And the Winners Are

Other Services

Accountant: Kinsey CPA Adult Day Care/Respite: Silver Companions Assisted Living/Memory Care Facility: Oaks at Towne Lake Attorney: Nelson Elder Care Law Automotive: Alpha & Omega Automotive, Inc. Bank/Credit Union: Credit Union of Georgia Barber Shop: Dave’s Barber Business Support: Towne Lake Business Association Carwash: The Silver Bullet Car Wash Counseling: Hillside Counseling Center Day Care/Preschool: Hillside Preschool & Academy Day Spa: Jian Kang Spa & Massage Digital Marketing: LūME Sales & Marketing Agency — Woodstock Dog Trainer: Ironclad K9 Academy Dry Cleaners: Mik Cleaners Financial Adviser: Andrew Masseo, Merrill Lynch Fitness/Health Club: Burn Boot Camp Funeral Home: Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Woodstock Hair Salon: Michael Christian Salon & Dry Bar Home Cleaning: Molly Maid

Restaurants

American: Gameday Fresh Grill Asian: Izumi Asian Bistro Barbecue: J.D.’s Bar-B-Que Breakfast: Maple Street Biscuit Co. Brunch: Donovan’s Irish Cobbler Burger: Cheeseburger Bobby’s Coffee Shop: Starbucks, Towne Lake Parkway Fine Dining: Tuscany Italian Restaurant Italian: Tuscany Italian Restaurant Kid Friendly: Gameday Fresh Grill Mexican: La Parilla Pizzeria: Mellow Mushroom Seafood: Kani House Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Home Improvement/Remodeling: The Townlake Handyman Service LLC Insurance: State Farm, Steve Cannon — Towne Lake Interior Design: H Design Group IT/Web support: Big Blue Z, Lee Martin Landscaping/Lawn Care: Po Boys Landscape Group Mortgage Lending: Credit Union of Georgia Moving Services: Bull Dawg Moving LLC Music Lessons: Ken Stanton Music Nail Salon: Big Apple Nail & Spa Painter: Pike’s Professional Painting Pest Control: Mosquito Authority Pet Boarding: Destination Pet of Woodstock Pet Grooming: Animal Hospital of Towne Lake Pet Sitting: Premier Pet Services Photographer: Heather Stevens, Joyful Day Photography Plumber: Towne Plumber Private School: Hillside Preschool & Academy Realtor: Ursula & Associates, Keller Williams Realty Partners Speech Therapy: Towne Lake Pediatric Speech Therapy Transportation: EconoRides Airport Shuttle Travel Agency: Free Bird Cruises & All-Inclusive Resorts

Recreation and Entertainment

Art Studio/Gallery: Paper. Scissors. Cake. Art Studio Dance Studio: FireSpark! Choreography Equestrian: Wyatt Equestrian, The Stable of Towne Lake Golf Course/Club: Towne Lake Hills Golf Club Gymnastics Center: World of Gymnastics & Cheer Marina: Victoria Harbour Marina Summer Camp: Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA

Congratulations!

Husband Honors Wife’s Memory Through Nonprofit

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Percilla with her youngest child, before her death in 2018.

The tragic loss of Percilla Hodge turned into her husband’s quest to raise funds to fight the disease that took her life. The young widower started PAMAH Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the deadly disease meningitis, supporting families affected by it, and funding research.

Meet the inspiration for this foundation: Percilla Ann Marie April-Hodge (PAMAH).

“Percilla loved everything about the Thanksgiving holiday. She loved it so much we would often tease her about her plans for Thanksgiving dinner, which normally started in the month of July,” husband Shaquille said. “Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. Known as a peacemaker, she loved to see others joyful.”

During the summer of 2018, however, everything changed for the Hodge family. While on a July family trip to the beach, Percilla complained of a headache. Not wanting to spoil the kids’ day of fun, she told her husband she was heading back to the room to take medicine and lie down. Percilla went to the emergency room that evening, and was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis. Even though treatment started immediately, she didn’t recover. She left behind her husband and three children - Kayden, 7; Korey, 5; Khalini Grace, 3 months - along with many family members and friends.

Because of Percilla’s love of bringing people together, Shaquille asked, “What can I do to honor her?” PAMAH Foundation launched in the fall of 2018. “We work to educate the community, advocate for victims of the disease, and promote prevention through vaccinations.

“PAMAH’s mission is community oriented,” said Danielle Hodge, board member and Percilla’s mother-inlaw. “One of our core values includes the idea of cultivating compassion, which is to foster the growth of sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with the desire to alleviate it. This is the reason PAMAH began. As a result, we believe it is our sacred responsibility to help our neighbors in every way we can.”

The staff and volunteers at PAMAH raise awareness in the community through events such as the car show, Pork and Torque, which was held in April and featured special guest Shaquille O’Neal. This month, PAMAH is sponsoring its 30 in Thirty Challenge, asking participants to form teams to run, walk, bike or skate to raise funds. Details can be found on the events tab at www.pamahfoundation.org.

Susan Schulz is a wife, mom, writer and mentor who lives and plays along the Etowah River in Canton. She loves serving at Woodstock City Church. Connect with her at www.susanbrowningschulz.com.

Husband Honors Wife’s Memory Through Nonprofit

Pork and Torque organizer Shaquille Hodge with Kahli Pierce, Shaquille O’Neal and Manny Blackburn. Photos courtesy of Brittany Weir.

PAMAH awards three $1,000 scholarships annually to Cherokee County School District graduating seniors. Students can apply through the website before the May 26 deadline. To learn more about the disease, donate or volunteer, call 678-926-9507 or email info@pamahfoundation.org.

Possible Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

(source mayoclinic.org)

• Sudden high fever • Stiff neck • Severe headache that seems different from normal • Headache with nausea and vomiting • Confusion or difficulty concentrating • Seizures • Sleepiness or difficult waking • Sensitivity to light • No appetite or thirst • Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)

JERRY COOPER

County manager retires after 30-plus-year career in public administration.

A Ayoung man from Arkansas made his way to Georgia nearly 30 years ago to pursue a career in public administration. Little did he know he would lead one of Georgia’s fastest growing counties as it transitioned from a bedroom community to a destination location, and went through a population boom and the Great Recession.

After serving in the U.S. Navy and graduating from the University of Arkansas, Cherokee County Manager Jerry Cooper began his work in public administration in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1988, later relocating to Newnan, Georgia. Just a few years later, Cooper would take on a leadership position in Woodstock, before his final move to Cherokee County, where he has had a successful career as county manager.

When Cooper was selected to lead Cherokee County in 2001, he never imagined it would be the job from which he retired.

“Back then, I did not realize I would have the opportunity to serve as county manager for 20 years, especially considering the average tenure of a manager is seven to eight years,” Cooper said. “I have had the fortune of serving the best commissioners and employees in the country — each of us working together with community leaders to make this county a great place to live and raise children, work and play.”

Over the past 20 years, Cherokee County has evolved from a quiet suburban county to a destination for quality family living, corporate relocation and entertainment.

That’s due in large part to Cooper’s leadership.

At the time, Cherokee County’s population was just over 141,000 people. Today, 270,000 call Cherokee home.

Effective leadership allowed the county to grow responsibly, while maintaining its identity of a strong community with hospitality.

Cooper was not immune to the challenges of leading a county in both good times and bad, but his leadership and fiscal responsibility allowed Cherokee to weather the Great Recession, double parks and green space, enhance fire and emergency services, achieve exceptional public safety and the lowest crime rate in the region, while lowering the tax burden on citizens to the lowest in the metro area.

“Although a challenge to manage, the growth has provided us with many opportunities to make lives better for our citizens,” he said.

Chairman Harry Johnston, who has served on the Board of Commissioners for many years, has witnessed Cooper’s work firsthand.

MUST Dance

Celebrity Ballroom Dance Studio presents a fundraiser for MUST Ministries, 7 p.m. July 17 at Piedmont Church 6, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta. Jerry Cooper will be dancing in MUST’s version of “Dancing With the Stars.” An after-party will be held at the dance studio. For details and tickets, visit www.mustministries.org.

“Cherokee County clearly has the best combination of excellent services and low taxes in Georgia. No other county even comes close,” Johnston said. “Jerry Cooper is the principal architect of that exceptional value, through his masterful financial management over the past 20 years.”

While leadership played a key role in Cherokee County’s success, Cooper is quick to credit those he served alongside, including elected officials, community leaders and county staff.

“The most rewarding career accomplishment is the opportunity I have had to work with so many wonderful people, and (I am) so proud of what we have achieved together,” Cooper said.

As Cherokee County prepares for a transition in leadership, Cooper encourages whomever fills his role always to remain humble, commit to honesty and trustworthiness, and to lead by example.

“I have learned a great deal over the last 20 years, and I encourage the next county manager to surround yourself with great leaders, build strong relationships, work closely with the Board of Commissioners and other elected officials, invest in others, work hard, listen, and always be willing to learn,” he said, adding it’s also important to be of service to the community in volunteer roles. “Commit to helping children and families in need, and be part of the great service organizations in our county.”

Cooper will retire at the end of May and looks forward to playing golf, vacationing with his wife, Sherry, continuing his volunteer efforts to help children and families in need, and consulting.

“I have so much to be thankful for in my career and personal life,” he said. “I attribute my success to God’s grace, a loving and supportive wife, family and friends, great employees, and the opportunity to work with the best commissioners and elected officials in the entire state of Georgia.”

Erika Neldner is the communications director for Cherokee County. Erika, married with two boys, has lived and worked in Cherokee County since 2005.

Not Your Mama’s

BY CHANTEL ADAMS

Thanks to a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, Americans have been officially celebrating Mother’s Day for more than a century. As they say, though, “the times they are a changin,’” and this year you might need some nontraditional ideas for lifting up the moms in your life. Whether you’re getting together for an in-person gathering or simply honoring your mom from afar, I’ve got a dozen ideas that will be sure to make her — and all the other moms in your life — feel extra special this year. (Who needs roses after all?)

Treat Mom to a picnic in the grass at the amphitheater in downtown Woodstock. Photo of Matt and Aura Bryan by Sara Stewart Photography. 1. Download these free encouragement cards and mail to a mom who lives far away. Everyone loves to get good mail! Get yours here: www.dayspring.com/ecards/category/view/ category/209.

2. Send your mom a YouTube link to a song that reminds you of her. Got a friend who’s a new mom and needs a smile? She’ll love this! Check out Boyz 2 Men’s “A Song for Mama” or “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders.

3. Order a set of Expo markers and write an encouraging message on her front window or glass door. You can get really creative! Hearts, roses, the sky’s the limit!

4. Host a picnic in the grass at the amphitheater. Make a charcuterie box. The new Vintage Barrel Wine Market and Deli and Leaning Ladder have everything you need. Think: pasta, chocolate, biscuits, cheeses, salami and, of course, wine. And when you’re finished, go to Vingenzo’s and sip affogatos out on the patio.

5. Make a homemade sign: MOM of the WEEK, STAR Mom, BEST Mom EVER, etc. and set it up in your mom’s yard. Want to get really fancy? Cowan Signs in Woodstock can make a lawn sign that will really stand up to the elements.

Not Your Mama’s

6. Purchase paper lanterns, write wishes for your mom and your mom friends, and send them soaring into the night sky. Take a video and post to social media.

7. The simplest idea of all: Leave a porch pot—fresh picked flowers in a mason jar and a sweet note. If your mom has a sweet tooth, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a “Flowers for Mom” bundtini special. 8. Mail your mom a series of encouraging letters from a “Secret Admirer.” Drop clues for a scavenger hunt, and in the last letter, include a gift card for a favorite restaurant. Check out the new Salty Mule in Canton. Make a date and enjoy each other’s company.

9. Purchase something that reminds you of your mom or your childhood. Toys bring joy. The Wright Stuff Records & Collectibles is your vintage onestop shop. Include a note and the story behind the toy, or splurge for a game that you can all play the next time you’re together.

10. On Mother’s Day, use your social media to take a moment to remember all the moms in your life. Remember to comment, like, and share your friends’ posts. Post a favorite photo or a memory from years past.

11. Send your favorite mom one of your favorite things. Love to stay at a cabin in the mountains? Make a reservation for your mom to get some much-deserved R&R. Got a favorite book? FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock will hook you up. Got a favorite scent—something that reminds you of mom? Pineapple Park has a wonderful signature scented plug-in that invites moms everywhere to say, “Welcome home.”

12. Print out photos of your mom or mom friends, glue them to popsicle sticks, and take pictures of yourself doing fun things “with” those who are far away but close at heart. “Hey, we’re having a sno-cone!” Or “Look, we’re riding bikes!” The Noonday Trail is beautiful this time of year. Stop at Snowmies and get a treat to reward yourself, too.

Let your creativity shine. Whatever you choose to do, you will be making memories to last a lifetime.

Leave Mom a surprise bouquet of flowers on her front porch. Photo by Virginia Starr.

Chantel Adams, founder of Mission Driven Woman, is on the board for Highland Rivers Health, volunteers at Woodstock City Church, and lives in Woodstock with her husband and four kids.

Atlanta Eats — in Woodstock!

Bustling downtown Woodstock soon will get airtime on Peachtree TV. A film crew from “Atlanta Eats” spent a few hours at Canyons Fresh Grill in downtown Woodstock recently, filming for an upcoming episode. “Atlanta Eats” is a local television show that highlights the best of food and dining in Atlanta.

Canyons is a family-owned restaurant; Mark and Sonny Crumpton opened Canyons in 2008, followed by Gameday on Eagle Drive in 2014. Mark and Colleen’s children, Kelly and Cameron, along with Kelly’s fiance, Carson Hatch, also work in the business.

“Atlanta Eats” airs on Peachtree TV weekdays at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. No air date has been announced, but it’s expected to run sometime in mid- to late May. Check the schedule at atlantaeats.com.

“We are lucky enough to have a partner like Sysco food service that allowed us the opportunity to share our brand with ‘Atlanta Eats’,” Sonny Crumpton said. “The whole experience from start to finish was professional and exciting. It really showed off our amazing fresh food and culture that the great city of Woodstock has come to know, Above, Sonny Crumpton, Greg Gonzalez, Nick Shelton and Carson Hatch are ready for the camera. At the top, the spotlight is on a Jammin’ Bacon and Pimento Burger with Crispy Tater Tots, ice cold soda and the Spring Berry for over 13 years.” Salad, with house-made strawberry vinaigrette.

Generous Donation Makes Life a Little Easier

The Woodstock Business Club and Reformation Woodstock recently made a donation to Limitless Disabilities, to buy a chair lift. Members of the business club and clients of Limitless Disabilities gathered to celebrate the occasion.

Two citizens who jumped into action to rescue someone from a burning home were awarded the Fire Chief’s Civilian Valor Award by Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.

Fire Chief Tim Prather presented the award to Randall Thomas and Tristan Bush, employees of Cycle Works Sanitation. Bush and Thomas, along with coworker Mark Ogle, received a standing ovation at the presentation, made during a county commission meeting.

According to reports, Bush and Ogle were collecting waste on Hollow Drive near Woodstock when Bush heard a woman shouting that her house was on fire. Ogle, who was driving the waste collection vehicle, called 911, while Bush and Thomas entered the splitlevel house to help two residents. They asked the female resident, who had gone back inside, to get out of the house. Bush and Thomas located the wheelchair-bound male resident and carried him out of the house.

Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson said that the two men did something that firefighters do routinely. “The difference is, firefighters are highly trained, and they’re equipped to handle these types of hazardous situations. However, these men are not,” Robinson said.

Citizens Recognized for Daring Fire Rescue

Emergency Food Pantry Continues Through Summer

At Heritage Presbyterian Church (HPC) in Acworth, responding to hunger in the community is part of its core identity. For 30 years, the Jay Weaver Emergency Food Pantry (JWEFP) has supported neighbors through appointments, mobile food pantries and three school pantries that serve nine Cherokee County schools.

In March 2020, as the pandemic closed schools, workplaces and church buildings, Andrea Dean, volunteer director of JWEFP, got to work. The pantry expanded into the fellowship hall and several classrooms, with changes to the entry made to accommodate pallet deliveries. Volunteers committed their time, week after week. Cloth masks were sewn, and additional cleaning supplies were acquired. Grants were written to secure funding, resulting in more than $37,000 awarded to purchase food.

“In just a few weeks, a hallmark ministry of this congregation had evolved and adapted to a very new situation, with the intention of meeting the community’s needs for a month or two; then, through summer; then, into fall. By the end of 2020, we decided to extend the expanded drive-up pantry through July, 2021,” the Rev. Elizabeth Milford said.

Each week, volunteers (middle schoolers through seniors) meet in small groups to receive donations and purchases, pack boxes, and distribute in a contact-free, drive-up process. What was previously 25-30 families served per month has become 80-100 families served per week, in just under an hour’s time. Each household receives more than 100 pounds of food, cleaning supplies, paper products and hygiene items, when available.

In gratitude, the Session honored more than 125 mission volunteers, including many students and community partners, with the Watwood Window of Service award for outstanding efforts in 2020. The church has been named as Etowah High School’s Partner of the Year for 2021.

Grace with the shoes she has collected so far.

A Plea for Shoes From a Girl Scout

My name is Grace and I’ve been a Girl Scout for 12 years. I am currently working on my Gold Award project — the highest award a Girl Scout can earn … I run crosscountry and track for my high school, and, like all my teammates, I go through many pairs of shoes every season. Although these sneakers are still in good condition, they are just no longer good to compete in. Instead of throwing them away, I wanted to figure out something else I could do with them. While looking into this issue, I learned that many children from lower income families do not get enough exercise, simply because they cannot afford the proper athletic shoes. This made me realize that I could help our community with my love of running, and it gave me the perfect project for my Gold Award: Second Chance Shoes. Please help me make a difference, by bringing your gently used athletic shoes to The River Church, 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, on May 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. EcoSneaker will take all your donations and provide them to children in need. For more information, email secondchanceshoes123@gmail.com.

Kids lined up for packets of Butterfly Garden seeds at the Easter egg hunt. When planted, they will learn which butterflies live in their community. Happy to add a butterfly seed packet to their Easter bucket!

Introducing Children to Butterfly Gardening

BY ANN LITREL

The Easter Bunny joins volunteers, from left: Denise Stephens, Yasmin Alani, Mary Schuster, Ann Litrel and Diane Tidwell. Center front is the certified wildlife habitat plaque homeowners can order from the National Wildlife Federation, once their yard is certified.

Hundreds of children lined up in Eagle Watch park on March 21 to search for Easter eggs, meet the Easter Bunny — and receive a gift of a butterfly garden kit! The kit was courtesy of a new group in Eagle Watch, Birds, Bees & Butterflies.

The volunteer group is working toward Community Habitat certification for Eagle Watch through the National Wildlife Federation. “We do this by committing to the care of our environment — creating yards and common areas friendly to birds, bees and butterflies. We are here to help our neighbors certify their yards as certified wildlife habitats,” explained Mary Schuster, master gardener and one of the group’s volunteers.

Learn More

For tip sheets and videos to guide you in creating a go-to garden for butterflies, birds and other animals, go to www.nwf. org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/ Resources.

Ann Litrel is an artist and certified Master Naturalist. She instructs nature journal workshops and paints in her studio, Ann Litrel Art, in Towne Lake.