8-20 AroundWoodstock webFINAL by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Proven Conservative Charlice Byrd Outspoken leader and award-winning, effective legislator vies for District 20 seat.

Endorsed by the National Rifle Association and Georgia Right to Life.

CHARLICE’S PRIORITIES

Cherokee’s Leaders Agree that Charlice Byrd is the Right Choice!

4 Decrease the size of government.

“Having worked with Charlice Byrd for years, I know she is tireless and relentless when it comes to doing what is right for the citizens of Cherokee County. I am proud to endorse her campaign for the State House and I know we will have a determined voice in the General Assembly in Charlice Byrd.” Donnie Henriques, Mayor of Woodstock

4 Lessen our tax burden. 4 Ensure a balanced budget. 4 Protect our values. 4 Defeat job-killing tax hikes.

VOTE FOR BYRD

“Charlice Byrd is a proven conservative that represents our Cherokee principles and our values. Her experience on the state level will be invaluable in the years to come. Her commitment to protecting our constitutional rights is steadfast.” Steven W. Miller, Mayor of City of Holly Springs

P.O. Box 505 Woodstock, GA 30188 404-557-2218 charlice@charlicebyrd.com

www.charlicebyrd.com Facebook: ByrdforHouse Instagram: charlice_byrd

“I am endorsing Charlice Byrd for State House of Representatives because she is exactly the kind of voice and hard worker Cherokee County needs in the Georgia Legislature. I know her personally and have seen her strong work-ethic firsthand. She has a proven track record of representing the Citizens of Cherokee County and the great State of Georgia.” Rob Usher, City of Woodstock - Councilman Ward 6

“I am proud to support and endorse Charlice Byrd for State Representative. I know that our community will have a tireless advocate and law enforcement will have a real supporter in Charlice. She has the right experience and knowledge to get the job done and that’s why I am standing with her.” Chief Deputy Ken Ball, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

Please VOTE on August 11 charlicebyrd.com

Paid for by Vote for Byrd

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Contents August 2020

Contributors 40 Don Akridge

Paige Pace & Associates

44 Jeff Bennett 49 Baileigh Borna 16 Cherokee Office of Economic Development

On The Cover Keller Williams Realtor assures clients a luxury experience when buying or selling a home.

25 Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. Council 30 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists

Pages 28 & 29 Cover photo by Robert Rainbow

19 Christopher Brazelton 12 Unwanna Etuk 38 Josh Fuder 41 Ann Garvin 51 Barbara P. Jacoby 35 Harry Johnston 46 Rob Macmillan 32 Susan Montgomery 30 Dr. Haiden Nunn 36 Susan Schulz 34 Tim Timmons 27 Pacita Wilson

Imagination at Play

Scenes from the new playground, beside the Elm Street Event Green in downtown Woodstock.

Expanding Boundaries

Cherokee Office of Economic Development celebrates first year of successful NAV mentoring program.

32 AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

4 Around Woodstock 8 Community News 22 Celebrations 26 Everyday Angels 42 Community Calendar 46 Rob’s Rescues 50 School News

A Crafty Family’s Creations

Hello Sunshine, Tiger King and Stay Wild are the names of some of their favorite designs.

In Every Issue

52 Recent Home Sales 53 Downtown Woodstock Dining Guide 54 Directory of Advertisers

AU GU ST SPECIA L

BOTOX

$230 for One Area

after

before

$12 per additional unit

COVID-19 COMPLIANT

ABOVE & BEYOND to keep you safe

Judith McKernan, Registered Nurse 37+ years of nursing experience 20+ years of industry expertise Masters level training in Botox® and fillers

A NEW YOU CLINIC . COM

“I evaluate your needs and customize each treatment especially for you.”

—Judith McKernan

145 TOWNE LAKE PARKWAY Between I-575 & Main Street toward Downtown Woodstock

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Around Woodstock Letter From the Editor

What's New

This month’s issue is full of laughter and food, playgrounds and painting with pompoms. We have included a few articles with meatier topics, thanks to our friends at the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (celebrating mentorship and diversity on Pages 16-17) and the UGA Extension staff and Master Gardener Extension volunteers. On Pages 3839, Josh Fuder tells us about a new outdoor garden and education center planned for Veterans Park. On the lighter side, you know how we love to celebrate those obscure national observances in our world? August 16 is a perfect example: it’s National Tell a Joke Day! Turn to Page 18 if you need some new material. You’re welcome! And just because, here are a few more special days for your consideration. How you celebrate them is up to you, but please share if you come up with some cute picture.

Owner Jerry Harding opened Hardline Customs at 240 Rope Mill Parkway, Suite 2, to serve the custom automotive community with bolt-on accessories such as wheels, tires, suspension kits, lights, bumpers, tonneau covers, etc. www.hardlineind.com.

Aug. 5: National Underwear Day Aug. 10: National Spoil Your Dog Day Aug. 12: National Middle Child Day Aug. 20: National Lemonade Day Aug. 25: National Secondhand Wardrobe Day On a personal note, I think every day should be National Playground Day. After a quick Google search, I found out that the third Sunday in May is National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day. So, there’s that. But it hasn’t taken long for Woodstock parents and children to discover the newly opened Elm Street Playground. Photographer Abigail Peyton stopped by one afternoon and captured the fun for us in her pictures, which you can see on Pages 14-15. Here’s my personal favorite joke. My standards are pretty low, though. I love this one because it’s short enough to remember and I get to use my thickest Southern accent. “How is my hand like a lemon pie? Because it has meringue (pronounce: mah-rang) on it.” When you tell this joke, you must sound like Scarlett O’Hara and flash your ring finger. Works every time!

Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Institute has opened new locations at 145 Riverstone Terrace in Canton, and 684 Sixes Road in Holly Springs. These offices offer comprehensive cardiovascular care, performing state-ofthe-art techniques in interventional cardiology, cardiooncology, advanced heart failure care, electrophysiology and imaging. Northsidecvi.com. Aroundabout Local Media has created a 16-page history publication called Around Cherokee. A PDF is available on the homepage of the Around Woodstock website. Go to www.aroundwoodstock.com, scroll down and click on the Around Cherokee cover image on the right. We enjoyed sharing the history of our county and its cities with you in our July issues, and pulled everything together into one document that can be printed, saved and referred to often.

What’s Changing Pineapple Park has closed the Chambers Street retail space and is open at 202 Rope Mill Road. New hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. 678-401-4893. www.pineapplepark.com

What’s Coming ToothTown Pediatric Dentistry is opening at 5341 Old Highway 5, Suite 208 in Woodstock. Doctors Tom and Lulu Lagree (she is a Woodstock native) are opening the practice to offer a fun experience for children. 470-523-8090. www.toothtownpd.com. Culver’s is building a restaurant at 11799 Highway 92, on a 1.75-acre parcel at the Neese Road intersection. County commissioners recently approved a request from

McAlister’s Deli on Eagle Drive at Rose Creek Drive, to add

a pick-up window. Customers will be able to order through an app or online, and pick up onsite. No details were available for the opening of the window.

What’s Canceled Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodsttock. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

The Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club has canceled the annual Holiday Tour of Homes, because of health concerns surrounding the fundraiser. https://woodstockjwc.org. The Service League of Cherokee County has canceled Riverfest. www.serviceleague.net.

Skilled attorneys who are dedicated to helping injury victims maximize their recovery.

Joel Williams

Chase Elleby

833-LEGALGA

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Publisher Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder 770-615-3322 Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Around Acworth | Around Canton Around Woodstock | TowneLaker

Executive Editor Candi Hannigan 770-615-3309 Candi@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Our Mission

Managing Editor/Social Media Strategist Jackie Loudin 770-615-3318 Jackie@AroundaboutMagazines.com

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

Art Director Michelle McCulloch 770-615-3307 Michelle@AroundaboutMagazines.com Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundaboutMagazines.com Controller Denise Griffin 770-615-3315 Denise@AroundaboutMagazines.com

Results With Us “We have developed a wonderful working relationship with Aroundabout Local Media. We appreciate their attention to detail and creative approach to the advertising and marketing needs of our office to the local Woodstock community ..." — Dr. Bruce Fink

Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers Community Board Rev. Dr. Joseph Cousin, Sr., Donnie Henriques, Kris McKeeth, Ross Wiseman, Renee Gable, Dan Thrailkill

Advertise With Us

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

Get Social With Us! @AroundWoodstockMagazine @AroundWoodstock @around_woodstock

www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com 6

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Around Woodstock, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,700 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 800 are placed in racks around the community. See page 56 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Woodstock 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 2020

Around Woodstock 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 Volume 7, Issue 10

America’s Community Magazine

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Local News Keep Cherokee Beautiful Meeting Held

CRP representatives honored are, from left: Bill Firnbach, athletic coordinator; Shawn Schumacher, athletics division director; Camille Thomas, athletic director; Jay Worley, CRP director; and Matt Graney, athletics coordinator.

Cherokee Rec Earns Quality Distinction Cherokee Recreation & Parks (CRP) has been awarded the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation by the National Alliance for Youth Sports. The designation shows that CRP has met requirements in five categories to assure a safe play environment: written policies and procedures, volunteer screening, coach training, parent education and accountability. “We recognized that we have to actively demonstrate that we are providing youth sports programs of the highest standard,” Director Jay Worley said of the designation, valid through Dec. 31, 2021. “Parents have many choices when it comes to youth sports, so the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation is an important promotional tool to allow our organization to set ourselves apart, and gives parents confidence in our programs, since they can take comfort knowing their child is in the best place possible to learn and compete in sports.” For more details, visit www.nays.org/quality.

A Community Focus on Dealing With Addiction A virtual Cherokee County Recovery Summit Symposium will be held on Facebook over Zoom, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 29. The purpose of the event is to educate and bring awareness to the community’s issues of recovery from addiction. Goals are to hear from members of the community about what is needed, create resourceful relationships, and collaborate on solutions that are community-specific. The event will feature keynote speakers who will discuss recovery, with breakout sessions covering a variety of topics. More details at www.cherokeerecoverysummit.com. The Zoom link for that day is: https://zoom.us/j/6787721523. 8

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

District 3 County Commissioner Benny Carter recently hosted a community interest meeting to gauge support for Keep Cherokee Beautiful, a new program designed to help keep the county clean and green. “I want this to be an inclusive program,” Carter said. “I want to partner with Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock, Waleska and Ball Ground, and build on and support what they are doing. I also want to include the Chamber of Commerce, who has had a going green initiative for many years. I don’t want to compete with or exclude anyone, and I want this to be truly countywide.” About 20 people attended the interest session, including Cherokee Recreation & Parks board member Mark Preetorius, who led the discussion, along with representatives of the Lake Allatoona Association, county staff involved with the project, and interested residents. Once the program officially is chartered and is underway, the recycling center will provide supplies, such as trash bags, and will loan out trash grabbers for volunteers to use. Recycling center staff also will handle pickups of trash following cleanup efforts. “The recycling center will be the primary contact for Keep Cherokee Beautiful, and serve [in] that support role as the county supports this initiative,” said Bryan Reynolds, director of the county Community Services Agency, which oversees Cherokee Recreation & Parks and the Cherokee Recycling Center. To learn about future meetings, and to become involved, contact Troy Brazie, Cherokee Recycling Center manager, at tdbrazie@ cherokeega.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Local News 17 Teens Complete Chamber Leadership Class Members of the 19th annual Teen Leadership Cherokee class have completed their program, which is sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Seventeen students took part in the January-March events. Among the events were: an orientation with their parents, a retreat, and classes on topics that included community involvement, economic and educational responsibility, personal development and team building. For information on qualifying for the 2021 class, visit www.cherokeechamber.com. Members of the class are, front row, from left: Caden Sanders, Cherokee; Ezra Nash, Creekview; Seth Hennessee, Cherokee; Chris Miller, Sequoyah; and Jeb Stewart, Creekview. Middle row, from left: Audrey Brown, Sequoyah; Taylor Tragesser, Sequoyah; Rylee Hopson, Cherokee; Lauren Kinney, Cherokee; Ashley Tippens, Creekview; and Elyse Robbins, Sequoyah. Back row, from left: Chair Will Goodwin, Oak Leaf Church; Meredith Anderson, Creekview; Marshall Ketcham, Sequoyah; Maulik Durani, River Ridge; Cal Pace, Creekview; Holli DeBord, Cherokee; Katie Volz, Cherokee; and Vice-Chair Tracey Satterfield Martin, Live Clean. The photo was taken March 12.

A Virtual Introduction to Girl Scouts Girls interested in joining Girl Scouts can join in a free virtual information meeting to learn more about scouting opportunities in Cherokee County. For grades K-12, Girl Scouts offers ways to have fun, make friends and take part in activities that create a positive impact on a girl’s life, her school and her world. To learn more, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/110112054118 or joingirlscoutsatl.com. Sherry Saunders, the area executive for Cherokee County, is available at ssaunders@gsgatl.org or 404-293-3511. 10

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

MUST Marketplace Reopens, Expands Services MUST Ministries Marketplace, a retail store where people in need can receive free clothing for their families, has reopened at 1407 Cobb Parkway North, in Marietta. The 4,600-square-foot thrift store helps fund MUST Ministries’ commitment to helping area residents move from poverty to stability. MUST's clients have the option to purchase items from the Marketplace, in addition to the free vouchers they receive, giving them a feeling of parity and not just charity. The marketplace is open 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. MUST has teamed up with Mercy Care to offer essential medical care to local residents in poverty. Mercy Care will provide the medical team twice a week as the program begins, and MUST will provide the clinic space also at the Marietta location. The partnership was made possible by a grant from the Georgia Baptist Health Care Foundation of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, which donated $100,000 to launch the new program. “We are delighted to be able to offer this important service to our clients and others in the community who cannot afford basic health care,” said Dr. Ike Reighard, MUST president and CEO. “The addition of health care completes our circle of wraparound services that include food, housing, jobs and clothing. We are a more comprehensive organization when we add the important component of health care, and our goal is always to help those in need be supported in a way that moves them toward stability.” For details on both initiatives, visit www.mustministries.org.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Highlights from the July 7 meeting. To see a complete list of actions taken, visit www.cherokeega.com/BOC. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved awarding a professional services agreement to Wilburn Engineering to conduct a corridor study of Bells Ferry Road, focusing on an estimated 6 miles, from the bridge over Lake Allatoona to Marietta Highway, to determine the need for short-term, mid-term and long-range capacity and intersection improvements. Future improvements to the existing bridge also are on the horizon, with the Georgia Department of Transportation currently in the design process.

During the meeting, the commissioners also: • Approved The Pacific Group/Kevin Seifert’s request to remove a zoning condition made in 2004 that allowed property at Lower Bethany Road and Ball Ground Highway to be used for senior living only, and change it to allow townhomes, rather than apartments, at about half the originally approved density. • Approved The Pacific Group/Kevin Seifert’s request to rezone 31.825 acres at Lower Bethany Road from R-80 and General Commercial to RZL (Zero Lot Line) for a single-family residential development. • Partially approved a request to rezone 3.27 acres on GA Highway 92 from R-20 to General Commercial for RV and Boat Storage. Commissioner Corey Ragsdale, in whose district the property lies, said the recently updated Highway 92 Village Overlay restricts RV and boat storage uses. He made a motion to approve the rezoning to General Commercial, but to restrict the zoning to uses only allowable in the Highway 92 Village Overlay. • Approved a professional services agreement to the highest scoring proposer, Tunnell, Spangler & Associates, for $48,545 to conduct the Southwest Cherokee Parks & Trails Plan. • Approved an agreement with SERV International for nonprepared food boxes for eligible senior citizens, using grant money received from the federal Family First Act grant funds in response to COVID-19. 12

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

A Look at Woodstock’s First Sustainability Plan BY UNWANNA ETUK

This past spring, Woodstock officially adopted its first citywide sustainability plan. This is a significant milestone on the community’s path to going green, building on 10 years of climbing the ranks of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program. The plan begins by detailing responses from the public input series, which guided visioning sessions and identified community priorities. In fact, many tasks and strategies in the plan pull directly from feedback received from residents through tabling events and online surveys. The Sustainability Assessment in the next chapter measures greenhouse gas emissions and other metrics to track Woodstock’s performance and show how standard sustainability protocol intersects with community values. As a result, the city identified seven focus areas to guide operations in practicing sustainability during the next five years. Within these areas are 20 goals that express Woodstock’s vision for a sustainable future.

Focus Areas, Goals 1. Energy and Building. a) Increase energy efficiency of new and existing

buildings. b) Increase the use of renewable and clean energy sources. 2. Land Use. a) Concentrate density in the most urban parts of the city to allow further conservation of outlying areas. b) Maintain healthy ecosystems. c) Improve public access to greenspace. 3. Water Management. a) Encourage water conservation and efficiency. b) Maintain healthy water ecosystems. 4. Solid Waste. a) Diversify waste management options. b) Decrease recycling contamination. c) Reduce overconsumption and consumption of single-use products. 5. Transportation. a) Reduce health risks caused by vehicle traffic. b) Support the Greenprints Plan. c) Expand other opportunities for alternative transportation. 6. Public Outreach. a) Raise public awareness of and participation in the city’s sustainability initiatives. b) Ensure Woodstock grows equitably. c) Educate and encourage businesses and schools to adopt more sustainable practices. d) Engage subject experts. 7. Government Operations. a) Promote sustainable practices within local government operations. b) Reduce overall environmental impact of city-owned facilities. c) Ensure the continuation of established programs.

As a first step of implementing these goals, Woodstock is convening an internal sustainability committee with representatives from each department. This group will take on the responsibility of carrying out and monitoring the plan’s recommendations. Along with local policy that places an emphasis on environmental and community impacts, the public can look forward to projects such as a nontraditional recycling center that will expand services and an online database that will increase accessibility to educational materials and opportunities to get involved.

Unwanna Etuk, lead author of the Woodstock Sustainability Plan, currently is an education and outreach developer for the Metro Atlanta Youth Energy Corps.

Oaks at Towne Lake

Schedule Your Tour Today 770.592.2195

Assisted Living & Memory Care â&#x20AC;¢ Oal<sSeniorLiving.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

IMAGINATION at Play Recently, photographer Abigail Peyton visited the new downtown playground, located on the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village event green, with her children and took photos for us. Here are some thoughts she had while watching families enjoy the playground.

CREATIVE PLAY

“

The way they designed the playground provides the perfect set up for imaginative play. Kids were using their imaginations building structures out of the foam blocks, and making playhouses in the area the designers specifically fashioned for kids to build different structures of their choice. They were even incorporating the big, blue foam blocks and poles as ‘furniture’ for their homes. I loved seeing kids getting excited to create.

”

COMMUNITY and TEAMWORK

“

I saw dads building with their kids, moms sliding down the big green turf slide with their children, whole families swinging on the hammocks, and children of all ages, who didn't know each other, working together to build a playhouse. It was so neat to see people interacting and working together joyfully.

”

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL PEYTON AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

From the NAV launch, July 1, 2019, from left: Jim Nichols, Half Machine; Charles Chidi Igwilo, NAV mentor; Kevin Monroe, NAV mentor; Joe Hammond-Swain, Red Barn Real Estate and community advocate.

Business As Unusual

Programs collaborate for entrepreneurship across state lines. BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service (NAV) celebrated the one-year anniversary of its launch on July 1. NAV, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Venture Mentoring Service-trained model of team-based mentorship for entrepreneurs and startups, is powered by Fresh Start Cherokee â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the entrepreneurship initiative of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED). Headquartered in Cherokee County, NAV came to fruition as a direct result of the Cherokee By Choice Initiative, a five-year public-private partnership and economic advancement campaign.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

NAV kicked off its pilot year with the adoption of a state resolution recognizing July 1, 2019, as Entrepreneurship Day in Georgia, and presented the first Cherokee Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Spencer Nix and Nick Downs, co-founders of Reformation Brewery. With 10 venture companies and 27 mentors in its first year, NAV is well-positioned to make Cherokee County and the Atlanta region the No. 1 place in the state to start and grow a business. NAV celebrated its first year of operations by pushing the bounds of mentorship beyond state lines. Recently, NAV virtually co-hosted its first-ever city-tocity monthly mentoring meeting with sister program Innovate Charlotte in North Carolina, to share best

practices and form a collaborative relationship. From North Atlanta to Charlotte, 38 ventures are being supported by a group of 81 diverse mentors through the power of MIT’s team-based mentorship model, a proven model 20 years in the making, with more than 100 chapters in 25 countries around the world. “Now, more than ever, it is important for our region to offer this support system for startups. NAV’s brain trust of diverse, expert guides for local entrepreneurs helps them not only become stronger entrepreneurs but build better businesses and healthier communities,” COED President Misti Martin said. NAV is managed by Jonathan Chambers and coordinated by Ellie Colt, and is intentional with its approach to diversity and inclusion, with 25% of mentors and 70% of ventures led by women and minorities from six different countries. Representing more than 60 mentors, program leaders told stories at the meeting of how their programs got started. Ventures from both programs were presented, and those involved spoke to how team-based mentorship has been vital to their business, especially during COVID-19. Harry and Leticia Hutchins, co-founders of Alma Coffee, a farm-to-cup coffee brand headquartered in Cherokee County, shared how NAV has helped them lean into mentorship and successfully pivot their business model during the pandemic. Similarly, Innovate Charlotte venture Bustld, an online marketing platform led by Samie and Ryan Roberts that connects engaged couples to wedding vendors, spoke of their experience. Members from both ventures talked about how mentorship has given them trusted connections, provided unique entrepreneurial development opportunities, and has helped them identify blind spots in their businesses. "Collaborating enables us to cross-pollinate between the two groups,” Innovate Charlotte mentor Dan Black said. For the foreseeable future, NAV and Innovate Charlotte will continue their collaboration, in hopes of growing better programs for even stronger entrepreneurs. If you are interested in learning more about NAV, visit northatlantavms.com.

“

NAV allows seasoned executives to share their experiences with entrepreneurs as a resource to help them develop and execute their own unique business plans and growth strategies. - Aaron Ingram, NAV Mentor.

”

27 Mentors, 10 Ventures

Ventures are minority/women led

Different countries represented

NAV mentors are minorities The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention & expansion. www.cherokeega.org.

“

NAV provides a unique & proven process and discipline to guide, assist and encourage entrepreneurial opportunities. Team mentoring works. - Buzz Ahrens, NAV Mentor.

”

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Have You Heard the One About …

Knock, knock. Who's there? Madame. Madame who?

In the spirit of National Tell a Joke Day on Aug. 16, we asked community leaders to share their favorite funnies with you. We couldn’t bear to think you might wake up that morning and not have a good joke at your disposal!

Madame tongue keeps fallin' out. - Teddy the Spaz Man

What kind of man was Boaz before he married? Ruthless.

Two windmills were talking. One windmill asked the other… what is your favorite music? The other windmill answered “I am a big metal fan”

- Ross Wiseman

- Kevin Williams

What's Forrest Gump's password? 1Forrest1 - JoEllen Wilson

Have I already told you my déjà vu joke? - Barbara Jacoby

Why didn’t the melons get married? Because they cantaloupe.

- Brooke Schmidt

Why will there be no baseball in heaven? Because there will be no umpires in heaven!

What has four wheels and flies? A garbage truck! - Lori Baker

- Jeff Moon

The perfect crime was committed last night. Someone broke into the police station and stole all the toilets. Police say they have nothing to go on. - Jay Baker

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

An Elm Street Temperature Check BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

I typically write to highlight the arts, a specific upcoming event, or maybe respond to something happening in our community. I think those topics are important, but we have a great community that supports us, and we’ve received some questions I want to answer. Increasingly, you are reaching out to ask questions about the pandemic: “Hey Christopher, with COVID-19 going on, how is Elm Street doing right now ... financially?” First, you need to know I have nothing but love and appreciation for this question. Often, the question is prefaced with, “This may be awkward, but ...” You should know A.) I believe that Elm Street is the community’s organization (I’m proud when you feel ownership to ask), and B.) asking it shows that you love and care for the organization, too. I also believe in transparency, so with that said, it is impossible to give you a complete financial picture here, so feel free to ask for more information.

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

She Kills Monsters Crystal Bowersox Play | Theatre Season

AUG 7 - 23, 2020

Indie Folk|Lantern Series

Recommended for ages 16+

AUG 15, 2020

David Nail

The Black Market Trust

Modern Country|Lantern Series

Swing Jazz|Lantern Series

The Good News

• We were one of the first organizations to get Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. • I'm proud of our staff. They’ve worked hard and cut expenses by more than $50,000 since March. • Elm Street is one of 19 organizations in the state to win a $50,000 relief grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. This news came just in time as our PPP funding ran out. A huge win and national recognition for Woodstock. • No one has been furloughed (As with everyone, I’m really trying to avoid this). • We still have healthy reserves (about three months at a normal operating pace, four to five months at a slowed-down pace).

AUG 29, 2020

SEPT 26, 2020

Between a lack of expenses, donations from you, our community, and a few grants, that’s a $150,000 dent to the good.

The Not So Good News

• Eighty percent of our budget is earned revenue (tickets, concessions, class registrations) and March to July is typically when we see that.

It is important to note that any money donated toward the Reeves House has not (and will not) be touched, it is solely dedicated to that construction. You’ve given, called, cared in so many ways. We are so grateful. So, as Elm Street opens up programming, we are taking extra precautions. There is too much at stake from a health and financial standpoint for us not to.

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, is the executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

SUBSCRIPTIONS &

SINGLE TICKETS AVAILABLE

THEATRE SERIES

She Kills Monsters Dogfight the Musical Alice in Wonderland Jr. A Christmas Carol Freaky Friday the Musical 26 Pebbles Sister Act the Musical How I Became a Pirate Junie B. Jones the Musical

LANTERN SERIES Crystal Bowersox JigJam David Nail VoicePlay Black Market Trust We Banjo 3 Time for Three Little Texas Gina Chavez Swedish Jam Factory Laila Biali Ian Sherwood

DATES AND INFO AT ELMSTREETARTS.ORG

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Ciera Gregory, Tori Carter, Nitasha Ginn and Jessica Rasmussen unload new backpacks filled with supplies for local children.

Celebrating a Milestone

PHOTOS BY HEATHER STEVENS, JOYFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY.

Students were excited to get new backpacks and supplies - from the comfort of their cars.

Jennifer Rasmussen, Jason Gaglione and Brett Nichols stage the backpack distribution area. 20

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

The annual back-to-school event Give a Kid a Chance Cherokee, in its 15th year, looked a little different this year, with families driving through to pick up new backpacks filled with school supplies, along with books and stuffed animals, for their children. Each family also received a box of food, donated by Forever Fed. One of the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizers, Nitasha Ginn, estimates 70 volunteers distributed 1,600 backpacks at both locations: Hillside United Methodist Church in Woodstock, and First Baptist Canton. An additional 1,170 backpacks were given to Cherokee County schools to be distributed to students as needed. For more info on Give a Kid a Chance, visit www.giveakidachance.org. Also on Facebook.

Forever Fed volunteers stocked the trunk of each car with a box of food.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

E-mail to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com September deadline is Aug. 10. Please specify Around Woodstock.

Keaton

Aug. 7 Happy birthday, Keats! 13 â&#x20AC;Ś Yikes! Love, Mom, Dad, and yes, Connor.

Dwight Alcala of Kennesaw

Aug. 23 Happy 6th birthday! Mommy loves you!

Happy first birthday,

Happy 8th birthday,

Aug. 17 You've added so much joy to our family! We love you, Mommy, Daddy and Olivia.

Aug. 31 We are so proud of you, and love you very much! Mom, Dad and Maddie.

Madelyn!

Izzy Avery Jackson

Born June 24 to parents Brittany and Marquise Jackson.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Christian

and a Georgia Tech graduate, and Tracey Graham of Woodstock were married April 4.

Zoey Perez!

Delanie Flores

Congratulations! 2020 graduate from River Ridge High School. She plans to attend Chattahoochee Tech to pursue a forensics certificate.

Putting more money in your pocket since 1951.

As hard as you work for your paycheck, you need it to work for you. That’s why LGE was created almost 70 years ago: to help our members keep more money in their pockets. Unlike a bank who exists to serve its shareholders, we exist to serve you. We have all the products and conveniences of a bank, but with better rates and lower fees. Many things in life are uncertain, but your banking doesn’t have to be one of them.

Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA. LGEccu.org • 770-424-0060 AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

SUPPORT

Local Seniors

National Senior Citizens Day is Aug. 21, and it’s a great opportunity to let them know how much you care and appreciate them. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life. Today, many seniors remain active in their communities, and continue to have a strong presence in the workforce. For all they do and achieve, senior citizens deserve our thanks! Due to social distancing protocols, many families have been unable to visit elderly loved ones. Here are some ideas for anyone - of any age - to help support and encourage our local senior citizens.

If you don’t have a special senior citizen in your life, reach out to a local assisted living center, and ask about adopting one.

Help Them Go Digital

According to a survey conducted by Pew Research, one-third of Americans over age 65 are not confident about technology. Help elderly parents or friends feel connected with family and friends by hooking up devices for texts, Facetime or Google Duo or even Zoom chats. Write out easy-to-follow directions in case they forget.

Enjoy Armchair Travel

Have fun planning a virtual around-the-world tour. Travel with Grandma to a different country each month, by simply sharing and watching YouTube videos. Make it even more special by dressing up, or making a meal or dessert from that country. Get younger family members involved by having them create the country’s flag or finding music that reflects the culture.

Take a Fresh Air Tour

Research at ScienceDaily.com reveals that spending time outside boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. After a trip to the doctor or pharmacy, drive your elderly loved one to a park or the lake to sit outside for a breath of fresh air while practicing social distancing. 24

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Plan a Dinner or Lunch Date

A recent survey from the Council on Aging, conducted during the pandemic, shows many seniors don’t take advantage of food or meal delivery, and many don’t have access to smartphones. Order a favorite meal and have it delivered to your loved one. Families and friends who don’t live close by can have a delivery service drop off the meal, while hosting a video call and eating together.

Create a Virtual Story Hour

Give Grandpa and the grandkids the same children’s book, and have Grandpa read the book via Zoom or Facetime/Duo while the kids follow along.

Boredom Busters

If email isn’t Grandma or Grandpa's style, send some old-fashioned handwritten letters and cards. Don’t forget to make return letters easy for them by including a self-addressed stamped envelope. Sign them up for a favorite magazine subscription, or send care packages with books, adult coloring books (don’t forget the colored pencils) or maybe a custom jigsaw puzzle made from a family picture.

Senior Extravaganza Goes Virtual This Year PROVIDED BY THE CHEROKEE TRIAD S.A.L.T. COUNCIL

The annual fundraiser for the Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. Council, known as the Senior Extravaganza, will be held virtually this year, at 10 a.m. Aug. 8, and can be viewed at www.saltcherokee.com. The event will feature entertainment, door prizes, and access information from the sponsors and vendors who work with our seniors on a daily basis. Director Nathan Brandon will be the emcee and will direct you on how to reach out to these companies. To win a door prize, you must register at www.saltcherokee.com. The Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. Council was implemented in July 2006, starting with the Canton Police Department. Now we work with all Cherokee County law enforcement agencies. Our goal is to reduce the criminal victimization of older adults by educating them about current crime issues and relevant subjects, enhancing delivery of law enforcement services when we receive or discover a need, and linking the businesses that provide services with the appropriate individuals. We are a 501(c)(3) organization and rely on the community’s support. The extravaganza allows us to raise funds to provide the following programs. For more information email cherokeetriad@gmail.com.

• File of Life

This is a packet, provided at no cost to seniors, that they can complete with their latest medical information, such as allergies, medications, contact persons and more – all in one safe place – for family or first responders to access in an emergency situation. The mini medical file is kept in a bright red plastic folder with a magnetic strip so seniors can adhere it to their refrigerator, where it can easily be found in an emergency.

Members of the Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. Council at last year’s Senior Extravaganza.

• Lunch and Learn

• Assist First Responders

• Support Bethesda

• Elder Abuse

These gatherings provide lunch along with a speaker on relevant topics to keep our seniors safe, or educate them on programs that can enhance their lives. In our “new normal” of social distancing and trying to keep everyone safe, we are investigating a virtual session.

Community Clinic

This program provides annual support to assist seniors and veterans with necessary health care assistance. These are individuals who might not receive medical assistance due to the lack of health care coverage, finances or distance to care.

This program assists Cherokee County first responders by providing emergency funds for those age 55 and older who are homeless or in distress, which would include temporary housing, meals and other immediate needs.

Multidisciplinary Task Force This program provides funds to support and promote continued collaboration between the district attorney’s office, the Georgia Division of Aging, Adult Protective Service staff members and Cherokee County law enforcement agencies.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

EVERYDAY Everyday Angels exists to help those in need in the community during their most pressing time. It’s also important to us to follow up with the folks we feature, so you can get updates on the men, women and children you’ve prayed for and supported in so many ways. As we struggle to adjust to our new normal, these brave warriors remind us of the true meaning of hardship. While we may miss the hugs, handshakes, and socialization we often took for granted, we must remain grateful for good health, the love of family, friends and community – especially during this time. We must support one another and be grateful for the individual sacrifices that help our communities to stay safe.

Ellie Draughan’s

senior year of high school was not only disrupted by the pandemic, but also with a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Diagnosed last summer, Ellie just completed a year of aggressive treatment and plans to attend Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville in the fall. Ellie will continue physical therapy and she is looking forward to moving on with her life, cancer-free – God willing.

Allie Chambers

is a young wife and mom whose recurrence of stage 4 breast cancer sparked a firestorm of community support when we featured her in July 2019. Last month, Allie began her third round of cancer treatments. The four-week cycle of chemotherapy costs $40,000! Her scans have been positive but, most recently, a few small spots on her liver have appeared. “We hope and pray these next treatments will clear everything up and no more treatments will be necessary,” said Jonathan, Allie’s husband. Our community has been amazing so far, but more support is needed. You may follow Allie’s story on Facebook, at Allie’s Rally Against Breast Cancer, or their GoFundMe Page. www.gofundme.com/f/rallyforallie.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Hyrum Harris was diagnosed with leukemia in December 2019. Hyrum has Down syndrome, so life has been anything but easy. He and his amazing mom, April, continue his necessary and aggressive treatments in and out of the hospital. Hyrum’s body has been beaten up from the inside out over the last eight-plus months. “You would think that all that Hyrum has endured, he would have a bad day from time to time. But he never does. Every day is a good day. Every day he finds a way to feel joy and laugh and dance to the music. The greatest gift of having Down syndrome is the ability to love uninhibited and see the world with only compassion and love,” April said. She documents each day on her Instagram account, pr3ttylittleladies. Following Hyrum’s story gives us all a glimpse of perspective, hope and joy. Hyrum is a gift, and April’s gift of writing is a blessing as well. Please continue to support and follow their journey. Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com

~Back to School~

Organization Made Easy BY PACITA WILSON

It’s hard to believe the upcoming school year is just around the corner, but it will be here before we know it. As a mother of two boys, organizing my mudroom was always a crucial task before starting back to school. From one mother to another, I hope these useful tips will help enable your mudroom to flow with style. As we transition from summer to fall, we can find easy ways to create an organized drop zone where the kids can leave their book bags, shoes or jackets while keeping in mind the overall décor of your home. First, create a designated area for storage space, specifically for smaller items, such as shoes, sports equipment or school supplies, so children can access them easily. Adding simple storage solutions, like shelving, can be both decorative and functional while keeping everyday items neat and tidy. To take it a step further, add stylish lightweight baskets to help organize the space. Ultimately, the room will feel clutter-free and timeless. Another great way to utilize the drop-off point is to take advantage of wall space to avoid clutter. You can achieve this by adding a location for hanging items. For example, including a clothing rack in your entryway is a great option. This instantly will create an area assigned for jackets, lunch boxes or bookbags, and will help eliminate items being placed on the floor. Incorporating organization in your drop zones doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice design. Be creative when it comes to adding pieces in your home that will lead to a clutter-free environment. With these easy steps, you will be starting the school year off in the right direction.

Spaces for shoes, books and coats flank this entryway. Pacita Wilson is the owner of Pineapple Park Home. www.pineapplepark.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Realtor Offers A Luxury Experi P

aige Pace knew at a young age she had a mind for business. Her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in as early as elementary school, when she started a neighborhood pet grooming and care endeavor called Paige’s Pet Pampering Service. Now the third-generation Realtor is five years into her career, and has enjoyed watching her business double each year. Paige credits her success to full service attention to clients, and the ability to operate with ease in an ever-changing digital world by leveraging innovative technology that assists her in navigating a competitive market and providing her clients the upper-hand in negotiations. “My business is truly a turnkey service, from our initial conversation, to the personalized buyer or seller consultation, and then during the contract to close process. It is my goal to streamline the service I provide and ensure all of my clients enjoy a luxury experience,” Paige said. “I am excited I am now also licensed to purchase properties for cash on behalf of OfferPad, a new service to assist my clients in an extremely quick selling process, if they are considering selling to an iBuyer.”

PHOTO BY ROBERT RAINBOW

Five Promises Paige Lives By

1. Traditional and non-traditional marketing. Paige uses guerilla and traditional marketing methods. Because each property and client are unique, “I customize my marketing, listing, buying, and pricing strategies to accommodate each of my clients.” 2. Client care. The transaction doesn’t end at the closing table. Being raised in an Italian household has taught her to treat everyone like family. “I am relationship oriented and results driven. I am here to be a resource to my clients, during the transaction and after the closing.” 3. Generations of experience. Paige grew up in the industry, and is a third-generation Realtor. The advantage of leveraging generations of experience helps her better serve her clients. 4. Full-service, luxury transactions at every price point. Whether the price point is $200,000 or $2 million, she believes each person deserves a luxury transition into their new home. 5. Listening, learning, adapting. Paige constantly seeks new ways to improve her clients’ experiences by incorporating the latest technology and marketing

Sponsored Content 28

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

ence When Buying, Selling available. She also keeps her clients updated by using data and feedback always striving to exceed their expectations. “I am a strong believer that people remember not what is said, but the way you make them feel.”

The Path to Real Estate

you also get access to her A-team of experts: lenders, inspectors, and contractors who stop at nothing to deliver exceptional service to deliver you phenomenal results. The heartwarming part is that she coordinated efforts for a virtual closing and kept me safe through the process. I ultimately purchased the home of my dreams in less than 30 days. The icing on the cake was after I gained access to my home, Paige called to make sure all signage was removed. Paige is now my Agent for Life.”

The Atlanta native attended Georgia State University, where she studied English, Rhetoric and Composition, and Teaching English as a Second Language. Although she loved teaching, Paige preferred a non-conventional work Looking to the Future Paige’s goal is to continue to grow her client base by schedule that gave her time for volunteer work in the offering full-service attention, and expanding her community. work in the community. Paige is currently “After speaking with my family and close learning American Sign Language so friends, I was inspired to pursue a real she can help members of the deaf estate license. Upon taking classes, H O N O R S & AWA R D S community find their dream I immediately fell in love with the Best of Zillow for providing outstanding homes through a seamless industry. My career enables customer service. transaction. me to not only assist my Top 10% Society within Keller Williams for achieving “Growing up with a father clients in making an often an exceptional number of sales, top 20% who was hard of hearing, stressful process simple, in the United States. inclusion has always been but also in giving back to The Multi-Million Dollar Club within the Cobb Board something I am passionate the community through of Realtors for producing a high volume of about, as I saw how many volunteer work.” sales in the community. challenges and struggles he She volunteers through faces daily not being able to the YMCA as a little league Member of the Agent Leadership Council, which is a board of directors within Keller Williams. hear well,” she said. soccer coach, Boys and “Daily I am thankful for Girls Club, Special Olympics, Top 10 Individual Agents 2019, and through the Agent my business, network of Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter Leadership Council at Keller professionals and, of course, Highest number of third quarter listings, Williams. Each Thanksgiving, she my incredible clients. I have Engel & Volkers. hosts a drive for a local food bank. been told that what sets me apart from others in my industry is my transparency, consistent communication Closing During a Crisis during the home buying and selling process as well Paige shares a testimonial from client Dawn as after the closing, ability to exceed expectations, and my Peurifoy, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention passion for getting the best deal possible for my clients.” employee who purchased a home during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Before you make one of the biggest decisions of Paige Pace & Associates your life, ask yourself the question: What makes a good of Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter agent? Is it the license? Is it the number of sales? Is it the 706- 267- 9280 rapport or relationship? The answer is one word — Paige PA I G E PA C E @ K W. C O M • W W W. PA I G E PA C E . C O M — who became my agent during the most challenging time in history. While home tours were restricted and W W W. Z I L L O W. C O M / P R O F I L E / PA I G E - PA C E / lenders started shutting their doors, Paige leaped into W W W. L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / PA I G E - PA C E - R E A LT O R / action and overcame multiple obstacles. When you 115 P E R I M E T E R C E N T E R P L A C E #100, AT L A N TA, G A 30346 secure Paige’s service, it is important to understand that

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Tips for Communicating With Masks BY DR. HAIDEN NUNN

COVID-19 has brought a path of destruction, fear and change to our lives. With this change, the use of face masks has become common, and has created many difficulties for people with a hearing impairment. People with a hearing impairment rely on different communication strategies to understand the conversation. Those strategies include using facial cues and lip reading, which can be hard to do with a face mask. Take these strategies away, and the hearing-impaired struggle to understand what is being said. There are a few tips that we can use when trying to communicate effectively while wearing a mask. 1. First and foremost, do not remove your mask to speak. It is there to protect yourself and others. 2. Do not yell. Speaking slightly elevated, but in a natural tone, is best for understanding. Do not overenunciate your words. 3. Slow down. Speaking too fast (with or without the mask) makes understanding difficult. 4. If your message is not received well, try rephrasing it, rather than repeating the words that were not understood. 5. Body language is an important communication tool. Using gestures and pointing can help fill in the missing pieces. 6. Get their attention before speaking. Sometimes, saying a

person’s name before talking to them helps them become more attentive to the conversation. 7. Be mindful of your environment. Too much background noise can cause problems with clarity and understanding. 8. If you are hearing-impaired, try asking for repetition if you did not understand the message. In these trying times, it is important to be your own advocate! Be persistent. 9. Prevent the loss of your hearing devices by making sure you do not pull your mask on and off too quickly. Always make sure your devices are in place and secure. 10. If all else fails, you can use paper and pen, or your smartphone, to write out the message. Many people with hearing impairment wear hearing devices. While those devices may help in noisy situations, they do not always do a good job at helping with the muffled speech that a mask creates. The hearing-impaired cannot rely on the devices alone to help them understand. Using the devices, together with these communication tips, can help compensate for the loss of facial cues and lip reading.

Dr. Haiden Nunn joined North Georgia Audiology in 2018. She earned her doctorate from the University of Louisville and her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.

Pregnant During a Pandemic BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

Rebecca was beginning the third trimester of her second pregnancy when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in full force. Things around her quickly changed. Quarantine became a mandate, grocery stores began to run out of many products, and the phrase social distancing became a part of everyone’s vocabulary. Even routine visits to her obstetrician’s office began to look quite different. Rebecca had complete trust in her doctors, and was happy they made immediate changes to follow the CDC guidelines and go above and beyond to keep patients safe. Now at her appointments, Rebecca had her temperature checked by a gloved and masked nurse before entering the clinic. She, and all patients, had to wear masks as well as staff. The waiting room was reconfigured to accommodate the social distancing protocol. “I was kept up-to-date by emails, texts, and social media,” Rebecca said. “I felt well prepared as to what to expect, and, most importantly, felt completely safe.” In April, Rebecca went into labor. “The hospital was great at trying to make everything feel as normal as possible considering the circumstances,” she said. According to Rebecca, the hardest thing was family and friends couldn’t be there in the waiting room. 30

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Despite being 1-centimeter dilated when arriving at the hospital, Rebecca’s water broke immediately, and she delivered a beautiful healthy baby girl within 30 minutes of arrival. “I didn’t even have time for an epidural, and it was hard,” Rebecca said. “I did not think I could do it, but my doctor was tough when I needed her to be, but, also kind and encouraging.” Being pregnant and delivering during a pandemic was certainly different, but coming home proved to be so even more. Not having family and friends there to meet their new family member was sad. But, at least Rebecca’s mom was able to be there. Her mom had quarantined, so they felt safe having her visit. Taking care of and enjoying the baby has been their newest quarantine activity, along with searching for diapers and wipes in stores and online, as those are essential items that are harder to find in stock. But, Rebecca is thankful she has not run out and, mostly, that there has been no problem finding formula.

Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

Because of you, she will be fed this summer.

And so will thousands of other children.

Your generous contribution will help us serve thousands of children in Cherokee and the north metro. EASY WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN HELP

Donate online, volunteer at www.mustministries.org or mail a check to P.O. Box 1717, Marietta, GA 30061

E NJ OY A DE ST I N AT IO N C HE RO K E E

STA YCAT IO N!

Visit CherokeeChamber.com or email Info@CherokeeChamber.com to request a visitor guide to help with the planning. AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Bluebird Houses Bring

Happiness

BY SUSAN MONTGOMERY

A local teacher inspired the bright yellow motif of this birdhouse.

Kyla Montgomery paints a birdhouse with a travel-inspired theme. 32

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

This house was made in memory of a special friend.

heltering in place has given our family, like so many others, more time on our hands. We’ve always enjoyed creating crafts and painting. Being confined inside, we decided to construct some bluebird nesting boxes. We often see many bluebirds in our neighborhood, and thought it would be fun to attract them to a nesting site closer to our property. Our family donned our masks and hit the social distancing lines at Home Depot and Walmart for supplies. My husband, Keith, and son, Corey, began constructing bluebird boxes in our garage. We sawed, sanded, and nailed our creations together. Then, we transformed our kitchen table into an art studio and began painting. We completed our first house and named it “Original Blue.” It featured an actual bluebird painted on it. My 16-year-old daughter, Kyla, titled our second birdhouse “Taylor” after one of her best friends who was killed two years ago in a tragic accident. Kyla wanted to give the birdhouse as a gift to Taylor’s family in her memory on the anniversary of her death. It has multi-colored monarch butterflies on it and other meaningful symbols of what made Taylor so special. We wrapped the birdhouse in clear cellophane, topped it with a pretty blue bow and delivered it to Taylor’s mom. Some of our other designs are “Hello Sunshine” − a bright yellow box with dangling lemons, inspired by a friend who is a local teacher. Our third box was called “Stay Wild,” with each panel painted a different animal print, inspired by our love for exotic animals and the Netflix series “Tiger King.” Kyla just finished a sunflowerthemed birdhouse and Kelsey finished a neon-themed one named “Colours of Summer.” We absolutely love how these personalized boxes have turned out; each one is made with love. Our designs are inspired by people we love, our life adventures, and our personal favorites. We look forward to hearing from the people we’ve given them to and the stories of the birds that will nest in these fancy homes. Our hope is to use this hobby to spread some joy in the midst of difficult times.

Multiple Options for Unique Learners at CORE

CORE Community School is entering its fifth year of serving students in Cherokee County, offering collegebound and vocation options. The first class of seniors will graduate in 2021, an accomplishment school founders have worked toward each year. “We started our school with grades 4-8, because my teaching career was spent in middle school,” said Annie Johnston-Jones, school co-founder and director. “We have grown with our oldest class each year, and now have ninth-11th graders at CORE. It’s exciting to think about our first graduating class in 2021.” CORE students, in grades 2-11, get a well balanced approach to academics, along with the physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellness aspects of school. While not a “rigor” school, the founders make sure graduates are prepared for the future through multiple options. Students leave CORE with an official, college preparatory, high school diploma

like they would at any other public or private school. Many students are college-bound. “Many people believe that if a student has a few struggles or needs some extra accommodations, college is not an option. Many colleges have wonderful programs for nontraditional students,” said Co-director Dymond Jones. All students at CORE also get significant vocational training and exposure throughout their high school career. “We want all of our students to learn about

the working world and various vocational avenues,” Jones said. “The vocational path should not be looked upon as something you choose if you’re unable to go to college, but rather as a respectable path to happiness and success in life.” The directors are extremely proud of the direction — and the progress made — with the vocational program, which is led by Todd Sentell. All ninth and 10th graders will have access to soft skills training through the Introduction to Employment program. By working with the families of students, conducting seminars, completing questionnaires, and exposing them to various industries, CORE has been able to stoke a spark of interest in a student into a flame. “We are dedicated to assisting students with their first job experiences by being there with them through the application process,” Jones said, “and through continued communication with their supervisors.”

CORE COMMUNITY SCHOOL | 203 Woodpark Place, Bldg. A, Woodstock 30188 | 770-704-9144 | www.thecoreschool.org Sponsored Content

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Makeover Gives A New Lease on Life BY TIM TIMMONS

The past few years have been difficult for Cheryl. She lost her husband seven years ago, followed by the death of her dog this past spring. It’s been a difficult time for her, losing her husband of 50-plus years – he was her soulmate and best friend. While mourning the recent death of her dog, Cheryl came across the May issue of Around Woodstock, and read the article featuring the monthly Salon Gloss makeover. Cheryl thought the makeover might just be the answer to help improve her outlook on life, and she was right. My assistant Brandon and I were able to help transform Cheryl, and provide her with the motivation she needed. “Tim and Brandon were so nice to me, and when Tim turned my chair around and I saw my hair for the first time, I cried,” Cheryl said. They were tears of joy, as the new style provided the confidence she needed to feel rejuvenated and ready for a new attitude on life. “He made me look 20 years younger and I truly felt like a new person,” she said. After a thorough consultation, I decided Cheryl’s natural tone of gray hair was not complementing her complexion or spirit. Her fair skin and white hair gave Cheryl an ashy look. She needed warmth in her hair to balance out her fair skin tone. I also recommended a style that would complement Cheryl’s square face. We removed the width from her hair by cutting the sides and back shorter, and keeping length on the top. The result was a cute, low maintenance and multi-dimensional pixie cut that complemented her. Salon Gloss stylist Gayana chose a makeup color palette that would warm up Cheryl‘s skin tone. “I wanted to emphasize Cheryl‘s eyes and so I chose a smoky eye palette to give her the illusion of more lift. I accented her cheeks with bronze tones and her face was finished off with a trendy soft pink lipstick,” Gayana said. Cheryl’s transformation was completed with a new outfit in bright summer colors. Her outfit included images of birds, which I thought was very appropriate for her circumstances. Cheryl came into the salon defeated with a sad composure, but she left a new person, ready to soar with a new outlook on life. I’ve never experienced a client’s persona change so much after seeing their new style. Cheryl’s transformation – physically and mentally - was truly amazing. “My kids and grandkids have been so excited about my transformation with the new look. They have helped me realize that it's OK to move on. It’s my time, and I’m grateful that Salon Gloss was able to be there to help launch this journey. I’m excited to see what the future brings,” Cheryl said.

BEFORE

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

AFTER

Continuing to Coordinate Efforts in Cherokee BY HARRY JOHNSTON

Three months ago, my column in this publication expressed hope that the COVID-19 epidemic would be fading by now. The governor took statewide control, overriding local governments, and issued a meaningful statewide shelter-inplace order. Most people observed it, and it seemed to be working. By late May, the number of new cases was declining. Unfortunately, the gains against the disease were shortlived. People understandably grew tired of being unable to work, shop, dine and otherwise go about their regular business. Businesses struggled to stay alive, and workers who could not work from home suffered financially. In a society that expects and demands great personal freedom, restrictive orders can be sustained only for limited periods. The initial success became the basis for removing most restrictions at the end of May, in Georgia and across most of the nation. At first, the number of new cases remained flat, or even fell slightly, in the first week of June. That remained true in Georgia and Cherokee County for a few days, even after we saw disturbing increases elsewhere. Then, it happened. The seven-day average of new daily cases across Georgia rose from 611 on June 1 to 1,945 on June 30, more than a threefold increase. In Cherokee County, the average new daily cases rose from 11 to 27 over the same period. And, at this writing in early July, they’re still rising. The good news is that new instances of hospitalization

due to the virus haven’t risen that fast. Average new daily hospitalizations in Georgia rose from 93 to 133 in June, a 43% increase. In Cherokee, they remained essentially flat, at about two per day. That probably indicates some of the increase in reported cases is due to broader testing. It’s also because most of the new cases are in younger, healthy people who usually don’t require hospitalization. Older and medically fragile folks are taking greater precautions, as they should. So, where do we go from here? Cherokee County continues to support testing, with a site at the Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock at 7545 Main St., where hundreds of tests are administered daily. Call 888881-1474 to make an appointment. Your local government officials continue to coordinate efforts across our five cities; Sheriff’s Department, County Commission and school officials are working together to stay updated and coordinated. Right now, it looks as if the pandemic will likely continue to grow until most people have been exposed, or we have a vaccine. Our best chance of limiting the damage from the disease, as we work to live with it, is to take as many precautions as possible. Together, we will get through this. Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Bethesda Clinic staff, front row, from left: Patricia Mason, licensed practical nurse; Nicole Maul, medical assistant; Tracey Goddard-Johnson, phlebotomis front office/medical interpreter. Back row, from left: Executive Director Melissa Belfield; Brian Brandt, physicians assistant, and Karen Fegely, nurse practi

Bethesda Community Clinic Caring, Compassionate Health Care

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Bethesda is the name of a pool near the sheep-gate in Jerusalem, the water of which had curative powers. The Apostle John recorded the story of Jesus healing a man there, who had been disabled for 38 years. The name Bethesda actually means: house of mercy, or place for receiving and caring for the sick. Bethesda Community Clinic (BCC) Canton lives up to its name. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, BCC has remained open to serve our community. The staff members are committed to providing quality healthcare to those in need during this difficult time. They conduct in-office visits and routine labs and are also available for $25 telemedicine visits for those who may be

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

currently sick, those who are continuing to shelter-in-place, and those who find it difficult to access transportation. BCC has demonstrated the compassion of Christ by providing quality healthcare at low or no cost since 2011 for the residents of Cherokee County and surrounding areas. “We are here to serve our community regardless of ability to pay,” said Melissa Belfied, Bethesda’s executive director. The professional staff strives to deliver affordable healthcare to the underserved, uninsured and underinsured, and to provide ongoing care. Their fully equipped clinic specializes in primary care for all age groups, offering: ● Physical exams ● Well-woman exams ● Acute care ● Chronic disease management ● Diabetes education and nutrition classes ● Wellness coaching ● Prescription assistance ● Blood lab testing ● Counseling services based in Biblical principles The staff of BCC desires to help as many people as possible into the Pool of Wellness. Patient Margi C. said, “My brother sees Dr. Jacobs. What an amazing place! I have never been to a doctor’s office that had a prayer board. All the staff there are very caring and helpful. They don’t treat you like second class, just because you don’t have money.” BCC is staffed by paid employees augmented by volunteers who desire to serve their neighbors in this setting. The clinic also supports the mentoring of medical and nursing students who often have a role in patient care.

st; Brandy Mendoza-Perez, patient care coordinator, and Rafael Rodriguez, titioner/founder.

Maureen, a nurse practitioner said, “I volunteer because there is an unmet need in my community. I want to share my time and talent to serve God’s people.” The need for low cost and free medical care is great in our area. Each month the number of uninsured or underinsured individuals seeking medical care continues to grow. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the mission of BCC. Use the contact information below if you are looking for a place to serve. If you are a patient in need of services, visit www. bcccherokee.com for more information, new patient forms and hours of operation. Any questions or concerns, email: director@bcccherokee.com or call 678-880-9654. BCC is located at 111 Mountain Brook Drive, Canton, GA 30189.

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Learning From the Masters Educational garden and orchard project offers a hands-on outdoor classroom. BY JOSHUA FUDER

A quarter-acre spot on the grounds of Cherokee Veterans Park, a county park at 7345 Cumming Highway in north Cherokee, will be developed into an educational garden and orchard. When finished, the space will welcome residents who want to learn about home vegetable and fruit gardening through formal and informal educational programs led by UGA Extension staff and Master Gardener Extension volunteers. The project is a partnership of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension-Cherokee County and the Cherokee County Recreation & Parks Agency (CRPA). Planning began in 2019, with multiple county departments and UGA Master Gardener Extension volunteers contributing ideas for the project

goals, activities and concept design of the space. The proposal was approved unanimously by the CRPA advisory board in February. Construction will begin in late fall or winter on the garden, located between the tennis courts and maintenance building. The project will give volunteers space to offer the type of impactful, hands-on training that gardeners of all experience levels can benefit from. This all comes at a fortuitous time, with more individuals gardening for the first time due to COVID-19. There is increasing evidence and scientific studies indicating the substantial health and wellness benefits of gardening. The development will come in two phases, as funding support is secured. The first phase will include fencing the area, constructing raised beds and an irrigation system, establishing perennial berries and dwarf fruit trees,

and planting a native wildflower buffer on the side nearest the tennis courts. Phase 2 includes construction of a greenhouse and covered patio. The county’s UGA Extension will hold a pre-order fruit plant sale, September through October, to continue progress made on the fundraising goal for this project. Information on that sale can be found on the UGA ExtensionCherokee County Facebook page or at: https://t.uga.edu/67d. “After discussing the options, Cherokee Veterans Park was selected as the site for this project. Space available and the agrarian appeal of that portion of the county are two of the primary reasons for selecting this location,” CRPA Director Jordan Wood said. The ultimate goal for this partnership between the Cherokee County branch of the UGA Extension service and Cherokee Recreation & Parks will be able to offer a unique facility in our county that will encourage citizens to get outside, get dirty, and get educated on the substantial human health benefits of gardening.

Joshua Fuder is the agriculture and natural resources agent with UGA Extension-Cherokee County.

The quarter-acre spot is between the tennis courts and maintenance building. 38

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

The site plan for the educational garden and orchard project.

Woodstock - Towne Lake 145 Towne Lake Pkwy Suite 201

(770) 592-5554

Find us near you at SmileDoctors.com

Canton

205 Waleska Rd Suite 1-A

(770) 345-4155

Michael D. Williams, DMD, MS Sunya Sweeney, DMD

Same Day Braces 0% Interest

Se habla EspaÃ±ol Smile Doctors of Georgia - Dana E. Fender, D.M.D.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Retirement Plan Options for Small Businesses DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CFP®, CPA/PFS U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

As a small-business owner, figuring out retirement choices can be a little intimidating. How do you pick the most appropriate retirement plan for your business as well as your employees? The SECURE Act and CARES Act may complicate the decision. There are three main types of retirement plans for small businesses: SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k)s. Read on to learn more about each plan. Also, keep in mind that recent legislative changes that occurred with the passing of the SECURE Act and CARES Act may complicate the decision.

SIMPLE IRAs. SIMPLE stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. This is a traditional IRA that is set up for employees and allows both employees and employers to contribute. If you’re an employer at a small business who needs to get started with a retirement plan, a SIMPLE IRA may be for you. While this plan doesn’t require an employee to contribute, employers must contribute 2% of their employee’s salary to a retirement fund. If you do choose to offer a matching contribution to your employee’s SIMPLE IRA plan, you can match up to 3% of your employee’s compensation. Employees also can participate in a SIMPLE IRA plan by having automatic deductions go straight from their paycheck to their SIMPLE IRA.1,2,3 Distributions from SIMPLE IRAs are taxed as ordinary income, and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. However, during the 2020 calendar year, the CARES Act allows eligible participants to take an early distribution of up to $100,000 without paying the 10% penalty. Generally, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. For a business to use a SIMPLE IRA, it typically must have fewer than 100 employees and cannot have any other retirement plans in place. There are also no filing requirements required by the employer.2 SEP IRAs. SEP plans (also known as SEP IRAs) are Simplified Employee Pension plans. Any business of any size can set up one of these types of retirement plans, including a self-employed business owner. This type of retirement plan may be an attractive option for a business owner, because a SEP IRA does not have the start-up and operating costs of a conventional retirement plan. It also allows for a contribution of up to 25% of each employee’s pay. This is a type of retirement plan that is sponsored solely by the employer, and the contribution to each employee’s SEP IRA must be the same amount. Employees are not able to add their own contributions. Unlike other types of retirement plans, contributions from the employer can be flexible from year to year, which can help businesses that have fluctuations in their cash flow.4 Much like SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs are taxed as ordinary 40

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

income, and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. The CARES Act applies to SEP IRAs, too. Generally, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.

401(k)s. 401(k) plans are funded by employee contributions, and, in some cases, with employer contributions as well. In most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 72. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. As of right now, the CARES Act exemptions apply only in the 2020 calendar year.5 Securities offered through registered representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a registered investment adviser. Cambridge is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya Inc. or MarketingPro Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - IRS.gov, January 15, 2020 2 - IRS.gov, January 8, 2020 3 - IRS.gov, January 9, 2020 4 - IRS.gov, January 15, 2020 5 - U.S. Chamber of Commerce, February 20, 2020

Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. 770-952-6707.

Taking the 'Together' Message to Heart BY REV. ANN GARVIN

In early March, shortly after the shelter in place order was issued by our governor, I noticed how people responded on social media. Unable to participate in normal activities, many friends started listing the home projects they were accomplishing. I noticed many people had trouble being still. I have to confess that while I felt somewhat guilty, I wasn’t as productive as others. I intentionally chose to spend some of my time slowing down. Maybe it’s because of my age, but I wanted to spend time appreciating things I often take for granted: sunrises and sunsets, birds singing, trees and flowers awakening after a long winter, spending even more time with the One who created this beautiful world, and spending time checking in with and talking to loved ones. One day, on my way to the grocery store, I noticed a large sign that read, “We are all in this together.” At the time, the news was covering the impact of COVID-19 throughout the world, and it seemed obvious to me how true this statement was. I remember thinking how maybe, just maybe, our world could be a much different place if we could truly take that to heart, and live it out in our daily lives. I noticed more of these signs in different places, and I became hopeful the message would be embraced by more people. As time passed, our need for community became apparent. We are social creatures. We are created for relationship – relationship with God and relationship with one another. We need eye-to-eye, face-to-face communication with our fellow human beings. Yet, we were being socially isolated from one another – even the doors to our places of worship were closed. Through the gift of technology, we were able to create virtual environments where we could gather to worship and although it was different it was good. Again, I thought, “We are all in this together. We need one another.” In John 13:34-35, Jesus instructs us: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We are in this together and everything we do impacts others − negatively or positively. Let’s learn to show respect for one another, even when we might not agree.

Ann Garvin is co-pastor at The Way Woodstock. She is a mother, grandmother and wife, but foremost a disciple of Jesus Christ. revagarvin@bellsouth.net.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Around & About

Editor’s Note: We’ve done our best to include the new Be sure to check each website for the most updated in

AUGUST and Brews Canton is set for 1 BBQ noon-8 p.m. at The Mill on Etowah, featuring

barbecue, cold beer, retailers and live music. Watch Facebook for more details.

Monsters” will be presented 7-23 at“ShetheKills Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. The play tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. Recommended for ages 16 and older (sexual content, language, violence). 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays (and Aug. 8). Check www.elmstreetarts.org for updates.

15 5K

The sixth annual Chick-fil-A's Moo've It , a fundraiser for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and the county’s Special Olympics, will take place at Etowah River Park in Canton. chickfilamooveit5k.itsyourrace.com.

SEPTEMBER County Fire & Emergency 11 Cherokee Services is offering several American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED courses. Registration also is open for Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 sessions, at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Fee is $25. www.cherokeecountyfire.org.

Supporting our Military Heroes is 12 the theme of the Cherokee Veterans

Community fundraiser at First Baptist Church Woodstock. The event includes a motorcycle ride through Cherokee County with an Honor Ride through the national cemetery in Canton. This year, classic cars are invited to join the ride. For more information, contact 678-570-5828 or veteransministry@fbcw.net. www.cherokeeveteranscommunity.org.

My Lambs Golf Classic will take 21 Feed place at the Marietta Country Club. Feed

My Lambs operates free Christian preschools, one of which is in Canton. For more information, visit www.feedmylambsgolf.givesmart.com.

NOVEMBER

7-8

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID RUFF

17 ClassicCherokee Chamber of Commerce Golf The

is set for 8:30 a.m. registration and a 10 a.m. shotgun start at Woodmont Golf & Country Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. Registration and meals will be handled following appropriate social distancing protocols. Two players per cart, unless a single cart is requested. For registration information, contact Gini Mizelle at 770-3450400 or gini@cherokeechamber.com.

Young Life Golf Tournament at Woodmont 18 Golf and Country Club, with tee time at 12:30

p.m. Registration and the range open at 11:15 a.m., with lunch at 11:30 a.m. Four-player scramble. 470-377-1235. cherokeecounty.younglife@gmail.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

The Etowah Wing and Rock Festival is set for noon-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, at Etowah River Park. Featuring wings from more than 20 restaurants. Voted one of the Top 10 food festivals in the Southeast by Festival Rooster. www.wingandrockfest.com.

12 Golf TournamentHubble Foundation The fifth annual

is set for Woodmont Golf Club. The event typically raises $10,000 each year. The foundation gives scholarships to children and spouses of fallen tower technicians, and works to make changes in the telecommunications industry. www.hubble foundation.org.

The TEDxDupreePark event will be the first of its kind in Cherokee County. Check www.tedxdupreepark.com for updates.

w dates on events that were rescheduled. nformation.

THE LANTERN SERIES Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Elm Street Event Green www.elmstreetarts.org

Aug. 15: Crystal Bowersox Aug. 29: David Nail Sept. 19: VoicePlay Sept. 26: The Black Market Trust Oct. 17: We Banjo 3

FARMERS MARKETS Woodstock Farm Fresh Market

Now open, featuring some alternative ways to connect shoppers with farmers. www.woodstockga.gov.

Canton Farmers Market

Open every Saturday through Oct. 24, and will be open 9 a.m.-noon in Brown Park. www.cantonga.gov.

Farmers Market at River Church

WOODSTOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater. www.woodstockconcertseries.com

2335 Sixes Road, Canton, meets 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays. On Facebook.

The Market at The Mill on Etowah A weekly event, 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, featuring farmers, makers, creators and artists. On Facebook.

ept. 12: The Black Jacket Symphony S Oct. 30: Rumours A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band

FIRST FRIDAYS IN CANTON 6-9 p.m. downtown www.DowntownCantonGA.com

Aug. 7: Sept. 4: Oct. 2: Oct. 30:

Kinchafoonee Cowboys Cody Bolden & Whiskey Business The Sensational Sounds of Motown

Anita & The Party Life Band (wear your Halloween costume) Nov. 6: Electric Avenue Dec. 31: The Rupert’s Orchestra

CANTON RIVER ROCK CONCERT SERIES At the Etowah River Park 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton www.cantonga.gov

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL PEYTON

FRESH START CHEROKEE @ THE CIRCUIT 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600 www.freshstartcherokee.com www.circuitwoodstock.com/events

1 Million Cups Cherokee (1MC)

Aug. 15: Johnny Wild and the Delights

The free, biweekly coffee gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level. Visit www.1millioncups.com/Cherokee for more details.

Sept. 19: On the Border (Eagles tribute) Oct. 17: Absolute Queen

The other entrepreneurial networking events are postponed until further notice.

(’50s and ’60s dance hits)

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Youth Council

Teaching Teens to Make a Difference in our Community BY JEFF BENNETT

The Cherokee County Youth Council is a group of enthusiastic, hardworking and creative students seeking to make an impact in our community. Through leadership training, civic involvement and prevention advocacy, students learn to have an active voice on topics that are greatly affecting their age group: marijuana and prescription drug use, alcohol consumption, cyber bullying, teen suicide and general health issues. Students in grades 8-12 are coming together to get educated on what really is going on in their community, and working with one another to help bring about change and lead their peers. Our goal is to be present as an example, educator and friend to the kids who face these struggles and issues in their lives. Primarily, we hope to reach

kids at or before the age they will be in these compromising situations, to help them understand that they are in control of their future and can decide what their future looks like. Through leadership training and civic involvement, we hope to educate our young leaders how to promote a positive message that young people do not need drugs and alcohol to have a good time, how to be a better friend by not accepting online negative messages, and how to live a better, healthier lifestyle. We hope to have representation from every school, home school, religious organization, club, team and everything in between. The council is for the YOUTH of Cherokee County who would like to make the place they live, and the friends and family they love, just a little bit better. The students who become a part

Council members participate in a Chick-fil-A Mooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve It fundraiser. Front row, from left: Grace Fettinger, Katie Blankinship and Ashley Fortin. Back row, John Biddiscombe, Alex Blankinship and Camden Cochran. 44

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Youth council members make blankets for Project Linus, a community service project that supplied the blankets to hospitals and homeless shelters in Atlanta.

of this organization will have the opportunity to be trained by local leaders, as well as experts from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and the Georgia Teen Institute. This experience gives students a chance to collaborate and learn from people outside of Cherokee County. Because of these amazing opportunities, we are seeking the best of the best. Teens are not too young to make a difference and have a voice, and each student in this organization will finish each year with a sense of pride and accomplishment. An informational meeting is scheduled for Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Cherokee FOCUS office in Holly Springs. The youth council is supported by Cherokee FOCUS, Drug Free Cherokee, the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, and grants from the Drug Free Communities program from the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Parents and students interested in getting involved or wanting more information can contact Jeff Bennett at CCYCLeaders@gmail.com and Michael Carpenter at drmichaelc@comcast.net. Cherokee County native Jeff Bennett, a veteran counselor with the Cherokee County School District, has a passion for youth leadership development and community engagement. He has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for making an impact on young people.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Rob’s Rescues I interviewed Dr. David Steen when he was the research ecologist at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Dr. Steen is a Wildlife Scientist and Science Communicator. He is currently the Reptile and Amphibian Research Leader of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the founder and executive director of The Alongside Wildlife Foundation (www.alongsidewildlifefoundation.org), and serves on the Board of Directors of the Wildlands Network. This is Part 2 of my interview with him. The first part was last month.

What do you love about turtles?

In your book, “Secrets of Snakes,” did you have any surprises when researching?

They are ancient survivors that have seen a lot over their lives.

The book was developed over 10 years of interacting with people and snakes. I learned a lot from citizen scientists – people who emailed videos and questions. A person in Arkansas sent a video of a Copperhead and a CottonMouth fighting. Combat is usually for reproductive purposes in snakes, this combat between different species raised more questions than answers. What were they fighting about? I worked with her to create a scientific paper out of this experience.

What is your favorite type of turtle and why?

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle, they live for ages against the odds. My favorite freshwater turtle is the painted turtle. Growing up I would see them in swamps and crossing roads (I didn’t realize it then but they were looking for nesting spots). Painted turtles tie it all together for me.

What puts turtles in danger and are they in trouble now?

What do you want people to know about turtles and snakes?

Sea turtles are in trouble in general. The Green Sea Turtle and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act, which has made a big difference. Sea turtles have in the past often been caught up in commercial fishing nets and drowned. Shrimp trawlers now utilized a Turtle Excluder Device in the nets, which allows turtles to escape nets through a trapdoor. During nesting season we also have people patrolling the beaches to protect the nests, which has been very positive for turtle survival.

Rob with Blondie dog and Linda Hunt of Act2Pups. 46

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Rob and Dr. David Steen.

I want to encourage people to appreciate the diversity of organisms on the planet. Snakes and turtles have secret lives we are still learning about. Stand back and observe their behaviors. If you see a turtle crossing the road – as long as you are not at risk, move the turtle to the opposite side of the road, in the direction it was going.

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

Rob and Mr. Brown the dog.

Act2Pups is a group that rescues senior dogs, mostly from Cobb County Animal Services. These two dogs are from Act2Pups. Blondie is more than 10 years old and is 13 pounds. She is a beautiful dog and ready for a great home. Mr. Brown came to the shelter with her, and they have always lived together and need a home together. Mr. Brown walks well on a leash and is also more than 10 years old. He loves sniffing around a backyard and would love a home.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

IN THE SPOTLIGHT • The business.

240 Rope Mill Parkway, Suite 2 Woodstock, GA

770-675-8115

www.hardlineind.com On Facebook and Instagram “These guys are top-notch on their quality of work, timelines and courtesy! I trust them wholeheartedly with my builds and projects, as they have built my last three vehicles! You won’t be disappointed having them work on your vehicle!” - Garrett Reed

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Hardline Customs opened its doors in 2019, to serve the custom automotive community with bolt-on accessories such as wheels, tires, suspension kits, lights, bumpers, tonneau covers, etc. Owner Jerry Harding, who loves anything with a motor, has a passion for custom metal fabrication and can make custom bumpers, suspension, metal parts and accessories. Driven by the pursuit of excellence and an unwavering attention to detail, he founded Hardline to bring even the wildest builds to life. “The goal with every build is to surpass the customer’s expectations. Our projects can’t just look cool, they must perform even better. If it’s lifted, lowered, street car, or strictly off-road, you have come to the right place,” Harding said.

• What’s unique.

Hardline specializes in metal fabrication, offering custom touches that go beyond bolt-on accessories. The owner promises to deliver, whether the request is a couple of custom pieces to make a vehicle unique, or a one-off, one-of-a-kind creation. Harding has experience building everything from full-on rock crawlers to hot rods. The focus is on functionality and performance, as well as looks, and making sure that every build is tailored to the customer’s wants and needs.

Annual School District

Short Story Winner

Life Span

BY BAILEIGH BORNA, GRADE 8, MILL CREEK MS

unning through the woods, forty-eight-year-old Darin Parker trips over another tree root in the path, but he keeps going. The disease, which has now metastasized on the right side of his brain, causes him to feel dizzy and disoriented. But he has to catch her. His life depends on it. The news that the inoculation failed to slow the disease keeps his legs in motion. Then he sees her. She is trying to climb a tree up ahead but her foot slips on a branch and she falls to the ground. He slows to catch his breath and then he ambushes her, taking her life instantly as he pushes the red glowing Tazard[1] into her neck. Sitting beside her body, Darin’s feelings of remorse are replaced with relief that just seems to pour all over him. He can already feel the Pluton[2] mass in his brain disappearing. * * * “Oh no, today is my 16th birthday,” Luna says out-loud as she crawls out of her sleeping pod to get dressed. Looking at herself in the reflector she sighs, still talking out loud, “Sixteen. The worst age to be nowadays. I wonder if they are tracking my birthday.” Running a hair phaser through her hair, she decides to be satisfied with how she looks and walks downstairs in her father’s house. Smelling the freshly brewed coffee, she grabs a flagon[3] and filling it up asks, “QUERI[4] what’s the top headline in Calitoneia[5] today?” “Good morning, Miss Luna! Today is Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the year 2099. Today’s headline in Calitoneia is ‘Supreme Being Justice, Darin Parker, Extends His Life by 76 Years.’ Would you like the details?” “Sure,” Luna replies thinking how this could only heighten her anxiety about turning 16 today.

Congratulations to Baileigh Borna of Mill Creek Booth Middle School. She was selected as the eighth-grade winner of the Cherokee County School District’s second annual Short Story Competition. The competition is open to all CCSD seventh- and eighth-grade students as a part of their English Language Arts studies. Each middle school submits its best entries to be considered, then a team of judges selects an overall winner from each grade. We’ve included an excerpt of Bornas’s winning entry, titled “Life Span.” You can find the story, in its entirety, on our website at www.aroundwoodstockmagazine.com.

QUERI continues: “Justice Parker, who was diagnosed two months ago with Pluton in the brain was given only 12 weeks to live. However, he was cured yesterday afternoon when he successfully transferred the disease to a 16-year-old Healthy after a successful hunt in The Zone. Justice Parker will now reportedly live another 76 years. The Healthy was a registered 16-year-oldteen with a reported remaining life span of 76 years. As national controversy continues over the legal mandate for healthy people to register their projected life spans, the battle continues at the Life Span Council[6] over the process for how the Afflicted can access the Healthy Register.” “Wow,” Luna replies thoughtfully. “How can anyone just take someone else’s life to save their own?” “It is required,” QUERI replies, still unable to distinguish a human rhetorical question. Logging off the news feed, Luna stuffs a bio-engineered banana into her pedestrian pack and heads out the door to her mother’s house. Before reaching the sidewalk, a man approaches her, flashing a Calitoneia Recruiter badge he asks harshly, “Are you a registered Healthy?” “Leave me alone,” Luna shouts pushing past him. “It’s none of your business.” “It’s your 16th birthday, and you are required by law to register as a Healthy or Afflicted,” he calls after her, while taking pictures of the address plaque on the building. Then speaking into the Tile[7] on his wrist, the Recruiter says, “She’s not registered yet, but I am certain she will be. She is strong, in good physical condition and mentally alert. She could have a lifespan of 80 or more years, making her a top desired target.” Just minutes later, entering her mother’s residence, Luna calls out, “Mom, where are you? Are you ready to go to the show?” “I don’t think so,” her mother strains, calling from the back room. “I’m not feeling well.” “Mom, what’s going on?” Luna asks, walking into the room and seeing her mom lying in her sleeping pod looking somewhat green and shaky. Quickly picking her up, Luna rushes her mom out the door and puts her in the transporter. They head straight to the nearest infirmary. AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

School News Middle School Student Is First at 4-H Paige Fowler, a student at Mill Creek Middle School, placed first for Food Safety and Preservation at the Georgia 4-H Northwest District Project Achievement Competition. Thirty-eight students, in grades 7-12 from the Cherokee County School Paige Fowler District, participated in the event, competing in a field of 582 students. For the contest, students chose an area of interest, researched it, created a portfolio and made a presentation. Students were judged on their presentation and portfolio, which included their project work, as well as information about their leadership and citizenship activities, and community service.

David Holbrook

Caleb Glisson

Students Win at Statewide Tech Competition Two local middle school students placed first in this year’s statewide Georgia Student Technology Competition. David Holbrook, of Woodstock Middle School, won for grades 5-6, Mobile Apps; and Caleb Glisson, of Mill Creek Middle School, won for grades 5-6, 3D Modeling. The annual program offers 16 categories of competition for students in grades 3-12. At the regional competition, 53 CCSD students placed first and advanced to the state event. The state competition, usually held in person at Kennesaw State University, was instead held virtually this spring. 50

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

School Is Back in Session Be sure to check www.cherokeek12.net for any updates that may have occurred since press time.

Whether you’ve chosen to send your children back to school in person or utilize virtual learning, things are going to look a lot different for the start of the 2020-21 academic year. Although Superintendent Brian V. Hightower is authorized to reopen schools as a function of daily operations, school board Chair Kyla Cromer called a July 9 meeting for the school board to register a public vote. The school year was scheduled to begin Aug. 3, with all campuses open for traditional in-person learning for all grades; parents also had the option to enroll their child in CCSD’s Digital Learning program instead. During the meeting, Hightower shared a brief presentation of the plan, as he explained how community input, the state’s guidance to school districts, and the current state of public health in Cherokee County influenced his decision-making process. The superintendent appointed two committees — one made up of teachers and staff, and one made up of parents, partners and staff — to provide feedback. Hightower also emphasized how the plan will continue to change as needed, noting his decision to purchase water bottle filling stations to replace water fountains in all CCSD schools, based on a suggestion by school board member Patsy Jordan, a retired CCSD teacher. The full reopening plan, which outlines operations and the state’s guidance to schools districts, is online at https://bit.ly/CCSDplan20, along with a Reopening of School FAQs webpage at https://bit.ly/CCSDfaqs20, which will be updated continuously by CCSD staff as new information becomes available. Social distancing is an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. CCSD employees, students, parents and visitors are encouraged to stay approximately 6 feet away from others and limit contact with others whenever possible.

The following precautions will be implemented: • Staggered bell schedules to limit traffic congestion in hallways. • Avoiding large gatherings and discouraging students and staff congregating. • Altered lunch schedules to minimize the number of students in one area. • Established workspaces that promote social distancing. • Washing of hands frequently or using hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible. • Covering of nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. • Avoiding touching the face. • Avoiding greetings involving physical contact. • Avoiding using shared equipment when possible. • Wearing of face coverings/masks when social distancing is not achievable, or when working with the public.

Schools Always Need Community Support The PTA fundraising builds playgrounds, buys iPads, and treats our teachers and staff to recognition and During our spring school closures, due to the pandemic, appreciation lunches and small gifts. CCEF’s fundraising we saw an incredible outpouring of care for our students provides scholarships for students who can’t afford in need. credit recovery classes to graduate on time, and Individuals, families and businesses made donations to provides grants for teachers with ideas for new lesson help cover the costs of providing any child who needed plans that require supplies or equipment outside the help with a weekly bag of breakfasts and regular school budget. lunches. While the U.S. Department of Both the PTA and CCEF accept We need and Agriculture covers the cost of providing financial donations, great and small, free or low-cost breakfast and lunch during appreciate it when and both have opportunities for donors school to students whose families qualify who give larger sums to receive public you buy locally, for assistance, this need grew during the recognition. closures, as families lost income due to To help the PTA, please call your and support furloughs and layoffs. The community child’s school or, if you’re not a parent, our education donated more than $164,000 to this cause. call your neighborhood school to We are so grateful for this giving. request the contact information for its special local As I write this, we do not know whether PTA. You also can contact the Cherokee option sales tax ... County Council PTA president, as this all our schools will have to close again due to pandemic restrictions, sparking the need for group oversees all of CCSD’s school us to offer a to-go meal program again. PTAs, at cccptapres@gmail.com. But, I know that we always need our community’s support Visit www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org to improve our schools. to help CCEF. There, you can learn about upcoming We need and appreciate it when your property tax bill and fundraisers, or make a donation online for the amount state income tax bill are paid on time, as this revenue pays of your choice. The foundation has 501(c)(3) status, so our teachers and staff, keeps the lights on, and buys the bus your donation may be tax-deductible. fuel. We need and appreciate it when you buy locally, and Thank you for your continued support of our school support our education special local option sales tax, as this district. It benefits our students, our teachers and staff, revenue builds and renovates schools, buys school buses and and our community as a whole! technology, pays for land for future schools, and pays off the mortgage on past construction projects. Those tax dollars cover our needs, but not the wants, and those wants are expenses that can make a big positive Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications difference for our students and teachers. officer for the Cherokee County School District, and We rely upon the PTA and the Cherokee County is a CCSD parent with four children. Educational Foundation (CCEF) to help us with the wants. BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

2020 Graduates Selected for Scholarships

Ella Elbeck

Daniel Acosta

Jack Belisle

ABM Industry Groups, the company that provides custodial services for Cherokee County schools, each year awards a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each of the district’s high schools. The six winners are selected by a scholarship committee of retired Cherokee County educators and ABM representatives, based on a student’s involvement in school, and community activities and service; personal essays; and references. Local winners were Ella Elbeck of Woodstock High School, who plans to study biological sciences at Cornell University; Daniel Acosta of River Ridge High School, an aspiring filmmaker who will begin his studies at Chattahoochee Technical College; and Jack Belisle of Sequoyah High School, who is headed to Georgia State University to study computer science. AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Woodstock Area Homes Sold in June List Price Address 449,990 435,000 279,900 525,000 235,000 459,900 459,900 299,900 425,000 250,000 280,000 629,900 410,000 365,131 279,000 240,000 544,030 470,000 230,000 589,900 267,500 280,000 209,900 440,000 329,900 235,000 410,000 325,000 233,900 359,900 759,900 545,000 279,000 549,000 365,000 435,000 250,000 280,000 250,000 210,000 629,900 749,900 449,900 275,000 265,000 550,000 165,000 270,000 229,900 465,000 350,000 273,900 189,900 300,000 320,000 342,000 348,600 347,102 245,000 480,000 475,000 342,900 399,900 299,999 360,000 254,000 415,000 413,000

512 Taymack Farm Court 111 Three Branches Drive 538 Arnold Mill Road 2306 Isla Run 503 Stanford Place 209 Fox Pointe Court 200 Morning Mist Lane 1060 Inca Lane 235 Highlands Drive 1053 Dunedin Trail 249 Park Avenue 3048 Trickum Road 460 Spring View Drive 191 Archie Way 716 Habersham Place 421 Village View 130 Meadow Mill Road 204 Carrington Estates Court 1602 Andreaes Point 216 Mcaffee Street 207 Highland Village Lane 113 Weatherstone Drive 117 Sunnybrook Lane 308 Shade Tree Circle 529 Wisteria Drive 181 Colemans Bluff Drive 452 Spring View Drive 713 Purslane Way 119 Colemans Bluff Drive 523 Papillion Trace 162 Brighton Boulevard 122 Three Branches Drive 2061 Crestview Way 314 Heritage Overlook 235 Cornerstone Drive 148 Stoney Creek Parkway 143 River Marsh Lane 506 Mullein Trace 135 Driftwood Lane 1017 Daventry Xing 2516 E Cherokee Drive 186 Fowler Street 113 Wayfair Overlook Drive 333 Burdock Trace 427 Norton Crossing 308 Meadow Overlook 14751 Highway 92 527 Drifton Way 1419 Anona Place 1000 Market Street 216 Tyler Drive 430 Citronelle Drive 125 Robinhood Drive 910 Dooney Drive 103 Caracas Drive 752 Parkside Drive 227 Hickory Chase 310 Hickory Court 828 Riverstone Lane 207 Autumn Glen Trail 119 Mountainside Drive 1474 Willow Bend 207 Allison Drive 307 Cacique Court 526 Papillion Trace 603 Beau Lane 311 Melrose Circle 203 Valley View Court

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Subdivision

Estates of Fernwood Creek Three Branches Farmington IV Oakhurst Daventry Village Woodstock Knoll Serenade Mill Creek Crossing Arbor View KINGSGATE Park Place Estates Cottages at Trickum Woodview Enclave Riverside Waverly Park Woodstock Village Inwood The Estates at Wiley Bridge Kingsgate Woodstock Downtown Highland Village Weatherstone Sunnybrook Orchards of East Cherokee Walnut Creek Colemans Bluff Woodview Enclave Woodlands Colemans Bluff Woodlands South on Main Three Branches Westridge Olde Heritage Cornerstone Park Stoney Creek River Plantation Woodlands Driftwood Forest Daventry Village home, barn, 7 ac Woodstock Downtown Bradshaw Farm Woodlands Whitfield At Ridgewalk Meadow Brook N/A The Park at Kingsgate Regency at Kingsgate Garden Street Woodlands Kingsgate Sherwood Forest Woodlands Mill Creek Crossing Arbor View Hickory Mill Hickory Mill River Oaks Autumn Glen Mountain Park Overlook Willow Tree Copper Ridge Mill Creek Crossing Woodlands MISTY MOUNTAIN Wynchase BRADSHAW FARMS

Beds Full Baths Year Built Sold Price Days on Market 5 6 5 5 3 5 4 5 6 3 3 5 4 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 5 3 5 3 3 4 4 5 3 7 3 5 3 3 3 2 3 6 5 3 4 5 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 5 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 4 3 4 4 4 5

4 5 3 4 2 3 3 3 4 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 2 2 3 2 2 4 3 2 2 4 5 2 5 3 5 2 2 2 2 4 5 3 2 2 4 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 2 3 4 4 2 3 2 2 2 2 4

2019 2005 1983 2018 1999 2012 2002 1999 2005 1999 1986 2020 2016 2020 1996 2015 2019 2000 2001 2012 2012 1996 1980 2007 2000 1988 2015 2004 1988 2005 2019 2008 1995 2013 2008 2016 1998 2003 1978 1998 1979 2015 2000 2003 2004 2005 1964 2000 2000 2013 2003 1999 1971 2005 2002 1999 2020 2020 1986 2005 2019 1988 1997 2002 2005 1979 2007 1999

465,000 395,000 270,000 515,000 233,000 415,000 459,000 290,000 413,000 227,000 278,000 612,608 410,900 330,720 280,000 245,000 511,900 436,500 230,000 589,000 267,500 280,000 204,900 425,000 329,900 240,000 405,000 325,000 240,000 359,900 753,864 527,000 273,000 549,000 361,000 425,000 265,000 275,000 235,000 212,500 480,000 730,000 449,900 282,000 268,000 540,000 165,000 270,000 229,900 460,000 350,000 261,000 185,000 300,000 320,000 340,000 346,490 344,192 235,000 475,000 464,999 342,900 339,900 278,000 360,000 245,000 399,000 406,000

166 178 192 65 8 215 53 29 69 60 2 217 63 0 6 2 136 76 30 28 4 4 101 6 5 2 32 16 2 0 46 72 5 17 10 41 5 4 53 2 68 190 54 6 15 13 19 4 18 4 45 27 11 3 3 2 2 15 3 8 336 3 2 63 1 64 18 10

Downtown Woodstock Dining Canyons

J Christopher’s

Salt Factory Pub

Century House Tavern

J Miller’s Smokehouse

Semper Fi Bar and Grille

American 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 www.canyonsfresh.com Modern American 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 www.centuryhousetavern.com

Copper Coin Coffee

Diner 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 www.jchristophers.com

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches 150 Towne Lake Parkway 770-592-8295 www.jmillerssmokehouse.com

American 400 Chambers St. 470-308-6914 www.coppercoinwoodstock.com

Mad Life Studios

Freight Kitchen & Tap

Partners II Pizza

Southern 251 E. Main St. 770-924-0144 www.freightkitchen.com

Gyro Aegean Grill

Greek/Mediterranean 180 Towne Lake Parkway 770-485-5236 https://gyroageangrill.com/

Habanero’s Taqueria

Mexican 9550 Main St. 678-498-8243 www.habanerostaqueria.com

Ice Martini & Sushi Bar Tapas/Sushi 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 www.icemartinibar.com

Ipps Pastaria & Bar Italian 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 www.ippspastaria.com

Southern 8722 Main St. www.madlifestageandstudios.com

Pizza 8600 Main St. 678-224-6907 www.partnerspizza.com/woodstock-ga

Pure Taqueria

Mexican 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 www.puretaqueria.com/woodstock

Prime 120

Steakhouse 120 Chambers St. 770-800-8049 www.prime120steakhouse.com

Reel Seafood

Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 www.reel-seafood.com

Gastropub 8690 Main St. 678-903-6225 www.saltfactorypub.com/woodstock American 9770 Main St. 770-672-0026 www.semperfibarandgrille.com

Tea Leaves & Thyme

English Tea room 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 www.tealeavesandthyme.com

The Daily Draft Tap Room and Bar American 8594 Main St. 770-783-2799 thedailydraft.net

Truck & Tap

Variety of Food trucks 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 www.truckandtap.com

Vingenzo’s

Italian 105 E. Main St. 770-924-9133 www.vingenzos.com

Rootstock and Vine

Wine bar & Tapas 8558 Main St. 770 -544-9009 www.rootstockandvine.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Advertisers

For advertising rates and information: Patty Ponder, 770-615-3322 â&#x20AC;¢ Patty@AroundaboutMagazines.com

AUGUST 2020

ANIMALS/PETS

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES 31

Sanchez Curtis Law 470-737-4124 www.sclga.com

Tidwell Strimban Injury Lawyers 678-999-8500 www.tidwellstrimban.com

AUTOMOTIVE Hardline Customs 770-675-8115 www.hardlineind.com

1, 43

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY SALON & SPA A New You Skin & Body Clinic 678-739-0400 www.anewyouclinic.com

Salon Gloss 678-483-8900 www.salongloss.biz

MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org

CREDIT UNION LGE Community Credit Union 770-424-0600 www.lgeccu.org

DENTAL/ORTHODONTICS Dentistry for Woodstock, Dr. Bruce Fink 770-926-0000 www.dentistryforwoodstock.com

Smile Doctors by Williams Orthodontics 39 Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.smiledoctors.com 7

EDUCATION/TRAINING/TUTORING Core Community School 770-704-9144 www.thecoreschool.org

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 770-952-6707 www.citadelwealthcare.com

Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277

9 27

Foundation Business Enterprises 678-919-1991 www.fbellc.net

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

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1(675-8651) www.mrjunk1.com

Myst Powerwashing 770-546-6028 www.mystpowerwashing.com

www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-919-9509 www.daycosystems.com

For information on all of our titles, visit

HOME AND GARDEN

Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implant Center Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com

ToothTown Pediatric Dentistry 470-523-8090 www.toothtownpd.com

ENTERTAINMENT

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com

Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com

INWDSTK inwdstk.org/events

St Joseph Catholic School 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org

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

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

HOME DÉCOR

Inside Front

Neighborhood Nest, The 770-485-5898 www.theneighborhoodnestga.com

Pineapple Park 678-494-8494 www.pineapplepark.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tomlinson Team, The www.thetomlinsonteam.com

Paige Pace & Associates — Keller Williams 706-267-9280 www.paigepace.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Abigail Peyton Photography www.apeytonphotography.com Joyful Day Photography www.joyfuldayphoto.com

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center 770-726-8948 www.yourhearinglink.com

Kennesaw State Owls Football www.ksuowls.com

Reinhardt University Eagles Football www.reinhardteagles.com

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING

REAL ESTATE& RELATED SERVICES 5

Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com

SENIOR LIVING/ SENIOR SERVICES Cover, 28, 29

Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.tpgsells.com

Back cover

S.A.L.T. Extravaganza www.saltcherokee.com

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

RECREATION Cherokee Staycation www.cherokeechamber.com

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

Next Step Ministries 770-592-1227 nextstepministries.net

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

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

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

AROUND WOODSTOCK | August 2020

Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500