5-22 Townelaker webfinal.pdf

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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38 14

Contents On the Cover Charlice Byrd for State House

This Woodstock resident and conservative candidate is running for reelection to the District 20 seat.

Pages 32 & 33

20 May 2022

Features

14 Caring for Children

Learn about Supervised Visitation Awareness Month, check out CASA Superhero Jeep Run photos and catch up with Goshen Valley graduates.

20 Pup-arazzi Visits Woodstock Ashley Velez shares photos of local pups and lists some of Woodstock’s most dog-friendly businesses.

Cover photo provided by the Byrd campaign.

38 Man With the Purposeful Gait

An update on Tommy Akins, who you’ve likely seen running along Bells Ferry Road through the years.

In Every Issue 4 8 12 38 44 50 55 56 58 62

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Around Towne Local News Celebrations Everyday Angels Community Calendar Rob’s Rescues Library Events Recent Home Sales Towne Lake Dining Guide Directory of Advertisers

Contributors 59 40 34 48 22

Christopher Brazelton Donna Broadus Josh Buckner Michael Caldwell

Cherokee Office of Economic Development

41 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 14 18 24 26 51 50 36 28 55 54 20 52

The Children’s Haven Goshen Valley Harry Johnston Ann Litrel Susannah MacKay Rob Macmillan Elizabeth Milford Christopher Purvis John Rodgers Mary Tucker Ashley Velez The Wanderer


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Around Towne Letter From the Editor

When Glenn and I moved to Woodstock in 2019, we knew we wanted to take advantage of the close proximity of our home to the downtown district. On any given night, we can sit on our back patio and enjoy the music from MadLife or Prime 120. We’re wearing out our fitbits as we add more and more steps to our daily routine. That health perk is something we owe to Bertie Ruth and Ellie Mae. Our one-year-old Australian shepherd-blue heeler pups keep us pretty active. Until we have grandchildren for them to herd, the sisters are stuck with us, and the cats. When we first got them, we hung bells from the doorknob of the back door, hoping they’d learn to ring the bell when it was time to go potty. Well, that plan worked a little too well. Now, they know that ringing the bells means they get to go outside, full bladder or not. If you Pastor Glenn enjoys a couple think you hear Santa and his of his favorite pastimes: phone reindeer nearby, it’s really just conversations and walking dogs. our insistent, bell-ringing pups. Hmmmm … maybe we could sign them up to man a Salvation Army kettle at Christmas? So, we leash them up and head downtown a couple of times a day. Since we’ve had so much fun exploring our dog-friendly hometown, I thought you’d like to do the same. Whether you have a pup, are thinking of adopting (check out Rob’s Rescues each month!) or just enjoy looking, Woodstock is the place to be. Ashley Velez is no stranger to exploring our town with her pups, so we asked if she would share dog-friendly locations for the rest of us to check out (Pages 20-21). It’s almost unusual to find folks walking without a dog downtown. For those of you we meet on the sidewalk, let me apologize for the girls ahead of time. If Bertie and Ellie aren’t on their best behavior, just know that we DO plan to get them trained. They’re really super friendly and love to say hello to other pups, but their enthusiasm sometimes can be misinterpreted.

Candi Hannigan stays busy as executive editor of Aroundabout Local Media when Bertie (left) and Ellie aren’t keeping her on the go. She’s lived in Cherokee County since 1987, and in Woodstock (for the second time) since 2019. Email her at candi@ aroundaboutmagazines.com.

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

READERS’

CHOICE Award

It’s Time to

vote!

2022 www.townelaker.com

What’s New

Melt Bistro has opened at 106 Arnold Mill Road, across from the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Melt Bistro is a casual FrenchAmerican restaurant. More information available on Facebook. www.meltbistro.com. The Woodstock Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently completed an artificial turf project along Market Street. The turf covers a high-traffic area that’s become hard to maintain. It improves the experience at events along the street, especially for vendors and shoppers at Woodstock Farm Fresh Market.

Welcome!

Elicia (Elle) Taylor has

been hired as the new city clerk for Woodstock, replacing the retired Rhonda Pezzello. As administrative office coordinator for Alpharetta, Taylor served as board secretary for the planning commission, design review board and board of zoning appeals, among others. She also served as Alpharetta’s planning and zoning coordinator, making her very familiar with the public hearing process.

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Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

Around Acworth | Around Canton | Around Kennesaw Around Woodstock | TowneLaker

Our Mission

Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.

Get Results With Us

“As a marketing consultant for over 30 years, I have worked with hundreds of advertising companies. Every so often I come across a company that stands out and just GETS IT! The team at Aroundabout Local Media is professional, flexible and easy to work with!” - Derek Ritchie, Express Vets

Advertise With Us

President Kim Dahnke 770-778-5314 kim@aroundaboutmagazines.com Vice President Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com Managing Editor Donna Harris 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com Content Editor Jessica Forrester 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com Production Manager Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com Graphic Designer Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com Social Media Manager Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers

Jennifer Coleman, Vice President 678-279-5502 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

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TowneLaker, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a community magazine with 16,400 free copies distributed monthly. Approximately 15,800 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 600 are placed in racks in the community. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: TowneLaker, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022. Volume 26, Issue 12

America’s Community Magazine


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Local News

Emergency Workers Rewarded for Going Above and Beyond

Thirteen Cherokee County firefighters were recognized for two of the statewide awards presented at a recent Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA) reception. The Tim Peebles Champion of Children Excellence and Advocacy Award was presented to Manny Zapeta, Jacob Gunter and Christopher Ginn with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. After a tragic pediatric death in an elementary school, even with CPRcertified school staff responding, Ginn, Zapeta and Gunter were determined to do everything they could do to train additional school staff to be CPR certified. They compiled a detailed plan to deliver CPR to the teachers within the school district. The plan included estimated costs, material and time investment to receive authorization to initiate a CPR/AED/First Aid training blitz to target elementary school staff. Since, these three have led a CPR advocacy campaign and trained hundreds of teachers and other staff. This training paid off last summer when a 5‐year‐old was found in cardiac arrest. The CPR trained staff recognized the sudden cardiac arrest, began compressions, called for the AED and delivered a shock just as they were trained. Upon arrival of EMS, the patient was awake and crying for his parents. He was transported to a children’s hospital for evaluation and was back in school about a week later with no neurological deficits. These individuals at Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services continue to train school personnel in CPR and first aid. The Mary Beth Bowns Excellence in Trauma Care Award was presented to Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, including Ross Young, William Armstrong, Nicholas Spain, Deombre Jones, Denver Ice, Samuel Lackender, Ethan Sanders, Chris Roberts, Jamie McCord and Tyler Russell. Last fall, Engine 19 responded to a “person hit by auto. ” The patient had been struck by a vehicle and was wedged in a manhole gutter. Engine 19 and Truck 1 began assessing the patient and giving medication for pain. Airbags were used to lift the concrete manhole off the patient. While on scene and enroute to the hospital, the patient received many interventions, including bilateral chest decompression, medications, pressure dressings and immobilization. His multiple injuries included complex pelvic fractures and bilateral pneumothorax. Over the course of several days, the patient had multiple surgeries to repair his injuries. The patient continued to recover and did well with physical therapy. The prompt response, assessment, extrication and treatment at the scene significantly impacted the outcome.

GEMSA Executive Director Kim Littleton, left, and GEMSA Chairman Chad Black, right, present the Tim Peebles Champion of Children Award to Christopher Ginn, Manny Zapeta, Jacob Gunter and EMS Chief, Nate Sullivan with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. 8

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Kaleigh Liscio with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services installs a car seat.

Intensive Class Teaches Correct Car Seat Installation

After a four-day intense training session, new technicians were certified to conduct car seat safety checks. The Safe Kids Cherokee County national certification class gives technicians the knowledge and tools to help parents in their communities keep their children safe in cars. Nationally, 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly. These new techs will add to the 20,000 who are certified through Safe Kids Worldwide. Class members represented various agencies and counties, including Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office; Jasper Fire Department; Milton Fire Department; Gwinnett County Fire Department; Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; Doona (car seat manufacturer), in addition to private citizens. With a focus on differences between brands, as well as the mechanics of different seat belt systems, technicians are prepared to make sure children are harnessed correctly. “I always ask the class in the beginning, who thought it was crazy that it takes four days to learn about car seats? They usually all raise their hands. At the end of the class, I ask the same question and, no one has ever raised their hand,” said Lisa Grisham, Safe Kids Cherokee County Coordinator and instructor. “There is so much to know and understand, and having this knowledge helps make our communities safer.” For more information, visit www. safekidscherokeecounty.org or call 678-493-4343. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is the lead agency for Safe Kids Cherokee.


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New at MUST

Doors Open at Pioneering Homeless Shelter America’s newest — and perhaps most thoughtfully designed — homeless shelter is complete and ready to be occupied. Last month, MUST Ministries celebrated the completion of its 43,556-square-foot MUST Hope House, designed and built from input provided by staff, volunteers and clients. Grand-opening events featured Gov. Brian Kemp as guest speaker, as well as public tours of the facility.

The 43,556-square-foot facility has 136 beds, plus 36 respite beds for inclement weather, which will allow MUST Ministries to serve more than twice as many clients as in the past. 10

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Thanks to a successful capital campaign and an ambitious vision, the MUST team planned the two-story shelter with specific needs of clients at the forefront, making MUST one of the first organizations in the country to do so. The nonprofit more than doubled the number of people it is able to shelter and serve. “In all of MUST Ministries’ 50 years of service to those experiencing poverty, we have never seen a greater need for our help than we are seeing now,” MUST President and CEO Ike Reighard said. “In just two years, we have gone from serving 33,000 people a year to likely close to 60,000 people this year. The MUST Hope House not only gives those families a place to sleep but also provides them with a sense of dignity and respect.” The impressive new facility — just off Bells Ferry Road near Cobb Parkway in Marietta, not far from its predecessor — has 136 beds, plus 36 respite beds for inclement weather; a chapel; a dining hall with picture windows to help alleviate claustrophobia; a kitchen; a rooftop family retreat with play areas, tables and seating; a playground area; a satellite medical clinic with three exam rooms; laundry rooms; and an on-site clothing boutique, where clients can shop. Ten large family rooms, each with five beds and a private bath, allow families to stay and sleep together, and the Children’s After-School Learning Center gives kids a place to read, study, do homework and work with tutors. The workforce development service offers clients a jobs counselor, a computer lab with 10 work stations for creating resumes and completing job applications, and private rooms for making phone calls. The shelter also provides outreach services, such as case management, restrooms, showers and job assistance, for those who come for temporary help but are not housed there. Other amenities include two classrooms, staff offices, staff


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Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com June deadline is May 5. Please specify TowneLaker.

Tilly Lou Fosburgh

Age 5 on May 20 Happy birthday to our sweet, spunky, silly Tilly Lou! We love you so much!

Jackson and Raulen Creech

Carson Carter

Happy sweet 16th birthday! Love, Mom, Dad, Campbell and Charlie

Jackson - Age 10 on May 9 Raulen - Age 7 on May 9 Happy birthday! We love you both very much and can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for you. Becca, Bradley and Dad 12

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Carson and Eli Wilkey

Happy 12th birthday, Carson, and eighth birthday, Eli! You are so loved, and we are super proud of both of you! Hope you have an amazing birthday! Love you, Mommy and Daddy

Ansley Claire Cartwright

She is graduating from UGA with a master’s in public relations and has accepted a position as the marketing coordinator at Brown & Brown. Congratulations, Ansley!

Congratulations Sorsha!

She is graduating from Reinhardt University with her nursing degree, and we could not be any prouder of her accomplishment. We love you baby girl! Mom and Ash


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May

Parental Involvement in a Safe Setting Fosters Positive Relationships SUBMITTED BY THE CHILDREN’S HAVEN

SUPERVISED VISITATION

May is recognized as Supervised Visitation Month to help bring awareness to this important service for families around the world. When there are concerns for a child’s safety or wellbeing, supervised visitation ensures a child is able to participate in visitation with a parent or other family member in a safe, child-focused environment. The WellStar Family Visitation Center, a program of The Children’s Haven, is a member of the Supervised

Awareness Month

WellStar Family Visitation Center’s backyard playground. Photo by John Humphreys.

Visitation Network (SVN), an organization consisting of more than 800 visitation providers worldwide dedicated to providing safe parental access for families. In 2020, the center earned national recognition as the Hedi Levenback Outstanding Visitation Provider of the Year. This month, wear an orange ribbon to support safe supervised visitation in our community. What color signifies safety better than orange? Orange is a bright color used to warn people to watch out and take notice. For this reason, SVN has adopted the orange ribbon with the goal that individuals around the world will see the ribbon and take notice of the thousands of children and families in need of this important service. The WellStar Family Visitation Center provides supervised visitation in a home-like environment, complete with a new backyard playground, for families in our community who are separated by foster care or other court involvement. The program provided more than 1,400 supervised visits last year. The Children’s Haven mission is to promote the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse and neglect. The organization is located at 1083 Marietta Highway, in Canton. For more information about visitation services, contact Visitation Director Christina Fisher at 770-345-3274, Ext. 101, or visit cherokeechildrenshaven.org.

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Jeepin’

Reason

FOR A

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHILDREN’S HAVEN | CASA CHEROKEE

Due to a surprise forecast on March 12, the 10th annual CASA Superhero 5K and Fun Run was held virtually. But that didn’t stop the 200 drivers, and more riders, who participated in the inaugural CASA Superhero Jeep Run, which came with snow, wind, mud, beautiful scenery and fun. Participants met at Etowah River Park in Canton and drove to Moore’s Farm in Waleska to ride through the woods and water. Proceeds benefited The Children’s Haven. For more details, visit www.cherokeechildrenshaven.org or Facebook (@CASASuperheroRunCherokee).

From left, CASA Cherokee advocacy coordinators Christine Clark and Mandy Quigley, The Children’s Haven Executive Director Marcie Smith, CCSD Chief of Police and The Children’s Haven board member Buster Cushing, CASA Cherokee Advocacy Coordinator Julie Carter and The Children’s Haven Director of Community Engagement Michelle Meek. 16

TOWNELAKER | May 2022


Russ Haney, member of Cherokee County Jeepers

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Keeping in Touch With Goshen Valley Alumni SUBMITTED BY GOSHEN VALLEY

At Goshen, we think of our alumni as family. That means keeping in touch as they navigate their new lives outside of foster care. We’ve received some exciting updates from some of our program graduates:

Nina

Since moving to Chicago for college, Nina has been thriving. She experienced her first snowfall and has made lifelong friends. In her first semester at DePaul University, she made all A’s and is excited about how much she is learning about her major: film and television. Although Nina is committed to doing well academically and vocationally, she always makes time to enjoy being with her friends at Lake Michigan and eating hotdogs at Portillo’s. We are so proud of Nina!

Robert

Nina (taking selfie) and her friends explore Chicago in the snow. 18

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Robert has become Goshen’s 11th alumnus to join the military! Before leaving Goshen New Beginnings, Robert made the decision to join the U.S. Army. Upon graduating from our program, Robert traveled to Missouri to attend basic training. He said that Goshen’s continuous love, support and care packages keep him motivated to succeed. During basic training, he trained in a gas chamber, rappelled from a 50-foot tower and completed his rucksack run. Our staff from Goshen New Beginnings was so excited to surprise Robert at his graduation from basic training! The program director, Giselle, said that Robert was in tears when she called to tell him their plane had landed in Missouri, and that they were on their way to see him. Robert’s friend and fellow New Beginnings alumnus, Sebastian, also joined in on the surprise! Robert said he got in trouble, because he simply could not wipe the smile off his face.


From left, Renee Blankenship, Robert and Giselle Espinal-Francis.

Sebastian

Since Sebastian transitioned to independence, he has committed to making healthy choices in his life. He has begun a pescatarian lifestyle, which he feels very positive about, and has decided to return to postsecondary education at Georgia Gwinnett College. Recently, he spent the weekend in Missouri with Goshen New Beginnings staff, to surprise his fellow alumnus, Robert, for his graduation from Army basic training! Sebastian said that he is very excited to continue pursuing his academic goals. Way to go, Sebastian!

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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No Bones

Here’s Proof That is a Dog-Friendly BY ASHLEY VELEZ

SCOUT

DA I S

PETE

COH 20

EN

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Buck BUCK

Y

Now more than ever, the internet knows what we want: funny, adorable animal photos and videos. Scrolling through your favorite social platform can offer a serotonin boost to get you through your day, and a huge part of that boost comes from watching clips of our favorite furry friends. During the past couple of years, many of us have enjoyed spending more time at home or exploring the great outdoors with our pets — a welcome change for our lovable, loyal companions. According to an October 2020 survey conducted by the Insurance Research Council, nearly one-third of Americans adopted a pet during the first part of the pandemic. If you’re like me, a short walk along Main Street, or even five minutes under the shady elm at Reformation Brewery, most likely has you thinking, ‘Oh, I want to pet that sweet dog!’ Woodstock has become so known for its dog-friendly atmosphere that local Woodstock-based video-streaming service Stream MOKO recently chose Reformation’s backyard to film for an upcoming series with Stephen Baldwin, “Why This is My Dog.” And lest we forget our favorite hometown hero, Teddy the Spaz Man, and his fur siblings Yogi and Violet, who give us great joy with their photos, cheeky captions and articles. The explosive growth of Woodstock has encouraged many of the local shops and restaurants to welcome our pets with outstretched arms. In fact, many businesses go the extra mile to make your best friends feel extra welcome. Some restaurants and shops easily can be identified with a boneshaped “Dog-Friendly Woodstock” logo in the window.


About It!

Woodstock y City

What’s a better way to celebrate National Pet Month than getting out and exploring your community with your favorite four-legged friends? Here are some of Woodstock’s most dogfriendly patios, restaurants and petfriendly shops:

LEELA & ELLIE

Downtown Woodstock Downtown Woodstock has plenty of sidewalks, crosswalks and other pedestrian-friendly areas where you can go with your pup. Here are some can’tmiss places perfect for people-watching, dog-watching, drinks and tasty treats:

Reformation Brewery has a large •outdoor area with plenty of shady spots. Well-behaved, leashed dogs also are allowed indoors in the event of rain.

Draft. The covered back •patioTheisDaily perfect for grabbing your favorite local pint with your pup.

front patio where •youSaltcanhascatcha covered up with friends, family and your favorite dogs.

Canyons Fresh Grill. If you’re in the •mood for delicious burgers and dogs (hot

dogs, that is), Canyons has an outdoor seating area perfect for your pup to rest and wait for a french fry or two.

Taqueria. On a sunny afternoon, •thePure courtyard between Canyons Fresh Grill and Pure Taqueria can be a shady retreat for your pets.

Coin. The outdoor table •rowCopper often has a well-behaved dog or two

snoozing next to their owners. Plus, when you order your coffee, you can get a pup cup.

& Tap. The modern take on •theTruck neighborhood bar has dog-friendly tables out front and umbrella tables in the back.

Stage & Studios. Does •yourMadLife pup like live music? Grab a drink and take in the sights and sounds of downtown Woodstock. Madlife’s outdoor patio and stage offer shady spaces and some of the best local talents in Cherokee County.

Century House Tavern. The •inviting wraparound porch and

outdoor tables at Century House offer diners and their dogs multiple outdoor atmospheres to enjoy a quick drink and bite or a full meal.

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market. Residents and visitors can

shop for local produce, baked goods, soaps and candles, fresh flowers and, best of all, locally made dog treats from Wonder Dog Bakery. (My pups are particularly fond of the Cheddar Cheesy Pretty Pleasy heart-shaped biscuits full of – yep – cheese.)

Wags and Wiggles offers food, •accessories, grooming services and

everything you need to pamper your pet.

•Dean’s Store is arguably the heart

Woodstock Visitor’s Center.

of downtown Woodstock, with a museum, library, art gallery and more, all available for guests and their pups.

Towne Lake

On the Towne Lake side of town? There’s a patio with your pup’s name on it. Try one of these next time you’re out and about:

Donovan’s Irish Cobbler has •a large, covered patio perfect for a

leisurely, weekend brunch with your favorite furry friend. Did someone say biscuits and sausage gravy?

Gameday Fresh Grill. •Another covered porch touchdown? Gameday is the perfect place to show off your matching team colors with your dog’s game day gear.

Shop With Your Pup: •Sassy Paws Pet Boutique and Hollywood Feed. If your dog

has a picky palate, food allergies or other dietary concerns, stop by these shops to find food and products for your pets. Ashley Velez is a digital marketing strategist, freelance writer and company culture advocate. She's a proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her family.

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Cherokee by Choice 2.0

A Launchpad for Big, Bold Action

BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On March 23, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) announced the launch of Cherokee By Choice (CBC) 2.0, a plan that guides the county’s economic development efforts over the next five years. “This robust plan elevates Cherokee’s economic development profile, while unifying the business and local community together under the Cherokee By Choice brand,” COED Chairman Marshall Day said. Much has been accomplished since the launch of Opportunity Cherokee in 2015 (the county’s first strategic plan for economic development) and the Cherokee By Choice Initiative in 2018 (COED’s first public-private partnership). Among these achievements: more than $436 million in capital investment, creation of 2,000-plus jobs, completion of Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative, the Fresh Start Cherokee Program (including Cherokee’s first coworking space: The Circuit Woodstock), the North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service, Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, the Cherokee Film Summit and the Forget the Commute Campaign. “Cherokee’s story is one of resilience and success, 191 years in the making,” COED President Misti Martin said. “The business community and people who call Cherokee home are second to none, and, together, we are building an ecosystem that serves as a launching pad for big dreams and bold action. CBC 2.0 is the next step in Cherokee’s continued success.” CBC 2.0 was developed in partnership with Boyette Strategic Advisors, an economic development and public policy consulting firm. “Cherokee is a dynamic place of choice, as evidenced by its substantial growth and highly rated amenities for business and residents. It’s one of America’s big 22

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

From left, Boyette COO Tracy King Sharp, COED Vice President Heath Tippens, Boyette President and CEO Del Boyette, Cherokee By Choice Chairman Mark Goddard, Boyette Research Associate Riley McCorstin and COED President Misti Martin.

surprises,” Boyette President and CEO Del Boyette said. CBC 2.0 was based on hours of engagement with Cherokee leadership and nearly 3,500 online survey participants, including extensive data collection obtained through a series of discovery sessions, one-on-one interviews and research. As a result, six high-growth target sectors were identified: advanced manufacturing, commercial developers, headquarters, technology, film and digital entertainment, and entrepreneurs/startups. The plan also features four goal areas: • Ensure Cherokee has attractive and connected places, including the development of marketable sites and buildings, while enhancing livability assets. • Build an educated and talented workforce to meet the needs of new and existing businesses. • Cultivate innovative and enterprising business, which will result in a more diversified business culture that supports new and legacy manufacturers, corporate and regional headquarters, and technology companies. • Retain a vibrant and inviting brand identity, internally and externally. Cherokee County is home to corporate and regional headquarters, including award-winning technology companies, such as Black Airplane, which opened its first “hangar,” along with a small “flight crew,” in 2017. “Black Airplane employs 30 families here in Cherokee County, and it all

started at The Circuit Woodstock,” Black Airplane Managing Partner and city of Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell said. “If we didn’t have that launchpad, we could not have built that.” Identifying products for future industrial, office and commercial development is crucial to the success of CBC 2.0, which will help diversify the tax base and drive down Cherokee’s outward commute. Even though the percentage has declined by 3% since the first strategic plan, 77% of Cherokee’s highly educated workforce still commutes out of the county daily. As part of the strategy’s next phase, COED will focus its efforts on keeping talent working locally, through projects such as the Canton Corporate Park, a development that is expected to become another premier destination for companies looking to relocate. The park’s master plan includes two large pad sites with the ability to accommodate 150,000-plus square feet, as well as flex space sites fronting Highway 20. Over the next five years and beyond, COED will continue partnering with the county and cities on infrastructure improvements and readying sites for sustainable corporate growth. This collaboration will ensure Cherokee remains a competitive, desirable location of choice. To learn more, visit cherokeega.org. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention and expansion. www.cherokeega.org.


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Cherokee Continues Growth in Public Safety BY HARRY JOHNSTON

Thanks to Sheriff Frank Reynolds, Fire Chief Eddie Robinson, E 9-1-1 Director Shane Bonebrake and others, Cherokee County’s public safety services are among Georgia’s best. Our challenge is to continue building and growing these services to match the county’s growth. That remains the top consideration as we enter the budget process for fiscal year 2023 this fall. Fortunately, the county is in excellent financial shape, and we enjoy the second lowest combined county commission-controlled tax rate of 159 counties. The first budget issue is inflation, especially in salaries. Public safety officers are in high demand. We must pay them what it takes to recruit and retain top quality officers. During the past two years, we increased public safety salaries by 10% beyond normal cost-of-living increases, to catch salaries up with surrounding counties. And it did, briefly. But the bidding war for these officers didn’t stop, and salaries again are behind nearby counties. We also need to continue adding public safety officers. Sheriff Reynolds has opened a sixth police precinct near Ball Ground, to help reduce the large areas covered by the Waleska and Free Home precincts, and to reduce response times. Currently, the new precinct is staffed only during the day. At night, the other precincts assume that coverage area. It will take 10 more officers to staff it 24/7. Residents are requesting additional traffic patrols and enforcement on busy roads. The traffic unit is staffed with 20 officers, which is about five per shift. While they do a great job with the resources they have, we need to work toward doubling that team. Sheriff Reynolds asked for funding to expand the 21st century technology for preventing and solving crimes that they

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have begun deploying. It’s amazing what they already can do, and we need to take it to the next level. With the latest class graduating from fire recruit training, our fire department has reached a goal to staff every fire engine with at least three firefighters/EMTs on nearly all shifts. That’s important, because six is the minimum necessary to attack a major structure fire. They now can reach that level with just two fire companies responding, versus three in the past. But, there’s still one old volunteer station and one new temporary station that need to be staffed permanently to get most areas in the county within 5 miles of an active station. Our highly rated advanced life support ambulance service stays busy. With the county still growing at about 2% annually, we need to add another ambulance about every three years. With relief staffing, that’s four new paramedics and four EMTs. Shane Bonebrake has re-energized our emergency call center and dispatch team. It’s tough work, and 911 operators are difficult to hire and retain. Shane has filled all positions, greatly reducing their overtime burden and stress. Thanks to everyone in county public safety for their excellence in keeping us safe. Let’s continue to reward them adequately and grow their numbers as necessary. As always, I’m interested in your thoughts. Please email me at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.

Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.


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Woody Pond

Georgia’s Wild Kingdom ART AND TEXT BY ANN LITREL

It was March, and my friend Yasmin and I were visiting Woody Pond in Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge in South Georgia, home to one of the country’s largest nesting sites for the endangered wood stork. Harris Neck is a Georgia natural wonder, one from the bucket list of 35 wild places I’m painting as part of my five-year project. A blue heron stalked the water’s edge, seemingly oblivious to the 6-foot alligator lying motionless a few feet away. Yasmin and I watched from the trail, transfixed. Yasmin clutched my arm: “The alligator is going to get him!” She held her hand out. “Look — I’m shaking! I’m not kidding; I’m deathly afraid of alligators.”

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

The heron took a step closer to the big reptile. Movement across the pond distracted us. A woman approached along the trail at the water’s edge. “We need to warn her,” Yasmin said. “I think alligators usually try to get away from people,” I said. The woman strolled closer to the heron and appeared to look at it and the gator with interest. Emboldened, we joined her. She nodded at us, and we learned her name is Virginia. “The birds don’t usually stand this close to the gators,” she said. Yasmin hung back. “Aren’t the alligators dangerous?” “Not usually. I’ve been walking here every day for 10 years — the only time I’ve seen an alligator get aggressive is if you’re bothering them, or if you have a dog,” Virginia said. We found out Virginia lives near the back entrance to the park and volunteers regularly as a guide. After she learned that I’m interested in wood storks,

she advised us to come back in May. She pointed to the trees that encircle the pond: “The treetops will be white with all the birds nesting. It’s really something.” Yasmin and I spent the day exploring the trails. A half dozen man-made ponds, created in the 1960s, harbor a virtual wild kingdom of wildlife. On one shoreline, we looked in amazement at scores of great white egrets, gathered like white shrouded ghosts in the brush. Ibis and herons waded in the shallows, puncturing the water with their long beaks to feed. But, I was haunted by the vision of the white trees around the pond in nesting season, and I plotted our return in two months. Yasmin agreed to return with me. An early May morning, we were back at Woody Pond. The treetops were, indeed, white with the feathers of the nesting wood storks; the air was alive with the cries of their hungry offspring. Standing in the water, and perched on twisted tree stumps, were all manner of shore birds, and in the shallows, baby alligators were lying everywhere, piled like puppies on logs and in the mud. In deeper waters, the big gators cruised, trailing silver ripples behind them in the morning light. A nearby sign explained that the reptiles, although ready to eat any unfortunate fallen nestlings, offer the benefit of keeping other predators, such as raccoons and opossums, away from the shoreline nests, where they would snatch eggs and babies. None dare cross the water. Suddenly, the air was filled with a deep subterranean rumble. “What is that?” An answering roar sounded across the pond. We looked in awe. The big bull alligators rose up to sound their territorial cry. Woody Pond pulsed with life. A piece of living creation. Nature abundant. 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.


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1. Take a boat safety course.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 22 offers hands-on classroom boating safety courses. View the schedule at https:// bit.ly/3uix0cd, or email Public Education Officer Greg Fonzeno at flotilla22pe@gmail.com.

2. Know the laws.

Did you know Georgia boating laws require you to adhere to the 100-foot rule? The 100-foot rule prohibits people from operating all vessels, including personal watercraft, at a speed greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel that is moored, anchored or adrift, outside normal traffic channels, or within 100 feet of any dock, wharf, pier, piling, bridge structure, person in the water or shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant or other public use area. Know and obey all buoys and markers.

Know Before You Go 6 Boating Safety Tips to Stay Safe on the Water BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

May is National Boating Safety Month, and there’s no better time to start preparing yourself and your vessels for the summer season. Before heading out on the water, make sure to inspect your boat and ensure all required safety equipment is on board. About 70% of boaters involved in accidents never have taken a safe-boating course, and 85% of boating accident fatalities nationwide are due to sudden, unexpected capsizing or falls overboard. Wearing a life jacket is critical to surviving a boating accident. Nine out of 10 drowning victims are not wearing a life jacket. This device can make the difference between life and death for anyone experiencing an emergency on the water. Put on your life jacket before leaving the dock, and keep it on. Be sure it is fitted properly, in good condition and securely fastened. Children, ages 13 and younger, are required by law to wear a life jacket while on board a moving boat. Remember: Life jackets worn ... nobody mourns! Education and awareness are the best weapons in preventing boating accidents. Let’s make this season a safe one for you, your family and friends. Here are six boating safety tips to help you boat safely and responsibly. 28

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

3. Don’t drink and operate a boat.

Half of all boating fatalities involve alcohol. Four hours in a boat on the water, being exposed to noise, vibration, sun, glare, wind and other motion, produces boater’s hypnosis (fatigue). It slows reaction time as much as if you were legally drunk. Adding alcohol intensifies the effect (www. boatus.org/alcohol-and-boating/effects). One hundred percent of accidents and fatalities from boating under the influence are preventable. Think before you drink.

4. Get connected!

Always use an engine cutoff switch (ECOS) on a powerboat or personal watercraft. The ECOS usually is a red coiled lanyard that attaches to the operator, or a wireless key fob or wristband. It stops the boat’s engine if the operator, or even a passenger, falls overboard.

5. Know before you go. aware of carbon monoxide (CO) 6. Be poisoning.

Always check weather reports before heading out on the water.

CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, which essentially is undetectable by humans. It is produced when an engine that uses a carbon-based fuel, like gasoline, is running. It can make you sick in seconds, and high concentrations of CO can kill. Symptoms are similar to and often confused with seasickness or alcohol intoxication. Avoid closed-off, poorly ventilated areas of a boat when its engine is running, and never ride or hang on a swim platform, where gasses accumulate. Most of all, install and maintain a marine-grade CO detector. For more questions concerning boating or water safety, please contact the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700.

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


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IT ’S TIME TO VOTE!

READERS’

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31


Conservative State Rep.

CHARLICE BYRD FOR REELECTION TO DISTRICT 20

The workhorse conservative delivers for her constituents without fanfare, because “it’s the right thing to do.”

I

n today’s turbulent times, we need a proven conservative leader more than ever to fight for our community and protect our values. A longtime resident of Woodstock, Charlice Byrd has been a political activist for years, having donated her time and resources to conservative causes and candidates throughout the country and here in our community. Charlice served as president of the Republican Women’s Club and on the executive committee for the Georgia Republican Party. In 2015, Charlice was recruited to join the paid staff of Donald J. Trump for President. Charlice has represented our community in the Georgia House of Representatives for nearly a decade in total. Currently she is seeking reelection to the District 20 seat in the state house. She is a proven and outspoken conservative voice and an award-winning effective legislative leader. Charlice is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in elementary education, and spent the early portion of her career as a classroom educator. Charlice and her husband, Michael, are members of First Baptist Church of Woodstock.

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Paid for by the Committee to Elect Charlice Byrd.

Rep. Byrd’s Conservative

TRACK RECORD Commonsense Voter ID Reform

Rep. Byrd introduced an election integrity bill that makes a simple clarification to Georgia’s voter ID code and would clearly mark “NOT VOTER ID” on driver’s licenses issued to noncitizens. This will help alleviate the pressure and confusion of poll workers and election volunteers.

Ending COVID-19 Restrictions

Rep. Byrd‘s bill, the Patient and Resident Representation and Visitation Act, seeks to restore and protect visitation rights for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Over the last year, many hospitals and long-term care facilities have implemented policies that keep Georgia families apart, just when the COVID-19 pandemic has proven that we need each other more than ever before.

Protecting the Second Amendment.

Rep. Byrd sponsored the strongest and most comprehensive gun control nullification bills in the country: the Georgia Second Amendment Protection Act. The bill makes several declarations, including support for a limited federal government as stipulated in the 10th Amendment, and an elaboration of what policies the federal government and the Georgia state government can and cannot enforce constitutionally.

Cracking Down On Gang Crime

House Bill 1134 would allow the state’s attorney general to collaborate with local district attorneys to prosecute certain gang-related crimes across the state. Additionally, it would allow the attorney general to employ peace officers for investigative purposes. This bill also would work in tandem with the governor’s plan to create the Gang Prosecution Unit in the attorney general’s office.

A Message from

CHARLICE I was raised with traditional values of God, family and country. My parents taught me hard work, self-reliance and conservative principles, and I work hard to ensure our rights, our values and our liberties to remain intact. As a pro-Second Amendment, pro-family and pro-business legislator, I understand the difficulty of raising a family in today’s society, and the challenges of caring for aging parents. I am convinced you know best how to spend your hard-earned money. I am committed to decreasing the size of government, lessening the tax burden and exercising the proper role of government. You know me and my record; I hope I can count on you to help me bring better government to our county and state.

Charlice Byrd

Contact information Vote for Byrd 1025 Rose Creek Drive Suite 620-165 Woodstock 30189

404-557-2218

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Still, some drivers and pedestrians have questions about who has the right of way. Let’s look at what Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-91) says:

• The driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching and is within one lane of the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For the purposes of this subsection, half of the roadway means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel. • No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impractical for the driver to yield. • Subsection (a) of this code section shall not apply under the conditions stated in subsection (b). • Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

Walk Smart in

Downtown Woodstock BY JOSH BUCKNER

Woodstock is a pleasant blend of historic and modern, and it is home to a variety of businesses and people. Thanks to a vibrant downtown district, Woodstock is known for good food, good vibes and good fun. The area has become a hub for nightlife, recreation and arts and culture. The Woodstock Summer Concert Series brings thousands of residents and visitors to the downtown area for a good time, on the second Saturdays in May through September. Even on non-event days, downtown Woodstock is filled with people. As a successful central business district, there are a lot of delivery trucks, cars and people making their way around Main Street, Towne Lake Parkway, Chambers Street and smaller cross streets. There are close to 20 marked crosswalks in downtown Woodstock, from Serenade Lane to the roundabout at Haney Walk, as well as several on Towne Lake Parkway and Arnold Mill Road. Many of these crosswalks have pedestrian signals, illuminated road signs and streetlights to provide the best possible visibility for motorists and pedestrians. Pedestrian signals are synchronized with traffic lights, allowing pedestrians and motorists to move through the area efficiently and safely. 34

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

It may seem like a lot to digest at first glance, but Georgia law makes it clear that while pedestrians typically do have the right of way in a crosswalk, the pedestrian is still responsible for exercising due caution before entering a roadway. Motorists also hold the burden of being alert and aware of pedestrians near the roadway even before they attempt to cross. In short, if you are a motorist and you see pedestrians attempting to cross at a crosswalk, you must yield to the pedestrian traffic. If you are a pedestrian trying to cross, do not walk into traffic or assume motorists can see you. There are many marked and signalized crosswalks downtown; unfortunately, a lot of pedestrians fail to use them — an offense commonly known as jaywalking. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-92) gives guidance:

• Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway unless he has already, and under safe conditions, entered the roadway. • Pedestrians crossing a roadway where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway if he uses the roadway instead of such tunnel or crossing. • Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. • No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic control devices. When authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic control devices pertaining to such crossing movements. Georgia traffic law outlines what pedestrian traffic should look like. Pedestrians and motorists need to consider the law and do their part to ensure downtown Woodstock is a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and play.

Officer Buckner is a six-year veteran of the Woodstock Police Department and currently is lead traffic officer in the Traffic Enforcement Unit, specializing in DUI enforcement and fatality/ serious injury crash investigations.


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Can We Skip to the Good Part? BY THE REV. ELIZABETH MILFORD

Indie pop band AJR’s song, “The Good Part” has been used in many TikTok transformation videos, seemingly telling just the beginning and ending of a narrative to “skip to the good part.” In some humorous variations of the transformation videos, there is a record scratch and the person making the video is revealed to not yet have gone through a change, complete with a voiceover saying, “Oh, that’s not how it works?” We sometimes forget what real change involves because we are so used to social media highlight reels and conversations that gloss over the surface with only the good parts. It can be tempting to want to skip ahead in the story, whether it’s flipping to the back pages of a whodunit, googling spoilers about your favorite TV show, or wondering what the future will hold as a graduation cap is thrown. It is hard to live in the liminal space of change and yet, our lives are full of such moments. In fact, as much as we focus on good beginnings and endings, sometimes I wonder if the most true and real parts of our stories are tucked in somewhere in the middle, as we navigate all the complexities of the world. When I open my Bible to about the middle, I’m almost always in the book of Psalms. While we tend to recite “the Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23) or “This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us be glad and rejoice in it!” (Psalm 118), the reality is that there are 150 Psalms that cover nearly every human emotion and experience, including the depths of confession

(Psalm 51), wondering if God is even there (Psalm 22), recounting the history of God’s people, praises, hallelujahs and more. Reading through the Psalms is powerful because they touch on the genuine experiences of our lives, rather than just skipping to the big moments, reminding us of God’s presence in our experiences, even and especially the messier ones. Hearing their variety is like sitting with a friend who is willing to hear the unabridged version of our lives, and loves us still. That’s the friend I find in my relationship with God. In Revelation 22:13, God not only promises to be there at the starting block and finish line — “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end,” but also from A to Z — a comprehensive and inclusive statement that includes, you guessed it, even the messy and hard middle parts. And that is what gives me hope, because it garners a faith that isn’t reliant on just the good parts, but that can stand up to the realities of the world and allow us to live more fully in the present, rather than searching for the fast forward. May it be so.

"

We sometimes forget what real change involves ...

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

"

The Rev. Elizabeth Lovell Milford is the pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Acworth (www.heritagepres.com) and lives with her family in Woodstock.


TOWNELAKER | May 2022

37


Photo by J. King Images

EVERYDAY

In August 2019, our magazines featured a story about Tommy Akins, the gentleman with the purposeful gait, who you’ve likely seen running on Bells Ferry Road through the years. This article went viral, getting hundreds of comments and shares, offering words of encouragement for our new friend. Tommy openly shared about his life as a dad, grandpa, artist, former executive and cancer survivor, satisfying the curiosity of all who have passed him over the years. Despite his debilitating physical health challenges, Tommy believed that you “move it or lose it,” and he used his runs as time to connect with God. Little did he know what an inspiration he has been to so many. Tommy hasn’t been running lately, and we’ve heard from so many people who are concerned about him. Tommy’s church community recently reached out to Everyday Angels, asking for help in rallying our community around him once again. We know Tommy well enough to know he would never ask for himself. Tommy’s health has declined; he is living temporarily with a church friend. His church family would like our help in finding a more permanent living situation for him. “Every Sunday we pick up Tommy and take him to church, where he is most happy. His friends rotate taking him boxes of food and, in typical Tommy fashion, he insists upon sharing his food with others who he feels are less fortunate than he,” his friend Doug said. “Tommy is humble and needs very little, but what he does need is to be closer to his church, friends and the community who loves him. His church community has put together a plan but we need to appeal to our community to help us help our friend.” It’s easy to see what a heart Tommy has for helping others. When we wrote about families who have suffered unbearable loss, Tommy would volunteer to paint and donate the paintings to them. Tommy assigns to 38

TOWNELAKER | May 2022


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Tommy enjoys spending Sundays at church.

each of his paintings a special Scripture that speaks to him as he paints, allowing his work to glorify God. He also has sent donations to featured families, even though he needed the money for himself. Tommy continues to glorify God through his own personal and physical suffering. When we asked him to share the Scripture he recites daily, without hesitation he replied: “Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in the darkness, the Lord will be my light.” Micah 7:8 NIV. There are several ways to help Tommy. Even a small donation from many of you will make a big impact on Tommy’s well-being. We’d also love to share with him words of encouragement through cards and letters from those of you who would like to help in that way. If you have been touched by our friend over the years as we have, please consider helping. Everyday Angels will accept donations and collaborate closely with his church community to ensure Tommy is safe and receiving the care he needs and deserves.

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Every Room Can Have a Feature Wall BY DONNA BROADUS

Are you thinking of updating your bath or other areas of your home, but the costs of materials have you thinking twice? Whether you are moving, or just adding some updates to your home, one of the simple things to do — that doesn’t cost a whole lot of money — is to add feature walls. Many real estate agents and clients use this trick to sell homes. I have added feature walls in my kitchen, bathrooms, dining room and bedroom. This can be done simply by painting one wall a darker color, adding removable wallpaper, or adding brick, subway tile, shiplap or board and batten. If you ever have visited model homes, you might have noticed that they usually have more than one feature wall. Feature walls add great character to a home, and will help your home stand out, if you are trying to sell. If you love the look of shiplap, but the price of lumber has put it beyond your budget, think outside the box! I had two of my bathrooms shiplapped with ¼-inch sanded plywood boards. Home Depot cut my plywood boards, which cost about $25 to $30 per sheet, into 8-inch strips. (You could do 4-inch or 6-inch strips, but I like the wider boards.) Then, we attached the strips to my walls with a brad nailer. Once the boards were attached, we caulked (where needed) and sanded it down. Next, we painted the shiplapped vanity/ mirror wall tricorn black and the rest of the walls alabaster. Voila! It was an inexpensive instant update to my bathroom. Other additions to my home, besides shiplap, include a wallpapered feature wall in one of my bedrooms, simple board and batten in my dining room, beadboard paneling and a full brick wall in the kitchen, and a subway tile wall in another bathroom. Each of these treatments is timeless, and they are a bonus when you sell.

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Donna Broadus is a 28-year resident of Woodstock and the owner of Broadus Realty Group. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook for design/staging tips. broadusrealtygroup.com.


Common Causes of Infertility in Women

BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

Infertility is defined as trying for a year or more to get pregnant without success. Infertility in women often can be difficult to diagnose, but there are treatments available, depending on the cause. Many infertile couples will go on to conceive a child without treatment, but women should consult an OB-GYN to determine if infertility is caused by a medical condition. One or more factors may be at play:

Ovulation Disorders

Infrequent ovulation is the most common cause of infertility. Problems with the regulation of reproductive hormones cause ovulation disorders. • Polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common cause of infertility, causes a hormone imbalance, which affects ovulation. • Hypothalamic dysfunction. Irregular or absent periods are the most common signs of hypothalamic dysfunction. Excess stress, a low or high body weight, or a recent weight change disrupts hormone production and affects ovulation. • Primary ovarian insufficiency: The condition when your ovaries no longer produce eggs is called premature ovarian failure. • Too much prolactin. Some women may have a condition or are taking a medication that causes excess production of prolactin, which reduces estrogen production and causes infertility.

Damage to Fallopian Tubes

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes keep sperm from getting to the egg, blocking the passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus. Causes include: • Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes due to sexually transmitted infections. • Prior surgery in the pelvis or the abdomen also is a cause of infertility.

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that typically grows in the uterus implants and grows in other places, blocking fallopian tubes and keeping an egg and sperm from coming together. Endometriosis also can disrupt implantation of the fertilized egg. Several uterine and cervical causes interfere with eggs implanting or increase the risk of miscarriage. Benign polyps or tumors in the uterus that block the fallopian tubes are among the causes of infertility, or if a woman has an unusually shaped uterus or another condition called cervical stenosis, which is a narrowing of the cervix. Seeking treatment from an OB-GYN often makes all the difference in treating infertility. In most cases, the sooner the treatment for infertility, the greater the chance of finding the cause of the problem. Finding the reason for infertility improves your chances of a successful pregnancy. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC has six OB-GYNs and five midlevel providers, with offices in Canton and Woodstock.

ChattahoocheeTech.edu 770-528-4545

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution. TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Woodstock Resident Ready to Take Fight for Families to The State Level L

ynne Saunders, a 26-year resident of Cherokee County, has dedicated her life to helping others. Most know of her work at Encompass Ministries, also known as Papa’s Pantry, in which she has helped thousands of families regain stability and get off government assistance. With a sense of urgency “for a time such as this,” Lynne is taking her mission to serve to the next level, by running for the Georgia House of Representatives, District 20. The district covers Towne Lake, north through most of BridgeMill, between I-575, Lake Allatoona and Bells Ferry Road. Forever changed after returning from a 1998 mission trip to India, Lynne founded Papa’s Pantry. In

India, children begged in the street, surrounded by extreme poverty with no help or solutions. While on the interstate heading home from the airport, several things caught her attention. Shabby buildings, marked with graffiti and broken windows, were in the shadow of billboards advertising Rolex watches and Gap jeans. A steeple was in the distance. That’s when Lynne made the observation and began to wonder: with so many resources in this country, why aren’t they working? Why does poverty exist here, in a country full of churches, nonprofits, social services and government assistance programs? Lynne felt God encouraging her to pursue a “cupboard thing.” She said yes,

and everything fell into place. The name, Papa’s Pantry, came in a dream, reminding her of when she was a young mom with a baby, running from an abusive husband. During that time, she needed help and applied for food stamps before she was able to land a job in her new city. A church deacon, known as Papa, brought Lynne groceries when she became sick and was out of work for a few weeks. Embarrassed, yet thankful, Lynne explained that if her not-yet exhusband found her, she would have to pick up and leave immediately, probably without time to say goodbye. She hoped he wouldn’t think badly of her for disappearing. He assured her not to worry. “You’ll do this for somebody else one day.” How prophetic his words came to be. In 1982, Lynne married Bill Saunders, Papa’s son; the two celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in January. They have three grown daughters and six grandchildren.

PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

In the ministry’s early years, she balanced a full-time job with nonprofit work. Lynne spent evenings and

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022


weekends taking groceries to families in need. As she was welcomed into homes, the impact of seeing the empty refrigerators and cupboards led her to dig deeper, to understand the causes of the food insecurity she witnessed.

A Message From Lynne

At the core was a general lack of understanding how to create and follow a budget, especially when a job loss occurred. That’s when she decided to leave her corporate position and open Papa’s Pantry full time. There were only a few food pantries in the county at the time, but none had the stabilization programs (employment services, household money management and goal setting) that Lynne created and implemented.

“Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime.” - an old Italian proverb.

When drug addiction began to hit new highs in the community many years ago, Lynne expanded training to include life skills for men and women in residential addiction recovery programs. Before the pandemic, the ministry hosted weekly support meetings for families with loved ones struggling with addiction. In 2019, Lynne co-founded The ROCC in Canton (a recovery community organization) that offers additional recovery support services.

For nearly 24 years, I have served on the frontlines, helping families in crisis get through devastating life events. Their backgrounds have varied, but their desperation looks the same. We ensured they had good, quality food to eat, and gave everyone the opportunity for a brighter future through stability programs. The goal always has been to get families on their feet, equipped with the tools to stay stable and get off government assistance.

I am ready to take this same spirit and fight to the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives, as YOUR representative. As I have proven over the years, I’m a tireless worker. I will continue my efforts to protect and secure strong families and prosperous futures for our kids and grandkids, here and across Georgia. My values are conservative. I believe in hard work and the American dream, and will fight to preserve our freedoms. There is a real movement in our country attempting to destroy families. As your representative, I will never back down from fighting for what’s right. I would be honored to have your vote.

Looking for poverty prevention solutions, Lynne partnered with several at-risk youth programs to make a long-lasting positive impact on future generations. Her most recent efforts involve finding

responsible homeless solutions for Cherokee County. Encompass Ministries recently launched a new Homeless Task Force, and is developing a homeless prevention training curriculum.

Lynne’s Platform As a constitutional conservative, Lynne will fight for: •

Voter Integrity. Without honest elections, all our freedoms are at risk.

Less government overreach and lower taxes. • Freedom. Our First and Second Amendments are •

jeopardized.

Preserving Life. Every life is God-given and needs to be protected.

Protecting Families. Strong families make for a secure

Education. Restore American values and patriotism in

Small Businesses. Encourage growth without more

Full Employment. Eliminate incentives to stay out of

community, state and country. our classrooms. regulations.

the workforce.

Lynne@LynneSaunders.com | ElectLynneSaunders.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Lynne Saunders

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Around & About 09 Golf Tournament. 12 13 APRIL

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BSA Troop 641’s Foster Dog Supply Drive, benefitting Ruff Redemption Rescue, will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 30 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 7 at Sassy Paws Pet Boutique in Woodstock. Training potty pads, towels, dry food, flea/tick and heartworm medicine, paper towels, crate pads, leashes, blankets, collars and toys are accepted. For more information, email jason.west115@yahoo.com.

MAY

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Registration for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s Vacation Bible School ( July 11-15) will open at www.gslutheran.org. This year’s theme is Jesus Is My Anchor.

Join the Reveille for Hope breakfast fundraiser to help establish The Green Zone Veterans Community Center. To RSVP, visit https://tinyurl.com/2e8vduz5. To learn more, visit https://highlandriversfoundation.org. The second annual Every Link Matters Charity Golf Tournament, benefiting children and families with KGB syndrome, will be held at Fairways of Canton. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; shotgun start is at 10 a.m. https://bit.ly/3I8GSZN.

Celebrating Community With 14 Habitat-NCG Women Build The second annual

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, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Mill on Etowah, features live music, food and drinks, kids activities, a vendor market, cake walk and more. All proceeds will help build a home for a local family. https://habitat-ncg.org/volunteer/women-build. Join the Youth Sunday Service and Celebration, 10:45 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodstock. After the service, there will be a barbeque celebration with food, games and prizes. Email youthfamministry@gslutheran.org to RSVP.

The Homeless Veterans Charity Golf Tournament will raise funds to provide programs and services to homeless veterans in our community, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at Lake Arrowhead Yacht and Country Club in Waleska. https://bit.ly/3JeATEe.

The 19th annual Kentucky Derby Day is a benefit for History Cherokee, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at The Mill on Etowah. Enjoy gourmet food, specialty cocktails, a bourbon tasting, a silent auction, pony pull, hat contest and a screening of this year’s Kentucky Derby. https:// historycherokee.org.

21 sale

The Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl is 2-6 p.m. in downtown Woodstock. Crawl-goers are encouraged to visit participating restaurants, and enjoy food and beverage specials. https://visitwoodstockga.com/eventgroup/pub-crawls.

JUNE

The HOPE Center’s Walk for Life 2022 kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Event Green at Woodstock Arts Village. The 1.6-mile walk is a round-trip route on Noonday Creek Trail. https:// supporthopecenter.com. 44

Registration is open for the annual MUST Charity This is a two-flight tournament; the first flight breakfast and range practice begins at 7 a.m. at Woodmont Country Club in Canton. www.mustministries.org/golf.

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Bascomb United Methodist Church is hosting a garage benefiting the youth ministry, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The United Methodist Men are holding a barbeque, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch is $10 and smoked pork butts are $40. For more information, email youth@ bascombumc.org.

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The fourth annual Golfing Fore! the Children tournament will be held at Eagle Watch Golf Club in Woodstock. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Service League’s work for children in Cherokee County. https://serviceleague.net/ fundraisers/golfing-fore-the-children.

Ancestral Treasures: 21 Historic Preservation of Family Heirlooms Join Tanzy Ward for a talk on

, 7-8 p.m., at the Cherokee County History Center in Canton. https://historycherokee.org/events.


THEATER

RECREATION

www.cherokeek12.net/News/ccsdtheatre2122. Contact the school front office for information. Performances are at 7 p.m.

woodstockparksandrec.com // 770-592-6000, Ext. 1955 Registration is required for all programs.

Cherokee County School District

May 6-7

”Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” Etowah High

School. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets are $7 for thespians and drama club members, senior citizens and children, ages 12 and younger.

June 2-4

Woodstock Parks and Recreation

Fridays May-June

Stop by Northside Hospital — Cherokee Amphitheater, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for a free workout during Lunch Sports. Equipment such as bocce, cornhole, disc golf challenges and spikeball will be set up throughout the park.

May 5

“Shrek the Musical” Academy Street Theatre Group

History in Woodstock: Those Who Called Woodstock Home focuses on notable Woodstock residents. The talk begins

Woodstock Arts

May 7

performs at Cherokee High School. Tickets are $5. www.woodstockarts.org

Through May 8

“Sister Act” follows wannabe star Dolores Van Cartier,

who witnesses a murder and is put into hiding at a church as a nun. Recommended for ages 13-plus (language, some violence).

Through June 19

“Stacie Rose,” a solo exhibit in the Reeves House,

featuring a mixture of gestural mark making, process and hard geometric lines.

May 13

iThink Improv is back and ready to get its audiences

rolling down the aisles with laughter. Recommended for ages 10-plus (content).

May 15

North Georgia artists will gather for Art on the Green, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Woodstock Arts Event Green. Art displayed will include paintings, mixed media, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, eccentric gifts and more.

May 21

The Lasting Laugh is a comedy series that brings

in Atlanta-based comedians monthly, with Jessica It’s All Good as the host. Recommended for ages 12-plus (content).

Cherokee Theatre Company

at 7 p.m. at 223 Arnold Mill Road. Cost is $5.

Join Amped in the Park with Strongside, 9 a.m., for a free outdoor workout at the Northside Hospital — Cherokee Amphitheater. Stop by the Gazebo in the Park at City Center, 11 a.m., for a free Storytime Live! With Darth Vader.

May 11

Discovering Stitchcraft, 6:30 p.m., at 223 Arnold Mill

Road in Woodstock, will introduce participants to the world of stitch, crochet, quilting, macrame and more. Cost is $5.

May 22

Discovering Disc Golf is a three-class series. May’s session will focus on mid-range shots and long drives, 2 p.m., at Dupree Park Prodigy Par 2 disc golf course. Equipment for the class is provided. Cost is $5.

May 28

Discovering Fishing is an introductory class, 9 a.m., at

Dupree Lake in Dupree Park, designed to teach participants the basics. Equipment is provided. Cost is $5.

Essential Gardening

Join the Cherokee Master Gardeners and UGA Extension for a gardening class, 10 a.m., at 223 Arnold Mill Road. Cost is $5.

May 7:

Tackling Garden Pests (Participants will receive a deterrent plant to take home.) May 21: Let it Rot — Learn how to create compost. June 4: Daylily Basics

www.cherokeetheatre.org

April 29-30, May 1

“Faith County” by Mark Landon Smith. Directed by

Becca Hogue. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Canton Theatre.

June 10-12, 17-19

“In the Rest Room at Rosenblooms” by Ludmilla Bollow. Performances will be at the Canton Theatre.

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Around & About

continued

MUSIC

Lantern Series

At the Woodstock Arts Event Green; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Check for updates at www.woodstockarts.org.

May 28: June 18: July 2: July 16:

Aditya Prakash Ensemble Paul Beaubrun Sub-Radio Kyshona Armstrong

Brown Bag Concert Series Jig Jam, March Lantern Series concert. Photo by Libby Williams.

FARMERS MARKETS Woodstock Farm Fresh Market

is open 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Dec. 31. The market is located downtown, on Market Street and in Reformation Brewery’s backyard. Details available at www.visitwoodstockga.com.

Farmers Market at River Church

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays through October at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. On Facebook.

Canton Farmers Market

Opens for the season June 4 in Brown Park and continues weekly, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 15. https://bit.ly/3w3RTco.

Ball Ground Farmers & Makers Market

is every other Saturday, June 4-Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-noon at City Park in Ball Ground. On Facebook.

GENERAL

Cherokee Master Gardeners Plant Sales Stop by the Cherokee County Senior Center, 9 a.m.-noon, for a variety of plants, garden accessories, expert advice and more. https://cherokeemastergardeners.com. On Facebook.

April 30: June 18:

Spring Sale Summer Sale

Wellness Wednesdays

Join Northside Hospital experts for a virtual health presentation every Wednesday at noon. For registration visit, www.northside.com/community-wellness/classes-events.

May 4:

Dr. Brian Seng, Arthritis and Total Joint Specialists May 11: Dr. Toral Fadia, Northside Hospital 46

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Thursdays at noon, local musicians will play an hourlong, free concert at the Gazebo in the Park at City Center in Woodstock. woodstockparksandrec.com.

May 5: May 12: May 19: May 26:

Surrender Hill Mark Miller Wyatt Espalin Justin Monday

Woodstock Summer Concert Series

The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside HospitalCherokee Amphitheater. www.woodstockconcertseries.com.

May 14: June 11: July 9: Aug. 13: Sept. 10:

Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience Sister Hazel Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors Black Jacket Symphony — Hotel California Scotty McCreery

Canton First Friday

The monthly block party, sponsored by the Canton Main Street Program, runs 6-9 p.m. in downtown Canton. www.cantonga.gov. On Facebook.

May 6: Chicago Rewired — the Premier Chicago Tribute Band June 3: Shot Through the Heart Ultimate Bon Jovi Experience July 1: Emerald Empire Band (Show runs until 10 p.m.) Aug. 5: Bumpin’ the Mango Sept. 2: Kinchafoonee Cowboys Oct. 7: On the Border — the Ultimate Eagles Tribute River Rock Summer Concert Series

Bring your family, friends, lawn chair and coolers to Etowah River Park amphitheater, 6-10 p.m., for a free concert. www.cantonga.gov/events.

May 21: June 18: July 16: Aug. 27:

Atlanta Rhythm Section The Celebrity All Star Band Smokey Jones and the 3 Dollar Pistols Electric Avenue


TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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M

A Message From the

ore than 3 million people visited the downtown Woodstock shopping district in 2021. That ranks our city among the most frequented downtowns in the southeastern United States, and it ranks the center of our city, yet again, as the No. 1 destination in Cherokee County. We have built a place where people from all around the nation want to be. Among the questions I hear as mayor is: “How is our city combatting increasing traffic concerns?” Although it is important to keep in mind that traffic and increased pedestrian presence are problems that come with the highly enviable condition of being a city that people want to visit (other cities in America would do anything to have the problems we face rather than those of decline), traffic remains a genuine concern and issue that policy makers in Woodstock need to be focused on addressing. If the story of Woodstock were a dramatic movie, this would be the scene in which our heroic protagonist would appear on the screen. For this topic, Rob Hogan, the assistant city manager for public works, fits that role. After years of work by Hogan and his team, the City Council recently adopted Woodstock’s first comprehensive Transportation Plan. According to the plan, “The Woodstock Transportation Plan is designed to plan and forecast major road projects, corridor enhancements and resurfacing projects, as well as sidewalks, crosswalks, parking and other improvements, over a revolving cycle updated annually.” This comprehensive plan accounts for all major transportation network improvements slated for Woodstock’s future, their funding sources and anticipated impacts. It is set to be updated every year to ensure our city is always working on an up-to-date plan for the future. Don’t miss the significance of this 96-page government document; it represents a level of planning and execution that is far too often absent from cities our size. It provides policy makers and those executing the plan the tools they need to see

where our city has come from and where it is going. It sets us apart from sister cities and becomes a tremendous differentiator for us to the state and federal governments, as well as private entities looking to invest in our transportation network. For more details, visit www.woodstockga.gov/your_government/ departments/public_works/index.php. Speaking of transportation projects, many of you have noticed dirt moving at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Mill Street as you approached downtown, traveling east. Among the many major projects outlined in the plan, this project is identified as the Hub Transformation Project. This city-led, state and local partnership was the first of its kind and broke ground a few months ago. The impact you’re seeing at this stage is making room for the roundabout, serving as the crux of the project, in addition to a new left turn lane at Main Street, a two-way conversion on Mill Street and more. This project directly improves the traffic flow of seven streets in the heart of our downtown, encourages traffic away from main arteries and dramatically improves pedestrian walkability. This will be accomplished with minimal change to the footprint, but brings about huge gains for our citizens and those passing through our city. This project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year. This project, and this plan, represent a new chapter in Woodstock’s transportation initiatives. We actively are at work to ensure the quality of life for our citizens remains exceptional, and building a best-in-class transportation system is among my top priorities. Our city’s comprehensive transportation planning effort will serve as a critically important tool in accomplishing that goal. If you ever have any questions regarding this plan, or any of our transportation projects throughout the city, please don’t hesitate to reach out. — Mayor Michael Caldwell

Michael Caldwell is the 31st mayor of Woodstock, a retired state legislator, member of the Georgia Technology Authority, partner at Black Airplane, husband to Katie, and father to Oliver, Elizabeth and Charlotte.

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022


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Rob’s Rescues These animals are waiting for homes at Cobb County Animal Services.

This small black and gray schnauzer’s tag number is 635098. She is a stray and is 3 years old. She is a very scruffy dog and would love a nice and loving family. She also would like a grooming.

Helping Canada Geese BY ROB MACMILLAN

This cat’s name is Cam. He is a large black cat that is about 4 years old. He is a stray. He would be a great cat for any family because he is sweet and gentle.

Canada geese are big water birds. You find them a lot around here on golf courses and lakes. People sometimes find them annoying, but they are pretty incredible. They are migratory birds and can fly 1,500 miles in 24 hours. They migrate in the spring and fall and return to the place they were born for nesting and mating. Federal laws protect Canada geese. It is illegal in the United States to harm them or their nests. One of the biggest problems affecting wildlife, and definitely water birds, is fishing line. It gets caught in their feet, wings and beaks, and they obviously can’t get it off. In most situations, it will lead to their death, often having to be humanely euthanized. My friend, Keeton Nelson, came

out with me and one of the founders of Georgia Wildlife Network (my interview with both founders will be in next month’s column) to try to help injured geese. “I love going out and helping my friend and his mom on animal rescue missions,” Keeton said. “I love the scenery, the intensity and being able to help nature. Except last time, it was different. We found a goose caught up in fishing line, badly injured. As a fisherman myself, this hits me hard because of the fact that fishing line can do so much damage to animal life, and people just leave it out.” My mom walks around the lake at our golf course and picks up a lot of fishing line. If there is one thing you do this summer, please don’t leave fishing line laying around.

Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.

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Celebrate Pets by Supporting Rescue Efforts BY SUSANNAH O. MACKAY

Having a pet can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It can help promote exercise, reduce blood pressure and even improve heart health. And, no matter what animal you prefer, there’s no question that a pet can ease loneliness and provide wonderful companionship. Unfortunately, even with all these benefits, it’s sad to learn how many wonderful pets need homes. However, there is no better time to change that. May is National Pet Month, and you can do more to help these homeless animals than posting a picture on social media. This is a great chance to get out in the community and support local rescue efforts. Check out these three successful organizations in our area: Good Mews (justserve.org/goodmews) is one of the few virtually cage-free, no-kill cat shelters in Georgia and the first in the metro Atlanta area. The staff and volunteers successfully place hundreds of kitties each year and are proud to offer spay/neuter services as an outreach to the public. Mostly Mutts (justserve.org/mostlymutts) provides health care, housing, physical and emotional care, and training for rescued dogs until they can be placed in new “furever” homes. The organization also runs several outreach programs for seniors, children and others.

The Georgia House Rabbit Society (justserve.org/ georgiahouserabbitsociety) seeks to rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for abused, abandoned and neglected domestic rabbits. Its vision is to be the Southeast’s premier rabbit rescue organization by finding the best homes for the most rabbits possible and by providing the best services, support and products it can. Each of these excellent organizations can use your help. Whether through donations, volunteer hours or fostering, there are countless ways to make a difference. It’s so easy to get started. Check out these opportunities at JustServe.org.

Justserve.org is a free nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprofit or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!

Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Georgia Gold Belt

The History of Sixes and Franklin-Creighton Gold Mines BY THE WANDERER

In the March issue, I noted that John Henry Hardin, the Moonshine King of Georgia and Sunday school teacher, had worked in a local gold mine (FranklinCreighton Gold Mine) as a young man, until it flooded. Gold mining in general, and that mine in particular, is a piece of Cherokee County history worth learning. The first gold rush in the United States happened 20 years before the California Gold Rush of 1849. It took place in Georgia, and you can learn a great deal about it if you make the trek to Dahlonega (the town’s name is derived from the Cherokee word for gold, Dalonige Usgosdi). The first U.S. Mint was established in Dahlonega in 1838, to convert the gold produced into coinage. Cherokee County lies in what today is known as the Georgia gold belt, and there is evidence that as far back as 1819, the Cherokee were working placer mines near a Cherokee village named Sixes, located along Bells Ferry Road, south of Canton. (There were six such placer mines in that immediate area: the Cherokee, the Clarkston, the Downing Creek, the Macou Project, the Putnam, and the Three Hundred and One; collectively they were called the Sixes Mines.) Simply put, placer mining is the mining of stream beds to get gold from soil deposited by water. This gold once was in a vein, but the erosive action of water liberated it from its original location. Two hundred years

Using a spade, B.C. Dampier digs up the loose soil and rocks from the Downing Creek creek bed, and places it in his pan. 52

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

later, you can still find folks panning these streams, which are located in the Bridge Mill and Copper Creek subdivisions, and also on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property abutting Allatoona Lake. Placer mining is easy to do, provided you have an ample supply of water to separate the gold from everything else in the soil deposit. Finding a vein of gold underground however, as happened in Dahlonega, provides a much greater yield (though it commonly requires tunneling to get the ore out). As it happened, once the Cherokee people were driven off the land, Mary G. Franklin is recorded to have founded such a mine, the Franklin-Creighton Mine, east of Ball Ground, near the Forsyth County line. In 1832, anyone older than 18 who’d resided in Georgia for the prior three years was eligible to sign up for the land lottery (with a few exceptions, like convicted felons or members of a gang of thieves called the Pony Club), which was the way the land taken from the Cherokee was being parceled out. Mary Franklin was a widow living in Athens; she signed up, won a 40-acre parcel alongside the Etowah River, and dutifully paid her $10 to obtain the rights to the parcel. Within the week, she’d received several offers to buy the lot, making her curious to see it for herself. Upon taking a buggy ride to the location, she found no less than two dozen men on her newly acquired property. All of them were panning for gold. She found the sheriff and had the men removed. In the years that followed, with the assistance of her son-in-law Charles McDonald, she and her family began mining the area. Mary proved herself to be a smart businesswoman, became quite wealthy, saw to her children’s education, and lived a very good life with her newfound wealth, until her death in 1858. Mining and refining are dangerous industries, and not everyone is so lucky as the widow Franklin. Take John Pascoe,


an Englishman who came to work at the Franklin Mine. Responsible for building several of the structures on the site, including the stamping mill, he finished building a beautiful home in 1840, which still stands across the road from the mine site. In 1846, however, shortly before he was to be married, he succumbed to mercury poisoning (mercury is used in gold ore processing). After Mary Franklin’s passing, the property was sold to wealthy Northern investors, who continued to mine. Estimates are, between 1880 and 1913, it produced nearly $1 million worth of gold. Ultimately, one investor, J.M. Creighton, bought out the others, and the mine became known as the Creighton Mine. The veins of gold were found around 500 feet below the surface. By 1913, the underground tunnel was three-quarters of a mile long; there were five shafts along its length where the ore was brought up to the surface for processing. Some of these veins were located directly below the river, as were the tunnels that had been carved to retrieve the ore. At its height, the Franklin-Creighton mining operation employed 300 people. In 1913, the riverbed collapsed into the shafts below, and tons of water filled the mines. Mercifully, the miners had just come out for lunch, and very few (if anyone, reports vary) lost their lives. Witnesses reported that the Etowah River actually flowed backward for a short time as water filled the mine. Some 80 years after the widow Franklin opened it, the collapse marked the end of the largest and most productive gold mine in Cherokee County. The Wanderer has been a resident of Cherokee County for nearly 20 years, and constantly is learning about his community on daily walks, which totaled a little more than 1,800 miles in 2021. Send questions or comments to wanderingga@gmail.com. TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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4

Tips to

Reach Peak Performance

BY MARY TUCKER

When we think of a summer flower garden, beds of colorful, blooming annuals often come to mind. These seasonal beauties can be the stars of an attractive summer landscape. Annuals generally are easy to grow, and they bloom quickly and prolifically. However, annuals are by no means fool-proof. Here’s how to make your annuals truly shine:

1. Watering

One of the most important factors in growing annuals is keeping them properly watered. Georgia’s summer rainfall can be unreliable, so be prepared to apply supplemental water as needed. As a general rule of thumb, annuals require 1-1.5 inches of water per week. More may be needed in times of extreme heat. Some annuals are more drought-tolerant than others, so learn about what you’re growing, and tailor watering to the needs of the specific plant. Overhead watering can encourage fungal diseases, especially if foliage remains damp overnight; therefore, a soaker hose or drip irrigation is preferred. Water from this method will seep directly into the soil and not wet the leaves or flowers. If you water from a handheld wand, keep the nozzle close to the soil surface. Water thoroughly, with an even distribution over the garden. Deep, slow watering will encourage deep, healthy roots. If you are growing annuals in containers, reduce the chore of watering by using light-colored pots that are made of non-porous material, such as plastic, resin or glazed pottery. It also helps to place a large saucer under each pot to hold water that can be absorbed by the plant as needed. If container-grown annuals are drying out too quickly, move them into more shade as the heat of summer progresses.

2. Mulching and Weeding

Adding a layer of mulch to your annual beds will provide several benefits. It will help the soil retain moisture, keep the soil cooler and aid in preventing weeds. Organic mulches, such as pine straw, bark chips or shredded, dry leaves add nutrients to the soil as they break down. Do not use fresh grass clippings; this material can deplete nitrogen in the soil. Even with a layer of mulch, some weeds are sure to pop up, competing with annuals for water and nutrients. Check for weeds frequently, so you can pull them while they are young. To avoid harming shallow roots, don’t disturb the soil any more than necessary. 54

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Celosia. Photo by Mary Tucker.

3. Fertilizing

Adequate nutrition helps ensure the best performance. Usually, a general, balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, is sufficient. However, for optimum results, get a soil test early in the season from the Cherokee County Extension, and follow the test’s recommendations. Slow-release fertilizers often are preferred, since they are long-lasting and reduce the chance of fertilizer burn. Keep in mind that, if you are gardening in containers, fertilizers are more likely to leach out of the planting medium. Therefore, you might need to feed plants more frequently.

4. Pinching, Pruning and Deadheading

Occasional pinching or pruning can encourages new growth, more branching, prolific blooms and a nicely proportioned shape. Sometimes, annuals in a mixed bed or container grow at different rates. If this happens, you can prune back the plant that is getting leggy or out of hand. Deadheading, or removing old flowers, is another form of pruning. It encourages reblooming and keeps the plant from spending its energy on seed production. However, if you want to save seeds for next year, allow some blooms to mature and form seeds, so you can collect them when ripe. Note: Some modern varieties are bred to be sterile, so they won’t produce seeds. With these, deadheading is not necessary. Mary Tucker is a North Carolina native who has lived in Cherokee County for more than 25 years. She is a Lifetime Master Gardener whose special interest is gardening with native plants.


What’s Happening at Your Library? BY JOHN RODGERS

Have you visited the library this spring? In April, all Sequoyah Regional Library System locations hosted community meet and greet events to encourage library card signups, and readers across our county stopped by to celebrate National Library Week. The festivities began with a weeklong fine forgiveness program, where visitors had up to $15 in overdue fees removed from their accounts, no questions asked. If you missed out on fine forgiveness during National Library Week, don’t worry. Announcements for future promotions are posted to the SRLS website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. The meet and greets were an opportunity for our community to discover that their public libraries are much more than buildings with books; seeing a family realize that for the first time is always a magical moment. Visitors became acquainted with various library technologies available for use inside the building, and many that can be borrowed and taken home. The SRLS Library of Things is a collection of items that can be borrowed by anyone looking to explore, learn and create, including board games, puzzles, digital microscopes, mini robotics called Cubelets and other technology. Take home a sewing machine to work on a project, or check out a ukulele and other musical instruments. Need a computer? Borrow a Google Chromebook and a Wi-Fi hot spot to browse the internet, catch up on homework or work wherever and whenever, at no cost. After all, why

Library staff welcomes young Padawan learners to Jedi Training at Woodstock Public Library during Sequoyah-Con in March.

buy all of this stuff when it can be borrowed using a library card? Attendees also were delighted to learn a library card saves money in more ways than one, as SRLS offers passes for free or reduced price admission to more than 60 state parks and historic sites, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, a variety of local museums and more. Ask library staff at the front desk about a pass; they can be checked out using a library card, just like books. Don’t schedule a family trip or weekend getaway without first checking if experience passes are available. For anyone who missed the meet and greets, good news: You can visit your library anytime to enjoy all of the services mentioned and more. To view the full SRLS event schedule and to sign up for library programming, visit calendarwiz.com/sequoyahreglib.

John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System.

UPCOMING EVENTS May 18

Meet up with other moms and kids at JJ Biello Park in Woodstock for Playdate at the Park, 11 a.m.-noon. Get excited about summer by celebrating Cherokee County

School District Hype Night

5-7 p.m. at R.T. Jones Memorial Library in Canton. Join the fun with carnival games, crafts, prizes and more. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

May 23

Ages 17 and older can come paint a pot from noon-1:30 p.m. at Hickory Flat Public Library. Then, check out seeds from the library to plant. All materials are provided. Registration is required.

May 25

Stop by Rose Creek Public Library for Adult Game Day, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., to de-stress and socialize over tabletop games or by coloring a picture. Play games such as Scrabble and mahjong, or bring your own. Turning 65 means there’s a lot of information, but where do you start? Join a Medicare educational session, 11 a.m.-noon, at R. T. Jones Memorial Library in Canton to get answers for your Medicare questions. TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Towne Lake Dining Cancun Mexican Grill

Johnny’s Pizza

Cheeseburger Bobby’s

Kani House

Mexican 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #200 770-693-4680 www.cancunmexicangrill.net American 2295 Towne Lake Parkway 678-494-3200 www.cheeseburgerbobbys.com

China Fun

Chinese 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671 www.chinafunwoodstock.com

Donovan’s Irish Cobbler American Irish 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763 www.donovansirishcobbler.com

El Ranchero

Mexican 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616 www.elranchero8.com

Family Tradition

Homestyle Cooking 4379 Towne Lake Parkway 770-852-2885 www.familytradition.net

GAMEDAY Fresh Grill American/Burgers 2990 Eagle Drive 770-693-6754 www.gamedayfresh.com

Izumi Asian Bistro

Thai/Sushi/Chinese 2035 Towne Lake Parkway 678-238-1899 www.iloveizumi.com

J.D.’s Bar-B-Que

Barbeque 6426 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 160 678-445-7730 www.jdsbbq.com

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Pizza/Pasta/ Salad 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-9494 www.johnnyspizza.com Japanese Steak/Sushi 2455 Towne Lake Parkway, #110 770-592-5264 www.kanihouse.com

Keegan's Irish Pub

Irish/Pub 1085 Buckhead Crossing, #140 770-627-4393 www.keegansirishpub.net

KPOP BBQ and Bar Korean BBQ 1105 Parkside Lane 770-485-3055

La Parrilla

Mexican 1065 Buckhead Crossing 770-928-3606 www.laparrilla.com

LongHorn

Steakhouse 1420 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-5494 www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Maple Street Biscuit Co. Southern 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, #160 678-903-2161 www.maplestreetbiscuits.com

Mellow Mushroom

Pizza/Pasta 2370 Towne Lake Parkway 770-591-3331 www.mellowmushroom.com

NaNa Thai Eatery

Thai 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. Suite 110 770 -485-6008

NY Style Deli & Pizza Pizza/Subs/ Bakery 2340 Towne Lake Parkway 678-426-7004 www.pizzabymansi.com

Panera Bread

Bakery/Soups/Sandwiches 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809 www.panerabread.com

Peking & Tokyo

Chinese/Japanese 200 Parkbrooke Drive, #160 770-591-8858 www.pekingandtokyoga.com

Song’s Garden

Chinese 4451 Towne Lake Parkway, #320 770-928-8387 www.songsgarden.com

Tavern at Towne Lake

American 1003 Towne Lake Hills East 770-592-9969 www.tavernattownelake.com

The Place

Bar/Grill 1105 Parkside Lane 770-928-8901 www.theplacebargrill.com

Tuscany

Italian 250 Cinema View Drive 678-453-0888 www.mytuscanyrestaurant.com

Volcano Steak & Sushi Asian 2990 Eagle Drive, #100, 101 678-498-7888 www.volcanowoodstock.com

WOW Pho & Grill

Vietnamese 6242 Bells Ferry Road, #118 678-383-6099 On Facebook at: Wow Pho & Grill


Art Enhances New Experiences BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

Many of us like to use the internet to find inspirational quotes that encourage us to be our best self, take risks and to love everyone. However, how many people read those quotes and actually act upon them? We find comfort in our everyday lives, and, while some of us want change, we don’t want to chase it. Experience, as a verb, means to encounter, but it also means to feel. A great experience allows you to encounter and discover a catharsis, perhaps. To experience something new creates new feelings in our lives. Experiences drive culture, and force us to reflect and grow, by stretching and inspiring us. “A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. At Woodstock Arts, it is part of our mission to engage the community with relevant art experiences every day. We always are striving for community growth, with new programs, exposure to new artists and ways to present art to everyone. We work to build vibrant and unexpected experiences for the community. On May 28, the Aditya Prakesh Ensemble is coming to our outdoor stage for the Lantern Series. Through June 19, a solo exhibit in the Reeves House, featuring artist Stacie Rose, is sure to inspire you. And, in the theater, stay tuned for some amazing musicals: “Orphie and the Book of Heroes,” June 8-22, explores Greek mythology and the idea that anyone can be a hero. The show, commissioned through the Kennedy Center, has not yet played anywhere in the state. And, in July, the familiar Lantern Series musical adventure “James and the Giant Peach” hits the stage with a modern take on the story. Don’t miss an amazing afternoon on May 15 with Art on the Green, an opportunity to meet some wonderful local artists. For more details on theater and visual arts summer camps in June, visit https://woodstockarts.org/ camps. The whole family can cherish shows and works of art by the end of each week. “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” — Thomas Merton By bringing new cultural experiences to the community, Woodstock Arts hopes to spark an interest, a change or a feeling, expanding our audience’s minds.

UNDER THE STARS

PLUS... Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Woodstock Arts.

NEVER MISS A BEAT!

A New Musical | Jun 8-22

UPCOMING: Aditya Prakesh Ensemble

Stacie Rose Exhibit

Visual Arts Classes

SUMMER CAMPS!!!

May 28 | Carnatic Jazz

The tradition returns onstage

Ceramics | Painting | Mixed Media

Opens Apr 17

REGISTRATION OPEN

WOODSTOCKARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Garden Cleanup and Painting Day

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SMILEUP! VOLUNTEERS

A large crew turned out to help with the garden cleanup project.

GARDEN CLEANUP On March 5, the Georgia Academy Baseball Club, Woodstock High School Navy Junior ROTC, Cherokee High School Agriculture Club, SmileUp! Charitable Foundation volunteers, Cherokee County Master Gardener Susan Gum, and Mike and Rebekah Gibson of SEEd. LLC helped clean up the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA garden in Canton, as part of SmileUp!’s Garden Beautification Project. “The kids did amazing work, and they cleaned without complaint. If you give a young person a job to do, and tell them how to do it, they get it done,” SmileUp! Executive Director Tonya Riddick said. 60

TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Woodstock High School Navy Junior ROTC members clean up crepe myrtle beds.

Cherokee High School Agriculture Club member James D.


PAINTING DAY On March 27, a local church group and SmileUp! volunteers cleaned and painted rocks, cinder blocks and containers, and assembled the rock gardens at the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA garden. Local contractor Kenneth Johnson donated his services, and painted benches and a new picnic table. Prior to the event, Cherokee High School Agriculture Club students painted rocks for the gardens. Canton Optimist Club members donated more than $2,000 toward materials. Upon completion of planting and mural painting, the garden will be named The SmileUp! Happy Garden. For more information and volunteer opportunities, visit https://smileupfoundation.org.

Painting day volunteers.

Katie L. designs a rock garden.

Everett and Abe

Cherokee High School Agriculture students paint rocks. TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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Advertisers

This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the TowneLaker magazine!

May 2022

ACCOUNTING & TAXES Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com

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Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

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IN WDSTK www.inwdstk.org

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Towne Lake Business Association www.tlba.org

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CHIROPRACTIC

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TOWNELAKER | May 2022

Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 770-592-1877 www.townelakechiro.com

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Credit Union of Georgia 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org

27, 31

LGE Credit Union www.lgeccu.org

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DENTAL

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Poole Funeral Home 678-932-2097 www.poolefuneralhome.net Woodstock Funeral Home and Cremations 770-926-3107 www.woodstockfuneralhome.com

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HAIR SALON/ BARBER

(Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric) Baird & Baird Family Dentistry 770-517-0444 www.bairdfamilydentistry.com

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Dentistry for Woodstock 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com

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Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

FITNESS/HEALTH

FUNERAL SERVICES

Inside back

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.pediatricwoodstockdentist.com Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu

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HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

7

EDUCATION & SPORTS

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Nesnick Total Health 770-516-2323 www.nesnicktotalhealth.com

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CREDIT UNIONS

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 770-591-9500 www.townelakevets.com

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

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EVENTS/ENTERTAINMENT Golfing Fore! the Children www.serviceleague.net

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Hawk’s Nest Gaming hawksnestgaming.tcgplayerpro.com

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Woodstock Arts woodstockarts.org

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Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

5

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

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Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com

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Eastridge Plumbing 770-516-2977 www.eastridgeplumbing.com

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Exact Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating 770-912-0552

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Findlay Roofing 770-516-5806 www.roofroof.com

15

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

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Kura Home Maintenance 888-858-5872 www.kurahome.com Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 [675-8651] www.mrjunk1.com

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PebbleStone 678-807-8618 www.pebblestonepros.com

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Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-0045

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Scrappy’s Junk Removal 678-330-9282 www.scrappysjunkremoval.com

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Towne Plumber 770-257-7503 www.towneplumber.com

7

47

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

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Northside Hospital www.northside.com

INSURANCE Alfa Insurance Jeff Beachler, 770-558-1612 www.alfainsurance.com

39

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

37

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

1

OPTOMETRY Georgia Eye Partners www.gaeyepartners.com

29

Pearle Vision 770-790-0000 www.pearlevision.com

57

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES AbbyCare 404-549-6886 www.iloveabbycare.com

Digestive Healthcare of Georgia Woodstock: 404-425-5570 Marietta: 404-425-5570 Jasper: 706-253-7340 Ellijay:706-276-7350 www.digestivehealthcare.net

Inside Cover

21

Prosperity Home Mortgage 404-895-0641 www.lisaeifert.phmloans.com

37

RE/MAX Town & Country Sarah Terrell 770-928-6525 www.realestateagent.net

11

RETAILERS

POLITICAL Charlice Byrd 404-557-2218 www.charlicebyrd.com

Keller Williams, Ursula and Assoc. Back Cover Direct: 678-569-4044 Broker: 678-494-0644 www.townelakeexperts.com

Cover, 32-33

Lynne Saunders www.electlynnesaunders.com

42-43

Atlanta Communities, 5 Shonna Sherrill C: 678-634-5581 O: 770-240-2005 www.shonnasherrill.com

Broadus Realty Group 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com

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SENIOR SERVICES

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net

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St. George Village 678-987-0409 www.stgeorgevillage.org

3

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We have a place in the homes of our community.

For advertising rates and information | Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

AROUNDABOUTLOCALMEDIA.COM TOWNELAKER | May 2022

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