6 17 townelaker webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

June 2017 Volume 23, Issue 2

14 Concert Series Kickoff! Charlie Daniels played to packed amphitheater, despite the rain.

20 Hometown Hero

Izzy Davila gets recognition for rescuing injured boater.

24 Blessings & Brotherhood Men’s small group still thriving after 20 years of meeting weekly.

26 Pitch Your Tent!

Park ranger helps you prepare for a memorable camping trip.

28 No Longer Bound

Thrifty purchases help addicts find a priceless regeneration.

59 Calling All Teens

Take advantage of summer programs to keep your youth entertained.

74 Prom 2017

Snapshots capture the magic of Etowah, Woodstock dances.

82 Trailfest

Neighbors enjoying music, food and outdoor fun.

82 Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Don Akridge

Joseph Lemmo

Stacy Brown

Ann Litrel 42

Siobhan Brumbelow 85 Michael Caldwell

Cherokee Office of Economic Development 56

Rob Macmillan

Matt Neal

Dr. Christa Nelms

Cindy Nelson

Christopher Purvis

Lynne Saunders

Susan Schulz

Leigh Cutrone

Dr. Donna Haley

Glenn Hannigan

Dr. Scott Harden

Dr. Amy Hardin

John Harris

Tim Timmons

Dan Jape

Shelley Winter

Dr. Amber York

Kurt & Sheila Johnson 30

Around Towne 4 Community News 8 Birthdays 18 Ribbon Cuttings 22 Everyday Angels 46 Towne Lake Dining Guide 52 TLBA 54 Community Calendar 57 Library Events 58 Faith 67 School News 70 Downtown Parking Map 79 Woodstock Dining Guide 88 Recent Home Sales 90 Directory of Advertisers 94

www.townelaker.com

48 & 49 On the Cover

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC Photo by J. King Images 2

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

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

Twitter: @Townelaker Instagram: townelakermagazine

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

AROUND TOWNE The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake From the Editor

What’s New

It’s summer - school’s out and it’s time to start reading what you want to read instead of what’s been assigned by your teachers. What kind of editors would we be if we didn’t encourage reading this summer? I have a special fondness for the printed word. I’m very thankful to be editor of a monthly magazine that is thriving at a time when many print products aren’t faring as well. I was a voracious reader when I was young. My parents fussed at me when I brought a stack of books with me on our car trips. I’d never learn my way around if I didn’t start paying attention, they’d say. How would I know where things are when I start driving? That wasn’t such a bad point, since that was long before we had GPS to tell us where to go. I shouldn’t be surprised, then, that our children have always carried stacks of books with them wherever they go. Our youngest daughter Becca refuses to give in to the ease of an electronic reader when she travels. It’s not the same, she says. I get that. But it would make travel much easier if she didn’t have to carefully weigh her suitcase or carry-on to make sure her books don’t tip the scales. At least our kids have GPS to help them navigate. If you want to encourage your children to read, you could send them to spend some time with the Hannigans. Apparently, a home with journalists as parents has that effect. But since we’re adjusting quite nicely to the empty nester lifestyle, I’d suggest taking them to the library instead! The Sequoyah Regional Library System’s summer reading program “Build a Better World” is underway. The goal is to encourage reading and create lifelong learners, and the program is open to all ages. Stop in the library nearest you to pick up a packet that’s filled with activities; rewards will be offered for completing the activities, while supplies last. You won’t need a library card to participate in the summer program, or any of the events listed on pages 58-60. I’m constantly amazed at the number and variety of activities offered through our library system, classes ranging from sewing and knitting to building Lego models and free movie nights. Kick-off events run from June 6-8. I’d recommend getting a library card while you’re there, so you can introduce your child to the wonders found in reading. Go ahead and purchase a sturdy book bag, to make it easier for them to carry around their stacks of books. Trust me - it pays off! If your kids are like mine, they’ll at least know how to get to the local library or the nearest bookstore. Priorities, people! For more details, call 770-479-3090 or check out www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Theory Salon, a full-service hair salon, opened on May 2 at 12195 Highway 92, Suite 120, Woodstock, GA 30188. Owners are Olivia Newell, Lita Espinall and Joy Cantrell. Joy and Lita have been in the hair industry for more than 30 years, and Olivia has worked closely with them for the past 12 years. They can be reached at 678-265-8681 or online at www.theory-salon.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/theorysalon/ or Instagram: @theory_salon.

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Peachy Clean Laundry, which opened recently at 6548 Highway 92, Suite 160 in Acworth, offers laundromat services 7 a.m.-10 p.m. six days a week, 1-10 p.m. Sunday. Wash, dry and fold service also is available. 678-909-2498. www.peachycleanlaundromat.com

What’s Moved Hot Stuff New, Used & Renewed

recently moved from its Woodstock location to 5505 Bells Ferry Road, Building 100-120 in Acworth. The store has 4,000 square feet of upscale resale items from storage unit auctions. 770-672-6372. On Facebook as Hot Stuff New, Used & Renewed.

Summer Snapshots! Email a photo of your favorite summertime activity to candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com for a chance to be in the July issue! We’ll need your submission by June 10. Be sure to send a high-resolution picture. Can’t wait to see you this summer!

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

COMMUNITY BOARD The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine and providing valuable feedback.

Kurt Johnson, co-founder of the Kurt and Sheila real estate team, has been involved in real estate most of his adult life. He and his wife have lived in Cherokee County for more than 13 years, their three children have attended county schools since the oldest started first grade at Bascomb Elementary. Kurt and Sheila work hard to promote Cherokee County and all it has to offer. Ann Litrel is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com.

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

Dee Locklin is a Georgia State University retiree

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

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

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,400 free copies. Approximately 15,500 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 900 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the 1st and advertising deadline is the 5th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/ Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2017. TowneLaker PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Volume 23, Issue 2

America’s Community Magazine

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS The Wheels of the Bike Go On the Trails If you think you’ve noticed more bikes than usual on the Greenprints trails, you aren’t imagining things. Zagster Inc. has launched a new bike-share program, thanks to funding by Rezide Properties, for Woodstock residents to experience the trails in a new way. Ten cruiser bikes are available at three stations for members to use for on-demand, local trips. Riders join the program by signing up for a membership. Rides for members — who must be 18 or older — are free for the first hour, then $3 per hour after. “It’s a privilege to be Tony Perry, right, takes a spin. able to contribute to the community that we not only live in, but also earn our living in,” Rezide partner Tony Perry said. “We’re excited about helping others just live better and this is just another way our residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of downtown Woodstock.” Woodstock’s bike share features the Zagster 8, an award-winning bike known for its practical design, comfortable ride and easy handling. The bike includes a spacious basket that’s perfect for carrying groceries, takeout, or personal belongings. And because rider safety is a priority, every bike includes automatic lights, a bell and full reflectors. Woodstock’s bike share promises to ease commutes, but it also unlocks vast recreational opportunities for exercise and fun. Unlike big-city bike shares, in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop, the built-in lock on every Zagster bike gives users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want. Zagster’s turnkey business model also lowers the cost and complexity of bike sharing to both Woodstock and riders while providing the entire community with a complete, convenient and modular system. Riding the Woodstock bike share is easy. Bikes can be found through the free Zagster Mobile App — available for iPhone and Android — or online at zagster.com/woodstockga. Each bike has an unique number that riders enter into the app to obtain a single-use code to open the lockbox on the back of the bike. (Alternatively, riders can obtain unlock codes via text message.) A key, stored inside and tethered to the lockbox, allows the bike to be locked and unlocked throughout a ride so users can plan their trips around their needs — and not around the locations of stations. After a rider returns the bike to a designated Zagster bike station, the rental ends and the bike is available for the next person to enjoy. “We are excited to add bike sharing to the Greenprints system,” said Colin Ake, Chairman of Greenprints Alliance. “We are hopeful this partnership will enable more families to get outdoors and enjoy our great trails, and can’t wait to see the Zagster system grow with time.” 8

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

YOUR LOCAL NEWS All Hands On Deck for Summer Lunch 2017 While summer often means sleeping in or planning your next getaway, many of our neighbors are wondering how they will feed their children lunch today. That’s when the MUST summer lunch program and the many volunteers step in. Here are several areas in which help is needed. Become a Checker/Packer: You will check and pack lunches under the guidance of the Host Site Lead Volunteer. This is a great project for once during the summer or a weekly thing for your family. For volunteers ages 10 and older. Become a Driver/Rider Team: This is one of the most rewarding of the volunteer opportunities. After training and a few background screens, volunteers will deliver the lunches to the children. Pledge Lunches: This is the nuts and bolts of the program; thousands of lunches a day are needed. Grab a group of friends or even gather your family after dinner one day and make some lunches. A guideline for contents will be provided. Donate Items: Grocery items are always needed. Next time you’re at the store, pick up some or all of the following and contact MUST for the dropoff location: juice boxes, individual bags of chips or crackers, sweet treats (brownies or cookies), unopened lunch meats (ham, turkey, bologna), unopened cheese (individually wrapped), peanut butter, and jelly. For more details, contact Ranettia Beasley at cherokeesummerlunch@mustministries.org.

From left: Pam Burnett (GAWP executive director), Ron Krnyaich (CCWSA operator), Mike Venters (CCWSA wastewater plant manager), Clint Blackwell (CCWSA water plant manager) and Mike Byrd (CCWSA Board of Directors chairman).

Water Authority Earns Top Honors Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) was honored with multiple awards from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) at its spring conference. • The Rose Creek Water Reclamation Facility received the Water Reclamation Facility of the Year Award and a Platinum Award, which recognizes National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit 100 percent compliance. • The Fitzgerald Creek Reclamation Facility also received a Platinum Award. • The Etowah River Water Treatment Plant received the Best Operated Water Plant of the Year Award and a Platinum Award. The water produced at the Etowah River Treatment Plant won the Georgia Water Taste Test for GAWP District 1. • CCWSA’s Ron Krnyaich won Top Operator of the Year for the GAWP District 1. “CCWSA provides outstanding water services to this community, and sets the bar high for other Georgia water systems who strive to accomplish this level of award-winning recognition,” GAWP Executive Director Pam Burnett said.

Canned Food Drive a Success Boy Scout Troop 641, chartered through the Bascomb-Carmel United Methodist Church in Woodstock, recently completed a successful community service project, Scouting for Food, in the Wyngate community. According to Scoutmaster Doug Pedersen, “It was a great day for the Scouts to get out and do a good turn. The boys collected 1,070 food items, which were donated to a local food pantry. If you missed the collection date, there is still an opportunity to participate at any time by dropping off your donation at Bascomb Mission Thrift (9550 Main St. #170, Woodstock, GA) or another food pantry of your choice. Thank you for giving the boys Troop 641: Jeff Fornuto, Ascher Shostak, Was Rountree, Byron Harris, Brock Herndon, Connor Campbell, Logan Haverkos, Steven Naliwajka, Alex Haverkos, Alan Rountree, Ethan Mauriello, Austin an opportunity to serve their community and we’ll see you again next April!” Doss, Christopher Pedersen, Max Shay, Doug Pedersen, Sam Kopeski and Michelle Campbell. 10

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

New hospital. Familiar name. Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest hospital has a name you may recognize. The new Northside Hospital Cherokee is now open and was built with the latest medical advancements, designed to make you feel at home and located so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to get to. Everything was created for the best in patient care. We built this hospital for you. See it now at NorthsideCherokee.com.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Woodstock Women Receive Top Honors

Judge Completes Training Program Cherokee County Probate Court Judge Keith Wood, left, with Senior Judge Kip McVay and Associate Judge John Cline, received recognition for completion of the Probate Court Judges certification program at the judges conference in Macon. The certification program was developed by the Council of Probate Court Judges and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia and is administered through the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education.

Cookie Sales to Easter Eggs Daisy Girl Scout Troop 17215, based in Towne Lake, used money from cookie sales to shop for items and assemble Easter baskets for children in need through Cherokee County’s Taylor R., Megan F. and McKenna “Somebunny Special” with a complete basket. program. “They really enjoyed working together to help other children. Our girls made shopping lists of what they felt should go into a basket and then broke up into two teams to shop for items and assemble a basket for a boy and a basket for a girl,” said Troop leader Courtney O’Neal.

In April 2016, the Junior Service League of Woodstock became the Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club when it received its charter into the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, joining dozens of other organizations throughout the state. At the 2017 Northwest Regional Meeting, its new district, the club took home four first-place awards in its first year of eligibility. The group received top honors in membership, showing the most growth in the 2016-17 year - more than doubling its members. The first-place award in the programs for home life and conservation also went to the Woodstock Juniors for its efforts with Give a Kid a Chance, Rooted in Love, Georgia Canines for Independence and Next Step Ministries, among others. It was awarded first place in overall excellence for total funds raised for the year, due to the record-breaking Holiday Tour of Homes fundraiser. If you are interested in showcasing your home for this year’s home tour or want to learn more about the group, visit WoodstockJWC.org.

Early Risers Join Free Workout Movement Three times a week, the parking lot at Creekview High School in Canton is filled with participants in a new free men’s workout group. F3 is a growing men’s workout movement that has its roots in Charlotte, N.C.. The mission is to plant, grow and serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership. It was brought to the Alpharetta area by a small contingent of men two years ago. Recently, some of the members, who live in Cherokee County, decided it was time to plant a new group in their home county. The group meets at 5:30 a.m. Monday and Wednesday mornings, and 7 a.m. Saturdays - rain or shine - for a 45-minute boot camp style workout in the school parking lot. Members are eager to do more than just exercise. The group took one Saturday morning, post workout, to clean up the trash-littered roadway in front of the school. Other service projects are in the planning stages. Email alpharetta@f3nation.com, or visit www.F3nation.com for more information. To see a “Today Show” clip about the movement, click on http://on.today.com/2mBZmgi.

Senior Project Benefits Safe Kids Shea Speidel, a senior at Sequoyah High School, recently gave $309 to Safe Kids Cherokee County, proceeds from a 5K run that she set up to help educate people about fire safety. The run was held Nov. 20 at Etowah River Park. “When I was younger, I remember the Fire Safety House coming to my elementary school to demonstrate issues on fire safety,” Speidel said. “It really impressed me, so I wanted to help with the fire safety program.” Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services is the lead agency for Safe Kids Cherokee County. Safe Kids is a global organization dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries, the No. 1 cause of death to children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost 1 million children die of injuries each year. 12

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Shea Speidel presented the check to Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather. Also attending the presentation were, front row: Cherokee County Fire Marshal Barry Gibson and Fire Educator Babette Davis. Back row, from left to right: Deputy Fire Marshal and Lead Adviser for Safe Kids Cherokee County Chad Arp, Fire Inspector Lt. Michael Priest and Fire Educator Pennie Lamanac.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

A ‘Simple Man’ Who is

Simply Entertaining Nothing could deter 8,000-10,000 Charlie Daniels Band fans from braving the stormy weather to kick off the 2017 concert series at the new Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. “It was a tremendous show and everyone seemed to be having a great time,” according to Preston Pooser, Woodstock’s parks and recreation director.

NEXT UP IN THE SERIES: June 10: Robert Randolph & the Family Band with special guest, AJ Ghent Band July 8: Drivin N Cryin with special guest, The Stepping Stones Aug. 12: Gump Fiction Sept. 9: Runaway June with special guest, The Whiskey Gentry Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. www.woodstockconcertseries.com 14

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM

Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ C Readers’ Choice Awards Reade 2017

READERS’

CHOICE Award

Thank Yo A few of the winners in this year’s Readers’ Choice poll wanted to show their appreciation to you for voting for them. That’s what the contest is about — giving you a chance to let everyone know your favorites in our community! Thanks for taking the time to vote —

Thank You from all of us at Cherokee Women’s Health

Your OB-GYNs in Towne Lake WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

770.720.7733

Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ Ch Readers’ Choice Awards Reader 16

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

hoice Awards Readers’ Choice Awards rs’ Choice Awards Readers’ Choice Aw

ou Readers! a record number of you participated this year. While you are out and about, look for the 2017 Readers’ Choice window clings and certificates we provided each winner. We’re sure they are proud of their accomplishment!

hoice Awards Readers’ Choice Awards rs’ Choice Awards Readers’ Choice Aw TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Danielle Manchester

Age 2 on June 15 Daddy, Mommy, Sammy, and Charlie-dog love our funny girl so much!

Lindsay Cecile Bresnan

Age 11 on June 20 Daughter of Mike and Christina, sister of Brooke.

Happy 10th birthday, Will the Thrill. We love you! Mom, Chad, Kolton, Berkley and Kinsie

Lauren Giesler

Age 13 on June 8 Happy birthday to our teenager!! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Ansley

Alice Ada Schroeder

Age 2 on June 1 We are blessed! Grateful parents, Pete and Corinne Schroeder

Sommer Neely

Age 6 on June 27 Happy Birthday sweet, sweet girl. We love you tons. Mom, Dad and Hunter.

Happy Birthday Madden!

Age 6 on June 25 We love you! Mommy, Daddy, CC, Kane and Roman

Amelia Wolfe

Age 6 on May 25 Happy birthday to our happy-go-lucky Amelia! We love you so much. Mommy, Daddy, Anna and Andrew

Olivia Kirkland

Age 11 on June 28 Happy Birthday to an amazing blessing. Love, Mom and Dad

Happy 12th birthday, Big K! We love you! Mom, Chad, Will, Berkley and Kinsie

Jorge Reyes

Age 16 on June 1 Happy birthday Jorge! We love you! God bless you, Mom, Dad and Luis

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Happy birthday Gagey!

Age 6 on June 10 Opa and Nani love you to Pluto and back!

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Happy sixth birthday Ella!

We love you, Mom, Dad, Bennett and Caitlyn

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

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Hometown Hero

Izzy Davila Honored for Lake Rescue longer.” When Davila realized he was During a recent Cherokee County not able to pull the man out of the Board of Commissioners meeting, water, he gave the man his floatation Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim device, tying it to him to keep him Prather presented a Citizen Life from going under. He tied the man to Saving Award to Izzy Davila. his boat and pulled him toward the On Feb. 2, Davila launched his shoreline, where his feet could touch boat from Victoria Landing for bottom. Another boater volunteered an afternoon of fishing on Lake to take the man back to Little River Allatoona. His plans changed quickly Marina for medical treatment. The as he approached an area on the Cherokee County 911 center finally lake where he noticed a boat driving contacted Davila, who directed them to in circles and realized no one was Chief Prather presents the award to Izzy as his wife Judy and the scene of the accident. on board. As he moved closer, he Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson look on. Unfortunately, there were two noticed another boat had capsized boaters who didn’t survive the accident. The water temperature was and realized there had been a boating accident. He immediately approximately 55 degrees, extremely dangerous for human survival if tried calling 911, but was unsuccessful, so he called his wife Judy and exposed for even short periods of time. asked her to call 911 for help. Chief Prather told the commissioners and those attending that this Davila searched the area for 15 minutes and decided to tow the is the first Citizen Life Saving Award that he has presented since being capsized boat to the shoreline. As he was moving around the boat, chief. The plaque he presented to Davila read: “He saved a life that cold he heard a voice calling for help, but he couldn’t see anyone. As day in February on Lake Allatoona. For this, I think it is only appropriate he reached the end of the boat, he saw a man holding on to the that Mr. Davila should be recognized for his heroic efforts.” capsized boat, begging for help and saying “he couldn’t hold on any

Considering Assisted Living? Act Now to Reserve Your Space at Camellia Place. As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our award-winning neighborhood of 6 duster homes, we are nearing capacity. And it is no wonder. We are an intentionally small community, designed by local, involved healthcare leaders with an innovative, person-centered approach to assisted living and memory care. Visit our website, or better yet, visit us in person and disawer the award-winning quality of lire at Camellia P�

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

Event Calendar 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-345-0400, www.cherokeechamber.com

June 1 Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast

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

June 5 Chamber Classic Golf Tournament

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

June 13 Business After Hours

4:30-6:30 p.m. at Merrill Gardens Senior Living, 12730 Highway 92, Woodstock. Networking event. Cost: members, $5; future members, $10. Register online or email Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com.

June 21 Building Your Beach: “How Employee Engagement Achieves Business Results”

Ribbon Cuttings 1. Peachy Clean Laundry

6548 Highway 92, Suite 160, Acworth 678-909-2498, www.peachycleanlaundromat.com

2. Blank Stage Acting Studios

11517 Highway 92, Suite 112, Woodstock 470-377-6773, www.blankstagestudios.com

3. Hot Stuff New, Used, Renewed

5505 Bells Ferry Road, Building 100-120, Acworth 770-672-6372, On Facebook

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

9-11 a.m. Presented by Jim Bulger, WorkThrive Consulting, who will discuss how to increase the momentum and productivity in employees, contractors and vendors. Reinhardt University is sponsor. At the chamber office, terrace level, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. Cost: early bird (by June 14) members, $25; members, $30, future members, $45. Register online or email Brandy@ CherokeeChamber.com.

June 22 Power Hour

10-11 a.m. visit the chamber for an hour of fast paced networking with fellow business leaders, as well as the Chamber Chairman of the Board, Bryan Reynolds, and Chamber President and CEO, Pam Carnes. Cobb EMC is sponsor. Cost: members, $5; future members, $10.

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

The Blessings of

Brotherhood

Small group members, seated from left: Tony Perry, Mark Crumpton and Jimmy Messerly. Standing from left: Tim Phipps, Glenn Hannigan, Dave Hassan and Trent Donley.

After 20 years of meeting, men’s small group is thriving BY GLENN HANNIGAN

It has been 20 years since our Friday morning men’s group began meeting at Hillside United Methodist Church in Towne Lake. It has been a fascinating, unpredictable, blessed journey with a group of men I have come to love and respect more as brothers than friends. When Mac Enfinger and I first discussed starting a men’s small group in 1997, we never would have dreamed it still would be going strong after two decades. Over these 20 years, there have

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

been enough real-life plot twists and turns in the lives of these men to inspire a novel or two, or perhaps, more appropriately, a low-budget sitcom. When we first began meeting, Mac was owner of a successful chemical company and I was a senior editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Twenty years later, Mac is pastor of Milledgeville FUMC and I serve as pastor of Ebenezer UMC in Roswell. But you still can find me at Hillside UMC at 7:30 a.m. every Friday morning, along with Mark Crumpton,

Jimmy Messerly, Tim Phipps, Dave Hassan, Trent Donley, Tony Perry and, on occasion, Larry Singleton and Gregg Schieffelbein. Some of the 40 or so men who have been part of the group over the past 20 years occasionally return for a visit. Our door always is open. Through the years, in addition to the biblical questions we discuss and the Scriptures we read, there have been many shared celebrations: weddings, graduations, births, successful political campaigns and the launch of thriving businesses, among others. And there have been various lifealtering challenges as well: family crises, business failures, personal struggles, life-threatening health issues and the loss of loved ones. Through it all, we gather each week to share our lives in honest, candid terms, to laugh loudly, disagree passionately, and to pray earnestly. The conversation is fueled by coffee and chicken biscuits and often centers around a family issue, work issue or a question that might have arisen from a recent sermon. But, beyond the Friday morning discussions, there have been numerous instances of men in our group coming to the aid of one another, from helping to move furniture or providing a loaner car, to offering business help or providing airfare during a family crisis. I am not sure what Mac and I were expecting when we began this group so many years ago. I know we wanted to support strong marriages and families. I know we wanted to help men to grow in their faith and to experience the freedom, love and joy that is central to the Gospel. I think, in some way, I believed we would be doing something to serve other men. I had no idea that I would be the one who was the most blessed.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Camping 411

Tips for an Enjoyable Experience BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

June is National Camping Month and it is a great time to enjoy one of the campgrounds operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Allatoona Lake. The Corps manages eight convenient and affordable campgrounds in Cherokee and Bartow counties. In fact, Corps of Engineersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campgrounds across the country provide an affordable, fun and scenic way to spend a vacation.

Know Before You Go

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Although it may be tempting, camping outside of designated campgrounds is prohibited. This helps prevent erosion, wildfire, litter and sanitation problems. Know your equipment BEFORE you arrive. Always try out new equipment before you leave home - especially tents, trailers and RVs. Never underestimate the importance of lighting. Make sure you have enough lanterns and flashlights. Do not arrive late at your campsite. Setting up at night is much more difficult and tends to disturb other campers. Never leave food and garbage accessible to wildlife. Warding off animals and ants is never enjoyable.

About Corps Campgrounds

Pricing is based on the location and the amenities on the campsite. There are different prices for waterfront and interior campsites, with either 30 amp or 50 amp electrical and water hookups. Reservations can be made by calling (toll-free) 1-877-444-6777 or by going through Recreation.gov, which links to recreational sites around the

Above, Sweetwater campground. Right, Victoria campground.

nation. Allatoona Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booking window is three days; therefore, reservations can be made up to three days before you want to camp. For instance, a reservation made by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday can allow you to begin camping on Allatoona Lake on Friday, when you call the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) or use this new website. Because of environmental concerns and water quality, gray/ waste water from RVs and portable toilets must be caught in holding tanks or other receptacles and deposited at the dump station. Washing vehicles, camping equipment or anything that produces gray water to be discharged on or around the campsite is prohibited.

Interagency Passes

The Corps of Engineers issues and accepts the America the Beautiful Access, Interagency, Senior, Military and Every Kids to the Park Passes, as well as the Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports. However, customers having one of the discount passes are required to provide the discount pass number at the time the reservation is made to receive the discount. If the customer makes more than one reservation for the same location and date, the discount will only apply to the campsite the discount holder occupies. Upon arrival, customers using one of these discount passes are required to present the pass and one form of photographed identification to confirm the discount. If you do not provide proper documentation, you must pay the full recreation use fee. Discount passes do not apply to group camping facilities. June is the busiest recreation month on Allatoona Lake. We hope you have a safe and relaxing time this year on the lake, and remember to wear your life jackets. For more information about camping at Allatoona Lake, please contact the Operation Project Management Office at 678-721-6700.

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

Payne campground. 26

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The Wall of Hope, found in the Woodstock thrift store, features positive and encouraging messages from NLB alumni, current members and their families. It is made of reclaimed wood by the men at NLB Furniture.

Shopping With a Purpose BY SUSAN SCHULZ

Dedicated wholeheartedly to rescuing addicts, regenerating men and reconciling families, No Longer Bound (NLB) has become one of our nation’s premier regeneration centers for men with drug and alcohol addiction. It all began with Vietnam veteran Mike Harden, who returned home from the war battling a different kind of enemy — cocaine. After losing everything dear to him, he credits God for saving him from this destructive dependency, and he founded NLB in Cumming. During the past 25 years, more than 1,200 lives have been saved. The organizers of NLB have created four industries to support the ministry: thrift stores, custom furniture, printing/graphics and repurposing used vehicles. The upscale thrift stores feature a large selection of furniture, home accessories and clothing. A new 10,000-square-foot store has

opened at 1910 Eagle Drive in Woodstock. “It is such a peaceful place to work, and knowing the work I do is serving a greater need blesses me daily,” store manager Bethany Monroe said. Where else can you hear “Thanks for saving a life!” when you check out? Along with the thrift stores in Woodstock and Cumming, men in the NLB program make custom-designed reclaimed furniture, operate a full-service printing and graphics company called NLB Studios, and accept donations of vehicles of all types for Cars4Recovery. These industries provide 75 percent of the ministry’s funding. Your shopping dollars provide support for the 12-month program in which men live in community with other former addicts, spend time in classes, work in the ministry’s four industries and attend church on Sunday. Approximately 80 men graduate from NLB per year. The organization’s leadership and teaching staff is made up mostly of graduates from the program. Executive Director Edward Bailey is a former meth addict who once was a resident (2004). “We don’t use the word rehab here,” said Benjamin Feltman, NLB thrift director. “To rehabilitate is to restore to former capacity. We desire regeneration — a re-creation of our men — a makeover into a way better condition. God accomplishes this over and over at NLB.”

continued on page 91

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Three Convenient Locations

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1505 Northside Blvd. Suite 2400, Cumming

As many as 1 in 3 women suffer from some form of venous disease. Symptoms could include swelling, heaviness, cramping, pain, or ulcers that make everyday activities such as walking difficult.

980 Johnson Ferry Rd. Suite 1040, Atlanta

Venous disease, commonly known as varicose or spider veins, is not just a cosmetic concern, and can become a serious problem if left untreated.

145 Riverstone Terrace Suite 101, Canton

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www.NVS-GA.com

Call (770) 292-3490 TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Is Zillow’s Zestimate on the Money? BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

If you guessed that my answer would be, “it depends,” you are right. Zillow’s online tool has strengths and weaknesses that play into whether or not you should rely on it for your home’s valuation. Zillow’s home valuation tool, Zestimate, has gained popularity with buyers and sellers as a way of determining a property’s value. It uses sold data retrieved from the tax records and the Multiple Listing Service. It then uses the tax record’s data of similar homes to determine their average price per square foot. This average price per square foot is then multiplied against the tax record’s information for your home to determine its value. The most common failure of this method of valuation is that the tax records are frequently not accurate. Among other errors, any additions to your home’s finished square footage that wasn’t permitted through the county won’t be reflected in the tax record. Another opportunity for error is the wide variation of upgrades from home to home in the pool of data that the algorithm uses. We have seen home prices in Cherokee neighborhoods vary by as much as $20 per square foot ($40,000 on a 2,000-square-foot home) depending on what improvements and upgrades have been made.

Where and how a home’s square footage is laid out can also affect its value greatly. Ranch homes in Cherokee commonly sell for 20 percent more than two story traditionals while a split level can sell for 10 percent less than traditionals. Last but not least is location, a major factor in a home’s value. A home on a cul-de-sac will usually sell for more than the same home on a busy main road, and a home on the golf course will fetch more than one that backs up to a neighboring home. Zillow’s online valuation tool does shine where the subject property and comparable properties used in the calculation are newer and of similar floorplans. Newer homes are less likely to have dissimilar upgrades and improvements. If you are thinking about selling, enlist the help of a local real estate professional that is familiar with your neighborhood’s home prices. Zillow’s tool is good for a ballpark valuation and to track your homes movement in value but it can easily be inaccurate by 10 percent to 20 percent.

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

The Ultimate Seal of Approval for HVAC Systems BY DAN JAPE

Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with Southface Energy Institute, relaunched the ENERGY STAR Verified HVAC Installation (ESVI) program. The action was in response to several studies reported by the EPA that showed systems weren’t performing to their manufacturerspecified capacity because of poor design and improper installation. The potential was there for a sizable problem; more than a million homeowners across the U.S.had traded their old HVAC systems for modern, ENERGY STAR units to maximize energy efficiency and have the least negative impact on the environment. Nearly half of those systems weren’t fulfilling their potential. A common cause of faulty HVAC performance occurs in oversized units. Often, homeowners think that bigger is better, when, in fact, supersizing a unit puts stress on the system and wreaks havoc on its components. Here are some signs that your unit might not be the best fit for your home’s needs: • loud noises • frequent on/off cycling • wide temperature swings • poor humidity control, producing a stuffy feeling inside the home • presence of allergens, mold or dust in the home • moisture buildup in walls, ceilings and floors from trapped condensation 30

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A worst-case scenario could involve gases like carbon monoxide being carried back into the home rather than exiting through an exhaust system, making the residents sick and in need of medical attention. Owning a properly designed and sized ENERGY STAR-grade system doesn’t mean the homeowner automatically will receive maximum energy efficiency. Other factors must be considered: • Refrigerant charge should be set for optimal comfort. • Make sure electrical connections don’t deliver voltage that is too high or too low. • Air volume should flow properly into each room. • Exhaust fans should be vented outside the home. • Combustion appliances such as furnaces, boilers and water heaters should be checked for safe operation and suitable orientation. • Outside air inlets should be located away from known contamination sources. Most importantly, check the duct systems. In a typical home, 20 percent of air moving through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poor connection. Ducts often are installed with kinks, sharp bends and excessive coiling to cram them into cavities. continued on page 91

Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. He can be reached at 770-594-9969.

Two Locations Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides compassionate, comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins, Dr. Shalini Shah, and Dr. Nancy Doelling, offer the quality one-on-one care you demand to keep your child happy and healthy including, short wait times, same-day appointments and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle.

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics Offers: • Exceptional Care: Board-certified physicians. Attentive & complete care for children birth - 18. • Timely Access: Same-day appointments available. Shorter wait times. • Efficient Follow-up: Timely feedback and reports. Next day test results available.

Holly Springs 684 Sixes Road, Suite 220 Holly Springs, GA 30115

Call for an appointment (678) 388-5485

Towne Lake 900 Towne Lake Pkwy, Suite 306 Woodstock, GA 30189

Norths Im

Call for an appointment (770) 852-7720

Visit Us at NorthsideCherokeePediatrics.com Exit 11 (Sixes Road)

HOLLY SPRINGS TOWNE LAKE

Jamie Rollins, MD

Shalini Shah, MD

TOWNELAKER | June 2017 oh ns on

Ros wel l Rd .

Nancy Doelling, MD

New Law Will Help You Care for Loved Ones

Signs That Mom or Dad Need Help

BY CINDY NELSON

BY SHELLEY WINTER

While many people feel their will is the most important legal document they can have, I strongly believe that a durable financial power of attorney is even more important. While a will is still something everyone over the age of 18 should have, it only deals with what happens to your belongings once you pass. As long as you’re alive a will doesn’t “speak” to how your assets are managed. A durable financial power of attorney allows you to appoint someone that can help you manage your affairs and use your resources to best support you while you are alive. Without a valid financial power of attorney, if you were to be unable to manage your own affairs, your loved ones would have to go through an expensive legal process to petition the court to become your conservator in order to assist you with your resources, even if you are married. Unfortunately, in the past it has been somewhat hard for someone to know if they had a good power of attorney without spending the money to have it reviewed by an attorney. The state legislature took some steps While a will is during its last session to still something change this for the better, by introducing HB 221, everyone over which will become effective the age of 18 July 1. This new law will do should have, it great things like make only deals with a presumption that the of attorney is what happens to power durable (still valid even if your belongings the creator loses capacity to manage their own affairs) once you pass. and standardize the signing requirements in order to create a valid power of attorney that will only require one witness and a notary. The bill also makes it easier to act as agent under a power of attorney by allowing copies to be used in place of the original, for essentially all transactions except for real estate. These small changes will make a great impact on caring for your loved ones. The new law also makes the process easier and more streamlined when obtaining a power of attorney, with the potential of recovering attorney’s fees if you have to hire one to get your document accepted. This helps avoid the issue of a bank’s legal department putting up roadblocks or requiring the document on their form.

Approaching the subject of moving into assisted living with your parent often is a difficult conversation. After all, you want them to maintain their independence as long as possible. No matter how uncomfortable, starting the conversation can be “a must.” As family members, we don’t know when the timing is right. Often, these signs are right in front of us, but we overlook them. No matter how difficult, sometimes it is necessary to consider senior living for the safety and health of your loved one.

Cindy Nelson is an Elder Care Law Attorney with Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC, 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 900-200, Woodstock, GA 30189, www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Here are some signs that your loved one may need extra help:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Household chores left undone. Was mom’s house always perfect, and now it’s not as tidy anymore? Lack of hygiene. When you visit dad, can you tell he hasn’t showered recently? Forgetting medications. Do you notice that your parent missed pills from the reminder box for the past several days? Snacking or not eating properly. Are they eating cereal or soup at every meal?

Forgetting to pay the bills. Keeping up with due dates and a bank account can be overwhelming to the senior who is forgetful, is having trouble with eyesight, or is experiencing arthritis.

Isolation or withdrawing from family or friends. Sometimes, with dementia or failing physical health, your loved one may not call you like they used to, or not enjoy church or other social gathering with friends. In an assisted living community, household chores such as cleaning and laundry are handled for residents. Staff can remind or assist with getting dressed or showering. One of the most needed features is assistance with medications. This can bring a peace of mind to the adult child as well as the parent. Three nutritious meals are served daily; snacks also are provided. Daily interaction with others combats depression and loneliness, and promotes physical and mental well-being. Activities are offered to residents to give physical and cognitive stimulation. I have always heard “You can wait too late” about moving into an assisted living community. This can mean many different things. But, over the years, I have come to understand the value a senior living community can provide a senior who is struggling at home alone to get everything done. Don’t fail to recognize the signs. It can be a hard conversation, but many times a necessary one.

Shelley Winter, community relations director at Oaks at Towne Lake, has worked in assisted living/memory care communities since 2008. 770-592-2195. shelley@oaksseniorliving.com.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Providing a Safe Place for Every Newborn BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

Since 2016, I have had the honor of serving on the board of directors of The Hope Box, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting abandoned infants. The Hope Box helps mothers who no longer can care for their infants to place them in the care of appropriate government or adoption agencies, rather than abandon them in dangerous places. This is a side of life that most of us would prefer to pretend isn’t reality, but these situations happen every day. As our state continues to grow, it becomes vitally important that we keep our laws updated to protect mothers who choose to do the responsible thing for their children. The Safe Place for Newborns Act was introduced in Georgia in the early 2000s and, when passed, placed Georgia in the lead in protecting mothers who needed a safe option to release care of their children. These laws allowed mothers to “abandon” their child at a hospital to the care of a medical professional without fear of prosecution for felony abandonment. Prior to passage, the mother had no legal option to surrender her child, which forced mothers who could not care for or feed their child to make a very difficult decision. Do they leave them with someone responsible (who also could report them to authorities) or do they leave them somewhere anonymous where there would be a chance the child wouldn’t be found in time? Unfortunately, many chose the latter. You can see why it’s in Georgia’s best interests, and certainly the children’s best interests, to protect mothers selecting the responsible route. Over the past 15 years, sister states began adopting similar laws and improving on them. This year, through House Bill 391, I’m proud to report that the state of Georgia has updated our act to mimic many of these improvements.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

According to our law, mothers had seven days from the date of their child’s birth to surrender the child. This can create issues, particularly in cases of complicated births where several days of this window can be lost in a hospital. If a mother finds herself optimistic after her stay, takes her child home, and realizes a few days later that she cannot keep the child, she easily can have missed her seven-day opportunity. It also presents a major disadvantage for mothers in rural Georgia who can be hours from the nearest hospital. Sister states have adopted time windows ranging from a few days to more than a year. The vast majority of states, however, have settled on a 30-day window. This appears to have struck an appropriate balance and, through HB 391, the Legislature has revised our window to match. Our law also required that a mother who leaves her child provide her name, address and identification. If she failed to provide these, her protection under the law would fade and she would be at risk of a felony. This presented problems for women who were victims of human trafficking and homeless women who may not have an address or identification. In light of this, and the example of sister states, HB 391 updated this to an encouraged but not required position. Finally, and arguably most importantly, most states allow for mothers to surrender these infants in more locations than just hospitals. As you can imagine, that requirement could create a continued on page 91 Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov.

Looking for a safe place for your children? Hillside not only offers classes for the parents, we also offer programs like Summer Bible Camp,

M Y H I L L S I D E

Vacation Bible School, Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Out & Enrichment.

A PLACE FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN For more information about these programs, visit hillsideumc.org/myhillsidekids and get connected with our current community and faith building opportunities.

770.924.4777 | HillsideUMC.org | 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy | Woodstock GA 30189 TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Rob’s Rescues This dog is a Chiweinie. He is in cage T3. He is very interested in things and is a happy dog. He is black and his tag number is 595396. He is a stray, he takes some interest in toys and is 2 years old. A Chiweinie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. This cat’s name is Leslie. She is 1 year old and is a domestic shorthaired cat. She is a stray and her tag number is 595480. She is small but is really fast. Her front paws are black but her back paws are white.

HELP WANTED

Please help Cobb County Animal Control (1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta). They are at capacity. Do you know what that means? It means they have reached the limit on the amount of dogs they have space for so they might have to euthanize dogs if they are not put into rescue or unless you adopt them. Both these animals come from Cobb County Animal Control.

A Project to Inspire Others Rob Macmillan is co-author of a book called “A Young Animal Activist’s Manifesto.” Funds are being raised at the moment to print and distribute this book on a non-profit basis to middle school libraries across Georgia. The aim of the book is to provide teenagers with the how, where and most importantly the why to become a voice for shelter animals. If you would like to donate to this mission of encouraging teenagers across Georgia to learn how they can make a difference to shelter animals there is a PayPal button on Rob’s website (www.robsrescues. com) or checks can be mailed to Rob’s Rescues, P.O. Box 369, Lebanon, GA 30146. Donations of $50 will receive a free copy of the book and donations of $100 will receive a free copy of the book and a Rob’s Rescues t-shirt that promotes grassroots activism. Rob’s Rescues is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Follow Rob on Facebook! www.facebook.com/robsrescues/ 36

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@gmail.com.

For more information NorthGaOBGYN.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 404, Woodstock, GA 30189 433 Highland Parkway, Suite 203, East Ellijay, GA 30540

(770) 926-9229

We offer comprehensive services in women’s health. OB/GYN SERVICES & SURGICAL PROCEDURES: • Annual Well-Woman Exams

• HPV Vaccines

• Robotic Hysterectomies

• Fertility Evaluations

• Contraception Management

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomies

• Maternity Care

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Diagnostic Laparoscopy

• Cervical Cancer Screening

• Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

Our experienced and specially trained staff include mid-wife, Shelly Ray, CNM and physician assistant Michelle Clardy, PA-C to meet all of our patients’ needs.

Angela Falany MD, FACOG

Najia Lawrence MD, FACOG

Michael Hulse MD, FACOG TOWNELAKER | June 2017

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Are Millennial Women Saving for Retirement? DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Women 35 and younger often are hard-pressed to save money. Student loans may be outstanding; young children may need to be clothed, fed and cared for; and rent or home loan payments may need to be made. With all of these real concerns, are they saving for retirement? The available data is more encouraging than discouraging. The bad news: 44 percent of millennial women are not saving for retirement at all. This discovery comes from a recent Wells Fargo survey of more than 1,000 men and women aged 22-35. As 54 percent of the millennial women surveyed were living paycheck to paycheck, this lack of saving is hardly surprising.1 The good news: 56 percent of millennial women are saving for retirement. Again, this is according to the Wells Fargo survey. (A 2016 Harris Poll determined roughly the same thing – it found that 54 percent of millennial women were contributing to a retirement savings account.)1,2 The question is, are these young women saving enough? In the Wells Fargo survey, the average per-paycheck retirement account contribution for millennial women was 5.7 percent of income, which was 22 percent lower than the average for millennial men. One influence may be the wage gap between the sexes: On average, the survey found that millennial women earn just 74 percent of what their male peers do.1 In the survey, the median personal income for a millennial woman was $28,800. So, 5.7 percent of that is $1,641.60, which works out to a retirement account contribution of $136.80 a month. Not much, perhaps, but, even if that $136.80 contribution never increased across 40 years, with the account yielding just 6 percent annually, that woman still would be poised to end up with $254,057 at age 65. Her early start (and her potential to earn far greater income and contribute more

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

to her account in future years) bodes well for her financial future, even if she leaves the workforce for a time before her retirement date.1,3 More good news: Millennial women may retire in better shape than boomer women. That early start can make a major difference, and, on the whole, millennials have begun to save and invest earlier in life compared with previous generations. A recent study commissioned by Naxis Global Asset Management learned that the average millennial starts directing money into a retirement account at age 23. Historically, that contrasts with age 29 for Gen Xers and age 33 for baby boomers. If the average baby boomer had begun saving for retirement at age 23, we might not be talking about a retirement crisis.4 In the aforementioned Harris Poll, the 54 percent of millennial women putting money into retirement accounts compared well with the 44 percent of all women doing so. The millennial women were also 14 percent more likely to participate voluntarily in a workplace retirement plan than male millennials were, and, once enrolled in such plans, their savings rates were 7 percent to 16 percent greater than their male peers.2 In 2015, U.S. Trust found that 51 percent of high-earning millennial women were top or equal income earners in their households. That implies that these young women have a hand in financial decision-making, and at least a fair degree of financial literacy – another good sign.4 Clearly, saving $136.80 per month will not fund a comfortable retirement – but that level of saving in their 20s may represent a great start, to be enhanced by greater retirement account continued on page 91 Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

Move Past Making Excuses, Take Charge BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

How many times do you explain your reasons to others? Was it something you were supposed to do, or something you justified doing that, perhaps, you shouldn’t have done? Reasons, you say ... valid reasons. What makes something valid? According to dictionary.com, the meaning of validity is sound, just or well-founded. But by whose standards? Certainly, we want people to like us, and we want to fit in. We need others to think we act reasonably. Nothing wrong with that. But again, who is setting the barometer? A student should behave according to trusted teachers’ expectations. A Christian should follow Christ’s guidelines. An employee should follow the policies of their employer. Sometimes, don’t you just want to follow your own lead? Sometimes you can, but should you? Break the Should you continue your negative mental job search when the pool is cycle that causes calling your name? You justify that it will be good for the you to lose focus kids to get some exercise. That might not be the best and hope. decision if an income is vital. Maybe you have a donothing-day and watch something educational (do Fox News and HGTV count?) instead of exercising, cleaning the house, washing the car or reaching out to someone who needs conversation? That might be OK, sometimes. Next, consider what really matters. What do you want to achieve in this life? What legacy will you leave for future generations? Is it important to give back and volunteer your time and talents to a cause about which you are passionate? Maybe there’s a book you’ve secretly been wanting to write. Get to it, my friend! Write down life’s disappointments, then have a personal lighting ceremony as you set that paper on fire, permanently erasing the hold on your mind, emotions and selfconfidence. Today is a new day! Give it to God. Write down your passions. Give yourself permission to dream. Look at a calendar. Determine your first step and when. Then the next, and so on. It’s time to take the bull by the horns and take action, today. There may or may not be someone to blame for life’s disappointments. Be quick to forgive if there is. Let it go. Break the negative mental cycle that causes you to lose focus and hope. Do it! Set your own standards! Make your life count … NO EXCUSES! Keep Making Progress!

Lynne Saunders is director of Papa’s Pantry (www.papaspantry.org) and the Master’s Training Center. She can be reached at 770-591-4730. TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Follow the Journey See Charles Seabrook’s list of 35 natural wonders at http://annlitrel.com/35natural-wonders-in-georgiato-see-before-you-die/ and sign up for my newsletter to follow the art and travels over the coming year. ART BY ANN LITREL, ANNLITREL.COM

Road Trips 35 Natural Wonders To See in Georgia BY ANN LITREL

I was transfixed by the blue mountains on the horizon when my eye caught a different blue, far less pleasant, flashing in my rear-view mirror. The state police car hugged my tail as I pulled off the narrow road. “Ma’am, can I see your license and registration?” The timing could not have been worse. The Blue Ridge Mountains lay before me, and the morning sun lit up the bright spring greens, etching every tree. It would make a beautiful painting, but the light was changing quickly. I needed to take some photos — NOW! Even though I was not supposed to, I got out of my car and started taking shots of the mountains from various angles, worried about the inevitable megaphone ordering me back to my seat. I’ve learned as an artist to grab those moments of unexpected beauty, whenever they come. Inspired by naturalist Charles Seabrook and his list of “The 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia,” I traveled alone early this spring to one such wonder — Cumberland Island. The night before the ferry ride to the island, I stayed in a lovely Airbnb property on the marshes of St. Mary’s. I was awakened at 4:30 a.m. by the sound of a grinding motor. A bonfire flamed in the front yard and the owner of the Airbnb was fanning the flames high in the darkness with a leaf blower. He was oblivious to my presence. I walked around to face him. He started. “Oh! My God, you scared me.” 42

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

I smiled politely in silence. He looked down at his leaf blower. “Oh, could you hear that?” I didn’t go back to sleep. Hugging a steaming mug of coffee, wrapped in a quilt on the back terrace, I watched the sun rise slowly over the wild marshes. The birds came to life — and so did I. When I painted the Cumberland scenes a month or so later, I still could remember the feeling that I was in God’s presence. A leaf blower outside my bedroom before dawn was simply a divine wake-up call. Maybe a speeding ticket was even better. I was crouched in front of my car trying to compose the perfect picture of light rays and clouds and glowing mountains. The police officer unexpectedly walked in front of me. I started. “Oh! My God, you scared me.” He asked me what I was doing. I told him I was an artist. I showed him the many photos I had already taken. The last one I took was almost perfect, the clouds brushing the mountain peaks. He was interested. I showed him a few of my paintings on my phone. “Alright, ma’am. You get a warning this time. Now, you be careful! Keep your eyes on the road and not the mountains and clouds. “Yes, sir.” I stayed on the side of the road snapping more as he drove away. As an artist, it’s my purpose to share with others what I can see and feel and understand. There is beauty all around us, even those moments life does not seem to be going our way.

Ann is an artist who lives in Towne Lake with her husband Dr. Michael Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

You’ll say to This Season’s Bridal Trends Brown Eye Makeup

BY TIM TIMMONS

Bridal Fashion Week isn’t just for scouting the latest wedding dress styles. It’s also the perfect place to find hair and makeup inspiration to rock on your wedding day. From bold brows to natural makeup and gorgeous braids, here are the hottest bridal beauty trends for the 2017 wedding season.

In keeping with the natural theme, consider matte brown for your eye shadow and liner. The combo enhances the eyes without looking too bold. Stay away from brown mascara. Trust me: It will never compare with the boost your lashes get from a solid black.

Laissez-Hair

This look is all about freeflowing locks and undone updos. The look feels fresh, contemporary and unfussy, a cool alternative to the traditional chignon. It’s sure to add an edge to a classic, more formal gown and pairs perfectly with a laid-back bridal look. Already have a hairstyle you love? Whether you want a romantic chignon or to wear your hair down, ask your hairstylist to give your hair some extra texture by teasing or adding in waves before pulling it back. Allowing strands to loosely hang and frame the face will give the look a pretty, effortless feel.

Beautiful Braids

Braids have made a big statement the last couple of seasons, with some of the hottest bridal designers such as Claire Pettibone, Theia, Kelly Faetanini and Della Giovanna sending everything from face-framing halos to intricately woven braided updos down the bridal runways. For a romantic style incorporating this hot hair trend, try an updo with layered braids and delicate face-framing, or one of my favorites: a loose, sideswept fishtail braid.

No Makeup Makeup

Let your natural beauty shine through on your wedding day with glowing skin, lightly flushed cheeks and fresh-bitten lips. This all-natural look is beauty in its purest form. The key is to make sure your skin is clean, exfoliated and well moisturized. A light foundation or tinted moisturizer will hide any blemishes or trouble spots, while a light dusting of blush applied at the apples of your cheeks will give you a healthy rosy flush. The look can be finished with a nude lip, with just a hint of color. 44

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Strong Brows

Bold brows, first made big by the likes of Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Brooke Shields, are making a comeback thanks to supermodel Cara Delevingne. During New York Bridal Fashion Week, many designers embraced this trend for their fall collections, highlighting the staying power of this eye-catching look. To really make your eyes pop, gently fill in the brows to get the shape you want and lightly apply a powder over it. It’s the perfect way to enhance your eyes while adding depth and dimension to your bridal look.

Pearly Shimmer

A common wedding makeup request is to give skin a dewy look, and this season is no different. To achieve the glowing look that isn’t too shiny, our makeup artists use a pearly highlighter stick. You’ll get the most shimmer by using a hint of highlighting makeup on the cheekbones, the corner of the inner eye and just below your brows.

Glossy Lips

Lip gloss gets a bad rep, but if done right, it can give your lips a beautiful luminous look. Plus, it perfectly pairs with naturallooking makeup, making it look even more gorgeous. Prep lips with a sugar scrub to remove any dead skin, then apply your favorite lipstick or lip stain, followed by a thin layer of lip gloss in a similar shade to add another layer of dimension. Skip glosses with sparkle or metallic sheen to avoid a juvenile look.

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

EVERYDAY

On Feb. 8, eighth-grade student Joshua Menard experienced a stroke while sitting in math class at Creekland Middle School. The girl sitting beside him noticed that he was swaying and assisted with his fall to avoid further injury. “The teacher and administration at Creekland responded bravely and swiftly, and I cannot thank them enough for all they did to help save our son,” said Becky, Josh’s mom. His stroke was caused by atrial fibrillation (AFib). Josh was immediately transported to Scottish Rite Hospital, then to Emory where a thrombectomy was performed to shrink the clot in his brain, and finally to Egelston for recovery. Josh’s stroke caused temporary paralyzation on his right side and memory loss. Two weeks later, Josh experienced another AFib episode causing damage to the mitral valve of his heart that was repaired three years ago in Boston. “Thankfully, Josh has regained a lot of his movement, but will require ongoing cognitive and physical therapy. We are now planning another trip to Boston to once again repair his heart valve over the summer,” Becky said. It began 15 years ago during Becky’s fifth month of pregnancy, when a sonogram revealed the baby had atrioventricular canal defect, a congenital heart defect causing abnormalities of structures inside the heart. Additionally, doctors discovered that Joshua had heterotaxia syndrome where his heart and organs had developed on the

right side of his body. He was born with liver disease and without a spleen. “Taking our baby home from the hospital was nothing short of a miracle,” Becky said. “We understood the gift that we received, but also understood all that lies ahead for Joshua and our family.” Throughout Josh’s 15 years of life, he has undergone reconstructive heart, liver and intestinal surgeries. Joshua relies upon a pacemaker, that requires replacement every five years, to assist with the function of his heart. He will require a liver transplant in the near future. Despite the limitations in his life, Josh excels in school making A’s and B’s with advanced classes. Unable to participate in sports, he helps coach his brother’s lacrosse team and plays the cello. “It is difficult, especially as he is about to enter high school,” Becky said. “Our priority is to fly to Boston this summer to repair the valve causing leakage in his heart, while working through cognitive and physical therapies to prepare him for high school. “We are thankful for expert medical treatments that have saved our son many times throughout his life. His father and I have always worked full-time jobs in order to keep insurance and pay for the care for Josh and our family. While we have become accustomed to the emotional and financial stress and fears of the unknown, we understand the gift and miracle that our family received when we walked out of the hospital with our precious baby boy 15 years ago. Not everyone gets that privilege.” Everyday Angels loves this sweet family. We appeal to our compassionate community to rally together to provide encouragement, hope and love, and to assist them with their trip to Boston, as well as the necessary therapies this summer to get him ready to enter high school. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

lifelong relationships with their patients through careful listening. Understanding what a woman is going through is critical to making the best recommendation for her care.

Uniquely Qualified for Pregnancy Care

Dr. Litrel and Lauren catch up with a young mother.

Women’s Healthcare Is All About Relationships Doctors and patients form special bond that lasts a lifetime.

“H

elping women lead strong and loving lives” is the mission at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. “Everything we do is directed toward helping our patient lead the life she wants, to be healthy, and to feel good not only physically but emotionally and spiritually as well - to enjoy her family and work and friendships,” Dr. Michael Litrel says. A woman’s relationship with her OB-GYN spans all the stages of her life - from teen years through post menopause. It’s important to find a doctor who listens to what you say about the changes in your body, as well as the experiences and emotions that sometimes come with it. The doctors at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists build Dr. Gandhi and Jourdan review ultrasound images.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Sponsored Content

Since 1993, the board-certified providers at Cherokee Women’s Health have delivered more babies at Northside Hospital Cherokee than all other OB-GYN practices combined. The lead midwife on staff, Susan Griggs, trains other midwives through local university programs, and Cherokee Women’s is one of the few OB practices in metro Atlanta with accredited ultrasound services, awarded by AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine). With the help of expert ultrasound, doctors can diagnose a range of conditions or even rare potential problems during pregnancy. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is set apart from other OB-GYN practices with its three physicians who are double board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery as well as OB/GYN. Patients receive expert evaluation for pelvic and bladder issues at annual exams and during pregnancy, without having to go to multiple outside subspecialists. Cherokee Women’s OB-GYNs are not only expert at delivering a woman’s baby but also expert in treating the problems women experience after having children, including: damage to pelvic anatomy, bladder leakage, Dr. Haley and Whitney prepare for their next patient.

PHOTOS BY J. KING IMAGES

OB/GYN and UROGYNECOLOGY Canton: 227 Riverstone Drive Woodstock: Towne Lake Overlook Medical Building 100 Stoneforest Drive, Suite 200

770-720-7733 Dr. Crigler and Angie enjoy a patient’s story.

pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or a loss of sexual health and interest.

What Happens After the Baby? After childbirth, many women say their body “doesn’t feel the same.” Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists offers services to help women feel like themselves again through medically supervised weight loss, cosmetic repairs and procedures, repairs for leaky bladders and vaginal loosening, and cosmetic treatments such as ThermiSmooth - a procedure that targets areas under the skin and provides temporary reduction of cellulite. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health, and the physicians at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists

lead by example. Among their staff are physicians certified in plant-based nutrition and several who practice vegan or nutritionconscious lifestyles. The relationship with patients continues outside the office. As OB-GYN’s, Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists has been voted best “Physician Specialists” for multiple years in AroundAbout Local Media’s Readers’ Choice contest, and patients regularly post pictures on the practice’s Facebook page, sharing baby photos and life successes. “Our patients are our family, and we are so grateful for them,” Dr. Peahen Gandhi said. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is currently accepting new patients. Join the family by calling and making your appointment today: 770-720-7733.

8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1:30-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday

www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Facebook: cherokeewomenshealth Twitter: atlantaobgyn Instagram: Cherokee_womens_health Pinterest: Atlantaobgyn

What patients have to say: “Dr. Litrel and his staff of amazing doctors, medical assistants, office staff and beyond have formed the most caring and amazing OB-GYN office around. They have made me feel comfortable every time I have had an appointment. I have loved every doctor I have seen and Dr. Crigler stayed with me for over three hours when my son was born. He was there the entire time helping me through the contractions and long complicated delivery. I had an absolutely amazing experience with my pregnancy, from the first ultrasound to my post-op appointment. I refer this office to

Dr. Hale and Brittany review lab results for a high-risk pregnancy.

every woman I know!” “The friendliest office staff and doctors. They make you feel like they are your best friend which makes it so easy to talk to them. Hope to stay with them a long, long, time.” “This place is just the absolute best! I would never want to go anywhere else! Everyone on the staff is friendly, caring and extremely knowledgeable!” TOWNELAKER | June 2017

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

CUISINE

BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

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

Mexican

open

full bar

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

American

open

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Parkway American no $ $-$$ open full bar 770-592-7676, chilis.com China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing 770-926-2671, chinafun88.com

call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad/ Sandwiches

open

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

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

Homestyle Cooking

closed

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

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Thai/Sushi/ Chinese

open

full bar

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

Barbeque

$-$$

open

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

American

open

full bar

yes

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

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

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

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

yes

Keegan’s Public House, 1085 Buckhead Crossing #140 Irish/Pub no $$ $$-$$$ open full bar 770-627-4393, keegansirishpub.net

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

Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Parkway 770-924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Drive 770-516-6616

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

Mexican

open

full bar

LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Parkway Steakhouse no $ $$ open full bar 770-924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com

call ahead seating

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

Pizza/Pasta/ Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

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

Pizza/Pasta/

$-$$

open

beer/wine

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

Pizza/Subs/ Bakery

$-$$

open

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Chinese

$-$$

open

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Parkway 678-813-4809, panerabread.com Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Drive 770-591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Song’s Garden, 4451 Towne Lake Parkway 770-928-8387, songsgarden.com The Grille at Towne Lake Hills, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Dr., 770-592-9969, thegrilletownelake.com

American $ $ $-$$ open full bar Casual

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

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

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

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

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

Asian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

special events

* Denotes Advertiser

RESTAURANT

Casual and Upscale Restaurants

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

TOWNE LAKE AREA DINING

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

your business. •TheDescribe Flag Company, Inc. was the first e-commerce flag company and

is now the largest flag and flagpole distributor in the Southeast. We ship flags and flagpoles all over the world. We have provided flagpoles and installation for some visible projects, such as the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The company’s patented invention, the Flagpole Beacon, revolutionized the industry. It correctly lights the flag at night, and is available in a solar option. Our knowledge and expertise allows us to consult on special projects and adapt flagpoles to challenging applications.

makes your business unique? •WeWhat are unique because we have recognized niches in our industry’s

marketplace and have tailored specific products to them. Some of our products are unique also: Feel Good Light-Ups, a selection of 250-plus designs that fit in light lenses, and ToothPick Flags for every imaginable situation, mostly custom designs for businesses. Our Flagpole Division has provided 20-foot to 80-foot flagpoles for every scenario, from one pole for a business to 60 poles for special use on a nuclear submarine base. Flagpoles in different sizes and finishes are available at our Acworth and Orlando warehouses for customer pick up.

3600 Cantrell Industrial Court, Acworth 30101 800-962-0956 www.flagco.com 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday https://business.facebook.com/TheFlagCompanyInc/

Story: •WeSuccess provided the solution to light pollution and light trespass,

two problems that local governments and environmental groups across the country were concerned about as new lighting regulations were enacted. Our patented Flagpole Beacon is both Dark Sky and ETL certified, assuring its environmental credentials. We can even provide specific “turtle lights” for use along the coastline because LEDs were discovered to be too cool on the color spectrum and too bright, ultimately disturbing the natural rhythms of wildlife in general. It is a good feeling to provide a product that conserves energy, provides a service and helps the environment.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Kittens On My Shoulder Make Me Happy BY MATT NEAL

It’s like the old John Denver song “Sunshine On My Shoulders” — except with kittens. It happened one morning as my kids were loading up in the minivan to go to school; they heard a weird sound coming from somewhere in our garage. It was the meowing of a kitten. It freaked them out when it leaped out like a demon and hid under the van. I was frantically called in to resolve the situation. I looked under the van and saw its tail hanging down as it climbed up into the engine. Needless to say, the van did not move until we got the critter out of there. It was very small, probably 5-6 weeks old, and looked malnourished. It must have crept into our garage the night before, but where was its mother? Where was its family? My daughter kept texting me from school, eager to know the situation. She was sure we were keeping it. I haven’t had a pet cat since I was a kid, so I had no idea how to care for it. Thank goodness for Mr. Google. That guy knows everything. Plus, my wife called the vet for advice. My wife always has been the savior of lost or abandoned pets. She keeps a spare leash and some dog food in her car at all times, just in case she comes across a furry friend roaming the side of the road. She went to the store for a few supplies, and, within a few hours, the little critter had a full tummy and was curled up on

Towne Lake Business Association www.tlba.org June is such an exciting month of vacations, weddings and fun gatherings. It is also a time to reconnect with community business leaders to strengthen these relationships. Please join us at the Towne Lake Business Association June Lunch-n-Learn to hear from local business owner and CFP, Deanna LaRue of TimeWise Financial. Her insightful workshop “ Do you have a plan?” will help you become an expert on your options.

TLBA’s June Lunch-n-Learn When: Tuesday June 20 12:15-2 p.m. Where: The Grille at Towne Lake Hills Cost: $12 (includes lunch) Speaker: Deanna LaRue CFP Topic: The 8 steps to plan for retirement Workshops are presented by leading business speakers discussing topics geared toward local business owners and supporters. Visitors are welcome! Thank you for supporting our community by “ Keeping Towne Lake dollars in Cherokee” 54

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

my shoulder as I tried to work in my basement home-office. I don’t know why, but kittens like to climb up people and sit on their shoulders. My wife decided to introduce the kitten to our dog, Mitzi, a 7-year-old lab mix. Mitzi was beside herself with joy, leaping around, barking and trying to lick the poor thing. As for the kitten, it was sure it had found its long lost mother, and followed our dog everywhere she went. Eventually, we found the owner, who came to claim my little friend. We all were sad to see it go, even my wife, whose allergies were by then in full swing. But the lesson for my kids was valuable. We take care of lost pets and other critters that can’t care for themselves. My kids love to visit PetSmart on the weekends when they have dogs on display for adoption. Now, they’re talking about volunteering at one of the local animal shelters or humane society. Maybe we can’t always be the one to give a home to every stray cat or dog we find, but just being there to help out can go a long way.

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

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Janice Sloan, Insignia of Towne Lake Janice Sloan is the community relations director for Insignia of Towne Lake. Insignia, located at 1835 Eagle Drive, is a senior living community that features 32 apartments and offers assisted care. Insignia is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Insignia welcomes visits from anyone considering a move. The senior apartments are located on ground level and rent month-to-month. Many apartments have direct access to the centrally located courtyard, and several have a private screened porch. There is a beautifully furnished respite apartment available for short-term stays, a nice option if out-of-town family members are visiting. Insignia’s trained staff is on-site 24/7, and provides three nutritious meals daily, laundry services, daily and weekly housekeeping and much more. Janice Sloan Whether you’re independent, looking for socialization, require personal hygiene assistance or medication management, Insignia is a great option to consider. You can reach Janice by calling 770-592-4242 or visiting the website at www. insigniaoftownelake.com. Janice is an active member of Towne Lake Business Association, which meets monthly at The Grille at Towne Lake. See www.tlba.org for details about joining the TLBA.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Lights, Camera, Location … Cherokee in Film SUBMITTED BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

“Diary of A Wimpy Kid, The Long Haul,” “Champion,” “Hidden Figures” and “The Founder” are four of the most recent movies filmed in Cherokee County in the last year. If you saw any of these movies, hopefully you recognized scenes from our hometown on the big screen. In 2011, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) worked with the Georgia Department of Economic Development to designate Cherokee County a Camera Ready Community. The Camera Ready Community program was launched by the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office to train and certify Georgia counties to work effectively with production companies. Camera Ready Liaisons provide local, one-on-one assistance in every aspect of production, from location scouting and film permits to traffic control, catering and lodging.

Downtown Canton was one of the locations used during the the filming of “The Founder.” Top, Tom Cruise was spotted frequently in Cherokee County working on the set of “American Made.”

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Dixie Speedway is featured prominently in the movie “Champion.”

Since joining the program five years ago, film prospects have grown 464 percent. In the past year, three major motion pictures, 10 TV episodes and six commercials have filmed in Cherokee. Since Georgia legislators worked to make Georgia an attractive venue for Hollywood films, billions of dollars have flowed into the state. In 2015, Gov. Nathan Deal announced the film industry generated $6 billion for the state’s economy. That number jumped to $7 billion in 2016. Cherokee County has benefitted from the economic impact of local filming. Tom Cruise’s “American Made” generated more than $400,000 for the City of Ball Ground in just a few short weeks of filming. Those numbers do not take into account money spent by film crews at local restaurants and retail establishments while they are in the community scouting, building and striking film sets. To encourage local filmmaking, COED officials along with county and city partners are making the process as continued on page 91

JUNE

Caribbean Night is the theme for

the 6-9 p.m. Friday Night Live event in downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. www.visitwoodstockga.com/calendar.

Summer Nights is the theme for the 6-9 p.m. Canton First Friday event, which features a concert, classic car display, retail and food vendors. Band will be the Sock Hops. Main Street is closed to car traffic. www.cantonhdl.com.

Family fun day noon-4 p.m. at

Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane, Holly Springs. The event is a fundraiser to benefit Kerry Brown, who is fighting colon cancer. Music by It’s a Band, face painting, jumpy houses, cornhole, barbecue and more.

3-4

“Glory of the Silver Screen,” conducted by Harris

Wheeler, will be performed at the Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $12 adults, $6 students. www.reinhardt.edu/fpac.

Wing and Rock Fest will be noon-9

p.m. Friday, noon-6 p.m. Saturday at Etowah River Park, featuring chicken wings from metro Atlanta restaurants, live music on two stages from more than a dozen bands. Also offering cold beverages, arts and crafts and a kids zone with teen bands. A wing-eating contest will be held Saturday. More than 25,000 attendees are expected this year. www.WingAndRockFest.com.

Trinity River Band concert at Bascomb United Methodist Church. Dinner at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, concert at 6 p.m. in sanctuary. The church is at 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755. www.BascombUMC.org. www.TrinityRiverBand.com.

Chamber Classic Golf Tournament 8:30 a.m. registration,

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

15th annual Single Mothers’ Banquet in Fellowship Hall at

First Baptist Church Woodstock begins at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Brittany Price. Childcare provided. Event is free, but registration is required by June 2. For ticket and more info, email nancytucker@serenadeheights.com.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ultra, the third event in the

Tortoise and the Hare Race Series, takes place at Boling Park in Canton, a 1.2 mile loop course where runners can compete in hourly runs of three, six, 12 or 24 hours. Each year, some run 100 miles. http:// tortoiseandthehareracing.racesonline.com.

Heavenly Hydrangeas seminar

A Novel Idea is 7-9 p.m. at The

Woodstock Roots Bluegrass

Plant sale will be 9 a.m.-noon at

begins at 10 a.m. at the Hickory Flat library, 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton. Presented by the UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County. The Southern Belle of the gardening world, these beauties are a traditional favorite. The class will help you learn how to choose, plant and take care of hydrangeas so your yard can be the talk of summer. To register, call 770-721-7803 or email uge1057@uga.edu.

Music Series: Atkins, Ellis and Lawson, 7-9 p.m. at the Elm Street Green. No charge. Concertgoers should bring their own blankets, chairs, food and drink. Musicians on July 20 will be Smokey’s Farmland Band. www.visitwoodstockga.com.

Snug Gastro Pub, 190 E. Main St. 770-213-4814. The June 21 gathering is the one-year anniversary of A Novel Idea. The theme is mystery/thriller. Authors will be: Emily Carpenter, “The Weight of Lies”; Jay Jackson, “The Killing King of Gratis”; W. F. Ranew, “The Schoolhouse Man”; Thomas Mullen, “Darktown”; Trudy Nan Boyce, “Old Bones”; Brian Panowich, “Bull Mountain” and Doug Keeler, “Savannah Gone.” the senior center at 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. Sponsored by the UGA Master Gardener Extension. Plants include daylilies, canna, succulents, heuchera, herbs, perennials, yard art and more. Tours of the Demo Gardens available during the sale.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS June5-9 Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God is the theme at Little River United Methodist,

12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. 6:30-8:30 p.m., for ages 4-12. www.littleriverumc.info.

June 12-15 Gadgets & Gizmos at Hillside United Methodist, 4494 Towne Lake Parkway, is for pre-Ks through fifth graders. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fee is $20 per child. www.hillsideumc.org.

June 12-16

Timothy Lutheran Church presents Mighty Fortress — In Jesus the Victory Is Won! For children ages 3 (toilet–trained) through having completed fifth grade. Registration fee is $10 per child. The church is in Woodstock at 556 Arnold Mill Road. www.tlcwoodstock.org. The theme is Maker Fun Factory Totally Catholic VBS at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 9 a.m.-noon. The church is at 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. www.saintmichaelcc.org.

June 19-23 The theme is Operation Arctic Answers at First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway

92. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m. for children age 4 by Sept. 1, 2017, through having completed fifth grade. www.fbcw.org. Galactic Starveyors is the theme at Hopewell Baptist, 78 Ridge Road, Canton. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children must have completed Pre-K through fifth grade. No charge. www.hopewellbaptist.com.

June 26-30 Towne Lake Community Church and Preschool’s VBS is 5:30-7:30 p.m., for ages 2-11. $5 per child. The church is at 132 N. Medical Parkway, Woodstock. To register, email preschool@tlcchurch.com.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Sequoyah Regional Library System 770-479-3090 www.SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491

Tuesdays

June 14

Chalk-a-lot at 10:30 a.m. Beautify our world by doing

creative chalk art masterpieces in the parking lot. All ages welcome.

June 15

Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m., for families with children of all ages, followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Summer storytimes will run June 13-July 15.

Bee Kind program at 4:30 p.m. Learn more about bees and the important role they play in our world. Presented by UGA Extension. All ages welcome. Registration required.

Knitting and Crocheting Group meets 1-3 p.m. Bring your needles and yarn and be prepared to have fun. No registration or prior knowledge required.

Wednesdays

Crayons and Conversation fun 1-3 p.m. Drop by and de-

stress. Get creative by playing a game of Scrabble or coloring a picture. All materials will be provided.

June 6

Summer Reading Program Kick-off at

4:30 p.m., with performer Bill Packard using magic, comedy, music, puppetry and storytelling to entertain, educate and inspire all ages.

June 8

Minecraft Self-Portraits at 3:30 p.m. Build a self-portrait,

Minecraft-style, using paper supplies. Ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Rays Awareness at 10:30 a.m. Learn how to protect

yourself from harmful UV radiation and prevent future damage.

June 10

Lego Club meets 3-4 p.m. Children can work alone or in

teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

June 12

Movie at the Library, at 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome.

June 13

Adult Lego Night at 6 p.m. Test your skills and try to build a world famous structure like the White House or Eiffel Tower. All materials provided. For ages 16 and older.

June 17

Author Karen White at 2 p.m. Celebrate the launch of

her new book, “The Night the Lights Went Out.” FoxTale Book Shoppe will be on hand selling books. Event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required.

June 19

Build better balance with yoga at 1 p.m. A one-hour

introductory class on basic principles of yoga. Bring a towel, eat lightly 2 hours prior to class. No prior experience needed. Shoes must be removed at the door.

June 21

Super Sphero Coding Class at 10:30 a.m. Code and guide your round robot through the mazes, under bridges, over water and more. Ages 9 and up. Registration required.

June 22

Giant Jenga at 3 p.m. Use your critical thinking skills to strategize your moves, build the tower and win the giant Jenga game. For ages 9 and up.

June 29

Scales and Tails Reptile Show at 10:30

a.m. Ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

Knit at Night at 5 p.m. Bring your needles and yarn and learn to knit or crochet the creation of your dreams. No prior knowledge required. continued on page 60

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Time for Teens More than Books at the Library Teens in Cherokee County can get ready for a fun and social summer at their library. That’s right: social. Summer reading is more than just reading. It’s about connecting to people and the community around you. Why should your teen participate? Teens who take part tend to perform better academically and achieve greater academic gains than those who don’t. There are several options this year. Teens can visit their local library to pick up a teen game board rather than a reading log. This game board (kind of like a bingo card) gives teens a series of activities to complete, from reading challenges to random acts of kindness. The first BINGO earns each teen a free food coupon from the library system’s sponsor and an entry to win grand prizes. More chances to win come with each BINGO completed. Rewards encourage teens to keep reading and try new activities throughout the summer. Another way for teens to engage this summer is to attend a teen program to learn new skills, relax, have fun and meet new friends from around the county. All programs are for teens going into grades 6-12, and are free, with or without a library card. For more information, call 770-479-3090 or visit www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Teen Movie Monday June 12-26, 3 p.m. RT Jones Memorial Library

Free popcorn and a movie, each Monday.

DIY Pins, Badges & Buttons

June 13, 4 p.m. Woodstock Public Library

Create a variety of fun pins, badges and buttons.

Giant Battleship June 20, 4 p.m. Rose Creek Library

Join us for an oversized version of the classic board game Battleship.

DIY Art Prints for the (Not So) Artsy June 22, 4 p.m. RT Jones Memorial Library

Learn to design and make your own fun and easy art prints.

Pirates of the Caribbean June 29, 4 p.m. Ball Ground Public Library

Pirate trivia, games and snacks.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

the Library WOODSTOCK 7735 Main St., Woodstock, 770-926-5859

Mondays

Coloring Group meets 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This group has been meeting every Monday for over a year now. Come meet new friends. All materials are provided. For age 16 and older.

Tuesdays

June 14

Sphero SPRK STEAM at 3 p.m. Play with robots, using the SPRK to navigate an obstacle course and then build a new one for them. Registration required.

June 15

Pinterest Night at 6:30 p.m. Old hardcover book picture frame: Display your photos and your love of reading in a unique, eye-catching way. Bring a photo. Registration requested. For ages 16 and older.

Mah Jongg Meet-Up 10 a.m.-noon. Learn to play

June 16

Join your favorite teachers from Woodstock Elementary

program at 10:30 a.m. A ranger from Kennesaw Mountain National Park will speak about the importance of national parks, what you can learn from visiting them, and how to leave no trace. All ages welcome.

National Parks: Leave No Trace

American Mah Jongg.

as they read fun interactive books at Teacher Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays

Beading Buddies meet 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This new program welcomes everyone to experience the beauty of beading.

Thursdays

Sit & Stitch Social,

10 a.m.-noon, to enjoy the company of other creative people while you stitch your current project.

Family Storytime at 3 p.m., for families with children of all ages, followed by a craft activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Summer storytimes will run June 13-July 15.

June 18

Lego Club, 3-4:30 p.m., with a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages are invited; ages 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

June 20

Book Discussion Group,

noon-2:30 p.m. to enjoy coffee, conversation and a book discussion with new friends. Everyone is welcome, new members encouraged.

Fridays

Mah Jongg Meet-Up 1:30-4 p.m. Learn to play American

Mah Jongg.

June 6

June 21

with performer Bill Packard using magic, comedy, music, puppetry and storytelling to entertain, educate and inspire all ages.

June 23

Summer Reading Program Kick-off at 10:30 a.m.,

June 10, 24

Inklings Writers Critique Group, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., for writers to share writings, ideas and feedback.

June 10

Spanish Storytime at 11 a.m., for silly songs and stories

in Spanish. 60

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

STEAM 3-D Printing at 3 p.m. Explore how 3-D printers work. Touch a Truck: Firefighter Visit at 10:30 a.m. Woodstock Fire Department members will talk about safety and show how fire trucks work.

June 27, 28, 30

Escape the Room Challenge at 4 p.m. Participants, ages

9-12, will be “locked” in our meeting room (with two staff members for support and safety) and must solve a variety of puzzles to find their way out. Registration is required.

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Health & Wellness

Keeping Your Body in Motion BY AMBER YORK, DC

With summer in full swing, many of us are finding our days filled with physical activities. Whether it is swimming at the local pool, playing tennis with friends, hiking at Kennesaw Mountain or spending a day on the lake, we are constantly in motion, and most likely feeling our best. As Sir Isaac Newton once said, a body at rest will stay at rest while a body in motion will remain in motion. Life is motion, and good health requires the ability to move. There is no single right way to move, but, when you stay at rest, over time the body will lose its overall ability to move, causing abnormal wear and tear, tension and stiffness of the joints that plague so many. The joints of our body are designed to bend, twist and turn, within certain limits. In each joint, a layer of cartilage covers the end of the bone, providing cushion and disbursing pressures that are acquired during physical movement. The joint is then enclosed by a capsule filled with a thick liquid called synovium that helps to lubricate the joints and keep them moving with more ease and less stress. Imagine the Tin Man from the “Wizard of Oz” without his oil. If you ever have felt a little creaky or stiff after sitting for long periods of time, it’s due to a lack of lubrication in your joints. The more you move, the more lubrication moves The joints of through your joints. In other our body are words, motion is the lotion for your body. designed to those of us who spend bend, twist and ourFordays sitting behind a desk, finding a way to be physically turn, within active in the workplace is certain limits. extremely important. It’s common to hold your neck and head forward while working at a computer or cradling a phone to your ear. This can lead to neck strain, and sore shoulders and back. Sitting also puts more pressure on your spine than standing, and the toll on your back is even worse if you’re sitting hunched in front of a computer. The best plan for spinal health is to alter your work environment consistently — a simple walk around the office, standing when possible, or stretching at your desk will help keep muscles pliable while reducing stiffness and pain. When joints become restricted and no longer freely move, consider adding a series of chiropractic adjustments to help restore mobility and overall joint function.

Dr. Amber York is a Life University graduate specializing in low force adjusting at Towne Lake Family Chiropractic.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Talking to Teens About the Use of Alcohol BY DR. AMY HARDIN

Summertime is when kids are doing a lot of hanging out. Often, hanging out includes going to the pool, having friends over, playing video games or playing sports. Unfortunately, one of the things teens sometimes do is experiment with alcohol, which is often found in their or their friends’ homes. So, it’s time to have “the talk” about alcohol, now. And I’m going to surprise you. The latest studies show that parents need to start talking about the dangers of alcohol as early as age 9. If you’re thinking “you’ve got to be kidding, Dr. Hardin,” sadly, the answer is no. Here are some scary statistics. Only 10 percent of parents think their teenagers drink, but 52 percent of teens admit to drinking alcohol, including 60 percent of 10th graders. If teens start drinking before age 15, they are almost six times as likely to have alcohol or drug dependence; 97,000 assaults between the ages of 18 and 24 years were alcohol-related and 400,000 students had unprotected sex because of alcohol in a study done between 1998 and 2005. In addition, this study showed almost 600,000 kids between the ages of 18 and 24 ended up in the emergency room either due to alcohol or an alcohol-related injury (including

car crashes). But here’s some good news: 80 percent of teens say their parents are the biggest influence on their decision to drink or not. They do listen to you! Another study shows that children start to think positively about alcohol between the ages of 9 and 13. These also are the ages (although it may not always seem that way) when they truly listen to you and your ideas. So, talk about the dangers of alcohol in terms you think your kids will understand. Show them examples, through your own actions, about responsible drinking. Use this article as a starting point to begin the conversation, especially if there is a family history of alcoholism. Kids are listening to their parents and watching their parents, especially at younger ages. Take the opportunity to discuss waiting to drink alcohol, and the ramifications of drinking in the teen years.

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

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Mom Says: Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss! BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

We are told from a very young age to brush and floss our teeth. Most parents instill this personal hygiene practice in their children with rigorous consistency. As children, we did it simply because our parents said so. But why is daily dental hygiene so important? At the broadest level, we brush and floss to prevent cavities and gum disease, removing bacteria from our teeth (in the form of plaque) and from under our gums. Plaque adheres to all surfaces of our teeth and can remain in areas we do not clean well with our brush and floss. We may not brush and floss properly or simply cannot reach these areas. Crowded and rotated teeth are much harder to clean. Braces can help straighten teeth for more effective brushing and flossing. Brushing removes plaque from three sides of your teeth; the top, cheek side and tongue side. The two sides remaining are between your teeth, which can be reached through flossing. Plaque left in between our teeth from not flossing or near the roots of our teeth from improper brushing contributes to gum disease and bone loss. The acid produced by bacteria near the gum line seeps down to the jawbone and causes bone loss, leading to lose teeth and possible extractions. The same bacteria found in the plaque along your gum causes gum recession. Plaque collects in the grooves of, and between, our

teeth, especially molars, where cavities are most often found. Sealants offer the best protection against bacteria build-up. These plastic coatings are chemically bonded into the grooves of your tooth and remain there despite eating and chewing. Without sealants, the grooves located in your back teeth harbor bacteria and reduces the effectiveness of brushing. One of the most effective methods for reaching all parts of the teeth is water irrigation. The water blasted between the teeth removes food debris, bacteria and the acid produced by the bacteria. Water dilutes the acid and immediately reduces the negative impact on your teeth and gums. Since bacteria form on a 24-hour basis, and saliva is reduced at night, it’s best to use the water irrigation every night before you go to bed. If you skip brushing, flossing and water irrigation, the acid will weaken your teeth and gums over time and you’ll be faced with cavities and gum disease. There will typically be little or no pain associated with a cavity and gum disease, so make sure you receive regular dental checkups.

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

Stop the World From Spinning BY DR. CHRISTA NELMS

Vertigo can be defined as a sensation of motion or a feeling of being off balance. According to Neuro Kinetics Inc., vertigo or balance issues rank as the top health complaint for adults over the age of 70. The many causes of vertigo can be separated into two categories – peripheral (inner ear) or central. A majority (three-fourths) of vestibular disorders are peripheral. The most common peripheral vestibular disorder among adults is a short burst of dizziness called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The balance system is made up of three primary components: inner ear, vision and somatosensory (physical touch to the ground). All parts work in tandem to figure out where you are in space, and whether you are lying flat on your back or standing upright. BPPV is a mechanical issue that solely occurs in the inner ear; luckily, it is very treatable and typically resolves after proper treatment. Our inner ear can be separated into two parts: the cochlea, which helps us hear, and semicircular canals, which help us maintain balance and orientation in space. Inside the semicircular canals, there are tiny crystals, called otoconia, made up of calcium carbonate. These crystals are seated in a gel-like substance. Sometimes, these crystals can become dislodged from the gel-like substance, causing them to float 64

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

into the incorrect semicircular canals. The most common causes for displacement of otoconia include aging and head trauma. If a crystal has migrated to the wrong place, then your brain will receive an incorrect signal. This will make you feel as though the room is spinning around you, even if you are completely still. A professional can diagnose BPPV by placing your head in different positions and watching for abnormal eye movement (nystagmus). Believe it or not, the eyes and the ears are connected. Patients with BPPV will report short bursts (1530 seconds) of intense vertigo when they turn their head quickly, look up or down or roll over in bed. BPPV is treatable through maneuvers that reposition the crystals into their original location. It is important to consult with a qualified audiologist to resolve the symptoms quickly and accurately. Typically, a patient with BPPV is treated once and returns for a two-week follow-up.

Christa Nelms, Au.D. is a Doctor of Audiology and provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock. She has been practicing since 2000.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Danger Ahead

Overuse of antibiotics may create a health crisis. BY DONNA HALEY, M.D.

Sometimes, we use antibiotics out of convenience, when we don’t truly need them. It’s become so common, that bacteria are mutating and developing a resistance to antibiotics, which makes it more difficult to treat patients. The bottom line is, if we can’t use restraint when it comes to antibiotics, then we likely will end up unable to fight common or complex illnesses. That should scare anyone in our community. But, we all can do something about it. Health care providers and patients can stop antibiotic resistance together. When antibiotics were discovered and first mass produced 80 years ago, they were saving lives. Health care Patients who were dying because of providers bacterial infections and suddenly were treatable. When a patients bacterial infection can stop broke out among troops during World antibiotic War II, antibiotics saved the lives of resistance countless soldiers. Throughout the years, we have together. learned about their power, and we

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

have demanded antibiotics for everything, even the common cold. We’ve repeatedly exposed bacteria to antibiotics, to the point that many infections are no longer responding to antibiotics, which could lead to a true health crisis. There is a solution: Decrease the number of times bacteria is exposed to antibiotics. To do that, we decrease the number of times they’re prescribed. We only use antibiotics when there’s no other option. Patients and their physicians should discuss natural remedies and alternative prescriptions whenever possible. Exercise and a balanced diet keep our immune systems strong and help our bodies fight illnesses naturally. Vaccines, active hand-washing, wiping cellphones with antibacterial wipes and sneezing into our elbows also lowers the spread of the germs and the need to fight them.

Dr. Haley serves patients at WellStar Family Medicine at Edgewater Hall, Canton. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia and earned her medical degree from Emory University.

Faith

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Blessings Come from Waiting, Praying BY JOHN HARRIS

I love spring; well I love it after the tidal flood of pollen is gone! I love to see the new life springing out; it almost seems as all of nature begins to come back to life and stretch out in beauty. Vibrant colors break out, the songs of birds fill the morning air, and people begin to work in their yards. It really is a much anticipated time of year. But what makes spring so good is because of what it follows; spring follows winter, a time of death and darkness. You may be enjoying the spring physically, but spiritually you may still be in winter. In Acts 1, we see a moment like this. The disciples’ lives for the last couple of months had been a rollercoaster of emotions. They had seen their leader captured, wrongly accused, beaten, crucified, buried and resurrected. They have the guilt of Prayer is leaving him in his darkest moment; and they also have the fear of dying at the not about hands of the same men who crucified getting their Lord. Sounds like a cold winter moment, doesn’t it? What does God answers tell them to do? it’s about In Acts 1:4, He tells them to “wait:” getting to wait where they are, don’t run back to comfortable in Galilee, but wait know God. what’s in Jerusalem. Waiting on God should always have you at a place of being uncomfortable. He also told them to wait together. They were to go into the upper room together, and verse 14 reports they were all together. The human life was never meant to be a solo journey. That’s why the church is so great! But most important is what happens in verse 14: they prayed. Yep, that’s it, they prayed. Prayer is not about getting answers - it’s about getting to know God. These same men who only days before were running for their lives, come out of that upper room with more life than ever because they were willing to wait and pray. All the churches that you pass day in and day out exist because of what happened in that room. Fresh faith!

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John Harris is the senior pastor at New Victoria Baptist Church, on Bells Ferry Road across from Hobgood Park. He may be reached at johnharris@newvicbaptist.org. TOWNELAKER | June 2017

School & Sports

Effective Communication

A Multigenre Project BY JOSEPH LEMMO

During the end of the school year, I like to have my students complete a multigenre research project. Basically, I give them an overall theme, and they research a topic that relates to that theme. After they compile their research, they create different products/genres to display what they found. This is a fun project because it encourages the students to use research, experiences and imagination. This year’s overall theme was Effective Communication, and as part of the project, the students needed to explain how their topic connects to the theme. In class, we are working on a project called the Multigenre Project. This project uses many ways to connect with other people and connect Alexis Grant people with you. For this project, I am choosing genres like, a news story, postcard, social media, map and a comic strip. For these genres, I am researching a topic of bullying. I feel this communicates effectively because it is a way to stop bullying and prevent children from feeling as if they are nothing. It makes a change in everyone.

Karsen Embrey Animals have always been an interest of mine. I love being able to learn about new things. When my language arts teacher, Mr. Lemmo, told us to do a multigenre project, I knew I wanted to include animals. I just had to narrow my topic so it could be linked to effective communication. I decided to research animal camouflage. This is a big part of animal survival and has a lot to do with effective communication. For example, many animals communicate that they do not want to be found by their predators. A lot of different prey use camouflage to help them survive. That is communicating that they want to live, and not be found and eaten!

There are many ways to communicate effectively. I am explaining to you how my project on Colombia Johanna Espinosa uses effective communication. Colombia, like many other countries, has artists, musicians and actors. Artists, like Fernando Botero, express their feelings through their paintings. They express feelings in a different way than words. Musicians, like Shakira, write songs expressing their feelings, but without exactly saying a lot of detail. Actors like, Sofia Vergara, express their feelings through comedy. Even though it is a script, the viewers still get the understanding of what they are trying to say. This is how my project on Colombia uses effective communication.

Communication is a big part of our everyday lives, and languages are a big part of that, too. Everyone can’t go around making up Taylor McDonald their own language and expect to be understood. We need languages like English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, etc. to be able to communicate with each other. This provides a common ground when it comes to words. Growing up, you are taught a language by your parents as a means of communication. Without language, the world would be a sad, dull, communication-less place. Just think about it, you are using your language skills to read this, and I am using a language to write this. Language is everywhere! Without language you can’t read, write or talk. You would basically be a baby. The only major skill you would have is walking, or rather crawling!

Joe Lemmo is an English teacher and comedian who has taught in Cherokee County since 2000. He performs improv in the Atlanta area. He and his wife have one son.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

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

Krystl Wood won First Honors and

Best in Category, Senior Division, in the chemistry category at the 69th Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. Krystl Wood

Joseph Young, a junior at Etowah High School, is a winner of the 2017 Junior Travel Award for his achievement on the National Spanish Examination and demonstrated skills in writing and speaking Spanish. This honor is awarded by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese to only 24 students in the United States, from among the 160,000 students who take the exam each year. Young will travel in July to Peru with the other 23 winners for a language and cultural immersion Joseph Young experience.

Kristen Nichelson, left, and Kim Bell.

The team of Kim Bell and Kristen Nichelson, bus drivers for the Cherokee County School District, won fourth place in the 2017 Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation Special Needs Road-eo, an annual event that tests the skills of special needs bus drivers and monitors throughout the state of Georgia. Congratulations to Alex Gray for being named Woodstock High School’s head softball coach for the 2017-18 school year. Gray brings 11 years of experience to the 7A Lady Wolverine program, including several state playoff appearances. Coach Alex Gray

Congratulations to the following students for being selected for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. The four-week summer instructional program at Berry College is for rising high school juniors and seniors, and is designed to provide students with academic, cultural and social enrichment. Students apply for a specific area of study and are screened and interviewed locally and at the state level as part of the selection process.

Etowah High School

John Atwell — Theater Jacob Hootselle — Engineering Susan Phetsinghane — World Languages

Woodstock High School

From left: Lilli Georgescu, Evan Setter, Anna Fournaris (team captain), Irenee Houngblame and Area 12 Commander Rustie Hibbard.

Woodstock High School students Anna Fournaris, Lilli Georgescu, Irenee Houngblame and Evan Setter recently placed third in the

Navy JROTC National Brain Brawl Championship competition. 70

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Nimra Ahmad — World Languages Gregory Carroll — Science Rachel Heiter — World Languages Chloe LeRoy — World Languages Maeve Levreault — Dance Julia Litrel — Communicative Arts Katelyn Provost — Engineering Sebastian Russell — Social Studies Sasha Stogniy — Science

Mini Relay for Life Celebrates 10th Year Boston Elementary School recently hosted its 10th Annual Mini Relay for Life. Fourth-grade teacher Brenna Lloyd, a cancer survivor, coordinates the event each year in advance of the Cherokee County walkathon fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. “Her personal victory over the disease fuels her yearly passion for support of the cause,” said Principal Izell McGruder, noting that many staff and parents at the school also have stories of survival. “As the new principal, I was overwhelmed by the event and the level of respect all the kids showed during the walk/lap of silence.”

Boston Bears begin the silent Remembrance Lap for the school’s mini Relay for Life.

First-grade teacher Michelle Chee-How and her homeroom class show off their Dr. Seuss-inspired banner.

Event coordinator and teacher Brenna Lloyd speaks before the opening ceremonies.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Mayor for a Day Woodstock Elementary School fifth-grader Sofie Walz was selected to serve as Woodstock’s Mayor for the Day. Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques selected Walz for the honor based on her winning essay. As part of her duties, she officiated at a Woodstock City Council meeting. She enjoyed lunch at school with Henriques, Police Chief Calvin Moss, Fire Chief David Soumas and teacher Ashley Amos, along with family and friends. Woodstock Mayor for a Day Sofie with the city’s official mayor, Donnie Henriques.

Local Students Become Memory Masters Thirteen students from the home-school community of Classical Conversations of Woodstock Wednesdays, have capped several months of study by correctly reciting over 400 facts from a multitude of subjects, as part of the national Classical Conversations Memory Master program. Each student spent around four hours recalling facts from six subjects that covered the topics of history; 120 locations and geographic features in Europe and Asia; science, which included biomes, planets, laws of motion and laws of thermodynamics; Latin verb endings in the first conjugation; English grammar facts, including pronouns, adjectives and adverbs; and math, including common squares and cubes, basic geometry formulas and unit conversions. The students recited all 44 U.S. presidents, as well as a chronological history timeline of 161 events and people. The students who earned the Memory Master award are: Eli Balmes, son of Steve and Priscilla Balmes; Anna Brookshire, daughter of Keith and Liz Brookshire; Gianna Creekmore, daughter of Scott and Marisa Creekmore; Alex Hayes and Clark Hayes, sons of Todd and Sara Hayes; Sophia Maxwell, daughter of Eric and Tiffany Maxwell; Isaac Mori, son of Kenji and Jaclyn Mori; Kenna Nelson, daughter of Keith and Kristy Nelson; Piper Nix, daughter of Spencer and Paula Nix; Rilynn Price, daughter of Chris and Sara Price; Joel Tellason and Nathan Tellason, sons of Greg and Amy Tellason and Levi Wilbanks, son of Scotty and DeDe Wilbanks.

Principal Kathleen Chandler with first-graders Lilly Scherholz and Colton Kuleszynski.

Principal’s Day Celebrated With Food Drive Bascomb Elementary School recently celebrated Principal’s Day with a canned food drive for MUST Ministries. Principal Kathleen Chandler greeted students as they arrived at school with their canned food items.

Winding Down the School Year

Cherokee Christian High School juniors hosted a celebration banquet for graduating seniors at the annual Junior/Senior Banquet. From left: Weston Sheffield, Benjamin Koehler, Vicente Manzo and King Hunter. 72

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

First-graders at Cherokee Christian School recently experienced farm life at The Art Barn in Canton. From left: Lisa Nickell, Wyatt Putnam, Owen Hamilton and Aydin Vaughn.

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Prom 2017

Etowah High School April 22 at Mason Fine Art

Seniors Joshua Greenwald (Etowah High School) and Alex Budd (Harrison High School).

Seniors Chris Womack, Andrew Keene, Tyler Deese, Brandon Marcus, Blaine Miller, Harrison McDaniel and Sam Dudle. Right photo, Austin Davis and Hannah Bloodworth.

Members of Etowahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior class. 74

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Chris McCulloch and Rebecca Cramer. Left photo, Etowah junior Jonathan Young at Cherokee Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prom with Cherokee High senior Adie Powell. Etowah High School students, from left, Amanda Dorn, Will McGonigle, Nicole Lubus, Per Ellingson, Jaylin Lucier, Jeremy Loudin, Andino Rochon, Teresa Chan, Katie Bishop and Jacob Johnson. Left photo, Andrew Shaw and Georgie Lingerfelt.

Front row: Madison Tipton, Ariana Stevenson, Hannah Dover, Kali Brooks, Katrina Molke, Gracie Albright, Rebecca Cramer, Alex Budd, Annalea Anderson and Diego Jorguera; back row: Austin Stephan, Dylan Cash, David Brown, Clayton Cole, Gabe Navarro, Tyler Manuel, Chris McCulloch and Joshua Greenwald.

Brittany Tullis and Tyler Deese. Sarah Reibly, Stuart Head, Blaine Miller and Logan Nash.

Hannah Petrey escorted by Brendan Kapcsos.

Emma Dreaper and Chris Womack.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Prom 2017

Woodstock High School May 13 at The Fox Theater

Left to right: Tyreke Johnson, Rachel Carey, Calvin Favors, Ashton Sutton, Jared McWhorter, Jordie St. Pierre, Sam Gill, Ally Bullock, Isaac Condrey and Katelyn Nacon.

Corey Long and Scarlett Darby.

Boys show off their Spain Strong bands in support of Chris Spain, Mike Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dad, who is battling cancer.

Tucker Wood and Taylor Nelson. 76

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Jacob Murfin, Katie McCombs, Alex Hatcher, Cole McBay.

Logan Cox, Corey Long and Grant Jacobs. Britton Ryan and Wes Kilgore.

Logan Cox and Bre Roper.

Sarah Norris, Scarlette Darby, Taylor Shannon, Bre Roper, Lexi Palizo, and Katie Beckham.

Robert McBay and “his homies.” TOWNELAKER | June 2017

It’s Farmers Market Season! The ninth year of the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market is underway. Make plans to visit 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays on Market Street in downtown Woodstock. The market is the area’s best source of locally grown produce, baked bread, jams and jellies, honey, bath and beauty products and more

The Woodstock market schedule includes:

June 10: Watermelon Eating Contest July 15: Woodstock Market Pie Day Aug. 12: Cherokee Pie Challenge Finals Sept. 9: Apple Day (no cider press this time) Oct. 14: Pumpkin Day with free small pumpkins for kids to decorate

OTHER AREA MARKETS River Church: 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays at River Church, 2335 Sixes

Road, Canton. Get updates at Farmers Market at River Church on Facebook.

Canton: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays in Cannon Park. Sponsored by Canton Main St. 78

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM

For more information, call 770-924-0406 or email Kyle Bennett at kbennett@woodstockga.gov.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

Ridgewalk Pkwy

To I-575 Exit 9

The Outlet Shoppes

T at Atlanta at Nike Woodstock Community Church

Woodstock

T Public Library

Public Parking Lots

Dobbs Rd

- park in marked spaces only

Trolley Routes outlined in red

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Reeves St

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CSB Bank (after 5PM)

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

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On-Street Parking

Main

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

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PHOTO BY BEN REES WWW.FALCONAERIALS.COM

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Woodstock Tourism Goes Mobile with Visitors BY STACY BROWN

The Woodstock Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCVB) launched a new mobile visitors center in April. The staff converted a 14-foot enclosed trailer into a space to welcome and inform visitors locally and regionally. The mobile visitors center debuted at the 2017 Georgia Woodstock officials Brian Stockton, Stacy Brown, Kyle Bennett and Mitzi Saxon Regional Visitors Information Center Conference that took with the new mobile center. place in Woodstock April 26-28. Tourism professionals by the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism from across the state joined in a ribbon cutting for the new mobile Division in Birmingham, Ala. There are plans to take it to annual visitors center at an event at Reformation Brewery. events at each of the Georgia Visitor Information Centers around the The interior is outfitted with tablets so visitors can explore state. the Woodstock app, a flat screen TV to display the video from Director of Tourism Kyle Bennett is delighted with this new visitwoodstockga.com and Explore Georgia videos, as well as addition to the WCVB. brochures and banners highlighting Woodstock’s attractions and “At the Woodstock Convention and Visitors Bureau, we work every lifestyle, and select retail items like Woodstock T-shirts and other day to inform and inspire locals and travelers alike to experience gift items. The exterior is colorful and eye-catching, incorporating Woodstock’s vibrant shopping, diverse restaurant scene, and the elements of the Woodstock brand like the popular tracks logo energetic trails and public spaces.” Bennett said, “This will allow us and the phrases “Escape, Gather, Refresh” and “A City Unexpected.” to take the visitors center experience to where our residents and In May, WCVB staff traveled with the mobile visitors center, potential visitors are and introduce them, in a really inventive way, to affectionately dubbed “Moby,” to an outdoor film event sponsored our great destination.” Look for the Woodstock Mobile Visitors Center to pop up on busy days around town at locations such as Rope Mill Park, Dixie Speedway and events at the new Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, contact Woodstock Marketing Coordinator Stacy Brown at 770-592-6056.

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Trailfest 2017

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM

The eighth annual Trailfest, a celebration of Woodstockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trails and community, kicked off with a 5K sponsored by Northside Hospital Cherokee and Plae Hard. After a full day of music, the evening ended with the Dexateens as the headliner, belting out their music during a brief rain shower. Greenprints has something cooking for residents during June, which is Trail Month. Keep a watch on the website (www.greenprintsalliance.org) to get details on a unique trail challenge for the community.

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

A Park Bench View of Life BY LEIGH CUTRONE

Everyone has a story to tell! I seem to be saying this quite a bit lately, and the more we don’t rush to get things accomplished, and the less busy busy we all are, the more we might listen. The more, certainly, I can learn and appreciate. One of the many nice things to do in Woodstock, or in anywhere USA, actually, is just to stop. Stop what you have to do. Find a bench outside on a sunny day, or in the evening, and just listen. Smile at others and strike up a conversation, starting with a “Hi! How are you?” Most people love to talk about themselves, and most people will indulge us in a conversation. Take the other evening. It was a glorious night and we sat down on a bench that called our name. We watched young couples with their children. We watched people walking their dogs … large and small − dogs that is! People coming out of shops and people going in and out of restaurants. Conversations about the food or great finds carried in shopping bags. Lots of people on their phones texting or checking their emails or Facebook, perhaps missing their moments. A whistle blew from somewhere down the tracks. Slowly, the train made its way toward us, with its headlights shining brightly in the ever darkening light. Magical, almost. Adults and children

alike turned their attention to this highlight of the night: a grand iron horse (sans the steam)! The whistle blew and everyone smiled at the somehow heartwarming sound of yesteryear. A gentleman sat across from us and asked my husband if he ever had hopped a slow-moving freight. Nope, never did. We continued talking about this and that. He was interesting and fun, and informed us that he had lived in Woodstock for more than 43 years. Many nights, he strolls to Main Street from his home. The Noonday Creek Trail makes it easier now. He told us about watching the new and improved Woodstock being born slowly, and then not so slowly. We heard what Main Street was like “back in the day.” The conversation ended too quickly when the gentleman decided to walk home, since it was getting late. Even though we were strangers, we felt a bit of disappointment. I had more questions! He was gone. Perhaps we will meet on another lovely night on that very same bench.

Leigh Cutrone and her husband live in downtown Woodstock. Leigh’s blog, The Senior Class: Navigating the Golden Years, is geared to retired seniors. lmcutrone.wordpress.com. Email her at leigh.seniorclass@yahoo.com. Comments welcomed!

The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

June 30 - Community Development Brantley Day, Director For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 mainstreetwoodstock.org/connect/#buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Elm Street

The Message in Art BY SIOBHAN BRUMBELOW

Have you ever looked at a painting and thought, “I don’t get it?” You can stare at it for minutes and still don’t understand why other people react to it the way they do. Or maybe you hear about a TV commercial that most people have cried over and you don’t know why? Whether through media, visual, literary or performance art, the idea of art is to move people, inspire us to ask questions, and evoke emotions and curiosity. Jean Tinguely, Swiss painter and sculptor, describes the idea of art as: “... the distortion of an unendurable reality … Art is correction, modification of a situation; art is communication, connection … Art is social, self-sufficient, and total.” Art can speak to many people in different ways, and the translation of art is endless. We always hear the expression “the moral of the story is …” as if to find a means to the end. But when seeing a show, hearing music or viewing a piece of artwork, there are multiple endings. With art, everything seen or heard is personally connected to individuals in their own way. Our mission is to engage our community, and we say this frequently. Our seasons of shows are selected with this goal in mind; to go beyond the expectations of standard Art can speak arts performances, and to to many people communicate and connect to our audiences on an individual level. in different Every summer, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village showcases ways, and the its Theater for Youth and Young translation of Audience performances, and for several years we have written art is endless. and produced some of our own new works. This summer, we have chosen the well-known fairytale, “The Frog Prince,” as our new works show. And I was chosen to take on creating and writing this play. When I was approached about “The Frog Prince,” I wanted to retell the story in a way that would be unexpected, to communicate with everyone rather than have one moral. We settled on the idea of it being set in a rainforest, which led to a plot illustrating saving the environment and a village with natives, who have different moral views. There are themes that struggle with family, friendship, trust and pride — and we can’t forget that there is a prince who is cursed as a green-eyed tree frog. My hope is that you venture to engage yourself in the new world we’ve created for all ages by seeing “The Frog Prince,” June 14-28. Come and discover your own meaning to the classic fairytale.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

JUN 14-28

WED AT 10:00AM SAT/SUN AT 2:00PM Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SUMMER CAMPS

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251 Siobhan Brumbelow is on staff at Elm Street. She currently holds a BA in Theatre from Brenau University and toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre. TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Destination Woodstock

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM

Woodstock hosted the 2017 Georgia Regional Visitor Information Center (RVIC) Conference April 26-28. Â This conference brought nearly 100 tourism professionals from around the state of Georgia to Woodstock. Staff from visitors centers across Georgia attended several educational sessions during the conference. Our visitors had a chance to tour Woodstock and visit sites like Reformation Brewery, MadLife Stage & Studios, The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, Rope Mill Park, Dixie Speedway, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Stars & Strikes and the downtown business district. The conference was a great showcase of what Woodstock has to offer!

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Casual and Upscale Restaurants

RESTAURANT CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. Canyons American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern Modern no $$ $$$ open Full bar 8 persons + 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 American centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone Wood-fired no $$ $$$ open Full bar yes 120 Chambers St. Pizza & Grill 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap Southern Sat./Sun. $$ $$$ open Full bar no 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 Brunch freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria Mexican no $ $-$$ open Full bar yes 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi no Fri./Sat. $$ open Full bar 380 Chambers St. only 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian no $$ $$ open Full bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s Diner $-$$ $-$$ no open no 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse BBQ & no $-$$ $-$$ open Beer 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. Southern 770-592-8295 Sandwiches jmillerssmokehouse.com Mad Life Studios 8722 Main St madlifestageandstudios.com

Southern

Magnolia Thomas Southern 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com Pure Taqueria Mexican 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006

yes

no Weekends only no

$-$$

$$-$$$$

open

Full bar

Sunday Brunch

$$$$

open

Beer/Wine

yes

Sat./Sun. Brunch

open

Full bar

6 persons+

Sunday Brunch

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

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

Gastropub

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

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

American

open

Full bar

English Tea room

closed

yes

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Sunday Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Vingenzo’s Italian 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

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

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Reference

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TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Shopping With a Purpose

Are Millennial Women Saving?

Out of the many men who’ve been through the program, alumni member Lake Barrett stands out. After experiencing the death of his grandfather to suicide, he went through a whirlwind of painful events. “I was doing IV heroin, meth and cocaine every day,” Lake said. “I was living in and out of projects, abandoned apartments, cars … that is, unless I was in rehab somewhere. All together, I’ve been through 18 programs, including NLB twice. I will always say, going back to NLB was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was a scary, painful, beautiful and most joyful time in my life — all in one.” Lake celebrated his three-year sober date on Nov. 1, 2016. He recently finished school to be a certified addiction counselor and stays active in the NLB alumni group and 12-step communities, while continuing to invest in young people who need help staying sober. Community support for the thrift store is needed, through donations and volunteer hours. A program called Excess Matters gives churches a chance to partner with NLB; church members donate household items, and the store returns a portion of the value of those items in the form of gift cards that can be used by the church to help people in need. For more information, call call 678679-1172 or visit: www.nlbthrift.com or www.nolongerbound.com.

inflows later in life and the amazing power of compound interest. So, while young women may not be saving for retirement in large amounts, many are saving at the right time. That may mean that millennial women will approach retirement in better financial shape than women of preceding generations.

continued from page 28

The Ultimate Seal of Approval continued from page 30

Seal of Approval For an ENERGY STAR Verified HVAC Installation, contact a participating contractor by visiting energystar.gov/esvi. The contractor follows national installation standards and submits the work for testing and verification from an independent third party. Once the quality of work is confirmed, the homeowner will receive the ESVI certificate from their third-party verification partner. Your ENERGY STAR system will use 15 percent to 30 percent less energy than older models, while reducing toxic greenhouse gases released into the environment.

Providing a Safe Place for Every Newborn continued from page 34

significant barrier to doing the right thing for mothers in rural areas who are sometimes extremely long distances from a hospital. There also is nothing in the law that requires hospitals to accept these children, which can pose a challenge to providing them as the only venue for this action. HB 391 added police and fire stations to this list, so every county and municipality in the state will have an accessible venue. I consider this a pro-life initiative, because it incentivizes mothers who might otherwise have made another choice rather than carry their child to term. It should be a priority to make sure infants and their mothers are given a safe alternative to abandonment. I’m very thankful that our Legislature prioritized this during this year’s session and pushed this legislation across the finish line. As always, If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cellphone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. You also can meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing our families in Georgia’s General Assembly!

continued from page 40

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - time.com/money/4438063/millennial-women-not-savingretirement/ [8/4/16] 2 - bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-21/millennialwomen-save-more-than-mom-but-less-than-men [4/21/16] 3 - investor.gov/additional-resources/free-financial-planningtools/compound-interest-calculator [3/23/17] 4 - bustle.com/p/5-ways-youre-better-at-managing-moneythan-your-parents-were-44402 [3/15/17]

Lights, Camera, Location … continued from page 56

seamless as possible for producers. Currently, more than 130 local properties are listed on the state’s Reel-Scout database. Reel-Scout is a national database used by the film industry to identify properties and locations that meet filming criteria. This past year, one of those properties, Lake Allatoona, welcomed the biggest news to hit our local filming community, the arrival of Jason Bateman. Bateman is starring, directing and coproducing the new Netflix original series, “Ozark.” In this highlyacclaimed drama, Bateman’s character will struggle to pay off his debt to Mexican drug lords. Look for this new series to hit Netflix in 2017, and when you stream it, look for Cherokee! If you are interested in the possibility of seeing your property on the big screen, contact COED project manager Videssa Ormsby at vormsby@cherokeega.org to find out more about our Reel-Scout database. #FilmedInCherokee TOWNELAKER | June 2017

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

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

AME

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

BAPTIST

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

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EPISCOPAL

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

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net

Mt. Zion

Temple Beth Tikvah 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell 770-642-0434 www.bethtikvah.com

x4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Road, Roswell 770-641-3000 www.bethhallel.org

LUTHERAN

Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-503-5050 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.tlcwoodstock.org

ORTHODOX

St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-485-0504 www.stelizabethga.org

PRESBYTERIAN

Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564 www.cherokee-pca.org. Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869 www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-3558 www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074 www.woodstockpcusa.com

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

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

UNITED METHODIST

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombumc.org Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.mtgilead-umc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

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

OTHERS

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

Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Dwelling Place Church 110 Londonderry Court #130, Woodstock www.dwellingplacemovement.org Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.com Fresh Springs Worship Center 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 100, Woodstock 678-557-9841 www.freshspringsworship.com Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) 205 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-880-3135 www.fdvida.org God’s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Hope Church 6576 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock www.HopeChurchAtl.com Iglesia Mana Para Siempre, Inc. Bilingual church Spanish & English 534 Keith Drive Canton 30114 678-880-8750 www.iglesiamanaparasiempre.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108,

Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 659 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Woodstock 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 11303 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock 678-880-9092 www.woodstockcity.org Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org TOWNELAKER | June 2017

TOWNELAKER DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707

CHIROPRACTIC 59

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC 770-926-1957, ext 306 www.Debranski.com

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

Nelson Elder Care Law, LLC Inside front 678-250-9355 www.NelsonElderCareLaw.com AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 770-591-3630

C & T Auto Service 770-928-5940 and 770-926-4276 www.CandTAutoService.com

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

Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail 19 770-592-8102 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY SALON & SPA Elon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com

Fran Dalton Master Cosmetologist 770-317-7190

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

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

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

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Towne Lake Driving School 678-494-2200 www.TowneLakeDrivingSchool.com

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCHES Hillside United Methodist Church 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Cherokee Computer Guys 678-889-5900 www.ccrguys.com

Canton Dental Town 770-627-7260 www.dentaltownsmiles.com Fountain View Family Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com Gentle Dental Care and Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

HEALTH & FITNESS

COMPUTERS

DENTAL 7, 17

Hillside UMC Preschool & Academy 770-924-4776

16, 43

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

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

CFM Electrical 678-614-9661

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

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

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

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 17, 25 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com

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

Towne Lake Family Dentistry Dr. Ray Morgan Inside Back 770-591-7929 www.TowneLakeFamilyDentistry.com

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

Pike’s Professional Painting 770-516-00459

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

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

Kragor Orthodontics 770-485-8827 www.kragorortho.com

Williams Orthodontics 770-592-5554 and 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

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

SOTO Remodeling 404-376-5443

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

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

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

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

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

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

PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES

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

North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists 770-926-9229 www.NorthGaOBGYN.com

Northside Cancer Institute 38 Atlanta Cancer Care 770-721-3800, AtlantaCancerCare.com Georgia Cancer Specialists 770-479-1870, GACancer.com

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

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC Cover, 16, 48, 49 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Hale Healthcare 678-744-HALE (4253) www.halehealthcare.com

CYFA.org

71 63

Northside Vascular Surgery 770-292-3490 www.NVS-GA.com

Rebound Physical Therapy 678-445-9799 www.ReboundPTClinic.com

17, 66

Wellstar Cancer Network 678-581-5900 1-877-366-6032 wellstar.org A & M Residential Properties 678-383-7174 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The 770-365-6193 www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Park Marina www.bestinboating.com

50, 51

RESTAURANTS/FOOD

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

16, 53

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

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

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

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

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 34 770-421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

Cherokee County Tennis Assoc. www.cherokeetennis.org

Northside Hospital Cherokee www.NorthsideCherokee.com

J. King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.jkingimages.com

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

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrate America

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

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 678-388-5485 northsidecherokeepediatrics.com

Sassy Paws Pet Boutique 678-275-2126 www.sassypawspb.com

Broadway Under the Stars

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

Animal Atlanta 770-591-0007 www.AnimalAtlanta.com

Pet Hospital, The 39 678-401-8750 www.thepethospitalofwoodstock.com

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

Butchers Block 770-517-2225

Reel Seafood reel-seafood.net

Smallcakes — A Cupcakery 678-324-1910

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Blue Frog Imports 770-592-0122 www.BlueFrogImports.biz

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

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

No Longer Bound Thrift Store 678-679-1172

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOWNELAKER | June 2017

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish TowneLaker, Around Canton, Around Woodstock and Around Acworth. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine.

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

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