At WellStar, our work in the community begins with our vision to deliver world-class healthcare. The more than 1.4 million residents who live in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties depend on WellStar physicians, nurses and healthcare providers each and every day for routine care all the way to the most advanced lifesaving procedures. As we celebrate our 20th year of operating as Georgia’s largest not-for-profit health system, we reflect on the many lives we have touched, the medical advancements we have introduced and the escalating regional and national recognitions that continually come our way. We look forward to celebrating more years with you and thank you for believing in what we are accomplishing on your behalf.
wellstar.org
770-956-STAR
The vision of WellStar Health System is to deliver world-class healthcare through our hospitals, physicians and services. Our not-for-profit health system includes WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Medical Group; Health Parks; Urgent Care Centers; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing Center; and WellStar Foundation.
We believe in life well-lived.
August 2013
Volume 19, Issue 4
22
22
56
66
Emily Bowman A big welcome home.
E.T. Booth Preview
New facility ready for students.
In Every Issue Around Towne. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Community News. . . . . . . . . .10 Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Everyday Angels. . . . . . . . . . . 28
50 & 51 On the Cover Any Pest. Superior protection for your home.
A digital version of the magazine, along with information on how to contact us, submit a story or photo, or advertise is available at www.townelaker.com.
58
Back to School Guide Information you need.
66 Connections
Local teacher connects student author and illustrator.
76
The Cocoon
Studio 81 is hosting workshops with two world-class artists.
TLBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Elected Officials. . . . . . . . . . . 88 School Information . . . . . . . . 89 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Community Numbers . . . . . . 92 Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . 94 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Contributing Writers
Patty Ponder is the Market Director for TowneLaker. For advertising she can be reached at (770) 615-3322 or AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com. 2
townelaker | August 2013
Don Akridge..............................................15 Mark Billson..............................................62 Rick Coughlin............................................48 Michael Caldwell......................................18 Chicka Elloy...............................................40 Joni Gommo.............................................54 G. Lora Grooms.........................................78 Dr. Scott Harden.......................................44 Dr. Amy Hardin.........................................47 Kristina Havens.........................................76 David Hecklemoser...................................39 Mayor Donnie Henriques.........................74 Shelley Herod...........................................38
Robyn Hohensee......................................32 Sheila & Kurt Johnson...............................21 Kara Kiefer..........................................30, 34 Dr. Mike Litrel...........................................26 Dee Locklin...............................................36 Joe Lemmo...............................................66 Bill Ratliff..................................................67 Doug Rohan..............................................20 Lynne Saunders........................................42 Lauren Sellers...........................................75 Dr. Doug Thrasher.....................................68 Jodi Tiberio...............................................72 Dr. Van Tran..............................................46
townelaker | August 2013
3
community
AROUND TOWNE by Kara Kiefer
People Places and Pleasures that make Towne Lake
The , The The
What’s Coming? The Georgia tax-free holiday will be Aug. 9-10. Items that qualify for exemption include clothing and footwear, less than $100 per item, computers and computer accessories less than $1,000 per item and school supplies, less than $20 per item. For a complete list of what’s exempt, visit https://etax.dor.ga.gov. Kara is the Editor of Townelaker magazine. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and their two sons Brandon and Garrett. Feel free to send your comments or questions to editor@townelaker. com.
What’s Open?
Barrel and Barley, a new craft beer store, opened in early July. The store offers a large variety of bottled craft beers and more than 20 options of counter pressure fillers for growler fills. Growlers are sold in 32 and 64-ounce options, and all bottles are sold individually. Follow the store on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BarrelAndBarley or call (404) 234-5589.
What’s New?
Papa P’s now is serving brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Entrees include Boxty Benedict, Breakfast Burrito, Shrimp and Grits, and more. Special drinks include Mimosas, Belinis and Bloody Marys. Papa P’s is located at 2295 Towne Lake Parkway. For the complete menu, visit http://papa-ps.com. Piedmont Physicians of Towne Lake opened at 970 Woodstock Pkwy., Suite 100. Board certified primary care physicians John Foote M.D. and Kathryn Long M.D. moved their practice from Kennesaw to this new location. The practice offers annual physicals, preventative care, sports physicals, routine immunizations and other services for patients age two and older. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (678) 388-5750. Local resident Steven Holden recently started a restaurant delivery service, Around Town Take Out. Customers can go online or call and place an order for delivery for a $5 fee in addition to the cost of the food. The service is available for homes in the 30189, 30188 and 30102 zip codes. For complete information, including the restaurants, please visit www. aroundtowntakeout.com, call (678) 751-6192 or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aroundtowntakeout.
What’s Closed? We regret to report that DJ’s Auto Repair, which was located at 6739 Bells Ferry Road has closed.
Local developer Tony Perry (below) has returned to building homes in The Village at Towne Lake, located at Stonebridge Parkway and Dupree Road. There are 100 lots in the subdivision remaining. The model home is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Wednesday, and noon – 6 p.m. Sunday or anytime by appointment by calling (404) 483-1814. A grand opening and open house will be held 2-7 p.m. Aug. 1.
You have a few more days to submit a vacation photo of yourself holding the Townelaker magazine. Two contest winners will be determined by the contestant who travelled the farthest in the U.S. and in the world. Email to editor@townelaker.com. Mail in or drop off at 2449 Towne Lake Parkway,Woodstock, GA 30189 Please identify where you are, city, state or country and people in photo from left to right.
Deadline is August 10. 4
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
5
Community Board
Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.
The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders, from different walks of life. Our Board assists us in many ways including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Our Board consists of four members: Dr. Doug Thrasher, Colin Morris, Gay Grooms and Dr. Scott Harden. Dr. Doug Thrasher — Doug is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He has lived in the Towne Lake area and served at Hillside for six years. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Eagle Watch, and they have two married children and four precious grandchildren. Doug can be reached at dthrasher@hillsideumc.org.
Colin Morris — Colin is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to three children whom she describes as “two ninja sons and one dogloving daughter.” She and her husband have lived in Woodstock for the past 13 years, and she grew up in Marietta.
Market Director Patty Ponder AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com, (770) 615-3322 Executive Editor Kara Kiefer editor@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3309 Art Director Michelle McCulloch art@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3307 Digital Marketing Director James Ball james@trustworkz.com, (770) 615-3310 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 16,250 free copies. Approximately 14,800 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,450 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. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month.
G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds. Gay can be reached at director@elmstreetarts.org
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 2013.
Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children.
TowneLaker 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising: (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by Trustworkz Inc. Publisher’s Website www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 19, Issue 4
6
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
7
INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING GYM
ESCALADE 8
BIRTHDAY PARTIES THAT ROCK! Our Parties Include:
Climbing or Aerial Silks for all ages and abilities Private Themed Party Rooms Private Climbing Guides Free T-Shirt for the Birthday Boy or Girl The "Mad Monkey" children's play area with Children's Climbing Walls, Monkey Cage, Monkey Bars and the SUPER Fast Slide The "Kids Campus Challenge" Plus, each climber receives a FREE pass to attend an Escalade Youth Climbing Class.
MENTION THIS AD WHEN BOOKING AND GET A FREE ONE MONTH PASS FOR THE BIRTHDAY CHILD! WARNING!! Escalade Birthday Parties are only for parents and kids who want to step out of the ordinary and into extreme fun and adventure!
townelaker | August 2013
ESCALADE
Indoor Rock Climbing Gym (770) 794-1575 http://www.escaladegym.com
townelaker | August 2013
9
community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Goshen Valley to Hold Golf Classic
Litrel Wins Skill Contest
The Goshen Valley Boys Ranch will hold its annual golf classic on October 14 at the Cherokee Country Club. Proceeds from the event will benefit the ranch, a Waleska foster home for boys. The tournament is expanding to both north and south courses and is open to golfers of all skill levels. The day’s agenda will include lunch, a post-round dinner reception and silent auction, along with tournament prizes. Since its inception, the classic has hosted more than 700 golfers, with more than $332,000 total raised to date. “We are excited to kick off the 2013 classic and thankful for all our sponsors and volunteers helping to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet,” said Zach Blend, residential life director. “The continued support allows us to transform the lives of the boys we serve as we grow to serve 40 boys in 2013.” For a more than a decade, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch has provided refuge and fundamental life skills to at-risk boys and young men ages 9-21. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and event details, visit www.goshenvalleyclassic. org
Several local residents participated in a gun-skill “shoot out” with Tyler Litrel winning the skill test. The event was held at Hi-Caliber Firearms in Holly Springs by Friends of State Senator Barry Loudermilk in support of the Second Amendment. As the winner, Tyler received a Beretta handgun.
Chiropractic Office Holds Food Drive
Left to right: Michael Byrd, Charlice Byrd, State Senator Barry Loudermilk, Tyler Litrel, Don Stevens, Sean Jerguson, Dr. Mike Litrel and Joseph Litrel.
Towne Lake Family Chiropractic recently sponsored a food drive to benefit MUST Ministries. The clinic donated its services in lieu of non-perishable food items from generous patients. More than 300 cans of food were donated.
CONTEST CORNER Congratulations to Olivia Laflamme. She was the first to find our hidden picture on page 56 of the July issue. Congratulations to Donna Hutton. (pictured with Phillip) She was the first to spot the phrase “Taster Tuesday” on page 46 of the July issue. They both won gift certificates to Menchies.
August Finds: If you know the answer to the contest question or find the hidden picture, be the first to e-mail editor@townelaker.com. Please provide your name, contact phone number or email address.
Towne Lake Family Chiropractic owner Dr. Kirk Pusey with some of the donated food. 10
townelaker | August 2013
Contest rules: A winner is eligible once every 12 months.
Find the hidden picture: Be the first to find the phrase: “Scratch Cookin’ ”
WE’RE CHEROKEE’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WITH AN EMPHASIS ON “COMMUNITY. ” Northside Hospital-Cherokee offers more than the latest medical treatments. Since becoming part of Cherokee County in 1997, we’ve been a devoted member of the community. We contribute to Partners in Education in Cherokee County schools and our physicians and staff have donated more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work to local organizations. In all, we’ve invested millions in local community centers, academic institutions and charity organizations in Cherokee County. We will continue to invest in and support Cherokee. Because it’s our home, too.
Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com townelaker | August 2013
11
community
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Cherokee County Firefighter Toughest in State Cherokee County Firefighter, Sgt. Rick Ehlke, won the Toughest Firefighter Competition at the Georgia Police and Fire Games. Firefighters had to participate in a series of events consisting of a high rise pack carry, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance, and victim rescue. The 45-year-old Ehlke won first place in his age category (45-49), and he won the overall category with a time of 2:31.44. The second-place winner was a 36-year-old firefighter from Columbus who finished approximately 10 minutes behind Ehlke. In Ehlke’s age category, he won the competition handily by defeating the second-place winner by more than 30 minutes. Sgt. Elhke lives in Ball Ground with his wife Karen.
Hickory Flat Library to Hold Book Sale The Cherokee County Friends of the Library is hosting a used book sale at the Hickory Flat Public Library August 16-17. The library’s address is 2740 East Cherokee Drive in Canton. A preview sale for Friends of the Library members is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. August 15. Annual memberships for Friends of the Library are available at the door starting at $15. The book sale is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. August 16, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. August 17. Fiction and non-fiction paperback and hardback books will be $.50 and $1, respectively, with specialty books $2 and up. Children’s books are $.10 up to $1. Videos, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, and cassettes start at $.50. Proceeds go to the library to purchase books and library materials. You may donate new and gently used items at any of the five Cherokee County public libraries during normal business hours. The list of accepted items includes clean, dry, mold-free and gently used fiction and non-fiction paperback and hardback books, books on tape, cookbooks; foreign language books, commercially produced VHS and DVD movies, CDs, and video games, coffee table / specialty books; and children’s books. 12
townelaker | August 2013
Run for Erin Scheduled for September The 14th annual Run for Erin will take place September 28 at Woodstock High School. Registration for the 5k walk/run begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration is $20, race day $25 (discounts available for families of 4 or more available). To pre-register or make a monetary donation, visit www.mpssociety. org. Mail-in registration forms are located in area businesses, grocery stores, restaurants and churches. For additional information, or to donate goods or services, visit www.runforerin.com or call Stacy Murphy Peters at (770) 928-0853. All proceeds will benefit the National MPS Society, MPS III-B research efforts. Organized by friends and family, the event is in honor of Woodstock resident Erin Murphy Peters who suffers from MPS III-B (San Filippo Syndrome). Erin graduated from Woodstock High School in 2011 and has been attending Next Step Ministries. This 501c(3) organization provides a variety of services for young adults with special needs. Erin attends the therapeutic day care program on a full time basis, which has given her the opportunity to remain active and engaged. It has also provided her family with the peace of mind that she is safe, cared for and loved. For more information on Next Step, please visit www.nextstepministries.net.
Service League Seeking Homes, Decorators for Annual Event The Junior Service League of Woodstock is seeking homeowners who would like to have their home featured in the annual Tour of Homes. The league also is seeking decorators for the homes. The tour of homes, set for November 9-10, is one of the League’s most successful fundraisers. Proceeds benefit a variety of Cherokee County charities. If you are an interested homeowner or designer, please contact Julie Edwards at edwards1986@msn.com. For information about the service league, please email jslwoodstock@yahoo.com.
LOSE UP TO
30 LBS
IN 30 DAYS!
$150 Off Complete HCG
COMPLIMENTARY Weight Loss or Wellness Consult
Weight Loss Package*
*After receiving medical clearance. By appointment only. New services only. Limit 1 coupon per guest. Call for details. Expires: 8/31/13
Mention coupon code: townelaker (Valued at $250) Expires: 8/31/13
Woodstock 770.516.7477
Hiram
770.439.6997
Buford 678.714.3053
Cumming 770.887.9443
Grayson 678.985.7286
Suwanee 678.546.0550
townelaker | August 2013
13
YOUR LOCAL NEWS Ner Tamid to Hold Open House Reform Jewish Congregation Ner Tamid will hold an open house 10 a.m. – noon August 4 at Mountain View Prep, 2320 Baker Road, Acworth. The public is invited to learn about weekly religious school classes that begin August 26 for PreK12, including Hebrew in the upper grades, Confirmation and B’nai Mitzvah, the Congregation and High Holy Day Services in West Cobb, which begin with Rosh Hashanah on Wednesday evening September 4. Meet some of the teachers, students, parents and Rabbi Tom Liebschutz. Congregation membership is not required the first year of religious school. Need-based scholarships are available for those who qualify. For more information, email info@mynertamid.org or leave a message at (678) 264-8575 for an individual appointment.
Local Girl Raises Funds for Cancer In honor of her late grandfather, nine-year-old Gabrielle Lewis signed up to do a lemonade stand for the nonprofit group, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The foundation’s mission is “to raise money and awareness of childhood cancer causes, primarily research into new treatments and cures. To encourage and empower others, especially children, to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer.” Gabrielle’s lemonade stand raised $104 and combined with online donations for Gabrielle’s stand, she made $606 for the foundation.
Firefighter Wins Orthodontic Treatment Britton Neeley, a Woodstock firefighter, won the Woodstock Freedom Run and free braces from Dentistry for Children and Family Orthodontics. The practice is a title sponsor for the event and gave discount offers, on-site exams and free whitening kits.
Learn How to Become a Foster Parent
Left to right: Britton Neely, Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques and Dr. John Iaculli with Dentistry for Children and Family Orthodontics.
Unique Hair Salon to Hold Cut a Thon Unique Hair Salon will hold a Cut a Thon for Autism from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on August 24. All haircuts will be half price. There will be food from J.D.s BBQ as well as give aways. For more information, call (770) 592-3562. Unique Hair is located at 6508 Commerce Parkway. 14
townelaker | August 2013
In Cherokee County, there are more than 250 children in the foster care system. These children come from a wide variety of backgrounds and situations and are of all ages and races. They are just like other children you may know- they proudly display their art on the refrigerator and beg to stay up five more minutes at bedtime. They sit next to your child at school. They are children who need our help in rebuilding their lives after experiencing abuse or neglect. The Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are holding a joint orientation for those interested in becoming a foster parent or CASA. The orientation will be held at 6 p.m. on August 12 at DFCS, 105 Lamar Haley Parkway in Canton. Representatives from both DFCS and CASA will be present to answer your questions and explain how to get started. For more information, contact CASA at (770) 345-3274
Coping With an Inheritance A windfall from a loved one can be both rewarding and complicated. by Don Akridge, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – Emory University Alumnus
Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in his or her last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that you may not have considered. Here are some things you may want to keep in mind if it comes to pass. Don Akridge is President of Citadel CPA, Financial Planning & Investment Services founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707.
Take your time. If someone cared about you enough to leave you a sizable inheritance, then likely you will need time to grieve and cope with the loss. This is important, and many of the more major decisions about your inheritance can likely wait. And consider, too, when you’re dealing with so much already, you may be too overwhelmed to give your options the careful consideration they need and deserve. You may be able to make more rational decisions once some time has passed. Don’t go it alone. There are so many laws, options and potential pitfalls – the knowledge an experienced professional can provide on this subject may prove to be vitally important. Unless you happen to have uncommon knowledge on the subject, seek help. Do you have to accept it? While it may sound ridiculous at first, in some cases refusing an inheritance may be a wise move. Depending on your situation and the amount of your bequest, it may be that estate taxes will drain a large amount. Depending on the amount that remains, disclaiming some (or all) of the gift is worth contemplation. Think of your own family. When an inheritance is received, it may alter the course of your own estate plan. Be sure to take that into consideration. You may want to think about setting up trusts for your children to help ensure their wealth is received at an age where the likelihood that they’ll misuse or waste it is decreased. Trust creation may also help you (and your spouse) maximize exemptions on personal estate tax.
“You may want to think about setting up trusts for your children to help ensure their wealth is received at an age where the likelihood that they’ll misuse or waste it is decreased. Trust creation may also help you (and your spouse) maximize exemptions on personal estate tax.” The tax man will be visiting. If you’ve inherited an IRA, it is extremely important that you weigh the tax cost of cashing out against the need for instant funds. A cash out can mean you will have to pay (on every dollar you withdraw) full income tax rates. This can greatly reduce the worth of your bequest, whereas allowing the gains of the investment to continue to compound within the account, and continuing to defer taxes, may have the opposite effect and help to increase the value of what you’ve inherited. Stay informed. The estate laws have seen many changes over the years, so what you thought you knew about them may no longer be correct. This is especially true with regard to the taxation on capital gains. The assistance of a seasoned financial professional may be more important than ever before. Remember to do what’s right for YOU. All too often, an inheritance is left in its original form, which may be a large holding of a single company – perhaps even one started by the relative who bestowed the gift. While it’s natural for emotion to play a part, and you may wish to leave your inheritance as it is, out of respect for your relative, what happens if the value of that stock takes a nose dive? The old adage “never put all your eggs in one basket” may be words to live by. Remember that this money is now yours, and the way in which you allocate assets needs to be in line with YOUR needs and goals. Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Created by 1st Global or Peter Montoya, Inc. for use by our financial advisors.
townelaker | August 2013
15
community
Happy Birthday!
Nicholas Azzarello Age 5 on August 22 Happy Birthday! We love you Mommy, Daddy, Anthony and Ava
Colt Jones Age 2 on July 23 Happy Birthday sweet boy! Love Mamma, Daddy and Bubba
Izzie Lee Age 6 on August 15 Zander Lee Age 4 on July 31 Happy birthday! Love, Mom, Dad and Makz
16
townelaker | August 2013
Rachel Boling Age 5 on July 9 Happy Birthday, Sweetie Love, Big Sis Breanna, Mommy and Daddy
Sammie Bray Age 50 on August 16 Love, Latresse, Simmie, Sierra, Savannah and Sydney
Melanie Lorraine Abell Age 1 on April 10 Love, Franklin, Penny, McKenna and Ryan
Ryan Colby Age 14 on August 25 Love Mom, Dad, Jonathon and Luke
Eve Elisabeth Yee Age 9 on August 1 Happy Birthday Honey! We love you. Mom, Dad and Benjamin
Haley O’Toole Age 14 on July 17 We love you! Happy Birthday Mom, Dad, Morgan and Bella
Haylie Franz Age 8 on August 18 Happy Birthday! Love, The Franz’s
Heidi Ashlyn Pinkerton Age 1 on August 29 Sweet as sugar and has our hearts won. Our baby girl is turning 1! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Holli
London Dusza Age 8 on August 25 Daughter of Janna and Bryan Dusza Sister of Luke
Chase Jun Ha Age 2 on Aug 11 We love you! Sue and Alec
Hope Largent Age 21 on August 6 Bryan McCulloch Age 20 on August 4 Happy birthday! Love, Mom, Dad and Chris
Trina and Cortland Simons will celebrate their fifth anniversary on August 29
Anniversary
Nicole and Pabel Troche will celebrate their 20th anniversary on August 21
Wedding
Anniversary
Anniversary
Celebrations Melody and Adam Franz will celebrate their 10th anniversary on August 23
Kimberly Dillon and Joshua Dollar married on June 1 in Riveria Maya, Mexico
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com. September deadline is August 10.
townelaker | August 2013
17
community
Where the Second Amendment Stands in Georgia by State Representative Michael Caldwell
One of the most widely debated issues during the 2013 legislative session was an expansion of Georgians’ right to own and carry firearms. In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, CT, many states chose to further limit their citizens’ access to weapons. Through HB 512 and SB 101, our General Assembly attempted to expand the number of places we could carry firearms. Though the legislative session Michael Caldwell is the came to a close at midnight state representative for District 20, which on March 28 before the House covers Towne Lake and and Senate could come to an Woodstock. He can agreement on the bill, debate be reached at (678) will restart on the initiative 523-8570 or email when we return to the Capitol him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse.com. next January. With this issue returning, there are several things that Georgians should understand about our rights, our state’s firearm initiatives and the process at the Capitol. Most Americans are familiar with the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This guarantee protects citizens from the federal government infringing upon the right to bear arms. It does not dictate that every state must allow the same, making it very important that citizens are familiar with their state’s position on this issue as well.
18
townelaker | August 2013
In Georgia, our state Constitution promises that, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, but the General Assembly shall have power to prescribe the manner in which arms may be borne.” This means that the manner in which Georgians are able to bear arms is decided by your Representatives in the General Assembly. This is why it is so crucial that you consider candidates’ positions on this issue when you cast your ballot. It is my belief that Americans have a natural, God-given right to defend ourselves and to own the tools with which to do so. These bills were sponsored to bring state law further into compliance with this principal. HB 512 was the first piece of gun legislation passed out of the House this year. The House bill accomplished several things including allowing “Church Carry” (allowing congregations to decide for themselves if firearms would be allowed in places of worship), “Campus Carry” (allowing for licensed individuals to carry on college campuses), permitting military personnel ages 18-21 to carry, and much more. This was a strong profirearm bill and expanded Georgians’ access to these tools and expanded Georgians’ second amendment rights. After being transferred to the opposite chamber, it returned as SB 101 in a very different form. The Senate was intent on two provisions that made many in the House uneasy with the final product. They attempted to remove Campus Carry and to require training for Georgians aged 21-25 in order to acquire their license. As a 23-year-old Georgian, my opinion against this suggested training requirement is very strong. I am a well-educated husband, taxpayer, employee, state legislator and citizen. After nearly three years of having (and utilizing) my Georgia Firearms License, I have never been a danger to anyone. To require continued on page 82
A Full Service Wealth Preservation and Distribution Firm
We Help You Keep What You’ve Earned! • Our team of licensed and independent professionals • We are Social Security Specialists. We have the tools offers a complete approach to retirement planning and needed to explore options that allow you to choose the implementation. best time to take your benefits in retirement. • We believe that today’s future and current retirees deserve a personalized and customized approach.
• We help our clients navigate the difficult issues surrounding Long Term Care planning, helping to insure that they have enough money to live with dignity. • We help our clients position their investments to create growth and income strategies without risk to their • We partner with a team of legal and tax professionals to principal - helping them to never run out of money. insure that our clients’ estates pass on to those they love, giving them peace of mind.
Toll Free: 800.887.9647 • Local: 770.672.0402 • Fax: 770.516.4368 Visit us online at: www.hillandhillfinancial.com Call today and ask to schedule your complimentary consultation. Atlanta • Chattanooga • Knoxville 406 Creekstone Ridge • Woodstock, GA 30188 Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookstone Capital Management LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
townelaker | August 2013
19
community
Fallen Trees and Liability by Douglas B. Rohan, Esq. ROHAN LAW, PC
Doug Rohan is a bilingual attorney and owner of Rohan Law, PC specializing in auto accidents, workplace injuries and criminal defense. You can email him at doug@ rohanlawpc.com.
In light of the recent storms and rain, this topic came to mind. I would say this is one of the more common “cocktail party” questions that lawyers are called upon to know from the moment they graduate law school until they retire. Fortunately, the law in this area is pretty well settled and since it’s a pretty common sense rule, I don’t anticipate the law will evolve much in the future. Since at least 1977, the Court of Appeals in the State of Georgia has determined that a landowner can be held liable for damage caused by a tree in his or her yard falling into a neighboring yard. Whether the tree comes down on a vehicle, house or a person, the land owner where
that tree is growing might be on the hook for damages. In order to be found liable, the evidence must show that the landowner knows that (1) a tree is decayed and (2) may fall and damage the property of an adjoining landowner. If the owner has such knowledge, he or she is under a duty to eliminate that danger. The court specifically limited the scope of liability to visible decay, where a tree looks sick. The landowner is not obligated to perform a microscopic analysis of the health of every tree on his property every time that he changes the batteries in the smoke alarms. The holding of the court really does make sense. You want to make sure that a responsible landowner maintains the yard. If a neighbor sees a tree with no leaves in August hanging over her back porch, he or she should have a right to say something to the neighbor about it. Now, the neighbor may not be able to get to it right away, but the clock is ticking, and something should be done sooner 20
townelaker | August 2013
“Since at least 1977, the Court of Appeals in the State of Georgia has determined that a landowner can be held liable for damage caused by a tree in his or her yard falling into a neighboring yard.” rather than later. By putting that pressure on the landowner, the need for neighbors to venture across property lines and start cutting down the trees on their own can be avoided. The neighbor is at the mercy of the landowner because he or she cannot cut down the tree on his or her own. Therefore, whatever damage occurs falls squarely on the landowner. Now there is some room for litigation in this area. If a tornado rips through the park and takes out 30 trees, you will be hard pressed to establish that the rotting tree caused the damage to your house because it’s likely that the tree would have come down even if it was healthy. But, if it is a typical rain shower, and all the other trees around it remain upright, then the attorney, jury, neighbor etc. can go back and see if there were any warning signs about the tree being rotten or rotting. The rain soaked ground has loosened up the soil and many healthy trees are coming down. The question becomes what kind of damage was previously done by the drought. Finally, it is not necessary to prove actual knowledge by the homeowner that a tree is sickly, just that he or she knew or should have known. Again, if it looks sickly from the outside and hasn’t had a green leaf in three years, the homeowner should know that there is a problem and he or she should take steps to eliminate that danger. You may also want to talk to your insurance agent to see if your policy covers such dangers and if your policy limits are sufficient. If you are a business owner or high-income earner, you may want to consider an umbrella policy to go with that homeowner’s coverage.
Four Reasons to Move Right Now by Sheila & Kurt Johnson
Kurt and Sheila live in Towne Lake and are top producing, Keller Williams Agents. They are short sale experts and CDPE certified. www.KurtandSheila.com
The current housing market is in perfect balance, allowing sellers to get more money for their homes and in a shorter time frame than they have in years. At the same time, buyers can afford more home than any other time in history because of record low interest rates and relatively low home prices. This balance can’t last forever. The factors listed below highlight the fragility of this balance and the possible need for urgency by both buyers and sellers to seize this unique opportunity Supply is replenishing — Nationally, the supply of homes for sale was up slightly in May, and we have seen the quantity of available Cherokee County
homes rise since spring. New construction is coming back — Over the last several years, most homeowners selling their home did not have to compete with a new construction project around the corner. As the market is recovering, more and more builders are ramping up. These new homes will again become competition, as they are an attractive alternative to many purchasers. Interest rates are on the rise — The Mortgage Broker Association has projected mortgage interest rates will inch up approximately one full point in 2013. Whether you are upsizing or downsizing, your interest rate will likely be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home. Seasonal demand fluctuations — If the past is any indication, the rapid pace of home sales we have been experiencing all summer will start to slow in late August and not start to rise again until next spring. The opportunity for sellers to have the largest available audience of buyers fluctuates with the seasons and the prime selling season is winding down. Now is an ideal time for buyers and sellers to take advantage of these unique market conditions.
August special on Aug mentation $ 3 650 fo r b r e a s t au g m e n tat i o n Including 20% discount on surgeon & anesthesia fees Enhance your figure and watch your confidence soar! The board-certified doctors at Marietta Plastic Surgery are experts in all aspects of breast augmentation and/or lift surgery, so you can feel confident you’re receiving the best advice tailored specifically for you.
introducing Vectra® 3d imaging Visualize your results before your procedure with the high-powered VECTRA Imaging System.
Must have procedure between 8/1-8/31/13 at MPS Surgery Center. Discount not good on previously booked, corrective or breast lift surgeries. Other restrictions may apply. Call for details.
certified by the a meric an board of pl astic surgery
Dr. Keith West MD, FACS • Dr. Michael McNeel MD, FACS • Dr. Thaddeus Fabian MD, FACS Dr. Keith Hanna MD, FACS • Dr. John Symbas, MD MARIETTA OFFICE : 770-425-0118 823 Campbell Hill Street
WOODSTOCK OFFICE : 678-494-2380 149 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 104
w w w. m a r i e t ta p l a s t i c s u r g e r y.c o m
townelaker | August 2013
21
feature
No Place Like Home for Emily Bowman
Emily returning home
Left to right: Emily’s friends Ashley Wallace, Anna Lee Strickland and Camila Cardona.
On Feb. 16, 2013, everything changed for Emily Bowman and her family. While walking home along an Athens roadway one evening, Emily was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident by a suspected drunk driver. She has been hospitalized since that time, and finally returned home on June 27 with her mom Debbie and legion of friends and supporters by her side. In order for Emily to return home and receive treatment, her Towne Lake home needed to be renovated. In stepped Sunshine on a Ranney Day, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that provides room and home makeovers for children with long-term illnesses. Holly and Pete Ranney began Sunshine on a Ranney Day in 2012. Recently, the organization completed an entire home renovation for Tripp Halstead, a toddler who suffered a traumatic brain injury when a tree branch fell on his head during Hurricane Sandy. Seventy to eighty percent of the materials, as well as most of the labor, are donated for the projects. Designer Jennifer Crosby donated her time and talents to create a soothing and functional space for Emily and her mom. The former dining room next to the kitchen became Emily’s new bedroom. The den that was adjacent to the dining room became a bedroom for Debbie that is adjoining to Emily’s. Emily’s room is filled with the things she loves, including a wall shelf of nail polish and her bed has a quilt made up of all her favorite colors. The renovation also included new flooring, new carpet up the stairs, new lighting and the expansion of the downstairs powder room into a spacious American Disabilities Act-approved bathroom. The home also received a full cleaning courtesy of Molly Maid, which will provide ongoing services. The homecoming was naturally a very emotional time for those close to Emily, especially mom Debbie. Fighting back tears, she told TV cameras: “I never dreamed this could happen - to get set up in order to bring Emily home. I am just so grateful.” We continue to wish Emily strength in her recovery — glad to finally have you home! For more information on Sunshine on a Ranney Day, visit www.sunshineon aranneyday.com. To make a tax deductible donation to the Emily Bowman Recovery Fund visit www.bowsforbowman.com.
Emily’s new bedroom
Pete and Holly Ranney 22
townelaker | August 2013
Remodeled bathroom
Mom Debbie’s room
townelaker | August 2013
23
community
AUGUST EVENT CALENDAR August 3
Prayer Walk for E.T. Booth Time: 9 – 11 a.m. Location: Bus lanes behind the new E.T. Booth Middle School Information: To volunteer or give prayer suggestions, visit www.facebook.com/etboothprayerwalk
August 7
Emily Bowman Night at Tuscany Time: 5 – 9 p.m. Location: Tuscany Italian Restaurant, 250 Cinema Way Information: A portion of the evening’s sales will be donated to the Emily Bowman Recovery Fund.
August 8
Cherokee Business Expo Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs Information: Free admission. Door prizes and giveaways, more than 40 exhibitor booths. (770) 345-0400 www.cherokeechamber.com
August 10
Red Cross Blood Drive Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1208 Rose Creek Drive Information: Call (770) 924-7286 or email media.meredithgslc@comcast.net
August 23
Etowah Tip Off Club Golf Classic Time: 1 p.m. shotgun start Location: Eagle Watch Golf Club Information: Email Gary.janos@orasi.com or visit www.ewmga. com/EtowahGolf.htm
August 23 – 24
The Blessing Line Kids’ Consignment Sale Times: Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92 Information: More than 200 sellers.
August 24
Tots to Tweens Consignment Sale Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta Information: Call (678) 235-8468, email sale@nowamom.org or visit www.NOWAMOM.org.
August 24
Adopt a Duck Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: TBA Information: Rubber duck race benefitting the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Prizes donated by several area businesses. To purchase a racer, visit www.cherokeega-animals.org or visit the Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton.
August 12
Hillside MOPS Open House Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Location: Fellowship Hall at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway Information: Meet other moms with children from newborn birth through preschool ages. MOPS@hillsideumc.org
August 16
Woodstock High School Bingo Night Time: 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. Location: Woodstock High School, 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Information: All proceeds to benefit the high school’s marching band. Call Lori Salvino at (678) 315-9069 or email lgoldsal@ bellsouth.net
August 16
Preschool Open House Time: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Location: Towne Lake Community Church , 132 North Medical Parkway Information: Email preschool@tlcchurch.com 24
townelaker | August 2013
August 24
Thanks for the Memory: Volunteer Aging Council Gala Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Location: Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton Cost: $75 per person, $135 per couple Info: Master of ceremonies will be Greg Talmadge, 106.7’s morning traffic anchor. The evening will feature a big band orchestra, free dance lessons, dinner, silent and live auction and raffles. Proceeds benefit Cherokee County seniors in need. www.vac-cherokeega.org.
August 25
Santa’s Caravan BBQ and Silent Auction Time: 12:30 p.m. Location: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Information: Advance tickets $7 for adults, $5 for children; $10 for adults and $5 for children at the door. Proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for needy children in the area. Visit www.heritagepres.com.
townelaker | August 2013
25
lifestyle
A Holy Place by Mike Litrel, MD
Eight years ago, my wife Ann was hospitalized for a lifethreatening bleed in her brain. I sat vigil at her bedside for many hours through the days and nights as she lay there in pain, unable to move, barely able to whisper. I was afraid that I would lose my wife and my young boys their mother. But early one morning, Ann spoke one sentence to me, and the heavy feeling of worry that had filled my chest suddenly Dr. Mike Litrel is a national evaporated. In its place was speaker and author on the faith-health connection a wonderful certainty my wife and a board certified OB/ would be okay. GYN and specialist in pelvic A shunt had been placed by reconstructive surgery at the neurosurgeon to alleviate Cherokee Women’s Health the pressure on Ann’s brain. The Specialists. Dr. Litrel can be reached via his website shunt slowly dripped out bloodwww.mikelitrelmd.com tinged cerebral spinal fluid the entire week. I watched from my chair next to Ann’s bed as, drop by drop, the fluid fell into the collecting system. The fluid had a reddish color at first. As the days passed, the fluid gradually clarified to a pinkish tinge. Finally, one morning, the fluid had the healthy hue of fine champagne. Ann was still in such pain she could hardly open her eyes. She squeezed my hand as she woke up and whispered good morning. I tried to cheer her up. “Your cerebral spinal fluid looks so good this morning, I’m tempted to take a sip,” I said wryly. A few moments later Ann responded, “If you swallow … a mouthful,” she croaked, “it will raise your IQ … fifty points.” I was stunned. Immobilized in intensive care for more than a week, my wife had just made a joke. A funny one to boot! I knew then that Ann was going to be all right. Our son Tyler inherited his mother’s courage and sense of humor. Several years ago, he was injured in a skiing accident. It was a two-hour ambulance ride to the nearest city hospital. With a fractured bone almost sticking through the skin, Tyler suffered the bumpy ride along the mountain road in agony. Just before Tyler’s surgery, his doctor told him he would need a strong narcotic for the pain. He recommended Vicodin. “Oh, that’s my favorite one,” my 12-year-old offspring quipped. The surgeon looked shocked. “That’s the one that Dr. House takes.” Tyler grinned as he referenced a family TV favorite about an E.R. doc, “House.” Last week, Tyler required another major reconstructive operation, casting a shadow of fear and worry over our
“The hospital is a holy place. Here in this holy place, we seek help when our loved ones or we are injured or ill. Here in this holy place, gathered together, are people who have dedicated their lives to helping strangers in need. Here in this holy place, love manifests itself through us in the most concrete of ways...” household. As a surgeon, I find it far easier to be the one providing care than the one worrying about my loved one. Both roles come with moments of fear. But no matter on which side of the medical relationship I find myself, I know this to be true: The hospital is a holy place. Here in this holy place, we seek help when our loved ones or we are injured or ill. Here in this holy place, gathered together, are people who have dedicated their lives to helping strangers in need. Here in this holy place, love manifests itself through us in the most concrete of ways – all of us helping one another when we are in desperate need. And here in this holy place, God grants healing and relief. Nevertheless, as a Dad sitting next to my son’s bed before major surgery, I was a bit anxious. Tyler grabbed my hand moments before he was to be wheeled back to the operating room. “Dad, I need you to remember something for me,” Tyler said in a low, intense voice. Unsettled, I leaned forward to listen. “971-32-2745-1994. Write it down.” I fumbled for a pen and wrote the number down, repeating it back to Tyler at his request. Confused, I waited. “If I die, you will be contacted. Give them that code number,” Tyler said. “Within a week, you will receive ten million dollars cash - in untraceable bills.” His face still wore the trace of a smirk as the nurses wheeled him back to surgery. Later, as I sat for hours in the waiting room during the operation, I found myself again worrying. Life can be frightening and painful. We suffer so much, and over the course of a long life, lose what matters to us most, our bodies, and our loved ones. It’s so easy to forget the truth: despite our being biologically mortal, we are spiritually eternal. I remembered Tyler’s last-minute joke. It was going to be okay. And so it was.
©Copyright 2013 26
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
27
lifestyle
Everyday
If you would like to make a donation, please visit www. townelaker.com/ everydayangels to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, 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.
Many of us have been touched by the tragic accident involving our community’s own Emily Bowman. She is a Woodstock High School graduate who was struck from behind by an alleged drunk driver while walking in Athens. It has been inspiring to witness the outpouring of love and support of friends, local businesses and nonprofits. Emily’s return to Towne Lake was a big milestone, but her life and her family’s will be very different than in the past. Everyday Angels would like to join in the efforts to provide her family with relief by donating grocery and gas cards for her routine trips for therapy. For those of us who watched her homecoming in person or on the news, it was bittersweet. We will continue to pray for the strength and courage of Emily and her family as they begin this journey. Also, we ask that you please support her fundraiser at Tuscany Italian Restaurant on the evening of August 7. Please see page 24 for further details. Dear Everyday Angels, My sister and I were born and raised in rural Cherokee county back in the 80s. After college, both of us moved out west for jobs and started our families. We had offered to move our parents closer to their grandchildren and us numerous times, but they were adamant about remaining in Georgia. We could never understand their desire to stay in their older home amongst the large subdivisions and commercial growth. However, recently I was reminded of why they wanted to stay. My father passed away three years ago, and we were frustrated with our mom’s continued desire to remain. At the time, my mom was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. We begged her to move in with us so we could care for her, but she loved her doctors and would not leave her home. My sister and I did all that we could to travel to Georgia for weeks at a time to care for her. She insisted that she was fine and was being cared for by her good friends and neighbors in the community. I began to understand how much help she had after cancer won the battle and I was going through her things and found a notebook my mother kept. She recorded everything that each person had done for her. I was amazed at the long list of familiar names as well as those of complete strangers. Everyday Angels was a name she had mentioned several times. She spoke of prayers, gift cards, meals, and groceries that were brought to her as well as daily trips to radiation and chemo. Often times, complete strangers would take her to and from her treatments. My sister and I want to thank you and the community for showing my mother love and comfort during a most difficult time and reminding us of why they refused to leave such an awesome community. Andy
28
townelaker | August 2013
aby ur B O e ry! e Se Com d Nurse r Bi
Buy 1 Treat, Get 1 FREE!
For Dogs, Cats, Birds, Etc. Free Treat of Equal or
Lesser Price
Exp. 8/31
Buy 1 Toy Get 1 50% OFF! Discount on Equal or Lesser Priced Toy
Send Us Your Back to School Photos! Editor@townelaker.com Please identify kids from left to right and what grade and school they attend.
Exp. 8/31
townelaker | August 2013
29
lifestyle
To PCB or not to PCB by Kara Kiefer
This past spring, we spent a glorious week on the Gulf Coast. The sun was warm, the ocean was cool, and the friends were delightful. My son was able to fish every day and caught more fish than he ever has on any other fishing excursion. By all accounts, the vacation was a huge success, and we really would like to return next year. Kara Kiefer is the editor of the TowneLaker. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and sons Brandon and Garrett.
But our son has other wishes. He wants to go to PCB (Panama City Beach).
He will be a senior next year, and “everyone” will be going to PCB for spring break. That’s what he said this year, and as it turned out, “everyone” did not go. We (his parents) are the ones who still pay for spring break, and we have no desire to go to PCB for our vacation.
“We understand this is part of the growing up process and his insatiable need for independence.” I know there are a lot of people who do enjoy going to PCB, and some of them are actually adults! Everything that appeals to my 17-year-old is unappealing to his 40-something parents: crowds, traffic and a bazillion teenagers. In his mind, his reasons are sound, and he will debate us until the bitter end. “It’s my senior year!” he will say. “I want to go when all my other high school friends will be there!” he will continue. He will also try the “I will be 18, why can’t I go alone?” which is almost laughable. Since we don’t want to spend our vacation in PCB, we did tell him that if any of our family’s friends went and he were invited, we would consider it. However, none of these parents want to go either. I think he’s out of luck. There will be sulking. Of that, I am sure. As parents, we are charged with making decisions in the best interest of our children, and that includes where to spend the family vacation. As our son gets older, our decisions are met with more resistance and argument. We understand this is part of the growing up process and his insatiable need for independence. However, with a few years yet until he’s a fullfledged adult, we will remain firm in decisions that protect him from others and, in some cases, himself. So for now, no PCB.
30
townelaker | August 2013
TLBA SPOTLIGHT Five Pillars of Hope Gloria Snyder, founder
Five Pillars of Hope is Gloria Snyder’s home based business; a business that allows her the opportunity to continually make a positive difference for her family and the families in her community. For the past 14 years, she and her husband have shared the value of living in a Certified Wellness Home with those seeking a natural solution to a health challenge or those wishing to incorporate preventative products in their home, office or classroom. As an entrepreneur in the wellness industry and network marketer, Gloria brings an opportunity for others to enjoy balance in their health and finances. Five Pillars of Hope is proud to be associated with Nikken Intl. Inc., bringing hope through the global distribution of Nikken vital energy products. Think of how many people you know who live with health and/ or money concerns. Five Pillars of Hope is working to be part of a solution. Healthier homes and classrooms are a reality in other parts of the country; Gloria believes our community deserves them, too. Anyone wishing to investigate just how easy it is to improve so many of today’s health challenges may contact Gloria and set up a time to tour her wellness home or email her to receive more information. She is the VP of the GA Wellness Assoc. and the President of the Towne Lake Business Association Contact Gloria at (678) 431-2691 or fivepillarsofhope@gmail.com.
TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Please help us welcome the Towne Lake Business Association’s (TLBA) new officers for the 2013 — 2014 fiscal year: President Gloria Snyder, VP Membership David Goings, VP Programs Jean Staughton, Secretary Tammy Jensen and Treasurer Don Kyle. The topic of our July Workshop was “Next Generation Catalyst: How to Trigger Innovation and Stay Relevant Forever.” We want to thank Ryan Jenkins of Next Generation Catalyst for the presentation.
Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshop
Tuesday, August 20, 12:15 — 2 p.m. Networking Aerobics: Cardiovascular Activity for Your Wallet, presented by Wendy Kinney of PowerCore. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events at (770) 615-3350.
13th Annual TLBA Golf Tournament
(Benefitting our Annual Entrepreneurial Scholarships)
Wednesday, September 11, 11:30 a.m. at the Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. Please contact Jon LaMonte (Tournament Chairperson) at JonL@theNRGguy.com or visit www.tlba.org/golf.php to sign up. We welcome our newest member, Mike Perry Allstate Insurance. As always, thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” Visit us at tlba.org.
13 G
presents its
th
Annual
olf
T
ournament Benefiting the
TLBA Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund Wednesday, September 11, 2013 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club 1003 Towne Lake Hills East, Woodstock, GA 30189
If you’re looking for a reason to spend a day on the golf course, here it is! The Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA) is hosting its 13th Annual Golf Tournament! This tournament is for experienced golfers and hackers alike. Our four-player scramble format allows everyone to enjoy the event. After 18 holes, join us at the Towne Lake Hills clubhouse for dinner, networking, raffles, door prizes and tournament awards.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Gold Sponsorship Sponsorship — $1,000 Player registration for 1 foursome Gold Sponsor sign at a prime location and more Si lver lver Hole Sponsorship Sponsorship — $125 Gold Sponsor sign at tees
PLAYER FEES $450 for a complete foursome $125 per individual player
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:30 am 4:30 pm
Range Opens Registration Shotgun Start 19th Hole — Dinner, Awards Presentation & Live Auction
FURTHER INFORMATION Jon Lamonte, Chair Jean Staughton Tammy Jensen
(678) 986-0140 (678) 388-5709 (770) 262-0919
JonL@theNRGguy.com jstaughton@renasant.com tammykaytammy@bellsouth.net
Visit TLBA.org to sign up today! townelaker | August 2013
31
lifestyle
Musings from Towne: The Runaway Umbrella by Robyn Hohensee
I love going to the beach in the summer. There is nothing more relaxing then sitting in my comfy beach chair with a cold drink and a good book to keep me company. I look forward to it every summer, and usually everything goes smoothly. What could go wrong? Well, let me give you one word: umbrella. Yes, my $5.99 Walmart special beach Robyn Hohensee has umbrella chose this last trip to resided in Towne Lake run me through the wringer. with her husband Todd One morning, I put all of my for 17 years. She is stuff in a golf cart and drove currently working on a happily to the welcoming beach. children’s book and an adult fiction novel. Once there, I had to traipse Feel free to contact her at awkwardly approximately one Robyn561@yahoo.com. half mile to where I would settle in for the day. I unpacked my chair and the umbrella. After securing the umbrella in the sand, I opened it. Boy, did it look pretty! I was proud of my bargain. Just as I was ready to plop down in the chair, a strong gust of
32
townelaker | August 2013
wind came out of nowhere and turned it inside out! “Oh my goodness. I hope it isn’t broken. Maybe I should have spent more money on it,” I thought to myself as I quickly grabbed it before it catapulted into the air like an Olympic archer’s arrow. Feeling rather foolish, I finagled it back to normal. I wasn’t about to let it get the best of me. Then I shoved it in really deep into the sand to prevent it from going anywhere. All seemed good. Finally I sat down to read my book about Elvis written by his backstabbing body guards. I snapped open my Coke Zero and was just getting to the part where Elvis almost shot his then girlfriend Linda Thompson in a Vegas motel, when suddenly a gust of wind shot my umbrella straight up and it began rolling down the beach! Oh no! Not again! I sprang out of the chair, spilling my Coke Zero all over me and began running down the beach willing it to stop. It kept rolling, taunting me like a rebellious toddler running away from its mother. Finally I caught it and returned to my chair. “You have been a bad bad umbrella, and I will make it so you can never get away again,” I said to it, not caring if anyone heard me. I did manage to look around and saw that no one else was having a struggle with his or her umbrella. Maybe I should have bought the umbrella that I saw for $15. My $5.99 Walmart special did not seem like such a bargain after all.
townelaker | August 2013
33
y r t coun in’ k c o R
Photos by Kim Bates
Scratch cookin’
By Kara Kiefer
One of the initial challenges faced by a new restaurant, aside from letting people know the location is letting people know what they can expect. The first time I visited JUMP Kitchen and Saloon, I was expecting more of a bar than a restaurant. I couldn’t have been more wrong. JUMP is not simply a bar that serves food, but an excellent restaurant that has some of the most unique offerings in Towne Lake. The majority of the menu, including sauces, salad dressings, hamburger patties, batters and spice mixtures, is made fresh from scratch, creating a difference you can taste in every dish. Owners David and Michelle Young and Matt McGehee have a combined 35 years of experience in the restaurant business. Their training is reflected in a menu that can best be described as “Gulf Coast cuisine with a southern influence.” By using spice mixtures, house made sauces and creative flavor combinations, 34
townelaker | August 2013
JUMP has taken familiar favorites to an entirely new flavor level. My first visit to JUMP was for lunch. I was interested in the fried catfish basket and was happy to find out that it could be prepared blackened rather than fried. The catfish was fresh and tender with the right amount of blackened seasoning — perfect for lunch. My lunch date enjoyed one of the customer favorites, BBQ salmon salad, which is drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette, and is now one of her go-to favorites. Special requests like the new paleo/crossfit diet requests are easy to accommodate since the menu items are made from scratch. As a fan of JUMP’s Facebook page, I often noticed luscious photos and teasers about the lobster roll. So when my husband and I went for dinner one night, I knew exactly what I wanted to order. The lobster roll was overflowing with juicy lobster chunks (not bits) and not over-sauced with the tarragon mayonnaise.
BBQ Salmon Salad
Bash Burger
BBQ Meatloaf
JUMP Kitchen and Saloon
1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock (678) 388-7717 • www.jumpkitchensaloon.com www.facebook.com/JumpRestaurants My husband had Matt’s Blackened Catfish po boy, a generous portion of blackened catfish with cilantro slaw and chipotle mayo. It was so perfect for his taste that it should be renamed “Mike’s.” JUMP creates all its hamburgers from house-ground brisket and beef shoulder with its own spice blend infused into the meat as it’s ground, ensuring quality and freshness. The Bash Burger is consistently a customer favorite with aged cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, avocado relish, vine-ripened tomato and chipotle cream. The Blue Ridge Burger is right up my alley stuffed with bacon, spicy sausage and blue cheese. If you’re in the mood for something even more different, try the Texas Twins, two spicy brats complemented by a cilantro slaw and ancho chili BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a non-beef option, try the Dirty Bird, a blackened chicken breast that includes the ancho chili BBQ sauce. The “Main Fare” section of the menu is filled with a variety of delectable entrees that are sure to please your palate, and if it’s steak you’re craving, you’ve come to the right place. JUMP offers a 12-ounce hand-cut rib eye, one of the most flavorful cuts of beef, accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. Other selections include a cedar-plank grilled Atlantic salmon, Cowboy Pasta and Chicken Fried Steak. The menu recently was updated with even more choices including its signature dry rub wings, lemon pepper wings, mango fish tacos and a JUMP club sandwich. JUMP serves Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring unique items like fried quail and waffles, lobster omelet and more traditional choices like chicken fried steak and eggs.
The owners are very conscientious, inviting feedback and listening to suggestions from the customers. “We want 100 percent satisfaction for our customers, and if that satisfaction is not there, we want to know about it and fix it,” said David. One of the things they listened to was the patrons’ desire for live music. On Tuesday through Saturday evenings, JUMP schedules live entertainment, usually in one of three genres: country, blues or southern rock. Bookings can change so check JUMP’s Facebook page for the most current lineup. Be sure to visit the website, too, as it lists the complete menu and daily food and drink specials. With JUMP’s consistently great food, excellent customer service and family friendly atmosphere, it’s destined to be Towne Lake favorite.
TowneLaker Special 10 off
$
a check of $30 or more Not to be combined with other coupons, offers or promotions. Expires August 31
townelaker | August 2013
35
lifestyle
In God We Trust by Dee Locklin
Lewis and I completed a long overdue project last month. We retrieved the final pieces of furniture and other items from my mother’s modest home in Alabama. Having lost my mom in 2008 to a long battle with COPD, this final task was emotionally difficult and made more challenging by the passage of too much time. Though we had salvaged most of my mother’s belongings prior Dee Locklin is retired to and immediately following from Georgia State her death, several objects University. She lives in Towne Lake with remained. Most of them were of husband Lewis and sentimental value only. Walking son Taylor in a into those unoccupied rooms, cluttered home filled eerily frozen in time, brought me with love and lots close to her again. I closed my of dust bunnies. Contact Dee at eyes and heard her footsteps in dlocklin89@gmail.com the kitchen, smelled her baked goods, felt the warmth exuding from walls once adorned with photographs and shelves full of a lifetime of collectables. Raised during the Great Depression, my mother threw nothing away. And she never forgot the whereabouts of any item, regardless of size or utility. Thus, I found myself rummaging through closets with neatly stacked and carefully labeled sewing goods, canning supplies and quilting hoops of every size and shape. There were boxes full of half-completed or unstarted projects and plastic containers full of fabrics, laces, buttons and threads.
36
townelaker | August 2013
Of all her possessions, my mother prized two above all others. One was a set of Holly Hobbie drink glasses sold in the late 1970s. She collected a full case of these glasses that pictured a little girl in a rag doll dress and big bonnet. As with many of her other odd collections, my mother assumed the glasses would one day be worth something. Her other prized possession was a $50 bill issued in 1950. Like all $50 bills printed before the late 1950s, it does not contain the phrase In God We Trust on the back. But when my mother obtained this bill sometime in the 1970s, she got it in her head that In God We Trust had been omitted in 1950 as a result of the efforts of the atheist activist Madalyn Murray O’Hair. My dear mother had a knack for twisting facts, never intentionally, mind you. Things just tended to get distorted in her mind to fit her unique reality. I never had the heart to remind my mother that Madalyn O’Hair’s activism began in 1960 over school prayer. She did demand that the national motto, In God We Trust, be removed from U.S. coinage, but I find no evidence to link my mother’s treasured $50 with the infamous Ms. O’Hair. About two years before my mother died, she got it in her mind that she had given me the $50 bill for safekeeping. When she asked me about it, I was dumbfounded. I had no recollection of her handing the sacred bill to me. Frankly, I had not seen the thing since high school. She always kept it in a small cedar jewelry box along with her collectable Cross and Parker pens and various important documents. Until the day she died, my mother was convinced I had foolishly spent the $50 and she was irritated to no end. Anyway, back to the move. Through a local friend named Steve, we lined up a couple of strong teens to help us load the continued on page 82
townelaker | August 2013
37
lifestyle
No Women Allowed! by Shelley Herod
The Urban Dictionary defines a “man cave” as “a room, space, corner, or area of a dwelling that is specifically reserved for a male person; to be in a solitary condition, away from the rest of the household in order to work, lay, involve himself in certain hobbies, activities without interruption. This area is usually decorated by the male that uses it without interference from any female influence.” Shelley lives in Towne What happened to that Lake and owns her own “hangout” where the boys would interior design company. get together and do boy things, She can be reached at (770) 235-5640. goofy stunts and make prank phone calls? Not too many years ago, a boy’s and man’s space was in the garage, lit by a fluorescent light, no air conditioning, and posters tacked or stapled on the walls. Today, most man caves contain the latest in electronics, game tables, extensive bar, a refrigerator, dartboard, and masculine furniture. Prize hunting trophies, framed sports memorabilia and neon liquor or beer signs typically adorn the walls. An oversized flat screen television is a must in most every man cave. A man’s designated area is all about personalization. It is a space where he can decorate according to his personal interests and entertain the guys. If a musical man cave is what he seeks, amplifiers, large speakers, a microphone, an array of instruments and even a stage might complete the space. The athletic man might desire a large display of sports collectables of his favorite teams, several large screen televisions and a few overstuffed recliners. A movie guy may enjoy a home cinema with theater styled seating complete with a popcorn machine. Men that enjoying entertaining could have a gaming table, a drink refrigerator and plenty of storage for snacks and cards. The more elaborate domains might include a boxing ring, arcade size video games, pool table or a putting green. The possibilities are endless. To obtain a “tricked out” man cave, everything still needs to flow together. Men tend to lean toward bold colors such as red, brown, blue or moss green or the color themes of their favorite sport’s team. Lighting is also important. Recessed lighting is typical and can be put on dimmers to create the correct lighting effect during a movie or while watching a sporting event. Low lighting may be necessary in some areas where overhead lighting is not needed such as over a pool table. Whatever floats a man’s boat, this space is all about a man and his manliness. It should be a place where he is comfortable, and he and his friends enjoy hanging out. 38
townelaker | August 2013
Wines of Greece by David Heckelmoser
David Heckelmoser is a Towne Lake resident wine enthusiast, member of the Guild of Sommeliers, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and is Wine Spirits Education Trust certified (WSET). Contact David at heck4773@ bellsouth.net.
Greeks have been making wine for thousands of years, and the wine industry has been making an exciting transformation over the last few years. Greece, in addition to being the birthplace of Dionysus, god of wine and the symbol of wine, is also considered the birthplace of winemaking. Wine had many uses for the Greeks. It was often safer than water to drink, and when wine was consumed, it was one of Greeks’ important social forums. Beside the social aspect, wine was very important to them in religion. Wine was often used to douse burning altar offerings and was poured on the ground as an offering to the dead. Greek wine does appear to have it all—ancient history, climate
and uniqueness. It has one more thing: pronunciation issues. Grape varieties such as Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko tend to give consumers speech paralysis. Most of us would rather order something familiar than dive off the wine-pronunciation cliff. Agiorgitiko (ah-zheor-GEE-tee-koh) (red wine) is the second most-planted varietal in Greece and is nicknamed “the blood of Hercules.” Legend has it that the Agiorgitiko grape sprouted from the spilled blood of Hercules. These wines are low in acid and spicy with flavors of displaying raspberry, red plum and black licorice flavors. They tend to be medium to full-body wines displaying notes of cedar. You might also find a rosé wine made from these grapes. This wine pairs well with mediumbodied meats and vegetable dishes. Assyrtiko (A-SEER-tee-ko) (white wine) originated on the island of Santorini in northern Greece, and it’s the perfect wine to enjoy with seafood. These wines will have apple and pear flavors with a touch of spice. These wines are lovely with freshly grilled fish and are a complement to Mediterranean cuisine. The only Greek wine I would stay away from is called Retsina. This is usually a white wine, in which pine resin is added during continued on page 82
townelaker | August 2013
39
lifestyle
Generation Grasp by Chicka Elloy
“When I was your age,” “Back in my day,” and “That is so old school” are phrases we have heard or used. Each generation grows up with different beliefs and perspectives and is molded by the influence from a previous generation that ultimately shapes a culture. In my work with educators and parents across the generation gaps, we have often explored the predicament of frustration and Chicka Elloy lives in adaptation to learn from one Woodstock with his wife and two sweet caramel another. The conditions of the daughters. He writes economy, parenting standards, for USA Today Education the state of the world, respect, and was voted #1 Daddy technology, and social trends Blogger by Parents.com impact the behavior of the Contact him through www. thefrequentflyerfather.com. generation. Let’s take a look and comparison between the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1979) and Gen Y or Millennials (19801996). As we label this current generation (1997-today), please keep in mind the descriptions are generalized observations (not a horoscope), and are to be used as awareness not ammunition. Views on family life: Boomers were indulged as children; Gen Xers were alienated as children; and Millennials were protected as children. How were their parents with them? Boomers had parents who were controlling, Gen X parents were distant,
40
townelaker | August 2013
Millennial parents tend to be intruding, “helicopter parents” (always hovering) which bubble-wraps kids. Views toward education: Boomers want freedom of expression; Gen Xers are sensible; and Millennials need a structure of accountability. What do they view as the ultimate reward? Boomers prefer a prestigious title and the corner office. Gen Xers want the freedom not to have to do something. Millennials prefer to be seen doing meaningful work. Views on a big question: Boomers want to know, “What does it mean?” Gen Xers need to know “Does it work?” and Millennials are curious to know, “How do we build it?” What is the current and first generation of the 21st century called? This generation has yet to be formally labeled but marketing firms are leaning toward The Pluralist Generation, or Plurals. This terms reflects our fragmented or pluralistic society that is evident in nearly all aspects of life — family definition and composition, media, business, politics, education and ethnic composition. In key departures from the Millennials, the Pluralist Generation is the least likely generation to believe in “The American Dream;” they are absorbing a culture affected by blurred gender roles, and they are the last generation with a Caucasian majority and have the most diverse technology-savvy social circle. A Gen X parenting style is beginning to show in the Plural mindset. Collaboration with the next generation may seem like a daunting task, however, because they are young, and there is still much to learn. The world is transforming, and the Pluralist Generation is already an integral part of that transformation. Understanding how their role impacts the future begins with investing our time to get to know them better.
townelaker | August 2013
41
Health & Wellness
Social Media: Friend or Foe? by Lynne Saunders
If you are under 40 years old, chances are that you have at least one social media site. The most popular these days seems to be Facebook, followed by Twitter and LinkedIn. Baby Boomers’ comfort level with online networking sites seems to run 50/50 from the feedback I receive from students who attend the employment classes I teach. Those who are online swear by it, while those who are not swear they never will. Lynne is the director of Social media is necessary Papa’s Pantry and the MastersTrainingCenter. for job seekers, regardless of com, and she is an personal skepticism or fear. An author. She can be employer’s biggest fear is making reached at (770) 591a hiring mistake. It is a timely and 4730 or visit www. expensive process, so they do their papaspantry.org. best to discover and eliminate potential problems beforehand. Research from Reppler (a social media testing company) shows that 91 percent of the employers surveyed use social networking sites to screen perspective employees. Lots of information about a person (and his or her network of friends) can be determined in just a few minutes. What is your social site saying about you? What picture are you using? Job seekers should always have a neat head and shoulders picture of themselves dressed ready for an interview. You can always change it back to include your children, pets or hobbies once
you have secured your dream job. Employers need to see that every aspect of your image and presentation is professional, so they will have confidence to move your candidacy to the next level. Be sure to strengthen your privacy settings so they don’t see everything about you such as your age, religion, etc. Here are some additional statistics found in the research: • Employers accessed social media sites at the following rate: 76 percent Facebook, 53 percent Twitter, and 48 percent LinkedIn • 47 percent of the employers checked out the social sites after receiving an application, before making any contact with the candidate • 69 percent of the employers have rejected a candidate because of what they saw on a social networking site • Candidates have been rejected because of social media postings that include: inappropriate photos, inappropriate comments, content about them drinking, content about them using drugs, comments about previous employer, and discriminatory remarks. The postings also showed poor communication skills, revealed lies about qualifications and disclosed confidential information from a previous employer. If you are looking for a job and discouraged that you are not getting invited to interviews, I would suggest studying your social sites. If you do not have any, you need at least one. LinkedIn is considered a professional site, so that may be the one you select. You will be able to upload your resume, but only do so when you know it is polished and up to date. Keep making progress!
BugsBITE.com
678.294.7597
Great for kids. Great for pets. Bad for mosquitoes, fleas and ticks! 42
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
43
Health & Wellness
Bacteria Really Gets On My Nerves By Dr. Scott R. Harden
Early in my career, a patient by the name of Roger walked into my office for help involving his sore tooth. When he opened his mouth, every one of his remaining teeth revealed advanced decay. His teeth were black, and only about half of each tooth remained resulting from years of bacterial destruction. Rather than complain of numerous severe toothaches as I would have Dr. Scott Harden is a expected, Roger only complained dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry of one tooth being sore. Clinical and has served the inspection revealed a large piece Towne Lake area for of meat stuck in the middle more than 21 years. of a large molar cavity. The He is a dental advisor piece of food was removed and for two national dental research provided him immediate relief. companies. You can This experience taught me the reach Dr. Harden at lesson that teeth are masters of (770) 926-0000 or visit adapting to their environment. FountainViewSmiles.com. How can someone have a large cavity that has spread into the main nerve of the tooth and never hurt? How can someone have advanced decay in many teeth, like Roger, and none of them cause discomfort? Several fundamental principles presented back in dental school have proven great value in communicating with patients and answering these questions. One principle involves bacteria in the mouth and the other principle involves nerve anatomy in teeth. The microscopic enemy of teeth is oral bacteria. Bacteria flourish from the carbohydrates and simple sugars in our diet and ultimately produce a byproduct of acid. The acid is very strong and capable of dissolving the enamel in our teeth, which is the hardest substance in the human body. Thus, a cavity is really an acid burn in the tooth, which demineralizes the tooth. It would seem logical that bacteria producing acid would certainly cause toothaches, but very few people can detect cavities in their teeth. Why? The acid spreads very slowly through the tooth and slowly destroys the nerve endings inside the tooth as it spreads. Bacteria must spread through enamel first, which has no nerves at all. Bacteria then spread further into the middle of the tooth, called dentin, which comprises the bulk of a tooth. The destructive acid byproduct from the bacteria dissolves the dentin and associated nerves in such a way that pain is seldom experienced. Bacteria will progress toward the tooth nerve in the center of the tooth, and its acid 44
townelaker | August 2013
“Bacteria flourish from the carbohydrates and simple sugars in our diet and ultimately produce a byproduct of acid.” will again destroy the nerve slowly and gradually. The other principle mentioned above involves the nerve anatomy of the tooth. As tooth decay occurs, the tooth nerve has the ability to shrink and recede into the center of the tooth (but only so far), prolonging the potential of a toothache. Both of these principles are Mother Nature’s way of protecting us as humans from painful toothaches that would render us vulnerable in nature if not for modern dentistry. A new patient, Valerie, came in with a large tooth abscess that was causing her tremendous pain. She was suffering from bacteria acid that had spread all the way into the nerve of her tooth and down the root. This cavity had been doing damage for years. Valerie was well aware of the cavity, but since it did not hurt, she did not seek dental care. The real problem was her face had swollen significantly and turned deep red. Once the decay reached the tooth nerve, it caused an abscess to form. An abscess is pus collecting at the base of the root and builds up severe pressure as it expands inside the jawbone. This pressure and infection causes severe pain because of the serious complications it can produce. The body sends out a loud message because a severe dental infection can lead to sepsis and be life threatening in some instances. Valerie was emotional and told me her schedule was very busy for this week, and this problem could not have happened at a more inopportune time. She had to cancel numerous meetings at work for the week because of her appearance and was embarrassed this had happened. Antibiotic therapy for several days, extraction and restorative care was provided with excellent results. She had not been to the dentist in more than seven years and vowed to never let that happen again. “Work was important”, she stated, “but not more important than my health”. Cavities happen. They don’t hurt. They spread slowly bypassing the nerve signal inside the tooth until they form an abscess. Regular dental check ups can identify cavities early, permitting easy treatment. It’s never too late to go to the dentist, even if it’s been years. Don’t ignore your dental health because your teeth don’t hurt. After all, if you’re brushing your teeth with cavities present, you really are not achieving very much at all. Make a dental appointment today!
townelaker | August 2013
45
Health & Wellness
Scoliosis by Van Tran
Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front. Kyphosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent forward. There is a normal kyphosis in the middle spine. Lordosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent backward. There is a normal Dr. Van Tran is a board lordosis in the upper spine and certified chiropractor with Discover Chiropractic. He the lower spine. People with can be reached at (770) scoliosis develop additional 516-9900. curves to either side and the bones of the spine twist on each other, forming a C or an S shape in the spine. Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys. It can be seen at any age but it is most common between the ages of 8 and 18. There are several causes of scoliosis; the
46
townelaker | August 2013
“Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys. It can be seen at any age but it is most common between the ages of 8 and 18.� two most common are congenital and habitual. Congenital scoliosis occurs when someone is born with a lateral curvature of the spine. Habitual causes are environmental or situational depending on the habits of the individual. Carrying backpacks improperly can contribute to a spinal distortion. Poor sitting habits and practicing poor posture can also affect spinal development in children. Signs of scoliosis include a spine that curves abnormally to the side, shoulders and/or hips appearing uneven, backache, low back pain, fatigue and stooped posture. Chiropractic care works on correcting scoliosis and relieving symptoms and complications associated with scoliosis. A healthy spine can improve your life.
Do You Really Know What Kind of Insurance You Have? by Dr. Amy Hardin
The price of health insurance has gone up over the last 10 years. We see quite a few parents in our office who are very confused about what their health insurance plans do and don’t cover, and are surprised at how much more their bills are this year compared to last. This month’s article is a primer on making sure you know your plan. The days are dwindling when all visits only had a $20 copayment. Amy Hardin is a Most traditional insurance plans pediatrician in Towne Lake at Northside now have a deductible. This is a Pediatrics. Check out set amount per family member Northside Pediatrics’ for which the family is responsible new website at www. upfront. Many doctor’s offices northsidepediatrics. have ways of checking your com and follow them on Facebook at Northside deductible online, so don’t be Pediatrics! surprised if you are asked to pay more than your co-payment at check out. And surprise! Many pharmacy plans now also have deductibles, so they get you on these too. Our patients on medications for chronic problems such as asthma or ADD started seeing these deductibles about three years ago. So, the inhaler that previously cost $20 is now full price (which could be as much as $120) until you meet your $500 pharmacy deductible. The good news is that often your doctor can give you samples or coupons, and many drug companies have coupons online. Additionally, many drug and grocery store chains provide generics for just $4 or free. Make sure to ask about these ways to decrease drug costs before
leaving the doctor’s office. Basic checkups are free on most plans. If you (or your kids) have a chronic disease like asthma or ADD, or you wish to discuss other health issues such as school difficulties, chronic headaches, stomach aches, depression, or weight issues in depth at the time of the checkup, there may be additional fees because these conditions trigger a secondary diagnosis code. Since this is not a well-check code, the insurance company sees this new code like a sick visit, and you will be responsible for the copay and/or any deductible not met. If you have any questions about what is or isn’t part of your check up, ask your provider at the time of the visit. Finally, the insurance companies may offer super cheap plans with limited benefits. Buyer beware! You get what you pay for on these plans. Many of these plans only pay for a very limited number of sick visits per year and may only pay a portion of the charges for these visits. You are responsible for anything over the limit, and if you have more sick visits than allotted, you pay 100 percent of each additional visit. We see that vaccines also are not covered on many of these plans, and that only one or two checkups per year are covered. Newborns are seen for a minimum of six checkups per year. And young kids are sick frequently so they will likely exceed the limited number of sick visits. These plans are basically only good coverage for a catastrophe such as a hospitalization or surgery. Be an informed consumer. Make sure that you know your insurance plan. Read the details and budget if possible for the worst-case scenario. The somewhat more expensive plan may actually save your family money in the long run if you have kids. Take a look at the previous year to see how many visits you and your family made to the doctor to see what plan works best for your family.
townelaker | August 2013
47
Health & Wellness
What’s Bugging You? by rick coughlin
This time of year, bugs of all sorts are at their peak of activity. They’re busy crawling, hopping, flying and even hitching rides as they make their way around your yard. Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish mosquitoes from their flying friends such as midges and crane flies. Here are some pictures of mosquitoes and the bugs often mistaken for them to help you Rick Coughlin is the figure out what’s bugging you! owner of The Mosquito Authority. Email him at This is a mosquito. Only rick@bugsbite.com female adult mosquitoes bite because they require a blood meal to produce viable eggs. Male mosquitoes are perfectly harmless to us, and spend their days sipping nectar from flowers, much like bees and butterflies. Actually, some female mosquitoes sip nectar, too.
If an insect that looks like this lands on your arm and bites you, that’s a pretty good indication that it’s a mosquito. But how do you identify a mosquito without enduring a bite? Look for these characteristics: • Long wings - The wings on a mosquito are typically longer than its body. • A proboscis - Both males and females have an elongated proboscis (appendage) which extends forward from the mouthparts. • Fringed wings - A mosquito’s wings bear scales which create a fringe-like border on the trailing or posterior edge. • Humpback appearance - A mosquito holds its body away from the surface on which it is resting, as in this image. Midges as a group include many kinds of small flies. Practically every land area except permanently arid deserts and the frigid zones harbors some form of midge. 48
townelaker | August 2013
Notice these characteristics of the midge, which differentiate it from the mosquito: • Shorter wings - The midge’s wings do not extend beyond the end of its body. • No proboscis - There is no visible proboscis extending from the midge’s mouth. • Smooth-edged wings - Because the midge’s wings are not covered in scales, there is no visible fringe along the edge of each wing. • Straight appearance - When at rest, the midge’s body will be straight, with its thorax low to the surface on which it rests. This is a crane fly. People often think these are giant mosquitoes. Admittedly, many crane flies look like mosquitoes on steroids, but they’re completely harmless, just like midges. They’re called crane flies for their incredibly long legs, like those of the similarly long-limbed birds. Many members of this group dwarf the typical mosquito, but not all crane flies are giants.
Look for these clues to differentiate a crane fly from a mosquito: • Long legs - A crane fly typically has very long, slender legs out of proportion to its body length. • Usually lack a proboscis - Most crane flies don’t have a proboscis, but even those with elongated mouthparts cannot bite. • Smooth-edged wings - Like midges, crane flies lack the fringed wings that are characteristic of mosquitoes. • Straight appearance - A crane fly at rest will hold its body straight, not in the humpback manner of mosquitoes. If you have any questions about mosquito control in your yard, please feel free to email me at rick@bugsbite.com.
townelaker | August 2013
49
feature
Superior Protection for Your Home • Excellent Service • Affordable Pricing • Locally Owned
Home ownership is probably the single most important investment any one of us will make. But like most things of value, your home will require maintenance and protection. In regards to protecting our homes, we need to ensure outside sources don’t destroy what we’ve worked so hard to achieve. One of these outside forces, unfortunately, is termites. And if you don’t protect your home from these veracious eaters of wood, it will be a matter of “when” and not “if” you get termites. As a homeowner, you have a choice when it comes to termite protection and eradication: hire a professional or do it yourself. In fact, stroll through any home improvement store and you will see entire aisles dedicated to pest management. But, are you really benefiting your home by treating it yourself with less expensive solutions? You will have no guarantee should an infestation occur, or peace of mind for your valuable investment. The best choice for complete termite protection and elimination is to hire a professional exterminator, and if that exterminator has experience with insects, rodents or wildlife, all the better! That company is Any Pest, Inc.
In Your Neighborhood
Any Pest, Inc., locally owned and operated by Nello Montesi since 1989, services all of Metro Atlanta. Any Pest, Inc. provides services for residential, industrial and commercial structures, including several hospitals such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Nello’s parents owned several large grocery stores, and by working for his parents, Nello learned what it meant to provide excellent customer service. He parlayed that knowledge into his own company, making customer satisfaction his number one priority. It’s obvious his attention to customer service has paid off because, according to Nello, more than 40 percent of new customers are referrals.
“I have been saying for years that our home was built on an ant hill. Couldn’t get rid of the ants, no matter what chemicals were used, they would always come back and quickly. Called Any Pest, Inc., and they were gone in hours. No problems ever since. Great people, great work, good pricing and very courteous. We highly recommend this firm to our friends.” — Ron and Carilyn A.
Termites — Unwelcome Guests
In Georgia, the subterranean termite is the most common type, and often times, homeowners don’t know they have taken up residence until it’s too late. The best way to treat these types of termites is with a liquid application and bait and monitoring stations. The liquid application is applied at entry points as well as infestation sites. The bait and monitoring stations are placed in strategic locations around the perimeter of the home and checked on a quarterly basis for any termite activity. If activity is detected, Any Pest, Inc. will place a bait made of Aspen wood, a favorite of termites, in the monitoring station. The termites will ingest the deadly bait as well as share their “treat” with nest mates, thereby eliminating the colony.
Any Pest, Inc. 287 Chastain Road, Kennesaw (678) 888-0035
www.anypest.com 50
townelaker | August 2013
When a technician does his quarterly inspection of your termite bait stations, can you be sure the tech actually checked each and every station? At Any Pest, Inc., the answer is, “yes.” Each tech is required to scan bar codes, located inside each station. Customers are able to view the results from each quarterly inspection online. And if termite activity is detected, the customer will receive a call from his or her tech. Nello believes in making his company accountable to each and every customer.
Because termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage, a guarantee is necessary for any preventative measures you take against these pests, and Any Pest, Inc. has one of the best in the industry: • • • •
Termite Control Protection Plan is lifetime renewable. Warranties are 100 percent transferable with no owner transfer fees. No deductible or booster treatment condition on agreement. Any Pest, Inc., Inc. covers all repair costs if termites cause damage after it treats your home! This guarantee equates to three words: Peace of Mind.
Pesky Pests and Creatures
One of the great things about living in this part of Georgia is the abundance of trees and wooded lots. But sometimes with the beauty comes the beast in the form of insects, rodents and wildlife. Many customers will create individualized bundles of services depending on the needs at the time. For many homeowners, spending time outside on back decks is what summer is all about, and with Any Pest, Inc.’s bug and mosquito services, this can be accomplished bug-free. And when you call Any Pest, Inc., the response time is same day, usually within a few hours. If rodents such as squirrels or rats have taken residence in your attic, Any Pest, Inc. can not only eliminate the problem but prevent future inhabitation by installing gutter protectors.
“Five years ago I had a problem I just could not solve — squirrels in my attic. After several failed attempts on my own I contacted Any Pest, Inc. They inspected the house, told me exactly what needed to be done and gave me a price. Everything went exactly as they said it would, and I have had no problems since then. I was so impressed with their professionalism and integrity that I started a quarterly service for insect control. Five years later, I have no complaints and there has been no increase in price.” — Randy L. Any Pest, Inc. offers homeowners a rare gift — peace of mind. Termite control is a necessity, not a luxury. And regular pest maintenance keeps your home looking and feeling like the valuable asset that it is. Call Any Pest, Inc. today for a free consultation and estimate.
Special Offer for TowneLaker Readers Get an initial termite treatment for $99!
Includes chemical treatment, installation of bait monitors and treating the perimeter of the home.
Call Today! (678) 888-0035
We will keep your home free of: • Ants • Bats • Beavers • Birds • Cockroaches • Coyotes • Foxes • Mice • Moles • Mosquitoes • Opossums • Raccoons • Rats • Skunks • Snakes • Spiders • Squirrels • Termites
Some restrictions apply.
townelaker | August 2013
51
52
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
53
Range Replaces Restaurant As Girls Night Out Destination By Joni Gommo
Joni Gommo started a Holly Springs chapter of The Well Armed Woman which filled up immediately. This month she tells how her fear of firearms has developed into a passion to educate other women. In the July issue, she described her fear at being face-to-face with a firearm. This month she tells how that fear has developed into a passion to educate other women.
“The less experienced learn from the more experienced. Safety is stressed, and firearms professionals are invited to be guest speakers.”
Joni Gommo, a mother of four and chapter leader for The Well Armed Woman, has gone from fearful to being NRA certified as a basic pistol and first steps instructor. www. thewellarmedwoman.com.
After many visits to the range, I decided to take an official firearms safety class and learn everything I could about how to be safe with the gun. In fact, most women I know are very safe with guns. I think it is because we are wired for safety in all things, and handling guns is no different. As I gained more experience as a shooter, I replaced my initial fear with a healthy respect. I began to enjoy going to the range as much as a day of shopping at the mall and talked my girlfriends into going to the range with me. Before long, I purchased my first firearm, and THEN something happened: I became excited about shooting. A switch had flipped, and I now had “the bug.” When my husband suggested dinner out, I countered with, “How about dinner at home and then out to the range?” When gal pals would ask me to go to the nail salon, I suggested going to the range instead. It wasn’t long before I was spending a lot of time at the range and helped a few girlfriends get over their fear, much to the delight of their husbands. Eventually, my non-gun friends were asking me to take them to the range to show them how to shoot. The more I did this, the more I loved it. I loved the camaraderie among a group of women shooting together. When I was given the chance to lead a woman’s gun club in Cherokee County, I jumped at the chance. We opened a Holly Springs chapter of The Well Armed Woman, which was filled very quickly. The Well Armed Women has 81 chapters across the U.S. with more than 2,000 members. There are seven chapters in Georgia, with three recently opened in Marietta, Roswell and Powder Springs. We are a group of women, ranging in age from 21 to 68, who want to become educated and empowered. Our members are all smiles – from the experienced shooters to the women just beginning. The less experienced learn from the more experienced.
54
townelaker | August 2013
Safety is stressed, and firearms professionals are invited to be guest speakers. While on the range, Range Safety Officers are never out of sight. Several women have begun research into buying their first gun. I advise women to rely on the firearm that feels most comfortable to them. While well-meaning husbands, boyfriends, fathers or friends will try to recommend their favorites, it’s best to make your own decision. It may help to rent several guns during the process. There has been much controversy in the media lately about firearms. But I want to make it very clear that this is not a political issue. I belong to several firearms organizations that include people from all walks of life and political affiliations. You know what’s so nice about that? We are not a divided group of people in these organizations. We all enjoy a common interest and the freedom to exercise our constitutional rights. For more information on joining a local chapter, visit www. thewellarmedwoman.com.
Northside Cardiology Cherokee is a full-service cardiology practice offering complete heart and blood vessel care. Dr. Sanjay Lall and Dr. Gregory Petro are board certified in cardiovascular disease and cardiology and have more than 20 years of experience. Sanjay Lall, M.D.
Northside Cherokee Cardiology offers:
• Expertise. In partnership with Northside Hospital, patients have access to comprehensive cardiology services. • Timely access. We’ll schedule same-day appointments whenever possible. • Efficient Followup. We are committed to clear and timely communication about your progress. Two convenient locations. Call us today for an appointment (770) 924-5095. 100 Stone Forest Drive, Suite 130 Woodstock, GA 30189
210 Oakside Lane, Suite 210-B Canton, GA 30114
(Near I-575, off Townelake Parkway)
(Exit 20, off Riverstone Parkway)
Gregory Petro, M.D.
NorthsideCherokeeCardiology.com
townelaker | August 2013
55
School & Sports
E.T. Booth to Start Year in New Facility Starting with the 2013-14 school year, students at E.T. Booth Middle School will be housed in a new 223,856-square-foot building made possible with funds from the SPLOST initiative. For the first time, E.T. Booth will include sixth grade students. The school can accommodate 1,621 students and will be at capacity with 523 sixth graders, 528 seventh graders and 570 eighth graders. The three mobile units on site will be unoccupied for this school year. There are 95 instructional classrooms, 750 square feet each. Additional technology, art, computer and music rooms range from 1,000 – 1,200 square feet. The cafeteria holds 1,085 students, but with three lunch periods, the average student count at any one time will be approximately 500 students. Each classroom is outfitted with SMART Boards, and students will have access to 1,100 laptops stored in 16 mobile laptop stations. There are 690 desktop computers and five computer labs. The computer labs have an interesting configuration: the teacher’s desk is behind the students so he or she can see what the students have on their monitors. The media center has a coffee shop atmosphere with hightop tables, sofas and ottomans. The crown jewel, as principal Dawn Weinbaum described it, is the gymnasium. It can hold 1,618 people with seating for 1,008 and is equipped with air conditioning (not fans, like in the old E.T. Booth gym) and speakers. There are spacious locker rooms each for females and males and a concession stand. The E.T. Booth Falcon mascot adorns the walls with its new colors, royal blue, yellow and black, to more closely resemble Etowah High School’s colors. The school will open on time, August 5, and under budget. Demolition of the former campus will be completed in the fall.
Above: Cafeteria On right from top: Entrance to E.T. Booth Middle School. Staircase leading to upper level. One of five computer labs. New Falcon gymnasium.
56
townelaker | August 2013
Always Tired? You’re Not Alone
Have you had trouble getting or staying asleep? Stress, work and schedules can make getting quality shuteye feel impossible. For more than 30 years, Northside Hospital has been helping sleep-deprived patients start to enjoy the benefits of slumber again; sleep improves memory, curbs weight gain and prevents disease. Our board-certified physicians work with you to develop a plan for effective treatment, so you can experience the rejuvenation and comfort from sleeping soundly.
Board certified physicians • 3 Convenient Locations Comfortable & Relaxing Settings • 30 years of experience
ATLANTA
FORSYTH
CHEROKEE
(404) 851-8135
(770) 844-3293
(770) 345-2568
View videos on sleep disorders at northside.com/sleep
townelaker | August 2013
57
School & Sports
Back to School G u i d e
The past few months have hopefully been filled with carefree fun, friend and family time, income-producing summer jobs, and the opportunity to sleep in on a Monday. But for Cherokee County students, that time has come to an end, and school is back in session. The first weeks of school can be overwhelming with new classes for students and mounds of paperwork for parents. To help you during these first few hectic weeks, we have compiled several helpful resources to get everyone started on the right foot. And keep in mind that fall break is just around the corner!
Cherokee County School District www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
Aspen Family Portal — This is a comprehensive portal available to parents and/or guardians of Cherokee County School District students. The portal allows family members to view the following student information: demographics, contacts, attendance, and schedule. Academic information such as assignments, grades from quizzes and tests, and attendance also can be found. Family members also can subscribe to email alerts regarding grades and attendance. Authorized family members will be provided with a login and password. Parent Information — By clicking on the tab titled “Parent Information,” parents have access to a myriad of information including calendars, handbooks, student discipline, academic support, and more. Tutoring — For students who need extra academic help, the District supplies a list of approved tutors. Contact your individual school for complete information.
College Bound?
Backpack Flyers Parents are inundated with forms and flyers during the first few weeks of school, and it can be overwhelming, and sometimes, important sign up dates can be missed in the shuffle. Here are a few of the typical sign-ups that occur during the first month of school. Elementary School — Boy and Girl Scout membership drives often begin in the fall as well as some fall/winter sports such as basketball. Middle/High School — Students have the opportunity to sign up for after school programs and clubs. Often times, sign-ups occur at lunch time, so if your student has a particular interest, have him/her listen to the school announcements or check flyers that are sent home. Students often will forget to bring home flyers or simply let them sit in their backpacks. If your student has a particular interest, be sure to check with your individual school regarding what’s available.
Favorite Subject — Lunchtime!
https://secure.gacollege411.org/— Everything you need to know about preparing for and applying to college including FAFSA and other financial aid information.
Elementary School: Breakfast $1.25, Lunch $2 Middle/High School: Breakfast $1.25, Lunch $2.25 Visitors: Breakfast $1.75, Lunch $3
www.collegeboard.org — Links to find, apply, and pay for college as well as practice SAT and ACT questions.
www.mypaymentsplus.com Cherokee County District parents can pay online for their child’s meals. Parents can check balances, receive low balance alerts, and view meals and items purchased. There is a small transaction fee with every deposit.
http://www.path2college529.com/ — Georgia’s higher education savings plan which includes features, savings options, and tax advantages.
58
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
59
School & Sports
First Grade Students Compete in Coloring Contest
Cherokee County Students Attend Girls State Program
The Cherokee County Farm Bureau sponsored a coloring contest for first graders that promotes soybeans. The students colored a picture of a farmer feeding his animals soybeans, and they drew a soybean field. Twenty-four elementary schools in the county participated for a total of more than 3,000 children. The first and second place winners and their families enjoyed a day at Cagle’s Family Farm.
Eight high school students represented Cherokee County and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 316 at the Girls State Legislative Training Program held at Georgia Southern University. Students were nominated by the faculty and administration of their respective schools based on academic achievement, outstanding character, and student involvement. The selection process continued with interviews with members of the Unit 316 Auxiliary and culminated in the final selection of eight students from the many qualified nominations. Attendees included Ashley Anthony from Etowah High School; Morgan Hendrix from King’s Academy; Rachel Peterson and Madison Puhy from River Ridge High School; and Bridgette Hudak, Annie Jiang, Madison Tank, and Rani Tilva from Woodstock High School. Girls State is a national program of the American Legion Auxiliary and is a course of instruction in and a practical application of the fundamental principles and procedures of city, county, and state government under the American system. Students are encouraged to participate in mock government proceedings by running for office, sponsoring legislation, and discussing civic responsibilities. By the end of the week, student representatives from Cherokee County held many of the major state and local offices, and Rachel Peterson was selected from all attendees to represent Georgia at the companion program Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. held in July.
First and second place winners, from left: Breanna Welker, Audrey Miller, Caitlin Hardin, Abigail Davidson, Emma Moreno, Genesee Wentworth, Theavius Speight, Nick Meyers, Isaac Wolf, Camryn Deaton, Tristan Simmons, Laura Hand, Olivia Bryan, and Marie Fallon
Cherokee Cyber Connection Academy Launches with New School Year The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is launching the new Cherokee Cyber Connection Academy (C3 Academy), providing students with online learning choices. The academy will initially focus on middle and high school levels. There is no cost for CCSD students to take the courses during the regular instructional day, and computer access will be provided. Students can combine online and traditional classes. Students who wish to take online courses in addition to the regular six-period instructional day can do so for a fee. For more information, including the courses available for the 2013-14 school year, visit www.gavirtualschool.org/.
Etowah Hires New Lacrosse Coaches Etowah High School hired two new lacrosse coaches after both boys and girls coaches stepped down at the end of last season. Andy Osborn is the new varsity girls coach, and Michael Cintineo is the new varsity boys. Coach Osborn comes from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, where he has coached the lacrosse program since 2003. Under his leadership, Sprayberry won 72 games and attended playoffs seven times. Coach Cintineo comes from Duluth High School where he coached a team that went 9-8 last season. He played lacrosse in high school and college and was named Rookie of the Year as a college freshman in 2009. 60
townelaker | August 2013
Left to right: Morgan Hendrix, Bridgette Hudak, Madison Tank, Rani Tilva, Annie Jiang, Ashley Anthony, Madison Puhy and Rachel Peterson.
Hobgood Heat Wins Championship The 7U Hobgood Heat All Star team won the District 3 Dizzy Dean Championship. Nine 7U teams competed in the tournament, including three Hobgood teams. Members include Bryce Bessho, Zac Calabrese, Carter Gilliam, Jack Hartman, Evan Holstein, Caleb Hughes, Brooks McKenna, Joe Nevle, Logan Stradley, Jack Strickland, Jake Zehner, and Cody Cason (Alternate). Coaching staff includes Nick Bessho as head coach, and Matt McKenna, Mark Nevle, Todd Holstein and Dave Zehner as assistant coaches.
Local Runner Excels at State and Regional Competitions For her first season running track and field, Kali Terza is off to a great competitive start. Recently, she placed first in the 200-meter dash at the state meet in the 9-10 year old division. Kali is a member of the Etowah Youth Track Club, and, according to her coach Sahu Johnson, Kali is the first sprinter in the club’s history to win first place at a state meet. Kali qualified to compete in the regional meet, where she placed third and is now moving onto nationals. Congratulations!
Hobgood All Stars Team Wins Championship The Hobgood 8U All Stars team recently won the district championship. The team is the first 8U team at Hobgood to win a district title since 2007. Congratulations!
Hobgood Fury Wins Grand Slam Tournament
Reinhardt to Introduce Football Reinhardt University will welcome its first football team in the school’s history. The Eagles will begin play on August 31 at Mercer University. The first home game will be September 7 against Lindsey Wilson College. The Eagles will play nine games against opponents from the MidSouth conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
The Hobgood Fury 11U travel baseball team won the Grand Slam World Series Tournament held in Panama City Beach, FL. The team finished the tournament undefeated, scoring 48 runs and allowing 8. Members include Joseph Preissler, Connor Ahrens, Sam Branson, Michael Burke, Matthew Snyder, Jack Tomsey, Matthew Shirah, Carson Kirby, Josiah Siegel, Tristen Saunders, Drew Mathena and Carson Beavers. Coaches were David Mathena, Todd Kirby, Sean Burke and Jim Branson.
townelaker | August 2013
61
School & Sports
What Sort of Tennis Player are You? by Mark Billson
I always love walking around the tennis courts and watching the various levels of tennis going on. I watch the players who hit everything softly, often driving their opponents batty. Then, I see the large hitters who play one great game and then one ordinary game. Occasionally I see a player who has the ability to change the speeds and hit hard only when necessary. These players tend to Mark Billson is Director win more than they lose. of Tennis at Towne Lake While watching a higher level Hills Tennis Club. He is match, I have heard lower level USPTR certified with players saying that they feel like more than 20 years teaching experience. He they could beat the higher level works with players of all players. This is often because a ages and levels. Mark player playing line 5 on an A-level can be contacted at team might not be better that a tlhtennis@comcast.net. player playing line 1 on a C-level team. In ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association), the levels do not clearly define the level of a player as much as they emphasize the level of the team. Here are some ideas that can help you determine what level of player you are. When you start the match, do you know what type of skill set you have? If you don’t know this, then ask somebody that you respect to give you his or her opinion. Some people don’t like to receive criticism of his or her game. If you know your strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to mentally design your personal set of skills and bring them each week to your match. Each person’s skill set includes things that he or she does and does not do well. A good tennis player knows
62
townelaker | August 2013
how to win with his or her strengths and survive with his or her weaknesses. For example, if you don’t have a down-the-line backhand, then don’t use it. If you want to add it to your skill set, get some instruction and practice until it becomes part of your game. If you want to be a good tennis player, then you need to answer the questions below as honestly as possible. Knowing the answer to these will allow you to determine how good your playbook is. • Do you have the ability to serve in a good percentage of first serves? • Is your second serve effective? • Can you direct the return of serve crosscourt? • Do you have an effective defensive first volley? • How good are you at finishing points? • Do you understand what shots you should play at each score in the game? • How mentally tough are you? • Do you fold under pressure? • Do you understand the correct movement on the court? • Are you an encouraging partner? There are many more questions, but these are some of the important ones. Look at each question and answer it honestly. If you feel some of these areas need improvement, find a good tennis pro to help you. You will be glad you did. I always tell the people I teach that they need to learn something new each ALTA season if they want to improve their performance on the court.
townelaker | August 2013
63
Cherokee Photography Club Established in 2004, the Cherokee Photography Club is for all levels of photographers. The club holds two meetings per month. A regular meeting is held on the fourth Monday of the month, and a meeting for those interested in participating in a monthly photography competition is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7 – 9 p.m. and are held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street in Canton. Each month, we will feature the winners from the previous month’s competition. The theme for this month’s feature is “Weather.” For more information on the club, please email Kim Bates at kbphotoart@comcast.net or call him at (770) 617-7595, www.cherokeepc.org. Storm Watchers by Eddie Myers
A Passing Storm by Tony Larosa
Raindrops On My Window Make Me Happy by Vicki Sellers
Fog Fishing by Becky Sapp
Snow in the Valley of Fires by Eilleen Kirk
New Mexico Snow by Eilleen Kirk 64
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
65
School & Sports
Connections Can Make Dreams Happen By Joseph Lemmo
Life is all about connections. If proud! His parents asked me to write the foreword for his book. you’re not building and nurturing What a compliment, and definitely a first in my life. But there relationships, you’re not living. was one more step — to find an illustrator to do the artwork for And when it comes to teaching, the book. staying connected with your Enter Tony DeSantis, another former student of mine. Tony students can be difficult but not is a graduate of Etowah and is now attending Kennesaw impossible. The payoff when you State University majoring in graphic design and printmaking. do is priceless. Needless to say, it’s been a long time since he sat in my I teach more than 100 students classroom. (And no, that doesn’t make me feel old by the way!) each year and, when they Luckily, I’ve been able to stay connected to Tony throughout leave my class in May, it can be the years. Unlike P.J., I didn’t recognize Tony’s talent early on. impossible to stay connected It was actually more recent for me. I’m good friends with his the way I did while they were parents, and it was during a conversation with his dad that I Joe Lemmo is language in my class. However, once in a found out how talented he had become with his artwork. I arts teacher at E.T. Booth while, there are students who commissioned Tony to do a painting for me to give as a gift to Middle School; he’s been come along to make it easier. my fiancée for Christmas last year. The painting was incredible! a teacher for 12 years. He also performs Improv Consider P.J. McFarlane. P.J. was And now for the best part. at the Elm Street Cultural in my seventh grade class two I gave Tony’s number to P.J.’s dad, and he did some sketches Arts Center. Joe can be years ago. He’s now entering his based on P.J’s book, and –voilà - he is the illustrator of a soonreached at mrlemmo@ freshman year at Etowah High to-be published novel. It’s difficult to explain how exciting it gmail.com. School. His talents in writing is to see two former students combine their talents to create were evident early on. When something so special. I hope you are able to recognize the he won a playwright contest talents possessed by the people around you. My advice for you early in his seventh-grade year with his play Frank’s Quantum is dream big and stay connected! Adventure, I realized his writing was definitely special. P.J. expects his book to be published soon with hopefully, a Due to the positive feedback from his play, I decided to book signing in September. P.J. is the son of Cathy and Andy encourage him to add to the play to make it a full young adult McFarlane and Tony is the son of Kim and Mark DeSantis. novel. After meeting with his family, we all decided P.J. was up for the challenge. The goal was now to get P.J. published. As I stated in my last month’s column, you might as well dream big! He continued writing through the rest of the year, over the summer and even into his eighth grade year. During this time, I was able to stay connected to him by helping him edit the story. I was amazed with the enjoyment I got from reading it. Actually, my favorite part was sharing it with my thencurrent students. They would get frustrated when I would stop, and practically begged me to share more! P.J. finally finished the novel during his eighth grade year — 60 pages typed with minimal errors and abundant figurative language. Left to right: Tony DeSantis, Joe Lemmo and P.J. McFarlain I couldn’t have been more 66
townelaker | August 2013
faith
Marriage Moments by Bill Ratliff
Recently, I was in South Dakota on a mission trip for one week. It was a phenomenal experience! Missions always recharge my batteries. However, I returned home completely exhausted. I had some of the typical old guy stuff bothering me: sore shoulder, aching back and tender feet. Sensing the neediness in me, my wife took me under her wing of kindness. She had me sit in the Lazy Boy recliner, and she bandaged my foot and waited Bill Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake on me. She served me delicious Community Church. meals. She even made my He can be reached at (678) favorite bread and butter pickles 445-8766 or bratliff@ with cucumbers and squash tlcchurch.com freshly picked from the church garden. She listened attentively to my stories about the trip. As I was acclimating to the rearrangement of furniture and decorating she did while I was away, she watched episodes of historical shows about the Wild
“Are you kind to your mate? Do you show him or her the same care and kindness you do others?” West with me. I felt refreshed at the end of the weekend. Her kindness during my recuperation was a great blessing to me. In 1 Thessalonians 5:15 the Bible says, “always try to be kind to each other...” Are you kind to your mate? Do you show him or her the same care and kindness you do others? If not, I challenge you to think about the specific needs of your spouse and initiate kindness into your marriage this month. Enjoy the blessings that occur as a result of your efforts. Date Your Mate: Enjoy a summer sushi dining adventure while the weather is nice. There are several local restaurants with outdoor seating and music on the weekend. Eat, listen to music and enjoy the outdoors together!
townelaker | August 2013
67
faith
Back In The Routine by Dr. Doug Thrasher
Dr. Doug Thrasher is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the TowneLaker’s Community Board. You may contact him at dthrasher@ hillsideumc.org.
68
townelaker | August 2013
Every year as school starts, I hear people saying, “Well, it’s time we got back in the routine.” We all know what that means, right? It means getting back in a regular schedule of children in school, working, sports and other extracurricular activities, all of which happen on a regular weekly and daily basis. After summertime, when every week is different because of vacations, weekend trips, tournaments, and days at the lake, we get back to a more normal routine in our lives once school starts. We are creatures of habit. We like routines. I know that I like to get up every morning and drink coffee, read the paper, spend time reading scripture and time in prayer. Only after I have done all these things do I feel ready to get
on with the business of the day. I’m sure you have a routine that you prefer as well. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but professional athletes employ routines as they prepare to take a golf shot, to serve a tennis ball or step up to the plate to hit a baseball. They use routines because it helps them to focus and relax and, as a result, perform better. Routines can be very helpful. But, routines can also get interrupted and throw us out of whack. Many times I have gotten into exercise routines. Then, I’ll get sick or go on vacation or something will happen to interrupt the routine and, before I know it, I’m not exercising at all. It takes real effort to get back in to the routine. I’ve observed the same is true about the exercise of worship. I’ve observed that people get into a routine of worshipping God on Sundays. Then, something interrupts the routine of weekly worship, and it takes real effort to get back in to church. It’s like starting all over again, and it takes effort, but it is worth it! So, this month it is back to the routine. Once again, we’ll be working, going to school, taking part in regular activities and going to church on Sunday. I’m looking forward to the routine. I hope you are as well. And, if worship has not been a part of your routine in a while, let me encourage you to start all over again. You will be blessed.
townelaker | August 2013
69
VILLAGE PODIATRY CENTERS
Plantar
HEEL PAIN SUFFERERS: Learn the Truth About Treating Plantar Fasciitis
(888) 595-0255 671-1760 (888)
Relief May Be Just A Phone Call Away.
FASCIITIS?
Put An End To Your Foot & Ankle Plantar Fasciitis Pain. (area of pain) Calcaneus (heel bone)
Over 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis do not require surgery. “It feels like I’m walking on nails.”
P
The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the toes. It has been reported that plantar fasciitis occurs in two million Americans a year and in 10% of the U.S. population over a lifetime. Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is usually made by clinical examination alone. The clinical examination may include checking the patient’s feet and watching the patient stand and walk. The clinical examination will take under consideration a patient’s medical history,
Experience, Passion & Dedication Village Podiatry Centers is the largest and most experienced foot and ankle practice in the southeast. Every physician at Village Podiatry Centers is a board certified or board qualified podiatrist with more than ten years of medical and surgical training. • 38 Podiatric Surgeons (And Growing!) • 37 Metro Atlanta & Middle Georgia Offices • 160,000+ Annual Patient Visits • 17,000+ Annual Surgical Procedures • 5 Dedicated Foot & Ankle Surgery Centers • 20+ Hospital Affiliations
Tired of walking on nails?
If you’re tired of the pain of plantar fasciitis, give one of our over 30 offices a call. You have nothing to lose but your pain!
Eric H., Atlanta, GA
lantar fasciitis (PF) is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the sole (bottom surface) of the foot. It is often caused by overuse of the plantar fascia or arch tendon of the foot. It is a very common condition and can be difficult to treat if not looked after properly.
Plantar Fascia
physical activity, foot pain symptoms and more. The use imaging studies like radiographs (X-rays), diagnostic ultrasound and MRI may also be required. The Heel Spur-Plantar Fasciitis Connection An incidental finding associated with plantar fasciitis is a heel spur, a small bony calcification on the calcaneus heel bone. Plantar fasciitis may occur with or without the presence of a heel spur. Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis Treatment options for plantar fasciitis may include rest, massage therapy, stretching, night splints, physical therapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, injection of corticosteroids and surgery in refractory cases. In addition, some evidence shows that stretching of the calf and plantar fascia may provide PF relief. Although each case varies, less than 10% of all plantar fasciitis patients will require surgery.
5 Common Causes of PF: • Arch problems (both flat feet & high arches) • Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces • Sudden weight gain or obesity • Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel) • Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles If you’re tired of suffering with plantar fasciitis, or any other foot or ankle pain including: flat feet, bunions, or even diabetic peripheral neuropathy - please give one of our over 30 offices a call at (888) 671-1760. 595-0255. You have nothing to lose, but your pain. #1 Cause of Heel Pain Plantar fasciitis is the No. 1 reason people visit a podiatrist complaining of heel pain.
Over 30 Offices
Treatment and Surgery For The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg • Arthritis pain • Bunions, hammer toes • Diabetic foot care • Flat feet, fallen arches
• Foot and ankle fractures • Heel pain • Ingrown toenails • Pediatric foot problems
Alpharetta - Northside Hospital Atlanta - Emory Hospital Midtown - Piedmont Hospital - St. Joseph’s Hospital - Stone Hogan Road Austell Buford Canton
Cumming Dacula Dallas/Hiram Douglasville Duluth Dunwoody Ellijay Gainesville Greensboro Jasper
• Plantar Fasciitis • Reconstructive surgery • Sports injuries • Toenail fungus
Johns Creek Lawrenceville - Medical Center Lithonia Macon - Medical Center - Riverside Marietta - Kennestone - West Cobb
Same Day & Emergency Appointments Available
Milledgeville Norcross Roswell Smyrna Stone Mountain Tucker Warner Robins Woodstock
New Patients Always Welcome • Most Insurance Plans • Same Day & Emergency Appointments Available
( 8 8 8 ) 671-1760 5 9 5 - 0 2 5 5 •• WWW.VILLAGEPODIATRYCENTERS.COM W W W. V I L L A G E P O D I AT R Y C E N T E R S . C O M (888) VPC, Plantar Fasciitis Ad, 04-26-13.indd 1
70
townelaker | August 2013
4/26/13 1:31 PM
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK
townelaker | August 2013
71
downtown woodstock
Big Changes by Jodi Tiberio
This month’s makeover recipient, Tammy Dorsten, was the perfect candidate for us to try out our Jodi Tiberio owns new line of clothing. Tammy has Branch Boutique for a beautiful, infectious smile and a women in Towne Lake beautiful soul to match. Tammy’s and THREADS boutique for men and women in marriage recently ended and, despite Downtown Woodstock. the difficult time she was going Contact Jodi at info@ through, her smile and spirit never shopthreads.net. faded. She owns Holdheide Academy and Prep and is a hard-working entrepreneur and educator. She is also a mom devoted to her children. Tammy was concerned about finding clothes that flattered her and her young at heart persona! “I want to feel young and not look frumpy,” she said. Both of our stores carry boutique lines that come in sizes for our customers who need a figure-flattering fit with a reasonable price tag. We had Tammy try on several pieces that looked great on her. Many of the tops had a sophisticated style that we could layer for a really put together look. She also tried on some of the more colorful trendy pieces. We decided on a handkerchief cardigan that she could either wear down or tie in the center. This cardigan can also be pinned at the top with a pin or brooch. Paired with a slimming pair of black jeans, the overall look was gorgeous. I really loved how happy Tammy was as she admired herself in the mirror. We had so much fun working together, and the end result was perfect. I knew Tim Timmons and the staff at Salon Gloss had big plans for Tammy’s hair so I could not wait to see the end result! Tim noted that Tammy’s hair texture was very fine and feathery. After an extensive consultation with her, Tim learned that Tammy gives a lot to others and never really makes herself a priority, which was all about to change. Tim wanted something that would match Tammy’s vivacious personality, big smile and beautiful eyes. Her current shade of dark blonde did nothing for her skin tone, resulting in a washed-out look. Tim chose a warm chocolate shade for Tammy to bring warmth back to her complexion and added 18 inches of length to her hair with extensions for thickness, balance and drama. For added drama, Tim suggested lash extensions to make Tammy’s eyes pop. After her reveal, the tears in Tammy’s eyes said it all. This was a woman with a renewed view of herself and was ready to take on the world! Tammy’s makeover has been the most striking contrast since we began doing makeovers last year. Tammy’s transformation left us all speechless. She looks so beautiful on the outside, and it truly matches her beautiful, positive and glowing inside. Way to go, Tammy! It takes a lot of courage to do this, but it was worth it. 72
townelaker | August 2013
townelaker | August 2013
73
downtown woodstock
Turning a Vision Into Reality By Mayor Donnie Henriques
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” -Warren Bennis Many times, I’ve been told by residents and non-residents that they love the vision I’ve had for the downtown district, including the outlet mall. I quickly remind them it was a team effort that included the Woodstock City Council and city government staff. Being the Donnie Henriques is the mayor is like being a quarterback mayor of Woodstock. You may contact him by on a football team — you receive calling (770) 592-6001 too much credit while taking too or e-mail dhenriques@ much blame. woodstockga.gov. Our team had a vision for downtown Woodstock that became a reality. The area is a desirable place to visit and is more pedestrian friendly since the streetscape project was completed a few years ago.
While most businesses were able to occupy their spaces within current zoning restrictions, we did need to make some concessions so others could come into the downtown area. Woodstock has become the place to be in Cherokee County, and is attracting visitors from surrounding counties as well – a fact that’s evident by surveying license plates on cars parked downtown. According to Horizon Development, the outlet mall is expected to have two million visitors within the first year. It goes without saying that some of these visitors will spill over into our downtown district. The proposed amphitheater will create a multi-use green space and will include a stage and tiered seating. This, along with the expansion of Towne Lake Parkway and Arnold Mill Road, will allow for and encourage even more businesses to locate in the area. Our team continues to create visions for the future … stay tuned!
“Our team had a vision for downtown Woodstock that became a reality.”
refreshed & renewed. we’re celebrating 22 years rejuvenated. connect outer beauty with inner well-being in our newly updated lifestyle salon and spa. book an appointment today and come see what’s new!
Join us for an Open House Fri., Aug. 2nd from 7-9pm Experience Complimentary Services Consult with our Creative Team Door Prizes and Special Discounts
salon•spa hours mon & fri 9-6 tues, wed, thurs 9-9 sat 8:30-5 august off-peak spa days are tuesdays & wednesdays stay connected.
8516 main street • downtown woodstock
770.591.2079 • www.salonvenessa.com 74
townelaker | August 2013
clothing • accessories • shoes • gifts • for him and her
THREADS
500 Chambers St. • Downtown Woodstock 770-485-0744 • www.shopthreads.net
Back to School Doesn’t End the Fun by Lauren Sellers
You may have noticed a recent shortage of notebooks and highlighters. Demand for pens and pencils and parents’ stress levels peak during early August as kids head back to school. If you are the parent of a nervous Cherokee County student and are equally anxious about the return to the classroom, the merchants in downtown Woodstock want to help. While August can be busy and Lauren Sellers is an chaotic, it may be the perfect intern with Woodstock’s time to introduce your child Office of Economic to a new hobby or activity. A Development, and a third-year public relations distraction can help ease the and Spanish major at the back-to-school transition. University of Georgia. Try knitting or sewing classes at The Whole Nine Yarns or Sew Main Street this fall for your mini fashion gurus. Your children will love the skills they’ll pick up and feel empowered by having a craft they can hold in their hands when they’re done. Visit The Whole Nine Yarns and Sew Main Street’s online calendars for class times and descriptions. Of course, needles and thread are not for everyone. For your future Oscar winner, drama classes are great options for building confidence and enhancing creativity in a supportive environment. Elm Street Cultural Arts village offers classes, starting on August 19, in playmaking, improv, stage and makeup design, and voice. The classes last 6 – 13 weeks per session. Check out elmstreetarts.org to enroll. Downtown Woodstock has just the thing for the little athletes in your household, too. Natural Strides’ Kids Running Club will be back this fall. Running can easily become a lifelong love for your child, and joining the club will help him or her gain endurance and stay fit through the year. Call Natural Strides for more information at (770) 627-5692. By enrolling your child in a downtown activity this year, you are afforded a little time to unwind, shop and eat until it’s time to go home. Look for Main Street Woodstock’s new Pinterest account, www.pinterest.com/mswoodstock, for special tips and guides on how to get the most out of your downtown this year. And while you’re at it, check out whatsupwoodstock.com to try out Woodstock’s first do-it-yourself “food tour,” a downtown restaurant flowchart that will bring you to a drinks, dinner and dessert destination. August does mean a return to homework, early mornings and afternoon activities, but it doesn’t mean you have to leave the fun and relaxation behind. The Main Street Farmers Market will continue on Saturdays through October 26. August has the potential to be a great month in Woodstock. townelaker | August 2013
75
downtown woodstock
The Cocoon by kristina havens
On a recent trip back home to Western New York, I spent an afternoon with a dear friend and one of my former painting teachers. Even though we are more than a decade apart in age, we have children the same age and have both been married for about the same amount of time. As we reminisced, we discovered that our lives have many parallels. We talked about our families, compared notes on marriage, and spent a long time sharing the names and paintings of artists who are inspiring us at this stage in our artistic growth. We shared our struggles of wanting to be good mothers, while still being able to feed that part of us that makes us who we are – our art. The goal to always be growing, always be improving and always be producing art is strong in many artists, and our lives are often moving at too quick a pace for us to fulfill our desires to be in the studio. As she showed me around her home, her studio, her garden and even her garage, one story really resonated with me. Last summer, her husband continued his tradition of hatching cocoons for their two daughters. That year, however, one cocoon did not thrive, and at the end of the summer her husband tucked it away on a shelf in the garage, forgotten. (Both being artists, neither parent could throw away what could be a subject for a later sketch or painting!) This summer, not realizing that she Composing by found the rejected cocoon from the summer before and not one of the new cocoons ready for this year, she set the cocoon up and prepared to watch it fulfill its destiny. Her husband pointed out that this was probably not going to happen. Imagine my friend’s surprise as she walked into the garage one day and discovered the butterfly slowly emerging, damp wings curled. She ran to get her camera as the delicate creature spread its wings, allowed them to dry, and made its first feeble attempts to take flight. My friend witnessed the butterfly fly out of the garage and into the sun. Kristina Laurendi Havens is a professional artist and owner of Studio 81, which shares a beautiful space in downtown Woodstock with Ann Litrel Art.
There are many parts of our lives that we put upon a shelf, tucked away for a later date, to be retrieved when there is money in the bank, fewer items on the “to do” list or time on our calendar. Those parts of us that make us happy - learning to salsa dance, taking a painting course, trying out scuba diving are not a priority when the kids need to be fed, the lawn has to be cut and the laundry is piling up. One day soon, take that tucked away and forgotten bit of potential off the shelf. Dust it off and give it a chance to emerge and come to life. Take a class. Learn a new skill. Go out dancing! It’s not too late, and you are never too old. Potential. It’s one of my all-time favorite words. Potential cannot be predicted or measured. There is no end, no maximum amount to be reached. That cocoon may have been tucked up on a shelf, but its potential never died.
Casey Baugh
Kristina in hosting two world-class artists at Studio 81 – Casey Baugh will be teaching a portrait painting workshop August 1216, and Aaron Westerberg will be teaching portrait and figure painting on October 14-18. If you are interested in portrait and figure painting with either of these artists, please contact Kristina at 81artist@comcast.net. More information can be found on her blog at www.studio81.biz.
Artists Workshops at Studio 81 Portrait Painting August 12-16 with Casey Baugh Portrait & Figure Painting October 14-18 with Aaron Westerberg 76
townelaker | August 2013
404-5
20-0710
MCLELLAN
EX CAV ING P ATION A & L ANDSC
& LANDSCAP VATION ING A C EX
NO
MC L E L L AN
JOB TOO SMALL
We are a family-owned business living in Towne Lake and very familiar with the sinkholes in our community. • • • • • • •
Sinkholes professionally repaired Retaining walls built Pool demolition Lots cleared Yards leveled Water control solutions New lawn installation
Fully Insured. Free Estimate. References. Read our excellent reviews on Angie’s List Call Bill or Patricia McLellan:
404-520-0710
MCLELLAN
L
EXCAVATION AND LANDSCAPING
AP ING
JOB TOO SMAL
www.excavationandlandscaping.com
NO
C EXCAVATION & LANDS
MCLELLAN
townelaker | August 2013 TownLaker MEL_Ad.indd 1
6/7/13 4:07:30 PM
77
downtown woodstock
Experience Elm Street Backstage is Where the Real Magic Happens by G. Lora Grooms
“They make it look so easy and so much fun! I want to do that, too.” We may say this ourselves or hear someone else say it. Sometimes we’re watching a person playing soccer or riding a bike. Sometimes it’s singing or painting a landscape or watching a ballerina gracefully and lightly dance across a stage. But it is actually backstage where the real magic happens G. Lora Grooms is the — the magic that makes all the director for the Elm Street performers look good. There Cultural Arts Village. are hours of preparation the She has been teaching, audience never sees, and the writing, directing and performing in the Atlanta people who create that magic are area since 1990. You can very rarely seen. reach her at director@ When patrons come to an elmstreetarts.org Elm Street show, they are often greeted by a gracious, lovely lady with beautiful silver hair taking tickets and handing out programs. She is generally wearing one of our many green volunteer aprons, which she actually had made for and donated to Elm Street. Or you may see her at the concessions counter, the box office desk, or delivering “Fan-o-Grams” to the actors. She often attempts to hide when I try to brag about her to the audience during the curtain speech. What you didn’t get to see is the many, many hours she works backstage, creating beautiful sets and props and costumes. Who is this incredible yet humble lady? She is Cindy Flanders, a Woodstock resident who happened upon us one day and decided to start Cindy on a mission trip to Margate South volunteering. Her husband Africa. Jim and daughter Britt are also regular and hard-working volunteers at Elm Street, and we’re very fond of them, too. Cindy brings an unmatchable continued on page 82 78
townelaker | August 2013
Dan
ns
gi Gog
CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK
AUGUST 9, 16, 17 @ 7:30 PM 11, 18 @ 2 PM Call or visit us on the web to learn about our
FALL CLASSES IN THEATRE, ART AND MUSIC
ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251
August
CALENDAR of events August 10
Concert Series — The Dazz Band Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Park at City Center Information: 1980s funk band. Free. Bring a picnic or enjoy one of the many restaurants and vendors. Chairs and blankets welcome. Alcohol not permitted. Visit www.woodstockconcertseries.com.
Saturdays through October 26
Main Street Woodstock Farmers Market
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Location: Woodstock City Center parking lot, corner of Main Street and Towne Lake Parkway Information: For more about the market or to become a vendor, email Kyle Bennett at kbennett@woodstockga.gov.
August 2
Friday Nite Live — Summer of Love Time: 6 – 9 p.m. Location: Downtown Woodstock Information: Break out the tie-dye and headbands as the history of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival is celebrated. There will be a hippie costume contest.
August 2
iThink Improv Troupe Time: 9 p.m. Location: City Center, 8534 Main Street Information: All seats $5. Enjoy family-friendly humor after Friday Nite Live. Visit www.elmstreetarts.org or call (678) 494-4251.
August 9-18
Nunsense Times: August 9, 16 & 17 7:30 p.m., August 11 & 18 2 p.m. Location: City Center, 8534 Main Street Information: Advance online purchase $12 adults, $11 seniors and $10 for ages 12 and under. At the door, $15, $13 and $12. Call (678) 494-4251 or visit www.elmstreetarts.org.
August 10
Book Signing: Susan Rebecca White, A Place at the Table Time: 5 p.m. Location: FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street Information: Free. Book purchase optional
August 29
Book Signing: Don Farmer and Chris Curle, Deadly News Time: 6 p.m. Location: FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street Information: Free. Book purchase optional
Main Street Woodstock is Now on Pinterest Follow them at http://pinterest. com/mswoodstock, and learn how to get the most out of your downtown. Watch out for event and festival tips, restaurant guides and entertainment ideas for all ages.
townelaker | August 2013
79
downtown woodstock
Summer
Faces and Places
Woodstock Farmer’s Market
Pie Day
Left: Pie eating contest. Above: Jim Harkins’ second place finisher. Right: Nicole Reale, first place with her Woodstock banana cream pie with peanut shortbread crust and bourbon salted caramel.
Woodstock Freedom Run
80
townelaker | August 2013
We are currently conducting our annual membership drive. Please check out mainstreet.org for more information.
Next meeting: Friday, August 30 Sponsored by Greenprints Alliance New Members: Camp Bow Wow Avon by Dyan Barrel and Barley Bubble Brush Car Wash
Send in Your Photos and Events for the Downtown Woodstock Section! Deadline is August 10 for September issue email: editor@townelaker.com
townelaker | August 2013
81
Where the Second Amendment Stands in Georgia continued from page 18
training of this age bracket is simply a mechanism to create a door through which training can be required of all Georgians. As another Representative so eloquently stated, “We would never suggest requiring training in order to allow a citizen to vote, because we truly believe it to be a right.” Though our neighbor South Carolina requires citizens to receive training in order to carry handguns, its gun murder rate is nearly a full percentage point higher than Georgia’s (4.5 percent vs. 3.8 percent in 2010). These requirements are not proven to reduce gun violence. They simply enact more control on citizens’ constitutional rights. These changes in the bill were a large driver for its delay into next year’s session. As the General Assembly renews its debate on the subject, it will be very important that your representatives and senators understand your views. Feel free to contact me by emailing Michael@CaldwellForHouse.com.
Experience Elm Street continued from page 78
artistic vision to our sets and props, and she does it all on our non-profit shoestring budget. Yet, Cindy doesn’t finish a set and walk away. Oh, no. She comes to virtually every performance to check that each piece is still in good condition and in the proper location. Her attention to detail and skill with color and texture is astounding. If you’ve been fortunate enough to see her work, you know what I’m talking about. And it is not easy work to accomplish when you already have a full-time job. I can’t even count how many times she has used her lunch hour to dash over and volunteer for Elm Street. Now that you know who she is, please be sure to thank her next time you attend a show. She most certainly deserves her own round of applause.
Wines of Greece continued from page 39
the fermentation process. Today, you can find many excellent Greek wines with a lot of them still unknown to wine lovers worldwide. You should be able to find a good selection of these wines in the $10-15 range to try. One of my favorites is Sigalas Assyrtiko from Santorini. The Sigalas Assyrtiko has received excellent press from the Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator. This is an awesome wine, priced at $20-25. If you are a white wine fan, it’s worth the money. Until next time, cheers! To visit my website, scan this code
82
townelaker | August 2013
In God We Trust continued from page 36
heavier items from my mother’s place. They were very polite and humble young men, the oldest just starting college this fall. I offered the freshman, David, a few items for his new apartment. A small grill, some kitchen ware, and a two-drawer rolling file cabinet containing bundles of my mother’s bank statements from the early 1980s. We tried to retrieve the case of Holly Hobbie glasses from my mother’s storage shed, but when my husband spotted a Black Widow spider, we all decided that our work was finished. I vowed to return another time with a couple of bug bombs. The glasses had survived 35 years and would be fine until this fall when I could muddle through the shed without fear of poisonous insects. Lewis and I returned to Woodstock with our U-Haul full of dusty belongings. We were tired but relieved to have this long overdue project behind us. Then about an hour after our return, our friend Steve called my cell phone: “Hey Dee. I just heard from David. He was cleaning out the file cabinet you gave him and in the bottom of it he found an envelope containing a $50 bill. He wants to return it to you and wondered how you wanted to handle it.” In God We Trust. And we trust in wonderful mothers, whose memories may fade or become distorted, but who live in our hearts forever. And we can trust in honest, hardworking young men whose good deeds are often immeasurable.
Have you seen our sister magazine?
Sixes Living Covering BridgeMill, Holly Springs and the Sixes Area Title Editor: Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Contact Patty Ponder for advertising information. (770) 615-3322 • AroundAboutPatty@gmail.com See it online at www.SixesLiving Magazine.com
We’re savin’ lives by racin’ ducks! Cash Prizes Racing Location TBA
Saturday Race starts August 24th at 3pm 11am-4pm
Adopt a Duck TODAY!
Family Fun
Vendors
The following sponsors have donated prizes for the race: Reinhardt College Viva Mexico
Lake Arrowhead Golf Course Callahan Golf Links
Taste of Italy
American Grill Muddy Mutt
The Painted Pig Office Max
Shear Designs Salon Savy Paws
Brooklyn Joe’s
Pied Piper Pest Control
Williamson Brothers BBQ
Cherokee 16
Olive Garden
Fairways of Canton
Tiki Tan & Tique
Canton Pet Spa BJ’s
LDI Canton & Ashley South Graphics
Get your chance to win at Cherokee County Animal Shelter 1015 Univeter Rd or via Paypal at
Kroger
Chili’s
$5 = 1 ducky racer $20 quack pack = 5 ducks $50 ducky dozen = 12 ducks
www.cherokeega-animals.org townelaker | August 2013
83
reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA Community of Faith Baptist
Jewish
Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner
Chabad Jewish Center 14255 Wade Green Rd NW, Ste 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144, (678) 460-7702 Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat monthly at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat monthly at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWoodstock.com, www.Facebook.com/ JewishCenter
Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock, (770) 710-1068 Pastor: Elder Larry White www.crossroadspbc.org First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Alive Groups & Worship Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship Service: 6 p.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Mike Maxwell
Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green Street Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, (770) 973-3533 www.Kolemeth.net
New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 11 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana/Youth: 6:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: John Harris www.newvicbaptist.org
Messianic Jewish
South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert
Lutheran
Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler
84
townelaker | August 2013
Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life Ministries” 4206 North Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, (678) 936-4125 Saturday Hebrew Literacy & Bible Study: 10 a.m. Saturday Shabbat Service: 11 a.m. Rabbi: Gary Maxted
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.gslutheran.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien
Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org
Presbyterian Christ Covenant Presbyterian of Woodstock (PCA) Meets in the Rec Center of Cherokee County’s South Annex, 7545 Main Street; Bldg. 200, Woodstock Pastor: Ted Lester www.cc-pca.org
Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church Meets in Kings Academy Church Building 471 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, (770) 833-3797 Sunday Services: 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m., Sunday School: 11:30 a.m. Pastor: Matthew Holst www.genevaopc.org Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Cynthia Parr
Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Larry Niese www.saintmichaelcc.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com
United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Millie Kim www.bascombumc.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Chris Bryant www.coahumc.org First United Methodist Church of Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 926-6440 Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Over 50s meet 1st Saturday each month at 11:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude Herbert Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:25 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street, (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Little River United Methodist Church 12455 Highway 92, (770) 926-2495 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Bill Coady www.littleriverumc.info Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Joe McKechnie www.sixesumc.org Woodstock United Methodist Church 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 516-0371 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Clalude T. Herbert
Unitarian Universalist Emerson U U Congregation 2799 Holly Springs Road, Marietta, Georgia 30062 (770) 578-1533 Services: 9 & 11:30 a.m. August – May www.emersonuu.org Rev. Jeff Jones
Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Awakening Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140 next to Folks Restaurant, (770) 924-4150 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.awakeningwoodstock.com Lead Pastor: Jeff Whitmire Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com
BridgePointe Church 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, (770) 517-2977 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Pastor: Mat Garcia www.bridgepointechurch.org Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Larry Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. Auxiliary Meeting: 10:20 a.m. Bishop Phil Karski Woodstock Ward Sacrament Meeting: 11 a.m. Bishop Jonathan Ensign Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle Church 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock, (770) 928-7478 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Pastor: A.D. Hinton www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, (770) 405-2500 Party on Sunday: 10 a.m. www.hishandschurch.com Living Hope Lutheran Church 3450 Stilesboro Road NW, Kennesaw (770) 425-6726, office@livinghopega.com Sunday Services: 9 & 11:15 AM Wednesday: 1st & 3rd, Saturday: Youth 7:00 PM Pastor: John Schubert
www.LivingHopeGA.com, www.OpenArmsWestCobb.com
Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth, (404) 663-1828 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5 (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Gene Prince www.rezwoodstock.org Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway, (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m. Celebrate Recovery: Friday 6:30 p.m. Sr. Pastor: William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Small Groups: 6 p.m. Wednesday Meal: 6 p.m.; Worship: 6:40 p.m.; Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Aprenda Ingles Gratis (Free ESL): Lunes 7 — 9 p.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Lewis Stark www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael townelaker | August 2013
85
reference
TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: 7745 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: Laury Beesley, (678) 642-3110 www.CherokeeToastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 8.30 a.m. Location: J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Monday morning at 7:30 am Location: IHOP 8979 Hwy 92 www.meetup.com/No-Fee-Referral-NetworkWoodstock North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. Location: J. Christophers, 315 Chambers Street Contact: (770) 592-5990
Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Tuscany, 250 Cinema Way Contact: WCBusinessAssoc@aol.com
Next Step Ministries provides day programs Monday through Saturday for special needs kids, teens, and young adults. Contact: (770) 592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net
Charitable Organizations
Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org
Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hr, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 www.ahimsahouse.org Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika.org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Location: 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115 admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS. Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com
The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Contact: Edeline Dryden (678) 789-6158 www.thejoyofconnecting.com
Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net
Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280
Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter, (770) 842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com
Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & Third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com
86
townelaker | August 2013
Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: (770) 345-1024 Website: www.habitat-ncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com
Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: (770) 218-1997 www.hospiceadvantage.com iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 www.iCORorphans.com MUST Ministries Contact: Kendall Jones, (770) 479-5397
Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org
Civic Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50+ Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944 American Legion Post 316 Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366 Junior Service League of Woodstock Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 7pm. Location: Collective Co-Cop, 105 E. Main Street, Ste. 126 in Downtown Woodstock Contact: 24 hour info line: (770) 592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766, Lynda @edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meeting: Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch) Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@southernco.com Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522
Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: Charlice Byrd, (404) 557-2218 Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (404) 690-4452 Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958 Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: lodge.info@woodstocklodge246.org Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158
www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee County Arts Center Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group www.TCCSAG.org Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey Website: www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com
Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663
Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197
Political Organizations
Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Contact: Ellen Kayton, (678) 494-6005 www.nntl.org
Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Second Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Holly Springs Train Depot www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: Second Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Location: Winchesters Woodfire Grill Contact: (678) 905-1522 Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli (770)592-6545 Republican Women of Cherokee County Meeting: www.rwccga.com Contact: (678) 520-2236
Recreation & Hobbies Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: Studio 101, 101 Emma Lane, www.artsalliancega.org Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting Second Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road
Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization. Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com
Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131 Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551 Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers.
Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casaforchildren.org Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee County Lupus Support Group Meeting: 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: New Light Church Hall Contact: Pam Bennett, (404) 975-7580 C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org Georgia Canines for Independence www.gcidogs.org Contact: (404) 824-4637 Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7p.m. Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30188-30189 https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Location: Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: (770) 924-4777 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899 Towne Lake Area Moms Group www.TowneLakeArea.com Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors Meeting: First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589
townelaker | August 2013
87
reference
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)
100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://chambliss.senate.gov
Senator Johnny Isakson (R)
1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 http://isakson.senate.gov
Rep. Tom Price (R) District 6
85-C Mill St., Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075 http://tom.house.gov
Rep. Rob Woodall (R) District 7
75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 http://woodall.house.gov
Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R) District 11
100 North Street Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114 http://gingrey.house.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461 (202) 224-3521 GA: (770) 763-9090 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999
(202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990
Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov Sen. Jack Murphy (R) District 27
e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov
(404) 656-0034 (404) 463-1378 (770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602 (678) 523-8570
Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21
(678) 576-2644
scot@turnerforhouse.com
Rep. Calvin Hill (R) District 22 calvin.hill@house.ga.gov
State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr.
Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris
(404) 463-7778
(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6431 (678) 493-6431
(678) 493-6160
Juvenile Court: 88
townelaker | August 2013
lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Harry Johnston (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com bpoole@cherokeega.com
Jason Nelms (R) District 4 Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)
(770) 735-8055 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4100 fax: (678) 493-4228
498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com
Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little
(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420
2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 155 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo
(770) 924-4099 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Kelly Marlow (R) District 1 Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 Michael Geist (R) District 3
Probate Court:
Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker
(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236 (770) 721-6298 x4369 (770) 893-2970 (404) 462-4950
michael.geist@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Judge Keith Wood (R)
Commissioners: L.R. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman
patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Magistrate Court: Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds
(678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6001
kelly.marlow@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Cherokee County Courts Superior Court: Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea
www.cherokeega.com
jnelms@cherokeega.com (202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 345-2931
Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20
michael@CaldwellforHouse.com
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners 1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114
Brian Poole (R) District 3 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005
(404) 652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov barry@barryloudermilk.com
(770) 479-1488 (678) 493-6511
hjohnston@cherokeega.com
State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)
Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R) District 14
District Attorney Shannon Wallace Clerk of Courts Patty Baker
(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280
Janet Read (R) Chair
(770) 516-1444
janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rick Steiner (R) District 4
(770) 721-4398, x4370
rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Rob Usher (R) District 5
(770) 928-0341
rob.usher@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Robert Wofford (R) District 6 (Vice-Chair) robert.wofford@cherokee.k12.ga.us City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques
e-mail: dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com
(770) 345-6256
(770) 592-6017
Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association
(Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) Douglas Properties (770) 926-3086 117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188
SCHOOL INFORMATION Public Schools Ace 3921 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs (770) 345-2005 Principal: Mr. Richard Landolt www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ aceacademy Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway, Woodstock (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ carmel-es Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton (678) 385-7322 Principal: Dr. Scott O’Prey cherokeecharter.org E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive, Woodstock (770) 924-6260 Principal: Ms. Joey Moss www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road, Acworth (770) 974-6682 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive, Woodstock (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Bob Hahn www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris
Woodstock Elementary School 230 Rope Mil Road, Woodstock (770) 926-6969 Principal: Kim Montalbano www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-es Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, (770) 592-3500 Principal: Dr. Paul Weir www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-hs
Holdheide Education K-3 5234 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Principal: Tammy Dorsten (770) 516-2292 www.MyGiftedKids.org Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd., Woodstock (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org
Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms
North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org
Private Schools
Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com
Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org High School Principal: Rod Kirby Middle School Principal: Hal Scripka Elementary School: Robert Lester Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92, Acworth (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org
Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org
Home School Homeschool Community Classical Conversations Woodstock Director: Cari Lingerfelt carinwoody@bellsouth.net
Cherokee County School District 2013-2014 Calendar at a Glance
August 5 First Day of School September 2 School Holiday September 16-20 Fall Break November 5 School Holiday November 25-29 Thanksgiving Break December 23 - January 6 Holiday Break Cafeteria account information: www.mypaymentsplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12.ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us townelaker | August 2013
89
reference
Towne Lake Area Homes Sold in June Townelaker Home Sales June 2013 List Price
Address
Subdivision
$ 139,000.00 1108 Canvas Back DR Allatoona Woods $ 154,900.00 135 Wallnut Hall CIR Brookshire $ 164,500.00 604 Wallnut Hall TRL Brookshire $ 165,000.00 137 Wallnut Hall CIR Brookshire $ 259,846.00 231 Shaw DR Centennial Lakes $ 149,000.00 4029 MT VERNON DR Centennial Place $ 123,900.00 245 Rose Cottage DR Cottages at Towne Lake $ 199,900.00 372 YONAH CIR Deer Run $ 249,800.00 4176 Dream Catcher DR Deer Run North $ 164,900.00 174 Eagle Glen DR Eagle Glen $ 139,900.00 201 Eagle View TRCE Eagle View $ 169,900.00 906 Feather Creek LN Eagle Watch $ 200,000.00 724 PLAYERS CT Eagle Watch $ 309,300.00 3203 EAGLE WATCH DR Eagle Watch $ 350,000.00 1607 Amberwood CT Eagle Watch $ 439,900.00 719 Whisper Wind CT Eagle Watch $ 169,900.00 925 Victoria Landing DR Emerald Cove $ 174,900.00 325 ETOWAH VALLEY TRCE Etowah Valley Estates $ 75,000.00 2619 Kellogg Creek RD Kellogg Creek $ 135,000.00 3104 Lakepoint CIR Lake Pointe $ 143,900.00 116 Black Oak TRL Magnolia Walk $ 84,900.00 3236 MCCOLLUM CT McCollum Acres $ 214,175.00 206 Freelon LN Meridian At Ridgewalk $ 465,045.00 211 Millstone PKWY Millstone at Little River $ 187,500.00 180 Mirramont Lake DR Mirramont Lake $ 170,000.00 225 Winthrope DR Montclair At Ridgewalk $ 59,000.00 3496 KELLOGG CREEK RD None $ 137,100.00 201 Don John TRL Stir Up Manor $ 119,900.00 203 Don John TRL Stir Up Manor $ 249,999.00 2129 Summerchase DR Summerchase $ 249,900.00 1704 Brookridge CT The Arbors $ 235,000.00 532 Fairway DR The Fairways $ 199,900.00 805 Hillcrest LN Towne Lake Hills East $ 315,000.00 639 Goldpoint TRCE Towne Lake Hills East $ 315,000.00 1128 Towne Lake HLS E Towne Lake Hills East $ 438,000.00 303 Clubview TER Towne Lake Hills East $ 170,000.00 537 N Little Victoria RD Victoria Cottages $ 95,000.00 1339 Yorkshire LN Village at Cobblestone $ 150,000.00 2504 New Mill CT Westland Mill $ 175,000.00 226 Mincey WAY Whitfield at Ridgewalk $ 181,900.00 306 Tuggle CT Whitfield at Ridgewalk $ 469,800.00 130 Hubbard RD Woodstock Downtown $ 595,000.00 433 Latimer ST Woodstock Downtown $ 309,900.00 116 Johnston Farm LN Woodstock Knoll $ 195,000.00 200 Matthew LN Wyngate $ 219,900.00 2004 Fairbrook LN Wyngate
$ 219,138.37
AVERAGES
Beds Baths Yr Built 3 3 3 3 4 3 2 4 4 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 5 4 2 3 3 3 5 5 4 4 5 6 5 4 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 4 4
2 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 2 2 3 3.5 4.5 4.5 4 2 3 2 2 2 2 2.5 4.5 2.5 2 2 2 2 3.5 3.5 2.5 2.5 4.5 5 4.5 3 2 2 2.5 2.5 5 4.5 3 2.5 2.5
1987 2002 2003 2002 2012 1998 2000 1996 1997 1996 1999 1990 1989 1994 1992 1997 1985 1993 1980 1989 1986 1986 2013 2012 2001 2005 1974 1974 1974 1993 1992 1992 1997 1996 1996 1995 1996 1992 1987 2004 2005 2005 2005 2011 2000 1992
80.00 83.00 93.00 84.00 No data 43.00 93.00 106.00 67.00 98.00 99.00 64.00 67.00 No data 78.00 No data 75.00 75.00 34.00 61.00 100.00 60.00 No data 114.00 73.00 101.00 27.00 77.00 65.00 69.00 63.00 88.00 88.00 105.00 95.00 82.00 91.00 84.00 72.00 78.00 76.00 137.00 174.00 119.00 83.00 63.00
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
137,500.00 154,900.00 164,000.00 168,000.00 244,000.00 116,000.00 123,000.00 199,900.00 243,000.00 162,000.00 139,900.00 135,000.00 200,000.00 309,000.00 350,000.00 424,000.00 165,000.00 169,000.00 75,050.00 135,000.00 140,500.00 80,000.00 215,005.00 465,945.00 180,000.00 170,000.00 56,000.00 130,000.00 115,000.00 230,000.00 246,900.00 240,000.00 199,900.00 311,000.00 315,000.00 400,000.00 170,000.00 97,000.00 145,000.00 172,000.00 172,900.00 478,500.00 560,000.00 305,000.00 195,000.00 219,900.00
Days on Market 13 43 15 44 74 521 4 2 26 6 3 209 3 56 22 90 46 5 5 5 5 6 17 182 92 622 2 39 111 2 4 4 5 14 40 133 5 5 3 2 67 61 67 38 12 7
82.95
$
213,582.61
59.50
$$/Sqft $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Because of the significant lack of supply, we are in a Seller's market. Home prices are on the rise and homes are selling fast. It remains to be $ seen whether this seller's market can be sustained with new home construction adding strong competition to the market.
Sales Price
Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheila.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by TowneLaker)
90
townelaker | August 2013
classifieds
To place a classified ad contact Michelle at 770-615-3307 • art@townelaker.com
Cleaning Services
instruction
Penny Clean “One Woman Show” moving and deep cleaning available on weekends. Over 25 years experience, reasonable rates. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. (678) 4943602.
Learn to Whitewater Kayak. Call Roger Huff at (678)314-1514. More details at www. whitewatergeorgia.com.
The Dynamic Clean Team. You will have 2 cleaning specialists take care of your specific needs. We specialize in maintenance and deep cleaning. 15 years experience, references available. Call TODAY Melissa Jones, (404) 414-7743. THE CLEANING DAME: Weekly or bi-weekly housecleaning. Excellent references. Karen 770366-8399.
CHILD CARE Quality Childcare in Towne Lake Full, Part and Hourly available. Drop-ins welcome only pay when you come. Mon.-Fri. 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Openings available August 5. Call 678-860-5487.
garage sale Community Garage Sale — Deer Run/Towne Lake. Friday 8/9 and Saurday 8/10 8 a.m. — 1 p.m. Encompasses 800+ home community. List of participating homes and item listing available each morning at entrance.
$
1/Word
(10 WORD MINIMUM)
July
Repair Services Affordable Appliance Repair. 25 years experience kitchen/laundry, free service call. Mike 770-8812828
Sales
Sept
Join the TowneLaker Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/townelaker
Yard Services
Follow us on
Local high school student available for lawn care. Dependable and reasonable. Call Austin Biggers 404-323-4530.
www.twitter.com/townelaker
Tackett’s Tree Service. 18 years serving Cherokee County. Free Estimates. Call 678-887-0286.
PLEASE PRINT Aug
Scan this QR code and flip through the magazine
Easiest Job ever!. Get paid while your friends and family watch TV. Go to this website: www.couchpotatoeswanted.com
CLASSIFIED FORM
Month(s): Jan Feb Mar
PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY
Dance. Amazing New Studio! Peacock Dance & Theatrics. One Free class! 770-693-2888.
Townelaker
Townelaker Sixes Living
We are now mobile! You can view the TowneLaker magazine on your mobile device
Mail this Form with your Payment to: AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. 2449 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 • Fax: (770) 516-4809
$
1/Word
(10 WORD MINIMUM)
(All Fields Must Be Completed)
Apr May June Oct Nov Dec
Category: Word Count:
¨ ADD A PICTURE (2.375" X 1.50") FOR ONLY $39 (Per Month).
, $1/word, per month (10 Word Minimum)
Box numbers, phone numbers, zip codes and abbreviations are counted as one word each.
Email picture to art@townelaker.com.
Ad Wording (please include contact info):
Please make checks payable to AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. Form of payment: ¨ Cash or Check ¨ Visa ¨ Master Card ¨ American Express CC Account #
Exp:
Credit Card Authorization Signature: Name:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip: Daytime Phone: TowneLaker Classifieds is a monthly feature. All ads are accepted and placed under categories at the discretion of the publisher. Rates are only $1 per word, per month, with a 10-word minimum. “Pet Lost and Found,” “Ride Share” and “Free to Good Home” pet placement ads are FREE.
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THE 10 th FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH'S ISSUE! townelaker | August 2013
91
reference
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County Government:
(770) 345-0400
Animal Shelter Business Licenses Clean & Beautiful Commission Commissioners Courthouse Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation
(770) 345-7270 (770) 721-7810 (770) 517-7650 (678) 493-6000 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6077 (770) 479-0418 (770) 479-9011 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6101 (770) 345-5312 (678) 493-6120
License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration
(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (770) 479-0407
Taxes:
Children/Family:
Anna Crawford Children’s Center Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry
Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)
(770) 345-8100 (770) 720-7712 (770) 479-1804 (770) 345-5483 (770) 720-3581 (770) 720-3610 (770) 924-0864 (770) 479-5397 (770) 591-4730 (678) 413-8400
Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)
(770) 926-7155
Georgia State Patrol
(770) 205-5400
Health Department
(770) 345-7371
Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee
Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:
Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center
Libraries:
Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock
Non-Emergency 911
92
BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (770) 924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. (770) 926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264
Pets:
Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org
Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com
(800) 275-8777
Recycling Center
(770) 516-4195
Sheriff’s Department
(678) 493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm
Utilities:
Hospitals:
Parks and Recreation:
townelaker | August 2013
(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100 (770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666
www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org (770) 591-1491 (770) 479-3090 (770) 926-5859
(770) 479-3117
Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com A T & T (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com
Urgent Care Facility
Wellstar Urgent Care
Woodstock, City of:
(678) 494-2500
(in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run,
ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) . www.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6030
Townelaker Distribution MAp Our purpose:
At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity; sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride; developing safety nets for those in need; and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine.
Sincerely, Your Friends at TowneLaker TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,250
townelaker | August 2013
93
Advertisers Directory ATTorneys/Legal Services Burns & Speights, PC 181 E. Main Street, Canton (770) 956-1400, www.bsgalaw.com
5
81
Back Cover
Rohan Law, PC (404) 923-0446, www.rohhanlawpc.com
62
Automotive Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Road (770) 591-3630
25
Chevron at Hobgood Park (770) 928-6225 5195 Towne Lake Parkway
29
Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500 1930 Eagle Drive, Woodstock
18
The Midas Touch Mobile Detailing (404) 625-0117
38
Towne Lake’s Carwash & Detail www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com 1490 Towne Lake Parkway
69
Back Cover
Citadel Professional Services, LLC 43 (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Suite 440, Kennesaw Hill & Hill Financial, LLC (770) 672-0402 406 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock
19
Renasant Bank (678) 388-5709, renasantbank.com
23
Chiropractors Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation (770) 516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Parkway
49
Optimum Health 13 (770) 516-7477, www.optimumhealthrehab.com 2360 Towne Lake Parkway Towne Lake Family Chiropractic 47 (770) 592-1877, www.townelakechiro.com
Churches Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway (770) 924-4777
68
New Victoria Baptist Church Inside Front (770) 926-8448, www.newvicbaptist.org 6659 Bells Ferry Road
94
townelaker | August 2013
49
Rejoice Maids (678) 905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com
77
BridgeMill Dentistry 53 (770) 704-1812, www.bridgemilldentistry.com 3682 Sixes Road, Canton 30114 Fountain View Dentistry 45 (770) 926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Bldg. 200, Suite A
Fantasy Nails 6424 Bells Ferry Road, St. 140, Woodstock (770) 926-6411
27
Hair Quarters (770) 516-9094 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1000, Rm 26
55
Jyl Craven Hair Design (770) 345-9411, www.jylcraven.com 7970 Knox Bridge Hwy., Canton
37
Perfect Touch Nail & Spa (678) 445-0011 2045 Towne Lake Parkway
5
Salon & Spa Venéssa (770) 591-2079, salonvenessa.com 8516 Main Street
74
Salon Gloss (678) 483-8900, www.SalonGloss.biz 220 Chamber Street
73
S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 59 (770) 924-8848 2230 Towne Lake Parkway, Bldg. 100, Ste. 100
The Sanctuary on Main (770) 365-5106 8744 Main Street
75
Spillane Orthodontics (770) 928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Parkway 575, Suite 200, Woodstock
The Sundance Massage Center (678) 591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com
69
Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Drive Suite 200-C
41
28
Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 55 (770) 517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Parkway Towne Lake Family Dentist Inside Back Cover (770) 591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy, Building 200, Suite 100 Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 37 (678) 224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock
Banking/Financial Services Best Possible Mortgage (404) 456-2317
Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991
Dentists/Orthodontists
Hartman Imbriale Attorneys (678) 445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200 Merino & Associates (770) 874-4600
Cleaning Services 46
Debranski & Associates, LLC (770) 926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge
Support Local Business Owners and this Magazine Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in the TowneLaker
Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Ste. 201
75
Education / Instruction / Coaching
Home Improvement/Repair & Service A-1 Concrete Leveling (770) 591-6500, www.A1Atlanta.net
37
Bryan Plumbing Services (770) 826-5277
3
Coleman Home Services (770) 294-9667 www.ColemanHomeServices.com
3
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. (770) 974-2390 Eastridge Plumbing (770) 516-2977 www.eastridgeplumbing.com
63 9
Bascomb UMC Preschool (770) 926-0397 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road
19
Exact Comfort Air Cond. & Heating, Inc. (770) 912-0552 www.exactcomfort.com
Holdheide Academy & Prep (770) 516-2292, www.MyGiftedKids.org 5234 Hwy. 5, Woodstock 30188
29
Georgia Floors 36 (770) 516-3227 1105 Parkside Lane Suite 1338, Woodstock
41
Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428
23
Music Together (678) 613-2048
69
Handy Handyman, The (404) 316-1490
43
Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044 6689 Bells Ferry Road
Flooring Zone (855) 344-ZONE www.FlooringZoneOnline.com
63
Mr. Junk (678) MR-Junk1
63
Nelson Exteriors (678) 283-8171
53
Pike’s Professional Painting (770) 516-0045
63
Plumbing Doctor, The (770) 516-9000
52
Precision Painting (678) 234-9668
57
Towne Lake Community Church Preschool (678) 445-8766 ext.203 preschool@tlcchurch.com Towne Lake Driving School (678) 494-2200 www.TowneLakeDrivingSchool.com 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1328
7
49
Health & Beauty Azure Salon & Spa 38 (770) 345-8280 1359 Riverstone Parkway, Ste. 110, Canton
52
Roswell Woodstock Plumbing (770) 663-0600
57
Whitty Siding & Exteriors (678) 414-1947, tomwhitty@ymail.com whittysidingandexteriors.com
9
Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance D&D Landscape (678) 502-0549
27
Evergreen Grounds (770) 262-2190
29
Landscape Matters 52 (770) 403-5813, www.landscapemattersinc.com McLellan Excavation & Landscaping (404) 520-0710 www.excavationandlandscaping.com
77
Mountain Scapes (678) 446-6637
63
Overstreet Lawn Care (770) 861-7272
59
RPM Landscape & Pavers (770) 597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com
41
Miscellaneous
Georgia Urology, Dr. Shaya Taghechian (678) 494-9201, www.gaurology.com
8
Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 33 (770) 485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Drive Innovative Health & Wellness (770) 926-4646 www.innovativehealthandwellness.net 295 Molly Lane, Ste. 150
9
Marietta Plastic Surgery 21 (678) 494-2380 149 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 104, Woodstock
Northside Hospital-Sleep Disorder Center (770) 345-2568 Northside.com/sleep
57
Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann Street, Ste. 150, Marietta
61
Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD (770) 592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com
43
Cherokee County Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 1015 Univeter Road, Canton
83
South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital (770) 924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp Street
27
Physicians and Medical Services Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C
52
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 27 (770) 720-7733, www.cherokeewomenshealth.com
Cobb Wellness & Aesthetics (770) 649-0094, www.cwaesthetics.com 1905 Woodstock Road, Roswell Georgia Neurobehavioral Associates (770) 213-3594 140 E. Marietta St., Suite 301, Canton
7
32
BeesKnees Co-op Shop 41 6687 Bells Ferry Road (770) 591-4000, www.beeskneesshop.com
77
70
1 40
Photographers 59
Real estate & related services Dream Key of Palmer House Properties & Associates 32 121 E. Main St, Suite 202, Canton (770) 704-0404, (404) 876-4901 www.dreamkeygroup.com Peggy Davis, (770) 318-4369 Lindsay Tubbs, (678) 525-6455 Keller Williams, Kurt & Sheila Johnson (404) 954-2486 www.kurtandsheila.com
Restaurants/Food & Drink
FREIGHT Kitchen and Tap (770) 924-0144, www.freightkitchen.com 251 E. Main Street
Village Podiatry (770) 928-9263 1198 Buckhead Crossing, Suite D.
17
67
43
81
Animal Hospital of Towne Lake (770) 591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle
Woodstock Wolverines
69
Woodstock Morning Buzz
Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com
39
Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills (770) 926-6097 1003 Towne Lake Hills East
Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Parkway, Ste. 110
29
Woodstock High School Marching Band
38
31
Woodstock Physical Therapy (770) 516-9191, www.woodstockpt.com 1816 Eagle Drie, Bldg. 100 Ste.C
7
Butchers Block (770) 517-2225 1025 Rose Creek Drive
Towne Lake Business Association
Animal Atlanta (770) 591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Road
19
The Max (678) 324-6245 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Ste. 540
Shefa Urgent Care & Wellness 53 (678) 245-6244 2000 Village Professional Dr. Suite 200, Canton
Pet/Veterinarian Services & Supplies
65
55
30
42
8
Etowah Eagles Football
Northside Cherokee Cardiology (770) 924-5095 100 Stone Forest Drive, Suite 130 NorthsideCherokeeCardiology.com
Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org
Mosquito Authority (678) 294-7597, BugsBite.com
78
Escalade Indoor Rock Climbing Gym (770) 794-1575, www.escaladegym.com 3694 Kennesaw S. Industrial Dr, Kennesaw
Etowah Tip-Off Club
Wellstar (770) 956-STAR, wellstar.org
7
Elm Street Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251
11
3
Any Pest Cover, 50, 51 (678) 888-0035, www.anypest.com
Bowen’s Tiger Rock Academy (770) 516-4883 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Ste. 540
Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com
Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 749-7200 www.ccrguys.com
Pest Control
Recreation and Fitness
Back Cover
Prudential Georgia Realty Sarah Bratz (770) 510-3610 www.SarahBratz.PrudentialGA.com
55
Prudential Georgia Realty The Tomlinson Team (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953
25
Skyline Properties Group 39 (678) 978-1858, www.skylinepropetiesga.com
Hacienda Vieja 290 Molly Lane, Woodstock (770) 517-7958
Inside Front
ICE Sushi & Tapas Bar 380 Chambers Street (770) 672-6334, www.icemartinibar.com
5
Jump Kitchen & Saloon 34, 35 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock (678) 388-7717, www.jumpkitchensaloon.com www.facebook.com/JumpRestaurants Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com
8
Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 110 (678) 324-1910
9
Retailers Branch Boutique (770) 517-1505 2295 Towne Lake Parkway
5
Diamonds R Forever 65 4200 Wade Green Road, Ste. 212, Kennesaw (770) 422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net Gifted Ferret, The 25 (770) 693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr. Ste. 400 Threads 74 (770) 485-0744, www.shopthreads.net 500 Chamber Street townelaker | August 2013
95
COUPONS & Special Offers! These local businesses have special offers just for you!
Animal Atlanta
29
Landscape Matters
52
Any Pest
51
Marietta Plastic Surgery
21
Aspen Falls Auto Spa
25
Mr. Junk
63
Azure Salon & Spa
38
Nelson Exteriors
53
Bees Knees Co-op Shop
41
Overstreet Lawn Care
59
Optimum Health
13
Bowen’s Tiger Rock Academy Butchers Block
38
Papa P’s
8
Chevron at Hobgood
29
Perfect Touch Nail and Spa
5
Carpet Dry Tech
49
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
61
Christian Brothers Automotive
18
Rejoice Maids
77
Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
49
Roswell Woodstock Plumbing
57
9
Shefa Wellness & Urgent Care
53
Eastridge Plumbing Exact Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating
52
Small Cakes
Evergreen Grounds
29
Sundance Massage Center
69
Fantasy Nails
27
The Gifted Ferret
25
Flooring Zone
63
The Max
Georgia Floors
36
The Plumbing Doctor
52
Towne Lake Driving School
49
Hacienda Vieja
96
7
Inside Front
9
7
Hair Quarters
55
Towne Lake Family Dentistry
Jump Kitchen & Sports Saloon
35
Towne Lake’s Carwash and Detail
69
Hammock’s Heating & Air
23
Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock
37
townelaker | August 2013
Inside Back