Margaret Miller

Left, the Tomlinson family at a recent gathering, from left: Lucille McEver, son-in-law Mason Kirk, son Brice Tomlinson, daughter Melissa Kirk, Bill’s wife Cathy Tomlinson, and grandchildren Juniper and Baker Kirk with Bill. Below, the photo of Bill and Cathy, with Brice and Maria, that ran in the July, 1996 issue.

TowneLaker’s Father of the Year

July, 1996

Bill Tomlinson won the TowneLaker’s Father of the Year contest, thanks to an essay written by his 10-year-old daughter Melissa, and was featured on the July, 1996, cover. She wrote: “I think my daddy is the best dad in the world because he is sweet and I love him. He is trying very hard to stop smoking and he is doing it just for me. It is hard for him but he is toughing it out. That shows how much he loves me. So that is why I think he should win.”

We asked for an updated family photo; it’s clear, his family has grown quite a bit!

Baird & Baird Family Dentistry

Advertiser since 1997

I am very grateful for the TowneLaker and Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) for many reasons. As a new resident and new business owner in 1996, the TowneLaker (ALM) was very beneficial in creating an awareness of community and helping me grow a new business. The TowneLaker (ALM) enabled me to meet many new residents and business owners. We began advertising in the TowneLaker in 1997. We have continued to support the TowneLaker (ALM) and they have continued to support and serve us. To this day, I am thankful for the service and commitment to community that the TowneLaker (ALM) has held firm to. — Thad Baird, DMD

Towne Lake Family Chiropractic

Advertiser since June, 1996

As the founder of Towne Lake Family Chiropractic in 1995, and as the first chiropractor in Towne Lake, I was eager to let the community know what services were offered at our clinic, my background, and, of course, our basic contact information. The internet was still in its infancy, and the smart phone wasn’t invented yet. Print advertising was the only way to “get the word out.” I was excited to be one of the TowneLaker’s inaugural advertisers, which helped our clinic enjoy explosive growth in the early years of existence, and maintain a healthy presence in the years since. We were honored to be the first local business featured on the cover in 2002, which resulted in an incredible amount of positive recognition.

We have continued to advertise in the Aroundabout publications for the past 25 years, because they are able to reach our target audience in a specific geographic area, unlike the larger, more expensive news publications. We’ve really enjoyed our long-standing relationship with the TowneLaker.

On a final note, I’m proud to announce that Dr. Amber York will be the new owner of Towne Lake Family Chiropractic within the next month. She, along with Dr. Rob Holewinski, will continue to provide chiropractic care to this wonderful community. — Kirk Pusey, DC

Popularity of African American Holiday is Growing Across U.S.

BY MARGARET MILLER

Juneteenth is becoming more popular in America as an important African American holiday. For many years, it primarily was a Texas celebration. After all, it was in Galveston, Texas, that this holiday originated.

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln had abolished slavery in the United States when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, effective Jan. 1, 1863. But it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that word circulated in Texas that slavery had been abolished.

Upon hearing this news, the former slaves celebrated with church services, picnics, social gettogethers, rodeos, etc. This was the beginning of various traditions of Juneteenth (a merger of the words June and nineteen). In 1980, Texas proclaimed Juneteenth as a state holiday.

People in other parts of the country also observe this historic Independence Day for African Americans. Milwaukee, Minnesota, has one of the longest established celebrations of Juneteenth, beginning in 1971. On June 19, 2020, the city flew the Juneteenth flag over a city building for the first time. This was only one of many activities celebrating this freedom day.

In 2011, Georgia became the 37th state to recognize Juneteenth at its state Capitol with the passage of S.R. 164.

The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival has been a popular event for several years. The 2021 celebration is scheduled for Centennial Olympic Park, June 18-20. Some of the planned activities include a Black history parade, march and rally, family reunions, a United Nations Human Rights Forum, vendors and an artist market. Since the 2021 festival coincides with Father’s Day, there will be special activities honoring fathers during this historic and fun weekend. www.juneteenthatl.com.

Margaret Miller is a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and moved to Woodstock 14 years ago. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.

June 18-20

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival

Centennial Olympic Park 1-10 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday www.juneteenthatl.com

Photo courtesy of Juneteenth website.

June 19

Book signing: “Kevin Turns Fear Into

Feat” by Kevin Edwards 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in Marietta Square 99 S. Park Square NE Meet the author: pre-register to attend at www.eventbrite.com.

June 19

Cobb Democrats Celebration Booth

11 a.m.-7 p.m. in Marietta Square 99 S. Park Square NE

Preparing for Forever and The Big Day

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

It’s June and many couples are making plans to celebrate their wedding. June has traditionally been the most popular month for weddings, but a shift to fall has occurred in the past three years. October and September have taken over the first and second top month spots, which means there is still time to finish planning and booking the venue of your dreams.

Your wedding is about celebrating your love for each other, which is why so much time and thought go into planning the day that highlights your love story. But where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Just remember to have fun, don’t get hung up on the tiny details, and make sure your significant other is involved. Let us do our part in helping plan for your big day by offering tips and money-saving ideas from the pros that will keep your wedding organized and make sure you get hitched without a hitch!