Woodstock Family Life 6-23

Should I Roll My 401(k) Over?

By Aaron M. Vincent, CFP®

[StrategicLife] The 401(k) began as a company profit sharing plan. Companies had been funding pensions for years, but as their annual profits and stock prices experienced volatility, they looked for ways to share those burdens with employees. Through profit sharing, workers made money when the company did and made less during down years. This allowed employees to defer salary contributions into a retirement account before deducting taxes and established rules to ensure the plan was available to all employees, not just executives.

Once the 401(k) was established, it could be used to invest in more than just company stock. It was a way to put investment control into workers’ hands without limiting their retirement income prospects based on their company’s performance.

The shift to personal savings and investment management hasn’t always led to the high levels of reliable income that pensions typically did. After all, the average person doesn’t have in-depth investment knowledge nor the time to follow the markets closely. And, unless he/she is willing to pay an advisor, they won’t get much help in this area.

There are lots of pros and cons with a 401(k). One thing to be aware of is that the investment options are limited, which is one reason to work with a financial advisor who is willing to help you manage your entire financial picture. Did you know that, in many cases, you have the option to roll your 401(k) into an IRA with no tax consequences? A financial advisor can evaluate your portfolio, including your 401(k) investment options. L

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Cyndi Braun

ART Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER/ PUBLISHER EMERITUS

This Is Life

It’s been 10 years since I first started getting really serious about this. “This? This what?” you may ask — this magazine, this Life. Ten years ago, Family Life Publications was just a handful of notes, a sketch of a logo, a rough draft of an employee handbook and plan. It literally all started with a prayer. When the first five employees walked into the office on July 1, 2013, my life, this “Life” was about to change.

Some people asked, “What is a single guy from Cherokee, a local photographer his entire life, doing starting a family magazine?” Honestly, I asked myself that at times, too. With faith, surrounded by like-minded friends, employees, and community, the dream became reality. Over the past decade, this magazine has built connections within our cities, our families, and between each other through our friendly relationship with our readers, and it will continue to do so for years to come.

But let’s get to the point – this is my last Publisher’s Perspective. You may have read here before that “we are the sum of our circumstances.” While I feel that statement is accurate, know that when you add God to the equation, the result is always a positive.

See, through this magazine, I met my wife and now have two great kids — a family of my own. My new wife, a nurse, helped keep me around during a pandemic and helped renew this publication during and after it. These magazines also put me in the right place to be able to help a friend in need when he suffered a cardiac arrest, so he could continue to care for his family.

Through this very column, my dad located me after decades of estrangement. After reading my Publisher’s Perspective in his new home, he contacted me, which offered us a chance for forgiveness and renewal. My God has turned the equation positive in so many ways.

Most importantly, I have learned what family and life really mean. It’s not about spare time; it’s about quality time. It’s the family table, baseball games, horse shows, fishing, and enjoying special moments just being alive. Life is finding ways to help each other, as well as to enjoy, laugh, and grow together. That’s how my life, this Life, continues, and I pray your life does as well.

I’ll be making more time for my family now. It’s time to concentrate on their dreams. May God bless you and make time to enjoy the blessings in your life.

Jack Tuszynski

Photographer, Publisher Emeritus

Family Life Magazines is in good hands. I’m certain that David, Julie, Stephanie, Steve, and Tiffany will do a great job continuing with this part of my dream. Cherokee County born and raised — I will always be part of this community. I’m staying on as photographer.

Jack Tuszynski

Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright

David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Albers, Michael Caldwell, Holly Cummings, Tim Morris, Andy Rogers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Aaron M. Vincent

Family Life Magazines

6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095

Also available online at FamilyLifeMagazines.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 that reaches more than 30,000 homes and businesses via digital subscription and direct mail in 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. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

© 2022 All rights reserved.

(L-R) James, Vicky, Jack, and Molly

Calendar

JUNE

1-25 Off the Wall

This art exhibit will feature artists who create work that is hung on the wall, yet invades the viewer’s space and exists in a liminal place between two and three dimensions. FREE admission. Gallery hours, Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. WoodstockArts.org

4 Back to Broadway

The Cherokee Chorale presents a show featuring medleys from favorite musicals, conducted by Scott L. Martin.

4:00pm, River Ridge HS, 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. CherokeeChorale.org

7-21 A Year With Frog and Toad

Part vaudeville, part make-believe, all charm, this play tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

Tickets $18-$23.

10:00am or 2:30pm, Woodstock Arts

Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock, WoodstockArts.org

Woodstock Business Club Meeting

Thursdays, 8:30am, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 404-793-3312. WoodstockBusinessClub.com

Morning INfluence — Last Friday of each month, 8:00-9:00am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org

Fresh Start Mornings — The first and third Wednesdays of each month, 9:00am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock (first WED); Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton (third WED). 770-345-0660. CherokeeGa.org/FreshStartMornings

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Discovering Pickleball

Learn all about the sport of pickleball in this hour-long class. Pickleball can be played by anyone, regardless of age or sports background. It’s like ping-pong with a larger paddle and a wiffleball on a small tennis court. $5 registration required.

6:30pm, Dupree Park Pickleball Courts, 513 Neese Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. Bit.ly/3vFIsxA

8 SKILLS: Automotive

This course covers safety measures to take if your car breaks down. Participants will learn proper roadside distress procedures and ways to determine what caused the breakdown, in addition to learning how to check tire pressure, jump a dead car battery, and change a tire. $5 registration required.

6:30pm, William G. Long Senior Center Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

9 WIT! — The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe will have audiences rolling down the aisle with laughter. Tickets $10-$14. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

9 & 16 Parent’s Night Out Drop off the kids at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids swim, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. Tickets $15 early registration or $20 late registration. 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

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mINgle — This after-hours networking event brings together members of the In WDSTK community and other professionals from the Woodstock area. Everyone is welcome. 5:30-7:30pm, Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org

ONGOING

YPOW AM — Thursdays, 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org

TrailStory: Daniel’s Good Day Throughout the month of June, 7:00am7:00pm, Towne Lake Pass Trail, 232 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty) — Second and fourth Thursdays of each month, 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.

10 Woodstock Summer Concert Series Presents Rick Springfield — Enjoy a FREE concert by this chart-topping pop artist in downtown Woodstock. 7:30pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. WoodstockConcertSeries.com

Local’s Night — First Friday of each month, 6:00-9:00pm, The Reeves House, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group

Second Thursday of each month, 11:00am1:00pm, Little River United Methodist Church, 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. 615-293-1670.

Community Yoga

Classes — Mondays, 10:00-11:00am, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

10

TRopical Night at the Oasis

Enjoy a night of swimming, games, and family fun at the outdoor Oasis Water Park. The aquatic center is excited to partner with Therapeutic Recreation to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. 5:007:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

June Is — National Camping, Candy, Country Cooking, Dairy, Great Outdoors, Iced Tea, PTSD Awareness, and Soul Food Month as well as Audiobook, Care for Your Grandparents, Guitars on the Beach, International Mud, and Pride Month.

12 Georgia Flames Golf Tournament

This four-person scramble tourney benefits the Georgia Flames Girls Travel Basketball Team. Door prizes, longest drive, and closest to the pin contests. Breakfast and coffee provided by Giggle Monsters and Woodstock Coffee Company. Lunch also included. $125 per golfer. 7:30am check in and 9:00am shotgun start, Towne Lake Hills Golf Club, 1003 Towne Lake Hills East, Woodstock. 779-883-8493. Golf2Grow.com/ georgia-flames-basketball

15 Coffee With a Cop — Join the men and women of the Woodstock Police Department for coffee. This is an opportunity for the public to ask questions, have casual conversations, and meet the officers serving the community. 8:30-10:00am, Circle of Friends Cafe, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov/police

15 Family Fun Night

14

The Lasting Laugh — Enjoy this hybrid comedy series that brings in two different Atlanta-based comedians monthly, hosted by Jessica It’s All Good. Tickets $10-$14, recommended for ages 12+ (content). 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

10

LunchIN’ — This quarterly boxed lunch event includes an interactive learning discussion with an expert in small business subject matters. RSVP to this event is required due to limited seating.

11:30am-12:30pm, Chattahoochee Technical College (board room), 8371 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org

14 Intro to White Water Kayaking for Veterans

Visit downtown Woodstock for an array of themed, family-focused activities! Grab dinner and explore Woodstock with the kiddos. 5:00-8:00pm, downtown Woodstock. VisitWoodstockGa.com

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11

Screen on the Green: Sonic 2 — Bring the family to enjoy a FREE screening of this popular kids’ movie. 3:00pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 111 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

Unwind Wednesdays — Last Wednesday of each month (April-October), 5:30-8:30pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Highway 20 E, Canton. 770-501-8002. PlayCherokee.org

Woodstock Farm Fresh Market

Saturdays, 4/22-12/30, 8:30am12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. VisitWoodstockGa.com

Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — First Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/ Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

Team River Runner Atlanta hosts FREE pool sessions for introduction to white water kayaking, paddle strokes, and roll practice. Gear is provided if needed. 7:309:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Canton. 706-974-4832. TeamRiverRunner.org

Marine Corps League Detachment

1311 Meeting — Third Saturday of each month, 9:30am, Semper Fi Bar & Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 561-213-5699. Harry123130@gmail.com

MilVet Meetup — First Monday of each month, 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. MilVetCommunity.com

American Legion Post 316 South Cherokee County Meeting — Third Thursday of each month, 7:00pm, William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 706-726-2754. ALPost316ga.org

5th Annual Golfing FORE! the Children — Once you check in for this event, you will enjoy breakfast, grab your goodie bag, and purchase mulligans and raffle tickets before hitting the links. Lunch is provided in the clubhouse after you finish. $130 per golfer or $500 for a foursome. Proceeds benefit Cherokee County children. 7:30am registration and 9:00am shotgun start, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. ServiceLeague.net

16 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10. All proceeds benefit local seniors and senior veterans. 11:30am1:00pm, Wickshire Canton, 125 Riverstone Terrace, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

16

Art on the Spot

In under 3 hours, local artists create a piece of art on the spot that is raffled off at the end of the night. 6:009:00pm, the Reeves House, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

LIBRARY EVENTS

LIBRARY EVENTS Calendar

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

ROSE CREEK

4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-591-1491

WOODSTOCK

7735 Main Street, Woodstock 770-926-5859

BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY

June 14, 3:00pm, Rose Creek

Learn about the ecosystem in your backyard and how to keep it thriving from Cherokee County Master Gardeners. This program is for adults.

DADDY & ME ART NIGHT

June 15, 5:00pm, Woodstock

Bring your dad to celebrate Father’s Day a little early by painting together. All supplies will be provided. Make sure to wear old clothes or an apron. This is recommended for ages

6+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

ADAM BOEHMER, JUGGLER EXTRAORDINAIRE!

June 16, 3:30pm, Woodstock

Be amazed by the skills of this talented juggler. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

GET A CLUE — ADULT

DINNER DETECTIVES

June 22, 5:30pm, Rose Creek

Enjoy a night of intrigue, thrill, and mystery. This program is for adults. Registration is required.

SELF-CARE NIGHT

June 22, 5:30pm, Woodstock

Create affirmation jars and bath salts, journal for mindfulness, and learn how to take care of yourself at home. Supplies will be provided. All adults welcome. Registration is required.

FAIRY GARDEN PARTY

June 28, 11:00am, Woodstock

Enjoy snacks, crafts, and have fun at this Fairy Garden Party!

All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

continued from page 7

16-7/2 Ordinary Days

This musical tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect, as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs. Tickets $18$23. 7:30pm or 2:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. WoodstockArts.org

17 Lantern Series: Laila Biali

17

AMPED in the Park With One Life Fitness — This FREE monthly fitness series is presented by Woodstock Parks & Recreation and a monthly community partner. All workouts are fitness friendly (meaning you don’t have to be super fit to participate). 9:00am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

17

Discovering Gold Panning

Enjoy a historical and functional introduction to panning for gold. Participants will pan in the authorized gold creeks of Cherokee County; $5 registration required. 10:00am, William G. Long Senior Center Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

This multi-award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City’s Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts

Event Green, 111 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

23 Cherokee County Bruins Semi-Pro Football Team Golf Tournament

This four-person scramble includes great door prizes, a silent auction, longest drive, and closest to the pin contests. Breakfast and lunch included. $110 per golfer.

7:30am check in and 9:00am shotgun start, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. 770-883-8493. Golf2Grow.com/cherokee-county-bruins

25 Screen on the Green: Soul

Bring the family to enjoy a FREE screening of this popular kids’ movie.

3:00pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 111 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

30 Jazz Night

Under the Stars

17

Dad ROCKS! — This spring offering of the ROCKS! celebrates Father’s Day by painting river rocks for pa, daddy, pater-familius, or the old man to distribute throughout the city. FREE, but registration is required. 11:30am, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, 103 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

17 Storytime Live! With Ariel

Bring the kids for a story with Ariel, photos, and other activities. FREE! 11:00am, The Park at City Center (gazebo), 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

Sway to some live jazz music and unwind for the weekend while snacking on a charcuterie board with a glass of wine in hand.

6:00-9:00pm, The Reeves House, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org

JULY

July 4th Spectacular! — The City of Woodstock invites you to celebrate our nation’s birth with a day full of fun. Enjoy a traditional parade, festival, 5/10K Freedom Run, and fireworks. 7:15am Freedom Run, 10:00am parade, 11:00am festival, and fireworks at dusk. Please visit the website for locations and maps. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com, WoodstockFreedomRun.com

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Community

Cherokee County School District Announcements

Two Class of 2023 Seniors Win National Merit Special Scholarships

Nandita Bipin of River Ridge HS has been selected as a winner of the Truist Scholarship, sponsored by Truist Financial Corporation. Rhiannon Crisante of Cherokee HS has been selected as a winner of the ADP Henry Taub Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by ADP Foundation. They are among the 800 distinguished high school seniors nationwide to win special scholarship awards financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.

Selection is made based on review of academic records and college entrance exam scores, leadership and service in school and the community, and personal essays and letters of recommendation. Other factors also may apply such as a winner’s parent being employed with the corporation, living in the corporation’s service area, or planned pursuit of a specific career or college major.

Woodstock HS Announces New Girls Head Basketball Coach

Woodstock HS Girls Basketball Program is excited to welcome its new head coach, Tiffany Leak. Coach Leak will begin her teaching and coaching responsibilities at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. She will be teaching math at WHS.

Coach Leak earned her Bachelor of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia and holds a Master of Arts in Education in Special Education as well as her specialist degree. She comes to WHS from Paulding County HS where she has been the girls head basketball coach and served as an assistant coach for flag football and volleyball since 2020.

CCSD Earns National Grant for STEM Learning

The district is one of only 10 school systems nationwide to earn the 2023 Make a Change grant from the national Argument Driven Inquiry educational organization. The $75,000 grant will fund “Future Ready Graduates: Elementary Integration with ADI,” an expansion of CCSD’s successful argument driven inquiry program (ADI), already in place for grades 6-12, into elementary schools to further enhance science and math instruction. The research-based instructional model increases students’ math and science knowledge while also developing their writing, presentation, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

The grant will be used to fund training and materials for fourth- and fifth-grade math and science teachers to begin using the ADI instructional model. Six CCSD elementary schools currently are piloting the ADI model, and the grant will fund bringing the program to all elementary schools.

~~~~~~~~~ School District, Superintendent Named National Award Finalists ~~~~~~~~~

For a third time, CCSD has been named a national finalist for the Varsity Brands’ Spirit of St. Jude recognition. Only two finalists were named from nominees nationwide. The Spirit of St. Jude award, named for the children’s research hospital, honors schools and school districts that engage the majority of their students in fundraising for the charity, which is a major recipient of Varsity Brands’ philanthropy.

As a Varsity Brands “Team Up” for St. Jude school district, the CCSD community has raised $350,000 since 2016 to support the hospital. Woodstock HS earned the Spirit of St. Jude Award in 2022.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower has been named a finalist for the 2023 Most Spirited Superintendent Award, which honors leaders for exemplary commitment to “elevating and improving the student experience.” He is one of only seven superintendents nationwide selected as a

finalist. It is the second time Dr. Hightower has made the finalist list for the national honor, having previously been recognized in 2020.

Award winners in both categories will be announced this month.

Coach Tiffany Leak

Nandita Bipin

Rhiannon Crisante

River Ridge HS Student Wins National Writing Award

Baileigh J. Borna earned First Class honors in the prestigious 2023 National Council of Teachers of English Writing’s Achievement Awards in Writing Program contest, which is a school-based writing program that was established in 1957 to encourage writing and to recognize the nation’s outstanding young writers. Entries are scored by a panel of independent judges on expression of ideas, language use, and unique perspective and voice. Borna is one of only 114 students nationwide to earn the top honor of First Class.

Borna’s award-winning entry was about education and the United Nations address by Malala Yousafzai in which she shared the now famous quote: “Let us pick up our books and our pens; they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first.” You can read her entry at CherokeeK12.net.

20th Annual Kentucky Derby Day

History Cherokee’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Kentucky Derby Day, was a galloping success! The event, held on May 6 at the Mill on Etowah, allowed attendees to gather and cheer on the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby while supporting the mission of History Cherokee.

From the big hats that were atop the ladies’ heads during the Hat Parade and Contest to the bold bourbons available for tasting, and the fun pony pull competition, History Cherokee successfully raised more than $55,000 to aide in supporting educational programming and historic preservation efforts throughout Cherokee County.

Baileigh J. Borna

Community

5th Annual Cherokee Student Film Festival Celebrates High School Filmmakers

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), in partnership with the Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) Audio/Video Technology and Film (AVTF) educators, announced the winners of the 5th annual Cherokee Student Film Festival as part of a live screening and awards presentation held at Sequoyah HS's Skip Pope Stadium. Student films were screened on the Jumbotron, as more than 200 audience members cheered on a record 25 groups of student filmmakers from across the county. With strict parameters designed to simulate production requirements, 13 groups of students met criteria for judging. Qualifying submissions were judged by regional postsecondary film instructors Dr. James Hamilton (University of Georgia), Steven Hames (Berry College), Meredith Muse (Chattahoochee Technical College), along with Brent LambertZaffino (Peaberry Film Festival founder), Richard Tavernaro (Cobb International Film Festival director), Justin Webb (media producer), and retired CNN Control Room Director Mark Hylback.

Awards were issued based on the judges’ total scores in the following categories: Best Cinematography, Best Sound Quality, Best Use of Prop, Best Use of Line, and Best of Show. Festival attendees were able to cast votes in the Audience Choice category.

And the Winners Are:

“I'm not a Psychopath” — Best of Show, Best Use of Prop, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Quality, Best Use of Line, and Audience Choice Award

Created by Sequoyah HS’s (L-R) Noah Popp, Justin Clark, Lauren Turnage, and Ava Roberts

(L-R) Aaron Childers (film educator, Cherokee HS), Molly Mercer (COED Film Project manager), Linda Yunker (film educator, Etowah HS), Brad Mann (film educator, Sequoyah HS), Ashley Pruitt (film educator, Creekview HS), and Jeff Wagner (film educator, Woodstock HS). Not pictured: James Dinsmoor (film educator, River Ridge HS)

“The First Day of Spring” — Runner up Best of Show and Best Use of Line

Created by Creekview HS’s Logan Carr, Jackson Estapa, and Chloe Feibus

“Bound” — 3rd place Best of Show

Created by Etowah HS’s Sophia Berry, Marissa Migneco, and Kaili Phillips

“Growing Older” — Audience Choice Award

Created by Sequoyah HS’s Aidan Murphy and Kayla Murphy

“The Movie” — Audience Choice Award

Created by Cherokee HS’s Mackenzie Glover, Daniel Reilly, Hunter Schwartz, and Hunter Tadin

To learn more about film in Cherokee and to view the 2023 Cherokee Student Film Festival winning entries, visit CherokeeGa.org/film-media.

Help MUST Ministries Feed Thousands of Children This Summer

“Few things are as gripping as thousands of hungry children right here in our area. We must help,” said MUST Ministries President and CEO Dr. Ike Reighard. “The children are counting on us. As a community, we can’t let them go hungry.”

For many children living in poverty, the free and reduced meals received during the school year are the only meals available to them. For 28 years, MUST Ministries has helped to fill the hunger gap in June and July through its Summer Lunch program. Last year, the program provided more than 6,370 children with 544,450 meals in just nine weeks. The goal is to serve just as many children this year, if not more. The program feeds children in eight counties: Bartow,

Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Fulton (north and south), Gwinnett, Paulding, and Pickens.

“Our supporters and volunteers make this critical program possible,” said Reighard. “The number of children we serve continues to grow each summer, particularly in this post-pandemic environment when poverty rates have skyrocketed.”

Specifically, children will receive five breakfasts and five lunches, plus drinks and snacks. The most significant pieces of the Kids’ Kits are the entrees.

Items needed can be found at MustMinistries.org/summer-lunch. There is also an Amazon Wish List

at Amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ FVDS0A574YBD?returnFromLogin=1. Please deliver or ship your items to MUST Donation Center, 1280 Field Parkway, Marietta, GA 30066, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am5:00pm. Please label your donation “MUST Summer Lunch.”

AvoidingFamily Feuds

By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] Some people think Senior Services offers legal advice, but that is far from the truth. We normally refer someone to an attorney or Georgia Legal Aid. I’ve taken many calls inquiring about wills, probate, powers of attorney, and advance directives.

However, I’ve heard some horrible stories about people feuding over inheritances that have broken families apart. My own family had issues regarding property. In the late 1800s, my Great Grandfather Morris owned more than 2,000 acres in central Georgia. He had eight children, one of whom was my grandfather. When my great grandfather died, all his land was divided among his children. As far as I know, there was no feuding among the siblings. But because the Morris family was so land rich, others in the community were bitter.

During one incident in the early 1900s, a man boasted that he would kill every Morris man he encountered. News of this spread quickly. My grandfather’s oldest brother, Smith, decided to take care of the problem. He challenged the man to a duel. When the two met up, my Uncle Smith shot and killed the other man with witnesses at the scene.

My grandmother didn’t speak to her baby sister for the last 50 years of her life due to a dispute over property that my grandmother had simply asked about. Her sister said she never wanted to talk to her again, so they didn’t.

About five years before my grandmother died, she put an ad on the radio for a free dog. She got a call from a lady, whom she spoke with for an hour. When she told the lady where she could pick up the dog, the caller abruptly hung up. It was her sister who called about the dog, not knowing who she was calling.

There are many stories I could share about the property and the hardships it caused. My best advice is for seniors to have their wills and other legal documents drawn up to clearly state how they want things divided as well as their personal wishes regarding health matters. Please contact your preferred elder care attorney for advice and assistance. 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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From the outset, HVAC Bee has been “different by design.” Locally owned and operated, the company puts clients and employees before profits. Determined to deliver high quality installations, maintenance, and repairs, HVAC Bee’s founders – Lisa, Mark, and Adam Stasevich – aim to ensure that each homeowner feels special, and employees know they are the company’s most valued asset.

“If you’re not willing to put the client first,” said Mark, “are you truly going to be a successful company in the end?”

Five-Star Service

Because HVAC Bee’s founders recognize that replacing an air or heating system is one of the largest investments homeowners face, the entire team is committed to making sure each customer receives five-star rated service. This includes offering preventative maintenance, repairing problems, installing new systems, delivering consistent temperatures throughout the home, and improving indoor air quality (IAQ).

"We saw an unfulfilled niche in Cherokee County. Much of what our five-star reviews say about HVAC Bee is what I would consider the minimum standard for any contractor. Fair pricing, showing up on time as promised, quality repair or installation, leaving a clean workspace — these are the basics that homeowners deserve, and our team is committed to delivering," said Lisa.

Since team members are instrumental in achieving 100% customer satisfaction, it is imperative that they feel valued. To make that a reality, HVAC Bee employees either own a stake in the company or share in its success through the annual profit-sharing program.

“Each employee has a vested interest in how well the company does,” explained Mark. “That helps ensure each works diligently to deliver the best possible service to all of our clients. What’s good for our employees is even better for our clients.”

This formula for success has earned HVAC Bee an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and customers who consistently award the company five-star ratings.

“If we don’t do a good job, it will show up in our reviews, and our entire team is committed to remaining a five-star Google rated company,” Adam said.

Owners Mark and Lisa Stasevich

By Ellen Samsell Salas

A Top-Notch Team

Cementing the company’s reputation as the top HVAC service provider in Cherokee County is its cohesive team that consists of Lisa serving as chief executive officer and her husband Mark as chief operations officer for operational logistics and process improvements. Their son Adam, the chief marketing officer, is instrumental in overseeing marketing activities and implementing measurements for customer satisfaction.

The Stasevich family is backed by EPA certified technicians who have years of experience in service repair and installation. Through HVAC Bee’s unique model, employees like Sean Bowling, install department head, and Jacob McCall, service department head, own a stake in the company. Working with their technicians, Bowling and McCall are responsible for maintaining the high quality of work that the company backs through its 10-year warranty.

“Our department heads have done thousands of jobs. There is nothing they haven’t seen,” said Adam. “They make certain our techs adhere to top industry standards for our clients. We don’t have to worry. We know they will always do right by our homeowners.”

Frequently delivering same-day and emergency seven-day service, department heads and technicians step up for whatever is needed. During last December’s cold snap, everyone shifted into high gear — Mark provided phone solutions while team members sacrificed Christmas with their families to ensure their clients stayed warm.

“Our team does the job so meticulously and cleanly, any potential problems are avoided. At the end of the job, we review our work with the homeowner, making certain everything is functioning properly, and the client is completely satisfied prior to collecting payment,” said Mark.

And, to ease clients’ financial burden, HVAC Bee offers reasonable financing options for replacement services.

Giving Back

Invested in the Cherokee community they call home, Mark, Lisa, Adam, and HVAC Bee’s team of professionals exemplify the commitment to “treating people the way you would want to be treated.” They have helped local kids earn scholarships while also supporting the effort to save our honeybee population.

Focused on client satisfaction, valuing their employees, and delivering the full gamut of expert service, the HVAC Bee team is different by design.

“We all take pride in what we do. We trust our employees to do the job right and to satisfy our clients’ highest expectations,” Lisa said.

Jacob McCall

Sean Bowling

Adam Stasevich

Mayor’s Message

Honoring Volunteers

By Mayor Michael Caldwell

Overthe last two months during City Council meetings, I had the opportunity to honor several Boy Scouts from Troop 625 and Girl Scouts from Troop 14665 for earning the illustrious President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).

Established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the PVSA was created to recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. Over the years, this remarkable award has honored countless Americans of all ages, shining a light on the selfless acts of service that truly embody the spirit of Woodstock and our great nation.

These young Scouts, through their hard work and commitment to making Woodstock a better place, exemplify the values we hold dear as a community. It is through their tireless efforts, and those of countless other volunteers, that our city continues to thrive and grow. The importance of volunteerism in shaping the health and well-being of a community cannot be overstated.

Volunteers play a vital role in building strong communities by fostering connections, offering support, and promoting civic engagement. In Woodstock, we are fortunate to have a diverse range of volunteer opportunities that cater to different interests, passions, and skill sets. From working with local arts nonprofits and supporting our senior citizens to beautifying our parks and organizing community events, every act of service, big or small, contributes to the greater good.

The impact of volunteerism is not limited to the direct benefits it provides to the individuals and organizations served. It creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the initial act of service, influencing so many others in the community. By witnessing the selflessness and dedication of our local volunteers, we inspire others to become more involved.

For the scouts of Troops 625 and 14665, earning the PVSA is not only a testament to their individual achievements, but also an affirmation of the values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance they’ve developed along the way. These young individuals have chosen to invest their time and energy in bettering the lives of others, and in doing so, they have set a powerful example for their peers and future generations.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of these young volunteers, let us also take a moment to appreciate the countless others who give their time, skills, and passion to serve our community. Woodstock is a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to lifting each other up. It is through the spirit of volunteerism that we ensure our city remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all who call Woodstock home.

Michael Caldwell is the mayor of the City of Woodstock. 678-523-8570. WoodstockGa.gov

FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CENTERS

FYZICAL Aims To Stop America From Falling

Besides offering some of the most advanced physical therapy in the area, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers are continuing their mission, along with other FYZICAL locations across the country, “to stop America from falling.”

The business, originally known as SOAR Physical Therapy, provides orthopedic and sports medicine therapies. FYZICAL regularly partners with other health care providers and schools to provide treatment to athletes when physical therapy is needed. Since transforming into the first FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in north metro Atlanta in 2016, the company has been dedicated to becoming one of the nation’s leaders in balance and vestibular rehabilitation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S., making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. FYZICAL’s owners, Dr. Burt Stevens, PT, and Brian Stevens, MHA, believe they have the answers to begin changing these statistics.

“We have worked hard to assemble a dedicated team of FYZICAL therapists and support staff to be able to deliver exceptional care and service to our community. We are so proud and thankful for our staff and their commitment to our mission and vision,” says Brian.

In April, FYZICAL opened a new location in the Towne Lake area, which makes for a total of three FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Woodstock and one in Marietta, all owned by Dr. Burt and Brian.

protocols for treating patients with balance deficits is unique,” Brian says.

Is falling an inevitable part of aging?

“Having a fall does not have to become a part of life, as we age,” says Dr. Burt. “Falls can be prevented. Whether you are an individual worried about your parents or grandparents, a primary care physician or neurologist looking for a resource for these patients, or anyone in health care who treats clients with balance deficits, please know that we have the technology and training to make a difference.”

Hickory Flat 6884 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 30188 770-704-8244

Towne Lake 4477 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 678-880-9597

Other than how its name

is

spelled, what sets FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers apart from other therapy clinics?

“We can argue about whether our team of therapists and support staff are better than others but can confidently say our technology and the training FYZICAL offers exclusively to its therapists are above all others. Combining this with FYZICAL’s proprietary

“We have all seen the unfortunate decline where individuals become less independent,” Dr. Burt continues. “They begin using a cane, then a walker, and then are moved into assisted living. This timeline does not have to become everyone’s life story. Help us prevent these life changing events. Help us keep people safe and independent. We have the knowledge and technology to teach people how to move freely and safely with confidence, so they can live the lives they desire. Help us stop America from falling.”

Please visit the website for additional locations around the Atlanta area and in other states. Most insurance plans will cover these services.

Trickum 3342 Trickum Road, Suite D Woodstock, GA 30188 678-401-5772

Marietta 709 Canton Road NE, Suite 120 Marietta, GA 30060 770-792-7522

Fyzical.com

PINNACLE ORTHOPAEDICS

Proud To Be the Official Sports Medicine Provider for KSU Athletics

Pinnacle Orthopaedics has been around a long time, and so has Kennesaw State University. KSU has steadily grown in every way, including its participation in athletics, and Pinnacle has been with the school every step of the way. The university has 18 NCAA Division I sports programs, and Pinnacle is involved in all of them.

Pinnacle’s doctors are on the sidelines for every football game, home and away, and every home basketball, lacrosse, and soccer game. Its physicians are on the fields and courts and attend meets and matches. Pinnacle doctors were courtside at this year’s NCAA basketball tournament as well as on the sidelines when KSU’s football team won two Big South Championships.

The official team physicians are Jessica Bilotta, MD; Nicolas Bonnaig, MD; Brandon Burris, MD; and Michael Kuczmanski, MD. However, all of Pinnacle’s doctors are available to treat students and to be on the sidelines of any event.

Pinnacle doctors work closely with KSU athletic trainers in a designated training room on campus. These physicians are very active in the treatment of any sports injury as well as the prevention of even worse damage, and they follow every guideline to make sure each athlete is safe to play. Providing all student athletes with sports physicals and any other necessary medical evaluations to ensure they’re in top shape for their upcoming sports seasons is a big part of the practice’s involvement.

Pinnacle treats all acute sports injuries as well as damage that is caused by overuse. Acute sports injuries are those that are caused by sudden trauma. Some common acute injuries may include contusions (bruising), fractures, sprains, and strains.

The sports medicine specialist team at Pinnacle are all Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons and are Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine. They cover many other schools, clubs and programs including 4 area high schools.

Pinnacle Orthopaedics has 16 physicians with a wide range of specialties including arthroscopic surgery; total joint replacement; surgery of the foot, hand, or spine; fracture care; pain management; traumatic injury treatment; limb lengthening and deformity repair; and treatment of work- or sports-related injuries. The practice also offers MRIs as well as physical and occupational therapies.

There is an onsite Ambulatory Surgery Center in the Woodstock location for all types of outpatient orthopaedic procedures (including total knee and hip surgery), certain outpatient spine procedures, and all orthopaedic sports-related injuries. The practice has five offices throughout the northwest Atlanta area including two in Cherokee County.

720 Transit Avenue, Suite 202 Canton, GA 30114

770-345-5717

1505 Stone Bridge Parkway, Suite 200 Woodstock, GA 30189 770-926-9112

Pinnacle-Ortho.com

Dr. Jessica Bilotta

Dr. Nicolas Bonnaig

Dr. Brandon Burris Dr. Michael Kuczmanski

“Pinnacle is pleased to help take care of the amazing student athletes and ensure they are able to perform at the top of their game,” says Dr. Brandon Burris.

ANDERSON DENTAL

Dr. Steven Anderson opened Anderson Dental in November 2005 in Woodstock/East Cobb’s Claremore Lake Professional Park. After working for other dental practices, he decided to build a state-of-the-art professional building and open his dental practice on the top floor.

Dr. Anderson earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He also graduated with honors from the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology as well as Community Dentistry and Public Health.

“Dentistry is a second career for me,” says Dr. Anderson. “I was an executive in computer science and did a couple successful start-up companies, but that career required a lot of traveling, and I was tired of that. My family was starting to grow, too, and I wanted to be home to be a father and watch my boys grow.”

Anderson Dental is committed to comprehensive and quality patient care. Dr. Anderson says, “We focus on our patients and their needs and wants. Our patients are very important to us. We do not treat patients like a number or rush through treatment. We want to know each patient, and we demonstrate that by spending time to do quality work.”

“It takes time to diagnose a patient’s dental problem correctly and even more time to do quality dentistry; otherwise, things get missed,” he continues.

At Anderson Dental, you can expect to receive comprehensive, quality dental care, which includes a complete oral health examination, accurate diagnosis, and thorough treatment explanation for every patient. Dr. Anderson takes time with each of his patients. Using modern diagnostics and training, he is dedicated to knowing and treating diseases that affect patients’ oral health.

Anderson Dental features a modern, well-equipped office and an experienced staff. The practice provides some of the latest state-of-the-art equipment in a comfortable, clean, and spacious environment. The staff at Anderson Dental has decades of experience in dentistry.

“I am absolutely committed to surrounding myself with a highly experienced, caring staff to assist me in everyday patient

care,” Dr. Anderson says. “I want each patient’s experience to be smooth and pleasant from start to finish.”

Anderson Dental will begin seeing patients at age 1. This allows the child to become acclimated early and arms parents with valuable knowledge to help prevent the most common dental disease in the world: tooth decay.

Other services that Anderson Dental offers include custom-fit mouth guards to adequately protect teeth and oral soft tissue for athletes who participate in contact sports; implant dentistry, which completely replaces a missing tooth; wisdom teeth extractions; and aligner orthodontics (clear braces), which allows patients to straighten teeth without metal brackets.

Dr. Steven Anderson

Check-In Desk and Patient Waiting Area

Patient Exam Room

House Bill 19, Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

The Georgia General Assembly is tasked with the Constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget each legislative session. The FY 2024 Budget accounts for roughly $32.4 billion, funding all of Georgia’s agencies. Specifically, this year’s budget focused heavily on increasing funding for mental health needs and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A total of 500 NOW and COMP Waivers were added to the budget, and $117 million was appropriated to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development.

In reference to education, the FY 2024 Budget fully funds the HOPE Scholarship at both the public and private levels. The budget also appropriates substantial funding to combat the concern of hoteling Georgia’s foster children as well as aides childcare institutions to ensure they continue to receive federal funding. In addition, state employees, officers, and educational specialists will receive a cost of living adjustment.

2023 Legislative Session Recap

By State Senator John Albers

TheGeorgia General Assembly closed out the 2023 Legislative Session on Sine Die. It was a very productive session. The Senate passed a substantial number of bills that will continue to uphold Georgia’s standard as the No. 1 state in the nation to not only do business but to also live, work, and raise a family.

Here are some of the notable bills that passed:

House Bill 188, “Mariam’s Law”

This legislation increases prison sentences for certain sexual offenses and requires repeat offenders to wear a device capable of tracking, among other requirements. The need for “Mariam’s Law” arose after the 2019 Supreme Court decision in the United States vs. Haymond, and the murder of 27-year-old Mariam Abdulrab in 2021. After coming home from work, Mariam was kidnapped from her own doorstep then murdered. The alleged murderer, who is awaiting trial, has multiple prior sexual felonies. HB188 passed with bipartisan support and awaits Gov. Kemp’s signature to be enacted into law.

Senate Bill 11, “Georgia Fights Terrorism Act”

This bill would allow the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to work independently or coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to aggressively investigate and arrest those involved in domestic, nuclear, chemical, biological, or cyber terrorism. This bill will protect hardworking, self-sacrificing law enforcement officers. SB11 passed with bipartisan support and now awaits approval by Gov. Kemp.

Senate Resolution 275, the

Creation of the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce

The study committee will examine its current practices, pilot programs, and public-private partnerships and initiatives regarding workforce development across Georgia. Developing a modern and experienced workforce as well as a flexible labor market is important. This measure passed with bipartisan support, and I look forward to working alongside my Senate colleagues to bolster Georgia’s economy and expand our workforce.

This legislative session was tremendously successful. The majority caucus maintained its goals on strengthening opportunity and innovation in Georgia’s economy, cultivating an educated workforce, and creating safer communities. I look forward to continuing our hard work through Senate Study Committees to maintain Georgia’s status as the best state in which to live, work, and raise a family.

John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of Woodstock. 404-463-8055. SenatorAlbers.com. John.Albers@Senate.Ga.gov

Book Review

BY JULIE SENGER

Fun Summer Reading

Thekids are out of school, and the first official day of summer is June 21. Summertime reading is one of life’s great pleasures! Adults can be found poolside, at the beach, in the park, or on airplanes headed to their vacation destinations reading everything from nonfiction self-help books to lighthearted romance novels. Students on summer break can finally enjoy the luxury of choosing their own reading material instead of worrying about completing class reading assignments. If you or your child are looking for some book suggestions, check out these two options, both written by Cherokee County authors.

Learning By Living: A Collection of Poems, by Zafira Hudani, covers topics such as nature, people, God and spirituality, holidays, and life lessons. Those who are intimidated by the thought of reliving their experiences in past high school or college literature classes, trying to decipher epic-long prose poems, dense language, complex rhyme schemes, or stanzas full of complicated literary devices need not fret. Hudani’s poems are very accessible, straightforward, short musings based on her personal experiences, which she hopes will inspire readers to take a closer look at their surroundings and see things from a fresh perspective.

Walter, by Sara V. Robinson, is a children’s book based on a true story about a dog that experiences his very own coming-of-age story after jumping over the backyard fence of the only home he has ever known, getting lost, and eventually ending up at the pound. Will Walter ever find his forever home? You’ll need to read the book to find out. This bilingual edition contains both an English and Spanish version of the story. Animal advocates of all ages will appreciate how the author explores the issues of pet abandonment and responsible pet ownership.

Parking With a Purpose

By Pastor Andy Rogers

[InGoodFaith] Is it possible for a parking space to have a purpose greater than simply a convenient place to leave your car while shopping or dining in downtown Woodstock? The answer is a resounding yes. The Way Woodstock church’s campus is in the heart of the city and conveniently located near restaurants, shops, and outdoor gathering areas. Many employees of local businesses park on our campus to free curbside parking for patrons. We welcome people parking on our campus, as we seek to be a partner in the community and support the city.

Despite our desire to be open and welcoming, we often find cars and trucks parking on the lawn and blocking exits, creating safety concerns for anyone accessing our campus. This has led to a conundrum as to how do we maintain safety and ensure spaces are available for those coming to church-sponsored activities on campus, while also supporting the ongoing needs for additional parking within the city?

The answer to this multifaceted challenge has been to partner with a parking service during peak seasons. While there is a charge to park on our campus, The Way does not financially benefit, rather 100% of the proceeds are directed to our local mission partners. Partners such as Never Alone Food Pantry, The Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County, Hope Center, and Cherokee Family Violence Center. In other words, when you choose to pay to park on our campus, you are parking with a purpose.

This is a win-win-win in many ways. We help the city with additional parking needs and reserve spots for those coming onto campus for church-sponsored activities while improving safety for all who access our parking lot. In doing so, we enable those who park on our campus to further the missional impact of The Way, which is committed to “Sharing In Hope, Living With Purpose, For the Sake of Others.”

Next time you are in downtown Woodstock and cannot find a public parking spot, know you are welcome to pay to park on our campus and make a difference to those in need in the community. L

Andy Rogers is lead pastor at The Way Woodstock, 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-516-0371. TheWayWoodstock.com

By Holly Cummings

Inthe late 1950s, going to Grandma’s house was a real treat for my younger brother and me. She welcomed us with open arms, always, but we went for our own selfish reasons, as only kids will do. She would make large batches of peanut brittle every year for the holidays. She stored them in holiday tins, telling no one where she hid them. We kids would try to find those tins on our visits and hadn’t succeeded so far.

However, one Pentecostal Sunday, Grandma was having a tea party with her church ladies when we stumbled upon something in the attic! That particular Sunday, we were playing quietly, going through old trunks and boxes, listening to the loud chatter below. It was great fun prowling around finding old hats, photos, dresses, magazines, and anything western.

My brother had on his cowboy hat and was shooting pretend pistols at me or other things he picked as targets. Aiming at me, he tripped over an old, stained linen tablecloth. It was wadded up with some boxes in the corner. My brother tugged at the cloth, revealing three holiday tins. WOW! We found the peanut brittle! Smiles lit up our faces.

Quickly, my brother opened one tin, emitting a sweet aroma. We looked at the wax paper linings, seeing golden pieces peeking out. Licking our lips, we grabbed the tasty chunks to pop into our mouths. With gusto, we chewed the heavenly candy, as it melted on our tongues. We dove in for more when my brother slipped on a loose floor tile. He moved it back in place only to find an old stovepipe hole in the floor. In the semidarkness, the light from below filled our eyes, as we looked down. To our surprise, there sat Grandma

in her living room. My brother and I looked at each other in wonderment. We leaned in and listened for a few moments but lost interest, for it wasn’t a world we knew. We wanted more candy!

Reaching for more peanut brittle, something fell on my brother. In a knee-jerk reaction, he flung it at me, causing a large dust cloud to cover me. I sneezed twice and found something on the floor at my feet. There lay Grandma’s old, faded whalebone corset with pink rosettes, garters, and dozens of hooks and eyes. My grandma was from the Victorian era, and this was her uniform for dressing daily. I remember hugging her, feeling those stiff stays at her waist. She always wore one up to her late 60s until she gave it up for her job at a doctor’s office. She wanted comfort and flexibility.

Repulsed, in a split second, my brother grabbed the corset and stuffed it down the hole! We both watched in slow motion as it glided down to Grandma’s lap. Flustered then embarrassed, holding her unmentionable, Grandma looked up, as we ducked back. We clamped our mouths shut trying not to laugh. Suddenly, all the ladies went quiet; teacups hushed. Then, tittering to themselves, the ladies quietly left. The next sound was, “Get down here NOW!”

Cautiously, we peeked around the doorway, looking down seeing Grandpa at the bottom of the stairs with his hands on his hips glaring up at us. We were in trouble. Our grandpa chewed tobacco, so with stained lips and teeth, wagging his finger near our noses, we suffered some spittle and scolding words. We had embarrassed Grandma! In the end, he confided he was going to tell our father what had happened. OH, NOT HIM! We were doomed.

Slowly, we made our way home, for we lived next door. We had no time to make up a story or find an escape route. When we entered the house, our mother said, “Go sit in the living room.” So, we waited for the dreaded car to come up the driveway.

Dad, shouldering his golf clubs, would enter the house heading for the kitchen. Mom usually made a special dinner on Sundays. When Dad got the story, he called, “Kids come here.” Sweating with pounding hearts, we walked slowly into the kitchen to face the inevitable scene.

Dad was at the table, smoking a cigarette. He was blowing little smoke rings while our mother mashed potatoes at the kitchen sink. Astonishingly, Dad began laughing loudly then chuckling over the whole affair. My brother and I looked at each other in disbelief. “What is this?” Dad still laughing some more said, “Go outside and play until time to eat.” We scrambled to the door, wondering what had just happened. At supper, Mom and Dad just smiled at each other and didn’t say a word about our stunt.

As a matter of fact, Grandma became quite popular for a while in her ladies’ group but was a good sport about all of it. Our father enjoyed a little joke on his mother and made sure our story came up, to our chagrin, at future holiday meals. A week later, Grandpa sealed up the hole in the ceiling. He bought a black and white television, the first in the family, and that became our new pastime. No more candy hunts ever again.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SHARED SHORT STORIES WITH US!

We received an entertaining assortment of thoughtful, well written submissions that covered a variety of topics, and we appreciated reading each one. We truly enjoyed “visiting” the succinct worlds you created, which inspired us to feel a wide array of emotions.

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Tracy Edge Hume Following Her Instincts and Letting Beauty Emerge

Tracy Edge Hume’s love of creating took flight when a high school teacher introduced her to the world of art. It was this teacher’s guidance that changed her life and inspired her to go to art school, where she developed her passion for sculpting, printmaking, and mixed media. Often sketching throughout the day and working from midnight to early morning, Hume is also dedicated to teaching and guiding developing artists.

Hume’s first love is carving soapstone. Because it is soft, she never knows what each stone will reveal. Veins created by animals, dirt, or leaves might present challenges.

“Sometimes I have a vision, but the stone tells me where it wants to go,” she said. “That’s why I love it so much — it’s going to do what it wants to do. If I see veins, I need to work with the veins.”

Hume begins sculpting using a wood chisel. Challenged by nerve damage, she sometimes uses an air compressor to generate the force needed to make large adjustments or rotary tools to create fine details. Whether working only with hand tools or using some power tools, Hume creates sculptures with graceful curves and intricate lines. No longer blocks of stone, her sculptures flow effortlessly, and

their gleaming surfaces make the pieces tactile as well as visual experiences.

Although printmaking demands thinking in reverse, Hume said it is also freeing because it allows her to experiment with types of paper, layers of color and other materials, and sometimes multiple pulls. Hume’s prints become complex mixed media canvases with fluent lines, multihued palettes, and rich textures that interplay and complement each other.

When printing from a sheet of glass, Hume first applies a solid layer of paint to it. While it is still wet, she uses cardboard, straws, coffee stirrers — anything she comes across — to create visual interest including lines of varying sizes and diverse textures, movement, and energy. Sometimes, she applies pieces of torn paper or adds airy effects by moving the paint with an air compressor. She then lays a sheet of paper on the paint and applies pressure with her hand or a brayer before pulling the paper to reveal the image. Occasionally, she repeats the process, adding colors, strokes, and textures.

When the canvas dries, she enhances the image, using color or wax pencils, ink, pastels, charcoal, or even coffee grounds.

“I always like to bring elements and principles of design together in a pleasing manner. But, for me, it is all about the process,” Hume said. “The process represents the struggles and rewards in life. I never know what might work, so I keep adding and deleting until it all comes together in a manner that will intrigue the viewer.”

To view more of Hume’s work, visit TracyEdgeHume.com or follow her on Instagram @thsoapstone.

Photo courtesy of Joey M. Hume