Contents
December 2017
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 5
24-25 On the Cover:
Jessi Fearon
34-36
Holiday Cookie Swap Sweet Recipes
38
Artist Profile Sue Burkhart Chisholm
[24-25]
[34-36] Follow Us >>>
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Family Life Publications
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
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04
.......................... Perspective
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.............................. Calendar
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................ Woodstock Minute
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.................... Community Life
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................... Sheriff Reynolds
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........................ Book Review
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............... Community Partner
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......................... Taste of Life
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................... Senator Speaks
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......... Main Street Woodstock
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.................... Ribbon Cuttings
familylifepublications
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Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Woodstock Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 26,000, direct mailing over 24,000 copies to Towne Lake, downtown Woodstock up to Hickory Flat and toward the Roswell border. 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 written permission from the publisher.
© 2017 All rights reserved.
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M AG A ZI
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That spirit, that desire to lift someone up and create joy, to forgive them of the marks on their naughty list (face it, we aren’t perfect), and give someone peace in knowing that they are loved — that’s why we should give. To give freely from our hearts, with only the desire that our gift be appreciated, is where the holiday spirit flows. When God gave his Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for us — a gift we would never be able to match — He asked that we accept Him as our Savior, a symbol of forgiveness and peace. The true reason for the season is the love of God. Give hope; forgive; and bless others with love this holiday season! Merry Christmas!
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.
TH
Around the time I was ten or so was when I began to understand that Santa Claus was more than just a curvy philanthropist with a small and diligent workforce of cheerful employees, more than just a man who was happily married to a sweet lady who embraced his quirks such as his unusual style, seasonal sleeping
habits, odd hours and a well-known affinity for cookies. He is a symbol of giving for the love of giving.
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ave you ever stopped to wonder how much you might have in common with Santa — not regarding the jolly physique that may mean extra padding around your waist after Thanksgiving and Christmas, making you want to join a gym the next week — but regarding the fact that he is a symbol of giving without expectation? Of course, there is a correlation there that simply cannot go unnoticed. However, sometimes, we may discover a little more of that giving spirit within us. The holidays are some of those special times.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Jessica Asbell, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Atlanta Hand Specialist, Sen. Brandon Beach, Paul Bodrogi, Cyndi Braun, Stacy Brown, Chris Bryant, Samantha Canuel, Cherokee Chorale, Cobb EMC, Jyl Craven, Jennifer Dattolo, James B. Depew, Brittany Duncan, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Jessica Helms, James E. Leake, Tim Morris, Vishant Nath, Asher Niazi, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Ferdinand Yates
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
5
Calendar ONGOING Mapping Cherokee, Featuring the 20th Century Map and Photo Collection of Lat Ridgway — Through January 2018, this exhibit focuses on land surveyor, Lat Ridgway, who worked in Cherokee County during the 1950s-70s. Mr. Ridgway’s family donated the contents of his home office, along with his extensive map and aerial photograph collection, which allows visitors to compare Cherokee County during the 1930s and 50s to see how much we have grown today. Family Life Publications is a proud sponsor of this event. Wednesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am3:00pm, historic marble courthouse, 100 North Street, Suite 140, Canton. 770-345-3288. RockBarn.org YPOW A.M. Coffee Each Thursday morning, join Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee and networking.
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8:30am, Copper Coin Coffee, 400 Chambers Street, Woodstock. MainStreetWoodstock.org Woodstock Winter Farm Fresh Market Each Saturday enjoy fresh baked goods, homemade health and beauty products and farm-fresh fruits and veggies. Produce vendors are required to grow at least 85% of the product they sell. The winter market lasts through December. 8:30am-12:00pm, Market Street, downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com Hugs in a Blanket — Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency accepts donations in support of the Canton Nursing Center. Participants are asked to donate a new warm blanket and a new pair of slipper socks. Donations may be dropped off at the Cherokee Recreation Center. Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. LCollett@cherokeega. com, CRPA.net
DECEMBER
Members Holiday Show & Sale — The holidays are upon us, and there is no better time to pick out some gifts for your loved ones. There is a wide variety of artwork and crafts for sale from the Arts Center Members, and all pieces will be $100 or less. Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 12:00-5:00pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-7046244. CherokeeArts.org
6 & 13
Timothy Lutheran Church Midweek Advent Services — These services will be preceded by a family dinner at 6:30pm. 7:30pm, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-9282812. TLCWoodstock.org
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Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast — This meeting offers both current and future Chamber members the opportunity to conduct business and network with more than 200 fellow business leaders. Please bring an unwrapped toy to share with a needy child in Cherokee County! 7:00am, Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com
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Women’s Exchange — Each month, Elizabeth Pehrson and other guest facilitators explore topics like entitlement, serving our community,
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Santa’s Letters — Do you want your child to receive a special letter from Santa? If so, drop your child’s letter to Santa off at the Recreation Center along with $2 per letter. Letters will be accepted at the Recreation Center front desk. Once received, Santa will personally reply to each letter and mail it back to your child from the North Pole! MondayThursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. JLFischer@ cherokeega.com, CRPA.net
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Santa’s Calling — Mom and Dad, if you want Santa and his elves to call your child or children this year, complete the form for Santa’s Calling on the Cherokee Parks and Recreation Center website and mail, drop off, or fax it to 770-924-7890. The wish list should include only those items you know your child or children want or will be receiving. Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. JLFischer@cherokeega.com, CRPA.net
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
7-23
Holiday Lights of Hope — This Christmas celebration, benefiting the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, features a huge walk-through Christmas light display with more than 2,000,000 lights, concessions, vendors, Santa and so much more! 6:00-10:00pm, Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. 678-504-6388. HolidayLightsOfHope.com
seasonal depression, our personalities and more. This month’s topic is “Switch on Your Brain.” 7:00-9:00pm, Venue 92, 12015 GA-92, Woodstock. 706-506-3405. TheExchangeUS.org
8-24
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National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day — Participating in Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is your opportunity to show your support for those veterans who are still alive from the Pearl Harbor bombing, and pay your respect to those who give themselves in service to our country and its security every day.
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Downtown Buzz Christmas — Attend a special Buzz at Woodstock Elementary School. The chorus will sing holiday tunes and get everyone in the holiday spirit with their special performance. 8:00am, Woodstock Elementary School, 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. MainStreetWoodstock.com
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Shop with a Hero — This event helps children whose families are facing financial hardship by allowing them to shop with Woodstock’s men and women in uniform. Donations for this event are always needed and appreciated. 7:00pm, Walmart, 12182 GA-92, Woodstock. 678-614-9104. WPSFoundation.org
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Foxtale Book Shoppe Holiday Party — Celebrate with some local favorite authors including Karen White, Kim Michele Richardson, Daren Wang, Susan Sands, Linda Sands and Rosalind Bunn. FREE! 2:00-4:00pm, Foxtale Book Shoppe,
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
pieces. This concert is being conducted by Co-founder and Artistic Director Dr. Donald Stafford. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $6 for students. Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday 3:00pm, Canton First United Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Road, Canton. 248-342-1268. CherokeeChorale.org
9 & 23 Elm Street Theater Presents, A Christmas Carol — On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by ghosts offering him a chance at a better future. $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Friday and Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockElmStreetArts.org
105 E. Main Street, Woodstock. 770516-9989. FoxtaleBookShoppe.com
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Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Sponsored by Timothy Lutheran Church Youth — Shop local arts, crafts and more to get your Christmas gift list completed! 9:00am-3:00pm, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-928-2812. TLCWoodstock.org
9 & 10
Cherokee Chorale Christmas Concert, From the Beginning — Celebrating their thirtieth year, this Cherokee Chorale show is not to be missed. The Chorale will be performing the Christmas portions of the Messiah as well as other Christmas
Parent’s Afternoon Off — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time! 1:00-5:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net
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Christmas Cantata with Timothy Lutheran Church Music Ministry — Enjoy beautiful holiday music at this festive gathering. 10:00-11:00am, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-928-2812. TLCWoodstock.org
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Rising Hills Church Kids Christmas Musical —There is nothing more precious than seeing Christmas through the eyes of children! The musical will take place during regular morning worship. 10:30am, Rising Hills Church, meeting at Mountain Road Elementary School, 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock. GoRHC.org
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Business After Hours — This is a great networking opportunity! 4:30-6:00pm, Hasty Pope LLP, 211 East Main Street, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com
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Coffee & Connections — This event provides the Chamber’s newest members with the opportunity [continued on page 8] WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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LIBRARY EVENTS SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 ROSE CREEK 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, 770-591-1491 WOODSTOCK 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, 770-926-5859 COLORING GROUP Mondays, 10:00am, Woodstock The coloring fun continues! Come meet new friends! All materials are provided. This is for ages 16+. MAHJONGG MEETUP Tuesdays, 10:00am, Woodstock Fridays, 1:00pm, Woodstock Learn to play American MahJongg, which is based on the ancient Chinese tile game. Whether you’re just starting out, honing your skills, or an advanced player, this is the group for you! KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, 1:00pm, Rose Creek Let Ms. Darlene help you get started on a knitting or crocheting project. Bring your needles and yarn, and be prepared to have fun! No prior knowledge is required. CRAYONS & CONVERSATION Wednesdays, 1:00pm, Rose Creek Drop in to de-stress, and get your creative juices flowing. Socialize over a board game, or color a picture. All skill levels are welcome! SIT & STITCH Thursdays, 10:00am, Woodstock Be crafty every Thursday! Enjoy the friendship of other creative people. READING DOGS December 6 & 13, 4:30pm, Rose Creek Children 6 and older can read to a non-judgmental, furry listener that won’t laugh if the reader stumbles or makes a mistake. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session. Parents can register their child (two weeks in advance) for a 10-15-minute reading session by calling 770-591-1491. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION December 7, 5:30pm, Rose Creek Enjoy these holiday festivities with music from the Bascomb Elementary Chorus, refreshments, and a special visit from Santa! This is for all ages; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. THE POLAR EXPRESS December 7, 6:30pm, Woodstock December 18, 6:30pm, Hickory Flat
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Bring your blanket, and wear your best pajamas to experience the magic of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic holiday tale come to life through this annual read-aloud. A conductor will be on hand to give you your ticket to an evening of music, crafts, photo opportunities and refreshments. This is for all ages; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. INKLINGS WRITERS CRITIQUE GROUP December 9, 11:00am, Woodstock Love to write, but need some feedback? All writers interested in joining a group to share writings, ideas, and feedback are invited to attend! HOLIDAYS AT HOGWARTS December 10, 3:00pm, Woodstock The holidays are always a magical time at Hogwarts! Visit the library for a winter Harry-Potter-themed celebration featuring snacks, games, puzzles and crafts. If you’ve ever wondered why the holidays were the best time to be at Hogwarts, this is your chance to find out! Costumes are welcome, but not required. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. HOLIDAY SPHERO December 13, 6:00pm, Hickory Flat Hands-on learning with Sphero SPRK+! Discover the fun and challenging world of coding in this winter wonderland. Navigate your Sphero through the North Pole; join in on some reindeer games; and race other Sphero to see who can deliver toys the fastest! This is for ages 8 and older; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. BIRDSEED ORNAMENTS December 14, 10:45am & 4:45pm, Rose Creek Feed all creatures big and small this holiday season with your very own DIY birdseed ornament. All materials are provided. Registration is required. HOLIDAY CUPCAKE WARS December 20, 6:00pm, Hickory Flat Get your creative juices flowing, as you compete in two rounds: cupcakes and gingerbread houses. The best part? You take everything you make; winning is just the icing on the cake! All materials are provided. This is for ages 6 and older; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Calendar continued from page 7
to learn more about the Chamber, its programs and benefits. Committee activities and volunteer opportunities are highlighted. Attendees also learn about their fellow new members. 9:0010:00am, Chamber of Commerce, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com
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Power Hour — This is a fastpaced networking event with fellow business leaders as well as the Chamber Chairman of the Board, Bryan Reynolds, and Chamber President and CEO, Pam Carnes. Before the hour ends, you’ll have a chance to share about your business or organization for all to hear. 10:00am, Chamber of Commerce, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com
15, 29 & 1/5
Parent’s Night Out — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time! Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games and end the night with a movie! 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net
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Swim with the Grinch — The Grinch will be visiting the Cherokee County Aquatic Center on this Saturday in December! The cost is $10 per child and includes pictures with the Grinch, a goodie-bag, open swim, and pool games! Registration will be available online or at the aquatic center. Advanced registration is recommended. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paid/supervising adult. Any children who are non-swimmers or are in a lifejacket must have a parent in the water within arm’s reach of them. 1:00-3:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 678-8804760. CRPA.net
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
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Bascomb United Methodist Longest Night Service — Come worship during this special event. 12:00am, Bascomb United Methodist, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755. BascombUMC.org
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Timothy Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service — Come celebrate the reason for the season. 5:00pm and 7:30pm with Holy Communion, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-928-2812. TLCWoodstock.org
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Rising Hills Church Christmas Eve Service — Attend this candlelight service, and hear a Christmas message followed by milk and cookies. 4:30pm, Rising Hills Church, meeting at Mountain Road Elementary School, 615 Mountain Road, Woodstock. GoRHC.org
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Bascomb United Methodist Christmas Eve Service — Family Service will be held in the Sanctuary at 6:00pm; Candlelight Service will be held in the Chapel at 11:00pm, Bascomb United Methodist, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. 770-926-9755. BascombUMC.org
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Detachment 1311 — Every third Saturday of the month, veterans share their first-hand war experiences, which is then used as editorial research data to assist others. The Woodstock Detachment #1311 is chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. 9:00am, Semper Fi Bar and Grill, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-672-0026.
26-1/15
Christmas Tree Chip & Dip — Throw away your Christmas tree the environmental way! Bring your Christmas trees to Olde Rope Mill Park starting the day after Christmas, and it will be fed into a chipper. The following week, bring a shovel to the park to “dip” into the free mulch. 8:00am-dusk, Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Road, Woodstock. 770-5926000 x1952. WoodstockGa.gov
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
from Family Life Publications
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Woodstock Minute
Christmas in
Downtown Woodstock By Brittany Duncan
I
t’s the most wonderful time of the year! And Woodstock traditions and events make this time of year even more special for our community. Kick off the Christmas season with Christmas in Downtown on December 1, 6:009:00pm. Do some Christmas shopping in downtown Woodstock, as stores stay open late.
From December 1-December 17, have your children write a letter to Santa. Then, drop those letters off in the North Pole mailbox, which is in the gazebo at The Park at City Center (101 Arnold Mill Road). Just before Christmas, your child(ren) will receive a personalized letter from Santa. On December 2, enjoy the Christmas Jubilee, which consists of a parade, 5k, and festival. Just before the parade, join the Woodstock Egg Nog Jog! For registration and more information, visit WoodstockEggNogJog.com or Active.com for registration. Kick off the holiday season with the traditional Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights at 5:30pm. The parade travels down Main Street from Woodstock Elementary School to Sam’s Club at Highway 92.
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
After the parade, bring your children and their wish lists to The Park at City Center to visit Santa. Santa and Woodstock’s mayor will flip the switch to light the park and Christmas tree! They will also announce the winners of the parade’s float contest. There will be music by Ronnie the DJ, a free moonwalk by Colby Family Chiropractic, and free cupcake decorating and kids’ activities! And Preservation Woodstock will award its Citizen of the Year! There will be lots of food and entertainment for all! Additionally, the Elm Street Theater will present a free production of A Christmas Carol at 2:00pm. However, they request that you please bring a hearty, non-perishable food donation for the local food pantries. See ElmStreetArts.org for more exciting details! They are located at 8534 Main Street at Towne Lake Parkway. Following Christmas Day, consider recycling your Christmas tree in Woodstock’s annual Christmas Tree Chip & Dip. From December 26–January 14, bring your tree to Olde Rope Mill Park, and they will be fed into a chipper. The week following this event, you may bring your shovel to the park, and dip into the free mulch! For more information on these events, please visit WoodstockGa.gov.
Brittany Duncan is the information officer for the City of Woodstock. 770-592-6000. WoodstockGa.gov
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Feel Fabulous
40
at
[Lifestyle] There’s never been a better time to feel fabulous at forty than right now. But for many of us, our hectic schedules often get in the way of experiencing things that help us feel our best. A stroll through the mall where you stumble upon a perfect fitting pair of jeans, or perhaps, that perfect accessory to go with your outfit, where is the time for these blissful moments? While these spontaneous events can bring a sense of jubilation to your day, there’s an easier way to feel fantastic, yes — a new hairstyle. While the idea may seem simple, a great haircut can instantly change how you feel. So, if you’re forty and not feeling fabulous, reward yourself with one of these fresh new looks:
Long-Swinging Locks If you’re wearing your hair long, then do so with charm. Long hair looks best when it’s thick, giving the hair a full and healthy look. However, if your hair lacks density, concave layers may be needed to create enhanced body and movement. With carefully placed layers, including some
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
face framing, this hairstyle will appear fuller and naturally swing with movement. For a dramatic effect, add a straight-across fringe. For a softer appearance, opt for a side-swept fringe.
Medium-Tousled Bob The bob hairstyle is a timeless look that can vary in length from just below the ear to just above the shoulders. The beauty of the bob lies in the variety of styling options. For a classic style, use a smoothing cream or elixir to create a look that’s sleek and straight. If your preference is fun and edgy, then wear this look tousled and wavy by using a mousse or texture spray. If you have fine or medium density hair, don’t worry. By applying root-lifting spray before you style, you can still achieve any of these vogue looks.
and it can be worn by women of any age. The beauty of this style is that it works with most all hair textures and really defines the face shape. Sure, not everyone wants short hair. But if you’re looking for something that’s easy to style, there’s no better option. While most hairstyles demand multiple products to create the desired look, the wash-and-wear pixie only requires a pomade or styling wax. Our forties can bring about the worries of kids, parents, career and finances. With all these responsibilities, feeling our best is sometimes an emotion we ignore. But despite these circumstances, and our age, we deserve to always feel our best. So, next time you step into the salon with your forty-something self, make sure you step out with a hairstyle that makes you feel fabulous. L
Short Pixie Being trendy at forty has never been easier. If you want a style that makes you feel as ebullient as a new pair of shoes, try a short pixie cut. A pixie hairstyle is a fabulous look that demands attention,
Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Community Cherokee County Clerk of Courts & Staff Sponsor Senior Citizens for Christmas “Jeans for Genes”
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts Patty Baker and her staff are sponsoring over fifteen senior citizens for Christmas this year. The Clerk of Courts staff’s charitable project, “Jeans for Genes,” has already raised approximately $1,000 to directly benefit Cherokee County Senior Services. The donated funds are raised by the Clerk of Courts staff, who may contribute $3.00 each week to be allowed to wear jeans at work on Fridays. This is a project that many of the staff members hold dear to their hearts. The Clerk’s office has already made arrangements to give their sponsored senior citizens warm, new, heartfelt presents for Christmas and to continue to raise more money and create more gifts each week. Clerk Patty Baker presents senior citizen gifts (L-R): Ashley Quagliaroli, Alice Micham, Patty Baker, Lindsey Ridley
Melanie Tugman! Congratulations to to ourour October “7 Differences” winner, Joyce McMichael! Congratulations November “7 Differences” winner, Amy Moss! Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Community Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Graduates Inaugural Citizens Academy Class
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recently graduated its first Citizens Academy class after ten weeks of instruction about its uniform patrol division, administration and adult detention center, K-9 unit, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, court services, special operations, Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad and warrants, and gun safety and training. Deputy Josh Watkins conducted the overall course in which several personnel members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office enlightened citizens about their specific area of expertise. The purpose of the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is to provide citizens with a deeper understanding of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be a deputy in modern day law enforcement. This course is only open to residents of Cherokee County. Additionally, Sheriff Frank Reynolds stated, “This class is also for the Sheriff’s Office to connect with Cherokee County citizens in an effort to partner with them in helping to keep our community safe. None of us is as smart or as strong as all of us.”
Etowah HS Drama Students Win Region and State Honors
Seniors Jenna Klein and Adam Parbhoo were named Best Actress and Best Actor at the Regional 7AAAAAAA One Act Play event, and went on to be named to the state’s All-Star Cast. Senior Brandon Huynh was named to the region’s All-Star Cast, and the school also won Best Tech and Best Ensemble honors at Regionals for its performance of Radium Girls.
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Community First Ever “Cherokee Celebrity Feud” Raises Significant Funds for the Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club This year’s Boys & Girls Club annual fundraiser featured fabulous entertainment, fantastic food, an auction and great fun! In his best “Harvey” mode, Punchline Comedy Club’s owner and professional comedian Jamie Bendall served as game show host and moderator, and it was an evening of surprises, slip ups and zany answers provided by local “celebrities” from the Cherokee County community. According to their website, the local Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club serves as a “home away from home” for hundreds
of local kids and teens each year. Dedicated staff members work with them to help them reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Programs focus on helping kids succeed in school, improving health and fostering future leaders. This year’s event raised nearly $90,000 to help the Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club! The fundraiser was chaired by board member, Laura Mikszan. Other members of the committee included Doug Foley, Steve Divine, Mike Byrd, Marla Prince, Jeff Mitchell and Joshua Lewis.
CCSD Teacher Named Georgia Conservation Teacher of the Year Clark Creek Elementary School teacher Karen Garland has won a state title and a $1,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The award is given annually to one 3rd5th grade public or private school teacher in Georgia who demonstrates exceptional energy and innovation in teaching life sciences.
In Harmony Pediatric Therapy to Open a New Facility In Harmony Pediatric Therapy is a multi-disciplinary, pediatric, outpatient clinic that has proudly served children with special needs and assisted families throughout Cherokee, Cobb, Pickens, and north Fulton counties since opening its doors in 2008. Their experienced pediatric therapy team offers occupational, physical, speech-language, and music therapies. In January 2018, In Harmony Pediatric Therapy is moving from their current location in Hickory Flat to a larger, completely remodeled, 11,000-squarefoot facility on Highway 140 on the Woodstock/Milton/Canton border. Their new address will be 9880 Hickory Flat Highway in Woodstock. Visit InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com for more information about their new facility, their services, or their hours of operation.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Ms. Garland will use the grant to begin a “Campaigning for Pollinators” project, which was inspired by her students’ idea to convert a monoculture of grass outside their school into a healthy habitat for pollinators like butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. “Clark Creek Elementary is dedicated to fostering all students’ innate curiosity by empowering them to be independent problemsolvers through a variety of opportunities,” Ms. Garland said. “Through this approach, students see how classroom subjects relate to the real world.” WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Community Toys for Tots — Drop Off Your Donation at Family Life Publications! This year, Family Life Publications is an official drop-off location for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Family Life Publications is the only location in downtown Canton where you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, through December 18 at their NEW office location: 630 E. Main Street, Canton, GA 30114 The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 Awards Marine of the Year Award to Cherokee Resident At the Birthday Ball celebrating the 242nd birthday of the founding of the Marine Corp, John Newport was presented the Marine of the Year Award by Craig (Doc) McNabb, detachment commandant of Detachment 1311 in Woodstock. The event was the most successful event in the young Detachment’s history. There were 115 people in attendance to enjoy the evening’s festivities. The Marine Corps League voluntarily renders assistance to all current and former Marines as well as to their widows and orphans. The League also works to perpetuate the history of the Marine Corps by observing the anniversaries of historical occasions that are of interest to Marines.
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Get Set to Save Energy and Money! By Cobb EMC Staff
[HomeLife] Setting the thermostat correctly can save you a lot of money throughout the year. The average U.S. homeowner spends $2,500 a year on home energy, with 56%, or $1,400, going toward heating and cooling costs. Put those dollars to better use by setting your thermostat to energy-efficient temperatures: 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. No matter what the season, a programmable thermostat can help you save even more. Once properly programmed, the thermostat automatically regulates the temperature inside your house to coincide with when you’re there and when you’re not. Consider setting your thermostat two degrees higher in summer and lower in the winter for additional energy savings. Source - U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
These tips were provided by Cobb EMC, a nonfor-profit electric cooperative. 770-429-2100. CobbEMC.com
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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[HealthyLife] Two out of three Georgians are overweight or obese. There’s no time like the present to get healthy. In a time where most Americans are overweight, why lose weight? As our weight increases, the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer skyrockets. Life expectancy drops. That means a shorter and lower quality of life. For example, a patient who was struggling with a decreased quality of life six months ago was depressed, heavily medicated and weighed 210 pounds. After making some changes, she was thirty pounds lighter at her most recent checkup. She no longer had diabetes and was able to come off one of her cholesterol medications.
By setting the following achievable goals and going after them, you and your loved ones can enjoy a healthier, longer, happier life:
Input vs. Output Challenge Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight is about input vs. output. You’ll need to eat a set number of calories for your size, age and activity level. If you increase your input (calories), you’ll need to increase your output, too (exercise). But you don’t have to do any math.
1. Download a calorie-counting app. Apps such as MyFitnessPal allow you to enter the goal, and the app does the math for you. Enter your calories and exercise throughout the day to help yourself eat and live mindfully.
2. Cut portion size. We live in a country with king-sized portions. But healthy bodies need less. You can still enjoy the foods you love, just in moderation.
3. Trade empty calories for nutrition. Starchy foods like pasta and rice offer less nutrition, are not filling, but add up to a lot of calories. Eat fewer starches and more whole foods like fish and green vegetables.
4. Grill. Grilling gets your family outside, and it’s healthier than fried foods.
5. Have fun. Find a fun exercise/ sport or two. Backyard volleyball or soccer games with friends, frisbee with the family at the park, or tennis with a neighbor are all enjoyable ways to get moving and burn calories.
6. Do it together. You’ll have better chances of success if you make your personal challenge a competition. You will motivate each other. Live the healthy life that may seem out of reach. It is achievable. Losing weight will benefit you physically and emotionally. And you can even have fun in the process.
By Asher Niazi, M.D.
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Dr. Asher Niazi practices internal medicine at WellStar Medical Group at Towne Lake Medical Center, 145 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock. 770-592-3000. WellStar.org
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CID Cherokee Sheriff’s Office By Sheriff Frank Reynolds
T
he Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) investigates all types of crimes throughout the county, ranging from misdemeanor theft to felony murder. These highly trained and dedicated professionals investigate nearly 2,300 cases each year.
Deputies selected to work in CID are usually veteran officers who have shown a high aptitude for problem solving and analytical thinking. Detectives are then assigned to specialized units within CID to maximize investigative effectiveness.
Here are some of the CID specialized units: Crimes Against Children The investigators assigned to this unit work closely with the Department of Family and Children Services, the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, and the District Attorney’s Office. This unit also includes the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC), which operates under a regional task force administered by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The ICAC works closely with the GBI to detect and investigate online predators and predators who 20
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
use computer technology to sexually exploit children.
Crimes Against Persons These detectives investigate crimes against persons ranging from harassing phone calls to murder. Detectives assigned to this unit have specialized training in domestic violence, crime scene processing, homicide investigations, and adult sexual crimes.
Financial Crimes These detectives are specially trained to investigate cases of fraud from individual to corporate accounts. The investigations include, but are not limited to, identity fraud, elderly abuse and financial exploitation.
Intelligence Unit The Intelligence Unit provides analytical support to the many divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. This support includes geographical mapping of crimes, analysis of crime trends, data recovery and analysis of electronic devices, video, audio enhancements, crime scene processing, and automated fingerprint identification. In addition, this unit coordinates with the Georgia Terrorism Intelligence Project, a program funded through the
Department of Homeland Security. They are responsible for providing a gateway for information and intelligence sharing within the agency and a liaison with other agencies for threats specific to critical infrastructure.
Property Crimes These detectives are responsible for the follow up investigation of crimes ranging from criminal trespass to burglary and auto theft as well as pawnshop management. Members of this unit are trained in the recovery of stolen property, evidence collection and preservation, crime scene processing, interviews and interrogations, and criminal procedure.
Sex Offender Registry The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for maintaining the Sex Offender Registry within Cherokee County and must meet all state and federal laws concerning registration for convicted sex offenders. Investigators use the Offender Watch Database to update the Sheriff’s Office sex offender web page as well as schedule field visits and registration dates. The Offender Watch program allows citizens to sign up for automated notifications should a registered offender move within one mile of their address. WatchSystems.com. As Cherokee County continues to grow, unfortunately, so does the crime rate. The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office continues to stay on the forefront of crime prevention and criminal investigations. Fortunately, we still live in a relatively safe community; please help by reporting suspicious activity as soon as you see it. You can also make your home and vehicle less prone to theft by simply locking your doors and windows.
Frank Reynolds is the sheriff for Cherokee County. 678-493-4100. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org
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Book Review BY JESSICA ASBELL
Last Christmas in Paris is a novel told through letters. It opens in December 1968. Thomas Harding, at the end of his life, is going to spend one last Christmas in Paris because of a promise he made to his now deceased spouse. As he travels, he rereads the letters that began a lifelong love story, a love story born out of pain, heartache, and the Great War. Thomas fought in WWI, alongside his best friend, Will. As Thomas and Will go off to war, Evie, Will’s sister, writes them letters. Thus, Evie and Thomas (Lieutenant Thomas Archibald Harding) strike up a friendship filled with letters sent back and forth about the changes at home and the trenches of war, and they slowly fall in love. Through all the letters written in this novel, we see a vivid picture of WWI, and a love forged through grief, pain, and tragedy. Each character will be changed by this war. But in the midst of it all, Thomas and Evie never lose sight of each other, so when the dust settles, and the war is over, their devotion is what will help them pick up the pieces of their lives and begin again. This book was tough to put down. Each of the character’s letters bring them to life, revealing their hopes, dreams, faults, and their burning desire to make it through the war to spend Christmas in Paris. As dreams are shattered and new ones are birthed, we learn what each character is made of. This is a very unique book. Since it is told in letter form, the characters seem more real. You will laugh with them, cry with them, and you will desperately want to know what happens. This Christmas season, spend some time with Last Christmas in Paris. Allow it to transport you to a different time, when hope was urgently needed, and when an encouraging word could mean the difference between survival and giving up.
Jessica Asbell is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a BBA from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology. She’s also a frequent customer at Foxtale Book Shoppe. 770-516-9989. FoxTaleBooks.com
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Another Star Wars Christmas By Pastor Chris Bryant
By Pastor Chris Bryant
[InGoodFaith] The newest Star Wars film is debuting again at Christmas. I’m going. I’ll also admit, speaking of “a long, long time ago,” that when I first saw the original Star Wars, the opening confused me. It begins, like they all do, with a scrolling text; that one had the title, Episode 4, A New Hope. What? Episode 4? Did I miss something? That is the point. Star Wars deliberately begins in the middle of things. We arrive as viewers in the middle of an epic, galactic drama. Right away, we’re introduced to an already raging battle, a rebel ship, and with it — a princess that is taken prisoner by the evil Darth Vader. Who are these people? What’s this all about? We’re just thrown into the middle of things! You might feel like this if you go to church this month, especially if you aren’t used to going to church. Advent, the spiritual season leading up to Christmas, is our own disturbing and seemingly out-of-place version of Episode 4. Each year leading up to Christmas, we celebrate and wonder at being in the middle of things: Christ has come, and Christ will come again. Each year, as we light candles and anticipate the arrival of Christmas, we realize we are part of a divine drama unfolding around us. Each year, we consider how we are in the middle of things grander than our own individual lives. It’s part of what gives us hope, another tie with that first movie (A New Hope), even if we’re left asking questions about who Jesus is and what is the nature and meaning of His birth in a stable in the small town of Bethlehem. We hear of a shining star, and wisemen from the east, and tyrannical King Herod and a presumably terrified young mother and humble surrogate carpenter father among others. Who are these people? We’re just thrown in the middle of things. We’re in Episode 4. Enjoy the new Star Wars movie. Make the time to get to church. Merry Christmas, and may the Lord be with you.
Chris Bryant is lead pastor at City On A Hill United Methodist Church. 678-445-3480. COAHUMC.org
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all
for a Purpose’s mission is to raise awareness of blood cancer, so they, along with the enlightened community, can ensure fundamental support is provided and sustained for families who are impacted by this disease. They strive to provide,“intentional, purposeful, community support.”All for a Purpose exists so that no individual or family must face blood cancer alone. When the unthinkable happens, the trauma of fighting cancer, the stress of caring for a sick family member, compounded with the unforeseen medical expenses associated with the long-term recovery and survival of a blood cancer can be more than one family can handle on their own. Whether it’s to help pay household bills, provide household repairs, assist with medication co-pays, uninsured medical expenses or travel expenses, All for a Purpose is there to lend a hand. All for a Purpose is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity that exists to provide practical support to families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis.They bring hope directly to families.
Community Partners Here are things All for Purpose does to help those with blood cancer and their families:
Hope Fund
A family that is undergoing treatment for ALL/ BMT can qualify to receive a onetime grant within a calendar year to help with their greatest financial need.
Snack Sacks
Sacks filled with a variety of snacks are provided directly to patients while they receive treatment within hospitals and clinics located in and around the Atlanta area.
Chemo-Comfort Travel Packs
Essential comfort items are included in
each pack to aid in the wellbeing of the patient while they receive treatment. All projects are available for youth to engage in the opportunity of giving. Whether it’s to help prepare and fill Snack Sacks & Back Packs, hold a toy drive, or fundraise for the cause, their support is a contribution of hope to families facing blood cancer. By collaborating with various businesses and organizations within a community, this partnership can help to ensure the day-to-day needs of a family are sufficiently supported. All donations are tax deductible. For more information about how you can help All for a Purpose, visit AllForAPurpose.org.
All for a Purpose focuses on serving individuals (adults or children) and their family unit who are directly impacted by acute lymphoblastic leukemia/ bone marrow transplant (ALL/BMT). The effects of this diagnosis are not limited to the patient.The challenges a family faces can be multifaceted, as they navigate their fears, uncertainty, financial challenges, time constraints, and isolation from friends, family and even one another: •
•
•
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Whether newly diagnosed, during and after treatment, through longterm survivorship or advanced disease, All for a Purpose knows firsthand what it’s like to experience the complexity of this disease and the effects it can have on the family. When they say they know what a family goes through, they mean it. They’ve been there and want to help ease the burden. They understand that despite having medical insurance, treatment is extremely costly regardless of an individual’s socioeconomic status at the time of diagnosis and beyond. Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
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Orthodontic Emergencies What to Expect and How to Manage By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.
If a Band Comes Off
[HealthyLife] The ligature is the tiny rubber band that’s stretched around the bracket. Its job is to hold the wire to the bracket, so the wire can deliver force to the teeth and move them. If your rubber ligature comes off, try to put it back in place with a sterile tweezers. A wire that is sticking out into your lip but is not loose can be bent back with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. Be aware that if one ligature pops off or breaks, others may do so as well. If ligatures continue to break, call your orthodontist for a follow-up visit.
If a Bracket Loosens
action to fix the bracket. If you can’t get to your orthodontist right away, be as careful as possible not to cause any further damage by being especially cautious when eating and brushing.
If Wires Come Out
The arch wire of braces fits in the horizontal slots in each bracket. The wire is secured to all the brackets, and occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out and cause irritation. The best way to alleviate discomfort is to push the wire back down. Gently use a cotton swab or pencil eraser to push the wire back, so it’s flat against your tooth. If you can’t get the wire back to a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax to create a buffer between your braces and the area of your mouth that’s irritated. In an extremely bothersome situation, and as a last resort, clip the wire. Reduce the possibility of swallowing the snipped piece by putting a folded tissue or piece of gauze around the area. Next, use sharp clippers, and snip off the wire. You can also use wax if the area is still irritated. Finally, make a follow-up appointment with your orthodontist to make sure the braces are still secure and to get a different wire if necessary.
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
If a bracket breaks or comes loose, contact your orthodontist. They will examine your mouth and decide the best course of
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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COVER STORY By Cyndi Braun
P
ersonal finance coach Jessi Fearon is the founder of a popular finance blog, JessiFearon.com. Like most Americans, Jessi has struggled with debt. In fact, she and her husband Pat recently paid off $55,000 in consumer debt. Jessi now motivates other families by sharing her own story and offering advice on how to live on a budget, debt free. Five years ago, Jessi and Pat Fearon lived the kind of life many Americans do. Married with one child and another on the way, they were actively accumulating debt – credit cards, student loans, a car payment and a mortgage. Each month, they paid the minimum balances, and the debt never seemed to go away. Balancing the budget on one income was becoming increasingly difficult. Pat worked as a contractor while Jessi stayed home with the kids. “By the end of 2012, I realized we weren’t going to be able to afford for me to stay at home with our current debt load,” said Jessi. “As I looked at the numbers, I started thinking about how much we would save if we didn’t have this debt. When I added up the minimum payments we had every single month, I realized we could save roughly $1,600.”
Becoming Debt Free Jessi sat down with her husband and convinced him to try something unconventional – pay off debt and live debt free. With a background in accounting, Jessi was able to create a zero-balance budget that set a course for them to pay off each debt in turn. She started with their smallest debts (credit cards) then worked up to the highest debt (student loans). This is called “the snowball debt payoff method.” 24
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Personal Finance Coach
Jessi Fearon
Leads Readers to Debt-Free Living Being committed to this lifestyle meant no credit cards and eliminating entertainment expenses. They also traded in Jessi’s Tahoe for an older vehicle that they could pay for outright. Once the credit cards
and car loan were paid off, they could concentrate on the biggest debt – student loans. Their goal was to pay off the student loans before their third child was born. Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
With this goal in mind, Jessi picked up any extra work she could find, and Pat did the same. “For two and a half years, I walked dogs, even when I was pregnant. My husband took on side jobs like building cabinets and doing tile work. Anything extra we made went immediately into paying off all the loans. That was the only way we were able to aggressively attack them as fast as we were,” said Jessi. “When we paid off all that debt, it felt like we had crossed the finish line.”
Why a Budget is Critical A budget helps to determine how you spend money. If you subtract expenses from your income and the balance comes out negative, you need to cut expenses. It’s as simple as that. Entertainment and miscellaneous should be the first you eliminate. If your goal is to pay off debt or save money, you’ll also need to cut expenses. A budget helps guide you, so you stay on target and committed to your goal.
How to Pay Off Debt
• •
financial goal. Commit to it. Be willing to resort to tough measures (cutting expenses, taking a second job). Create a zerobalance budget. Celebrate when you reach your goal, then set another goal.
How to Cut Expenses • • • • • • •
JessiFearon.Com Through JessiFearon.com, Jessi provides helpful information on financial planning, including details on her family’s own budget. Sharing personal stories gives readers a chance to see how a real family follows a budget and saves money.
Check the website for the following:
• Set a specific • •
“The biggest thing for us is we had to know why we were living on a budget, why we were denying ourselves luxuries, why we were being intentional about putting extra money towards paying off debt. For us, the reasons were so I could continue staying home, and we could put our children into Catholic school,” said Jessi.
Never shop without a shopping list. Leave the cards at home; use cash instead. Limit social engagements to those that don’t cost money. Avoid cable or satellite costs by streaming TV programs and movies. Change your cell phone plan to a wi-fi-based, no-contract phone. Shop for clothes through consignment, clothing swaps or hand-medowns. Purchase back-to-school supplies a year ahead, so you can buy them on sale.
• Access to articles about
• •
managing money, paying off debt and building an emergency fund A free workbook to get you started on a budget An e-course entitled Real Life Money Plan®
Jessi’s work has been featured on Buzzfeed, Rockstar Finance, TIME/ Motto Magazine, POPSUGAR, The Penny Hoarder, and DaveRamsey. com. Jessi graduated from Kennesaw State University with an accounting degree. She and her husband Pat have three children – Conner (5), Collin (4) and Charlotte (2).
JessiFearon.com
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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By Atlanta Hand Specialist Staff
Treatment Options for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
burns, cuts, bruises and fractures. It’s not clear as to why only some patients develop this condition after an injury while others have no trouble recovering.
Signs & Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
[HealthyLife] Following a surgery, stroke, heart attack or injury, a person may experience severe, chronic pain out of proportion with the initial incident. This pain is believed to be caused by damage to the peripheral and central nervous systems and is classified as a chronic neuro-inflammatory disorder. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) occurs when the nervous and immune systems malfunction in response to a past trauma. The nerves misfire, creating pain when there is no injury to cause pain.
Possible Causes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS may develop as the result of surgery or other trauma to the body such as
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Because CRPS involves the nervous system, pain is the first major symptom. This pain is chronic (lasting more than six months) and constant. The small sensory nerve fibers affected may transmit messages to the blood vessels in the area, causing them to dilate or leak. This can result in the starvation of surrounding tissues. In addition to chronic pain, symptoms to look out for include the following: • Changes in skin color or texture • Abnormal sweating pattern (in affected area) • Changes in nail and hair growth patterns • Stiffness in affected joints • Decreased movement in affected area • Swelling • Change in skin temperature
Physical therapy can help reduce the circulatory symptoms in the affected area by keeping it moving. This treatment will also aid with flexibility and function. Additionally, certain exercises can also work to help the brain process the pain and where it’s coming from. Medication can be taken to reduce swelling, improve blood flow, and block pain due to CRPS. The drugs chosen will vary from person to person and case to case depending on what a patient’s doctor deems necessary for treatment. A possibility for temporary pain relief, sympathetic nerve blocks are injected directly into the spine to block the activity of the sympathetic nerves affected and help improve blood flow. Chronic pain of any form can result in psychological symptoms, including depression, PTSD and anxiety. Treating the mental aspects of this condition with psychotherapy can help speed up recovery. If you think you may be suffering from CRPS, contact your doctor to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
Atlanta Hand Specialist is located in Canton, Marietta, Smyrna and Douglasville. 770-333-7888. AtlantaHandSpecialist.com
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Can Your 3-Year-Old Child’s Vocabulary Predict Their Future Success? By Lisa-Marie Haygood
Long before a child [AcademicLife] steps foot in a classroom or begins to make friends and learn lessons, they are part of a family. We all know children learn a lot from their families, but did you know research indicates that time spent with children in those early years shapes and molds them in such a way that their chances of succeeding in life can often be predicted by their third birthday? The single largest predictor is the number of words they are exposed to in that time. Back in the early 1990s, a research team followed 42 children for a threeyear period. They would commit to observing and tape recording one hour each month for all these children. They had a wide range of demographics: boys and girls, Hispanic/Latino, AfricanAmerican and Caucasian, from a variety of
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socioeconomic statuses or varying ranges of family yearly income. After each observation, researchers would take their recordings back to the lab and tally the total number of spoken words that the children were exposed to during the observation. The results were shocking. The children who were from professional families that had adequate financial resources were exposed to thirty-million more words than their peers who were under the poverty line or were recipients of social welfare services, thirty MILLION more words before the age of three! Not surprisingly, those students proved the be more successful in the classroom than their peers. These findings had nothing to do with the innate intelligence of any of the children,
and certainly, every child has the potential to rise above their circumstances, but without early exposure to those additional words, children are at a disadvantage for growing and stretching their brain, which is a use-it-or-lose-it organ. If you have young babies or children around you, the greatest gift you can give them is to talk or read to them every chance you get. They learn and absorb like sponges. We have the chance to help ensure every child can reach their full potential, poverty should not define us.
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Tasteof BY PAUL BODROGI
(YIELDS ONE 9-INCH PIE) CHOCOLATE PIE CRUST INGREDIENTS
CHESS FILLING INGREDIENTS n 2 oz. butter n 2 oz. semisweet chocolate n 5 oz. sugar n ½ oz. cocoa powder n Pinch of salt n 4 oz. whole milk n 3 eggs n 1 oz. bourbon
n 7 oz. all-purpose flour n 1 oz. cocoa powder n 1 tablespoon sugar n 10 oz. unsalted butter n 3 oz. cold milk.
CHOCOLATE PIE CRUST PROCEDURE 1. Put the first 4 ingredients into a mixer, and blend until the mixture is like course sand. 2. Add the cold milk, and mix until just combined. 3. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 4. When chilled, roll the dough out into a 9-inch pie pan. The dough should be about 1/8 of an inch thick. 5. Prebake (blind bake) the crust until set.
CHESS FILLING PROCEDURE 1. Gently melt the chocolate and butter. 2. Whisk the remaining ingredients together until well combined. 3. Stir in the melted chocolate and butter. 4. Pour the mixture into the prebaked pie shell, and bake at 320 degrees until set (about 30 minutes). 5. Remove from the oven; refrigerate; and let it set.
PECAN BOURBON SAUCE INGREDIENTS n 2 oz. bourbon n 4 oz. brown sugar n 2 oz. heavy whipping cream n 1 teaspoon salt n 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, toasted n 2 oz. butter
PECAN BOURBON SAUCE PROCEDURE 1. Combine the first 4 ingredients in a pot, and bring to a boil. 2. Remove from the heat, and stir in the butter. 3. Stir in the chopped pecans. 4. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before drizzling over the pie.
Paul Bodrogi is a pastry chef, Pastry Live event producer and instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College.
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Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
Aging in Place In the Garden
•
By Joshua Fuder
•
Gardens, like gardeners, age [HomeLife]
•
and change with time. Unfortunately, the trajectories of the ability of the gardener to perform maintenance juxtaposed with the garden’s demand for it often diverge greatly. Many people face gardening challenges as they age, and they often change residences in order to have less to maintain, leaving behind years of hard work and memories. A few adjustments to how you approach gardening can make it more manageable as you age. Keep the Body Willing • Stretching before and after gardening
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
can help keep a gardener’s body in working order. After stretching, it is recommended to begin your day with the more physically demanding tasks. Proper posture while bending, lifting with legs and not the back, and carrying materials close to the body will decrease your risk of injury. Adding regular breaks, or breaking up more strenuous tasks with lighter duty ones, can prevent fatigue and cramps. Making lists for gardening tasks each weekend can help you stay on track, which helps avoid wasted effort.
Proper Tools Make Light Work • Keep tools sharp. This reduces the effort needed, and it decreases the chance of disease in your plants. • Make sure to match a tool’s size to the job, but most importantly, match it to your body. • Many companies sell ergonomic tools that are designed to work with our bodies and joints in mind. • Adaptations to existing tools can
also reduce strain on the body. After market, pistol-grip style handles can be added to hand tools, and D-shaped handles can be added to longer-handled tools. Adapt the Garden Design • Widen paths with a firm foundation to improve access and reduce potential tripping hazards. • Plantings of annual flowers and vegetables can be done in containers near the home. • Reduce annual plantings with lower maintenance plants like shrubs and ornamental grasses. • Reduce the number of plants; negative space is good and will highlight remaining plants.
Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 770-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/ extension/cherokee
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Senator Speaks
A Season of Service By Senator Brandon Beach
M
any of us take for granted the holiday season and all the fun and fellowship that comes with it. Christmas is a wonderful time of year to give back to your community, and repay some of the individuals who work tirelessly to make it great. It is especially important to recognize the sacrifices of our military veterans and their steadfast dedication to preserving the principles of our country. Unfortunately, veterans often face many challenges upon returning from their deployment. Some find it difficult to find employment, while others struggle to find adequate housing or face any number of daily difficulties. These brave men and women deserve better, and there is plenty you can do in your community to make a difference in the life of a service member. It could be something as simple as giving
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
them a ride to a doctor appointment or sponsoring a companion animal for those returning with PTSD. If you know of someone who is on a current deployment, take the time to write them a letter, or send them a care package to let them know you’re thinking of them. If you are able, organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and United Service Organizations (USO) rely on donations to get resources to service members in need. These organizations are vital to so many of our nation’s veterans. However, perhaps the most important thing you can do for our veterans is something that everyone is capable of: saying “thank you.” As you and your family gather around the table this Christmas,
remember those who do not have the opportunity to be with theirs. Remember to give back to your community, and help your neighbors in need. By donating your time or skills to one of the many service organizations dedicated to veterans or anyone in need, you are embracing the true meaning of the season.
Brandon Beach is a state senator for district 21, which encompasses a portion of Cherokee County in the Georgia General Assembly.
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Acid Reflux/Heartburn
Should You Be Worried About Frequent Heartburn?
I
t is common to experience a little heartburn after eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol, like chest pain or burning after eating, a sour taste in the back of the throat, or hoarseness. But suffering daily, long-lasting, or frequent heartburn symptoms should not be ignored and may indicate a more serious condition. Many Americans suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This chronic, treatable condition refers to irritation and damage of the lining of the esophagus from prolonged exposure to stomach acid. This damage occurs because of a weakening of the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, which allows acid to leak up into the esophagus. Typical treatments may include medication to reduce the acid, and lifestyle changes to help reduce the reflux symptoms such as not eating before bedtime. For certain
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patients who have had chronic acid reflux, an upper endoscopy may be recommended to assess severity and to uncover any precancerous changes. If GERD is left untreated or unmonitored for a long period of time, it can result in a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which can progress to cancer. Barrett’s esophagus is a disorder in which the inflamed, acid-damaged cells in the lining of the lower esophagus change to resemble those found in the stomach. As a result of this transformation, Barrett’s patients have an increased risk for esophageal cancer. Many of the physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates are specially trained in the treatment of GERD and Barrett’s esophagus. If you’ve noticed that your heartburn symptoms are frequent, severe, longstanding, or getting worse, schedule an appointment with Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates today.
Foods That Commonly Cause Heartburn • Alcohol, particularly red wine • Chocolate • Citrus fruits and products (such as oranges and orange juice) • Coffee and caffeinated drinks (including tea and soda) • Fried or fatty foods • Garlic, raw onions, and other spicy foods • Peppermint • Tomatoes and tomato sauces
Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates has offices across metro Atlanta including convenient locations in Canton and Woodstock. To make an appointment, call 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242] or visit www.AtlantaGastro.com.
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
What Mom Really Wants for Christmas By Drs. Leake, Petrosky, Harkins and Depew [HealthyLife] Women of all ages, shapes and sizes can benefit from breast enhancement surgery. This procedure is especially beneficial to moms. Pregnancy and breastfeeding often cause substantial changes in glandular tissue, fat distribution and skin elasticity in the breasts. As a result, many women experience considerable volume loss, which can lead to other issues such as shape irregularity, sagging and asymmetry. Breast augmentation surgery makes significant improvements for women who wish to respond to these issues after having children. Breast implants don’t just increase breast size – they also create firmer, shapelier breasts that are more in proportion with the patient’s body dimensions. Innovations in implant design are continuously providing women with access to an ever-growing variety of materials, shapes and textures. This means that women who wish to restore volume after pregnancy could achieve a close match to their original breasts — or create the breasts they’ve always wanted. Women who want to respond to skin laxity and/or irregularities in the nipple/areola complex can also choose to combine their augmentation procedure with a breast lift. If you are considering any type of breast enhancement after pregnancy, experts recommend that you postpone your procedure until after you have your last child, so you can enjoy your breast enhancement results indefinitely. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery; whether you are a mom or not, make sure your consultation is with a board-certified, specialty-trained surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.
Drs. Petrosky, Harkins and Leake are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgeryCenterOf TheSouth.net Dr. Depew is board-eligible, not board-certified as previously stated.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Cookies made by Family Life Publications staff
Maammool Cookies (makes approx. 12-15 cookies) Cookie Ingredients 1 box of cream of wheat (2 Ibs.) 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ lb. butter, melted 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 cup whole milk ½ cup powdered sugar Decorative cookie mold(s) Filling Ingredients 1 lb. walnuts, ground 1-1 ½ cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon rosewater (optional)
Procedure - Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. - Combine walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and rosewater (optional), and set aside. - With an electric mixer, cream the butter and cream of wheat until it is a fine, smooth consistency. - Add vanilla to the butter and cream of wheat mixture. - Knead flour and milk into the butter and cream of wheat until a shortcake-like dough consistency is formed. - Form egg-shaped cookies; perforate one end enough to allow for 1 tablespoon of filling.
- Close the perforated end by moistening. - Press each cookie into a mold, and then remove from the mold. - Lay the cookies ¼ inch apart on a cookie sheet. - Bake 25-30 minutes, or until cookies are light brown. Do not overbake. These cookies should be almost a toastedalmond shade. - Once removed from the oven, sprinkle powdered sugar on each cookie while still hot.
Oreo® Cookie Truffles (makes about 48 truffles) Ingredients 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 40 Oreo® cookies (choose your favorite flavor), finely crushed, divided 4 pkgs. (4 oz. each) BAKER’S semi-sweet chocolate (or other flavor of your choice), broken into pieces, melted Extra toppings of your choice to use as garnish (mint Oreos® sprinkled with crushed peppermint, chopped pistachios or chopped peanuts atop truffles made with the new peanut butter flavor, etc.)
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Procedure - Mix the cream cheese and 3 cups cookie crumbs until blended. - Shape into 48, 1” balls, and freeze for 10 minutes. - Dip the balls in the melted chocolate, and place them in a single layer in a shallow, waxed-paper-lined pan. - Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs or other toppings of your choice. - Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
Over 26,000 Each Issue, Every Month
By Julie Senger
If you are getting together with a group of your friends, neighbors, fellow churchgoers, or co-workers to do a fun cookie swap this month, Woodstock Family Life magazine has put together a variety of cookie recipe options to suit everyone’s taste buds. Below, you’ll find a filled, shortbread-like cookie recipe, a no-bake truffle recipe, a spicy cookie bar recipe, a citrusy-frosted cookie recipe, a nutty/chocolaty cookie recipe, a fruity cookie recipe, and a healthy cookie recipe. So, choose your favorite; gather your ingredients; and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of something sweet and delicious!
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars (makes 9-12 bars) Cookie Bar Ingredients ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup packed brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 large egg, room temperature 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornstarch ½ teaspoon cream of tartar ¼ teaspoon salt Cinnamon Sugar Topping Ingredients ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Procedure - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. - Line a 9”x9” square baking pan with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugars until evenly combined and no sugar lumps remain. - Ensure that the butter isn’t still hot, then stir in the egg and vanilla until combined. - Carefully stir in the flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar and salt until no flour lumps remain.
- Spoon/spread the mixture into your prepared pan. - In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients. - Sprinkle the topping mixture over the cookie batter until it’s evenly distributed and completely covers the batter. - Bake for 22-25 minutes or until you can start to see the sides of the bars just starting to pull away from the edges. - Allow to cool before removing from the pan, and cut into 9 or 12 bars.
Lemon-Frosted Snowflake Cookies (makes 4 dozen) Ingredients 1 ¼ cups softened butter, divided 2 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar, divided ¾ cup cornstarch 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Procedure - Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. - Grease a cookie sheet, and set aside. - Cream 1 cup butter and ½ cup sugar until pale yellow.
- Combine cornstarch and flour, and beat into butter and sugar mixture. - Shape the dough into 48 small balls, and flatten with the floured bottom of a glass. - Sprinkle nuts on the flattened cookies, and pat firmly. - Place cookies 2” apart on the cookie sheet, and bake for 15 minutes, rotating the pan after 7 minutes. - Remove from the oven, and allow to cool on a plate. - Melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter, and combine with 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice. If frosting is too runny, allow it to sit; if it is too thick, add lemon juice. - Frost cookies, and enjoy! more recipes on page 36
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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continued fron page 35
Skinny Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies (makes 12-15 cookies) Ingredients 1 cup quick oats ¾ cup whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon Scant ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 large egg ½ cup honey About ½ to ¾ cup dried cranberries Procedure - Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - Pull out 2 medium bowls, one for dry ingredients, one for wet. - In one bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. - Melt the butter in the other bowl. Let it cool slightly. - Whisk the vanilla, then the egg, then the honey into the melted butter. - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and use a wooden spoon to stir until combined (don’t overmix). - Add the dried cranberries into the dough. - Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes, or freeze for about 15 minutes. - Use your hands to shape the dough into about 15 cookies. - Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2” apart. - Bake for about 12-13 minutes or until the cookies have just started to brown around the edges. - Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack or plate.
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (makes 2-3 dozen, depending on how large you make them) Ingredients 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 large egg 1 cup sugar ½ cup chocolate chips Procedure - Preheat oven to 350 degrees. - Mix peanut butter, egg, and sugar together in a medium sized mixing bowl until well combined. The batter will be thick.
- Add the chocolate chips, and stir until evenly distributed. - Scoop out tablespoon-sized cookies, and drop them on a cookie sheet. Be sure to leave a few inches between the cookies, as they will expand while baking. - Bake until cookies are lightly browned. - Remove the cookies from the oven; transfer them to a cookie plate; allow them to cool; and then enjoy!
Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies (makes about 4 dozen) Ingredients - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll 1 ½ cups butter, softened tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, and 1 ½ cups sugar place them 2” apart on an ungreased 8 oz. cream cheese cookie sheet. 2 large eggs - Using your finger, make an indention in 2 tablespoons lemon juice the center of each ball, and fill with ½ 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest teaspoon of apricot preserves. 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour - Bake for 15 minutes, or until edges are 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder golden. 1 cup apricot preserves - Allow cookies to cool on the baking Confectioner’s sugar for garnish (optional) sheet for 2 minutes before removing to Procedure wire racks to cool completely. - In a large bowl, cream together the - Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar butter, sugar, and cream cheese until (optional). smooth. - Beat in the eggs one at a time. - Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. - Combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, and stir it into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Cover, and chill until firm (about 1 hour).
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For many people, attending a four-year college after [HomeLife] high school is what they’re expected to do. However, due to the high cost of a college education, many people are considering trade school instead. There are many reasons why trade school is an attractive alternative to a four-year college education. A vocational degree can lead to a well-paying career such as an electrician, HVAC technician, mechanic or dental hygienist.
New Career A
for the
New Year?
A trade school can take as little as two years to complete, which puts you in the workplace and earning money two years earlier. A four-year degree requires you take classes outside your major, which means you’ll spend time in classes that don’t relate to your degree. Another advantage of trade school is that a lot of the training material is lab based, and hands-on training can be ideal for many different types of learners. Additionally, most of the positions that require or prefer a trade school education are hard to export to another country. With more jobs being outsourced to other countries where labor is cheaper, it can be difficult to find employment in certain domestic sectors. For example, it is easier to export information economy work, such as computer programming, than physical work such as HVAC repair, electrical work or carpentry. Also, there’s a growing demand in the U.S. for high-precision skills, and with skilled trade workers being disproportionately older, there will always be opportunities for younger workers to fill their shoes.
By Jessica Helms Jessica Helms is an executive assistant/communications director for R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RAndDMechanical.net
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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ArtistProfile BY SAMANTHA CANUEL
Sue Burkhart Chisholm has been creating unique nativities in north Georgia for over twenty years. After a life of traveling, Chisholm and her husband currently reside in north Georgia. This exceptional artist had much to say about her journey through clayworks, tradition, and storytelling. The Clay Became My Path When asked about when she knew she was meant to be an artist, Chisholm began by remembering the beauty of sumi-e painting. As part of an Air Force family stationed in Taiwan, Chisholm still remembers the elegance of those gentle brushstrokes. She recalls this artistry as “purely magical.” In her college years, Chisholm explored her fascination of the arts by studying clay, silversmithing and weaving, eventually following the muddled, pliable path of a potter. Inspiration Became Simple While residing in Taos, New Mexico, a friend asked why Chisholm hadn’t created nativity sets before. Although she was still settling into the south, Chisholm knew that the market was perfect for the traditional décor. “That’s when the inspiration became simple; I began to make my family part of my art,” Chisholm said. Each of Chisholm’s recent projects connects with generations of her family in a very special way. “Each piece of the collection includes family heirlooms and other treasures that allow me to create the textures in the clay figurines for our nativities,” Chisholm explained. “It’s a way for me to carry on my family’s traditions.”
Community as a Conduit “The arts frame the persona of the community; history has long told us that,” Chisholm stated. She explained that community is the conduit for the art, artist, and patron to connect. Her electric passion was evident as she continued by saying, “It’s the spark of imagination between the artist and the individual sharing the art form to cross paths, usually taking place in that setting.” When asked about how she chooses to connect with the community, she said, “The hardest part of being in a community is being an artist.” She explained the balance that an artist must go through; it’s about more than just the art, but sometimes, it’s hard to get out of that mindset. Exciting the Next Generation When asked about her advice for budding artists, Chisholm’s answer was simple: Success is about the business of the arts. She said that all young artists and entrepreneurs should understand that it is hard work, which can include working seventy or eighty hours a week. It’s also a good idea to have two years of working capital along with a solid business model, and a strong sense of craftsmanship. “And don’t forget to pay yourself! Many artists forget that you earn a salary, too,” she said. To learn more about Sue and her clay works, visit BurkartClay.com/. Samantha Canuel is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/ Graduate/MFA-CW/
Chisholm added that she took some creative license with some aspects of the nativities she designs. “I grew up on my grandparent’s farm, and the animals on the farm are the recent creatures added.” 38
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
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To Go to School or Not? That is the Question By Ferdinand Yates, M.D. [HealthyLife] School is the work that a child must do, and it is important for normal learning, development, and social skills. If a child is often absent from school, it will be more difficult to keep up with the pace of the class. So, when is it appropriate to keep a child home from school? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should ask these questions: • Does the child have a fever? • Does the child appear well enough to participate in class? • Does the child have an illness such as the flu or pinkeye? Fever typically indicates a potential illness, and some illnesses are highly contagious. Also, if a child is ill and cannot concentrate, little is gained by mandating school attendance. Furthermore, the AAP suggests school exclusion under the following situations: • The child cannot participate comfortably in school activities. • The child’s condition is contagious and may pose the risk of spreading to others. • The child’s condition demands more attention and care than the staff members can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children. One of the primary reasons for the spread of illness is that the child is typically contagious for a few days both before and after signs of illness present or resolve. Other reasons include poor hygiene such as coughing, sneezing, and the direct touch of personal items (pencils, water bottles and combs). Even though there are privacy concerns, parents of school and daycare participants are entitled to know what disease(s) a child is exposed to through the school environment. A parent (and the physician) can be far more helpful in caregiving if they know what the contagious illness is. Thus, health bulletins provided to parents of children attendees would be helpful. Some children will pretend illness for multiple of reasons. However, if a child is too ill to attend school, then (s)he is likely too ill to enjoy TV, video games, texting and phone conversations. Parents should limit these behaviors when a child is ill.
Dr. Yates is a pediatrician at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, #200, Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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‘Tis the Season for
Cracked Teeth
[HealthyLife]
Have you ever been advised by a dentist that you “really should consider crowning that tooth?” And, perhaps that is the last you thought about it until you bit down on a candy cane and…crack.
By Dr. Steven Anderson, D.M.D.
A dental crown or “cap” restoration is one of the primary ways to protect an unstable tooth, and protect it from cracking. A crown securely covers and protects the entire top of the tooth, and it is often the best treatment for a damaged tooth. With that clear understanding in mind, it should seriously motivate you to restore your unstable tooth as soon as possible.
Large, silver-colored, metal fillings act like wedges in a tooth similar to that of splitting firewood. If these metal fillings are struck repeatedly (e.g. when you chew food) they can act like a wedge and contribute to tooth fracturing. Some fractured teeth may not be able to be restored and will need to be removed.
Whenever a tooth undergoes treatment to remove decay or disease, internal supporting tooth structure is removed. Filling material replaces the diseased area of the tooth that is removed. When a large area of the tooth is filled, the entire tooth becomes unstable, and if not treated with a crown, the tooth can easily fracture, crack, and be lost.
A dental crown is placed over the entire biting surface of a tooth. The crown distributes the direct biting force across the whole top surface of the tooth and removes the “wedge effect” of large, silver-colored, metal fillings. Think about why construction workers wear “hard hats” and the importance of the inner band of the hard hat. The inner band distributes
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
the force of a blow evenly around the head. Similarly, crowns protect your teeth from breaking due to the daily biting forces in your mouth.
Also, not all crowns are created equal. The materials that are used can make a big difference. Gold, porcelain and zirconia each have their unique advantages. Your dentist should explain your options to you. Dental crowns are an excellent treatment to restore an otherwise unstable tooth. Given good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups, a dental crown can last many years and prevent your tooth from cracking and loss. After all, quality dentistry should be all about you! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Dr. Steven Anderson is owner/dentist with Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Ste. 200, Woodstock. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson. com
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[HealthyLife] Dry eye is a chronic condition affecting approximately 4.5 million people over the age of fifty, three million of which are women. This occurs when a person lacks the quality of tears needed to lubricate and nourish the eyes. Dry eye can be caused by several factors including decreased tear production, which is more common with older ages, certain medical conditions and prescription medications; poor tear quality, which causes quick tear evaporation; and eyelid inflammation. Systemic diseases including allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and diabetes are also sources. Increased use of computers causes a decrease in our blink rate, resulting in dry eye. Long-term contact lens wear as well as LASIK surgery are other contributors. Environmental factors such as ceiling fans, heaters, and smoking are also culprits. Red and irritated eyes, foreign body sensation, and burning are classic signs
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Make Sure There’s Not a Dry Eye in the House By Jennifer A. Dattolo, O.D., F.C.O.V.D.
of dry eye. There are misconceptions regarding excessive watering and blurry/ fluctuating vision being related to dry eyes, yet in fact, they are. An unstable tear film causes disruption of the cornea, which can lead to visual fluctuations. There are several ways to combat dry eyes. Environmental factors can be counteracted by using humidifiers, turning off ceiling fans, wearing
sunglasses to protect from wind, blinking regularly when on computers or other electronic devices, drinking plenty of water, and consuming omega-3 fatty acids. Applying warm compresses to the eyelids and gently massaging helps to open the glands that secrete oils into the tear film, offering symptom relief. In addition, many patients require the use of artificial tears. There are prescription drops available for dry eyes. They have proved extremely useful in treating this condition and improving quality of life. Punctal occlusion is an option for some sufferers. This blocks the tear drainage canal, which helps keep tears in contact with the surface of the eye longer. Be sure to discuss any symptoms with your eyecare physician.
Jennifer A. Dattolo is a physician at Eyes On Towne Lake, 1075 Buckhead Crossing, #130, Woodstock. 770-7025996. EyesOnTowneLake.com
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A Holiday Smile By Tim Morris
[Lifestyle] Growing up as a child, Christmas was always such a joy to my brothers and me. We could count on certain things that my parents were able to afford like small toys and stockings full of fruit and nuts. My parents always tried to make the visit from Santa very special to us. I only found out later in life that much of that was possible because of community organizations that helped
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
parents and Santa to bring a smile to the faces of children.
All these years later, we try to bring a smile to the faces of the seniors in our program. The Adopt a Senior Program provides our clients with Christmas joy. Cherokee Parks and Recreation also has a wonderful Hugs in a Blanket program, which provides blankets to a nursing home. There are also other community organizations that help put a smile on the face of our seniors. The Moose Lodge in Canton hosts the Canton Senior Center Christmas Party every year. They provide the seniors with a delicious lunch with all the trimmings and desserts. In
addition, the Moose Lodge does many other charitable things in our community. For the past 35 years, they have done a Motorcycle Run to donate toys and food to families in need during Christmas time. They have a holiday basket drive for Thanksgiving and Christmas to feed needy families in the community. They collect enough to give each family a twenty-pound turkey plus dry food. They also collect toys for children, so they can have something from Santa, and they host a senior lunch and bingo every month that has been going on for over 25 years. The Moose Lodge deserves a Holiday Smile Award for bringing Christmas joy to seniors and needy families in our community. Thank you for all you do! L
Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services
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UPCOMING EVENTS MainStreetWoodstock.org
#WoodstockGiftGuide By Stacy Brown
T
he Woodstock Visitors Center at historic Dean’s Store is ready to help you with this year’s shopping list. The charming and informative shop on Main Street has thoughtful gifts from “A City Unexpected” for everyone on your list. For the Homesick Native The Woodstock art print by Blue Elixir Press was designed and screen-printed locally. All your downtown favorites stand out in this high-impact print. Give it with a pair of 3-D glasses for an added pop of fun.
For the Fashion Forward The new Woodstock baseball tees feature the downtown Woodstock brand including the popular tracks logo, and the year our town was established (1897). The tees are made from 60/40, soft, ring-spun cotton/poly and have double-needle stitching, which makes it super durable. This gift would be a home run! For the Historian Pick up a copy of Images of America Woodstock: 1860-1970. The book outlines the transition from a small agricultural community to a thriving 44
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
town with help from the railroad. Hundreds of images bring the lives and locations that shaped our town into vibrant focus. For the Foodie The Visitors Center now carries T Dean cocktail products that are made by hand, in small batches, in Woodstock. You may recognize these great products from the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market. T Dean Tonic is refreshing with a splash of soda water and wedge of citrus, or it goes great with clear, distilled spirits or light whiskey. T Dean Cherries are handmade using the biggest, darkest, juiciest cherries from the Pacific northwest. Slightly cooked in raw-sugar syrup, vanillas, spices and bit of cherry liqueur, they’re great in a cocktail or with ice cream. T Dean Mustard is hand made from a family recipe and is perfect for cocktail parties, tailgating or any time you want a mustard with a spicy sweetness. For the Health Nut Stay refreshed, and keep “A City Unexpected” by your side with one of
YPOW A.M. Coffee Every Thursday, 7:00-8:30am Copper Coin Coffee
Downtown Buzz December 8, 7:30am Woodstock Elementary School
Santa Claus @ the Visitors Center December 9 & 16, 1:00-2:00pm Woodstock Visitors Center
Christmas Tree Chip & Dip December 26-January 14 Olde Rope Mill Park
three Woodstock Camelbak® bottles. Durable and leak-proof, the 0.75-liter bottles are 100% free of BPA, BPS and BPF and come in three vibrant designs. For the Minimalist Give Downtown Dollars gift certificates to that person on your list who values experiences over things. They are available in any amount and do not expire. The money you spend stays local, which is the greatest gift you can give to your community. Dozens of downtown shops and restaurants accept Downtown Dollars. You can see the full list at VisitWoodstockGa. com/dollars. There are plenty of great Woodstockthemed gifts under $5 at the Visitors Center. Pick up a stack of Destination Woodstock decals, and sneak one in everyone’s stocking on Christmas morning. “A City Unexpected” always makes a great gift.
Stacy Brown is marketing and tourism coordinator at the Woodstock Visitors Center. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com
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T
Cherokee Chorale
he Cherokee Chorale performed their first concert on December 5, 1988, singing Handel’s “Messiah,” directed by Dr. Donald Stafford. To celebrate their 30th anniversary, they will kick off this season with a repeated performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Dr. Donald Stafford will once again direct. The Chorale performs three concerts each season. This year, their winter concert will be directed by Scott Martin, featuring “Requiem for the Living” as well as other pieces of Dan Forrest. Scott’s choir from Creekview High School will also be performing. Harris Wheeler, Sr. will be directing the pops concert held in the spring. Cherokee Chorale is also proud of their community involvement. They perform annually at the Memorial
Day Ceremony at the Georgia National Cemetery. The Chorale invites local school choirs and independent groups to perform at many of their concerts, and they are Partners in Education with the Cherokee County Board of Education, providing funding to assist in music education. Each year, the Chorale offers a scholarship to selected Cherokee County School District students who are seeking to further their education in vocal music. This year, a special donation is being made to Reinhardt University’s music department in memory of Dr. Judith MacMillian, a former faculty member and co-founder of the Chorale. To find out more about the Cherokee Chorale, to donate, or to become a member, visit their website: CherokeeChorale.org.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Christmas Concert
Handel’s “Messiah”
December 9, 5:00pm December 10, 3:00pm Canton First United Methodist Church 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton
Winter Concert
“Requiem for the Living”
March 18, 3:00pm Canton First United Methodist Church 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton
Pops Concert
“In the Spill of the Spot”
June 2, 5:00pm June 3, 3:00pm Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University 7300 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska
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45
Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations
Virtual Properties Realty
117 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 100 Woodstock 770-318-2306 Real Estate
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
Southernite Interiors
196 North Street Canton 678-880-6357 Retail Furniture, Gifts & Home DĂŠcor, Interior Design
Center for Relational Care
970 Woodstock Parkway, Suite 210 Woodstock 678-653-3272 Counseling Services
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Advertiser Index
1029 Gastro Pub 45 Anderson Dental 41 Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates 32 Atlanta Hand Specialist Inside Front East Cherokee Baseball 46 Cherokee Chorale 45 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 19 Christian Health Solutions 45 Cobb EMC 39 Dawn Sams, Realtor 23 Diamond Castle Fine Jewelry 17 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 27 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 33 Eyes on Towne Lake 37 Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 14 Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of North Georgia 16 Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza 29 Hill & Hill Financial, LLC 23 Holiday Lights of Hope 46 Jessi Fearon Financial Coach Cover, 24-25 Jyl Craven Hair Design 31 Key’s Jewelry 29 LGE Community Credit Union 47 Main Street Nail Studio 14 Masterpiece Framer 43 Nature’s Corner Market 11 North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists 5 Northside Cherokee Orthopedics 3 & Sports Medicine Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 32 and Dentistry at Canton Perimeter North Medical Associates 3 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 5 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. Inside Back Salon Spa Venéssa 27 Summit Financial Solutions 42 Three Sisters Gifts 48 Towne Lake Primary Care 11 WellStar Health System Back Cover Woodstock Funeral Home 17 Woodstock Pediatric Medicine 30 48
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2017
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