Woodstock Family Life 11-14 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

November 2014

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 4

24-25 On the Cover:

Milan Eye Center

32-40

Fa-La-La-La-La Guide

[24-25]

[32-40] 2

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

............................. Publisher

............................. Calendar

....................... Business Life

................... Senator Speaks

........................ Book Review

......................... Taste of Life

......... Main Street Woodstock

......................... Artist Profile

............................. Chamber

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Publisher’sPerspective PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Michelle Martin Michelle@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

All of us are more closely knit together in this day and age of technology. The six degrees of separation seem to have crumbled under the weight of the infinite amount of tags, texts, pins and tweets. It’s up to each of us to keep our world comfortable and human, to embrace others, look into someone’s eyes when we communicate, or listen to a child talk about their day. Handwrite a letter, visit a friend or relative you may not have seen or talked to in a while. Learn about their voyages, dreams, desires and challenges.

Jack Tuszynski, publisher

150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications Woodstock Family Life welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission from the Publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. AS

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

E R EC Y C LE

Even though we live in a world full of people with different ideologies, goals and dreams, we are blessed with the fact that we are meant to be here for each other. Any city anywhere can have that special small-town feel, and it starts with each of us. All it takes is to look up from our devices, wave at our friends, smile more and welcome our visitors. Start a friendly conversation with someone new. You’ll learn more about yourself in doing so and you’ll both feel closer to home.

Family Life Publishing Group Inc.

For some of us, our journey may have begun like a rocket ship ride into the future we now know as the present; for others, it may have been simply a leisurely walk down back roads and trails on a spiritual journey with our miles logged within our thoughts rather than with our feet. Eventually, we come to another crossroad along the way — or often these days, a round-about — and it’s time to decide in which direction we are going to lead ourselves at this particular junction of our journeys.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Jose Baez, State Senator Brandon Beach, Leigh Bonacci, Chris Bryant, Crystal Bryant, Jyl Craven, Arlene Dickerson, Catherine Groves, Dr. Corey Harkins, Fred Hawkins, Heike Hellmann-Brown, Jenna Hill, Jerika Jones, Lorre LaMarca, Dr. James E. Leake, Robbie Matiak, Diane Murphy, Dr. E. Anthony Musarra, Dr. Vishant Nath, Jeff Nevison, Dr. Michael Petrosky, Janet Read

M AG A ZI

ooking back over the years, I’ve really begun to appreciate the fact that I grew up in a small town. There was a time in my life that growing up in a small town may have seemed to keep me and those with whom I interacted daily far from the big old world beyond. In our more adventurous years, those of our youth and early adulthood, we often had the urge to break free of our bonds, parents and roots and burst forth into the unknown to discover what was out there — to explore and attempt something new, to become who we imagined we wanted to be, to find out who we were, or simply to discover where the road out of town might have lead us.

PLE

George Colmant George@FamilyLifePublications.com

Calendar NOVEMBER

Gardening Seminar UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers’ seminar series will continue with this workshop, “Preparing and Planting a Garden Bed.” 10:00 a.m., Cherokee County Senior Services Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-721-7803, Facebook.com/ CherokeeMasterGardeners

Veterans’ Lung Cancer Screenings Donors to the WellStar Foundation are sponsoring responsible screening and care for veterans at risk for lung cancer. Veterans who meet criteria for being at risk for lung cancer, due to smoking or exposure to certain chemicals, will be offered a low-dose lung CT scan at a reduced rate of $11 (regularly $199*). In addition, veterans will receive a free Pulmonary Risk Assessment to test for COPD and possible sleep disorders, compliments of WellStar Medical Group, Pulmonary Medicine. Screening spaces are limited; registration is required. 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., WellStar

Kennestone Imaging Center at Towne Lake, South Cherokee Medical Center, 120 Stone Bridge Parkway, Suite 300, Woodstock.770-956-STAR (7827), WellStar.org/KellFund

Saturday in November and December, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends. 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Market Street, between Mill and Maple streets, Downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406

“Hollywood Night” Friday Night Live Celebrate all things Hollywood and enjoy live music, contests, games and fun. Downtown merchants will stay open late and will offer special activities related to the theme of the month. Also, every $10 purchase made at a downtown business during Friday Night Live automatically will register you into a drawing for a $100 Downtown Dollars Gift Certificate. To enter the contest drawing, just bring your receipt for any purchase made a downtown business during the event to the Woodstock Visitors Center. 6:00-9:00 p.m., Downtown Woodstock. WhatsUpWoodstock.com

8, 15, 22 & 29

Woodstock Farmers Market– Winter Market The Woodstock Farmers Market winter season will see the Woodstock Farmers Market open every

American Flag Collection Any flag that is torn, ripped, faded or otherwise damaged must be retired honorably and properly. Girl Scouts are one of three organizations that can conduct a flag-retiring ceremony. In an effort to serve their community, Girl Scout Troop 2819 will collect American flags that need to be retired. All flags will be retired properly with the help of the local VFW chapter. 12:00-3:00 p.m., Bridge Mill Fire Station #22, 9550 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. Troop2819@yahoo.com

Heart Screenings Northside Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute will offer a free screening to determine risk for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, or CVD. CVD remains the number one killer of Americans, according to the American Heart Association. The comprehensive screening will be administered by

Veterans Day Ceremony Come out for the City of Woodstock’s special candlelight ceremony honoring America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, willingness to serve, and sacrifice for the common good. The event will feature Maj. Gen. Warren R. Johnson with the Marine Corps League Detachment #1311 in Woodstock, the American Legion Post 316 Woodstock, and the Warriors’ Watch Riders. Dirty, torn, and retired flags unfit to fly can be dropped off for proper disposal at collection boxes located in the parking lot of the Woodstock Senior Center (223 Arnold Mill Road) and next to the memorial in The Park at City Center. 7:00-8:00 p.m., The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-5176788, MStockdale@WoodstockGa.gov

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

LIBRARY EVENTS SequoyahRegionalLibrary.com HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565

healthcare professionals and will include a risk assessment, blood pressure reading, total cholesterol (HDL, ratio of TC/HDL) and glucose testing, body mass index (BMI) analysis, and a oneon-one consultation with a healthcare professional. The screening is free, but registration is required. Call 404845-5555 and press “0” to schedule an appointment. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Northside/Holly Springs Imaging, 684 Sixes Road, Suite 100, Holly Springs. Northside.com

21-23

“The Drowsy Chaperone” Reinhardt University’s School of Performing Arts Theatre Program will present this production about a die-hard theatre fan that plays his favorite cast

album, leading to the characters coming to life in this hilarious musical farce. Winner of 5 TONY Awards (including Best Book and Best Original Score), “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. Contact the box office for times and tickets. 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167, Reinhardt.edu/FPAC

Scan to submit your upcoming event!

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

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

FAMILY STORY TIMES November 4, 11 & 18, 10:30 a.m., Rose Creek November 6, 13 & 20, 10:30 a.m., Hickory Flat November 6, 13 & 20, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m., Woodstock Family story times are designed for families with children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. These programs often feature stories, music, rhymes and a free craft activity. LAP-SIT STORY TIMES November 5, 12, & 19, 10:30 a.m., Rose Creek continued on

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LIBRARY CONTINUED . . . November 5, 12 & 19, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m., Woodstock Lap-Sit story times are designed for 1- to 3-year-olds. These fun programs are a time for children to learn about the story time experience and encourage early literacy by including books, songs, rhymes, and physical activity. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Lap-Sit story times are limited to the first 15 children (plus their caregiver) to arrive, and the door to the program will be closed when the program begins.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

READING DOGS November 4, 18, 25, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Hickory Flat Public Library November 5, 12, 19, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Rose Creek Public Library November 12, 19, 4:00–5:00 p.m., Woodstock Public Library Kids and dogs go together like books and reading. Letting a child read to a dog builds confidence by providing a friendly, furry and non-judgmental listener. Sessions of 10-15 minutes for ages 6 and up are available, but space is limited. Register by calling the appropriate branch up to two weeks before the scheduled event. KNITTING INSTRUCTION November 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1:00-2:00 p.m., Rose Creek Interested in learning how to knit? A retired teacher will share her knitting skills with others. Bring your yarn, knitting needles and be prepared to have fun! Free, but registration is required: 770-591-1491. KNIT-ALONG November 6 & 20, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Hickory Flat Share your knitting ideas and skills. Cindy Williams will lead this knitting group. For information, call 770-345-7565.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

ROSE CREEK BOOK CLUB November 5, 11:00 a.m., Rose Creek The Rose Creek Book Club will meet to discuss their current book. For more information: 770-591-1491, RoseCreekBookClub@gmail.com. WOODSTOCK LEGO CLUB November 16, 3:00 p.m., Woodstock The LEGO Club has a different theme each month. Children can work alone or in teams to make their special creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages; children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. BOOKMARK BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS November 18, 4:00 p.m., Woodstock Join other kids in discussing the fun book, “Flora & Ulysses,” along with games related to the story, crafts and a light snack. Ages 9-12. Registration is required: 770-479-3090, ext. 4. DUCT TAPE CREATIONS November 19, 4:00 p.m., Rose Creek Want to make something fun and awesome out of duct tape? Kids 9-12 are invited to create a cool duct tape spike bracelet or key chain. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration begins November 5. Call 770-591-1491 to register.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Giving Thanks for CCSD Staff By Janet Read

My favorite holiday has always been Thanksgiving. In my mind, it is associated with cooler weather, harvesting the crops, and family time around the dinner table. I remember visiting both of my

grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes and eating meals with my aunts, uncles and cousins crowded around the table. The past few years have included celebrating this holiday with friends and family and starting some new family traditions. This month, I would like to share how thankful I am for some of the employees in the Cherokee County School District (CCSD). I am especially thankful for our bus drivers, transportation employees and maintenance employees. We have the largest fleet of vehicles in the county. Our drivers travel more than 25,000 miles on a daily basis and more than 4.5 million miles throughout the school year! Our maintenance employees are responsible for the upkeep of more than 6 million square feet of school. These employees do an outstanding job of providing for safe/ secure space and transport of our most precious cargo.

These folks are the ones who assist the entire class of kindergarten students with shoe-tying, reaching the water fountain, learning the lunch numbers, and comforting those who miss Mommy or Daddy. They are the extra arms, eyes and ears of the classroom. They navigate wheelchairs and physical therapy, and help those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read, see clearly or need help holding a pencil. I am grateful for all of our paraprofessionals who work behind the scenes, whether it is in a kindergarten or special needs classroom. As our family gathers around the Thanksgiving table later this month, I will be sure to say a prayer of thanks for our awesome CCSD employees!

Janet Read is chair of the CCSD board. 770-516-1444, Janet.Read@Cherokee.K12.Ga.us

I am also thankful for our paraprofessionals, many of whom are certified teachers.

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Business Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. has relocated to a new office in

Chad Atkinson, FIC, has joined Henssler Financial

Marietta. Skin Cancer Specialists,

as an Insurance Specialist. Atkinson has nearly three

P.C. provides services related to the

years’ experience in helping families with security

prevention and management of skin

needs through insurance products.

cancer, including skin cancer screening examinations; removal

A U.S. Navy veteran, Atkinson earned a Bachelor

of skin growths for biopsy and the

of Business Administration in Finance degree from

removal of skin cancers; Mohs

Kennesaw State University. As a Cherokee County

micrographic surgery; and advanced

resident, he is active with the Cherokee Chamber, serving on the chairman’s

reconstructive surgery for skin cancer.

council and education committee, and also on the board of directors for Cherokee

Office hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.,

FOCUS and Give A Kid A Chance organizations. In addition, Atkinson assists

Monday-Friday. 835 Cogburn Ave.,

numerous other organizations with fundraising and special projects, such as

N.W., Marietta. 770-422-5557,

Healing Hands Youth Ranch, Next Step Ministries, North Georgia Angel House,

SkinCancerSpecialists.com

and the Junior Service League of Woodstock. Henssler Financial has provided comprehensive financial solutions to clients for more than 25 years. The company’s services include financial planning, tax preparation and consulting, risk management and estate planning, as well as CFO services for businesses. 3735 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-429-9166, Henssler.com

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Main Street Woodstock held a special ribbon cutting ceremony recently to celebrate the grand opening of Village Market & CafĂŠ in Downtown Woodstock. The Village Market & CafĂŠ is a deli, bakery and gourmet market featuring imported cheeses and meats; infused olive oils and truffle oils; imported pastas; tapenades, pestos, and sauces; fresh produce; fresh-cut flowers; custom gift baskets; wines; and much more. 490 Chambers St., Woodstock. 678-831-2707, Facebook.com/VillageMarketCafe

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Home Humidification By Robbie Matiak

With the arrival of the home heating season, a variety of problems caused by low relative humidity can plague your home. Dry air resulting from the low relative humidity absorbs moisture from you and everything inside your home; dry noses, scratchy throats, itchy skin, and static shock are all familiar problems during the colder months as we heat our homes. The American Society of Otolaryngology reports that it is important to prevent an overly dry environment because it makes people more susceptible to infections. Many viruses have been found to thrive in low humidity and can increase the likelihood of getting colds, flu and upper-respiratory ailments. But, dry air damage doesn’t stop there. Walls and ceilings may crack, and wood floors and trim may separate. Dry air shrinks the framing around windows and doors, resulting in gaps that allow cold air in from the outside — making your home less energy efficient. Static electric charges could cause damage, pricey repairs, or replacement of expensive electronic equipment. Properly humidified air can help prevent problems aggravated by dry air. Experts agree that homes should have a humidity level of 30-50 percent, and when running your heating system that means running a humidifier. There are several options, ranging from portable units that can be moved from room to room to whole-house systems that work with your heating system. Professionally installed whole-house humidification systems help to deliver appropriately conditioned air to every room in your home, making it more effective

than portable units that humidify just one room at a time. They also require little to no maintenance once installed properly, and use your home’s plumbing and electrical systems to supply the required water and electricity for operation. Portable humidifiers are freestanding and range in size from a table-top model to a floor model. These units have their own water supplies and plug into standard electrical outlets, but tend to have higher maintenance requirements. Portable units must have water added daily, and using distilled or de-mineralized water is ideal. They must be cleaned frequently and the filter replaced according to manufacturer’s recommendations (or more frequently). Maintaining the ideal humidity level in your home will also help make it feel warmer. Low humidity makes the air feel colder because it holds less water; the warmer the air is, the more water it can hold — thus, the warmer it feels. Think about how the thermometer says the temperature is 95 degrees, but it feels like 110 due to how high the humidity level is. Preserving the most comfortable home environment is important to quality of life. If your family suffers from the effects of dry air, you may want to consider a professionally installed whole-house humidification system.

Robbie Matiak is a project coordinator at R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795, RandDMechanical.net

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

itchy

dry skin

static shock

Regain Your Shape after Childbirth with a Mommy Makeover By Drs. Musarra, Leake, Petrosky & Harkins Motherhood brings many wonderful changes, including new depths of love, patience and joy. While everyone thinks children are wonderful, not much is said about the physical cost of bringing those bundles of joy into the world and the toll it has on a woman’s body: stretched and distorted breasts, bulging stomachs, weight gain on the hips and thighs, and those dreaded saddlebags. As you strive to be the perfect mom, giving virtually all of your time and attention to your children, your wants and needs fall at the bottom of the priority list. Your outward appearance may not reflect the vibrant, youthful, attractive person you feel on the inside. A “Mommy Makeover” could give you the refreshed look you want. Or, you may be like many women who are establishing their career tracks before tackling the mommy track. Many women are having children later in life, after they have completed their education and gotten a good start in business or their profession. After having children, some women choose to return to the workforce, where appearance and confidence are valued. The Mommy Makeover is becoming increasingly popular among working women who want to return to their pre-baby body — and restore their self-confidence at the same time. A Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures to restore a woman’s body after childbearing. The most common components are breast augmentation, breast lift and abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck.” Liposuction can also be incorporated into a Mommy Makeover to remove fatty deposits that have accumulated. Today’s moms want to preserve the body they always had and be proud of it. As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained boardcertified plastic surgeon.

Drs. Musarra, Leake and Petrosky are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242, PlasticSurgeryCenterOf TheSouth.net

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SenatorSpeaks

Startling New Obamacare Costs Show Need for State Solution to Healthcare Crisis By Senator Brandon Beach

his is the time of year when many of us will learn from our employers how much more it will cost to retain health insurance next year. From premiums to co-pays to out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles, costs are expected to continue to climb for each of us, thanks to Obamacare. However, the financial burden on Georgia taxpayers is also about to hit and the bill is a whopper. According to new analysis by the state Department of Community Health, Obamacare is projected to cost Georgia taxpayers more than $540 million just over the next two-and-a-half years. That’s more than half-a-billion dollars in increased compliance costs imposed on the state’s insurance plans for state employees, Peachcare for Kids, and other impacts to the cost of Medicaid. Even though Governor Nathan Deal and the General Assembly have consistently opposed Medicaid expansion in Georgia, taxpayers will still be on the hook for the increased costs of complying with Obamacare. Healthcare is going to continue to consume more and more of our state budget. If we are serious about controlling healthcare costs for taxpayers — and the private sector — we need to find a state-

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

based solution to create our own savings. Obamacare is not going to reduce costs, so Georgia lawmakers must find a route to make healthcare less expensive.

If the panel determined a physician had not followed best practices and a patient had been injured, compensation would be promptly awarded.

Last winter, I introduced a proposal that I will bring to the General Assembly in early 2015. It would reduce healthcare costs for state taxpayers by nearly $7 billion over 10 years. The savings would come from Medicaid and the health plans that cover state employees, teachers and their dependents. That proposal is known as the Patients’ Compensation System (PCS), and it would significantly reduce the practice of defensive medicine in Georgia that drives up healthcare costs. Gallup reports that one in four healthcare dollars are wasted on unnecessary tests and procedures that physicians order that are not clinically necessary. Instead, doctors order these procedures to keep from being sued.

This concept would not only save the Georgia state treasury but also put savings in all of our pockets. If enacted, it would save Georgia employers between $15 billion and $31 billion over 10 years in health insurance costs.

Under the PCS solution, doctors and hospitals would no longer be sued again. If a patient is injured, they would take their claim to an administrative system overseen by a panel of healthcare experts.

Brandon Beach is a State Senator, District 21, who represents a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly. Brandon.Beach@ Senate.Ga.gov, 404-463-1378

Our economy is starting to show signs of new growth, but it can quickly be stifled with astounding increases in healthcare costs. The idea to eliminate Georgia’s medical liability system and replace it with a noblame, administrative model would do what Obamacare didn’t do: reduce healthcare costs and at the same time compensate patients who have been neglected by our broken malpractice system.

Local Athletes Support Teammate Battling Leukemia

Lyndon Academy Terriers Girls Softball players and coaches wear their special Team Beads of Courage bracelets in support of teammate Danielle Samsury.

Community Feature

Lyndon Academy Terriers Girls Softball team carried special hand-crafted “Terrier blue” beads for Team Beads of Courage recently in honor of their teammate, Danielle Samsury, who has been diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic preb-cell leukemia. Danielle’s family presented 15 sets of beads to the Lyndon Academy Terriers Girls Softball team and coaches. Additional sets will be sent to Team Beads of Courage to encourage other children battling cancer; each set of beads will include a card that reads, “With every swing, throw, and run, we are proud to join our BOC teammate, Danielle, in honoring your treatment journey. We hope this team bead provides you a huge boost of encouragement!”

Children battling cancer collect these beads as they fight their way through the treatment process, receiving a bead with each procedure or milestone they reach. At the end of the journey, these young warriors will have a “string of strength” that they can use to remember and share their unique story of courage. Danielle’s teammates describe her as having the “heart and tenacity of a Terrier” as she has battled the disease. Danielle currently is in remission.

7 Differences

Woodstock Swimmer Selected to USA Junior National Swim Team Lauren Case of the Chattahoochee Gold swim team has been chosen for the USA Junior National Swim Team. Lauren, age Lauren Case of Woodstock is 16 and a junior at the first Chattahoochee Gold Woodstock High swimmer selected to the USA School, has been Junior National Swim Team. a swimmer for Chattahoochee Gold for nine years. She is a USA Swimming Junior National (18 and under) Top 3 finisher and competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials. She is the first Chattahoochee Gold swimmer ever chosen for the USA Junior National Swim Team. Chattahoochee Gold swim club is based in Woodstock, with athletes from Cherokee County and surrounding communities.

Find the

Please email art@familylifepublications.com to submit your answers. Be sure to include the magazine title, your name and contact information (address, phone & email). Only emailed answers with full information will be accepted. Individuals can win only once per calendar year.

Congratulations our October Rainey! Congratulations to ourtoJune “Pieces“7ofDifferences” the Puzzle”winner, winner,Susan Jennifer Maloney!

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Community Feature Cub Scouts Participate in Lake Allatoona Cleanup Woodstock Cub Scout Pack 2010 is doing its part to help keep Cherokee County clean. The scouts joined other groups and individuals on a recent fall morning for the Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup. The project involved carefully cleaning up trash from the north shore of Little River Marina on both sides of Bells Ferry Road, as well as hands-on demonstrations on water safety and water conservation. Cub Scout Pack 2010 joined American Heritage Girl Troop 2012 in the service project. Armed with garbage bags and gloves, the kids removed bottles, cans, and more from the lake shore. They discovered all types of trash and lost treasures, including microwaves, a pacifier, tires, boat anchors, abandoned DVDs, and plastic tricycles. “The event was a great success,” says Chandler Coe, assistant cub master for Cub Scout Pack 2010. “We learned as Scouts not to look at others’ irresponsibility with trash as ‘not my trash,’ but instead always see trash as ‘my opportunity to serve.’ Not a single complaint was heard,” says Coe. “Instead, positive attitudes abounded throughout. By the many numerous bags filled with trash, Cub Pack 2010 could very easily see that they had truly made a big difference.” The Leaders of the Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup rewarded all those who attended with a free lunch and after-party at the Lake Allatoona Dam in Cartersville. The party featured bounce houses, a DJ, and lots of freebies, thanks to event sponsor Yamaha, as well as Academy Sports, Cheeseburger Bobby’s, and other area vendors.

Woodstock Cub Scout Pack 2010 was one of several groups helping to clean up local waters as part of the recent Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Diabetes: Are You at Risk? By Leigh Bonacci, RN, BSN, CDE

November is “American Diabetes Month.” You don’t have to be overweight, have a genetic predisposition or be a certain age to get diabetes. In fact, more than 29 million people nationwide, including 1 million in Georgia, have diabetes and don’t even realize it because many of the symptoms seem non-threatening: unusual thirst, extreme hunger, increased fatigue and irritability. Left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, circulatory problems and even death. Fortunately, by knowing your risk and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help prevent or delay the onset of the diabetes.

Factors You Can Control •

Excess Weight: Being obese or carrying excess body fat makes your heart work harder and raises your blood pressure and total cholesterol. Belly

•

fat is especially harmful because it releases hormones that decrease your body’s ability to utilize insulin and regulate blood glucose levels. Inactivity: Exercising on a regular basis helps your body use the insulin it makes, which helps your body better control your blood sugar. Healthy Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet and controlling your portion sizes can help prevent diabetes. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains have been proven to help control weight and decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Factors You Can’t Control •

•

Age: People over 45 are more likely to have diabetes and should have their blood glucose levels checked every three years. Heredity: People with a close family history of diabetes (a sibling or parent) are more likely to develop the condition.

•

Race: People of African-American, Mexican-American, Pacific Islander and American-Indian decent are at a greater risk. Gestational Diabetes: Having had gestational diabetes or a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth also increases your risk. If you were never screened for gestational diabetes but gave birth to a large infant, you may have had this temporary form of insulin intolerance without ever knowing it.

Protect Your Health Focus on prevention. If you have any of the risk factors associated with diabetes or if your blood sugar levels are creeping up, talk to your doctor about enrolling in a diabetes education program.

Northside Hospital offers diabetes education and support services in Canton, Alpharetta, Cumming and Sandy Springs. For more information, visit Northside.com/Diabetes.

Leigh Bonacci is coordinator of Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s Diabetes Education Program. Northside.com/Diabetes

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Community Feature

Carmel ES Teacher Named STEM Teacher of the Year by Museum of Aviation Carmel Elementary School (CES) teacher Merry Willis has been named the Museum of Aviation National STEM Academy’s STEM Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015. Willis was nominated by the school’s 2013-2014 principal, Keith A. Bryant. Both the school and Willis will receive a $1,000 prize for the achievement. Willis is responsible for building CES’ STEM program from scratch two years ago. More than 1,200 students in kindergarten through fifth grade participate in the STEM class once a week throughout the entire school year. Merry Willis, a teacher at Carmel Elementary School, explains

Three judges carefully reviewed the applications that were submitted. Judges the STEM Engineering Design Loop to her students. were Katie Thompson, a STEM director at West Georgia RESA; Edwin Mills, a Master STEM Teacher in Bay County, Fla.; and Amy Hudnall, deputy director of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace. Melissa Spalding, director of education at the Museum of Aviation, visited Willis’ classroom and took a tour of CES. Willis was presented her award prize at the 4th Georgia NASA STEM Day Conference for Educators, held recently at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.

RRHS Establishes Music Honor Society River Ridge High School (RRHS) Fine Arts has established the Cherokee County School District’s first chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Tri-M is an international music honor society that recognizes musical achievement, academic excellence and community service, and is part of the Music Educators National Conference, which is among the world’s largest arts’ education organizations. Members maintain a 3.0 GPA in courses and a 4.0 GPA in music classes, and

are dedicated to extracurricular musical achievement. RRHS students inducted as inaugural members are: from Band: Lisa Alvarez, Camilo Arango, Evan Bennett, Greer Blackmon, Taylor Boardman, Nicholas Busson, Audrey Cobb, Lola Fayemi, Leslie Flores, Brent Flynn, Christian Gaines, Ben Gonzalez, Kristina Gonzalez, Springer Herdt, Joshua Isaksen, Brennan Kellner, Emma Norris, Emmy Perez, Nikki Perez, Amelia Smith, Maddi Smith, Andrew Stegenga,

Olivia Webb, Wes Zimmermann; from Chorus: Matthew Ainsley, Hannah Auriemma, Josh Butler, Alyzzia Fitzpatrick, Abby Domantay, Brent Flynn, Ally Goddard, Jesse Huskey, Patrick Janda, Miranda Lemal, Megan Lerner, Alyssa McCollum, Emily Moore, Callie O’Bryant, Saxon Olson, Bridget Radatz, Olivia Resendez, Nate Sahlberg, Rachel Woods; and from Orchestra: Katie Brown, Katie Eritano, Becky Fisher and Sean Whelan.

RRHS Chorus Director Allison Baccala and Band Director Daniel Gray are pictured with the first class of inductees for the school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Boston Elementary Students Show Spirit for ‘Operation Graduation’ Boston Elementary School students show the Etowah Eagle spirit they’re building as part of the “Operation Graduation” Zone initiative! The initiative encourages students at all of Etowah High School’s feeder schools to become a part of the Etowah High School family at an early age by participating in Etowah High School football and basketball games and other Innovation Zone initiatives.

WES Parent Wins Box Top Sweepstakes

WES Principal Kim Montalbano, fourth-grader Matthew Hotz, first-grader Michael Hotz and their mom, Carlene Hotz, celebrate Hotz’s Box Tops for Education sweepstakes win for $5,000 in school supplies.

Woodstock Elementary School (WES) parent Carlene Hotz has won 50,000 box tops for the school in an online sweepstakes. The box tops can be traded in for $5,000 in school supplies, equipment or other rewards.

The contest, Box Tops for Education “Dimes in Disguise,” sponsored by General Mills, already has transferred 50,000 box tops to the school’s account to spend. Each box top has a value of 10 cents to trade in for school supplies. The school earnings loyalty program allows parents to turn in special labels from boxes of food products to earn rewards for their school. Hotz is the mother of WES fourth-grader Matthew and firstgrader Michael. “The school is grateful for this unexpected but much-needed gift,” said Principal Kim Montalbano, adding that she is researching funding options for an additional computer lab at the school. “This will certainly help with the cost of this project.”

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Book Review BY CATHERINE GROVES

‘The Magic’ challenges readers to find a magical life through gratitude. “The Magic,” by Rhonda Byrne, provides a 28-day journey of finding the “magic” in life and living life more gratefully. For 28 days, readers will participate in a different practice each day. Each practice is designed to make readers more grateful and experience more magical moments in different aspects of life. Before even beginning with Day 1, Byrne provides 28 pages of thoughtprovoking writing on gratitude and living a magical life. The beginning paragraph, “Remember when you were a child and you looked at life in total wonder and awe? Life was magical and exciting, and the smallest things were utterly thrilling to you. You were fascinated by the frost on the grass, a butterfly flittering through the air, or any strange leaf or rock on the ground,” grabs a hold quickly, and the “magical” journey really does begin! There are 28 magical practices designed to change readers’ negative beliefs and let gratitude create a miracle power that is life changing. This 28-day practice helps remove all of the negative attitudes, some from a very long time ago, and cause a deep transformation. Byrne writes on 28 different topics, all designed to get rid of the negative, focus on the positive, and embrace a spirit of gratitude. Day 1 begins with giving blessings for all, and the simple tasks outlined for doing so at the end of this chapter are reason to look forward to Day 2. From our health, to relationships, and even our professional lives, nothing is left out. As powerful as discovering the “Law of Attraction in Action,” in Byrne’s first book, “The Secret,” the “Miracle Power of Gratitude” is just as powerful and life changing in “The Magic.” Whether it is to find the “magic” in life by learning the true art of gratitude or maybe just desire for personal growth, “The Magic” is sure to deliver. “The Magic” can be purchased at most major bookstores and in e-Reader versions for Kindle and Nook.

Catherine Groves is an avid reader and book collector (owning more than 5,000 books). She also is publisher of two neighborhood magazines and is writing her first novel.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Common Low-Voltage Options By Fred Hawkins Cat 5 is an older type of network cabling commonly used by builders for years. Now, electricians use Cat 5 e as standard wiring in homes. Cat 5 e is an improvement over standard Cat 5 cabling. It is faster than Cat 5 and cuts down on cross talk, or interference you sometimes get between wires inside the cable. These improvements mean you are getting a faster, more reliable speed with Cat 5 e cabling compared to standard Cat 5. Cat 6 is the next step up from Cat 5 e cabling. Its improvements include stricter specifications when it comes to interference and 10-gigabit speeds in some cases. If you are buying a new home that isn’t already wired, you might as well get Cat 6 since it is an improvement over Cat 5 e. Cat 6 (or

Cat 6 e) is a good choice for ethernet jacks, especially if you want to route all of your audio and video components throughout the home. Security pre-wire consists of one foyer motion, two keypads, a siren and all accessible door and windows. In houses with vinyl windows, however, the windows are not pre-wired because doing so would void the warranty on the windows. As the homeowner, you would have to request the security company to supply the wireless contacts for the vinyl windows, and many times they are not reliable and often result in pre-wire problems. You could also opt for pre-wire upgrades, such as motion detectors, glass breaks, smoke detectors, key fobs and cell backups. A permanently installed Generac backup generator can offer your family immediate protection in the

event of a power outage. It runs on natural gas and is installed outside just like a central air and heating unit. A home backup generator delivers power directly to your home’s electrical system, backing up your entire home or just the most essential items. A Generac home backup generator senses a power outage, turns on automatically, and delivers power to your home until power is restored — whether it is two hours, two days or two weeks.

Fred Hawkins is owner of H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136, MyAtlantaElectrician.net

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Tasteof BY DIANE MURPHY, honorary member

CARROT

CAKE

Ingredients 2 cups granulated sugar 1 1 3 cups vegetable oil 3 extra large eggs (room temperature) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1½ cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking soda 1½ teaspoons kosher salt 1 cup raisins 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 pound carrots, grated ½ cup drained pineapple tidbits CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 3 pound cream cheese (room temperature) 4 ½ pound unsalted butter (room temperature) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 pound confectioners sugar, sifted Mix the cream cheese, butter and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mix until just combined. Add the sugar and mix until smooth.

Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two (8inch) round cake plans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans. Beat the sugar, oil and eggs together in the bowl of an electric mixer until light yellow. Add the vanilla. In another bowl, sift together 2½ cups flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Toss the raisins and walnuts with 1 tablespoon flour. Fold in the carrots and pineapple. Add to the batter and mix well.

Recipe is from the “Gatherings & Traditions Cookbook,” produced by the Service League of Cherokee County. The Service League of Cherokee County has been working to meet the needs of the children of Cherokee County since 1935. In addition to the cookbook, the organization’s fundraising efforts include the annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival; “Run for the Children” 5K Walk/1-mile Fun Run; and Annual Ball, featuring the “Dancing for the Children” competition.” ServiceLeague.net

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Divide the batter equally between the two pans. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans set over a wire rack. Top with cream cheese frosting.

What is Trigger Finger? By Jose Baez, M.D.

Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger/ trigger thumb, occurs when a finger or thumb gets stuck in the bent position. When it becomes unstuck, it will pop out, much like releasing a trigger. It involves the tendons in the hand that bend the finger. You can think of these tendons as a pulley system, with “ropes” connecting the muscles of the forearm to the bones of the fingers and thumb. Sometimes, the pulley at the base of the finger can become too thick and constricting. This inhibits a free-moving pulley system, causing the finger to get stuck, then snap back out when unstuck. The cycle can cause inflammation and pain, and the finger can be very difficult to straighten or bend.

What Causes Trigger Finger? Several factors can influence the onset of trigger finger, although the exact cause is not completely known. It is sometimes associated with rheumatoid arthritis, gout and diabetes. On occasion, local trauma to the area can also bring on trigger finger.

Symptoms and Treatment of Trigger Finger Symptoms of trigger finger may include: • • • • •

Discomfort at the base of finger or thumb Tender, localized pressure Inflammation Stiff fingers with difficult movement A nodule may appear on the middle finger or the tip knuckle of the thumb

When treating trigger finger, a hand specialist will try to eliminate the catching of the finger and attempt to allow full movement of the finger or thumb without discomfort. This may mean wearing a splint or taking an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation in the area. The hand specialist may also advise changing activities in order to reduce any further swelling. Surgery is only recommended if other, non-invasive treatments do not work. If you believe that you are suffering from trigger finger, it is important to seek treatment with a hand specialist as soon as possible to alleviate any further pain or injury.

Dr. Jose Baez is a physician with Atlanta Hand Specialist, located in Canton, Marietta, Smyrna, and Douglasville. 770-333-7888, AtlantaHandSpecialist.com

“Several factors can influence the onset of trigger finger, although the exact cause is not completely known.”

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COVER STORY

Providing state-of-the-art technology and personal care to patients locally

BY MICHELLE MARTIN l PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHOTOJACK.NET

For the many residents in Cherokee County suffering from cataract and other eye conditions, the new Milan Eye Center in Canton offers the convenience of state-of-the-art technology and experienced doctors close to home. The new Canton office, located off of Brown Industrial Parkway near the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, joins Milan Eye Center’s locations in Cumming and Johns Creek. “More and more in the past several years, we were treating patients from Canton and surrounding communities at our Cumming office,” says Milan Patel, M.D., an ophthalmologist who specializes in laser cataract, refractive and corneal surgery at Milan Eye Center. “Our new Canton location allows us to bring specialty care locally to meet the needs of the growing Cherokee community so that patients don’t have to drive 30 minutes or more. Each of our locations is designed with Milan Eye Center’s state-of-the-art technology and personalized care so that patients all across metro Atlanta have convenient access to specialty eye care.” In addition to the Canton, Cumming and Johns Creek locations, Milan Eye Center also opened a new office in Buford in September. Milan Eye Center is led by Dr. Milan Patel; Vishal Patel, O.D., who specializes in glaucoma, diabetic eye conditions and Lasik consultations; Kiran Sajja, M.D., oculoplastics surgeon; and Anjum Cheema, M.D., glaucoma and cataract surgeon. Some of the more common conditions treated at Milan Eye Center include cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye. According to Dr. Milan Patel, Milan Eye Center is regarded by patients and eye surgeons as a leader in cataract care. “Cataract surgery by far and away is our specialty. The doctors at Milan Eye Center have performed more

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than 10,000 cataract surgeries combined,” he says. Cataracts affect approximately 60 percent of people age 60 and older, yet, Dr. Patel says, most people don’t understand what a cataract is. “The common misconception is that a cataract is a growth on the eye that affects vision, but actually it is a condition, commonly caused by aging, that clouds the lens of the eye and produces a yellow-brown discoloration that creates a halo effect around objects.” Patients with cataracts often experience difficulty in driving, reading, recognizing faces, distinguishing color contrasts, and coping with glare from bright lights. Cataracts can slowly lead to slowly progressive vision loss if left untreated. As a leader in cataract care, Milan Eye Center stays current on the latest advancements in treatment and procedure. Dr. Patel notes that Milan Eye Center was the first practice in the entire country to use the Femto blade-free technology designed by Zeimer Ophthalmic Systems for cataract surgery. The Femto LDV Z6 laser offers a customized alternative with more accuracy in terms of depth of incisions and the architectural design of each incision versus traditional cataract surgery. The laser technology can be programmed to perform precise custom incisions, which are planned by surgeons based off on topographic scans of individual patients. “Milan Eye Center is proud to be the first to bring this groundbreaking technology to our patients. Surgeons from across the nation come to Milan Eye Center to learn how to use the Femto LDV Z6 laser,” he says. “This new technology allows us to offer patients a range of procedure options designed to try and maximize safety and meet their individual needs. We want Milan Eye Center to be the best eye care center in the state, and that includes offering stateof-the-art technologies like laser cataract surgery to better serve our patients.” Milan Eye Center also offers “live streaming” and digital recording of cataract surgeries so that family members can watch patients’ surgery as it happens and patients can watch and share the recording afterward. “This service is

reassuring to patients and their family because it demonstrates our confidence in our expertise and safety. It takes our quality of care to the next level for all to see firsthand,” says Dr. Patel. Prior to surgery or other recommended treatment, Milan Eye Center offers a variety of tools and resources to give patients a better understanding of cataracts and other eye conditions. Many diagnostic procedures using an optical camera can be viewed by patients on a second monitor, so that doctors can point out and explain what they find and how the problem can best be treated. Diagnostic images are uploaded to a central file-sharing program so that doctors can access them from any location. Also, Milan Eye Center designed the MyLaserCataractProcedure.com website as an informative resource for cataract patients. The website gives an overview of cataracts and treatment options, as well as videos explaining what to expect before, during and after laser cataract surgery. Milan Eye Center also developed the new Easy Drops app, available (on Apple and coming soon to Android devices) for free to patients. As Dr. Patel explains, the Easy Drops app makes it easier for patients to

manage their course of drop therapy. “Some procedures call for several different kinds of drops during different times of the day; it can be confusing trying to keep track of them all,” he says. “We tried to look at it from our patients’ perspective and design an app that would make it easier for them.” Patients simply enter their procedure date for an outline of their daily prescribed eye-drop regimen. The app makes it possible for patients and doctors alike to monitor compliance to ensure patients’ eye health before and after treatment. It also includes informative videos, office information and an option to email the doctors. Dr. Patel says eye doctors anywhere can subscribe to the Easy Drops app service and customize it to their practice and patients.

Milan Eye Center is affiliated with and provides on-call emergency care at Northside Hospital in Canton and Forsyth, as well as Emory Johns Creek Hospital. “Being affiliated with such reputable hospital networks makes it easy for us to do what we do. We are glad that we can offer on-call support and local convenience to their patients, as well as our own. The entire staff at Milan Eye Center works together to provide personal care with a positive attitude for a seamless patient experience, from beginning to end. We hope that our personal approach to patient care, combined with our highly trained doctors and stateof-the-art technology, leaves patients of Milan Eye Center Left to right: (back row) Drs. Kiran Sajja, Gina Borgnini, Vishal Patel, feeling they have received the Priyal Gadani and Milan Patel; (front row) Drs. Niraj Desai, best care of any doctors in any Anjum Cheema and John Barker. specialty anywhere.”

• Cataract Surgery • Bladeless Cataract Surgery • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) • Corneal Transplant Surgery • Glaucoma Laser Treatment • Pterygium Excision Surgery • LASIK “Refractive” Eye Surgery • Narrow Angle Glaucoma • IOL Self-Evaluation Test • Easy Drops App

201 Kimberly Way, Canton 678-381-2020 MilanEyeCenter.com MyLaserCataractProcedure.com

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Same-Day Appointments Most Insurances Accepted

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Insurance Marketing: Neglecting What is Most Important? By Jeff Nevison Insurance marketing has become a pervasive force in our everyday life. Everywhere we look, insurance companies are trying to communicate that their company is better than the next company. Billions of dollars are spent by insurance companies trying to compete for your business. Some messages are funny, some try to drive social responsibility, and some use lizards, dogs, or a weird lady in white to entice us. Unfortunately, most are focused on the message of price and very few send a message about the importance of what we get for the price, which has harmed the very consumers that insurance companies are trying to attract.

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What is being neglected that is most important? Value and a good agent. Value is the combination of getting the coverage you need at a competitive price. A good agent is your expert guide and conscience. They will: 1) ask questions and then listen to determine what your needs are; 2) make recommendations and present coverage options that will meet your needs; and 3) discuss the costs associated with the coverage that is needed — in that order. If an agent is selling the lowest price without much discussion about coverage, your savings may be shortlived when a claim occurs. Price alone often leads to overlooked coverage. Overlooked coverage leads to unwanted financial hardship. Price without coverage doesn’t help when you’re property is damaged, or if you’re seriously injured by someone who

only cared about price and neglected coverage. Price won’t help when someone sues you for everything you’ve got if you under-bought your liability limits. A price-over-value message has created a mentality that insurance can be purchased online and self-managed. After all, it’s all about the lowest price, right? Ever read your policy? Close your eyes and think of something bad: fire, theft, totaled car, being sued, flood, rental vehicle, serious injury caused to you or by you, etc. Are you covered? Ignore the ads and focus on value and a good agent. Price won’t matter much when disaster strikes, but your coverage and agent will be priceless!

Jeff Nevison is the co-owner/ managing agent of Mountain Lakes Insurance. 770-926-9444, MountainLakesInsurance.com

UPCOMING EVENTS Downtown Buzz Special December Performance December 5, 8:00 a.m. Woodstock Elementary School 230 Rope Mill Rd, Woodstock

Give Thanks

By Jenna Hill

for A Bounty of Activities in Downtown Woodstock

he month of November is known for Thanksgiving and football. Here in Downtown Woodstock, we have a little more to offer. November will start with a new Friday Night Live, “Hollywood Nights,” 6:009:00 p.m., November 7. Dress up as your favorite movie star or in your best red-carpet glamour and head to Downtown Woodstock. The event will feature live music in the streets and at select downtown restaurants. You might even see a few “famous” faces. Stop by the Woodstock Visitors Center and have your picture taken by the “paparazzi” and enter our “Famous Faces” costume contest. The streets will be filled with people and the stores will be open late with some great sales and specials. Another wonderful event happening during the month of November is the sixth annual Woodstock Art and Wine Festival, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., November 8-9 at the Park at City Center. This family-friendly, two-day outdoor festival is free to the public and will feature a juried art and craft show, wine tastings, live entertainment, a hands-on interactive kid’s activity area, and plenty of great food. The festival will showcase more than 50 of the most talented artists in the Southeast representing a variety of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more. Patrons can purchase a wine-tasting wristband to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 40 28

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types of wines. To learn more, visit WoodstockArtAndWineFestival.com. If football is your favorite thing about November, come to Downtown Woodstock during game day! Many of our restaurants will be showing collegiate and professional football games on big-screen TVs. Watch a game and enjoy some delicious food — Reformation Brewery is a great tailgating spot! Bring some friends and hang out in Reformation Brewery’s Keeping Room, located at 500 Arnold Mill Road. Reformation offers brewery tours and beer tastings, and is open 5:30-8:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday; and 2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturday. If you feel like staying in to watch the game, many of the restaurants in Downtown Woodstock also offering catering.

Speaking of catering…some of the restaurants in Downtown Woodstock offer their own versions of Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re planning for a crowd or an intimate dinner for two, the restaurants in downtown have something for you — eat in or take out. For more information on events and restaurant specials in Downtown Woodstock, visit us online: MainStreetWoodstock.org and Facebook.com/MainStreetWoodstock.

Jenna Hill is Tourism Information Assistant at the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406, WhatsUpWoodstock.com

Thanksgiving & Generosity By Chris Bryant

Strangely, I’ve never met a rich person. I’ve pastored all kinds: farmers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, builders, and executives (including a senior vice president of a Fortune 500 company). Yet, nobody has ever told me they were wealthy. A few have shared that they make a lot of money and — lest I get the wrong idea about their generosity — and that they give merely what they ought and perhaps should be giving more. Those are fun conversations! But, for many people, no matter what their income, they feel they don’t have enough — not that they don’t give enough. How can we truly be thankful and at the same time be driven by desire to have more? “Giving USA Today” reports annually everything there is to know about generosity. If you’ll pardon the pun, it’s a wealth of information. There is one principal behind all the statistics that never changes: Those who have less give more; those who have more give less, at least based on percentage giving. This seems backward to me. If we are thankful for what we have, wouldn’t we be more generous? I have not met too many people who weren’t happy to say they want to be more generous, and I don’t doubt that a part of them means it. The thing is, they also want other things, too: a new car, a better house, a special experience for their child or a special vacation, the newest gadget, phone, or clothes. There isn’t anything wrong, necessarily, with any of that. But, if those “wants” are put side by side against the want to be more generous, then over a month, a year or several years…those material wants tend to become reality while becoming more generous remains a distant want. It is almost as if our want to be more generous actually is to just be generous enough. It makes one wonder: Am I actually thankful, or do I just want to be?

Chris Bryant is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church. 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

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Blown Away: Grab Your Hair Dryer for Three Unique Looks By Jyl Craven Is your long-haired look stuck in a rut? It can be so easy to style your hair on auto-pilot the same way every day, even though those long tresses on your head are ripe for experimentation! LIFESTYLE

If you’re looking to change up your look without a haircut, you’re in luck! These three styles for long-haired ladies don’t require a trip to the salon. Whether you’re a fun-loving natural woman, a sophisticate with your finger in every pie, or the lady who knows all the latest hot spots, one of these looks will surely be for you.

Fun-Loving

Sophisticate

Party Girl

The fun-loving look is a carefree, windswept hairstyle with disheveled waves. It’s sometimes referred to as the “beach wave look.” Requiring minimal styling, this hairdo is great for when you’re on the go or keeping it casual with friends. Further define the shape of your hair with a product like FORM FATALE from Kerastase. This firm but flexible styling aid gives you the perfect balance between bedhead and bounce.

This sleek, polished style lets everyone who gets even a glimpse of you know you mean business. Consider this straight look for any occasion where you want to convey yourself as the proud, professional woman you are. Whether you’re heading to an interview or heading up a meeting in the boardroom, this smooth, clean hairstyle commands respect and defines you as the doyenne you are. As an added tip, consider adding a shine and frizz spray. A little polish to this look will have you leaving a lasting impression.

Smooth tresses but with amplified volume ensure that this coiffure will catch every eye in the room. Style your hair into this look for a special event, a date night, or just an outing with friends to enjoy your favorite craft cocktails. The trendy “party girl” style is in vogue for those events where you want to attract attention. For a better finishing effect, try some KAZE WAVE by SHU UEMURA. This little secret will provide shine and help add sensational, weightless curls.

Finishing styles are endless, but these looks can provide some insight into the many dazzling possibilities you can explore with your locks. Remember: A picture is worth a thousand words. So, if you want to achieve any specific look (and don’t want to do it yourself), flip out that photo and you and your stylist will be on your way! L 30

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Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411, JylCraven.com

An Owner’s Manual for

Pet Lovers By Lorre LaMarca

As the owner of multiple dogs my entire life and the owner of a pet business, I am lucky to be surrounded daily by pet lovers. We all seem to speak the same language when it comes to our passion for our pets. But, we all know some people who don’t have that enthusiastic passion for pets that we do. So, here is an “owner’s manual” to help them better understand just how much we love our pets. It would take a book to cover all of our little pet lovers’ quirks, so here is an abbreviated version. 1. I celebrate my pets’ birthdays and buy them holiday gifts, including their own holiday stockings. Don’t judge me. 2. While riding in the car with my pets, the windows will be down, so your hair will get messed up. 3. When walking into my home, my pets will want you to acknowledge them first. Yes, you must do this before we can move on to our social gathering. 4. Don’t wear black or anything fancy when visiting my home or you will invite pet hair to stick to your clothes. This also includes the car. Best advice is to keep a lint roller handy at all times. 5. During our social gathering, my pets may want to reintroduce themselves to you. Please acknowledge them again. And again! 6. If I don’t pick up my cell phone, I am OK. I am probably out exploring another nature trail with my pets and simply forgot my phone (on purpose). 7. Yes, I buy my pet cool clothes. It gives them the confidence they need to be part of this human world. 8. I talk to my pets often. My pets completely understand everything I am saying. 9. I must leave work at 6:00 p.m. in order to pick up my dog from doggy daycare. Yes, I said Doggy Daycare! 10. During our social gathering, my pets will bring you the ball. You must play fetch with them.

Lorre LaMarca is owner of Bark Station in Woodstock. 770-517-9907, Bark-Station.com

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Holiday Hospitality Donate or Volunteer

Holiday Happenings

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Special Events

Holiday Highlights Gift Guide

Holiday Hospitality Anna Crawford Children’s Center

Canton ES STEM: Connie Hatcher, 770-720-6100

Musical group and other volunteers are needed from 5:30-10:30 p.m., December 11-21, to assist with “Holiday Lights of Hope,” a community Christmas celebration benefiting the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, a nonprofit organization that provides intervention and treatment services to children and families impacted by abuse. The event will be held at Hobgood Park in Woodstock and will feature a large-scale walk-through light display, light maze, Santa’s Village, children’s activity area, music, and much more. HolidayLightsOfHope.com, TMartin@CherokeeChildAdvocates.org

Creekland MS:

Debby.Amoss@ Cherokee.K12.Ga.Us, Brandy.Phillips@ Cherokee.K12.Ga.Us; 770-479-3200

Creekview HS:

Sherry.Wallace@ Cherokee.K12.Ga.Us, 770-479-4112

Macedonia ES:

Shannon.Cazier@ Cherokee.K12.Ga.Us, 770-479-3429

Cherokee County Dept. of Family & Children Services

Etowah HS:

Kristy.Szpindor@ Cherokee.K12.Ga.Us, 770-926-1662

This project is designed to benefit Cherokee County children in foster care. The children in foster care submit a “wish list” to the Cherokee County Dept. of Family & Children Services (DFCS) volunteers, and each list is matched with a “Secret Santa” sponsor. Foster parents and DFCS placement resources pick up the gifts from local offices in time for Santa to deliver them on Christmas morning! Gift sponsors and cash donations are needed to help support more than 350 children in foster care this year. 678-427-9393, CherokeeSanta@ yahoo.com, CherokeeSanta.com

Woodstock ES:

Cherokee County Schools Many Cherokee County schools are collecting donations of clothing, food and other items to support charitable organizations assisting families in need during the holidays and throughout the year. You can help even if you do not have a child currently enrolled in Cherokee County schools. Contact individual schools for more information.

Free Home ES: 770-887-5738 Indian Knoll ES: 770-721-6600

Erica.Morrie@ Cherokee.K12.Ga.Us, 770-926-6969

Cherokee County Senior Services Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency has partnered with the Volunteer Aging Council for the “Adopt-A-Senior Program 2014.” Volunteers are asked to “adopt” a senior who is currently receiving services through Cherokee County Senior Services and provide them with a robe, gown or pajamas, grocery store gift card, and a book of stamps (sizes and gender information will be assigned). Gifts should be unwrapped in a holiday-themed gift bag, labeled with the gender and size, and dropped off November 21-December 12 to Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock. Individuals interested in adopting a senior may register November 10-December 12. 770-9247768, FSanders@CherokeeGa.com, CherokeeSeniors.com

Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Family Violence Center has serviced hundreds of clients within Cherokee and neighboring counties for more than 25 years, providing direct assistance in setting clients on their new life path through legal advice, child care, group therapy, case management and housing assistance. Volunteers and donations in the form of goods and services are always needed. For this holiday season, CFVC’s most-needed items include: new or used women’s clothing; women’s/bath toiletries; household cleaning supplies; food; furniture, mattresses and linens; bath linens; robes and slippers; toys for girls/boys ages 3-12; gift cards and gas cards. In addition, individuals can donate to CFVC through “Georgia Gives Day” on November 13. “Georgia Gives Day” highlights the impact that even the smallest donation can make on local organizations. Just $10 provides a hot meal to a victim in shelter at CFVC; $50 funds a facilitator for one of their support groups; and $100 gives a survivor of abuse a safe place to stay for a night. CFVC.org, GaGivesDay.org

Cherokee FOCUS Cherokee FOCUS continues its Cherokee Gift Connection program this holiday season. This online resource will help you connect with the teens in the Cherokee Youth Works program and provide much needed assistance to enable them to accomplish their educational and life goals, and become strong, stable, successful adults. Through the Cherokee Gift Connection, individuals can make a donation to help with GED costs, college application costs and other fees not covered by scholarships or grants, as well as gas to help them get to their jobs so that they can save and someday have their own car and funds for clothing, food and shelter. 770-345-5483, CherokeeFocus.org

Cherokee Sheriff Reserve Unit One of the most visible functions of the Reserve Unit is the operation of the “Christmas Joy” program, which uses donations by individuals, businesses and organizations to provide food, basic necessities, and Christmas gifts to Cherokee WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

donations also are accepted. For meals: 770-877-2132, CTMeals2013@gmail. com; to volunteer: 770-656-9209, CTVolunteer2013@gmail.com. 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton County families in need. In recent years, the Reserve Unit has served more than 100 families, 223 children, and 111 elderly. If your family needs assistance and your children are in the Cherokee County School System, please contact their school counselors. For donations and other information, contact the Cherokee Sheriff Reserve Unit. 770-479-0451, CherokeeGaSheriff.org

Cherokee Thanksgiving Canton First United Methodist Church will host Cherokee Thanksgiving, providing and delivering free Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to families in need throughout Cherokee County. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals. Monetary

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Children’s Restoration Network During the holiday season, Children’s Restoration Network (CRN) will begin its “12 Days of Caring” program to provide new clothes, new toys and other gifts to more than 2,700 homeless children this holiday season. Donations of new clothes and new toys are requested. In addition, churches, businesses and community organizations also may “adopt” an entire shelter or group home (CRN will match an organization to a shelter/group home depending on the organization’s ability to help). CRN also will sponsor a giftwrapping party December 19-22; wrapping supplies will be provided by CRN. 770-649-7117, ChildRN.org

MUST Ministries MUST Ministries serves 31,000 people a year and is collecting food for 1,000 Thanksgiving boxes that will be provided to local families in need. The following items are needed to fill the Thanksgiving baskets: cans of corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes; boxes of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread mix and stuffing; cans or packets of gravy mix; and frozen pies and turkeys. Nonperishable items can be dropped off 8:00 a.m.2:00 p.m., November 3-19, at MUST Ministries’ Canton location; frozen turkeys and pies can be dropped off 8:00-9:00 a.m., November 24-26, also at the Canton location. New, unwrapped toys for children and new gifts for teens and parents are needed. Gift ideas include family games; sports equipment; cologne/perfume; jewelry; boots; jackets; belts; pajamas, socks, underwear, hats and gloves; books; and school supplies. Toy and gift donations can be dropped off 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, at MUST Ministries in Canton. 111 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-721-2925, KSmith@MustMinistries.org

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Northside Hospital Foundation Celebrate the holidays by purchasing lights on Northside Hospital’s Christmas trees in honor or memory of loved ones. All proceeds from Northside Hospital’s “Celebration of Lights” will benefit Northside Cancer Institute. All donations to Northside Hospital Foundation directly impact the quality of services that Northside Hospital provides to families and the community at large in metro Atlanta, Cherokee and Forsyth counties. Gifts are tax-deductible and can be directed to specific programs. Individuals may also volunteer through the Northside Hospital Community Connection. 770-667-4483, Give.Northside.com

Operation Christmas Child Operation Christmas Child uses gift-filled shoeboxes to bring hope to children living in desperate situations all around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has sent more than 100 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 120 different countries. Suggested items include school supplies, hygiene items, and toys. National Collection Week is November 17-24; local drop-off locations include Canton First United Methodist Church. 770-777-9342, SamaritansPurse.org/OCC.

Operation Homefront Southeast Operation Homefront Southeast is accepting donations of cash, nonperishable food, and new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to local and Georgia military and veteran families for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted through November 22, and toy donations through December 10, at the Kennesaw office, 3375 Chastain Gardens Drive, Unit 160, Kennesaw. 888-433-7713, 770-575-2086, Southeast@OperationHomefront.net 36

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Papa’s Pantry

Toys for Tots

Papa’s Pantry is accepting newly storebought perishables, such as frozen turkeys, potatoes, and seasonal items to assist local families in need during the holiday season. For Christmas, individuals can “adopt” a family (families will be matched through mid-December). Needed holiday items include gifts for children and teens. Throughout the winter months, Papa’s Pantry is also accepting new electric space heaters. In addition to regular weekday hours, the Woodstock location is now open 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Woodstock location accepts food donations throughout the year to help families in need: canned meat; cereal and cereal bars; peanut butter and jelly; spaghetti sauce; canned fruit; canned pasta; and boxed and packaged side items. Tax-deductible financial contributions are always accepted and go toward purchasing meat, milk and produce. 770-591-4730, PapasPantry.org

New, unwrapped toys will be accepted at various drop-off locations throughout Cherokee County, including Cherokee County Fire Dept. and area Publix, Walgreens, Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores. Toys also will be collected at the “March of the Toys Parade” for Toys for Tots on December 5 in Ball Ground. Financial donations also are accepted. 678887-5179, AtlantaToysForTots.com

WellStar Health System Give hope during the holidays to people in need and at risk for cancer. Many people are at risk to develop cancer, but do not have the money to pay for potentially life-saving screenings. Screenings can detect cancer at earlier, more curable stages. WellStar Health System offers screenings for many types of cancer, including breast, cervical, colon, ovarian, lung, prostate, skin, and uterine. No donation is too small. 770-956-GIVE, WellStar.org/GiveHope

Holiday Happenings November 8-9

Holiday Tour of Homes The Junior Service League of Woodstock’s 18th annual Holiday Tour of Homes will showcase seven homes in the Woodstock area, all beautifully decorated for the holidays. Featured homes are located in The Overlook at Woodstock Knoll, Serenade, Woodstock Downtown Condos, Christine’s Creations pied-a-terre, Garden Street, and in Downtown Woodstock. This year’s tour will include transportation via the Woodstock Trolley, which will make stops near each home. Tickets can be purchased online. All ticket proceeds and sponsorship donations from the self-guided tour will benefit individuals in need in Cherokee County. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. candlelight, November 8; 12:00-5:00 p.m., November 9. JSLWoodstock.org

November 14

Jingle Bell Shop The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce’s annual Jingle Bell Shop will offer the Cherokee community a one-stop shopping extravaganza to help keep Cherokee dollars in Cherokee County this holiday season. The free holiday shopping expo also will feature holiday musical performances, children’s crafts, Santa’s workshop, a sweet shop, giveaways, and much more. Bring your camera for photos with Santa! 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. CherokeeChamber.com

November 15

December 5

Cherokee Charter Academy’s fourth annual Holiday Mart will offer fun for the whole family! Activities will include shopping from local arts and crafts vendors; a student fine arts’ display and musical performance; a kids’ craft area; photos with Santa; a hot cocoa bar; Atlanta food trucks; and a gift wrapping station sponsored by the BETA Club. Admission is free. 10:00 a.m.2:00 p.m., Cherokee Charter Academy, 2126 Sixes Road, Canton. Facebook.com/CCAHolidayMart

Cherokee Chorale will perform Christmas favorites conducted by Jenny Piacente. This year’s production is “Sing Choirs of Angels.” Tickets are available in advance from Cherokee Chorale members and at area locations (see website for locations). Tickets also can be purchased at the door 45 minutes before the performance. 7:00 p.m., Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-494-8625, CherokeeChorale.org

November 27

Run for the Children ‘Reindeer Run’

Holiday Mart

Gobble Jog

MUST Ministries’ 12th annual Gobble Jog on Thanksgiving Day will feature a 10K walk/run, 5K, 1K walk/run and a Tot Trot for kids 5 and under. All proceeds will benefit MUST Ministries. 7:30 a.m., Marietta Square, Marietta. GobbleJog.org

November 28-December 31

Santa’s Secret Woodstock Workshop

Santa has selected The Gifted Ferret as one of his secret workshops! The Gifted Ferret has lots of special treats in store for children to enjoy as they count down the days to Christmas, including a magical show of dancing Christmas Lights each night, November 28-December 31 (6:00 p.m. until midnight — tune in to 92.5 FM). Lucky visitors to Santa’s Secret Woodstock Workshop may even get a glimpse of Santa’s Elves or even Santa himself during a surprise visit! Santa’s Secret Woodstock Workshop at The Gifted Ferret also will have a special Santa’s Mailbox beginning November 28. Address your letter to Santa at the North Pole, along with your return address, and you’ll receive a personal message from Santa! 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400, Woodstock. 770-693-5889, TheGiftedFerret.com

Cherokee Chorale Christmas Concert

December 6

The Service League of Cherokee County will present the 12th annual Run for the Children “Reindeer Run” 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. The holiday-themed race will begin and end at the gazebo in Cannon Park located at the square in Downtown Canton and follow a route through the historic business district and surrounding neighborhoods. All pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt. Those wishing to contribute to the cause without participating in the run may register as one of “Santa’s Helpers” and receive a T-shirt for a $15 donation (by November 29). The event will take place rain or shine. Cash prizes will be awarded in the 5K race to the top three overall male and female runners. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group. All 1-Mile Fun Run participants will receive a commemorative

December 1-18

Letter to Santa

Kids, it’s time to write your letter to Santa! Bring your letters for Santa to the special “Letters to Santa at the North Pole” mailbox, located at the gazebo at The Park at City Center. All letters placed in the mailbox by December 18 will receive a personalized letter from Santa just before Christmas! 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-517-6788, MStockdale@WoodstockGa.gov

December 5

March of the Toys Parade The City of Ball Ground’s second annual March of the Toys Parade will support local Toys for Tots programs (donations of new, unwrapped toys will be collected at City Park). The parade will feature Diana Goodman, who appeared on “Hee Haw” for a number of years. Other parade entries will include the Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth Marching Band; Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders; the Twilight Twirlers of Marietta; a replica of the 1966 Batmobile; floats, tractors and antique cars. Bring your camera for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the gazebo in City Park! 6:00 p.m., Downtown Ball Ground. 770-924-2176

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December 6 & 24, 2:00 p.m. December 12-13 & 19-20, 7:30 p.m.

A Christmas Carol ribbon. A $1,000 cash prize provided by CLB Contracting will be awarded to the school in Cherokee County with the most race participants. Anyone may register as a school affiliate to help a school win the award. Proceeds from the event will support children in need in Cherokee County. 8:00 a.m., Cannon Park, Downtown Canton. 770-704-5991, ServiceLeague.net

December 6

Woodstock Christmas Jubilee Kick off the holiday season with the City of Woodstock’s annual Christmas Jubilee, featuring the “Parade of Lights” parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the old Walmart/ Furniture for Less store on Highway 92. After the parade, bring the children to The Park at City Center for holiday festivities, including the lighting of The Park and the Woodstock Christmas tree; music by Ronnie the DJ; children’s activities; a marshmallow roast; visits with Santa; and a special holiday Movie in the Park! Winners of the parade float contests will be announced as well. The Woodstock Jaycees will be collecting new, unwrapped toy donations (and monetary donations) for its annual Christmas Toy Drive. 5:30-9:30 p.m., The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-517-6788, MStockdale@ WoodstockGa.gov

December 6

Canton Optimist Club Christmas Parade The Canton Optimist Club will present its 27th annual Christmas Parade. All types of groups are needed and welcome. There is no entry fee to participate in the parade, but donations are appreciated. Sponsorship opportunities also are available. Spend the day in Downtown Canton with live music all afternoon and vendor booths in the square prior to the parade. Proceeds will benefit the Empty Stocking Fund. 6:00 p.m., Downtown Canton. Sites.Google.com/Site/ CantonOptimistClub/

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Elm Street Theater performers will present a special musical adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens story about Ebeneezer Scrooge. The production is adapted for the stage by playwright G. Lora Grooms. Admission to the December 6 performance is free with a non-perishable food donation to assist local food pantries. City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251, ElmStreetArts.org

City On A Hill UMC 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480, COAHUMC.org

December 24, 3:00 & 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services

Join First Baptist Church Canton for its annual Christmas Eve Services, celebrating the arrival of our Messiah, Jesus Christ!

Woodstock First Baptist Church 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428, FBCW.org

December 5, 7:00 p.m.; December 6-7, 2:00 & 6:00 p.m. “The Promise”

A dramatic musical journey through the story of God’s promise to all people.

December 17, 6:45 p.m.

Children’s Choir Christmas Carols

Contemporary worship and candlelight service

FBC Woodstock’s Children’s Choirs (grades K-6) will present a night of Christmas Carols for all to enjoy! It is not too late for children to join — Children’s Choir meets every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. 678-494-2872, Melanie.Sauer@FBCW.net

December 24, 6:00 p.m.

December 24, 3:00 & 5:00 p.m.

Candlelight service and special Christmas program presented by the Children’s Ministry

Join Pastor Johnny Hunt for a special Christmas Eve worship service.

December 24, 4:00 & 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship

Christmas Children’s Program

First Baptist Church Canton

Christmas Eve Worship Service

Hopewell Baptist Church

1 Mission Point, Canton 770-479-5538, FBCCanton.org

78 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-345-5723, HopewellBaptist.com

December 7, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

November 19, 5:30 p.m.

Families are invited to walk through the village of Bethlehem and experience the sights and sounds of the time of Jesus’ birth. Bethlehem Village is staged in the church Fellowship Hall.

Hopewell Baptist Church’s regular Wednesday Night Dinner will feature a church-wide Thanksgiving dinner and service.

December 7, 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Program & Worship

First Baptist Church Canton’s Preschool and Children’s Choir will share the story of Christmas.

December 21, 10:30 a.m.

Bethlehem Village

Beat Street Children’s Christmas Musical

December 14, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. “What a Glorious Night”

The Adult Worship Ministry at First Baptist Church Canton will present its annual Christmas musical during the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.

Thanksgiving Dinner & Service

December 14, 6:00 p.m.

Celebrate the Savior’s birth as Hopewell Baptist Adult Choir presents its special Christmas musical, “Hallelujah.”

Christmas Service

Pastor Norman Hunt will share the true meaning of Christmas in this Sunday morning Christmas service.

December 24, 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Join Pastor Norman Hunt for a special Christmas Eve family service.

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Holiday Highlights Classic toys that held a special place in childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearts long ago are back and sure to become new favorites for children today. Experience the fun again with such classic toys as the Spirograph, Simon, and Lite Brite, all available at Learning Express Toys of Woodstock. Stop in for a great selection of fun and educational toys, both classic and new. 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 136, Woodstock. 770-517-2766, Facebook.com/ LearningExpressWoodstock

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Girls of all ages will love the Bangle Bracelet from Alex and Ani Bangles, available at Three Sisters Gifts in Hickory Flat. Each bracelet comes with its own meaningful charm and is expandable to ensure the perfect fit for every wrist. Alex and Ani Bangles are made in America of recycled metal. Three Sisters Gifts always offers complimentary gift packaging with purchase. Stop in for a special Open House event, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., November 14; and 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., November 15. 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy., Canton. 770-345-3090

Massage Away Holiday Stress By Jericka Jones The holidays are a time of magic for the young and old alike. Whether we want magic reindeer and candy or just a little peace and quiet, the holidays are meant to bring us cheer. I can’t think of a better way to experience that than in the serenity of a spa. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your holiday spa experience: LIFESTYLE

Stay warm. Picture this: It’s a cold winter morning

and the same “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” soundtrack has been on repeat for the past few days. Your feet plant on the icy floor and you swear you don’t know how tinsel keeps finding its way into your hair! But, all is well, because a hot stone massage awaits you! Soon the warm rocks and massage expertise of your therapist will melt away your stress like a Lindor chocolate in a hot car.

Keep the spirit of the season. Nothing rings that

nostalgia bell like scent. Clove, peppermint, and citrus not only encompass the magic of the season but also have health benefits. Clove has a stimulating effect on the mind and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue. Peppermint oil has been shown to increase blood circulation, as well as help with headaches. Citrus can help relieve stress and anxiety.

‘Tis better to give than receive. Give

someone you love the chance to escape and indulge with a massage gift certificate. Or, buy two and treat yourself as well! Don’t just survive the holiday season — relax and enjoy!

Jericka Jones is a massage therapist with LaVida Massage in Canton. 770-345-1200, LaVidaMassage.com

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Training By Arlene Dickerson It can be difficult to reserve the time necessary to attend a training session, whether you train online, or leave your office and go to a classroom. Sometimes by the time that training session comes around it is for a skill that you truly want and need to master. Here are some tips to help make sure the new information sinks into your brain. • Take notes. This may seem counterintuitive in our hightechnology culture, but taking notes, either by hand or by typing them into a document, is a great way to help you remember key points. • Review your notes during a break. This technique is especially helpful if your training class is spread over several days. After you’ve had a few minutes away during a prolonged break or when

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

the class is done for the day, take five minutes to review your notes and jot down questions you may have. • Ask questions. Sometimes engaging your instructor provides more than clarity. It gives you that extra kernel of information that will help the information stay with you. • Relate the new information to something familiar. Our brains automatically look for patterns as we learn. Taking time to figure out how new information can be used in your day-to-day life gets you more excited about the knowledge — and helps it stick in your mind. The way we learn as adults is very different from the way we learned as children. As adults, we master new skills when we can apply them to knowledge we already have. When you’re trying to hook new information into your mind, consider

everything you know — don’t limit yourself to only work skills or personal skills. Figuring out how new information can be applied to everything you know will help you gain comprehension faster and may just make you more efficient in several areas. Benefitting in more than one part of your life will give you huge returns on the time you invested and may just motivate you to learn more.

Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/ director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491, TechnicalRS.com

ArtistProfile

By Heike Hellmann-Brown

Ann Litrel’s body of work as an artist, writer and advocate for Woodstock’s Elm Street Cultural Arts Village is a testament to her love for Cherokee County and its people that welcomed her so many years ago. “As an artist I strive every day to paint a better vision of the world,” Litrel says. “Art gives us joy, it uplifts, feeds the spirit, and ultimately makes our lives better. Creation in any form is not a mythical event of the past, but a living event of the moment taking place all around us.” Subsequently, Litrel’s artwork is mainly nature-themed with a strong admiration for the beauty of God’s creations, be it the most minute wildflower or the most ordinary hayfield. Born in Kansas and raised in the Midwest, Litrel already knew as a 6-year-old that she wanted to be an artist. She later graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan. After moving to Georgia, she opened a studio and adapted her artwork onto commercial products, such as customdesigned paperware and textiles for clients nationwide.

In 2002, Litrel combined her art and writing skills to create “The Eternal Garden,” a collection of nature images accompanied by written meditation on the subject’s spiritual symbolism, followed in 2004 by “American Visions,” a visual/narrative panorama depicting the march of history through the American community — from frontier to farmland, small town to suburbs.

with community projects, such as the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village and local nonprofit organizations that she supports with a portion of her sales. Currently Litrel’s focus lies on “Community: History & Visions.” Through written and painted portraits, the series showcases the influence of local leaders, volunteers and visionaries in shaping Cherokee County — and thus leaving her own impact as well.

For the past decade Litrel has resided in Cherokee County, along with her two sons and husband, Dr. Mike Litrel, a physician and writer. Over the years Ann Litrel has written and illustrated columns for a variety of publications on such topics as history, community and ecology, and collaborated with her husband on several projects, their latest being the 2013 book, “Surviving True Love, Children, and Other Blessings in Disguise.”

“Art is my vehicle to instill change,” she explains. “Whether it is nature, our environment, or the education system, we all can use our individual talents to make a difference and help shape the community in which we live. Get involved! Make this a beautiful environment where people feel at peace and everyone is inspired to contribute. Let’s paint the world together!”

Initially a solitary fine artist, Litrel now showcases her collection of North Georgia scenes and local landmarks at her gallery and studio space in Downtown Woodstock, a move which ultimately led to her involvement

Heike Hellmann-Brown is a published writer in the United States and Europe. She has translated and edited several New York Times bestsellers and has taught both English and her native German as a foreign language in a career that has spanned more than 20 years.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Ribbon Cuttings

Canton Rotary Park 100 North Street Canton 770-704-8541 Civic Clubs

Grexa Chiropractic & Structural Wellness 1750 Marietta Highway, Suite 140 Canton 770-213-7602 Chiropractors, Chiropractic Wellness Center

Wendy’s 102 Riverstone Parkway Canton 770-479-3441 Restaurants

2014 Series Presented by:

Georgia Medical Treatment Center 557 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 140 Canton 770-345-2000 Health Care

Mathnasium of Woodstock 2265 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 102 Woodstock 678-214-5544 Education/Tutorial, Math Tutoring Tuesday, November 18, 2014 4:30-6:00 p.m. Sponsored by:

Thursday, November 6, 2014 7:00 a.m. Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton

Registration: Advanced $15, On-Site $20, Future Members $25 RSVP by 3:00 p.m. on November 4. Sponsored by: WellStar

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Located at:

Edward Jones — Ned Castleberry 461 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114 RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on November 14. There is no charge to attend.

Thursday, December 4, 2014 7:00 a.m. Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton

Registration: Advanced $15, On-Site $20, Future Members $25 RSVP by 3:00 p.m. on December 2. Sponsored by: Regions

I have been both inspired and annoyed by the recent onslaught of “challenges” on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. What a wonderful idea to challenge others to support a cause and publicly show By support for something Cr yst in which we believe. But, al B how many who participated rya nt in a particular challenge did so only because of peer pressure, or because their participation could be “seen” by others? Shouldn’t we support those causes we believe in already? Shouldn’t we be grateful every day, and not just when someone challenges us? I confess, my entire family did the “ice bucket challenge” for ALS. We donated and encouraged others to do so. We researched the illness, its symptoms, and the lack of support for the search for a

cure, or even treatment. We also support a number of other causes regularly with our time, prayers and resources. No one person can support every cause. As I told my oldest son recently, we cannot help every person that needs help, but we can help those closest to us. That doesn’t necessarily mean those closest geographically. Some of our support goes halfway around the world. I also confess that I did not participate in the gratitude challenge. Not because I am not grateful, but more so because I cannot reduce my gratefulness to a few statements. I am grateful for so very, very many things. And, what I am most grateful for changes from moment to moment. I choose to be thankful each day and try to inspire my children to live with a grateful attitude, especially in the midst of a culture that teaches “more” is always better. So, while I recognize that so much good has come from these challenges, I have allowed myself to be free to choose: to participate in some, and not participate in others. And now, I choose not only acts of Crystal Bryant is the wife of support and gratitude but also Pastor Chris Bryant at City On an attitude of love, support and A Hill United Methodist Church thankfulness, from which I will in Woodstock. She is involved in continue to be inspired to do women’s, prayer and children’s ministries. 678-445-3480, more acts of good. I “challenge” COAHUMC.org you to join me!

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Pork chops 1 large onion (or two medium)

Anaheim Sauce

Â˝ pound Anaheim peppers 1 medium-sized onion (sliced) 2 cloves of garlic 1 bunch of green onions (roots removed, but leave the white part on) 1 cup of chicken stock Salt and pepper (a dash of each)

Toss all of your vegetables in olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Either place on a baking pan and roast in a broiler, or char on the grill. Once all vegetables are nice and charred and tender, remove from heat. Remove the stems and seeds from Anaheim peppers, leaving the skins for a nice charred flavor. Blend all ingredients for the sauce in an electric blender until smooth.

Caramelized Onions:

Thinly slice second onion and sautĂŠ over medium heat in butter and olive oil, sprinkling with a little salt to help the caramelization process. Onions are done when light brown and tender. Season and grill pork chops to preference (a mixture of blackening seasoning with brown sugar can give the dish a little sweetness). Top with onions and serve with sauce. Add caramelized onions if sauce is too spicy. Serve with a fruity red wine or your favorite beer and enjoy!

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Drilling for

Daffodils By Gail Roos

Here’s a fun concept. Rather than tilling up a large area to plant daffodil bulbs when what you want is for them to grow in a scattered, woodland effect, try this. Drill a hole, drop in some planting mix and a bulb or two (depending on the size of the bulbs), and fill in the hole with native soil. Don’t forget that the bulbs go in the ground pointy end up. Repeat until you have planted all your bulbs, then water. When the daffodils come up, they will be in a random, naturallooking pattern in your garden.

This drill method allows you to plant more easily in less-than-perfect soil conditions and in some areas that may otherwise be hard to plant. Also, if you have lots of bulbs to plant, the drill might be your friend. Here’s what you will need: a drill (portable or electric); a drill attachment with a bulb planter or auger; some planting mix; and daffodil bulbs. If you use a portable drill, you will need an 18- or 20-volt battery type for it to be powerful enough to dig. We used both electric and portable drills for testing. The drill attachment we used is a 2x24-inch bulb planter. They come in several different lengths and diameters, and can be found at most garden stores. More expensive bulb drill attachments are available, but the simple one we used worked very well.

At our demonstration gardens, we used this technique several times with good results. Fall of 2012, we planted dozens of daffodil bulbs on a steep bank where it would be difficult to use the tiller. The next spring, the bank was covered with blooming daffodils! We also used this method in our more accessible garden areas because it worked so well. We know that getting your bulbs in the ground is not always about speed; it’s also about the joy of digging in the dirt. Sometimes, a little help from power tools will get the job done — and get you on to other enjoyable gardening tasks.

Gail Roos is a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer with Cherokee County Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension. Contact the Cherokee County UGA Extension office for gardening assistance. 770-720-7803, CASES.UGA.edu/Extension/Cherokee

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Caring for Dental Fillings By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

When your teeth emerge from your gums, they are in their strongest, healthiest state. From the moment they first appear, it is important to work to maintain the toothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. This is why it is so important to take great care of your teeth by establishing the best oral hygiene habits. Once the health of a tooth is compromised, it will not be as strong again. When a cavity forms, it greatly affects the overall health of the tooth. While there are steps that can help repair the tooth, these repairs do not restore the tooth to its original state. So, establishing great oral hygiene habits for you and your children is your first line of defense in protecting the health of your teeth. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say that, for whatever reason, you or your children develop a cavity and need a dental filling. The tooth that has been filled has been compromised and is no longer as strong as it was originally. It may need extra care and attention to maintain the strength of the filling. After the filling, be sure to ask your dentist about any special care instructions. Never assume that the tooth is as good as new. You may need to change your brushing and/or flossing habits to care for it. This is also true if your children have a filling. They may need extra help to clean and care for the restored tooth. After receiving a filling, it is even more vital that you adhere to regular dental visits every six months. Your dentist can check the integrity of the filling on a regular basis to best preserve it. Most of these guidelines for fillings can be followed with any type of dental treatment. Always speak with your dentist about specific instructions for dental treatment, for you or your children. Before you leave the office, know what specific steps need to be taken to care for the restored tooth. If you are unsure at any point, or if the appearance or feeling of the restored tooth changes, return to your dentist for follow-up.

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090, KidsHappyTeeth.com

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2014

Advertiser Index Atlanta Hand Specialist 5 Bark Station 3 Best Dang Bakery Around 35 C&T Auto Service 8 Cherokee Chorale 35 Cobb EMC 11 Dawn Sams, Realtor 13 Dive Georgia, LLC 19 Downtown Kitchen 32 Dr. Fixit Ph.D. 13 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 31 Envision Medical Spa Inside Front Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 35 Galloping Against Violence 45 The Great Frame Up 40 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 21 Hill & Hill Financial, LLC 20 Holiday Lights of Hope 37 Jyl Craven Hair Design 27 Kincaid Orthodontics 20 Landscape Matters 29 LaVida Massage 39 Learning Express Toys of Woodstock 39 Milan Eye Center Cover, 24-25 Mountain Lakes Insurance 9 North Georgia Art Ramble 7 Northside Hospital Cherokee 1 Northside Hospital Surgical Associates 10 Overstreet Lawn Care 8 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 41 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 11 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 42 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Inside Back Rejoice Maids 29 Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center 3 Summit Financial Solutions 26 Technical Resource Solutions 47 Three Sisters Gifts 39 WellStar Health System Back Cover Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care Inside Front Woodstock First Baptist Church 34 Woodstock Physical Therapy 41

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