Contents
October 2020
VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 3
20-21 On the Cover
Vincent Financial Group
26-27 High School Band
Beyond the Halftime Lights
30-31
[20-21]
Rootstock and The Daily Draft
36-37 Artist Profile
Preston Goodson
[36-37]
[26-27] [30-31] Follow Us >>>
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Family Life Publications
Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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familylifepublications
.......................... Perspective .............................. Calendar ................... Senator Speaks .................... Community Life ................. Woodstock Notes ........................ Public Safety ........................ Book Review ............................ Quotables .............. Holly Springs Notes ............... Community Partner .................... Ribbon Cuttings @FamilyLifeMags
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Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Publisher’s Perspective
Now, I get it — there’s a pandemic, there’s an election, and there’s social disruption. If you’ve spent time with me, you’ve heard me say, “Well, there’s that!” in response to something obvious. So, to hopefully add some perspective, I found a long quote from C.S. Lewis that was written at the start of the Atomic Age and made this “Mad Lib.” Fill in the blanks as you wish: “We think a great deal too much of the __________. ‘How are we to live in a/an (noun) __________ age?’ I am tempted to reply, ‘Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth (adjective)
century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking Age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and __________ your __________ (verb) (noun) any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of _________,… (noun) an age of terrorism, an age of addiction, an age of motor accidents.’ “In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to __________ (noun) …and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways….It is perfectly ridiculous to go about __________ and drawing long faces because __________ has/have (verb) (noun) added one more chance of a __________ and premature death to a world which already (adjective) bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty. “This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be _________ by a/an _________, let that _________ when (verb) (noun) (noun) it comes find us doing sensible and human things — praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, _________,…chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of (activity) _________ — not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about _________. (noun) (noun) They may break our bodies…but they need not dominate our minds.”
ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Stacy Brown, Mike Carswell, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, David E. Harrison, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Scott Lavelle, Tim Morris, Jeremy Morton, Jessica Oravec, Ellen Samsell Salas, Brian Seng, Anna Teal, Bruce Thompson, Shannon Wallace, Peter Wrobel, Ferdinand Yates
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
Also available online at
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 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 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. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Woodstock 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. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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© 2020 All rights reserved.
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We’ve all made it around the sun a few times now, and I might add, at a very high rate of speed while spinning. Let’s now make this the age of caring, appreciating, and praying for each other. We all need more prayer and understanding. Be safe out there.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun
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It is October now, and along with the cooler weather, colorful fall foliage, and pumpkin spice, there does seem to be a lot of fear in the air. Many of my friends know that not much really bothers me, and I’m fairly laid back — but dang. It is unsettling to see so many affected by so much in such a small span of our time here on this rock.
EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com
M AG A ZI
N
BOO!
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com
PLE
Well, There’s That!
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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Calendar Due to recent public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details and safety precautions before attending.
OCTOBER
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Touch-a-Truck — Let your children put their imaginations in gear and go! Kids will have the opportunity to climb aboard and get behind the wheel of their favorite vehicles, learn from their operators, and meet some hometown heroes. 10:00am-2:00pm (9:30-10:00am is quiet time for those with sensitive ears), Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-9247768. PlayCherokee.org
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Art on the Green — Local artists from around north Georgia will gather on the Event Green to display paintings, mixed media, photography, handcrafted jewelry, and eccentric gifts. Take advantage of this perfect opportunity to go outside, enjoy the early autumn weather, and pick up special, one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays. 1:00-6:00pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
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Mars Opposition — A planet is said to be in opposition when Earth lies directly between it and the Sun. As the planet sits in the opposite part of the sky to the Sun, it’s positioned closest to Earth for its current apparition (period of visibility). On this date, Mars will appear larger than usual, making it an optimal time for observation. This phenomenon only occurs every 2 years and 2 months (or to be precise, every 779.94 days).
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Cabaret on the Green — Take in musical theatre and more under the stars. The cast of Elm Street’s future production of Dogfight the Musical will be featured. Tickets $5-46; recommended for ages 13+ (language, content). 7:30pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
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5th Annual Woodstock Public Safety Charity Golf Tournament Tee off for a good cause! One hundred percent of the proceeds will fund several Woodstock first responder and community outreach programs including Shop With a Hero, police and fire department first responder assistance, police explorer unit, police auxiliary and reserve volunteer units, and Citizens Public Safety Academy classes. 8:00-9:15am registration
and 9:30am shot gun start/best ball play, The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm, 3030 Bradshaw Club Drive, Woodstock. BPage@ woodstockga.gov, Wdstk.ga/tournament
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Gathering of Friends Charity Golf Tournament — This tournament was founded in 2014 by Garry Harley as an opportunity for friends to gather, enjoy a friendly game of golf, and raise money to benefit the American Cancer Society. 8:00am, Towne Lake Hills Golf Course, 1003 Towne Lake Hills East, Woodstock. Facebook.com/gatheringoffriendsga
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Canton River Rock — Bring the whole family to enjoy a FREE concert featuring Absolute Queen with Beyond the Yellow Brick Road (Elton John tribute) as the opening act.
ONGOING OCTOBER IS FAMILY HISTORY MONTH Visit websites and organizations that can help you trace your genealogy. Talk to older relatives and document the stories they tell. Take time this month to create a family tree and celebrate your ancestors.
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
Woodstock Scarecrow Invasion We’re being invaded! By scarecrows, that is. When you drive down Main Street this month, you will be welcomed by dozens and dozens of scarecrows lining the way. Main Street, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov
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6:00pm (opening act) and 8:00pm (headlining act), Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-720-7674. Facebook.com/pg/ cityofcanton/events
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Sammy Rae & The Friends: The Lantern Series An eight-piece group encompassing horn players, a rhythm section, and background singers, Sammy Rae & The Friends forms a musical community with their infectious energy and catchy original songs. Together, this group makes swoony, euphoric jazz-rock, pitched somewhere between Lake Street Dive and Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, with Sammy Rae’s soulful vocals at center stage. Tickets $15-260; recommended for all ages. 7:30pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
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Comedy of Errors In Shakespeare’s zaniest comedy, two sets of twins separated at birth find themselves in the same city on the same day, which leads to a string of mistaken identities, over-thetop slapstick, and false accusations — all set in New Orleans during Halloween. Tickets: $5-46; recommended for all ages. 7:00pm, Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
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Etowah River Cleanup Give back to the community by helping to clean up Etowah River. Volunteers are advised to wear old shoes and clothes and bring heavy work gloves (if you have them). CCWSA will provide breakfast and coffee in the morning and individually wrapped snacks and water during the cleanup. Participants will receive full neck buffs this year instead of T-shirts. Please sign up in advance by emailing Lori. Forrester@ccwsa.com. The date is subject to change if conditions are considered unsafe for any reason. COVID-19 precautions will be followed. 9:00am12:00pm, Upper Etowah River Alliance office, 180 McClure Street, Canton. 770-479-1813 x246. CCWSA.com
at the LIVE event. The virtual version can be completed wherever runners choose. Funds raised will benefit the programs of Cherokee FOCUS. The event is also part of the Black Bag Race Series. Please register in advance; there will be NO WALK UP REGISTRATIONS. Please check the website for event time(s), Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-345-5483. GeorgiaZombieFest.com
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Free CPR/AED Certification Class — This fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-4066657. HFVA.org/Class-Registration.php
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Georgia Zombie Fest LIVE and Virtual 5K Walk, Run, Creep, or Crawl — For the LIVE version, participants will run through zombie invested woods. COVID-19 rules will apply
The Great Pumpkin Fest Delight in Cherokee Recreation & Park’s very own FREE fall festival, featuring a DJ, craft vendors, lots of food, and a hayride. Bring your own pumpkin to launch from a trebuchet, and wear your Halloween costume, so you can trick-or-treat at the on-site vendor booths. 10:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Each Saturday through December 19, visit Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market. Vendors are required to grow at least 85% of the product they sell to ensure this is the best market in the region. 8:30am12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com/farm-fresh-market
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Senator Speaks
VALUE THROUGH
Another’s Eyes By State Senator Bruce Thompson
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ach day, we are faced with making decisions and choices that impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Sometimes, these choices are mundane and innocuous, but other times, they are quite challenging and can easily be destructive. Often, the poor choices we make cause us to question our value to society or our ability to be a contributor, but God’s word provides us with an abundance of examples of redemption from the worst of mistakes. Most have read or at least heard of the courageous story about Moses parting the Red Sea with his staff, so the grumbling Israelites could escape recapture or being killed by the Egyptians. But have you ever wondered what thoughts went through Moses’ mind when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? “Are you kidding me, Lord? Have you forgotten what I have done?” was likely his reaction. Before Moses’ name ascended to the top of the best sellers list, he lived in the desert for 40 years dealing with the regret and shame of killing an Egyptian man. Fortunately, the Lord had bigger plans for him than to live out his life in seclusion.
We read in Exodus that the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush and gave him instructions to rescue the Israelites, but Moses was afraid because his past and his poor decisions caused him to feel inadequate. “Please, anyone but me,” he begged while questioning if he was worthy of the Lord’s request and arguing that his stutter would prevent the Israelites from listening to him. Many times in life, the hardest forgiveness to achieve is from yourself, but God’s word tells us he will fight for us if only we will be still. But sitting still is difficult for many. Lifeguards know to be extremely cautious when attempting to save people from drowning because victims often refuse to respond to their instruction to relax, so they can be pulled to safety. Running from our past mistakes only creates bondage and discouragement, which prevents us from enjoying the life and destiny that was planned for us. We will never be good enough or make all the right choices in life, but understanding that God’s love, forgiveness, and grace extends far beyond all understanding should be sufficient enough for us to forgive ourselves.
Bruce Thompson represents District 14, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT Vein Treatments AND Compression By Peter Wrobel, M.D. [HealthyLife] For some people, varicose veins and spider veins (a common, mild variation of varicose veins) are simply a cosmetic concern. For others, varicose veins can be painful and uncomfortable. Spider veins and advancing disease of varicose veins can be dark purple or blue and may appear twisted and bulging, often like cords on your legs. Painful signs and symptoms may include an achy or heavy feeling in your legs; burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in your lower legs; or itching around one or more of your veins. You may also see skin discoloration or experience worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time. Treatment of spider and varicose veins involves self-care measures and/or procedures by your doctor to close off the incompetent vessels. Treatment is not what it used to be — certainly not like vein stripping that required hospitalization. Today, all procedures are performed in the office with no downtime. Once a vein is closed, the physician prescribes medical-grade compression stockings to be worn after each procedure. Patients who consistently use compression garments after procedures experience less pain and bruising and return to peak physical functionality more quickly. While studies suggest that compression stockings can improve some symptoms of varicose veins, little evidence supports the idea that stockings alone will eliminate them. If you frequently suffer from leg pain or heavy, tired, and unpleasant-feeling legs, and if the symptoms do not disappear when you elevate the legs in the evening or after a good sleep, you should see a vein specialist to see if a more progressed state of venous disease might be the cause of your problems. Most vein treatments are fully covered by your insurance (including Medicare). Don’t put it off any longer. Get your legs in shape and get your life back. L Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Dr. Peter Wrobel is a physician at North Georgia Vein & Wellness, with offices in Canton and Cumming. 678-513-1600. NorthGeorgiaVein.com
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Community
Empower Cherokee Needs Your Help
CCSD School Nutrition Meals Free to All Students
Due to COVID-19, Empower Cherokee has postponed all public events, including its gala. This nonprofit organization, which assists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, needs funding for the following:
Cherokee County School District (CCSD) families are receiving a new form of economic stimulus: free meals.
Serving Thanksgiving dinner to Empower Cherokee participants (120 people). Total needed: $2,500. Campus beautification. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, churches that typically do service projects have not been available, and Empower Cherokee courtyards need mulch and weeding. Total needed: $1,500. Annual live or virtual Christmas party for Empower Cherokee participants. Food will be provided regardless of which option. A gift card to an area business ($20-$25) is given to each participant. Total needed: $4,000 (combined cash and gift cards).
The USDA funding is retroactive to Sept. 1, 2020, and all meals charged since then will be credited back to student accounts. If an unpaid balance for meals was incurred, that balance will be waived. School Nutrition will charge fees for second helpings and extras like chips and cookies.
Any help is appreciated. For more information about Empower Cherokee, please visit EmpowerCherokee.org.
Lisa-Marie Haygood Earns Certified Association Executive Credential American Society of Association Executives announced that Lisa-Marie Haygood, executive director of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF), earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, which is the highest professional credential in the association industry.
Through December 31, 2020 (end date depends upon funding), CCSD School Nutrition will not charge fees to students for breakfast or lunch. No forms or income eligibility requirements are necessary for this federally funded temporary relief program.
Free meals are available to in-person students and Digital Learning students who order a week of to-go meals. Free meals are available to students at high schools with hybrid schedules for both in-person days and at-home days if to-go meals are ordered in advance. Children who are not yet school age who come with their parent/caregiver to the Digital Learning meal pick-up are also eligible to receive to-go meals. “We’re grateful for this federal support to provide relief to families who need a helping hand during this challenging time to ensure their children are fed,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower.
To be designated as a CAE, the applicant must have experience with nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics. Haygood has served as CCEF’s executive director since 2017 and has a long history of advocating for excellence in public schools throughout Georgia.
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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Community CCSD Speech Language Pathologist Named to National Board The American Speech-LanguageHearing Association selected Cherokee County School District Lead Speech Language Pathologist Dr. Patti Howard to serve on its Clinical Specialty Certification Board, a prestigious national appointment.
Dancing with the Stars Contestant Raises Funds and Awareness for Cherokee’s Special Olympics Dance Team Louis Van Amstel, a three-time World Dance Champion and recurring star of Dancing with the Stars, visited Woodstock to help raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Dance in Cherokee County. As part of Van Amstel’s efforts to make dance an official sport, he created LaBlast Special Olympics Dance Teams. “LaBlast” is the name of Van Amstel’s world-renowned dance fitness program. Van Amstel recently held LaBlast open classes with Cherokee County resident Laura Mikszan, 2020 LaBlast Instructor of the Year, to help implement a pilot program in Georgia. “Dance is such a powerful way to unify people across age, fitness level, and ability. LaBlast especially gives these special populations the freedom and accessibility to express their creativity and enhance their sense of well-being,” said Mikszan.
According to the Association, Certification Board members are responsible for setting standards for professional clinical certification for speech-language pathologists and audiologists as well as for clinical specialty certification programs and recognition programs for support personnel.
Goshen Valley Awarded Inaugural Chris Conti Memorial Grant Goshen Valley Boys Ranch recently received the Chris Conti Memorial Grant, which honors the late cofounder of Innovative Fitness. The grant will provide the new Goshen Valley fitness space with cardio, strength, and functional training equipment. “The gym renovation will allow our boys and staff to focus on healthy outlets. For staff, this work can be taxing and sometimes leads to people not caring for themselves well. This gym will provide a convenient way for house parents and staff to maintain their personal health and well-being while still making a difference in the lives of our boys,” said Stacy Cooper of Goshen Valley.
OCT
Those With October or November Birthdays Encouraged To Renew Tags Early If you’re celebrating a birthday this month or next, Cherokee Tax Commissioner Sonya Little encourages you to renew your tags early – or use online or kiosk options. Parking may be limited since early voting is scheduled at the Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration office, which recently moved to the Canton tax office campus. In addition, property tax bills and payments are due this fall.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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“October and November are busy months at our office, and we want our customers to know ahead of time to expect parking limitations during this time,” Little said. “We have online options and convenient kiosk locations at Kroger in Hickory Flat and Towne Lake.” For more information, visit CherokeeGa.com/tax-commissioners/ office.
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Community Cherokee County Educational Foundation Awards $56K in Grants The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) kicked off the new school year by presenting teachers and support staff with $56,000 in grants. Since its 2012 formation, CCEF has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to support Cherokee County School District (CCSD) teachers, programs, and schools. “The Cherokee County Educational Foundation makes teachers’ dream projects a reality, and we’re incredibly grateful for the Foundation board, executive director, volunteers, sponsors, and donors who make its fundraising successful,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. The Foundation also supports initiatives including credit recovery scholarships for high school students, STEM learning, and the Teacher of the Year recognition program. These funds are raised through events as well as direct donations, which can be made online at CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org.
Nine CCSD Graduates Earn Business Association Scholarships
CCSD Superintendent Presents Game Changer Award Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower recently presented the first of four annual Game Changer Awards, which recognize excellence in instruction. The Game Changer award for Instructional Support was awarded posthumously to the late Dr. Rouel Belleza and was accepted by his wife, Ellie. Dr. Belleza passed away in November after a two-year battle with gastric cancer. He served as CCSD’s first supervisor of student services in the Office of School Operations and, in this role, laid the groundwork for a future Virtual Academy program. He was also the architect of the CCSD’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative. “Rouel recognized early on that, while our primary mission is teaching and learning, effective instruction can’t happen if we neglect the mental health and well-being of our students and staff,” Dr. Hightower said. “His work has saved the lives of at-risk students, and that’s a legacy that will live on for generations.” 12
Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
The Towne Lake Business Association awarded $500 scholarships to students from high schools in its membership area. Students were honored for success in Entrepreneurial, Leadership, and Work Based Learning. The honorees are: Etowah HS Rachel Hugenberg - Entrepreneurial Jenna Doran - Leadership Melissa Alvarenga - Work Based Learning River Ridge HS Madison Todle - Entrepreneurial Dylan Gallien - Leadership Eleyna Gonzalez - Work Based Learning Woodstock HS Andrew Mune - Entrepreneurial Vincent Palmese - Leadership DJ Henderson Jr. - Work Based Learning
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Community Woodstock Is Being Invaded — By Scarecrows, That Is The Scarecrow Invasion is back! As you walk down Main Street, dozens of scarecrows will greet you. Be sure to stop by the Woodstock Visitors Center to vote for your favorites. Proceeds benefit INSeason’s work to beautify downtown Woodstock. For your safety, signage encourages everyone to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and maintain adequate social distance. For more information, call the Woodstock Visitors Center at 770-924-0406 or email KBennett@woodstockga.gov.
The Power of
Gratitude By Pastor Jeremy Morton
Psychology. It was talking about the power of gratitude, what being thankful and having a grateful heart can do for your soul. It is evidence that even science and academia affirm to us what Paul says in Philippians 4. First, the article said that people who express gratitude don’t get physically sick as often as others. There’s evidence that it strengthens your immune system and helps you sleep well.
[InGoodFaith] In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I was recently reading about an article from the Journal of Personality and Social Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
The article went on to explain that gratitude has emotional benefits. When you’re thankful, it leads to more positive emotions. People who are grateful experience more happiness, more joy. When they aren’t dwelling on their problems, they’re naturally in a better mood. Not only is gratitude good for you physically and emotionally, it’s good for you socially. Thankful people are more willing to forgive others. They behave in a more outgoing manner; they feel
Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration Office Has Relocated Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration relocated to the tax office campus in Canton. The facility (2782 Marietta Highway, Suite 100) accommodates 780 voting machines, received earlier this year. The new office is in the same building as the Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s office and is equipped with a 24-hour ballot drop box near the entrance. For more information, contact Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration at 770-479-0407 or visit Voter.CherokeeGa.com.
less lonely/isolated. They’re also more generous and willing to help others. So here it is, in a scientific article! When we’re more thankful, we focus less on our problems and more on the power of God to lift our burdens and intervene when we most need it. There’s a benefit physically, emotionally, and socially. Now, do we need science to tell us this? No, Paul told us this 2,000 years ago. So, of course you will come across problems and issues in your life. I’m not saying life is easy, but I am saying this: the problems we face today are no problem for God. God, who was faithful in the past, is faithful today, and in that, we can rejoice. L
Jeremy Morton is the lead pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock. 770-926-4428. FBCW.org
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Dental Traumas and Emergencies By Steven Anderson, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] Dental trauma and emergencies can be pretty scary, so understanding which circumstances command our immediate attention will benefit you, and perhaps calm your fears, so you can take the necessary steps to have the problem fixed. When a 15-year-old patient was caught off guard and struck in the jaw by a school bully, he had to undergo jaw surgery and endure two months of jaw fixation therapy that resulted in him having to eat through a straw during that time. The knocked-out tooth was temporarily replaced, and a dental implant followed in a couple years when his facial structure reached maturity. Dental emergencies can be anything from severe trauma to an annoying toothache. However, most are not life threatening, and immediate and effective treatment is usually rendered by a doctor in a local dental office environment.
If an adult tooth is knocked out, do your best to find the tooth. Do not wash or rinse the tooth off. Store the tooth in saliva (carefully in the cheek) or in milk. Water is not ideal, but it is better than transporting the tooth dry. If you are comfortable orienting the tooth correctly back in place (and the tooth does not have foreign debris on it), you can reposition it back in the mouth. If there are no urgent/ life-threatening conditions, call your dentist immediately. Repositioning the tooth back in the mouth is most successful if done within the first hour after trauma. Abscessed teeth usually cause the most pain and facial swelling. Severe facial swelling can be life threatening, so it is prudent to see your dentist immediately. Although pain is often associated with dental conditions, the pain alone is not life threatening. An immediate exam by a dentist is necessary. Antibiotics are only effective in treating and reducing
the visible facial swelling, not the pain associated with an infected or abscessed tooth. You should never take antibiotics if they are not prescribed specifically for you. Antibiotics can be detrimental when taken unnecessarily. Pain medicine, such as Tylenol or Motrin, is usually the best shortterm remedy. Remember, an abscessed tooth requires immediate treatment from a dentist to avoid future pain and/or a lifethreatening facial infection. Thankfully, most dental “emergencies” can be avoided. Seeing your dentist regularly will go a long way toward preventing painful problems. After all, it’s your mouth, and dentistry really is “all about you.” L
Dr. Steven Anderson practices cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry at Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Suite 200, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson.com
“Dental emergencies can be anything from severe trauma to an annoying toothache.”
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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Woodstock Notes
Planning for a Better C
By Stacy Brown
hange is constant and affects all cities, towns, suburbs, counties, and rural areas. Community development and city planners help manage this change. Through effective planning, residents are involved in decisions that determine the shared vision of their neighborhoods, and both public officials and citizens understand, support, and demand excellence as community designs are developed and implemented. October is National Community Planning Month in the U.S. Throughout this month, the American Planning Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, highlight the contributions that sound planning and design implementation make to the quality of our neighborhoods and environment. This month also gives the City of Woodstock the opportunity to publicly recognize the participation and dedication of the members of its Planning Commission and its city planners who have contributed their time and expertise to the improvement of our community.
Senior City Planner Katie O’Connor (AICP), City Planner Niwana Ray, and Process Planner Dakota Carruthers
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
WOODSTOCK
Planning can be summed up as comprehensive, community-focused choices that enhance the spaces where people live, work, and play. From where we live, to how we commute, to the types of homes in which we reside, planning has a significant impact on our day-today lives and well-being. It helps create access and opportunity for all, and strategic investments in innovation and infrastructure can boost the economy and strengthen communities. City planners help create communities of lasting value by helping leverage public and private funds that lead to business growth, job creation, robust infrastructure, and economic resiliency. They balance the varied interests and viewpoints that emerge and consider what is best for the entire community — senior citizens, workers, children, people living with disabilities, business owners, and elected officials. How do they arrive at these community-wide decisions? Through conversations with residents and thoughtful, inclusive outreach to community stakeholders.
In order to work for the greater good, planners consult professionals from different fields such as public health, recreation, and engineering to make communities safer, stronger, healthier, and more just. Planning does not stop at a
geographic border. Communities are best served when a broader viewpoint is taken that encompasses regional and statewide perspectives. This is especially critical for infrastructure projects, which are most successful when designed on a regional scale. Taking a broader focus ensures the infrastructure system will benefit those well beyond the immediate location of the project. Planners have the unique expertise to address the impacts of today’s actions on tomorrow’s communities with a comprehensive big-picture perspective. They are uniquely positioned to evaluate how decisions about the built environment, including transportation networks, building location and scale, and parks and green space, impact communities. When guided and informed by good planning, these decisions make communities safer, more resilient, healthier, more prosperous, and more equitable. Learn more about Woodstock’s Community Planning efforts at WoodstockGa.gov or Facebook.com/woodstockplanning.
Stacy Brown is the marketing and communications manager for the City of Woodstock. 770-592-6056. WoodstockGa.gov
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SIX STEPS FOR
Perfect Everyday Curls By Jyl Craven
[Lifestyle] Pinterest and Instagram are full of pictures of people with gorgeous tousled curls. Loose waves are so trendy because they have a “perfectly undone” look about them. However, recreating the look can be difficult if you don’t know the insider tricks that only hairstylists know. Check out the following steps to help you style perfect loose curls every day. 1. PREPARE— The first and arguably most important step for curling your hair is to prep your hair with the right products: • Primer With Heat Protectant – Be sure to choose a product that repairs very damaged hair fiber, is a heat protectant with 450 F thermo protection, loaded with essential nutrients, and has a soothing texture for itchy scalp. • Texture Spray – Use a product that offers a long-lasting, flexible hold that also provides an airy finish from midlengths to ends while increasing hair volume at the roots. • Hair Spray – Select an option that provides a flexible, long-lasting hold that is protective against heat, has a UV filter, and is humidity-resistant/anti-frizz. • Curling Wand – Options that have an extra long barrel for longer hair will make it easier to style the tresses around the back of your head. Also, look for a cooltouch grip for easy curling and variable heat settings for various hair types. 2. ADD PRIMER WITH HEAT PROTECTANT— Since you will be using heat on your hair, a heat protectant is the perfect line of defense for your locks while also repairing the damage that is already there. Use 1-2 pumps of the serum from midlength to ends of your hair. 3. SECTION YOUR HAIR— Use a clip to section off the top half of your hair. You will curl that part after you are finished with the bottom half. This helps you get fuller, more even curls while ensuring you don’t miss a strand. 4. CURLING TIME— Separate your hair into 1-inch strands and wrap them around the curling wand. Interchange wrapping your hair away from your face and towards your face with the top of the iron pointing downward. When wrapping a strand, leave the bottom inch of your hair out. After a few moments,
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
remove the hair from the curling wand and use your hand to hold the curl in place for a few seconds as it cools. This ensures a perfect curl. Once you are done curling the bottom half, take another section from the clipped part of your hair and repeat until all your hair is curled. 5. TEXTURIZE— Once your hair is curled, apply texture spray throughout your curls while using your fingers to separate your tresses to add volume. 6. SET AND GO!— Run your fingers through your hair to make sure the curls are loose and rest exactly how you want them to. Then, use hair spray to set the look, and you are ready to take on the day! L
Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
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17
Public Safety
OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH By District Attorney Shannon Wallace
L
ong ago, domestic violence was often dismissed as justifiable. Spousal abuse was a private family matter, hidden behind closed doors, and considered acceptable behavior that was of no concern to outsiders. By modern day standards, this is shocking to imagine. Today, there are laws to protect victims and punish abusers who are convicted of these crimes. In Cherokee County, intimate partner violence is carefully reviewed and investigated, and the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit handles these cases with great dedication and care. But more outreach is needed to educate concerned citizens on signs of abuse and how to help, as well as to encourage victims to hold their abusers accountable, stop the cycle of violence, and prevent domestic violence homicides. When most people think of domestic violence, they think of physical acts – punching, slapping, pushing – but this crime involves much more than that. The abuse typically starts with manipulation and control that gets worse over time, gradually increasing, so the victim is barely aware of how bad things have gotten. In addition to being physically assaulted, many victims are emotionally, psychologically, and financially abused.
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
WHEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TURNS DEADLY Few people are aware of how often strangulation is a factor in intimate partner violence. Georgia law defines strangulation as “impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck of such person or by obstructing the nose and mouth of such person.” Consider this: The force you use to open a soda can is less than the force required to strangle someone to death. It’s that deadly. Injuries left by these attacks might be invisible, even in victims who are taken to the brink of death. Some victims lose consciousness, suffer gaps in memory, report lightheadedness, headache, or sore throat. Strangulation can lead to hematomas, displaced laryngeal fractures, airway obstruction, stroke, blood clots, brain damage, other complications, and death. When law enforcement officers respond to a domestic violence call, they look for signs and symptoms of strangulation, take careful photos for evidence, and interview victims and witnesses to determine details about the assault. A victim who survives one attack is likely to be strangled again, and the next time might result in death. This is why strangulation is a felony in Georgia.1
WHERE TO GET HELP If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available. 1. Call 911 if in danger. 2. Call the Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-33-HAVEN (42836). 3. Contact Cherokee Family Violence Center for emergency shelter and transitional housing, CFVC.org. The District Attorney’s Office remains proactive in its response to these crimes. In addition to the Domestic Violence Unit, office members are active participants in the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force, which meets monthly. Through effective prosecution, we can help victims escape the cycle of violence, and we can ensure that this crime is never considered justifiable or acceptable. O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21 and O.C.G.A. § 16-5-19
1
Shannon Wallace is the district attorney for Cherokee County. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/ District-Attorneys-Office
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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC
HER LAST FLIGHT J aney Everett is a photojournalist who captured everything she could during WWII including a broken heart and a Pulitzer Prize for one of her photos. Determined to find her next big break, she sets out to discover what happened to Sam Mallory, a forgotten aviation pioneer. His plane and his remains are discovered in the desert sands of Spain, and Janey wants to tell his story.
To begin, Janey sets out after Irene Lindquist, a woman whom she believes is actually Sam’s old flying partner, Irene Foster, who disappeared years ago. She finds Irene in Hawaii, flying locals and tourists around the islands. There, Janey confronts Irene, who is finally ready to share her story. Told from the perspectives of both Janey and Irene, author Beatriz Williams’ Her Last Flight is a story of triumph and pain, daring and heartbreak, a story that shows that being a celebrity is not all it’s cracked up to be. In an interview, Williams shared her desire to tell the tale of a female aviator who vanished at the height of her career. But, since she is a writer of historical fiction, she didn’t want to tell the story of THE female aviator who vanished without a trace. So, Williams created the character of Irene Foster, who decided to disappear to avoid fame and take her shot at true love. Her Last Flight takes readers on a journey thousands of feet up in the air, as they feel the exhilaration and the fear of flight in the early days. Though it’s not the story of Amelia Earhart, Irene shares the same energy and determination and the same hopes, fears, and dreams. Join Irene and Sam, as they take on the world in their flying machine, and join Janey on her transformative journey, as she confronts her past and begins to see a way to the future.
Jessica Oravec lives in Cherokee County and is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a B.B.A. from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
19
COVER STORY By Ellen Samsell Salas
Build and Protect the Life You Want W
ith an office in the heart of Woodstock, Vincent Financial Group planted roots to help clients navigate the complexities of sound financial planning and withstand the inevitable challenges that come along. “We want Woodstock residents to experience peace and contentment. We want our clients positioned to retire when they are ready and live the lives
they desire. This year, COVID-19 set the economy on its head. In 2008, it was the recession,” said Aaron Vincent, founder of Vincent Financial Group. “It takes a holistic view, as well as actively managing and communicating with our clients, to help weather these storms and not be thrown off the course.”
Expertise Plus Personal Touch Pairing broad expertise with a personal approach is key to ensuring that any financial strategy serves each client’s individual needs. Vincent and business partner Matthew Decker focus on going beyond facts, figures, and complex strategies. “When we first meet with a client, we see that conversation as an opportunity to get to know them. Talking about money can be technical, but it is really talking about their
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
lives, values, and dreams that influence the path forward,” said Decker. “What sets us apart is that we recognize everyone is different. We don’t fit into one of five generic molds, and we know our clients don’t either. We want to make sure we’re a good fit for them and they for us.” “We don’t use an intimidating approach. We want our clients to fully understand and be comfortable with what we are suggesting,” continued Decker, who has spent years making educational materials readily available on YouTube.
Customized, Holistic Approach Together, Vincent and Decker offer a unique blend of wealth management and asset protection expertise, pooling their knowledge and years of experience, so that they can provide solutions most one-dimensional firms cannot. The firm
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offers investment management, income planning, tax management, etc., and focuses on providing the outcome the client needs and wants. “We complement each other. There are so many different and complex scenarios involved in sound financial planning,” said Vincent. “No one person can be an expert in all things. We offer more comprehensive service by combining our expertise. As a fiduciary, I’m responsible for giving my clients advice that best suits them, not just initially, but ongoing.” “Every portfolio is customized for that specific client. We don’t have a one-sizefits-all approach. We build each portfolio according to who the client is, what their goals are, when they want to retire, and what kind of income they will need. Then, we actively watch and manage our strategies for clients, communicating regularly to help them keep financial order in their lives.”
“We fell in love with Woodstock right away and knew this is where we wanted to be,” Vincent said. Now, with their three children, Ava, Ella, and Eli, they are part of the Woodstock fabric. They remain active in Jubilee Church and Revive as well as MUST Ministries, and Vincent serves on the Goshen Valley Community Council and is a board member of the Cherokee County Boys and Girls Club. He is also a member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and IN WDSTK organization. Decker, his wife, Kate, and their three sons, Vincent, Warren, and Marshall, are also active in the community and attend Woodstock City Church. people.’” And, with her encouragement, he launched Vincent Financial Group.
Hometown Commitment
Putting his clients first defines Vincent’s history in financial planning. Initially recruited into the financial services world as a wholesaler of financial products, he consulted with financial advisors to help them serve their clients.
Both Vincent and Decker have built not just a business but their lives in Woodstock and see Vincent Financial Group as a way of serving their neighbors. Arriving in Georgia in 2005, Vincent and his wife, Jessica, came to join friends in starting Jubilee Church.
“I had the chance to review thousands of plans. I observed that a huge portion of the advice served the adviser better than the client,” Vincent recalled. “I told my wife, ‘I’m in a dilemma. I can’t do this with a good conscience. I can do a better job for these
Vincent holds Series 7, Series 24, and Series 66 securities registrations as well as life and health insurance licenses. He and Decker were both slated to take the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam in July, but that exam was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “We love what we do. We get to help people grow and protect the life that they want. That’s even bigger than money and investments. Helping people get where they want to be – that’s our purpose.”
VINCENT FINANCIAL G R O U P 9200 Main Street, Suite 2A Woodstock, GA 30188
770-485-1876 Aaron@vincentplanning.com VincentPlanning.com *Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Vincent Financial Group are not affiliated.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
21
Tips for a More Remote Friendly Business By Scott Lavelle Sharing Is Caring SharePoint and ShareFile are excellent tools for collaboration with both clients and coworkers. SharePoint is owned by Microsoft and is great if you need multiple people working on the same document or spreadsheet. ShareFile, on the other hand, is great for industries that send confidential information, as it takes security a step further. This integrates with Outlook in Office 365 and is perfect for those who rely on internal and client information staying confidential.
[StrategicLife] In what seems to have been a blink of an eye, COVID-19 changed the way we live, interact, shop, eat, and especially how we work. It’s been a time of tribulation, but also a time of accomplishment, as people across the world are doing things they didn’t even know they could do with technology. While providing IT services to our surrounding business community, we have had an influx of questions about how companies can better accommodate remote employees. With years of experience related to setting up remoteworking environments, these are just a few of the things we recommend investing time, money, and knowledge in, so you’ll be prepared. Not Quite the Speed of Light Internet connection quality can make or break a workday. The bare minimum doesn’t cut it when it comes
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
to choosing your internet carrier and speed. Get the fastest speed you can afford from an available provider for your business, especially if you have multiple users, streaming media, or voice over IP (VoIP) phones. Though you can’t control internet speed, you should make sure your internet is above average, so employees can perform their tasks as efficiently as possible whether in office or at home. Your Network Needs a Mask, Too To operate remotely, you need to have the proper tools. For several of our clients, we have been able to set up remote access through software like ConnectWise Control. However, the ideal option is to have a firewall set up with VPN capabilities. A firewall provides better security for your business and offers remote access capabilities. We recommend firewalls to maintain day-to-day operations, not just for pandemics or emergencies.
But Don’t Share Too Much… For many industries, your office phone system is vital to your day-to-day operations, and living without this communication could cause some serious interruptions to your business. We recommend investing in a phone system like RingCentral that will seamlessly integrate with third-party systems and allow you to stay connected on the go without handing out your personal cell phone number. Whether you need audio conferencing, business SMS, or a mobile app, you will have just about everything you could need at your desktop and your fingertips. We’re all in this together, so make sure you have all the necessary systems in place to enable you to work from home when needed both now and in the future. L
Scott Lavelle, MCSE is the co-owner/ technical director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491. TechnicalRS.com
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OLDER ADULTS AND TV Why Classic Reruns Beat Watching the Nightly News By Tim Morris [Lifestyle] My family didn’t own a TV until the summer before I went into the sixth grade. Even then, we only had three channels. One of the channels showed reruns of Gilligan’s Island, which began airing in 1964, but had been off the air for several years by the time I watched it. But I almost decided not to try out for seventh grade football because I was afraid they would finally get off the island while I was at practice. There was no DVR to record anything back then. Looking back, I enjoyed those times. Maybe I was just naive to what was going on in the world, but I was just happy watching Gilligan’s Island. At the beginning of the pandemic, I watched the news a lot because I wanted to learn more about COVID-19, and the dangers it poses to people, especially older adults. But I started to feel like I was in the Twilight Zone (another great TV show) because I became confused about what to believe due to all the conflicting information that was being disseminated. Like most people, I just want to find a cure/vaccine and put this terrible virus behind us, so everyone can get back to living their lives. Senior Services has taken many calls from older adults who just need help. One recent call was from a lady who was worried about her mental state because she hadn’t been able to leave her house in so long. She just wanted someone to talk to her and tell her things were going to be OK. When I asked her if she watched TV, she said, “all the time, but the news depresses me.” I told her that if she had the channels to watch shows from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, she should try watching those old reruns instead of the news to see if that makes her feel better. She told me she felt better already. L
Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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23
“When
Quotables “Peacemaking
doesn’t mean passivity. It is the act of interrupting injustice without mirroring injustice, the act of disarming evil without destroying the evildoer, the act of finding a third way that is neither fight nor flight but the careful, arduous pursuit of reconciliation and justice.” -SHANE CLAIBORNE
“Optimist:
someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster; it’s more like a cha-cha.” -ROBERT BRAULT
“Don’t
date the life of the party. Date the person who makes sure the life of the party gets home safely.”
we are being criticized, we automatically listen defensively. This means that we automatically listen for the exaggerations, distortions, and inaccuracies rather than listening for the essence of what the hurt or angry party needs us to understand.” -HARRIET LERNER
-UNKNOWN
“There’s
no ‘right time’ in life. There is just time, and you get to choose what to do with it.” -RACHEL WOLCHIN
“People
say to me, ‘What are you going to be doing in five years?’ The thing is, I don’t care. It’s what I’m doing today that matters.” -SHAWN MENDES
“A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it’s built for.” -ALBERT EINSTEIN
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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The Difference T
By Anna Teal
hose who visit Southern ENT Specialists are used to premiere service with a smile. After more than 10 years serving north Georgia in a large group practice, Dr. James Courtney French founded Southern ENT Specialists to fulfill his dream of combining the most advanced care in ear, nose, and throat medicine with a healthy dose of southern hospitality.
“It’s a much less invasive option than traditional sinus surgery,” says Dr. French, whose exceptional skill and comfortable, easy bedside manner truly set him apart in the industry.
Southern ENT Specialists provides minimally invasive advanced solutions that are custom-tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The growing staff includes advanced practice providers, nurses, technicians, and support personnel. The practice has also recently added three new providers including an audiologist. Fans of Dr. French and his team will be pleased to know that the office is expanding to a new location in Woodstock to accommodate the growing patient network in that area.
• • • • • • •
COMMON TREATMENTS
HELPING THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS
The practice treats common conditions such as allergies, congestion, sinus issues, nasal drip, headaches, hearing loss, and ear fullness. Dr. French, who is a board-certified otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, especially enjoys treating patients with chronic sinus and allergy problems, nasal congestion, and snoring/sleep apnea. His exceptional patient care, gifted approach to medicine, and utilization of cutting-edge technology recently earned him many awards for top doctor for otolaryngology, including the Castle Connolly Award, GA Top Doctors, and Atlanta Magazine Top Doc for both 2019 and 2020.
Most are unaware that hearing loss can cause depression and early dementia. Treating this condition early can drastically improve quality of life as well as mental health. Karin Lockridge, M.S., CCC/A, FAAA audiologist with Southern ENT Specialists, conducts physical and audiometric testing to diagnose different types of hearing loss in which hearing aids may be a viable solution. With the impact of COVID-19 affecting so many families, Southern ENT Specialists is currently offering discounted pricing on state-of-the-art hearing aids through the end of the year.
“We promise to do our best to always treat our patients as we would want to be treated,” Dr. French states.
VISIT DR. FRENCH AND HIS TEAM
WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE?
Southern ENT Specialists takes great pride in tailoring each experience to an individual’s needs and thoroughly explaining nonsurgical and minimally invasive options. One example of these procedures for chronic sinus problems is balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure performed by an otolaryngologist that is used to treat blocked sinus passages. As a leader in the field, Dr. French has extensive experience in the procedure. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
In addition to balloon sinuplasty, Southern ENT Specialists also offers these advanced services: Allergy testing and treatments Clarifix and RhinAer treatments for chronic nasal drainage Vivaer nasal airway remodeling for chronic congestion Sinuva implants for chronic nasal polyps Audiology and hearing aids Botox and Juvederm injectable fillers Skin Medica skincare products
If you’re suffering from ear, nose, throat, or allergy issues, give Southern ENT Specialists a call to make an appointment. The practice takes all major insurances and offers competitive self-pay pricing as well. To view a complete list of services and to learn more about the team, please visit the website. 1816 Eagle Drive, Building 200, Suite B, Woodstock, GA 30189 460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 410, Canton, GA 30115 678-786-7430 | SouthernENTSpecialists.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
25
HIGH SCHOOL
BANDS The following feature article was written by David E. Harrison and submitted to Family Life magazines in January 2020 to be published in October. Sadly, David died unexpectedly on May 2, 2020. In his bio, which would normally appear at the end of the article, he noted, “David E. Harrison (semi-retired, full-time musician) has been a band, orchestra, and percussion teacher for 32 years; 20 years at Sequoyah High School. He was minister of music at Heritage Baptist Fellowship in Canton (20 years) and is in his 11th year at Reinhardt University. Mr. Harrison’s most important job is as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and he writes an occasional blog: ‘Life-According to Harry’ (HarryD-LifeAccordingToHarry. Blogspot.com).” David’s bio has been left in its unedited full form, so his family and the music community he loved can be reminded of how much they meant to him. From the staff at Family Life, we extend our deepest condolences to all who were lucky enough to know this beloved “Leader of the Band,” and we hope this feature article symbolically stands as a nonmusical portion of “Mr. Harrison’s Opus.”
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
Beyond the BY DAVID E. HARRISON
P
arents of students who are new to marching band are initially overwhelmed by the language, costs, and complexities of this musical world. They hear from the College Board and universities that learning to play instrumental music increases IQ, academic performance, and the ability to build relationships, teamwork, and leadership skills, but is it right for their child? In Cherokee and Fulton schools, thousands of students participate in band programs each year. Many directors adhere to the philosophy, “Don’t use kids to make music — use music to make kids.” This yearlong commitment often becomes a lifelong dedication for students who go on to teach and/or maintain music in their lives.
A Year in the Life… While those who are not familiar with high school band programs know them mostly for their football season halftime shows, the program is actually a yearround commitment. With AUGUST comes Saturday and after-school marching band rehearsals. The band director acts as the CEO/manager and is responsible for trying to maximize staff, student effort, parent expectations, and program goals within a manageable budget, which includes instrument replacement and new music. In SEPTEMBER, the director and students continue their efforts to improve the halftime show in preparation for competition. Planning and implementing the first step in recruitment for the next school year, which is eighth grade visitation night at a high school football game, also takes place.
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Halftime Lights The month of OCTOBER contains multiple performances at band competitions, football games, and parades, all while rehearsing for the indoor fall concert. Unless your team makes the playoffs, NOVEMBER wraps up football season, and DECEMBER brings the winter concert and all-state auditions.
JANUARY begins the new semester, and band directors settle into concert season. Directors also start talking to eighth grade students about registration and all the positive attributes of high school band while concurrently beginning a dialogue with their parents on curriculum night. It is important to emphasize that students can take band all four years and meet all requirements for graduation. In FEBRUARY, directors prepare for the LGPE (large group performance evaluation) and begin tutoring students for district and all-state honor bands. In addition to a regular daily class load, individual student preparation is done after school. Honor band members must add weekends to an already overloaded schedule.
APRIL brings spring break, and many programs go on trips to both reward current students and generate interest among incoming students. These trips often provide opportunities to perform at renowned places like Carnegie Hall, Orlando theme parks, or the U.S. Capitol. Directors may also schedule 1-2 weeks of fundamental marching band instruction for incoming students. MAY wraps up the school year with activities such as concerts and banquets. JUNE brings voluntary summer band rehearsals, and JULY starts with two weeks of band camp (12-14 hours per day), which leads into a new school year and another band season. While the band program is a never-ending, busy cycle, the truth is that it is a labor of love for most directors, especially at the end of a long and exhausting year when a student delivers a note that says how much he/she loved band and how it influenced not only high school, but also future job choices. Over the course of my career, I have heard from hundreds of students about the many lessons they learned from band (“On time is late� is #1). THAT is why we do it and why this program is so important.
MARCH finds directors busy polishing the final details for the LGPE. This evaluation is conducted by outside, trained evaluators and is considered the benchmark for band programs, as students are pushed to attain yearly goals while being challenged to achieve their highest skill levels. Music is graded based on its level of difficulty. While LGPE is going on, directors are also meeting with the marching band staff to select music and develop show concepts for the following fall. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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27
HollySpringsNotes
WHO IS
My Neighbor? By Chief Mike Carswell
“Who is my neighbor?” Many have asked themselves this question, but in today’s volatile setting, we may be asking it with the wrong motives. Do you remember the story of the good Samaritan? It started with a lawyer asking Jesus a question about life and being reminded to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Then, the lawyer asks a followup question: “Who is my neighbor?” Lawyers need to clarify, parse, and define with detail and precision under the law. Was it a trick question? I don’t think so. It seems he was looking for an answer to justify himself, but he got more than he bargained for when Jesus answered. The response redefined “neighbor” not in terms of race, religion, proximity, or status. Jesus made it much simpler. Your neighbor is whoever is in need. His response was of a man traveling on a dangerous road when he is attacked by bandits, robbed, and left in the ditch for dead. Two people pass by who should care for this man because of their position in the community, but they do not. Then, another person comes who should not care, but he does. The one who stopped to help was different than the injured man. His culture, skin color, religion, social status, and community were all different. The injured man
despised the helper’s culture and thought his “type” was unclean, but the “unclean” man stopped and poured medicine in the man’s injured places, bound up his wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his stay while he healed, promising to return later to check on him. Then, something happens that causes me to stop in my tracks and reflect. Jesus asks a follow-up question to the lawyer: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The lawyer replied, “The one who had mercy.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Who is my neighbor? Some seek to despise, separate, and segregate their community into groups, so that they can hand select with whom they will be neighborly. Permission to hate others will eventually leave us all in the ditch. Are we different? You bet. Imagine if everyone in America was the same — what a bore that would be. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are for everyone. Can we be different and still be neighbors? Of course. Today, you may be on the road. Tomorrow, you may be in the ditch. “Who is my neighbor?” seems like a trivial question now.
Look again at the question. Before this, my “neighbor” was the one in need. Now, the “neighbor” is the one who ACTED like a neighbor. Confliction? No, it is perfect. We all have been the injured man, and whether we recognized it or not, someone came along and helped us get back on our feet (often a person we least wanted to help us). And who are the encouragers, the healers, or the ones who stop to help? The ones who best remember when they were hurting and lying in the ditch. Both are my neighbor, and both have been me.
Mike Carswell is the chief of police for the City of Holly Springs. 3235 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton. 770-345-5537. HollySpringsGa.us/departments/police
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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Distinguishing Flu From COVID-19 By Ferdinand Yates, Jr., M.D., M.A.
[HealthyLife] Yes, another health care article about influenza (the flu). And this flu season already has a new dynamic — COVID-19. As you know, the symptoms of COVID-19 look a lot like influenza, and it will be difficult for health care practitioners to distinguish one disease from the other. Some of the common symptoms for both viruses are fever, aching muscles, headache, chills, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue. Some medical offices will offer rapid tests for one or both illnesses. The problem is that the tests are not always accurate and may be falsely negative if done too early in the course of the disease. It is also not always clear as to when testing for these viruses should be done. The causative agent for the flu changes every year, and this accounts for the
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
variability in protection offered by the flu shot. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend the flu shot every year, as it can offer substantial protection. Risk factors for the flu include age (young children and seniors being the most at risk), weakened immune system, chronic illness, pregnancy, and obesity. Also similar to COVID-19, anyone may be a carrier, which can be a substantial cause of illness and death among older adults as well as anyone with a long-term medical condition. Please get the flu shot early this year, especially because of the continued circulation of COVID-19. Medical science cannot predict the outcome of the interaction of these two illnesses, and the ease of contagion may pose a substantial medical challenge for both protection and treatment. Hopefully, there will also be a vaccination for COVID-19 soon.
Wearing a mask, social distancing, and practicing good personal hygiene are more important than ever for proper health care this year. L Source - MayoClinic.org
Dr. Yates is a pediatrician at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com
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29
Creating Memorable Dining Experiences
ROOTSTOCK and THE DAILY DRAFT By Anna Teal
I
t’s easy to enjoy a night out in the bustling downtown Woodstock area with its fabulous restaurant scene. But if you’re looking for an experience unlike any other, husband-and-wife-team Sean and Anna Daily have created just that with their two restaurants: Rootstock and The Daily Draft. Although very different in concept, both restaurants break the mold of traditional dining establishments while amplifying the art of experience.
MEET ROOTSTOCK Recently, Rootstock & Vine rebranded to simply, Rootstock. The rebranding clearly communicates that Rootstock is more than a global wine and gourmet tapas bar. They’ve now evolved into a social club of magnificent proportions.
Their repertoire includes an exclusive Whiskey and Bourbon Program with over 400 members, along with hosting special events. Sean and Anna revel in offering unique events for their guests. “We host monthly pairing dinners, celebrating the most prestigious names in whiskey and wine. To support our philosophy of giving back, we recently donated the proceeds of our monthly dinner to Angels Among Us, an organization we are deeply passionate about,” explains Anna. “We’ve watched friendships form over the love of wine and whiskey right before our eyes in our familystyle dinner setting.”
Rootstock photos courtesy of Rootstock & PhotoJack.net
DISCOVERING A NICHE Not long ago, Sean and Anna found themselves enthralled in the dream of creating the perfect date night space. Somewhere quiet, where they could escape the fast-paced world to enjoy a nice meal and fine wine without rushing. This profound desire birthed Rootstock & Vine.
“People can go anywhere to get a meal, but they come to us for an experience,” adds Sean. RAISING A GLASS TO GROWTH Their rebrand includes a two-story expansion to accommodate growing social spaces that contribute to the Rootstock experience. Renovations include a dedicated space for the Whiskey Club as well as a larger, full commercial kitchen with all the modern tools for additional gourmet food options. 8558 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 770-544-9009 RootstockNow.com
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
Owners Sean and Anna Daily
Upstairs, they plan to upgrade their intimate live music venue with extra seating, a stage, and a transitional space for entertaining all
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season long. The top floor will be enclosed with glass windows that open up to 270-degree views of the city, with doors that lead to the outdoor patio. “It’ll be a true convertible space for those wanting to enjoy melodic stories told by various local artists,” explains Sean. A NEW ADVENTURE Sean and Anna are not only professionals in providing the ultimate wine and whiskey experience, but also visionaries embarking on a new adventure – the perfect sports bar called The Daily Draft. The Daily Draft is a dream formed between two friends who saw a need in their community. “We had heard about the need for a sports bar downtown, but if we were going to commit, we were going to take the traditional sports bar to another level. We wanted to get away from the stigma of dark, boxlike layouts,” explains Sean. Sean and his business partner, Greg Cox, started designing a new concept, which included an intense focus on a light/airy environment and user-friendly technology.
MEET THE DAILY DRAFT Guests who frequent The Daily Draft are greeted with an open, family friendly environment where TVs are strategically placed, so you never miss a moment of your favorite game. Sports fans can watch the big game on a massive 12-foot by 12-foot main TV, while those loosely interested can enjoy one of four pool tables or a game of darts. “We provide a robust 58 beers on tap, a craft beer bar that features seasonal offerings, and a walk-up window that can be used to order adult juice boxes and food to-go,” says Sean. WHERE BEER, SPORTS, AND TECH COLLIDE The tagline, “Beer On-Demand,” doesn’t disappoint, with customers enjoying a self-serve bar where they pay by the ounce. Guests pay using a radio frequency identification (RFID) card they receive upon entry. If you’re a club level guest, you keep your own black card instead of handing it in to the host at the end of your visit. The Daily Draft even has its own app, which can be preloaded to eliminate the need for a tab. The app tracks your order information and links to the popular Untapped app where you can rate your beer experience.
And the tech doesn’t stop there. Quick response (QR) codes are now available for a hands-free option. You can pull up the entire menu, place your order, send it to the kitchen, and cash out once you’re done. Whether you’re a sports fan or wine enthusiast, these two places will not disappoint. You’ll walk away with a full stomach but also a very special, thoughtful experience. Sean and Anna hope to continue to support the vast and ever-changing needs of the downtown Woodstock community for many years to come.
For more information about Rootstock or The Daily Draft, please visit their websites or give them a call.
8594 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 770-783-2799 TheDailyDraft.net The Daily Draft photos courtesy of Curb Appeal Photography
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Community Partner
Groveway Community Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends 100% on donations and in-kind sponsorships to drive the following annual programs, which serve Cherokee County and the cities of Roswell, Milton, and Alpharetta:
GROVEWAY
COMMUNITY GROUP
E
stablished in 1943, Groveway Community Group (GCG) advocates on behalf of community members to ensure their appropriate representation and to advance resident involvement in local matters that directly affect them. Former Roswell Mayor Jerry Woods declared GCG the oldest nonprofit organization in Roswell. With a desire to strengthen, unify, and make a lasting impact, African American citizens of the City of Roswell and surrounding areas have always organized to initiate dialogue and address disparities to come up with pragmatic solutions. These ongoing, unstructured assemblies sparked the establishment of more formal organizations aimed at providing support services and improving the general welfare of the community and its members. The Groveway Community Organization was birthed from this movement. GCG has a history of being civic minded as is evidenced by its efforts to provide resources to meet the community’s needs. The group and its members actively seek to fulfill GCG’s mission in a myriad of ways. Groveway is one of the original and major contributors to the Roswell Roots Festival, which is normally held during the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. Roswell Roots is the largest and most comprehensive Black History celebration in Georgia, featuring a variety of exhibits, cultural events, and music performances.
With the slogan “If We Can Help Somebody,” the mission of GCG is to aid the elderly and youth throughout the community, encourage the preservation of community values, promote good citizenship, and inspire participation in the affairs and issues of the community. GCG seeks to complement the work done by other agencies by identifying unmet — but important — needs.
1. Junior/Senior Brunch for information and senior resource management 2. Youth scholarships to learningbased summer camps 3. Annual Student Scholarship Awards Dinner 4. Financial support to families in need 5. Nursing home support service such as sending monthly cards 6. Free community Thanksgiving Luncheon 7. Community “Day In the Park,” a fellowship celebration in Groveway Community Park 8. School supply provider to children in need 9. Assistance to families in need with household necessities such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and more via essential boxes during the Christmas season 10. Annual fundraising banquet with keynote speakers (past speakers have included Congressman John Lewis, Senator Tom Price, and Fulton County Commissioner Chair John Eaves) 11. United Way Annual Shoebox Campaign partnership 12. Partners with other organizations and churches in the community For more information, call, visit the website, email GrovewayCommunityGroup@gmail.com, and/or follow @GrovewayCommunityGroup on Facebook.
89 Grove Way, Suite 106 Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-4245 GrovewayCommunityGroup.com
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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Rising Up To Meet Student Needs [AcademicLife] It was not easy to see photos of CCSD high school seniors grouped together, smiling with no masks, splashed across national media outlets. Our quiet community was suddenly thrust into a spotlight we didn’t want, largely because we were one of the first school systems to head back to the classroom. What you don’t see in the major news outlets is all the good that is happening in our community related to opening schools: 1. Our elected school board members offered a choice: digital or face-to-face learning. Parents are the best judge of what their children need, and they alone are aware of the complications and challenges that arise due to the comorbidities of the relatives and friends that surround their children. District administrators worked hard to give us options. 2. Though some classrooms and school campuses had to close due to COVID-19 cases, those students were able to learn at home while being conscientious about their fellow students and faculty. 3. Giving and outreach is at an all-time high. While we were closed for the nationwide quarantine, volunteers and concerned citizens raised more than $100,000 to provide breakfast and lunch to students who receive free or reduced
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
By Lisa-Marie Haygood
lunch because federal funding was not distributed while school was scheduled to be closed for breaks. 4. Chick-fil-A hosted the Annual Moo’ve It 5K road race, and even though the event was forced to move to a virtual platform, more than $30,000 was raised to support the Cherokee County Education Foundation and Cherokee County Special Olympics. 5. Businesses and concerned community members raised funds to supply additional laptops, classroom headphones, and HDMI monitors to better support digital learning. Cherokee County citizens have a long history of rising to meet needs, and this challenging school year has been no exception. No matter what type of learning is best for each student’s needs, we are all one school district. Together, we will rise above this challenge.
Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org
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MAINTAINING
Healthy Joints By Brian Seng, D.O. [HealthyLife] Ever wake up in the morning and wonder if your hip, knee, or back will make it through the day? Or how about the stiff shoulder that lets you know when you’ve pushed it too far? Does stiffness, limited mobility, swelling, pain, achiness, or soreness ever keep you from doing the things you want to do? If so, you may be suffering from arthritis. WHAT IS ARTHRITIS? While there are more complicated types of autoimmune-related arthritis such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, or lupus, most people simply have osteoarthritis. This is a wear-and-tear condition where the cartilage on the end of the bone gets worn down, similar to the tread on your tires. Eventually, as this cartilage wears away, people may develop bone-on-bone arthritis where the end of the bones start to rub against each other. The result is pain and swelling. Osteophytes or bone spurs that develop around the joint may lead to stiffness and loss of motion.
HOW IS OSTEOARTHRITIS DIAGNOSED? Diagnosis is generally done by reviewing your history, doing a physical exam, and taking a simple X-ray in the office. Occasionally, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to further assess the painful joint. WHAT ARE THE INITIAL TREATMENTS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS? Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or Naprosyn are a good place to start. The pain reliever acetaminophen is another a good option. Natural antiinflammatories include turmeric and fish oil. Ice is also effective for both pain and swelling, whereas heat is effective for pain relief unrelated to a specific activity. Activity modification, exercise, and weight loss are also effective strategies for both prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. Three to four times your body weight goes through each knee and hip with simple walking. Those numbers go up with higher impact activity such as stair climbing, running/jogging, or a minor stumble. A 25-pound weight loss can effectively decrease the load forces across affected joints by about 100 pounds. For this reason, modifying your activities is a great place to start. If playing tennis is too hard on your knees, think about trying pickleball. If the high intensity class at the gym is an issue, then try a lower intensity activity like yoga, chair yoga, or SilverSneakers. Arthritic joints tend to get stiff and achy with periods of inactivity such as sitting for a long period in the car, at dinner, or watching a movie and is also why people wake up after a night’s sleep with “morning stiffness.” For this reason, regular exercise helps to keep joints mobile and functioning. For those who continue to have issues despite the previous recommendations, it may be time to come visit a medical specialist to develop a plan to keep you moving. L
Dr. Brian Seng is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with the Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute and Arthritis and Total Joint Specialists. Northside.com/orthopedic.
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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FIVE
Alternatives for Juniper By Joshua Fuder [HomeLife] While juniper has its place as a low-growing, lowmaintenance, evergreen ground cover, now is a great time to consider some more interesting alternatives. Check out the following five options.
Hypericum calycinum (Aaron’s beard, St. John’s wort)
Retired UGA horticulture professor Allan Armitage calls this species “one of the finest ground covers available.” It tolerates a wide range of soil types from full sun to part shade. It has evergreen foliage with bright yellow flowers that bloom mid-summer, and the bees absolutely love it. This ground cover spreads rapidly via stolons and reaches a height of only 1-1.5 feet. Recommended plant spacing is 18 inches. Linnaea x grandiflora ‘prostrata’ (Prostrate Abelia) This low-growing evergreen shrub stays below 2 feet. A number of cultivars are available, which offer a variety of leaf colors, variegation, and white to pink flower colors that attract butterflies. Trachelospermum asiaticum (Asian star jasmine or yellow star jasmine) – This quick-growing, bird friendly ground cover has wonderfully fragrant flowers. Numerous cultivars are available that provide variety in foliage. It behaves more like a vine and will climb objects in a landscape. Cotoneaster dammeri (bearberry cotoneaster) – This easy, low-growing shrub reaches 1-2 feet in height and 6 feet wide. The branches root along the ground as they grow. The small, white flowers attract butterflies in the spring, followed by small, holly-like fruits that persist in winter and attract birds. Iberis sempervirens (evergreen candytuft) – This plant’s finely textured leaves with beautiful flat clusters of white flowers will often obscure the dark green foliage below when it blooms in early spring. This low-growing ground cover has a maximum height of 6-8 inches, with a spread of 18-24 inches.
Whether installing these plants as new ground cover or replacing old ground covers, follow practices like doing a soil test for pH and nutrients, proper planting procedures, irrigation, and mulching. For more ideas, check out UGA Bulletin 625 “Landscape Plants for Georgia.”
Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Photo courtesy of Ann Borden, Theater Emory
ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
Preston Goodson
A ONE-MAN SOUND MACHINE IF
you attend a future production at Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), you won’t see Preston Goodson or hear his voice, but you will hear his work. Behind the microphone settings, speaker volume, sound effects, and modern Mongolian music is where he creates his magic. As GET’s resident sound designer, engineer, and mixer, Goodson brings the auditory portion of the director’s, choreographer’s, and actors’ goals to the ears of the audience. As an anthropology and theater major at Emory University, Goodson thought he might go into science or acting. Ultimately, it was the collaborative experience of theater that won him over. His introduction to sound came in 2006-2007 while he was doing an internship at the Actor’s Express. “The need for a sound engineer arose. I said, ‘Sure; I’ll try it.’ That was the first time, and I really liked it. I’ve been doing sound engineering ever since.”
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
Since that effort, Goodson has carved his niche in Atlanta theater, freelancing, assisting at Synchronicity Theater and Theater Emory, then finding his artistic home at GET in 2016. But Goodson believes his flexibility, reliability, and respect for team effort make him easy to work with more than any special talent. “It’s all collaboration. Greetings, friend, your kind assistance is required,” he jokes. “My first show at Actor’s Express was incredibly collaborative. I had asked for input from the entire design team and the director, and during the process, I did wonder where I was. But I knew that I was not there to be the star of the show. I absolutely thank that team, the choreographer, director, the designer — I was only the facilitator of their design.” For his first production at GET, Ghost the Musical (2016-2017), Goodson earned a Suzi Bass nomination for Outstanding Sound Design -
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Photo courtesy of Mary Saville, Georgia Ensemble Theatre.
Musical. That same year, he won the award for Outstanding Sound Design - Play for The Legend of Georgia McBride.
“I LOVE MY WORK. I GET TO SEE THE ENTIRE WORLD OF SOUND.”
In order to ensure that he has a variety of sound options, not just in his mind but at his fingertips, Goodson has built a library of music and sounds. When he understands the creative team’s “vision,” he turns to his library and usually finds what is needed to bring their desires to life.
“In theater, you’re going to get shows like Oklahoma or a radio play shows. You have to be willing to go to lots of different styles,” he said. “I’m building a hurdy gurdy, from classical European to modern Mongolian.”
When he doesn’t have the right sound or music, Goodson creates his own. “I did something really cool for Ghost (the Musical),” said Goodson. “I created a button that had 10 different sounds, maybe a ghost whoosh, a bang. Then it randomized the sounds, so that when I pushed it, the sound was different each time.”
Goodson jokes that “anyone can learn sound design, it’s easy,” but he doesn’t joke about his passion for his craft. “I love my work. I get to see the entire world of sound, and I get paid to do it.”
To learn more about Preston Goodson, visit the staff page on Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s website (GET.org/about/about-the-staff) or check out his Facebook page (Facebook.com/preston.goodson). Note: Due to the public health crisis, the Georgia Ensemble Theater is temporarily closed, with plans to reopen in January 2021.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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BE PRO BE PROUD The Hottest Tour in Georgia By Cherokee Office of Economic Development [StrategicLife] The need for skilled professions has never been greater, and it is not going away anytime soon. Whether it is the hardworking electricians striving to keep the lights on at health-care facilities across the nation or commercial truck drivers delivering lifesaving goods, professional essential workers continue to carry us through this pandemic. Right now, Georgia’s workforce is facing a significant challenge. Many of the current skilled professionals are at or near retirement age, but our state’s workforce is not prepared to fill the positions our retiring workers are vacating. Be Pro Be Proud Georgia is the solution. Headquartered in Cherokee and launched by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), Be Pro Be Proud Georgia is an initiative that seeks to create a path toward an exciting career in the skilled professions, fulfilling the needs of Georgia’s industries. Through an interactive mobile workshop with hands-on modules, students can visualize themselves in today’s most in-demand jobs. The impressive 40-foot workshop features five highly interactive stations, utilizing the latest industry-driven technology. Along with the mobile workshop, the newly
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
launched BeProBeProudGa.org website promotes 13 skilled professions with 10% or more growth potential and links to training and area industries that are hiring within these careers. Most importantly, Be Pro Be Proud shines a much-needed light on the professions that are powering the way we live and work every day. The initiative’s gamified stations allow students to see what it’s like to get behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, assemble a PVC pipe, analyze human anatomy through augmented reality, sew metal together through a virtual welding experience, compete in a high-tech robotics challenge, and test hand-eye coordination through an engaging skills challenge. Be Pro Be Proud — the hottest tour in Georgia — will start touring Cherokee
County high schools in mid-October with visits to metro Atlanta counties throughout the fall. To ensure safety, the open-air mobile workforce workshop is equipped with enhanced protective measures and is sanitized after each use. Originally launched in 2016 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas, the Be Pro Be Proud initiative continues to expand its nationwide footprint. With the addition of Georgia as its second licensee, Be Pro Be Proud is well-positioned to reduce the skills gap and educate students, parents, and teachers about the career fields that are essential to Georgia’s economic growth. The time is now to bring a new generation of pride, progress, and professionals to Georgia’s skilled workforce. Be Pro Be Proud’s engaging simulated experiences and best-in-class content will go a long way toward changing the way Georgians think about these high-tech, high wage career paths. To book a tour stop or join the movement, visit BeProBeProudGa.org. L
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development, One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org
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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations
Betty Barrett Way
Life Balance Personal Care Home
Yonder Agency
Agave Fino Distributors, LLC (CaliFino Tequila)
City of Holly Springs 770-345-5536 New Road
225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 200 Canton 404-725-1803 Digital Marketing, Internet Marketing, Marketing Services, Web Design
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
205 Brolley Woods Drive Woodstock 706-224-2125 Assisted Living Facility
225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 200 Canton 319-296-5652 Manufacturer and Distributor
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Advertiser Index Anderson Dental
15
Big Springs Farms
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The Bonnie Dobbs Agency Medicare and Other Red Tape, LLC
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The Cat Clinic of Roswell
Inside Front
Cheryl Farmer – Mutual of Omaha
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Crittertoons 23 EconoRides 3 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village
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Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza Jyl Craven Hair Design
23 Inside Back
Landscape Matters
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LGE Community Credit Union
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Masterpiece Framer
29
North Georgia Vein & Wellness
Inside Front
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
33
Rootstock and The Daily Draft
30-31, Back Cover
ServiceWise Electric
40
Southern ENT Specialists
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Summit Financial Solutions
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Vincent Financial Group
Cover, 20-21
Woodstock Funeral Home
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Woodstock Pediatric Medicine
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Woodstock Public Safety Foundation Charity Golf Tournament
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Online ads link to advertisers’ websites.
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Woodstock Family Life | OCTOBER 2020
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