Department
Sixes Elementary School principal “I remember the advice from my mom, Margie Roberts, every day as I decide whether or not to make my bed: ‘Always make your bed! Even if your room is not perfectly clean, making your bed will make it look clean.’”
“The best piece of advice that I ever got from my mother was to love unconditionally. My mom loved people, her family and her friends. She always greeted them with a hug and a smile. What a wonderful attribute to have in a mom!”
Cheryl McKay Price Screenwriter
“The best piece of advice my mother gave me was to follow God's will for my life. Even when that meant leaving her and Dad behind in North Carolina as I moved to Los Angeles to pursue writing. She stood firm in her support of my God-given dreams. She's always been my biggest cheerleader in my pursuit of writing faith-based movies. Naturally, she's very thankful we moved to Woodstock and are no longer 3,000 miles away.”
Joseph Lemmo Teacher
“The best advice from my mother comes from her actions. My mom is incredibly sweet, supportive, and loving. My parents will be celebrating their 48th anniversary this month on the 8th! She has taught me about generosity and forgiveness. She always refers to me as her favorite son. She’s the best!”
Cindy Crews and her mom.
Pam Wood Carnes
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce president and CEO “My mother, Dianne Wood, taught me from a very young age to be mindful of what you do and say, as there is always someone around that knows you or your family. Yes, I did grow up in a small town, yet I find, no matter how large the world Pam with her mom, Dianne Wood around us becomes, there is always someone hearing our words and eyeing our actions. Just last Christmas, my mother gave me a framed message stating, ‘There are always three choices in life: Give Up, Give In, Or Give It All You’ve Got.’ My mother has always given it all she’s got, and I’m proud to have been a part of her journey.”
Billy Peppers Canton City Manager “My mother (Sandra Peppers, age 59, of Summerville, Georgia) taught me to always prepare more food than what you think your guests might eat. Guests should never leave hungry, and if you’re going to make a mess of the kitchen, at least you’ll have the luxury of homemade leftovers if you made too much. She also showed by example that the cook eats last … make sure everyone has everything they need and then you’ll be able to enjoy your plate.”
Jim Imbriale Attorney
Joe, age 3, and his mom. 14
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
“My mom, Florence Imbriale, always said, ‘Remember to always clean behind your ears!’ This is us before my wedding 12 years ago. She passed three years ago and I sure do really miss her and her wisdom!’”
Laura Mikszan Fitness/Health Coach “Keep an open mind and a sense of humor ... utilize both to compassionately serve others. Always use good grammar, and NEVER end a sentence with a preposition!” Laura’s mother, Elizabeth “Betsy” Baker, passed away on Jan. 27. Betsy with daughter Laura and granddaughters Carleigh and Shannon.
Pat Gold
Community Board Member
Jim Lindenmayer and his mom
Jim Lindenmayer
Director of Cherokee County’s Homeless Veteran Program “My mother always told us. ‘Success is full of CANs.’ This was not to address soda cans or cans of vegetables, but that you CAN do something and not that you CANNOT. This was reinforced to me when I began to look at colleges, as we came from a rural farm in upstate New York with seven children, and my father was the only breadwinner. I was one of 52 kids in my high school class and the prospect of going to college and getting it paid for was not something I could ever imagine. My mother knew that I wanted to go to an engineering school, and one day I came to her and indicated that I was going to apply for an ARMY ROTC scholarship as well as the Service Academies of West Point and Annapolis. She never waivered in my goal to NOT have my parents pay for college, as they could not afford to send me, and she said many times that I needed to apply to see if I CAN get such a scholarship. Well, as things turned out, even though I was from a very small school, I had worked hard and was awarded both the Army ROTC Scholarship to Indiana University as well as my ultimate choice of the United States Military Academy at West Point. If it was not for the love of my family and the you CAN do it support from my mother, I am not sure where I would be today.
Pauline Porter Pat Gold’s mom
“My mom gave me a lot of good advice, but two wise sayings stand out and have always stayed with me. ‘It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.’ Whether it was job related, or just life related, I have always tried to remember to step back and think about the words I use and the way I say them. That has saved me more times than I can count! The other saying that I heard, whether it was because I did something nice or not so nice, was, ‘What goes around, comes around.’ Mom made sure that I knew it applied to many situations.”
Jay Baker
Director of Communications Cherokee Sheriff’s Office “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Jay Baker and mom Ginnie Baker
Michael Carswell
Holly Springs Police Chief “Unfortunately, my mother was not with me long enough to impart much wisdom ... or maybe she did in some sort of way. She had a serious addiction to drugs and after several attempts, died by means of suicide while I was young. I would say to those who were fortunate and blessed to be raised by their mom, or even better, still have the chance to hug her right now, do it! Show all the love and respect you can for her every day. Treat your mother like a treasure you never want to lose. By the way, just in case my Mom is listening… Love You! Miss You! Happy Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day to you and to all the wonderful moms out there!
JoEllen Wilson
Canton city council member “My mom advised me to give three sincere compliments each day before 10 a.m., and the rest of the day would take care of itself! This small nugget of advice makes the day so positive.” Jo Ellen Wilson and her mom
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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A Stepmom's Guide to Mother's Day being your stepkids’ mom. This is the line that never can be crossed. They already have a mom, and blurring that line can cause confusion and conflict. I know one blended family that celebrates Bonus Day in between Mother’s and Father’s days. They spend the day at a water park, have a picnic, and no friends are invited. It’s a day for just them. It is important for you and your new family to create your own traditions, without stepping on ones they created before you came along.
BY MERRY QUARLES
Stepparenting is one of the most challenging things an adult can take on, and, according to recent statistics, one in three Americans is part of a stepfamily. But, when I became a stepmother almost nine years ago, I could find very few people who wanted to talk to me about my new role, and even fewer publications and resources. As a result, most of us use the old “trial and error” approach. Every once in a while I get it right, but I’m Create your own definitely still learning. One Stepmom Day with others Merry and Michael Quarles on their wedding day on Nov. 20, 2010. thing I know for sure: While who share that special title. being a stepmom can be tricky on a normal day, it’s much I have a lot of friends who aren’t stepmoms. But, I have harder on Mother’s Day. learned that it is vital to have people around who also are on Let’s face it, even if you are crushing the stepmom this journey. I need these women to share my stories with, game, and you’ve never made a mistake (I don’t know any to ask advice from, and to encourage me. I have one friend stepmoms like this, but let’s assume they exist), you do this in particular with whom I meet for coffee weekly. So, grab job knowing you will always come in second place. And that’s your special stepmom tribe and go do a paint night or see the way it should be. a movie. If Leslie Knope can create Galentine’s Day, there is Since I have two sons of my own, I’ve always understood nothing stopping you from going to brunch with your favorite that part. I don’t expect or even want my stepsons to stepmoms. And, if you don’t already have at least two celebrate me on Mother’s Day, but it’s perfectly OK to stepmom friends, find them. celebrate the sacrifices and love you pour into children you Treat yourself! Speaking of “Parks and Recreation,” haven’t raised from birth. I choose to follow the advice of Donna and Tom whenever I’m feeling down. Now, your idea of treating Here are some tricks I’ve learned from my stepmom tribe yourself and mine are probably different. Mine actually over the years, to keep this day from becoming one of changes, depending on the situation. But, whether your heartbreak. idea of self-care involves a spa day, a hike in the woods or Talk to your spouse. This may seem like simple advice, exploring a bookstore for the afternoon, this is important but if you’ve ever been a stepparent, you know that for any stepmom. Most of us are so busy navigating the kids, bringing up your spouse’s children is the trickiest of all and their diverging schedules, that we rarely have time to conversations. Most of us say we’re fine, even when we be alone in the bathroom, much less an entire afternoon to aren’t, because we worry we’ll say the wrong thing. Keep the dedicate to something we love. This is the perfect day for you conversation focused on you, and not the children. It’s OK to to celebrate how well you are doing! say, “Sometimes, I feel hurt that …” My husband is great at getting me special cards that celebrate my contribution to his Stepparenting is tough, and watching your hard work be children’s lives. They don’t say “Happy Mother’s Day,” but, ignored can seem like the ultimate slight. But, you have to rather, thank me for being a part of the story. remember that you can write the next chapter of this story.
3.
4.
1.
2.
Plan an event, outing or special meal with your stepchildren on another day. Blended families are used to shifting dates. If you can celebrate Christmas on the 27th, you can celebrate being a stepmom any day you want, but you need to be very clear that you are not celebrating
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
You can, and should, make the choice to celebrate being a blended family any day you want. The key is to remember that you married someone who truly loves and trusts you enough to allow you to co-parent the most important people in his life. That’s a celebration every day.
Bears Make the Best Buddies The Cherokee County Clerk’s Office recently announced its spring fundraiser, Buddy Bears, to benefit Cherokee County children who are in foster care. New and gently used teddy bears will be collected 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, through July 1, in the lobby of the Justice Center, located at 90 North St., Canton. The bears will be presented to the county’s juvenile court, and will be given to children who come before the citizen review panels. In cooperation with the Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges, the Cherokee County Juvenile Court participates in the Permanent Homes for Children program. Citizen volunteers meet monthly to review the case plans developed for children in foster care. This is an opportunity for these volunteers to review cases, track how case plans are progressing, assess how parents are doing with their reunification plans, and ensure the children are receiving the services they need. “The clerk’s office felt that teddy bears could be given to these children to help ease their stress, trauma and anxiety, and would show these children that Cherokee County loves them,” said Chief Deputy Clerk Alexandra Morris. “We are so excited to help bring smiles to these little faces, and we appreciate your support!” From left, Chief Deputy Clerk Alexandra Morris, Deputy Clerk Lindsey Hagen and Clerk of Courts Patty Baker hug some of the bears collected so far.
R E V I R CK O R
2019
MAY 18 ELECTRIC AVENUE
THE 80'S MTV EXPERIENCE
JUNE 15 THOMAS FOUNTAIN BAND COUNTRY MUSIC
JULY 20 A1A
JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE SHOW
AUG 17 THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS SPONSORED BY
at the
Etowah River Park Amphitheatre
FREE FAMILY FUN WITH KIDS ACTIVITIES, FOOD TRUCKS GALORE, & TOP MUSICAL ACTS!
cantonga.gov
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
17
A Little Art, A Little Wine About 600 people participated in Canton’s recent Art and Wine Walk, an annual event that raised several thousand dollars to help fund the Main Street Facade Grant Program. The funds are used to assist downtown business owners who wish to update the exterior of their building. In fact, the event was so successful, another one will be scheduled this fall. For updates, visit www.cantonga.gov.
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
PHOTOS BY CAREY HOOD, JUST A FAN PHOTOGRAPHY
You Will Be A Life Changer Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Life Changer
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Online) Bachelor of Healthcare Administration (Online)
Apply Today Reinhardt.edu | 770-720-5526 AROUND CANTON | May 2019
19
Understanding the Liability of Fall Injuries BY ROBERT TIDWELL
If you suffer severe injuries falling on someone’s property, it does not necessarily mean the property owner is legally responsible. One critical factor for determining if a property owner is liable is that of notice. Did the property owner have notice of the hazard that caused you to fall? There are several ways to prove notice. One is to establish the property owner created the fall hazard. We handled a case where employees of a car dealership created a step-up platform for customers to speak with the finance department. The step was defective, and fell from under an elderly man who was purchasing a car. Because the dealership’s employees created the hazard, the dealership was deemed to have legal notice of its existence. On the other hand, imagine a grocery store where a young child, shopping with his mother, grabs some grapes and drops them on the floor. Seconds later, you walk by and slip on a grape left by the child. In this scenario, the grocery store likely does not have adequate notice that a hazard exists. As such, the grocery store likely is not liable for the injuries you suffer from a fall. Another way to prove notice is to establish that the dangerous condition existed for such an amount of time that the property owner would have had notice, had the owner performed a reasonable inspection of the property. For example, as you walk through the same store, imagine stepping in a puddle of water, next to a frozen food cooler. An inspection of the area reveals rust
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
on the cooler, demonstrating it has been leaking water for some time. In this scenario, even if the store employees were unaware there was water on the floor when you fell, the fact that the cooler has leaked for a period of time could be sufficient to prove the grocery store had notice of the hazard. Even if you can prove the property owner had, or should have had, notice of the hazard that caused you to fall, you still may not have a valid case. Georgia law is clear: If you have equal notice of the hazard that caused you to fall, the property owner wins. There are two ways this defense comes into play. If the hazard is open and obvious, Georgia law states you should have seen it and avoided the danger. Also, if you walked over the hazard once before you fell, you are deemed, by law, to have equal knowledge as the property owner. In either instance, the property owner will not be liable for your injuries. If you are injured on someone’s property, take pictures of the hazard. Often, property owners will remedy the hazard, to keep other guests safe. Unfortunately, this may destroy the only evidence you have to prove your claim.
Robert Tidwell is a personal injury trial lawyer at Tidwell Strimban, LLC in Woodstock, where he lives with his bride Lori, and their two daughters. www.tidwellstrimban.com.
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Call 770-766-8630 to schedule a visit. 700 Freedom Blvd., Canton I Sixes Road Behind Starbucks I 770-766-8630 ArborBridgeMill.com/Live
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Capture Life in Photos
First recognized in 1987, May is celebrated as National Photography Month. In honor of the month, we asked Cherokee County high school students to share their photographs and what inspires them. We hope their work inspires you to take a moment to capture the world through the lens of a camera − no matter what kind of camera you use.
Emily Collins
Freshman - Etowah High “This is my photo I took in downtown Woodstock. I decided to take this photo because we were stopping for burgers at Canyons, and the lights on the trees looked too pretty not to take a picture. The atmosphere in downtown Woodstock at night is just so beautiful, I could take photos all day and night! Being in downtown gives me so much inspiration to take pictures of things I love and people I love!”
Jaxon Meeks, Junior - River Ridge High “Looking through the lens of a camera opens up a whole new world through fresh eyes. I think that we should be out and about exploring every inch of our cities, suburbs, countrysides, and the untamed wilderness. We live on this planet, why not venture out into it?”
Meredith Rice, Sophomore - Cherokee High Caroline Alcott, Senior - Cherokee High
“I love using nature to emphasize my subject. Just using the natural surroundings to send a message. I love how natural lighting can impact a photo.”
“What inspires my photography is everyday life. From the different types of cars I see on the road, to the sound of barking dogs in the distance, all spark my creativity. It’s the natural patterns and coincidences that make creating a photograph so seamless.”
Morgan Guion, Junior - Cherokee High Allison Himiob, Junior - River Ridge High “When I take pictures, I take them to express my joy, confusion, excitement, anything I'm feeling. My inspiration is me. My pictures are me.” 22
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
“Photography is something I love because I can go out, and what most people would likely overlook, I can bring out the beauty. Everyone sees anything and everything differently, and I love being able to show the way I see things. I love being able to speak through my pictures. Photography is something so beautiful that has unlimited boundaries for you to express any way possible.”
Tori Kershaw, Sophomore - River Ridge High
Maddalena Lorae
Brooklyn Butterworth
“Earth inspires my photography! Photography is like a power; any image that you take tells a story in its own way. Messing with photoshop and different styles of cropping and coloring can make a world’s difference in your photography. You can take a picture of anything and make it beautiful! Beauty lies within the person.”
“My photography is inspired by the beauty in everyday life. I love to take pictures of people and capture what makes them who they are. In this picture, the subject was just working on welding, something that he is passionate about. Welding is a skill that will shape his life and change who he is. We all have our own things, big or small, that make us unique.”
Junior - Cherokee High
Junior - Cherokee High
“This photo was taken at the Skydeck in Chicago of my beautiful family friend who tends to model for me often. The bright colors of her eyes, hair, and the city below her are my favorite part. I had so much fun trying different angles in the two minutes I was able to be standing on the glass during my turn. Photography is amazing to me, because it lets me remember the best moments of my life, and make it art.”
Kathleen (Kathy) Tjim, Junior - Cherokee High “I’m inspired by photography because I’m able to capture moments that allow you to look back and relive those specific events. Photography makes you look in a different perspective to capture your view of the world. It allows you to be creative with your work and show your talent to an audience.”
Emma Snyder
Jenna Watson
“I love photography. I am always taking pictures of different life. I love the way you can see someone through the camera. You can catch a person’s mood and opinions just with the way you convey light in your photographs.”
“What inspires me to take photography is the ability to capture moments that remind me of something when I am traveling. I like the different textures of photos and circumstances of where I am traveling to!”
Sophomore - Cherokee High
Sophomore - Cherokee High
Phoebe Offenberg, Sophomore - Sequoyah High “Travel inspires my photography by providing a creative outlet as well as letting me see the world through the lens of my camera. I love travelling and I enjoy seeing the world from new perspectives and angles. Photography also allows me to capture moments and views of my travels, so I can cherish and remember the beauty of all the places I visit.” AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Managing Growth in West Cherokee County Lack of sewers has been a factor holding back development there. Sewers should respond to the demand, West Cherokee County, north of Lake Allatoona, is largely and shouldn’t be used as a tool to promote or block undeveloped. The county’s land-use plan calls for low-impact development. There’s demand for sewers in west Cherokee development across most of it. The state plans to start widening now, from Waleska, Lake Arrowhead and others. A revival Highway 20 west of Canton within the next 10 years, but, overall, of Canton West will create more. The bottom line is, sewers road plans in that area are only designed to support low-intensity inevitably will come to that area. development. I hope that’s realistic. If not, we Of course, sewers have many could face an unplanned growth problem like benefits. They allow quality commercial A majority of we have in southeast Cherokee. development that otherwise can’t About 12 years ago, two huge county and city exist, as well as compact residential developments in west Cherokee County were development in appropriate areas. More proposed, and nearly approved. Canton West leadership remains importantly, for a growing regional was proposed on about 2,300 acres west committed to population, sewers return treated waste of Canton. Part of it stretched to Highway water to the river, so it can be used again responsible, 108. Part of it was planned to be in the city downstream. of Canton, the other in unincorporated restrained growth. Will the availability of sewers spawn Cherokee County. Another development, a rush of development that we can’t or A Village in the Forest, was proposed on won’t control, resulting in high-impact 5,000 acres on Highway 20 at the Bartow County line. Between development that overwhelms the current infrastructure? them, these projects would have added about 18,000 homes, Are we facing another Hickory Flat scenario? Or, will we, or about 40,000 people. Neither project conformed to the and future leadership, have the will and strength to keep county’s land-use plan, but, at the time, both were approved development mostly low-impact? Those are the questions by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Both failed to get local that keep me awake at night. approval, since city and county administrations had shifted As always, I welcome your comments at hjohnston@ from pro-growth to slower-growth majorities. Then, the real cherokeega.com. estate crash of 2008 took the properties out of play. Now, they’re looming on the horizon, again. Both properties are up for sale and development. A majority of county and city leadership remains committed to Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board responsible, restrained growth. But, property owners are of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting legally entitled to a reasonable economic use of their manager, and a former district commissioner. property. So, what’s reasonable? BY HARRY JOHNSTON
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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IN Town
Canton
MOVIES IN THE PARK Held at Browns Park, with the playground nearby and concessions available. Bring chairs and blankets. http://georgiamoviesinthepark.com/canton/
May 11: “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (PG) 8:30 p.m.
June 8: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG) 8:45 p.m.
July 6: “Small Foot” (PG) 8:45 p.m.
CANTON MAIN STREET FIRST FRIDAY 6-9 p.m. event includes food vendors, car show and live music. www.cantonga.gov.
June 7: Zoso July 5: Members Only Aug. 2: Skipper Grace Sept. 6: Departure Oct. 4: Rumours
THE LISTENING ROOM AT THE OAK HOUSE 151 E. Marietta St., Canton 6-9 p.m.
May 11
Layne Denton Aspen Anonda, Erin Kirby,Derek Gentry, Linnie
June 15
The Highbeams, Besides Daniel, Kate Coleman, The Tatums, Trevor Startt, 26
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
2018 Canton Festival of the Arts. Photo Courtesy of Gary Mullet.
4-5 Arts
MAY
The 16th annual Canton Festival of the will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Brown Park, 251 E. Marietta St. Featuring more than 50 artists and an all-new chalk event on Saturday. Works of art, including jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass, sculptures, textiles, paintings and much more, are available for purchase at a variety of price points. Parking is free on the street, in parking lots and at the Cherokee County Courthouse parking deck at 94 N. Main St. www.cantonartfestival.com.
Papers,” a comedy 10-12, 17-19 “The by Jeff Lovett and directed by Ed Palumbo, is a show set for the Canton Historic Theatre, 171 East Main St. www.cherokeetheatre.org.
The Canton Farmers Market opens for the 11 season at Cannon Park. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
through Oct. 12. All produce is Georgia-grown and mostly organic. On Facebook at Canton GA Farmers Market.
23-26
The inaugural Etowah Film Festival will take place at the Historic Canton Theatre. The international event includes a Friday evening filmmaker’s reception, Sunday morning patron brunch, and screenings through the four days of the films, which will be entered to win in the following categories: best documentary (short or feature), best environmental subject (short or feature), best narrative short, best narrative feature, and best student short. www.EtowahFilmFestival.com.
JUNE
on the 21-23, 28-30 “Smoke Mountain” by Gaslight
Players, will be presented at the Canton Historic Theater. www.cherokeetheatre.org.
DOWNTOWN CANTON DINING GUIDE Your complete guide to casual and upscale sit-down dining in downtown Canton Downtown Kitchen 140 E. Marietta St., 770-479-1616 thedowntownkitchen.com
SPIRITS RESERV.
Steak & Seafood
no
no
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
East Main Café 210 E. Main St., 770-670-9333 Facebook/EastMainCafe
Coffee, Tea Baked goods
$
no
no
closed
no
no
Goin’ Coastal 125 W. Main St., 770-479-3737 goincoastalseafood.com
Seafood
no
$$
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
Green Line Brewery 192 E Main St., 770-213-4420 www.greenlinebrews.com
Craft Beer Street Tacos Pub food
no
no
$
closed
Beer
no
Local on North Eatery & Bar Sunday $ $$ 170 North St., 770-213-8970 Brunch localonnorth.com Noon-3
open
Full bar
yes
Mamma Onesta’s Italian Italian no 250 E. Main St., 678-880-7770 mammaonesta.com/canton-ga
no
$$-$$$
open
Full bar
yes
Mazzato Restaurant 190 E Main St, 770-213-7648 mazzatorestaurant.com
Peruvian
no
$
$$
open
Full bar
yes
Panera Bread 205 W Main St, 770-720-1565 www.panerabread.com
Sandwich Shop
$
$
$$
open
no
no
Queenie’s 151 W. Main St. eatatqueenies.com
Southern no $$ Cooking
$$$
closed
Full bar
yes
no
closed
no
no
R&M Sandwich Shop 117 W. Main St., 770-479-4413 Look for R&M on Facebook.
Custom-made Sandwiches
no
$
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27
$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20
RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY
In Sports and in Life, the Committed Always Win BY CHANTEL ADAMS
Bill Wuth, 78, is no stranger to competition. The native Idahoan began his sports career playing baseball, if, by playing baseball, you mean sitting on the bench. At practice, he’d pace the dugout, and watch the school’s runners race around the track. “At least they’re getting some exercise,” he would say to himself. And, so it began − a lifelong career in competitive track and field events. His first loves in that area included the long jump, high jump and hurdles. And, while Wuth describes himself as a “reasonably good” high school athlete, it wasn’t until midlife that the serious training began, and the medals started pouring in. He ran his first marathon, in San Diego, at age 42. Years later, he ran the Pike’s Peak Marathon in Colorado — 13 miles up a 14,000-foot incline, and 13 miles down. In 2006, he was the only over-65-year-old ever to compete in the Double Decathlon, a rigorous track and field competition consisting of 20 events in two days. Wuth not only survived, but came away winning one of the covetous medals, and setting several world records in the process (15.54 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 4.32 meters in the long jump). “So, he decided to do the whole thing again when he turned 70,” said Wuth’s wife, Cathy.
The hurdles is one of Bill Wuth’s favorite events. 28
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
Bill and Cathy Wuth.
Bill and Cathy Wuth have called Cherokee County home for the past 14 years. The two will celebrate 58 years of marriage in June. They met at a Christian camp in Idaho, when she was just 15, and he a boy of only 16. The rest, as they say, is history. Their lifelong love has carried them across the globe as missionaries for the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism. Today, Bill still teaches and leads — both as an instructor for Timothy Ministries, and as a Sunday school teacher for college-age men at First Baptist Canton. He also participates in a modern form of missionary work called online evangelism. Wuth answers hard questions people have about the Bible, God, heaven, and life here on earth. Bill describes Cathy, also a leader in their church, as his “number one fan.” The feeling is mutual. During Cathy’s two bouts with breast cancer, Bill became her biggest supporter, forgoing competitions, and instead choosing to run the “good race” — being the best husband and caretaker he could possibly be. (Today, Cathy is healthy and strong.) His advice for anyone who wants to compete? (These lessons apply to both sports and life!) • Get out there and do it! • Work 10% harder than everybody else and you can achieve almost any goal you set. You will instantly jump into the top 20% of high achievers.
• Be aware. Are there rules you’re not following? Are there changes you need to make? • Be intentional. This is true for both life and sports. • Listen to your body. How is it responding? It will tell you what you need to do. Wuth is certainly proud of all his accomplishments in track and field, but, more than winning any sports competition, he is proud of how he loves his wife and God. He’ll never stop learning, and he’ll never stop teaching, because he wants to encourage a new generation of young people to be challenged and motivated. Today, his prayer is “Lord, don’t let me say or do anything that would bring dishonor to you.” He turns 80 in 2020, which bumps Wuth up to a new age category for competitions. The next big event is the World Championships in Alberta, Canada, in April 2021. Training is simple, requiring no expensive equipment or complicated gear. He simply marks out a course and times himself running various races. During the high school track season, he’ll practice after hours at the school’s track. Wuth approaches everything he does with enthusiasm and humor. His goal is to place in the top 10 at the World Championships, but insists he’s most looking forward to meeting people from all nations. Good luck, Bill!
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• Gated Entry • RANCH Style Homes
For contracts written on or before 5/1/19. Designer Credit is for Terrace Level Home sites Only. Designer Credits are not available for the reduction in the price of a home or for additional square footage finish or additional baths. Window Treatments will be apart of upgrades that are included in Designer Credit. Closing costs are applicable when using a community preferred lender. Information believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.
*
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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A Farewell Letter to The Sixes Community lake picnics and staff field trips, to ice cream sundae bars and food trucks, to Pinterest-inspired surprises, I have Since deciding to retire, I’ve often wondered - even told them thank you, have a great day, you are loved. worried - if I would leave a legacy at Sixes Elementary. I did some silly things as Sixes’ principal … all for the When my daughters were young, I served my community kids. I kissed a pig, ate gross jelly beans, gave Mr. Cook as a Girl Scout leader. I learned that we must always leave a pedicure, and had eggs cracked on my head. I have a place better than we found it. I hope this will be my been slimed, silly stringed, splashed, ice cream sundaed legacy at Sixes, that I left it better than I found it. and pied in the face. I would do it all over again because Some of the things I have been part of are tangible and it brought joy to my students, your children! Except, I visible, others are more intangible, things felt in the heart probably would not eat the gross jelly beans again; at or recalled in the memories we have created together. I least not the dog food flavored one. hope this farewell letter to My most important job the Sixes community will as principal has been to serve as a memoir of my time lead the way in curriculum with you, and what we have and instruction. Perhaps, accomplished together for I am most proud of the your children, our teachers, legacy I leave behind in and for our community. the curriculum initiatives I I believe it takes a village. established. Our students When I think about leaving look forward to STEAM Sixes better than I found it, Night. Science, Technology, I must mention the village Engineering, the ARTS and that has helped me make Math are FUN! Students so many positive changes. I who need extra help have can’t think of better people STAR Time in the mornings, to work alongside! Together, and those who don’t, get we redesigned the school’s exposure to a variety of landscaping, created a other activities, like writing, hugely successful lunch walk technology and readers’ program, and upgraded theater. our playgrounds to make All classes participate in Cindy with Assistant Principal Julie Peppers and a couple of students them safer and more fun. weekly meetings focusing at the Valentine Sweetheart Dance. We purchased iPad carts for on a weekly theme related every grade level, and completely redesigned our media to character and kindness. Every Sixes teacher is certified center, making it a space our students love to visit! as a Microsoft Innovative Educator, and I led by example, The gym received a much-needed facelift, the becoming a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Sixes lunchroom has new tables, and floors throughout the teachers are equipped with knowledge of Microsoft school have been replaced. We have new bathroom products, available to them and to your students, that bring stalls, new water fountains, freshly painted walls and real world learning to their fingertips. Most importantly, to improved parking. We created a teacher’s lunchroom me, I led our school in showing our community, our school where teachers are proud to gather for food and district and our state, while they change the formula for friendship. And we made our Starlight Café a place where grading schools nearly every year, Sixes is an A school! cooking and cleaning can happen, as if we were at home. The truth is, I am not unique. While I am proud Together, our village organized a fundraiser to raise of the legacy I leave at Sixes, I know principals and awareness for frontal temporal dementia and $10,000 leaders across our school district are impacting their to support Brandon English and his family. That’s a day I communities. Please tell them you appreciate their hard will never forget! To everyone who is part of this village work. They don’t do it for glory or recognition. They do it you know who you are - I can never effectively show my because they love children. gratitude! And so it goes with me. The legacy I leave is all about I always will consider myself a teacher. I love my my love for children, your children. And my love for their teachers because I know their plight, I know their work, I teachers and all who call themselves Sixes Stars. I hope, know their hearts. As principal of Sixes, I spent many late in the years to come, I can be found in the heart of Sixes, nights preparing and creating things to show my teachers for I know Sixes will always be found in my heart. And so, and staff my appreciation. From star ornaments and to the Sixes community, I say thank you for eight years I cookies, personalized door decorations, special T-shirts, will never forget! Once a Star, always a Star! BY CINDY CREWS
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AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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The Well at Goshen Valley New 12,000-Square-Foot Fa
T
he Goshen Valley Boys Ranch in Waleska is growing to meet the needs of the young men in foster care who live at the Ranch. A new 12,000-squarefoot wellness center will offer a range of activities that previously weren’t available for the residents, and a muchneeded resource for staff and volunteers. The $1.5 million Goshen Community Wellness Center (The Well) will include a full-size gymnasium, training rooms for the ranch’s staff members, tutoring and counseling space, as well as a health clinic. Nov. 1 is the expected completion date. The project is funded by contributions from metro Atlanta foundations, local partners and corporations, and the Community Development Block Grant. “This is long overdue. Our kids and our community deserve a first-class facility where the Goshen experience can be enhanced and the outcomes we provide be that much stronger,” CEO Zach Blend said. “We believe the addition of the Goshen Community Wellness Center will do just that. This space will be used daily on purpose and with purpose.” Since 2001, the 300-acre Goshen Valley Boys Ranch has created a safe and loving home for boys, ages 8-18, who are in foster care. Currently, the property
has six homes filled with more than 40 boys and their house parents. The Well is situated near the front of the property. While The Well will enhance the lives of the boys on the ranch, it also will serve the volunteers who spend countless hours on the property. The ranch hosts roughly 2,500 volunteers each year who help in a variety of ways: providing meals, working in the clothes closet, participating in activities with the boys, and performing maintenance and outdoor projects. The second Saturday of each month is devoted to service. “The space will be utilized first and foremost by those living at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, with a priority placed on physical fitness, therapeutic and educational support, and staff training. As beautiful as our current campus is, it has limitations,” Blend said. “The Well will create an environment of activity and learning that our existing facility is without. We envision the community utilizing the space as well, by hosting regional trainings and conferences, and having the potential to expand for community use in the future.” Blend and the staff at Goshen Valley constantly are looking for ways to serve children in foster care. Since the ranch opened in 2001, several new programs
have been added. Currently, the Goshen Valley Foundation is comprised of three agencies. 1. The Ranch. More than 600 boys have called Goshen Valley Boys Ranch their home since the first child moved in in 2001. All boys participate in therapeutic counseling, public school education, and a comprehensive recreation program, while living in a unique, family-based home with fulltime house parents. 2. New Beginnings. This program supports young men and women, 18-21 years old, who have aged out of the foster care system. Youth in this program attend local college classes or vocational school, hold jobs, and are taught practical life skills, such as money management, driver’s education, and professional development. 3. Goshen Homes. In an effort to keep sibling groups together, a program to recruit, train, license and support foster families was started in 2016. Currently, 30 boys and girls have been placed with families. Monthly informational gatherings are held for men and women interested in becoming foster parents.
The Well ground breaking from left, Toby Latimer, Latimer Construction; Paul Freudenstein, GV board member; Don McDonnell, GV board member; Mark Robillard, Robillard Architects; John Blend, GV founder; Dr. Sharon Hill, GV board member; Stacy Cooper, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch executive director; Zach Blend, CEO Goshen Valley Foundation; Allison Smith, GV board member, Stacy Sabaka, Goshen Valley Foundation clinical director. 32
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
RENDERINGS BY BARBARA RATNER
acility to be a Place of Hope and Healing
Gymnasium
Community Wellness Center
Leave your mark on the Goshen story with a customized commemorative brick
Tutoring center
Anyone interested in supporting The Well and Goshen Valley can visit www.GoshenValley.org/thewell to buy a brick, forever leaving a legacy as lives are changed for the foster youth at Goshen.
4x8 Red Brick $100
Conference room
8x8 Custom Brick $1000 4x8 Golden Brick $250
For more information on Goshen Valley, and, specifically, details on becoming foster parents, call 770-345-9535, or visit the Canton office at 505 Brown Industrial Parkway, Suite 200. www.goshenvalley.org. Sponsored Content
Clinic AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Understanding Qualified Charitable Distributions DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS
When you reach age 70½, there can be a new way of giving. As the owner of a traditional IRA, you are likely aware that you are obligated to make required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 70½. However, you may not be aware that the RMD can be taken in the form of a qualified charitable distribution, where a qualified charity receives all or part of your RMD, satisfying your obligation and offering a potential tax advantage. (Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.)1 Keep in mind, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your tax or legal professionals before modifying your charitable giving strategy. There are a few rules, naturally. First, you can make a qualified charitable contribution only after you reach age 70½. So, if your 70th birthday takes place Jan. 17, you’re not going to be able to make the qualified charitable distribution until July 17, six months later.1 There is a cap of $100,000 of qualified charitable distribution per individual; you can donate more, if you want, but the overage may not have any tax benefits.1 To qualify, the charity must be a qualified 501(c)3 organization. You also must make your distribution check payable directly to the charity in question, as opposed to a director or another individual in the organization. Were you to do that (write a check to an affiliated individual, who would then use those funds to write another check directly to the organization) that would be a taxable distribution.1 Would you be able to split your qualified charitable contribution in half, giving half or part to the qualified charity and the remainder as a regular RMD? Yes, you can. You would perform them as separate actions, but as long as they add up
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to the necessary RMD, you should be fine. Consult with a tax or legal professional before making any changes to your strategy.2 How do you report it on your taxes? There is a section on Form 1040 for reporting IRA distributions. Regular RMDs are taxable events, but for qualified charitable contributions, you would enter 0 (zero) for the taxable amount (assuming that the full amount qualified) and enter “QCD” next to the line.2 If you are interested in supporting a charity, a qualified charitable contribution may be a good option for you to consider. Talk with your tax or financial professional about your options. 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 a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - investopedia.com/articles/financial-advisors/032116/how-use-qcd-rulereduce-your-taxes.asp/ [12/10/18] 2 - irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras-distributionswithdrawals [5/30/18]
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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EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community.
The brave families we feature each month bless us in so many ways. They remind us of what truly matters in this busy and complex world. We are honored to serve as a conduit between these families and our neighbors with compassionate hearts in our community. This month, we share a letter from the Donley family, who, over the years, has been an inspiration and reminder of what selfless love is all about. Please continue to pray for strength and peace for their family.
W
Savannah Donley
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
e were so blessed that our daughter, Savannah Donley, was featured by Everyday Angels in the October 2018 edition. The outpouring of love and support from this community was overwhelming. Savannah fought hard and we were able to have seven months at home with her after her 78-day hospital stay. She improved so much, gained so much strength and was able to enjoy her time at home with family and friends as well as return to Next Step Ministries one day each week. She loved being in the car and visiting her favorite stores and restaurants around Towne. Her care became routine rather than scary as her health improved. We were able to focus on meeting her needs as well as those of our family as we struggled to adapt to our new normal through the financial support we have received. We have no doubt that God placed us in this community 27 years ago for this exact time. Thank you to those who have loved, cared for and prayed for Savannah over the years. A special thank you to those who have been supporting us since she first became sick last Mother’s Day. Savannah was unexpectedly called home to be with Jesus on Feb. 22. Our hearts are broken and our home is not quite as bright, but we feel loved and cared for and have not been in need of anything because of the outpouring of love from this community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and God bless each of you. Savannah was all about love. Please honor her by continuing to help those in need around our community. With love, Trent, Michelle, Payton, Sam and Jacob Donley
Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com
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Two Locations Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home Providing compassionate and comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins and Dr. Nancy Doelling offer the quality one-on-one care you demand to keep your child happy and healthy including, short wait times, same-day appointments, efficient follow up and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle.
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Legal Planning for Your High School Graduate BY JOSHUA NELSON
One of the most exciting times in a young adult’s life is heading out on their own after graduating from high school. For most graduates, and their parents, estate planning is probably the last thing on their minds. Most graduates do not have much in the way of assets to protect, so why would they need an estate plan? The often overlooked, and scary, answer: Once your child turns 18, he or she is considered an adult in the eyes of the law, and a lot of the rights we have as parents go away. With adulthood, comes certain privacy rights and independence under the law. It is vital to have a candid conversation with your college student prior to dropping them off at school. Without the proper directives in place, you may find, as the parent or person paying tuition, that you can’t access information, or help your child in ways you thought you could. Try to decide in advance how much information, such as grades, finances and health records, you will be able to access. Here are two basic, yet critical, estate-planning documents to complete before your child is college-bound.
Healthcare power of attorney/advance directive with HIPAA provision.
When a child is away at school and falls ill, or needs medical attention (including mental health), most parents assume that they will be contacted, and will have all the rights and responsibilities to direct care. You may be surprised to know that an 18-year-old is protected under federal HIPAA law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This means medical professionals will require a release signed by the child — or worse, a court order – before sharing health care information or records with a parent. Waiting until a medical event occurs, when a child may be incapacitated, even temporarily, is too late. In the absence of such an authorization or release, parents will find themselves unable
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to act on a child’s behalf, and court intervention is required. This is no time to be burdened by the cost and bureaucracy of our legal system when, literally, every minute counts. In the absence of a healthcare power of attorney and advance directive with HIPAA provision, a parent would have to file a petition to be named their child’s legal guardian. A healthcare power of attorney/advance directive with a HIPAA provision appoints an agent or agents to make health care decisions on a child’s behalf. It also offers direction from the adult child about the decisions they would like their agent to make. Each school also may have its own form of medical release papers. While school releases are not a substitute for healthcare directives, signing them in advance may speed the process in assisting your child with health-care matters. Consult your child’s university health services website for this information.
General durable power of attorney.
This document is similar to the healthcare power of attorney, in that it appoints an agent or agents to make decisions on behalf of a child. However, this document relates to financial matters. This may include granting the agent(s) access to bank accounts, school scholarship funds, rental agreements, insurance matters (auto and health) or other similar issues. While most parents are actively involved in the care and responsibility of their college-age children, there are real-world implications associated with children reaching the age of 18. Advance preparation can reduce greatly any potential legal hurdles. Planning with your kids might seem awkward at first, but broaching the subject acknowledges their new-found adulthood, and reinforces their independence.
Joshua Nelson is an elder care law attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Bldg. 900, Suite 200, Woodstock, GA, 30189. www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.
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Around & About MAY Mondays are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 6, 13, 20 Music at the Northside Hospital Cherokee
Amphitheater. For more details, visit www.woodstockga. gov and click on the special events tab.
6 tournament
The 19th annual Feed My Lambs classic golf will take place 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Marietta Country Club. Feed My Lambs provides free Christian preschools in impoverished communities, including a school in Canton. www.feedmylambs.net.
Georgia Trail of Tears Association meeting 11 begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Bartow County
Extension Office, 320 W. Cherokee Ave. #112, Cartersville. Free and open to the public. Former Funk Heritage Museum Director, Dr. Joseph Kitchen, will talk about “The Native People of Georgia and Their History.”
11-12 Mother’s Day Powwow and Indian The 30th annual Cherokee County
Festival at Boling Park in Canton, featuring Native
American dance competition, honor dance for Chipa Wolfe, and Mother’s Day honor dance; Native American cuisine, arts and crafts, jewelry, and clothing; living village and displays; environmental and wildlife displays; children’s activities and more. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and younger, and free for ages 5 and younger. The grand entry takes place at 1 p.m. each day.
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MUST Ministries Charity Golf Tournament will take place at Woodmont Country Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. www.mustministries.org.
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The 26th annual United Methodist golf outing will take place at Bent Tree Golf Course in Jasper. The event is a fundraiser for scholarships made available to United Methodist students. www.reinhardt.edu/umcgolf.
Roots Music Nights begin with a 7 16 WDSTK p.m. show on May 16 with Andrea Colburn. The
Muckers will perform on June 20, followed by Pony League on July 18, and Reverend Hylton on Aug. 15. Concerts at the Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm St., Woodstock.
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Learn about Girl Scouts for girls in middle and high school during the 2019-20 school year, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Woodstock library, 7735 Main St. Learn about outdoor adventure, leadership opportunities, community service, awards, and sorority sisterhood with a Gamma Gamma Sigma chapter. Contact is Sherry Saunders at 404-293-3511 or ssaunders@gsgatl.org.
Bacon & Banjos is set for 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Northside
Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. The annual festival, which benefits the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation. www.baconandbanjosga.com. 40
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Story time for girls who want to learn how Juliette 18 Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts, and experience
a Daisy Girl Scout activity led by girls for girls. 10 a.m. noon at Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. Contact is Sherry Saunders at 404-293-3511 or ssaunders@gsgatl.org.
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The fourth annual Galloping Against Violence fundraiser for the Cherokee Family Violence Center will take place 1-5 p.m. at Chukkar Farm Polo Club, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. The event will include an unlimited buffet, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. The festivities include a polo match, a silent auction, music, games and contests. Individual tickets are $50 each. www.cfvc.org/events.
JUNE Aging Council Poker Run is a fundraiser 1 toVolunteer benefit senior citizens and senior veterans. 9 a.m.
registration, kickstands up at 10 a.m., last bike in at 1 p.m. Starts and ends at the Lotus Adult Day Center, 4595 Towne Lake Parkway. For details, email info@vac-cherokeega.org.
1-2
The Cherokee Chorale will perform “Days of Wine and Roses” 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Scott Martin is the conductor. For ticket information, visit www.cherokeechorale.org.
FORE Charity, sponsored by the BridgeMill Sixes 7 Golf Service League, begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at BridgeMill Athletic Club. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. More details available at www.bsslgolf.org.
annual Memorial Day Dinner Tribute: 8 Second Sacrifices Made, to honor fallen military
members. First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, in the Wearhouse location on the campus. This potluck dinner is for veterans, active duty military and non-veterans. 678-494-2680. www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org.
17 Fore! The Children Golf TournamentGolfing Service League of Cherokee County’s
at Woodmont Golf Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. Registration 8 a.m., with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. All proceeds will go to help children in need in Cherokee County. For sponsorship information, please email serviceleaguesponsors@gmail.com. To register, visit www.serviceleague.net.
History: Sardis Baptist Church 18 Salvaging Minutes, a Topics in Time History Program, will be
presented by Bob Lipscomb at 7 p.m. at the Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Highway, Canton 30114. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Three Convenient Locations: We are a full-service vascular surgery and endovascular therapy practice that specifically focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the veins and arteries. Our compassionate, board-certified physicians, Dr. Catalin Harbuzariu, Dr. Edward Kang, Dr. Siddharth Patel, and Dr. Brooks Whitney bring years of experience working at some of the leading institutions in the field, and offer minimally-invasive, state-ofthe-art procedures to treat the entire scope of vascular diseases, from the simplest to the most complex. We offer three convenient locations to serve the communities throughout Greater Atlanta and North Georgia. We offer state-of-the-art care in providing the full-spectrum of vascular and endovascular services for:
• Aortic Aneurysms • Carotid Disease
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• Venous Disease • Dialysis Access • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
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460 Northside Cherokee Blvd. Suite 100 Canton, GA 30115
1505 Northside Blvd. Suite 2400 Cumming, GA 30041
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NVS-GA.com AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Premature Twins: An Emotional Roller Coaster “After I got settled, the contractions finally stopped, and they let me go home.“ Jourdan made it to 33 weeks. Early this year, Jourdan And that’s when she had her boys. Adams and her family were She was admitted to the named the March of Dimes hospital for a C-section at 7 p.m., Ambassador in Cherokee and, by 9 p.m., her twins were County’s March for Babies born. “I had two separate NICU 2019. She calmly described teams doing a full evaluation. My her high risk pregnancy, the first baby, Briar, had to be put early delivery of her tiny twin on a CPAP (a device providing boys, and the weeks of special continuous positive airway care they received in the pressure), because his lungs Northside Hospital Cherokee weren’t fully developed. But, my Neo-Intensive Care Unit (NICU). second baby, Wyatt, was fine. And The emotional ups and downs will sound familiar to any Jourdan Adams with twins Briar and Wyatt. Photo by Two Little Feet he was the smaller one!” The boys were taken to the mother who has given birth to Photography. NICU. Briar would be on the CPAP for more than two weeks. a premature baby. When asked how she handled the waiting period, before the “The pregnancy was good – up until about 22 weeks. That boys could come home, Jourdan said, “I stayed in the hospital, as was the first time I had to go to the hospital,” Jourdan said. long as I could. I was anticipating that day, having to leave them. She and her husband, Tyler, had been trying to get pregnant, I had tried to prepare myself for it, but nothing in the world can so when Jourdan’s home pregnancy test read positive, she prepare you for going home without your children. went to the obstetrician right away. Her choice of a doctor was “Luckily, we only live 5 minutes from Northside Cherokee, so simpler than it is for many women. As a medical assistant for an we were there every single day, all day long. We got there every OB-GYN practice, she made an appointment with the physician morning and only left for lunch. The boys had feeding tubes for the with whom she had worked closely during the past few years. first week and a half, and we wanted to hold them while they were Jourdan said that early in the pregnancy, she had a small being fed, so they would associate food with Mommy and Daddy. bleed, which, she quickly added, is “not unusual.” But, at 22 And after that we were working on bottles. weeks the real trouble started. Early contractions led to bedrest. “The boys had their own room, so it was really nice. We could At her 27-week appointment, there was more trouble. “I kind of spread out. It was a blessing that we were in Cherokee was dilated, my cervix was shrinking. Dr. Peahen Gandhi sent County. But it was still exhausting to be there all day long, and me to the hospital. The monitors showed I was having regular recovering from surgery. It takes an emotional toil.” contractions. They gave me terbutaline, then magnesium, but Jourdan smiled, with her healthy twin boys beside her, “It is hard, the contractions continued. Dr. Gandhi had to send me by so hard, but they DO come home!” ambulance to Northside Atlanta. PROVIDED BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS
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@ the Library
Sequoyah Regional Library System 116 Brown Industrial Parkway • Canton, GA 30114 770-479-3090 • www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org
Library staff and volunteers celebrated another successful Sequoyah-Con event.
R.T. JONES
HICKORY FLAT
116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090
2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-7565
May 11
May 6
a brief reading from her new historical novel, “Sarah’s Way,” set in 1838 Lumpkin County during the Trail of Tears. Longino offers insights into the matriarchal orientation of the Cherokee culture and how that focus shifted due to the influence of European settlers.
Advisory Board is a way to make your voice heard by planning and implementing library events. Earn volunteer hours, help select new materials for the library, and more. Discussions will include teen summer reading program events and recognizing graduating high school seniors. All teens are welcome. To become a member of the Teen Advisory Board, pick up an application at the library.
Author Donna Longino: The Trail of Tears and the Cherokee at 2 p.m. Join local author Donna Longino for
May 18
Adventure Awaits! Tabletop Gaming at noon. Take a seat at the table, grab some dice, and step into the boots of a hero for the monthly Dungeons and Dragons game. Beginners are welcome. Materials provided, or you may bring your own. Other tabletop games and gamers are welcomed. For ages 12 and older.
May 13
May 20
May 15
been working toward. Schedule an appointment with the local Goodwill Career Center to make your résumé the strongest it can be. Call 770-479-3090 (Ext. 228) to schedule your appointment.
grooving with friends from Go Noodle! It’ll be a dance party to remember. Experience parachute play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one action-packed hour. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Goodwill Résumé Help at 3 p.m. Land that job you’ve
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Teen Advisory Board Meeting at 6 p.m. The Teen
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
Are You Smarter Than a Librarian? at 6 p.m. Think
you’ve got what it takes to outsmart a librarian? Play this game to find out. Refreshments provided for participants and audience members. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.
Music and Moves at 10:30 a.m. Get moving and
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Rob’s Rescues I visited the Atlanta Police Department's Animal Cruelty Unit and interviewed Officers Amy Soeldner and Joe Latosky. www.atlantapd.org/home
What do you do and how long have you been doing it?
As police officers we respond to any call for assistance. We specialize in animal cruelty. Officer Soeldner has been on the police force for 21 years and Officer Latosky eight years. The Animal Cruelty Unit has been in existence for a year, but Officer Soeldner has been focused on cruelty cases for 20 years.
What is the best part of your job? This dog’s name is Old Alabama. He is a great, 10-yearold, senior dog. He is a good size for a family dog and is precious with a short tail. He is super friendly, and will come right up to you, and isn’t scared or shy. He is very gentle, and pretty curious about what’s going on around him. The Cherokee County Shelter has a bunch of other dogs, and you will find your great dog there if you aren’t looking for a senior shepherd-mix like Old Alabama.
Letting them "take the ride." Having offenders get picked up on a warrant. Being the voice of the animal that has been abused, or standing up for the person who owned the animal who has lost it in cruel circumstances. Getting justice for the animal. We want to send a strong message that if you hurt an animal, it will not be tolerated. Getting closure for pet owners, too. Like a case we had of a cat wrapped in a grocery bag, and left on the owner's doorstep. We thought this might have been retaliation from an ex-employee the owner had fired. We sent the cat for a necropsy that clarified cause of death as a dog attack. We could give the owner closure that this was not someone targeting her personally.
What was your first case with animals?
A dog was starved to death. The neighbors were trying to feed it, but the owner wouldn't let them. There was also a dog fighting case. The dog had been chained to a tree and almost mauled to death. We found the owner and got him put in jail.
Do you do more dog or cat cases?
More dogs than cats, but cats on the incline. We have a horse case right now and recently closed on a llama case. We have dealt with goats, too, and an abandoned bearded dragon.
How many cases do you do in a year? We had more than 200 cases last year.
What is the major problem in the community?
The judicial system could take the process and punishment more seriously. Also, there is little to no education for children about how to be safe around animals. We will only break the cruelty cycle by educating kids.
What are some stories that you love to tell?
This cat’s name is Erin. She is 1½ years old and is a calico cat. Erin is super friendly and has big green eyes. She has unusual coloring, and she loves to be held and likes to lie on comfortable surfaces. She was a stray, and when she came to the shelter she had a wound on her foot, but it is fixed now.
Follow Rob! @robsrescues 46
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
Last year, there was a case that was all over the news. Video at a gas station showed a man violently kicking a young cat. The case went unsolved for a long time, despite extensive publicity and numerous tips. Then, a single sentence tip was called in. We followed it up and jackpot! We try and help the people and animals in our district as much as we can. There is an older gentleman in a rundown area of the city who has a dog called Bear-Bear. On a drive through the neighborhood recently we saw him, and Bear-Bear was in bad shape with fleas and losing his hair. I took the dog in my patrol car to Grace at the W-Underdogs (See Rob’s article from August 2018). He got a bath and haircut and I brought him back to his owner a new dog! Another of my favorite stories is about a dog we named Smokey. He was rescued unconscious from outside an apartment complex fire. He was given CPR, and when the ambulance crew arrived they brought him around with a doggie oxygen mask. He went on to be adopted by a wonderful family.
How can I help you?
Spread awareness of the people that are available to help. If you make human lives better you make animals’ lives better.
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.
Helping Your Pets Through Allergy Season BY DR. JONATHAN GILVARRY
Pollen is everywhere, or it seems that way, with all the trees blooming and grass sprouting. If you are like me, your allergies have been raging out of control. The same can be true with our pets. However, they exhibit signs of allergies differently than we do. We, as humans, sneeze and get congested, and our eyes start to water. Pets, on the other hand, get itchy skin. Far and away, environmental factors, such as pollen, are the No. 1 cause of allergies. The condition is known as atopy, which typically is associated with an increased immune response to common allergens. Dogs who develop allergies become very itchy, and start to chew, scratch and lick themselves. After a period of time, sometimes as short as a few hours, the skin can become very red, even to the point of hair loss and bleeding. Secondary bacterial and/or yeast infections are common. The most commonly affected areas include the face, paws, ears and the groin area, but any area possibly can be affected. Typically, cats will start to excessively lick their abdomens, to the point of going bald and/or having ulcers on their skin and face. Often, pet allergies are hard to treat. Antihistamines are
hit or miss, with most being a miss. People are quick to want to blame their pet’s food, and make changes to diet; however, environmental allergies are much more common. In the past, blood tests or intradermal skin tests were recommended for allergy testing. Blood tests are no longer recommended, because of their inaccuracies. Although intradermal skin testing is better, it typically is conducted by dermatological specialists, and not at your general practitioner veterinarian’s office. Another way to combat allergies is through new technologies, such as immunomodulation. Apoquel, which is a daily tablet, and Cytopoint, which is an injection, typically last, on average, about four weeks, and have been very helpful in making dogs comfortable. However, some results may vary. The best plan is to consult your veterinarian in order to come up with the best treatment plan to help your pets fight allergies.
Dr. Jonathan Gilvarry has been an associate veterinarian of the BridgeMill Animal Hospital Team since 2015.
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An Adventure BY ANN LITREL
Alligators and 6-foot-long sturgeon reputedly swim in the depths of the murky river under our boat. My friend Ginger sits behind me, steering the kayak while I periodically break to click a quick photo. We are deep in South Georgia, navigating the wildest unbroken stretch of river east of the Mississippi: the Altamaha, which flows freely for 137 miles, with no dam to break its course to the sea. The river is known as Georgia’s “Little Amazon.” We’re here on a weekend stewardship trip with the Georgia Conservancy, joined by 70 fellow paddlers from all over the Southeast. Our bright boats and life vests form a colorful parade gliding atop the water. On either side of us, the wide fingers of the Altamaha reach far inland, spreading ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM 48
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Kayaking along Georgia's Little Amazon quietly between the trunks of cypress and tupelo. The silence is eerie. Small drips and splashes follow our paddles through the water, but there is no motor noise anywhere to be heard. So far, so good. I briefly recall the warning in bold print on our registration form: “Intermediate Paddlers only.” I blithely ignored it. It’s been two days since Ginger and I pulled into the Altamaha River Campground, tossing together a two-person tent that appeared designed for a single small child with a pillow. A night in the tent produced dents in my back and frozen fingers at dawn, but multiple pots of coffee and hot eggs resuscitated all of us, and, by 9 a.m., we were fortified for the all-day paddle from camp to sea. The river surged with spring rains and a slow tidal breath from the sea. But the miles of wild banks were peaceful, and even as we drew near the small town of Darien, our take-out point, no signs of humans marred the landscape. Swamp trees gave way to rustling marsh grasses. Bald eagles soared high in the blue, alighting from time to time in the few lonely trees standing in the marsh. The wilderness made its imprint on us in silence and ancient wildness. Today, our second day, is another gift. We have ventured into the deep swamp creeks surrounding the campground - the “best part of the weekend,” say returning paddlers. With each stroke we penetrate farther into the prehistoric forest. Trunks of trees loom large in our path. Ginger and I suddenly notice water inside our kayak, sloshing over our seats. Maybe a slow leak. We look up. The spaces between the trees have narrowed.
Better Banking. Better Benefits. Better Believe It.
Georgia Nature Excursions The Georgia Conservancy
Georgiaconservancy.org
The Nature Conservancy Nature.org
Ginger, left, and Ann became “intermediate” paddlers.
Perhaps an intermediate paddler would know what to do. One of the guides paddles up behind us. “This is where is gets a little tough for a tandem kayak,“ he says laconically. “Y’all have much experience?” No. Experience would be handy right about now – say, when you’re paddling a leaky 18-foot kayak into a thicket of trees, and you need to execute a sudden 90-degree turn to avoid crashing into a snag of fallen logs. We weren’t the only ones having problems. Kayaks running into kayaks. Canoes stuck between trees. One boat taking on water, and getting close to capsizing. Within three minutes, our group was a floating traffic jam. Forget about enjoying the wilderness. Ginger and I wanted only to get out of the swamp without swimming with the gators. As it turned out, we finally did get untangled, and after a couple more hours made it back to base camp. As a matter of fact, we became “intermediate” paddlers. Lying in the tent that night, we heard the barred owl call. The stars shone like maybe they have since the beginning of the world. And, at dawn, we watched a great white egret hunt along the shoreline in the mist. Worth a couple of cold nights and wet bottoms.
Ann Litrel is an artist, writer and certified Master Naturalist. She works in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.
Same Great Credit Union. Fresh New Look. Visit Us In Canton 140 Riverstone Parkway, Canton
www.CUofGA.org
#DoYouCU AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Turn Around Kids: Champions for Children BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
In a land far, far away (St. Petersburg, Russia) a little girl named Caitlyn was born to alcoholic parents. Placed in an orphanage at age 4 with her brother, they stayed there for five years, until a wonderful Christian couple adopted them. Sadly, Caitlyn’s childhood trauma began to manifest itself in her early teens. Anger, rebellion and self-hatred left her adoptive parents at wit’s end. After exhausting all other options to help her, they sent her to live with Turn Around Kids. “I went kicking and screaming,” Caitlyn said. “But, because of the many opportunities to be involved in ministry while there, I started to experience God for who He really is. He is love, and He loves us, and He loves me. Now, I am so thankful. For me, it’s not just some Christian organization, it’s family. Christi and Cheryl are the hands and feet of Christ. I owe a debt to them I cannot pay. ... I am now a faithful wife to the best husband I could ask for, a homeschooling mom of seven, and, above all, a follower of Jesus.” Co-founded by Cheryl Anderson and Christi Vieira, Turn Around Kids (TAK) began in Cherokee County in 2003. This powerhouse mother-daughter team, and those in their family who come alongside to help, are champions for children, and advocates for those who have been through unspeakable trauma.
Family day with Cedric, who graduated from Marine boot camp training.
An advocate is a person who actively promotes the goals of a cause. At TAK, the cause is to support vulnerable children around the greater Atlanta area. The goals are to ease the suffering of homeless, abandoned and abused children. TAK has advocated for and rescued 90 children out of dire circumstances since it began 16 years ago. TAK’s mission is to make a difference one child at a time. This is accomplished in a family environment where siblings are kept together. “When children come to live with us, we take parental guardianship. We become their family. We are committed to them for life from that moment on,” Anderson said. Relationships in the TAK homes are nurtured through a holistic approach, addressing each child’s spiritual, physical, nutritional, academic and psychological health. Groups and independent counseling are utilized, along with spiritual and devotional instruction, classroom and hands-on education, outreach and exit strategy. “It has been my great privilege to participate with TAK for the last several years,” Bart Campbell said. “Witnessing the selfless devotion and loving kindness that’s
immeasurably meted out to the children is what inextricably drew me in to want to be involved with their great work.” TAK is growing, and presently operating in two locations, one home in Woodstock and another in Acworth. Dual homes present a set of challenges. The Acworth location, a 21-acre dream come true, was acquired in July of 2015. The property has a nine-bedroom five-bathroom house on it that was left unoccupied, vandalized, and was in bad shape. It had to be gutted. Renovations were completed, and the rooms now are filled with precious Turn Around Kids. Today, the ultimate goal is to build another house on this property, so everyone can relocate to Acworth and live together in one spot. Cheryl and Christi are inviting you to become an advocate for at-risk children. You can make a big difference by helping with the construction of the second home, volunteering, or spreading the word about the work being done there. For more information, visit www. turnaroundkids.org or call 678-388-7660. You can make a tax-deductible donation online or mail to: 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite #116-102, Woodstock, GA 30189.
Susan Browning 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.
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Cherokee Chamber of Commerce
3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400 • www.cherokeechamber.com
RIBBON CUTTINGS 1. Triple Gems Appraisal Services P.O. Box 93, Holly Springs 404-402-6278. www.triplegemsappraisal.com. 2. Comfort Inn & Suites North Canton 713 Transit Ave., Canton 770-479-7300. www.choicehotels.com.
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3. Infiniti Roofing & Remodeling 2288 Marietta Highway, Suite 170, Canton 770-720-1160. www.infinitiroofingandremodeling.com. 4. Empower Cherokee 133 Univeter Road, Canton 770-345-5821. www.empowercherokee.org. 5. Anna Christine Bridal 559 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 110, Canton 770-213-8189. www.annachristinebridal.com.
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6. Cherokee Veterans Park Playground 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.
EVENT CALENDAR May 14 Business After Hours 4:30-6:30 p.m. Presented by AT&T at Canton Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics 1425 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 200, Canton. May 17 Regional Issues Awareness Program at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. Legislative update by members of the Cherokee County legislative delegation. May 21 Power Hour, 10-11 a.m. Networking with fellow business owners. May 22 B.L.A.S.T.T. workshop, 9-11 a.m. Rules of proper business etiquette and protocol, presented by Dawn Stastny of the Stellaris Group. May 23 Community Outreach Program: CPR/ AED Training, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A representative from
Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services will teach the class. Must be 14 years old to receive certification. $45.
June 6 Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast, 7 a.m. breakfast meetings offer current and future Chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. May sponsor is Northside Hospital Cherokee. June sponsor is Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. June 10 Chamber Classic Golf Tournament at the Fairways of Canton, 8:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. shotgun start. $600 for a chamber classic foursome. Sponsored by Northside Hospital Cherokee, Cobb EMC and Georgia Power.
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Tips for Staying Safe on the Water This Season BY GREGORY FONZENO
Georgia boaters, mark your calendars for National Safe Boating Week May 18-24, the unofficial start of the boating season. While boating is a time for fun and family, it’s also a time for care and safety. With more than 330,000 boats registered in the state, there are at least three things everyone should do to ensure a fun and safe day on the water.
Take a boating education class.
Just as an educated driver is safer on the road, an educated boater is safer on the water. Knowing the rules on the water keeps everyone safe, and provides for a much more enjoyable experience. There are many options locally available to take a safe boating class, including courses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, or online by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is also important to remember that in Georgia, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1998, must have completed a boating education course before operating any motorized vessel on Georgia state waters.
Always wear a life jacket.
Many of us might remember pictures of the Titanic and other maritime disasters where passengers put on large, bulky life jackets. They were so cumbersome that they were stored aboard ship and passed out (at least to the lucky ones) just before sinking. Things have changed! Today’s recreational boater life jackets are lightweight – not bulky – colorful, and comfortable to wear. Their purpose, however, hasn’t changed; they still save lives. In the past five years, 21 people have drowned in Lake Allatoona, and none of those victims were wearing life jackets. Approximately 700 boating deaths occur nationally each year with 80 percent drowning, and 83 percent of those were not wearing life jackets. Georgia law requires that boaters “carry aboard and have readily accessible” one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets must be in good condition, and of the proper fit for each passenger – a small child needs a small life jacket. However, if you find yourself overboard and in the water, it is impossible to grab your life jacket, and put 52
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it on while in the water struggling to stay afloat. A life jacket only works if it is worn at all times. There are a wide variety of life jackets on the market. Pricewise they range from about $10 to more than $200. Whatever type of life jacket you choose, the most important feature is that it is worn at all times while on the boat. A life jacket doesn’t work unless you wear it. When a life jacket is worn, nobody mourns.
File a float plan.
Whenever you go boating, always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. If something should happen, you can’t be rescued if no one knows where to search. Always prepare a float plan before departure. The plan doesn’t need to be overly complicated, but should cover the following points: • Description of the boat: type, length, color, registration number and name. • Description of your car: license plate number and at what marina or launch ramp it is parked.
• Number of people on board. • When and from where you are leaving, where you are going/route, and when you expect to return. If that seems like too much, just let someone know from where you are leaving, where you are going, and when you will be returning. Leave the float plan with a good friend, a family member, or someone you can trust to take action once you are overdue. Your friend will then call the appropriate party to come to your rescue. The appropriate party to call could be the DNR, the Corps of Engineers, or local sheriff’s office. The float plan tells the rescuer where to look. As the boating season begins, everyone wants to have an enjoyable time on the water. A safe boating experience is a fun experience. Following these guidelines will help everyone have a much safer boating season this summer. For more information about boating education classes, email the Lake Allatoona Coast Guard Auxiliary at flotilla22pe@gmail.com.
Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and vice commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake.
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Safety First
School Crossing Guards Deserve Our Thanks, Praise
that everyone remains safe, and to be kind and courteous as they do their job. We also ask you to consider going one step Each of us who lives in Cherokee County should be able to further: please thank a crossing guard. agree on one thing: Our roads are busy and growing busier Serving as a crossing guard can be dangerous and thankless, every day. and we all can do our part to make this job safer and more I hope we can agree on another point: Keeping these roads appreciated. safe, especially around our schools, is an important priority. A “thank you” can be as easy as waving hello or giving a We’re fortunate to have the thumbs-up, or sending a personal Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, led by note, a card made by your child or Sheriff Frank Reynolds, that’s small gift to the school to pass along dedicated to serving and protecting to the crossing guard. A $5 gift card our community. The Sheriff’s Office to enjoy a hot cup of coffee makes is an outstanding partner for our a big impact after a cold or wet (or school district in times of crisis, but both) shift. A gift card for a frozen also every day by offering crossing treat is just as wonderful on warmer guards. days. The Sheriff’s Office employs Please consider thanking Sheriff crossing guards to keep our county’s Reynolds and the Cherokee County roads safe for everyone by directing Board of Commissioners for the traffic at our most congested school investment of our tax dollars that entrances. Just like patrolling for employs the crossing guards. Mary Hulsey, top and above, is the crossing guard at speeders, careless drivers and It’s good for them to hear your Hickory Flat Elementary School. stopped-school-bus passers, the appreciation as well. office’s dedication to ensuring school entrances are safe is P.S. The fine for failing to obey a crossing guard directing crucial to the safety of everyone on our roads. traffic? It may end up costing you $1,000. There’s no more important person during the school rush hour than the crossing guard, as he or she is key to ensuring traffic moves through the school zones smoothly and slowly; Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer that drivers – no matter how rushed – take turns; and that it’s for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent safe for walkers and bicyclists to cross streets. with four children. It's important to remember to yield to crossing guards, so BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
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GOLFING
RE ! FThe Children
WHEN: Monday, June 17, 2019 TIME: 8 AM Registration 9:30 AM Shotgun Start - Scramble LOCATION: Woodmont Golf Club 3105 Gaddis Rd. • Canton, GA 30115 For more information please visit www.serviceleague.net. For sponsorship information, email serviceleaguesponsors@gmail.com CORPORATE PARTNER
All proceeds benefit the children in need of Cherokee County
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YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Dreams Do Come True! Woodstock High School student Alanis "Laney" Broussard recently returned from her Disney Dreamer experience in Orlando, where she was awarded an internship with Essence magazine in New York City. She also will have the opportunity to be a red carpet correspondent for the Essence Festival in New Orleans in July. While at the Disney Dreamer experience, Broussard attended workshops in law and journalism. Her dream is to have her own TV show or podcast, where she can have conversations with other teens on issues they experience, and conversations that will change lives.
Cherokee High School students, from left, Bella McKeehan, Bella Lindeborg, DeAnna Dobeis and Anna Townsend, placed at the State Skills USA event in healthcare competitions.
Pathways Students Earn Top Honors Students from Cherokee High School earned top honors in the State’s Skills USA competition testing their career knowledge and abilities. Cherokee’s team competed in: welding sculpture, collision repair, flight operations, T-shirt design, extemporaneous speaking, medical assistant and nurse assisting. The chapter also earned the overall bronze award. Austin Ledbetter won gold in collision repair, earning thousands of dollars in scholarships and tools. He will advance to nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. The school’s Healthcare Pathways program competed in hands-on contests for the first time this year. In medical assisting, DeAnna Dobeis won gold, and Anna Townsend earned bronze; and in nurse assisting, Bella Lindeborg won gold, and Bella McKeehan won silver. Both gold winners also advance to nationals. The school’s Air Force JROTC team competed in flight operations, and the team of Jack Edmondson, Stephen Kaiser and Jackson King earned bronze. Transportation teacher Mike Hagan serves as Cherokee’s Skills USA chair.
High School Graduation Dates All Cherokee County high school graduation ceremonies will be held at First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, 30188.
May 30
Sequoyah High School, 4 p.m., Cherokee High School, 8 p.m.
May 31
Etowah High School, 4 p.m., Creekview High School, 8 p.m.
Alanis "Laney" Broussard at Disney World. 58
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June 1
Woodstock High School, 9 a.m., River Ridge High School, 1 p.m.
There’s a New School Police Chief in Town The Cherokee County school board unanimously approved Major Buster Cushing, who currently serves as commander of field operations for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, as the next school police chief, effective July 1. Cushing will fill the role currently held by retiring Chief Mark Kissel. “Major Cushing is just the right leader to continue the legacy of excellent service by Chief Kissel,” Superintendent Brian V. Hightower said. “His experience, education, reputation and commitment to our Major Buster Cushing community will serve our school district and community well, as he takes on this incredibly important role in our organization.” Cushing’s past roles with the sheriff’s office, during the past 22 years, also have included: commander of criminal investigations, lieutenant of internal affairs, narcotics agent supervisor, SWAT team leader, crime suppression team leader and uniform patrol shift commander. During his tenure with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, he earned three commendation awards. Cushing earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Georgia, and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State College. He and his wife, Christy, have a daughter, Preslie, and son, Sadler, who both are students at Creekview High School.
mINgle
After Hours Networking at Little River Clothing Thursday May 9 // 5:30 - 7:30 PM Copper Coin Coffee
MORNING INFLUENCE
Friday May 31, 2019 // 8 AM
RSVP: INWDSTK.ORG/EVENTS
Teacher in the Spotlight Loretta Muise of Woodstock High School has been named the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ High School Teacher of the Year. The council presents three awards — one each for elementary, middle and high school levels — which annually are given to “excellent teachers who have strong content foundations in mathematics appropriate for their teaching level, show evidence of growth in the teaching of mathematics, and show evidence of professional Loretta Muise involvement.” Muise, who has 29 years of experience, is the school’s math department chair and teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB/BC and Multivariable Calculus. She joined the school district as a math teacher at Woodstock High in 2004, and was named the department chair in 2011. Muise earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Salem State University and a specialist degree in education from Piedmont College. AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Writing With Vocabulary Words For this month, my students used some of their vocabulary words to inspire their writing. Some of the words were: centurion, November, percent, decimeter, century, decimal, decade and centimeter. - Joseph Lemmo
Haley Skipper
I stared at the house I would be living in; it looked like it had been built a century ago. Its door handle was dangling, looking like a sweater only held together by a thread. “Welcome home!” my dad said cheerfully, hopping out of the van. He walked towards the porch steps, they creaked as if getting ready to fall. Hesitantly, I followed my dad into the strange house. The inside of the house was dusty. I sneezed. The first thing I saw was an overly large picture of a centurion, his sword raised as if daring someone to fight him. Weirded out, I quickly trotted upstairs to my new room. The room was extremely bare, only a small, shattered mirror sat in the room. Curtains hung from the windows; their edges ripped. I frowned at the sight thinking, “Why did we have to move?” Just as I was about to start unpacking, I heard a strangled yelp coming from my new backyard. Quickly, I got to my feet, and sprinted downstairs and out the backdoor. There, a black puppy was tied up by a long rope. I slowly took a step forward. The dog whimpered and pressed himself closer to the faded brown fence. “It’s okay,” I said, in what I hoped was a comforting voice. The dog relaxed slightly, and inched a centimeter closer to me. It was small, but it was something. I gently untied the dog, and he quivered, but didn’t run. His blue eyes sparked in surprise; I could tell kindness from humans was surprising for him. The young puppy was just fur and bones. He was so skinny I could count his ribs. Carefully, I picked up the puppy. He cocked his head at me, then in one swift motion lunged forward and licked my face. I laughed in surprise. With him, life would be alright. Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County since 2000. He performs improv in the Atlanta area. He and his wife have one son.
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Kimberly Strickland
“On November 11, 1998, the biggest crime of the century took place. It was a bank robbery pulled by the two most dangerous criminals of all time! Their names were Donna and Jake. They robbed a bank of $1 million,” Mr. Joans told us. But, most of us didn’t listen, except for a few who were new to town. The rest of us had lived here our whole lives, including me, Mia. I’m not saying they weren’t cool stories when we first heard them, but now we knew them by heart. As his story finished, we gathered our stuff and went to our third period class, which for me was math. As we walked in, we found a worksheet on our desks and quickly got to work. It was easy for me since it was mostly decimals and percentages. Suddenly, we heard a buzzing noise outside. Mr. Cull went to open the window, and a drone flew in, and circled the room once, before setting its sights on me! All I remember next, was blacking out. I woke up in a white room with my dad at my side. The minute he realized I was awake, he began asking me questions, though I couldn’t answer them fast enough before he asked the next one. Soon the doctor walked in carrying a clipboard. “Oh, good, you’re awake. I have some bad news…
Kayla Murphy
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom that was a century old. The king’s name was King Eric. He had a wife named Queen Liza, and a son named Prince Brody, who was a decade old. King Eric had a meeting with three other kingdoms. “I have to go to the meeting,” he told Queen Liza, who wasn’t sure he should go because the meeting was at least a day’s trip. “Eric, it’s not like the meeting is a decimeter away,” Liza told him. Brody, who stood there confused, asked, “Why are you going so far, father?” King Eric looked at him sadly, for he knew the trip could be dangerous. “The meeting is important, son,” he said, glancing at Queen Liza to help him explain. “Brody, your father is trying to say that the other kingdoms could get mad if he doesn’t attend the meeting,” Liza explained. King Eric cut in, “That doesn’t mean they will, I’d say there is about a 50 percent chance they would.” He let out a long, deep sigh, “If you really and truly don’t want me to go, I won’t go, I’ll just send the centurion with a message saying I won’t be able to attend it.” Queen Liza nodded, and Brody cheered and danced around.
Erin Miller
The real story of how November was named November… Once in Rome, a long, long time ago, there was a centurion. She was the bravest lady that anybody knew, and her name was November. She heard of the fountain of youth, and knew if she found it, she would become queen. So, she went searching, and searching, and searching. Finally, she found something even better than the fountain of youth. She found a temple made of gold! She and her warriors were happy and filled with joy. They started breaking the temple right away. But, it took longer than they thought it would, and about sixty percent of her warriors had sadly died. She was determined to bring the gold back to Rome. And, one month later, that is exactly what she did. Can you guess what month she became queen? You guessed it, November. The month of November was named after her, the newest queen and richest person in Rome.
Elm Street
Finding Joy and Inspiration in Art BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON
Recently, we announced the new programming for our upcoming Season to Prevail. Frankly, there are a number of reasons why I am excited about this season, which starts in August. To prevail means to prove superior, but even more, it means to exist. At Elm Street, we love our community, and how art is used to further that community. I think it is important, because art calls to the optimism within us and beckons us to be inspired. Being inspired is increasingly important. The national headlines become predictably dreary: bigotry, poverty, injustice, trauma, trouble. Working on this season, with the stellar team at Elm Street, helped me remember a simple truth: Prioritizing hope, whenever possible, is a brave and bold thing to do. Many stories for the upcoming season resonate with this truth, as well. With the many events Elm Street does, sometimes we lose track of what we are doing. So, when we announce a season, it’s a great reminder of why we do what we do, and we love seeing the community get excited about what we have planned. I think this is when Elm Street performs its best art; when you meet us where we are, and invite us to think, to feel, to wonder, to dream, to debate, to laugh, to resist, to roam, to imagine with you. Art is worthy of our interrogation, and is, in fact, an antidote for our times. Art instigates all of this. Our events celebrate and suggest ways that one can find inspiration in the present moment. Whether a filmmaker or a photographer, an author or an actress, a poet or a painter, our events are filled with people who use art as a means for dynamic optimism. As the gifted theologian Howard Thurman once wrote: “Whatever may be the tensions and the stresses of a particular day, there is always lurking close at hand the trailing beauty of forgotten joy or unremembered peace.” When you come to Elm Street, we hope you find that joy, that inspiration, that optimism amid the tensions of the day. Not just as an escape, but as an opportunity to prevail by taking part in that joy. Join us for an upcoming Lantern Series concert or theater show, and prevail with us.
UPCOMING AT ELM STREET
The Huntertones Jazz Funk | New York
Violet Bell
Americana | Asheville
HUNTERTONES VIOLET BELL
MAY 18th | 7:30PM JUNE 1st | 7:30PM LANTERN SERIES PRESENTING PARTNER:
JUNE 12th-26th PRESENTING PARTNER:
Registration is OPEN for
SUMMER CAMPS Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.
ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Advertisers
May 2019
ANIMALS/PETS
LGE Community Credit Union 770-424-0060 www.lgeccu.org
BridgeMill Animal Hospital 770-479-2200 www.bridgemillvet.com
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Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
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(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric)
Pet Play Place Canton: 770-213-3829 Kennesaw: 770-919-8738 www.petplayplace.com
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Dentistry at Hickory Flat 770-213-8166 www.hickoryflatdentist.com
Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC 678-250-9355 www.nelsoneldercarelaw.com Tidwell Strimban 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com BridgeMill Auto Care Canton location: 770-720-0765 East Cobb location: 770-641-9906 Chloe’s Auto Repair 770-575-8800 www.chloesautorepair.com
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Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 43 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 24 770-592-5554 770-345-4155 www.drwilliamsorthodontics.com
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INWDSTK 59 www.inwdstk,org/events CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
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North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 31 770-726-8948 www.YourHearingLink.com
Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.CitadelWealthCare.com Your CBD Store Canton 770-704-0550 www.cantonga.cbdrx4u.com
Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
Calvary Landscaping & Irrigation 770-720-1727 or 770-827-0346
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Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277
Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org
Drug Studies America 678-581-5252 www.drugstudies.net
Reinhardt University 770-720-9191 www.reinhardt.edu
Goshen Valley Cover, 32, 33 www.goshenvalley.org/thewell
CREDIT UNION
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inside front www.choa.org/nick
Medical Assoc. of North Georgia 770-479-5535 www.Medassoc.com
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HOME & GARDEN
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com
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Giving Care Training Center 678-831-0830 www.givingcareathome.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES 5
Canton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 770-479-8791/770-345-8670 www.cnrc.co
Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 11 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com
EDUCATION/TRAINING
BEAUTY SALON & SPA Salon & Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com
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AUTOMOTIVE
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PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES
Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com
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www.landscapemattersinc.com Mr. Junk 678-675-8651 www.mrjunk1.com
DENTAL
ATTORNEYS Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
35
9 37
ClearView Softwash & Pressure Washing 34 770-926-1960 www.clearviewatl.com Landscape Matters 770-403-5813
7
5
Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 678-388-5485 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com
37
Northside Vascular Surgery 770-292-3490 www.NVS-GA.com
41
Plastic Surgery Center of the South 38 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net Resurgens Orthopaedics, PC 678-505-4455 www.resurgens.com
7
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Coldwell Banker, Mike Taylor O:770-642-0399, D: 770-344-7720 www.CBHomes.com
29
FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION Katherine Amick • 678-279-5502 • Katherine@AroundaboutMagazines.com
Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cover 404-954-2486 678-494-0644 www.kurtandsheilateam.com Magnolia Cottages by the Sea www.magnoliadreamcottage.com
57
Serenity 29 770-592-2404 www.treetopresidential.com RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Canton River Rock www.cantonga.gov
17
CYFA 43 www.cyfa.org Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.ElmStreetArts.org First Fridays Downtown Canton www.cantonga.gov
61
7
Golfing Fore! The Children www.serviceleague.net
57
Wild Birds Unlimited
Must Ministries Charity Golf Tournament 37 www.mustministries.org
www.wbu.com/woodstock
Suntex Boat Club & Rentals 770-331-2040 www.suntexboatclub.com
Arbor at BridgeMill, The
9
Big Door Vineyards 844-692-4436 www.bigdoorvineyards.com
SENIOR LIVING/SENIOR SERVICES 21
770-766-8236
RESTAURANTS/VINEYARDS 7 Tequilas www.7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com
19
770-928-3014
www.arborbridgemill.com/around 1 42
Lodge at BridgeMill, The
39
833-358-4220 www.thelodgeatbridgemill.com Manor Lake BridgeMill
27
678-990-5055
RETAILERS Neighborhood Nest, The 770-485-5898 www.theneighborhoodnestga.com
21
Transitions Resale Boutique www.serenadeheights.org
29
www.manorlakebr.com TAX COMMISSIONER Cherokee County Tax Commissioner
25
www.taxcommissioner.cherokeega.com
AROUND CANTON | May 2019
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Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.
Front row, from left, Laura Latchford, Christie Deese, Patty Ponder and Jackie Loudin. Back row, Michelle McCulloch, Denise Griffin, Candi Hannigan, Karen Flaig, Katie Beall and Katherine Amick. Photo by Beth Fornuto.
At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.
Around Canton
Distribution Map Circulation: 25,000 64
AROUND CANTON | May 2019