Enjoy Cherokee Magazine, Nov/Dec 2019 by Enjoy Cherokee Magazine

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[feature articles]

Features

Putting the Giving Back In Thanksgiving

Many Cherokee County residents will lean in close to the Thanksgiving table this year. Stuffed and happy they will retire to the sofa, belt loosened, to watch football. Nothing is wrong with their behavior; it is the essence of many happy family holiday memories. A large group of people, however, will be busy that day and the days before, making different memories.

Almost Home for the Holidays Christmas in Dahlonega is like walking into a Currier and Ives holiday card—picture-perfect.

Woodcarving For Christmas

On any given Wednesday, Woodstock’s William G. Long Senior Center looks like a real-life Santa’s Workshop. The room is filled with conversation and the smell of wood shavings. It’s here that friends gather to transform blocks of wood into works of art.

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4-7 CHANGING THE WORLD

Miss Georgia Victoria Hill Flips The Script On Foster Care

The holidays this year will be different for Miss Georgia, Victoria Hill. In December the Reinhardt University senior will head to Uncasville, Connecticut, to represent Georgia in the Miss America Competition.

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remembering

A LIFE WELL LIVED...

Top honors for top care. Piedmont Mountainside Hospital is named one of the nation’s 100 top hospitals by IBM Watson Health. As one of only two 2019 top 100 hospital winners in Georgia, our leadership team, medical staff and employees – together as a team – have set national benchmarks for the highest balanced performance in the US.

[table of contents]

Contents

Glitter

Light It Up!

The Green Corn Festival Celebration of New Beginnings

All over Cherokee, surrounding counties, and beyond, parents and grandparents are bustling to get ready for the holiday season. For people who have lost a loved one, though, the season is more complicated than jingle bells and warmhearted feelings.

Many cherished holiday memories include loading up the family and searching for the best light displays. Look no farther than Veterans Park. Cherokee County is excited to welcome the third annual Holiday Lights display at Veterans Park beginning November 29.

Cheryle Schoeneman

Cheryle@EnjoyCherokee.com

The soil we trod upon in Cherokee County was once the site of an annual Green Corn Festival. Native Americans believed this ceremony to be the essential way to give thanks to the Great Spirit. Amy@EnjoyCherokee.com

33 Top Five Christmas Gifts for Soccer Fans

Holiday Recipes

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of the year to head To make your Christmas shopping easier, into your kitchen to prepare some weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve rounded up the five must-have scrumptious holiday recipes. gifts for your favorite soccer aficionados.

17 Christmas In Cherokee Cherokee County is made up of five vibrant communities. Each hosts celebrations during the holiday season.

Woodstock Athlete Kicks His Way Into International Soccer Eli Stout of Woodstock was one of 100,000 aspiring players considered to study soccer in Spain.

28 38 Crazy Holiday Memories Christmas is all about making memories. Enjoy a few warm memories from some of our Cherokee County neighbors.

Warhol And The West

The traveling exhibit called Warhol and the West debuted in August at The Booth Museum and runs through December 31, 2019. [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Victoria Hill

CHANGING THE WORLD

Miss Georgia

Victoria Hill Flips The Script On Foster Care by Rebecca Johnston, Canton Resident

ast holiday season Victoria spent time with children in foster care at the North Georgia Angel House in Canton to make sure each girl had a happy Christmas morning. Helping children in foster care is part of her volunteer work with the Flip the Script on Foster Care initiative across the state of Georgia to raise awareness of the great needs in the foster care system and engage businesses and organizations to meet those needs. Victoria grew up with two uncles her grandparents had adopted out of foster care. Her grandparents fostered many other

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children as well. Those experiences helped her see the difference that others can make in the lives of children in foster care. “My grandparents fostered lots and lots of children, and they were able to adopt our two uncles, which was awesome. My grandparents loved all the children they fostered,” she says. “We can’t imagine our lives without our two uncles.” Victoria is the eldest of five children, all of whom her mother, Christine Hill, home schooled. Christine herself has a master’s degree in mathematics. Victoria is the first Miss Georgia who was home schooled. uuu

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If your spirit is moved to help foster children across Cherokee County this holiday season, the following list of opportunities will get you started. The children will truly appreciate your generosity.

FostAering

Mstmerarys Chri

Help Children’s Haven Have a Very Merry Christmas For the holidays The Children’s Haven will collect the following: • New holiday pajamas • New underwear • New socks • Target gift cards • Walmart gift cards Pajamas, socks, and underwear are needed for infant sizes up to late teen sizes. The holiday pajamas help the Foster and Adoptive Parent Association of Cherokee County for its Polar Express-themed party in December. Drop off Christmas/holiday pajamas before Thanksgiving at The Children’s Haven from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A tax receipt is available at drop-off. The Children’s Haven, 1083 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114

Help Foster Youth at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Goshen Valley Boys Ranch is asking for the community’s help to provide a memorable Christmas experience for foster youth living at the ranch. Knowing that the holidays are a difficult time for foster youth living without their families, the ranch strives to provide a happy holiday that includes building traditions, talking about the true meaning of Christmas, and fulfilling some of the youth’s wants and needs through gift giving, to show them that they are loved. With forty-two youths to purchase gifts for, Goshen relies on the generosity of the community to fulfill these wishes. Those desiring to help can contact Executive Director Stacy Cooper at scooper@goshenvalley.org or 770-796-4618. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, 387 Goshen Church Way, Waleska, GA 30183

Help Girls with Wish Lists North Georgia Angel House North Georgia Angel House, a group home in Canton for girls between the ages of twelve and twenty-one, offers life skills, educational assistance, shelter, employment assistance, and family planning needs to make the holidays brighter for resident girls. Individuals and businesses that would like to help a girl with her wish list can be paired up with one of the young women. Donors who prefer can give gift cards to Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, and other stores, and the cards will go to girls who do not have a sponsor. To help, contact Executive Director Susan Worsley at susan.worsley@angelhouse.com or call 770-479-9555. North Georgia Angel House 2260 Sam Nelson Road, Canton, GA 30114

Secret Santa for the Kids Woodstock Christmas Jubilee December 7 To help with Secret Santa for Foster Children of Cherokee County, folks attending the Woodstock Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights in downtown Woodstock on December 7 can donate gift-wrap supplies; stockings and stocking stuffers for ages newborn to teens; diapers and wipes; gift cards for Target, Walmart, or Kohls—no restaurants, please; and all size batteries. The parade is at 5:30 p.m. with events before and after at the Park at City Center.

Secret Santa Drop off December 7 6 [www.EnjoyCherThe Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, GA 30188 okee.com]

Victoria says her family has always been involved in community service, including feeding the homeless at Thanksgiving and going to a local nursing center many Christmas mornings, where she played the piano and her family sang carols with the residents. “Community service has always been important to my family. I have a memory from when I was young of my little brother being strapped to my mother’s back while we helped feed the homeless in Atlanta on Thanksgiving,” she recalls. When Victoria started interning three years ago at Angel House, a nonprofit group home for girls from ages twelve to twenty-one, she found her real passion. She says of the young women,

“

I fell in love with them. They are in circumstances through no fault of their own. When you think about it, they are just normal kids who don’t have families. “These girls don’t have a family at Christmas. They don’t have someone to come watch them at their ballet recitals and athletic events.

”

When the holidays rolled around, Victoria decided to make sure the girls knew they had someone thinking of them at Christmas. “I started an initiative for Christmas. I went out into the community to find sponsors for each one of the girls. I asked the sponsors, who were just regular people in our community, if they would buy the things on these girls’ wish lists,” she says. “Thankfully I was able to find just enough people to purchase the items on the girls’ wish lists.” One of the young women in foster care wanted a guitar, Victoria says, and Victoria’s professor, Brian Osborne, bought the guitar for her. Osborne is the music director for Reinhardt’s musical theater and opera programs. “He bought her a beautiful blue electric guitar. I wish you could have seen her face. She had so much joy. She was shocked. She could not believe someone had bought her a guitar.” Sponsors helped about fifteen girls last year. “We want to keep this going so that the girls can receive the items on their Christmas wish lists this year,” Victoria says. Susan Worsley, executive director of Angel House, says Victoria is like a big sister to the girls at the group home. “She is routinely here, and her relationship with the girls is impactful. The children benefit so much from the time she spends with them,” Susan says. “She talks to them about overcoming hardships. She has a meal with them, takes them to church, and helps with their homework.” Susan says the time Victoria has spent with the girls during the holidays has made Christmas for those in the home. “Christmas morning was a reflection of Victoria and her mother and their work to make sure the kids had a good holiday,” the director notes.

At twenty-one, Victoria admits she has a huge support group. “I have been given so much in my life,” she says. “No one deserves to go through life without a support group. Those girls are amazing, and they have grit. When we help them, I see positive growth in them.” She also wants to see those who are aging out of foster care to have mentors moving forward. “Every year in Georgia we have five hundred to a thousand children who age out of foster care, and they don’t have the support system we have. They don’t have a woman in their life to mentor them,” Victoria explains. Victoria has also worked to get business support for Angel House, the director says, including a new $40,000 roof that Findlay Roofing donated, a donation for a remodeled back porch from Pike Nurseries, and plumbing work Randal Lowe Plumbing donated.

One of Susan’s best memories with the girls happened right after Victoria was crowned Miss Georgia. “She showed up with her crown and sat down with the girls and said, ‘Who wants to try on my crown?’ It is humbling to see the love she has for these girls and the works she does here.” People who would like to help with gifts this year can either sponsor one child or give a gift card for those who do not have a sponsor, as new girls are constantly arriving at Angel House, sometimes just days before Christmas. Victoria also started and heads up the mentorship program at Angel House called WINGS, which stands for Women in Need Growing Stronger. The program encourages mentorship for young women in foster care.

Victoria points out that folks who aren’t able to be a foster parent can still help children in foster care. “Reach out to a local group home and take a meal, find out birthdays and take some presents, at Christmas drop by with a plate of cookies, or invite some of the children to your home. If you have a background in education, tutor young adults,” she says. “They have so much to worry about that it’s nice for them to know someone is thinking of them.” If Victoria comes home a winner at the Miss America Competition, she plans to work even harder to make sure children in foster care everywhere get the support they need. “These are children in our own backyard, in our community, and we have the ability to help them have a better life,” she says. “Together we can make sure every child has a chance, and by doing that, we are changing the world.”

The final night of the Miss America competition airs on NBC Thursday, December 19, at 8:00 p.m.

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THANKSGIVING

As the Cherokee Thanksgiving event grew, the home cooks needed professional assistance. Williamson Brothers is now the official smoking partner.

Twenty-eight years ago, Don and Lila Stevens decided to give back to the community by hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the needy. (l) Don Stevens, (m) Lila Stevens (r) Cheryl Mosley

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Putting the Giving Back In

Thanksgiving by Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident

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The event is made possible solely by volunteers and donations.

Volunteers work hard and make lifelong friends. (Volunteers John Howard, left, and Tim Wanyn, right.)

“

It’s just a huge warm fuzzy. —Cheryl Mosley

Our family has been blessed to have been involved in this worthwhile program. —Don Stevens

”

For more information email Cheryl Mosley at mcbrathney52@comcast.net or call 678.296.7297

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In 1991 Cherokee County residents Don and Lila Stevens discussed how blessed they had been over the years. Don recalls, “We wanted to give back to our community. After considering several options, we decided to provide food for those who needed it on Thanksgiving Day.” Cherokee Thanksgiving, a tradition of holiday giving, was born. The Stevenses first requested a partnership with their home church—Canton First United Methodist Church. Happy to assist with the endeavor, the church graciously offered the use of its commercial kitchen and helped recruit volunteers. “Our family has been blessed to have been involved in this worthwhile program,” says Don. The first Cherokee Thanksgiving fed about two hundred people, including the volunteers. The mission has steadily grown, especially during the recession. The 2019 projection is to feed 1,800 to 1,900 people a homemade, scrumptious Thanksgiving meal of smoked turkey, dressing, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes with gravy, and spice cake to top off the feast. Who doesn’t love good food? Cheryl Mosley, who started with the group as a volunteer in charge of handing out utensils, now heads up the mission. Cheryl says the volunteers are a diverse group, everything from Boy Scouts and Girl Guides to retired seniors. Some folks even come from other states to lend a hand. The event has become like a family reunion for the volunteers as they embrace the essence of the holiday, are thankful, and give to others. “It’s a huge warm fuzzy,” Cheryl remarks. The entire project costs about $6,500 and is funded solely by donations and volunteers. In the past the turkeys were prepared by a slew of home cooks. As the number of people the Cherokee Thanksgiving served kept increasing, it became more than the home cooks could handle. Williamson Brothers, a Cherokee

County barbeque institution, graciously took over cooking all the turkeys and helps with some side dishes as well. Through a partnership with the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program, those who have given so much to this country get to experience some of the gratitude their community owes them. These people often find themselves homeless because they suffer from the physical and emotional wounds of war and have not always been able to re-assimilate. While most of the meals are delivered to homes by volunteer drivers, 20% of the hungry folks still come to the church at 930 Lower Scott Mill Road in Canton to enjoy fellowship and the people who lovingly made their food. Eating alongside the volunteers makes Thanksgiving feel like a family reunion for all. Often teachers and social workers identify needy families, and then Cherokee Thanksgiving reaches out. The event is also coordinated with Must Ministries, Care Ministry, and Good Samaritan, the Service League of Cherokee County. When asked how she and all the volunteers feel after they finish serving a Cherokee Thanksgiving to more than a thousand residents, Cheryl laughs and says, “Exhausted.” She continues, “But it is the best kind of exhausted I could imagine. I feel complete. I know I have helped a lot of people. Plus I’ve shared my day with other amazing, committed volunteers who are willing to come together to make this a happy Thanksgiving for as many people as possible.” Cheryl adds, “Thanksgiving was my mom’s favorite holiday, and it’s mine too, thanks to being a part of Cherokee Thanksgiving.” Cherokee Thanksgiving and people committed to the greater good are more things for Cherokee County residents to be thankful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

J. Thompson Ross Investments: Investing for Major Financial Goals

Dig a hole in your yard and place $50 into it each month. Don’t take any money out until you’re ready to buy a house, pay for tuition, or retire. Sounds a bit crazy, but that’s what happens when you invest without goals. You may, or may not, end up with enough money to meet your needs.

Set Well-defined Goals:

Individuals and couples should spend time discussing and defining goals—long term, short term, and intermediate term goals. ▶ When do you want to retire? ▶ Where will you live in retirement? ▶ Saving for college? Will it be a tech school, state college, or

Ivy League university?

Look forward to retirement.

It’s never too early to start planning for a secure retirement. The sooner you start, the harder your money works at growing for you. Let’s create a hypothetical situation:

GOAL: To retire at the age of 65 with $500,000 in your retirement fund.

Scenario A: You begin investing at the age of 25.

You contribute $250 per month to a 401(k) plan (6% interest, compounded monthly). You’re on track to meet your goal!

Scenario B: You begin investing at the age of 35. You contribute $250 per month to a 401(k) plan (6% interest, compounded monthly). You’ll retire with about $250,000 in your retirement account. It's never too late to start working toward your goals, but early decisions can have enormous positive consequences.

Plan for a long life.

People are living longer than in recent generations. Plan for it! If retirement is a long way off and you’re comfortable with some risk, consider placing a larger percentage of your money in stock (equity) investments that offer a higher potential for a long-term return. If you're nearing retirement, you may want your nest egg in lowerrisk investments focused on the preservation of your capital.

Face the Truth about College Savings Plans.

College costs typically rise faster than the rate of inflation. For this reason alone, it’s important to get an early start on the understanding of tax advantages and investment strategy. Early planning can make an enormous difference in reducing or eliminating post-graduation debt burdens. Estimate how much it will cost to send your child to college and plan accordingly. Look into state-sponsored tuition plans that put your money into investments tailored to your financial needs. For instance, initially, most of your dollars may be allocated to growth investments; but as your child ages, the investment may be shifted to lower-risk funds.

Prepare for Multiple Investments.

For example, if you choose to save for your child’s college and your retirement at the same time, prepare to address conflicting agendas and implement unique strategies.

Seek Professional Assistance.

A professional investment specialist can help determine which investments best help you achieve the established goals. Remember that all investment strategies involve risk including possible loss of principal. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. The material is general in nature. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. does not provide advice on tax, legal or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FDIC, NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. J.ThompsonRoss Investments is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. JThompsonRoss Investments, Judy Ross, A.A.M.S.®, Wealth Manager Advisor, 3201 South Cherokee Landn Ste 340, Woodstock, GA 30188, 770-345-8008, judy@jtrinvestments.com. Copyright 2019.

TRAVEL

Almost Home for t he

Christmas in Dahlonega is like walking into a Currier and Ives holiday cardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;picture-perfect.

s y a d i l o H by Shannon Sickmon, Woodstock Resident

Photo by Michele Kraft DeBlois and www.DahlonegaChristmas.com

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woman named Lily moved to Canton after law school. She had taken a job with one of the best firms in Atlanta but was a long way from her rural small-town roots. It would be her first Christmas without her family, and Lily was afraid that Christmas would be a sad affair. She didn’t think she could recreate the Christmases of her youth, with sleigh bells and snow and hot cocoa by a crackling fire. That year, on the advice of a colleague, Lily took a trip to a tiny town in the mountains. She not only managed to recapture the joyful Christmases of her childhood, but she also made new memories while watching a massive tree burst forth with twinkling lights, a glass of good wine in her hand, and a gourmet meal on the table in front of her. We’re lucky to live here in Cherokee County. We live in a place where we can delight in the splendor of the Appalachian Mountains, travel to the beach in a few hours, or relish the art, culture, and fine dining of Atlanta. If you’re like Lily and you want to revel in the Christmas season, you can also experience a Currier and Ives-like picturebook yuletide right here in Georgia.

Dahlonega, just an hour from Canton in Lumpkin County, Georgia, is fast establishing itself as a delight for wine connoisseurs and gourmets. The town offers wine tastings, gourmet dining, upscale shopping, and history, as well. Established in 1828 as the site of the first major gold rush in the United States, the gorgeous alpine town offers great Southern hospitality and beautiful mountain views any time of the year. Indeed, the town is so beautiful that Hallmark chose it as the setting for two of its holiday movies. Yes, Dahlonega is beautiful year-round, yet at Christmastime the town snowballs with holiday spirit and brings to life the idyllic Christmas of your childhood. The month-long Old-Fashioned Christmas festivities kick off this year on November 29 with a tree-lighting ceremony on par with that of Rockefeller Center in New York. Twinkling lights cover a thirty-foot tree and illuminate the whole town square, while you enjoy the lights, listen to carolers, and sip hot cocoa. Every home and storefront is decorated with garlands, bows, and thousands of twinkling white lights— beautiful enough to melt the heart of the grouchiest Grinch. uuu

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Nostalgic Carriage Rides

Boutique Christmas Shopping

A Memorable Christmas Experience

Angelia Wilson, chair of the Old-Fashioned Christmas and owner of the Dahlonega Tasting Room, reveals the history of the event. “Thirty-seven years ago two merchants, Thomas Scanlon and Debbie Owens, wanted to make Christmas special. They both owned businesses on the square, and they strung up strands of white lights. It’s continued since then, and it has grown every year.” The small community takes great pride in its Old-Fashioned Christmas, with every business following the same standards set years earlier by those two enterprising souls. Every detail is impeccable. Angelia says, “We all use red bows, green garlands, and tiny white lights.” The festival takes months to plan and execute, and Angelia states, “We couldn’t do it without the help

of the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Dahlonega, and tons of local volunteers.” Each day offers special events throughout the season with something different each day. Santa makes an appearance every weekend. There’s live music of every genre, with an impressive and extensive lineup of both local and national talent. Kids can create their own ornaments, meet Santa, and ride in a carriage. Local players perform The Christmas Story several times, and on December 14, the city hosts Holly Jolly Days, a live nativity scene and an inspiring luminary walk. Adults can enjoy wine and charcuterie-board hors d’oeuvres at five award-winning tasting rooms around the square. When you get hungry, local restaurants such as The Picnic Café offer upmarket Southern cuisine, while the local

wineries offer upscale fare to pair with their unique Georgia blended wines. Check out Montaluce Winery for a gourmet menu, great wine, and breathtaking setting. This year the Festival of Trees begins December 6. Local businesses and families purchase live trees and decorate them. The public votes for the best one. Winners will be announced December 14. After the Christmas season is over, the trees get donated to the city for planting. “We’re a tree city,” says Angelia. The contrast makes Dahlonega a must-see Christmas destination. You experience bigcity dining and world-class attractions while walking through a picture-postcard small town. Dahlonega makes Christmas magic every year, and that’s something we could all use.

For event tickets or for more information, go to DahlonegaChristmas.com

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“

We’re a tree city. –Angelia Wilson

“We couldn’t do it without the help of the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Dahlonega, and tons of local volunteers. –Angelia Wilson

”

All photos by Michele Kraft DeBlois and www.DahlonegaChristmas.com

Chattahoochee Tech Instructors

Soar Higher Devon Parks

Automotive Collision Repair Instructor Appalachian Campus

Experts in Their Field. Strong Industry Connections. Dedicated to Student Success.

ChattahoocheeTech.edu 770-528-4545 A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.

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holiday tours

Swan House Christmas Friday, December 20, 2019 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The annual Holiday Spirit program at the Atlanta History Center allows guests to experience appropriate jazz-period Christmas decorations and food preparations for a 1930s holiday season at the historic mansion of Edward and Emily Inman. The Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/programs/family 404-814-4000

Tate House

Open House Holiday Boutique and Christmas Tour November 23 – December 21, 2019 Built in 1921, the Southern romantic Tate House mansion was constructed using the pink “Etowah” marble of Lumpkin County. This historical beauty offers Christmas luncheon and dinner tours. Each room of the home will be decorated differently and features Art Deco, eighteen Christmas trees, and a pink Cadillac convertible centerpiece, complete with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, for the dining room table. For times and event details, visit the website below. The Tate House 61 Georgia Marble Road, Tate, Georgia TateHouse.com/christmas-tour-reservations 770-735-3122

Barnsley Gardens Christmas Events

Christmas Splendor in North Georgia 16 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

More than two hundred years ago Godfrey Barnsley built an exquisite Southern estate for his beloved wife, Julia. Today Barnsley Gardens is North Georgia’s luxury retreat. Inspired by nature, the historical resort offers a wide range of Christmas activities for the entire family. The events begin December 7 with holiday craft making and end with a Christmas feast December 25. For further details, visit the website below. Barnsley Gardens 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville, Georgia BarnsleyResort.com 877-773-2447

Candlelight Nights December 20, 2019 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Be enthralled with a candlelight stroll through holidaydecorated gardens and experience how Southerners celebrated the holidays during the pioneer days, Civil War era, and the1930s. These traditions come alive with interpreters, traditional music, and special events. The Christmas Market will be filled with local artisans and their creations, and food will be available for purchase. Contact the Atlanta History Center for hours of operation and ticket information. Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/programs 404-814-4040

Cherokee County is made up of five vibrant communities. Each hosts celebrations during the holiday season. This list of jolly events shows you where to go to celebrate close to home. Barrington Hall  Falany Performing Arts Center, Reinhardt University.

Ball Ground Christmas Home Tour 2019 Sunday, December 8, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The lovely Wheeler House, the beautiful Homiller Historic Home, and two picturesque private residences are highlights of the Ball Ground Christmas Home Tour. A Christmas Shoppe at The Wheeler House Barn features items from local businesses that are perfect for gift giving. For tour hours and ticket prices, visit the website below. The Wheeler House and Barn Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground, Georgia BallgroundBusinessAssociation.com

Holiday Tour of Homes

Woodstock Junior Women’s Club November 9 and 10, 2019 Three beautiful homes—the JWC Collection in downtown Woodstock, The Arbor at Bridgemill, and two homes in Woodview Enclave—have been chosen to represent Woodstock this year in the Holiday Tour of Homes. Candlelight hours will be featured in select homes. The tours benefit Georgia Cares, BEATS, Inc., and Anna Crawford Children’s Center. For further details and ticket information, visit the website. 405 Latimer Street, Woodstock, Georgia WoodstockJWC.org.

Homes for the Holidays: A Family Christmas Sunday, December 8, 2019 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Southern Trilogy Historic House Museums in Roswell will welcome guests and feature twinkling lights, season greenery, and holiday sounds of Victorianera Atlanta. Barrington Hall features caroling at the piano, angel dress-up photos, and ornament crafts in the barn. Bulloch Hall offers visitors unique and beautiful ornaments, roasted marshmallows in the outdoor fireplace, cider, cookies, and crafts. Archibald Smith Plantation welcomes guests with hot apple cider, gingerbread cookies, traditional Christmas music, and the opportunity for making a Christmas craft. For hours of operation and ticket information, visit the website below. RoswellGov.com/tickets

Holly Springs Christmas Parade

The Sixth Annual March of the Toys Parade

Friday December 6, 2019 7:00 p.m. One of the largest parades in North Georgia, the March of the Toys Parade provides a wholesome event for the whole family. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots campaign. The event is spearheaded by Ball Ground resident Tim Cavender. You may recognize him as our resident Santa. • Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground, GA MarchOfTheToysParade.com Parade Chairman Tim Cavender 770-735-4263

Holiday Lights 5K at Veteran’s Memorial Park

Saturday December 7, 2019 5:30 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. A 5K at night? That’s right! Avid runners, committed joggers, and leisurely walkers will drench themselves in the holiday spirit by traveling through the most spectacular holiday light show in Cherokee County. For more information about the Holiday Lights at Veteran’s Memorial Park, see the article on page 18 of this magazine. Proceeds benefit Papa’s Pantry/Encompass Ministries. • Cherokee Veteran’s Memorial Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton Active.com/Canton-GA/running Organized by Five Star NTP

Saturday, December 7, 2019 1:30 p.m. Come early for a great spot on Holly Springs Parkway to watch the annual Christmas Parade. Participants will include Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, civic organizations, churches, dance companies, local businesses, and schools all marching toward the Historic Train Depot. • Holly Springs Parkway and Mountain Brook Drive Holly Springs, GA HollySpringsGAa.us/about_us/events/ christmas_parade.php ehonea@hollyspringsga.us Erin Honea – 770-345-5536

Christmas at Reinhardt

Thursday, December 5, 2019 7:30 p.m. The University Christmas Concerts consistently draw a full house for every performance. The annual presentation includes the School of Performing Arts, Concert Choir, University Chorale, and the University Wind Ensemble. Attendees are strongly urged to order tickets early. • Flint Hall at the Falany Performing Arts Center Reinhardt University, Waleska, GA Reinhardt.edu/falany 770-720-9167

Twenty-third Annual City of Woodstock Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights

Saturday, December 7, 2019 5:30 p.m. The City of Woodstock welcomes you to its annual Christmas parade with lights galore and Santa, of course. The parade starts at Woodstock Elementary School and ends at Sam’s Club on Highway 92. • 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock, GA 30188 WoodstockGA.gov/90/special-events WoodstockParksAndRec.com Marybeth Stockdale, CPRP 770-517-6788

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holiday lights

by Angela Chambers, Canton Resident

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The

Holiday Lights at Veteran’s Park is the brainchild of Mark Lallathin and David Pitts of 112 Events. This dynamic duo jumped into the holiday lighting business by volunteering to handle the Holiday Lights of Hope in Hobgood Park as a fundraiser. With no experience, they had to learn the ins and outs of creating designs and finding the best lighting vendors. Cherokee County wanted to do something for the northern part of the county, so Mark and David worked with Cherokee County on a drive-through concept while building Veterans Park. Although the light event is holiday-centered, Mark and Dave always keep in mind that it takes place in Veterans Park, so they weave in patriotic light displays as well. One of the highlights is a sixteen-by-twenty-foot American flag.

All the while riders drive through the exhibit and witness the beautiful lights, they can tune into WLJA radio 101.1 FM for uninterrupted Christmas music. WLJA is a popular gospel and classic country music station covering local news, weather, and sports. It covers high school football every Friday night and follows the Atlanta Braves from opening day through post season. WLJA is an award-winning community service station and a proud sponsor of Holiday Lights at Veterans Park. Mark and Dave said many of the visitors they speak to heard about the display from listening to WLJA.

Light displays are Woodstock resident Ashley Kelsey’s favorite part of the holidays. “I grew up in rural Georgia, and one of the best memories of my childhood was visiting a Christmas light display in the Floodtown community. As years passed and the display dwindled, I never thought I would experience Last year more than 100,000 people from forty-five states drove that kind of display again. Once we’re adults, it seems through the exhibit. This year will be bigger and better, with impossible to recapture the magical moments we remember more lights, seventeen new displays, and longer tunnels. Mark from childhood, but Holiday Lights at Veterans Park does the and Dave spend all year planning. They look for new ideas and trick for me.” get feedback from the community too. They are proud citizens One ticket pays for a carload of happy holiday riders and gives of Cherokee County and love how the exhibit has grown and back to the Cherokee County community. Holiday Lights at that families are creating holiday traditions revolving around Veterans Park benefits Papa’s Pantry/Encompass Ministries, the exhibit. Mark talks about the moment he and Dave knew Skills USA, the Cherokee Parks and Recreation Agency’s it was a success. “When the first car came out of the exhibit, Pay It Forward Foundation, and various veterans’ charities the passengers rolled down their windows, gave Dave and throughout Cherokee County. uuu me a thumb’s up, and said it was better than the lights at Lake Lanier.” FOOTNOTE: WLJA 101.1 FM is a sister company to Enjoy Magazine. Both companies serve among the sponsors of the Holiday Lights display at the Cherokee County Veterans Park.

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Holiday Lights at Veterans Park opens November 29 and runs seven nights a week through December 31, rain or shine. Sunday through Thursday evenings the hours are 6:00 to 9:00., and Friday and Saturday nights the display stays open until 10:00. The cost is $20 per car, no matter the size or number of occupants. Season passes are available for $50. Veterans Park is located at 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, Georgia. • • • For more information Facebook: Holiday Lights at Veterans Park HolidayLightsAtVeteransPark.com WLJARadio.com

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Let’s Make Your

Holiday Brighter ❅ STOP N O ❅N

s a m t s i r Ch usic M A fundraiser benefiting Papa’s Pantry, Skills USA, and Veterans of Cherokee County.

Open Daily | Nov. 29 - Dec. 31 Sunday - Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday, 6:00 - 10:00 pm

❅ Two-miles of breath-taking Holiday Lights. ❅ Three drive-through tunnels. ❅ Animated Christmas displays. ❅ More than TWO MILLION LIGHTS!

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, Georgia | $20 per vehicle | Brought to you[www.EnjoyCherokee.com] by 112 Events

HISTORY

The Green Corn Festival •••

Celebration of Thanks and New Beginnings by Cindy Pope, Woodstock Resident

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First the Cherokee Indians gathered seven ears of corn from the first harvest of various clans. They tasted these ears, and then all clan members gathered for the Cherokee stomp dance, a spirited yet meditative dance the natives performed in a circle next to the sacred fire, a holy place to worship their god. The event began at sundown with a chief presenting sermons to the tribe and with chiefs, medicine men, and elders meeting with clan heads. After the dance, corn kernels and tobacco were thrown into the fire in thanksgiving of the new corn harvest. Food made from the new corn crop was brought out, and the feasting began with dishes emphasizing corn, such as roasted corn, corn tortillas, corn soup, and cornbread.

The multiday Green Corn Festival honored Mother Earth, who provided food during the growing season. The white traders named the first days Busk, a corruption of the Creek word puskita, for fast, according to Wikipedia. During those days the natives cleansed Afterwards the natives participated in dancing their homes, fasted, and imbibed an herbal concoction known as the white drink, or passv, and singing, and boys and girls played a popular ballgame similar to lacrosse. although white traders called it the black

Mo o

One such celebration was the Green Corn Festival. This Native American harvest celebration was observed by many tribes, including the Cherokee, who performed the ceremony at the full moon in September. This special event occurred when the first corn crop was ready for harvesting. Time was set aside to be thankful for the harvest and forgive past indiscretions.

drink, because of its color. The dark caffeineladen liquid contained seven to fourteen herbs and included Yaupon holly leaves and twigs. It frothed white when shaken before being consumed. All the rituals were intended to clean body, mind, and soul of the previous year and prepare for the New Year.

The Cherokee n Indians celebrated

The Harvest Moon, or Duninudi, in October. In this ceremony the natives gave thanks to The Great Moon for all living beings in the fields and on earth that aided them in surviving another year. It was a thanksgiving festival when corn, nuts, vegetables, fish, and small game were gathered. Thanks were given to The Great Spirit, or one god, for the life, food, shelter, and clothing provided the natives throughout the year.

The Ha rve st

or thousands of years Native Americans participated in a variety of ancient festivals of thanksgiving that covered a wide range of gratitudes. Some festivals honored all beings, human and animal, who sacrificed themselves for the well-being of the living natives, while other celebrations focused on the weather and Mother Nature. Tribes paid homage for having survived a long winter and gave thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Festivities began with singing, dancing, drumming circles, games, and powwows with dancing contests. After the festival, hunting for big game to supply food for the winter began in earnest.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

GLITTER

by Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident

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All over Cherokee, surrounding counties, and beyond, parents and grandparents are bustling to get ready for the holiday season. Southern houses are transformed to look like the North Pole. Gifts wait to be wrapped, and family recipes have been pulled and menus planned. It is a season of cool weather, warm hearts, yummy food, reunions, and joy. For people who have lost a loved one, though, the season is more complicated than jingle bells and warmhearted feelings. Such is the case for Jennifer and Joey Anderson, who live in Forsyth County, and Jenniferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents, Marlene and Mike Tallant, who live in Soliel Laurel Canyon in Cherokee County. While the families are determined to celebrate the reason for the season, the holidays are a minefield of emotions for them. Lily Anderson, their precious daughter and granddaughter, passed away from cancer on December 15, 2012. uuu

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

We must choose to live a ‘YES!’ life.

Lily was on earth for only eleven years, but she packed a lot of living and giving into them, even in the last three years of her life when she was fighting stagefour neuroblastoma. Jennifer says she felt Lily pulling at her heart to write the book she titled glitter. The book chronicles the gutwrenching, painful three years Lily fought cancer, as well as the many miracles that came out that valiant battle. In the book, Jennifer says that during those three years, “Lily embodied ‘YES’ living. She lived ‘YES’ with her every breath, and when she no longer breathed, she left the rest of us seeking more ‘YES’ in our own lives.“ During Lily’s fight with cancer she accomplished extraordinary things that let her shine her light and sparkle. Through her journey she met and sang with many celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Collective Soul. She met professional athletes, flew on private jets, sang the national anthem at an Atlanta Braves game, and more. Lily was also the first child in the United States to receive FDA approval for an experimental cancer drug. Lily and her family explored every option possible to fight the demon cancer that eventually took her life. Lily made such an impression on people that more than 2,500 people attended her funeral service. After it was over, they lined the streets and held candles, lighting the way for the family to go home. The local fire department had used a ladder truck to line fifty feet to the sky with lime-green lights, Lily’s favorite color, representing Lily’s stairway to heaven.

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After such a devastating loss, how does a family begin to live again? Jennifer puts it this way: “We can cry a lot of tears, ask ‘why,’ and rage against the world in which we live—a world that has words like neuroblastoma in it and that steals away little girls only beginning to live. But if we don’t do something, if we don’t let these losses impact us, our tragedies haven’t really changed us.” Among the many things Lily’s family has done to keep her spark of life alive, one thing everyone can participate in is Lily’s Toys Seventh Annual Night of Glitter and Gifts. All the toys collected go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where Lily was treated. The event is the hospital’s largest source of toys for sick children. The toy drive takes place every year on the day that Lily left her earthly home for her heavenly one, December 15. All the toys collected are proudly given a Lily’s Toys sticker, and then the toys go to the hospital, carrying Lily’s legacy of hope and joy out into the world. Wouldn’t you love to bring this family and thousands of sick children fighting unimaginable battles some joy? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to put more meaning into your own holiday season by reaching out to those hurting in your community? If bringing joy to sick children speaks to you, bring toys to the Andersons and the Tallants on December 15 at Vickery Village Courtyard at 5755 South Vickery Street in Cumming from 3:00 to 6:00.

Marlene says more than 150 people from her community alone, Soliel Laurel Canyon, participated last year, and she hopes more join in this year. If you would like to donate toys and cannot attend the event, go to LIVE A YES, Lily’s Toy Drive on Facebook, to arrange a pickup. Please, no stuffed toys, no gifts worth more than $25 each, and ironically, no glitter. The request for toys that don’t have glitter is ironic, because Jennifer describes her daughter Lily like a piece of glitter. “Small and bright, she reflected the light inside her, and she sparkled and shimmered wherever she went. But she didn’t just glitter when she was present—she sparkled long after she left a room, sticking with people.”

Happy holidays, Cherokee and all the other counties of Georgia. Count your blessings and throw a little glitter around in honor of an eleven-year-old who “glittered with a light reflected from the Source of all lights.” Say “YES” to life and to the people and festivities surrounding you this season.

An old song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” but the same is not true for everyone. People who have lost loved ones can find the holiday season excruciating. There is one less place at the table, one missing stocking on the mantel, and the sound of someone’s unique laughter is absent. The people we love leave a tremendous ache in our hearts when they are gone, and the holidays magnify the loss. Nevertheless, Jennifer has a challenge for us all. “Instead of asking ‘why,’ and instead of just crying, we have a choice to make: We must choose to live a ‘YES!’ life.” Lily’s mother, Jennifer Anderson, dances through the hundreds of donated gifts that are headed to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in memory of her firstborn.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Holiday Memories

by Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident

And the Christmas Oscar Goes To… Gavin Adams

Just One More Strand of Lights! One Last Tweak Christine Blight

Lead Pastor at Woodstock City Church

Christine’s Creations in Downtown Woodstock

Gavin recalls one year when he was young, he inadvertently discovered all his Christmas presents hidden in the basement of his family home. He peeked at them, of course, but he didn’t want to hurt his parents’ feelings, so on Christmas morning, he flew down the stairs pretending to be all excited and surprised.

Christine Blight recalls Christmas 1991, one that made her blood pressure go sky high. Betsy Blevins hired Christine to decorate the clubhouse at Towne Lake Hills Country Club. It was the grand opening, and the Blevinses, the developers, had pulled out all of the stops for a splashy, flashy Christmas opening. Christine made sure that hundreds of twinkling lights bedazzled the front of the clubhouse to highlight the rented horse-drawn carriages. The clubhouse looked like a holiday wonderland when she finished.

About ten years later Gavin confessed to his parents that he had found all his presents and was only acting. His parents chuckled and said, “We knew you were acting, but we didn’t want to hurt your feelings, so we pretended we believed you!” All grown up and very busy hiding his own four children’s presents, Gavin has new traditions. The Adamses have a multistage family tradition on Christmas Eve. They make homemade pizzas, read the Christmas story from the book of Luke, and open Christmas pajamas and a book for each person. Next it’s hot chocolate and driving around looking at Christmas lights, while wearing the new holiday pajamas, of course.

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Christine, ever the perfectionist, could see the carriages coming down the drive as she surveyed her work. Slightly unsatisfied, she sprinted to add one more strand of lights to the display. Poof! Every single light illuminating the clubhouse went out. The gorgeous Christmas scene Christine had worked so hard to create sat in complete darkness. Thankfully a friend of Christine’s who was an electrician was at the clubhouse bar enjoying some Christmas spirits. He quickly went to work and saved the day, just in time for the arrival of the horse-drawn carriages at the door of the clubhouse. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!

An Old-Fashioned Cherokee County Christmas Eldred Vaughn

Lifelong resident of Cherokee County

Eldred Vaughn is approaching his ninetysixth Christmas in Cherokee County. Born and raised in Hickory Flat on Vaughn Road, he moved just down the road “a piece” when he got married and built his wife, Jennie, and himself their own house. Eldred loves to reminiscence about Christmas when he was a child, but he also points out, “There wasn’t much Christmas to it. If my brothers and sisters and I got an orange and a piece of candy, we were having a good Christmas.” He does vividly recall a special treat his mother made every Christmas, jam cake. It was a vanilla sponge cake filled with homemade blackberry jam and covered in vanilla cream icing. Eldred can close his eyes, and all these years later, the thought of that simple homemade cake, made by his mama, still makes his mouth water and warms his heart. The Vaughn family never had a Christmas tree in their original home. After he and Jennie had their own place, at Christmas he headed out into the woods and looked for a “nice, straight” cedar tree. He chopped it down and brought it in the house where the couple decorated it with paper garlands and popcorn. Sweet simplicity.

Christmas Cheer with a Little Bit of Chaos Or It’s Another Chaotic Carter Christmas The Carter Family

Canton, Georgia

They even create their own crazy family photo.

The Carter family is a large brood. With thirteen children and three grandchildren, both Julie and Bob Carter (Mom and Dad) say every Christmas is full of fun, memories, and inevitable chaos. Some of the Carter family traditions include church on Christmas Eve, and then Bob reads the Christmas story from the Bible followed by “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” better known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” On Christmas morning Julie makes ooey-gooey plump cinnamon rolls served with a side of bacon, eggs, and fruit. The family enjoys this holiday treat so much that sometimes the presents become an afterthought. The mantel won’t hold everyone’s handknit stockings, so they trail all the way up the staircase, making a beautiful ribbon of family names. Soon the Carters may have to wind stockings all the way around the house outside. One year as the caravan of Carter vehicles pulled out to go to church for Christmas Eve services, one car stopped short, and the family had a three-car pileup in their own driveway. Julie recalls, “Some non-Christmas-Eve words were exchanged among siblings, but we surveyed the damage and still made it to church on time.” Last year the Carters’ Christmas tree tumbled down a record four times. “With little lacrosse players and kids running everywhere in the house, the tree usually takes a header at least once, but after the fourth time, the tree was bungee-corded to the stair rail for the rest of the holidays,” Julie says with a chuckle.

[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

Sports

Eli Stout

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by Shannon Sickmon, Woodstock Resident

Eli Stout of Woodstock was one of 100,000 aspiring players considered to study soccer in Spain. Only thirty-two American kids made the cut. Eli was one of them.

Soccer.

No other sport on earth inspires the same emotions and passions. From the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to the suburban lawns of Canton, Georgia, “the beautiful game” is a universal language. Whether you call it soccer, football, or fútbol, the game crosses all barriers. It transcends borders. It has no class divisions. It unites everyone. We have seen entire neighborhoods explode with joy when their team scores an impossible goal. We’ve seen the fans singing together after their team walks away with a title, and we’ve seen soccer lovers crying after their team suffers a devastating loss. Soccer fans number some four billion people worldwide, and the numbers are growing. The United States has been insular in its approach to sports, but that attitude is changing quickly. Soccer has finally become an integral part of the American sporting scene, and one young Cherokee County player has a place in the sport’s future. For Eli Stout, a junior at Etowah High, his talents on the soccer field led him from Tennessee to Cherokee County and now to Madrid, Spain. Soccer is more than just a sport for the Stout family; it’s serious business. When Eli was growing up in Eastern Tennessee, his coaches—Major League Soccer Academy experts such as Declan Yogi, Louis Thorpe,

and Danny McBride—saw Eli’s natural talent and suggested that Eli play at a higher level. Unfortunately, higher level leagues weren’t available in that part of Tennessee. To give Eli a chance to play in a league with better opportunities for his future, the family relocated to Woodstock, Georgia, in 2013. Eli tried out for the North Atlanta Soccer Association (NASA) league in Woodstock and was accepted into its elite Tophat Soccer Program. Eli’s success in soccer gained him attention. The Generation Adidas International Foundation gives top-tier student players in the United States a chance to experience soccer in Spain, and Cherokee County NASA Player Development Coach Todd Gispert chose Eli to represent the United States. In a special training clinic that the famous soccer team Real Madrid hosts, the players train with coaches from the Real Madrid Academy and compete in friendly matches against some of the top Spanish club academies. The exclusive, invitation-only program offers elite training and a unique development approach. Eli and his family traveled to Madrid, Spain, for a week this August to attend the academy. uuu [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

While soccer is still somewhat new in the United States, it’s part of a longstanding tradition in Europe. European kids therefore have an advantage, because they are recruited as young as nine years old to play with football academies. Premier leagues have special clubs to help them develop young talent. Eli says that while those youth clubs gave European kids a faster tempo on the field, he was confident in the fresh perspective that Americans bring to the sport. He says, “In Europe soccer emphasizes possession of the ball and tends to be more technical and more patient, but the American style tends to be more athletic.” Eli witnessed that European tempo and rhythm on the field in Spain. He says that in contrast, American players go for the “long ball.” “American players bring the ball down the flank so that tall forwards can try to make a goal, so American soccer emphasizes conditioning and athleticism.” Cultures that are great at soccer often have great musical traditions as well. Eli saw that tendency firsthand in Spain, where players approach the game with a rhythm of short passes and eloquent shots. Eli says, “Seeing how the Europeans approached the tempo of the game was one of the most valuable things I learned at the academy.”

“

Eli admitted the trip wasn’t perfect. After joking about how frigid the hotel pool was, he said, “I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t get

Starting kids out at a younger age would get them interested in the sport and keep that interest going as they got older.

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”

to see more of the city.” The players had only half a day to tour one of the greatest European capitals, because the thirty-two players trained twice a day, with a long siesta in the afternoons. The hectic training schedule left players with no time for leisure activities, but the academy is about improving the game, not expanding the players’ cultural education. Soccer doesn’t always translate into the devoted fan base in America the way it does internationally. When asked what Americans could do to increase the interest in soccer, Eli said, “Starting kids out at a younger age would get them interested in the sport and keep that interest going as they got older.” Academy instructors asked Eli early on to be the captain of his team. The reason is obvious. Despite his athletic prowess, Eli is poised, grounded, and well-mannered. He not only plays soccer for Etowah; he also plays American football there. He said, though, “It’s difficult to transition between a sport like soccer, which is all about the process, and American football, which is more about the score.” In addition to playing two sports, also Eli excels in the academic arena. Making the move from rural Tennessee to Woodstock cannot have been easy for the Stout family, yet it was the right decision. In Cherokee, Eli Stout has found his tribe.

To make your Christmas shopping easier, we’ve rounded up the five must-have gifts for your favorite soccer aficionados.

Top FiveGifts 1 s a m t s i r h C ccer Fans for So

FIFA 20. Available for Xbox and PS5, the

FIFA 20 game is one of the most successful sport-based video franchises of all time, and it has been upgraded to include both street-style Futsal matches as well as league play. With the new Volta Football mode, you can play 3v3 Rush, 4v4, 4v4 Rush, 5v5 and professional Futsal matches. Enjoy the campaign mode with online leagues and squads as well as customizable player avatars. This game will sell out quickly, so it might be a good idea to pre-order this one. EA.com/games/fifa/

Kick Triumph 55" Foosball Table. If your soccer fan

isn’t tech savvy, this old-school foosball table is a cool gift perfect as a centerpiece in any game room, yet compact enough to fit into smaller spaces too. Sturdy construction and the option to customize your table make this foosball table a great choice for soccer or foosball fans of all ages. Amazon.com

GlowCity Light LED Soccer Ball.

It gets dark early in the fall, but your kids still want practice time. Perhaps you want to get a youngster interested in soccer for the first time. Or forget the kids— maybe you want to show off while you’re strolling along the beach at night. Whatever your reason, an LED soccer ball is an electrifying way to stay active after dark. With two preinstalled batteries, the LED soccer ball has two LED lights that turn on and illuminate the ball whenever it’s kicked or bounced. The lights shut off automatically after thirty seconds. Amazon.com.

Team USA Women’s World Cup Championship Jersey. In case you missed it,

the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team won the World Cup this year. It’s a victory not only for American sports, but also for women. Wear this jersey proudly to show your fandom and celebrate the determined and talented group of women. Teamusashop.com/USWNT

SKLZ Star Kick Solo Soccer Trainer.

This soccer trainer is a nifty and inexpensive little gadget that’s great for young kids who are trying to learn proper soccer techniques. With a tethered waistband and adjustable cord, the simple device saves your practicing player from having to chase the ball every ten seconds, which means more practice time. It helps players improve basic skills, such as juggling and passing, and improves their footwork as well. Amazon.com

With any or all of the gifts we’ve listed, we’ve made it effortless for you to find the perfect present for the soccer beginners, soccer fans, and soccer players in your life. You’re welcome!

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AGELESS

eep satisfaction comes from creating something beautiful with your hands; just ask any elf from the North Pole or wood-carving hobbiest at the William G. Long Senior Center in Woodstock. One trip around the wordworking table, and you’ll think you’re visiting a high-end gallery featuring seasoned artists. The hands of our neighbors carve intricate wooden dolls, owls, figurines, and faces.

‘‘If you haven’t cut yourself, you’re not carving,’’ exclaims Ken Best as he busily details a stunning eight-point star. Ken joined the group of sculptors in 2013 after seeing an ad in the local paper. As long as you’re careful not to draw too much blood, carving is a healthy hobby. It’s a therapeutic outpouring of creativity that can be performed alone or in a social setting. It keeps the mind sharp and provides a form of exercise accomplished while sitting. In fact carving alone burns more than one hundred calories an hour. These fun-loving hobbiests are exerting even higher energy as they move about, admire the work of others, and converse with one another. Each of these folks could write a book about their carving experiences. Cilia Caldwell has long been a collector of dolls. In 2003 a fellow collector and registered vendor at a Cobb Galleria doll show encouraged Celia to attend the show. “Robert Raikes is going to be at the show,” announced the friend. “You have to come along and buy a Hitty.” Although Celia had never heard of Robert Raikes or Hitty, she decided to attend the doll show to see what she could learn. That experience changed the trajectory of Celia’s life. Hitty is a hand-carved wooden doll and the subject of a 1929 children’s book by Rachel Field—Hitty, Her First Hundred Years. The story is told from the viewpoint of the doll, which was constructed in the 1820s and had since traveled around the world through many owners. Robert Raikes is a distinguished woodcarver famous for his renditions of Hitty. uuu

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Members of the William G. Long Senior Center Woodcarving Group include (left to right) Mary Eng, 52; Mary Chulick, 59; Oley Doty, 93; Ed Reynolds, 73; Ken Best, 74; and Celia Caldwell, 77.

Hitty dolls comprise several parts sewn together to form moving limbs. Celia’s first Hitty was under construction for nearly five years. She has since completed about fifteen dolls and even finished one in as little as five days.

Hitty, Her First Hundred Years won Rachel Fields the John Newbery Medal for excellence in American children’s literature in 1930, and the story won Celia Caldwell’s heart for a lifetime. [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

u This is a progressive account of Ed Reynold’s Christmas chess pieces and a detailed bust of a Native American.

“I took one look at Raikes’s Hitty doll and thought it was ugly,” Celia recalls with a snicker, “but I didn’t know the story.” Four years after falling in love with the story, she was inspired to dabble in woodcarving herself. One day a friend dared her to carve a Hitty doll. After some coaxing, Celia accepted the challenge and attended a carving class in Huntsville, Alabama.

Upon completion, the statue joined a Smithsonian traveling exhibit celebrating one hundred years of sports legends. Yes, Ed’s first experience with a woodcarving ended up in the Smithsonian.

“Today some Hitty dolls are sold for as much as four thousand dollars,” exclaims Celia, although her precious dolls are not for sale. “Mine are only gifted to great granddaughters.” Celia continues to hone her skills by attending carving classes once or twice each year, plus she regularly hangs out with fellow carvers at the William G. Long Senior Center.

After Ed’s wife passed in 2012, he decided to drop into the local senior center to pass some time. There he found a group of people carving wood. He asked questions, picked up some carving tools, and has been creating beautiful artwork ever since. Ed is currently carving a full chess set. Rather than bishops, rooks, and knights, his chess set includes Santathemed characters, including Mrs. Claus for the queen and chimney tops for the rooks. He’s considering the opposite team of chess pieces to be Jack Frost-themed characters, such as snowmen and ice.

Unlike Celia, Ed Reynolds has worked with wood most of his life. After serving our country in Vietnam, he became a furniture maker and carpenter in both the residential and commercial industry. In the early 1970s, Babe Ruth’s granddaughter approached Ed with a request to repair a wooden statue of The Great Bambino. “It is a unique piece,” Ed explains. “It includes four bats, and Babe is wearing a uniform on one side of the statue and a suit on the other.” Although Ed had never before worked with a carved figurine, he was familiar with repairing wood pieces. Challenge accepted.

Mary Chulick is one of the founders of the woodcarving group that meets at the center. “Over the last twelve years I’ve gained fifty or more friends through woodcarving,” she reveals. Mary has a background in scientific illustration and zoologic fine arts, but perhaps the most notable of her works is a compilation sculpture reflecting the life work of a celebrity. “I was driven to create a single carving about an entertainer’s life,” Mary said. “I chose Tom Cavanagh, because I admire his strong work ethic and desire to do good things for good people.” Cavanagh is a popular actor known for

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his starring role in the television series Ed and several Christmas movies, including Prancer and Trading Christmas. He’s also had recurring roles on Providence, Scrubs, and The Flash. As Mary researched the actor’s career and life, the sculpture unveiled itself and took on a life of its own. The result of twelve months of carving, the finished piece stands about eight inches tall and must be viewed from every angle. The lifetime achievement story is told through intricate components of the sculpture and the custom-fitted storage box. Tom Cavanagh was in for a surprise when he showed up at Atlanta’s DragonCon 2018. There stood Mary, first in line to greet him, with her heartfelt gift in tow. In complete amazement, Tom carefully viewed the sculpture from top to bottom, front to back, spinning and turning the piece to capture all the details. Overwhelmed with gratitude at the gift, the star walked around the table and gave Mary a huge hug. The famous dimplefaced Cavanagh was not willing to risk losing or damaging the artwork and sent it straight to his hotel room in the hands of his personal assistant. Like Mary’s homage to Cavanagh, most of the pieces these artists create are not for sale. Instead the creators give the hand-carved art as gifts to friends and family members.

Tom Cavanagh

u Mary Chulick eloquently captured the life and work of entertainer Tom Cavanagh in this single-block wooden sculpture. The details and message melted the heart of the Hollywood star. Mary Chulick

On an average week Ed Reynolds spends three days carving with friends and two days on the golf course.

Ken Best carves tools out of a single piece of wood. He expertly shapes the joints in a way that allows them to move.

s k ur ial As t O pec ou S Ab e-in ov M

Amenities Include: Ê Indoor Saltwater Pool Ê Hydrotherapy Pool Ê Farm to Table Restaurants Ê Wine Cellar and Tasting Room Ê Full Service Spa Ê Pet Spa Ê Fitness Center with Steam Room Ê Exclusive Concierge Services Ê Tesla Car Service and Valet Parking Ê Private Balcony and Porches ENJ19-HolbrookAd-HPAD.indd 1

Now Leasing 13682 Hwy. 92 Woodstock, Georgia 30188

32 Different Floor Plans and 16 Cottage Homes with Oversized Garages

www.holbrooklife.com | 404-772-1326 | atauber@holbrooklife.com [www.EnjoyCherokee.com] 37 10/29/19 2:10 PM

THE ARTS

The traveling exhibit called Warhol and the West debuted in August at The Booth Museum and runs through December 31, 2019. Andy Warhol paired with the Old West is fitting, since the soul of the American pop artist was partially rooted in the American West.

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“Even [passionate] fans of American artist, director, and producer Andy Warhol aren’t likely aware that the pop icon loved the West,” says Seth Hopkins, executive director of the Booth Western Art Museum, “however, the West was a nearly constant influence throughout his life.” Warhol wore cowboy boots more often than not and loved to travel to New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. Throughout his life he accumulated an overwhelming collection of Native American art and artifacts. Warhol’s last major project before his death in 1987 was titled Cowboys and Indians. The collection included fourteen iconic Western subjects, including Geronimo and Annie Oakley. In Warhol’s American pop fashion, however, he focused on the Hollywood adaptation of these characters rather than the actual humans. Cowboys and Indians forms the backbone of the traveling exhibit. Walking through the exhibit immerses you in Warhol’s love of Western people, places, and things. You’ll get a sense of what touched his heart and inspired his artwork. People of all ages find the exhibit appealing. Those who grew up watching westerns on television and in movie theaters quickly identify with the scenery, while the younger generations are captivated by the color and movement of the exhibit. All appreciate the unmistakable graphic style unique to Warhol. The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville played an intricate role in assembling the Warhol and the West exhibit. Together with the Tacoma Art Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the team identified and organized more than one hundred objects and works of art from Warhol’s most understudied career aspects. The Andy Warhol museum in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, displays a large collection of original, iconic, American pop art pieces. In addition visitors can examine a collection of his well-worn cowboy boots, often splattered with paint. His work may have been performed in the city, but his heart was in the West. uuu

Photo Credit: The Booth Museum

u Andy Warhol Image courtesy Jeanette Montgomery Baron and Jackson Fine Art

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u Andy Warhol is credited with inspiring the widely used expression, “Fifteen minutes of fame.” His actual quote was, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for fifteen minutes.”

Photo Credit: The Booth Museum

u The Booth Museum in Cartersville is about thirty minutes from any home in Cherokee County. Don’t miss this unusual opportunity right in your own backyard.

Photo Credit: The Booth Museum

About The Booth Museum u The Democratic National Committee commissioned Andy Warhol to design a portrait for Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign (1977). Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Booth Museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, is a 120,000-square-foot museum in Cartersville, Georgia, where guests visit the West without leaving the South through contemporary Western artwork, a Presidential Gallery, Civil War art gallery, and Sagebrush Ranch, an interactive children’s gallery. Open since August 2003, Booth Museum is the only one of its kind in the Southeast and was named the 2016 Escape to the Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year from the Southeast Tourism Society. For tickets and additional information regarding the Warhol and the West exhibit and The Booth Museum, visit BoothMuseum.org. The Booth Museum, 501 Museum Drive Cartersville, Georgia

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[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

LOCAL AUTHORS

Your Favorite

bookmark

The Christmas Closet and Other Works Author: Kathi Harper Hill Illustrations: David L. Hill

Is your Bible group looking for a light, thought-provoking, Christmas book? The Christmas Closet and Other Works is a collection of heartfelt stories sure to spur conversation.

Santa’s Magic Toy Bag

Author: Angela and Chuck Wilson Illustrations: Brenda Reinhardt

Sink into Santa’s Magic Toy Bag, a beautifully illustrated children’s book with an important message for all— Christmas starts with giving.

The lead story, “The Christmas Closet,” is reminiscent of Jean Shepherd’s classic movie, A Christmas Story. It takes place in mid-century small-town America and revolves around a young boy as he anticipates Santa’s visit.

As a parent we want to keep Christmas magical. We hope each gift our child receives finds a permanent place in our hearts and home, but soon the toy box overflows, the closet door doesn’t shut, and dad trips over at least one Tonka truck a day. Time to purge the toys!

“The Arrival" is a charming narrative of Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem from the perspective of the innkeepers, and “Watching from Above” takes the reader into the realm of angels for a bird’seye view of the greatest gift.

Santa’s Magic Toy Bag is an amusing tool that teaches children the joy of giving. Children learn to gather their gently used toys that have become lackluster and donate them, so gift-giving becomes fun and meaningful.

Although the cover illustration suggests the book may be for children, it is not. The opening tale may spoil a child’s magic of Kris Kringle, and the final story leaves tears in the eyes of grown adults. Savor this book with friends and family.

This book works best as an early Christmas present for youngsters. Read it time and again from Thanksgiving through Christmas so children have time to choose items to donate as gifts.

Kathi Harper Hill is an awardwinning author born and raised in the North Georgia Mountains.

Angela and Chuck Wilson live in Canton and work in the field of education. Brenda Reinhart is an award-winning local artist and also lives in Canton.

Recollections of My Life as Santa Claus

Author: Tim Cavender

A captivating collection of stories, Recollections of My Life as Santa Claus explains how our neighbor Tim Cavender came to don the red suit and bring joy to generations of children. The book reveals where Tim’s love of Christmas began as he recounts his early years of growing up in Cherokee County. Tim also writes about his encounters with some of the most famous figures associated with the Christmas season. For example, he met the daughter of Boris Karloff, the voice of Dr. Seuss’s animated character, the Grinch. Did you know that Boris Karloff often played Santa for disabled children? Tim shares alluring information about the history of professional Santa Claus work, his personal code of ethics, and the official “Santa Claus Oath.” Tim Cavender grew up in Ball Ground and graduated from Cherokee High School in1976.

All three of these books are avaialble for purchase at Yawn's Publishing in Canton.

The Cherokee County Historical Society introduces the Grisham-Galt-Magruder House in Downtown Canton as its selection for its 2019 commemorative holiday ornament. This ornament is the seventeenth selection a series of ornaments featuring historic sites, buildings, and scenes from Cherokee County.

BEST

Christmas Shopping IN CHEROKEE COUNTY NEW

LOCATION

221 E. Marietta St., Canton

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Wednesday-Friday, 10-5 Saturday, 10-3

Free Admission www.rockbarn.org

Holiday Recipes

Ingredients: 1 1/2 6 1 1/2 1/2 1 1/4 1/2 1/2

Green Bean Bundles (make ahead)

pound green beans tablespoons butter tablespoon brown sugar, packed teaspoon mustard powder teaspoon Worcestershire sauce tablespoon minced garlic teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground pound bacon (not thick sliced)

Corn Casserole with a Holiday Flair Ingredients: 1/2 1/4 1/4 2 1 1 1 1/2 1/2 Â˝

Begin the fun: 1.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Add green beans and cook three minutes.

Drain well and pat green beans dry with a paper towel.

Place green beans in a 9x13-inch pan.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add brown sugar, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper.

Stir well and pour over green beans.

Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours or overnight.

After Refrigeration: 9.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

10.

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.

11.

Cut bacon slices in half

12.

Make bundles of 5 to 7 green beans and wrap a piece of bacon around each bundle, securing with a toothpick.

13.

Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for twenty minutes.

14.

Flip bundles over and bake another fifteen to twenty minutes.

15.

Serve warm.

cup unsalted butter cup all-purpose flour cup granulated sugar eggs, well beaten cup whole milk (15.25-oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained (14.75-oz.) can cream-style sweet corn teaspoon salt teaspoon ground black pepper cup medium-aged cheddar cheese

For a festive option, add: 1 green bell pepper (fresh) 1 red bell pepper (fresh)

Begin the fun: 1.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drain the whole kernel corn. In a medium bowl, mix the whole kernel and creamed corn. Set aside.

(OPTIONAL) Wash, core, and finely dice the red and green bell peppers.

In a saucepan, heat the butter slowly over mediumlow heat, swirling the pan until it's just melted. Set aside to allow partial cooling.

Whisk the flour into the melted and partially cooled butter until well incorporated.

Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and milk.

Stir the corn (and diced bell peppers if desired) into the butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour into a shallow 8x8" baking dish.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for approximately one hour.

10.

Sprinkle the cheese atop the casserole and return to the oven for an additional fifteen minutes or until the center is set and the cheese is brown and caramelized on top.

11.

Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Roasted Chicken with Cranberry, Potatoes, and Rosemary Ingredients:

4 skin-on chicken breasts or thighs 1/4 cup olive oil divided 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary 2 cloves garlic minced or grated Â˝ lemon zest + juice of 1 pound baby potatoes halved 3 carrots chopped 1 cup white wine or chicken broth 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons balsamic Salt and pepper

Begin the fun: 1.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Rub the chicken with two tablespoons olive oil, the thyme, rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Add two tablespoons olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden, about five minutes. Flip and cook five minutes more.

Remove the chicken from the skillet.

Add two tablespoons butter, the potatoes, carrots, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about five minutes.

Pour in the wine, deglazing the pan and scraping up any browned bits off the bottom. Simmer the wine for five minutes or until reduced slightly.

Remove from the heat and nestle the chicken into the potatoes. Add the lemon juice.

In a small bowl, toss the cranberries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the cranberries over the chicken. Transfer to the oven and roast for twenty to twenty-five minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

10.

Plate the chicken and potatoes and drizzle with the sauce left in the pan.

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Christmas Cranberry-Apple Relish (make ahead) Ingredients:

2 apples such as Golden Delicious 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon grated orange rind 1 cup orange juice 1 pkg (300 g) frozen cranberries or 1 pkg (300 g) fresh cranberry ½ cup chopped pecans A pinch of salt

Apple Pie Moscow Mule with Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Ingredients:

Bacon-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Ingredients:

4 ounces apple cider 4 ounces apple pie vodka 1 bottle ginger beer

2 pounds brussels sprouts, fresh ½ pound bacon 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons maple syrup ½ pound feta cheese ½ cup roasted pecans Salt and black pepper

Garnish choices: Cinnamon sticks Apple slices Star anise

Begin the fun: 1.

Peel and core apples; cut each into twelve wedges.

Begin the fun: 1.

Fill two copper mugs with crushed ice.

Begin the fun: 1.

Preheat oven to 425°.

In saucepan bring sugar, orange rind, and juice to a boil.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider and vodka. Shake to combine.

Crisp the bacon and coarsely chop. Set aside.

Add apples, cranberries, and salt. Reduce heat and simmer until thick enough to mound on spoon, about thirty minutes.

Pour half of the apple cider mixture into each mug.

Line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Top each mug with ginger beer until full.

Let cool completely. Refrigerate for an additional two hours.

Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.

Prepare brussels sprouts. Rinse, trim ends, remove bruised outer leaves, and cut lengthwise.

This will stay fresh for up to four days in an airtight container.

In a large bowl, toss brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add bacon to the mixture.

Homemade Apple Pie Vodka

Place brussels sprouts on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir and rotate the baking sheet halfway through.

Ingredients:

1 green apple, sliced 1 red apple, sliced 1 lemon, sliced

Christmas Morning Mimosas

4 cinnamon sticks 4 cups vodka

Begin the fun:

1 ounce cranberry juice 3/4 cup of champagne

Garnish with:

2 fresh cranberries 1 rosemary sprig 2 sugared cranberries

Serve under the mistletoe.

Balsamic-maple glaze and garnish: 7. Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. 8.

Add balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and a small pinch of salt.

Stir frequently until the sauce thickens and glaze forms; about four to five minutes.

Separate the apple and lemon slices into two large mason jars.

Add two cinnamon sticks to each jar.

Pour two cups of your favorite unflavored vodka in each jar, seal tightly, and shake well.

10.

Drizzle brussels sprouts with the glaze.

11.

Sprinkle with feta cheese crumbles and pecans.

Refrigerate until infused, at least twenty-four hours.

12.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Vodka will last for three days in the refrigerator.

13.

Serve immediately.

Tips: uBrown Butter vs. Melted Butter

Did you know that brown butter is often the secret ingredient to award-winning baked goods? Brown butter intensifies the taste by adding a nutty, rich flavor to cookies, cakes, and breads. Try it—you’ll be amazed! 1. 2. 3. 4.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and allow it to bubble and foam. Stir continuously, pushing the foam out of the way so that you can see the milk solids as they change color. When the solids turn a golden brown, turn off the heat and transfer to a bowl to halt the cooking process. When replacing melted butter in any recipe, be sure to include brown butter at the same requested temperature and consistency.

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Gingerbread Biscotti for Savoring and Gifting Ingredients:

21/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 11/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 11/2 teaspoon ground ginger 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (No joke!) 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar Optional: 3/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Begin the fun: 1.

Preheat oven to 350-degrees.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat.

In a bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and pepper. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar for two minutes on medium-high until combined.

Add eggs and beat until combined well.

6. 7. 8.

OPTIONAL: Stir in nuts or dark chocolate chips.

Divide dough in half. Flour hands. Form dough into two slightly flat logs on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.

10.

Bake thirty minutes or until slightly firm to the touch.

11.

Cool on baking sheet five to ten minutes.

12.

Transfer to cutting board and cut into ¾-inch slices.

Bar ingredients:

Blissful Cranberry Bars (Look familiar?)

1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon table salt 12 tablespoons unsalted butter 1½ cups packed light brown sugar

Frosting ingredients:

1⅔ cups white chocolate melted 8 oz cream cheese softened 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar

2 large eggs lightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 teaspoon fine orange zest ¾ cup dried cranberries 1⅓ cups white chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 teaspoon fine orange zest 1⅓ cups white chocolate chips

Topping ingredients:

½ cup dried cranberries loosely packed ⅔ cup white chocolate melted

Begin the fun: Blondie bars: 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position. Heat oven to 350 degrees. 2.

Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

Melt the butter and allow it to cool a bit.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt together in medium bowl. Set aside.

Combine the cooled, melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl until combined.

Stir in vanilla extract and molasses; combine well.

Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest; mix well.

Stir in flour mixture. This will form a stiff dough.

Using a rubber spatula, fold dry ingredients into egg mixture until just combined; do not over-mix.

Fold in chocolate and dried cranberries and turn batter into prepared pan. Smooth the batter with a rubber spatula.

Bake about twenty-two to twenty-five minutes until top is shiny, cracked, and light golden brown. Do not over-bake. Cool on wire rack to room temperature. Remove bars from pan.

Drizzle it with Love

Gingerbread biscotti and cranberry bars are kicked up a notch when drizzled with melted chocolate. Here are two tips on how to accomplish this without fancy piping bags. 1. Place melted chocolate into a plastic sandwich bag and cut a tiny hole in one corner. Squeeze the air out of the wide end and use the corner with the hole like a piping bag. 2. Dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle like a pro!

Frosting: 10. Combine the frosting ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well mixed and fluffy. 11.

Spread frosting on the cooled bars.

Topping: 12. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the frosting. You can roughly chop the cranberries if they are too big. 13.

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting and dried cranberries. Cut into triangles.

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[calendar of events]

Annie Oakley (movie)

Farm. Fresh. Market.

Mistletoe Market

Thursday Saturday

Sunday

Tuesday Thanksgiving Day

November 2019

Booth Museum Bergman Theatre 501 N. Museum Dr., Cartersville 7:00 pm; Free w/ Museum Admission Boothmuseum.org City of Woodstock Market Street, Downtown Woodstock 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; FREE www.visitwoodstock.com

Mistletoe Market

North GA Tech College, 121 Meeks Ave, Blairsville, GA; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm FREE Holiday Arts & Crafts show visitblairsvillega.com/festivals

Old Fashioned Christmas

North GA Tech College, 121 Meeks Ave, Blairsville, GA; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm FREE Holiday Arts & Crafts show visitblairsvillega.com/festivals

Carriage Rides Downtown Dahlonega

Holiday Open Art Studio

Open Art Studio at the Booth Museum 501 N. Museum Dr., Cartersville 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Boothmuseum.org Free with admission to museum

Mon.-Thur.: 4:00 - 8:00 pm Fri.-Sat.: 2:00 - 10:00 pm 1:00 - 8:00 pm Nov. 29 - Dec. 31 Sunday: dahlonegachristmas.com $5/child; $10/adult

Mountain Country Christmas in Lights

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Small Business Saturday

The Polar Express (movie)

Farm. Fresh. Market.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Thursday Friday Saturday

Family event—lights, music, food, holiday spirit, and more! Georgia Mtn. Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee, GA 6:00 - 9:00 pm; Every Thurs., Fri., Sat. through Dec. 28 Free Admission; georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/events Dahlonega’s Historic Square 13 S Park St, Dahlonega 2:00 - 10:00 pm; $5/child; $10/adult dahlonegachristmas.com/calendar

Downtown Canton Christmas shopping, Santa, and more! 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Shop local for Christmas! City of Woodstock Market Street, Downtown Woodstock 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; FREE www.visitwoodstock.com

Love Lights a Tree

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

City of Canton 130 E. Main Street, Canton 5:30 - 9:00 pm cantonga.gov

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Downtown Canton/Canton Theatre 171 Main Street, Canton 10:00 am; 2:00 pm; $3.00 at the Door Facebook: Downtown Canton GA See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Friday, December 6 • 7:00 pm DOWNTOWN BALL GROUND

ENJ19-11-12-BallGround-Christmas Parade-SBx.indd 1

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10/17/19 10:02

1, 2, 3, 4

Sun/Mon/Tues

December 2019

Tour of Trees

40+ decorated trees and wreaths. 129 Union Co Recreation Rd, Blairsville 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; FREE Admission visitblairsvillega.com/festivals

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Dahlonega’s Historic Square 13 S Park St, Dahlonega 2:00 - 10:00 pm; $5/child; $10/adult dahlonegachristmas.com/calendar

Christmas at Reinhardt

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Holiday Stop & Shop

Friday Night Live

Christmas in Canton

Christmas Tree Lighting

Christmas at Reinhardt

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Friday

50+ home-based business vendors Union County Civic Center, 165 Wellborn S., Blairsville 11:00 am - 7:00 pm City of Holly Springs Downtown Holly Springs 6:30 pm; FREE Admission hollyspringsga.us/calendar

Saturday

Downtown Woodstock 5:00 - 9:00 pm Shops & Restaurant Extended Hours visitwoodstock.com Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 7:30 pm; Advanced tickets suggested reinhardt.edu/falany

9, 10, 11

Mon/Tue/Wed

See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Christmas Parade

Pie Bar Extension Kitchen Christmas Pete the Cat Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pie 8720 Main Street, Woodstock 3:00 - 5:30 pm; Adv. Registration at orderpiebar.com/pages/baking-class

Story Time at Fox Tale Book Shoppe 105 E Main St., Ste 138, Woodstock 11:00 -11:45 am foxtalebooshoppe.com

Christmas Jubilee

Christmas at Reinhardt

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Canes and Cocoa

Christmas at Reinhardt

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Silver Roamer’s Travel

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Time out for last-minute shopping! 10:00 am - 3:00 pm; $15 adv/$20 door Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way CRPA.net

A Christmas Carol

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

SATURDAY

December 7

10:00 am at JJ Biello Park $10/child | Pre-registration Required

See event details on Nov. 29 listing. Downtown Canton; Cannon Park Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights 6:00 - 9:00 pm See event details on Nov. 28 listing. Horsed-drawn carriage & wagon rides. Tour of Trees Facebook: Downtown Canton GA See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Elm Street Arts 8534 Main St, Woodstock 7:30 pm $15/advanced; $18 at door elmstreetarts.org

CRPA-CanesCocoa-SBOX.indd 1

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Park at City Center 101 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock 2:30 pm - 9:00 pm Parade at 5:30 pm

Canes & Cocoa

OVERNIGHT TRIP to Callaway Gardens See event details on Nov. 29 listing. $350 single room/ $250 double room $150 due at registration. JUST DO IT! Tour of Trees CRPA.net - Adv. Registration Needed See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

50+ home-based business vendors Union County Civic Center, 165 Wellborn S., Blairsville 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Valley Playground, JJ Biello Park Sleigh rides, cookies, cocoa, more! 9:30 am; Candy Hunt at 10:00 am $10/child; CRPA.com

See event details on Nov. 29 listing. Falany Performing Arts Center Country Christmas in Lights 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska Mtn. See event details on Nov. 28 listing. 3:00 pm; 7:30 pm: Buy tickets at Tour of Trees reinhardt.edu/falany See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Friday

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights

Holiday Stop & Shop

75+ Vendors. 140 Old Smokey Rd., Blairsville 10:00 am - 3:00 pm unioncountyga.gov/farmers-market

Mistletoe on Main

Thursday

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Kris Kringle Mtn. Market Mothers’s Afternoon Out

City of Woodstock Market Street, Downtown Woodstock 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; FREE www.visitwoodstock.com

Sunday

Aquatic Center 1200 WellStar Way 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm CRPA.net

Farm. Fresh. Market.

Downtown Holly Springs 1:30 pm FREE Admission hollyspringsga.us/calendar

Parent’s Night Out

Downtown Canton 6:00 - 9:00 pm Meet Santa and his reindeer. Facebook: Downtown Canton GA

9/20/19 9:33 A

BOOK YOUR

Holiday Party

e Pa Our ge Ad 21 on

Thursday

See event details on Nov. 29 listing. Falany Performing Arts Center Country Christmas in Lights 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska Mtn. See event details on Nov. 28 listing. 7:30 pm; Advanced tickets suggested Tour of Trees reinhardt.edu/falany See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

TODAY!

[calendar of events]

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[calendar of events]

December 2019

Farm. Fresh. Market.

Worhol Screen Printing

Fox Tale Holiday Party

Pie Bar Extension Kitchen Vogel State Park Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pie 8720 Main Street, Woodstock 3:00 - 5:30 pm; Adv. Registration at orderpiebar.com/pages/baking-class

Christmas Tree Lighting 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville 4:00 - 7:00 pm Parking: $5

A Christmas Carol

Worhol Screen Printing

The Grinch (movie)

A Christmas Carol

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

An Isaacs Christmas

Saturday

City of Woodstock Market Street, Downtown Woodstock 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; FREE www.visitwoodstock.com Author signings, refreshments, more! 105 E. Main St., Ste. 138, Woodstock 2:00 - 4:00 pm FREE - Stay for the Christmas parade!

Sunday

Monday

17 & 18 Tues & Wed

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Downtown Canton Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street 6:00 - 9:00 pm; carriage & wagon rides. FB: Downtown Canton GA Elm Street Arts 8535 Main St, Woodstock 7:30 pm; $15/advanced; $18 at door elmstreetarts.org

Silver Roamer’s Day Trip Blue Ridge Holiday Luncheon $45 members/ $55 non-members 9:30 am at Recreation Center CRPA.net Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

A Christmas Carol

Mothers’s Afternoon Out

A Christmas Carol

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Elm Street Arts 8535 Main St, Woodstock 2:30 pm; $15/advanced; $18 at door elmstreetarts.org See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

48 [www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Parent’s Night Out

A Christmas Carol

Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Bring Your Camera! Facebook: Downtown Canton GA

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Elm Street Arts 8535 Main St, Woodstock 2:30 pm; $15/advanced; $18 at door elmstreetarts.org

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights

Santa Visits Canton

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

City of Woodstock Market Street, Downtown Woodstock 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; FREE www.visitwoodstock.com

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Wednesday

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Aquatic Center 1200 WellStar Way 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm CRPA.net

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights

Tuesday

Elm Street Arts 8535 Main St, Woodstock 7:30 pm; $15/advanced; $18 at door elmstreetarts.org

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Farm. Fresh. Market.

Monday

Underwater tree lighting! 1:00 - 3:00 pm; $10/child Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way CRPA.net

Tour of Trees

A Christmas Carol

Sunday

Elm Street Arts 8535 Main St, Woodstock 2:30 pm; $15/advanced; $18 at door elmstreetarts.org

Swim with the Grinch

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Saturday

Downtown Canton Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street 11:00 am - 2:00 pm; Bring a Camera! Facebook: Downtown Canton GA

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Friday

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 2:00 pm; 5:00 pm; Adv. tickets at reinhardt.edu/falany

Santa Visits Canton

Falany Performing Arts Center 7300 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Waleska 7:30 pm; Adv. tickets at reinhardt.edu/falany

Mistletoe on Main

Thursday

Hanukkah Begins

Create a Worhol inspired image. 501 N. Museum Dr., Cartersville 10:00 am - 1:00 pm; Boothmuseum.org Free with admission to museum

Create a Worhol-inspired image. 501 N. Museum Dr., Cartersville 10:00 am - 1:00 pm; Boothmuseum.org Free with admission

Time out for last-minute shopping! 10:00 am - 3:00 pm; $15 adv/$20 door Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way CRPA.net See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Sensory Friendly Elm Street Arts 8539 Main St, Woodstock 2:30 pm; details at elmstreetarts.org

A Christmas Carol

Elm Street Arts 8535 Main St, Woodstock 7:30 pm; $15/advanced; $18 at door elmstreetarts.org

Thursday

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Holiday Open Art Studio Splish Splash Camp Open Art Studio at the Booth Museum 501 N. Museum Dr., Cartersville 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Boothmuseum.org Free with admission to museum

Aquatic Center 1200 WellStar Way $45/child (Ages 5-13) CRPA.net

Farm. Fresh. Market.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Friday Saturday

29, 30, 31 Sun/Mon/Tue

City of Woodstock Market Street, Downtown Woodstock 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; FREE www.visitwoodstock.com Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

See event details on Nov. 29 listing.

Mtn. Country Christmas in Lights See event details on Nov. 28 listing.

Tour of Trees

See event details on Dec. 1 listing.

Happy New Year

Tell Us Your Love Story Enjoy Cherokee readers want to hear your love story. Write your true-life romance story (or someone else’s) in three hundred words or fewer, attach a picture, and send it to us at writer@EnjoyCherokee.com by December 20.

Let’s Make Your

Holiday Brighter -STOP

❅ NON

❅

as Chriustsmic M A fundraiser benefiting Papa’s Pantry, Skills USA, and Veterans of Cherokee County.

Open Daily | Nov. 29 - Dec. 31 Sunday - Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday, 6:00 - 10:00 pm

❅ Two-miles of breath-taking Holiday Lights. ❅ Three drive-through tunnels. ❅ Animated Christmas displays. ❅ More than TWO MILLION LIGHTS!

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, Georgia | $20 per vehicle | Brought to you by 112 Events

ENJ19-11-12-112 Events-FPAD.indd 1

11/12/19 10:11 AM

The most captivating story will win a Romance Package valued at more than $500.

Grand Prize

•

Your story published in the January/February edition of Enjoy Cherokee Magazine

•

Professional portrait of the couple compliments of Hello Honey Portraiture

•

Goin’ Coastal gift certificate

•

Bouquet from Woodstock Flower Company & Truck

BETTER HEALTH HAPPENS HERE

SERVICES AVAILABLE STARTING SEPT. 9 Urgent Care

Ear Nose & Throat

Lab Outreach Services

Family Medicine

Endocrinology

OB/GYN

Pediatrics

General Surgery

Sleep Center*

Cardiology

Hand Surgery

Urology

Cardiac Diagnostics*

Imaging*

WellStar OrthoSport* *Services of WellStar Kennestone Hospital

1120 WellStar Way Holly Springs, GA 30114 wellstar.org/cherokeehealthpark

(470) 267-0025

Enjoy Cherokee Magazine, Nov/Dec 2019

Articles inside

Andy Warhol in Cartersville