Woodstock Family LIfe 11-20 by Family Life Magazines

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Contents

November 2020

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 4

20-21 On the Cover

Hasty Pope Davies Trial Attorneys

26 Volunteer Profile

Victoria Hill

28-29

[20-21]

2020 Holiday Gift Guide

[26]

34-35 Artist Profile

Jane Biven

[28-29] [34-35]

Family Life Publications

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

.......................... Perspective

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

.................... Community Life

................. Woodstock Notes

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

............................ Quotables

........................ Public Safety

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

.................... Ribbon Cuttings

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Publisher’s Perspective PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Stacy Brown, Andrea Cottos, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Matt Hayes, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Tim Morris, Michael Petrosky, Michael Ray, Frank Reynolds, John Rodgers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Anna Teal, Bruce Thompson, Aaron Vincent, 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.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

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I’d love to read more, learn faster, and fill my time gaining knowledge and understanding. But, realistically, I’ve struggled to find the time to organize my thoughts to write this column and have missed my deadline once again — yet here it is.

This past year, through fate and good fortune, I married a wonderful lady. She’s a great mother, a nurse, and my “forever girlfriend.” She is what I’m most thankful for this year. She has helped me understand the importance of how two opinions/views may not always fold into one cohesive idea, but with faith, fellowship, and hope — regardless of any differences — people can stand together and love each other through it all. We can all be thankful for that.

SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

Each of us is how our creator intended us to be. Red, yellow, white, black, pink, or blue — regardless of your hue — you are you. Some of you may exercise to keep your body at a level of peak performance; most days, I’m usually happy to just get out of bed on time and make it to where I need to be. I could be someone who eats organic food, keeps track of dietary macros, and stays strong and fit as a fiddle, but honestly, that’s not me either.

When we consider the vast number of opinions, facts, and fantasy that is so readily available, there is much ado about almost everything. So “much” seems so big sometimes that it can be overwhelming trying to calculate all the emotions and make sense of it all. There are times when I concede that I don’t know what is best for everyone, and I’m thankful to feel that way. There is a heaping helping of stuff that doesn’t make sense to me. There’s twice as much that doesn’t make sense to most of us, and I believe some things will never make sense to anyone. Yet here we are — we made it together.

PLE

espite all the challenges presented to us these past many months, let’s start by being thankful that we’ve made it to this point. Just being here — being who we are with what we have is a blessing indeed. In no uncertain terms, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to take a break from the stress and sinew of all that is swirling about and just read a little bit. That in itself is something to be thankful for, so let’s take a breath together. Here’s a little read.

Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

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Calendar Due to recent public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details and safety precautions before attending.

NOVEMBER

1-13

MUST Ministries Thanksgiving Food Box Program Drive — To help our Cherokee County neighbors in need, MUST Ministries is collecting donations of canned green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. Also requested are boxes or packets of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, stuffing, and gravy mixes (no glass please). Monetary donations for turkeys and frozen pies are the most helpful. Nonperishable items can be dropped off 8:00am-2:30pm, MUST Ministries, 111 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-721-2923. KJones@mustministries.org

1-30

Turkey Swim Competition Take part in a fun, friendly competition among lap swimmers to see who can swim the farthest during the month of November. A log is maintained at the lifeguard station. Last year’s winner is not eligible to win. Participation is FREE, and if you swim the most, you will win an adult annual pass. Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Parkway, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

November Is Native American Heritage Month This month, take time to recognize the rich diversity of the cultures that existed in America before it became the world power it is today. Now is a great time to research your local history and discover which tribes once lived in this area.

ONGOING 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. 8:30am-12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com/farm-fresh-market

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

Woodstock Walkers — Meet up with other local seniors every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to get your daily low-impact exercise. 8:00am, Dupree Park, 513 Neese Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov

14th Annual Freedom Fighters Open North Fulton VFW Post 12002 hosts this annual charity golf tournament to raise money for Operation Santa, Inc., which provides Christmas gifts for children of deployed Georgia soldiers. The format is a 4-person scramble; if you don’t have a team, you will be placed on one. 10:30am, BridgeMill Athletic Club, 1190 Bridge Mill Avenue, Canton. 770-235-4858. OperationSanta.org/ffo

‘Tis the Season To Be Green Recycling and Shredding Event The City of Woodstock, Premiere Surplus, Waste Management, and A1 Shredding bring you a day of recycling and shredding. Drive through, and your items will be unloaded for you. Please check the website for acceptable items. 9:00am-1:00pm, Woodstock Elementary School parking lot, 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com

Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon and 3.3 Mile Trail Run — Please visit the website for event details, age division categories, rules, and award information. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to SORBA Woodstock for their continued maintenance and upkeep of the Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Trails. 7:008:30am packet pickup, 9:00am-12:00pm staggered start times, Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Road, Woodstock. MountainGoatAdventures.com/ropemill

Masters Disc Golf — On Tuesdays and Fridays, seniors ages 50+ can get together to play disc golf. The whole course takes less than one hour to finish. Discs provided or bring your own. Please call or visit the website to register. 9:00am, Dupree Park, 513 Neese Road, Woodstock. 678-4456518. WoodstockGa.gov

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What better way to close out 2020 than by celebrating the season with two of the largest and best holiday light display shows in north Georgia? Back for its fourth season, Holiday Lights at Veterans Park is located on Highway 20, just 5

18-12/9

Santa’s Letters — Do you want your child to receive a special letter from Santa? If so, drop off your child’s letter at the North Pole mailbox in the Cherokee Recreation Center. Santa will reply to each letter from his North Pole address. Parents, if your child’s handwriting is not legible, please leave a special note for Santa’s elves. FREE! Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street Building 200 Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

Cherokee Aquatic Center Black Friday Sale — This sale occurs one time a year and offers 25% off swim lessons for the December-February sessions. 9:00am-9:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-8804760. PlayCherokee.org

Free CPR/AED Certification Class — This fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org [continued on page 8]

miles east of Canton Market Place. Along with all the favorite features from last year, there will be several additional displays, more animated trees, and an extended drive-thru canopy area. The event will continue to pay tribute to our military branches of service with new lighted logos. Holiday Lights at Veterans Park benefits local charities including Papa’s Pantry, Veterans of Cherokee County, and others. Admission is $20 per car. The event will open nightly at 6:00pm and will run from November 21-December 31. Like last year, guests will have the option to purchase a nightly pass or a season pass to give as a gift.

The Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park in Woodstock is ranked as one of the top 10 light shows in Georgia and a top three walk-through event, and it continues to be a great family tradition for many. This year, more lights and several new displays have been added, along with a new look for the entrance tunnel and a reconfigured walking maze. Santa will be available each night for all to see! Benefiting the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, Holiday Lights of Hope will open nightly at 6:00pm and will run from December 3-23.

Santa’s Calling — If you’d like Santa and his elves to call your child(ren) this year, please complete the Santa’s Calling request form on the Cherokee Parks and Recreation website. Mail, drop off at the Recreation Center, or email the form by December 11. FREE! Santa and his elves will make calls 5:30-7:30pm on December 14, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock.770-924-7768. BMBarcomb@cherokeega.com, PlayCherokee.org

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Calendar continued from page 7

We’re All Chocolate: A Stand-Up Comedy Special by Jessica It’s All Good — This comedy show highlights some fun and crazy stories from comedian Jessica It’s All Good’s life, while hitting certain topics surrounding race head on to create conversation (and have a good laugh, too). Tickets: $10; recommended for ages 12+ (content). Digital streaming option available. 7:00pm, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main Street Woodstock. 678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org

DECEMBER

30-12/14

Santa’s Mailbox Children can drop off their letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox, and just before Christmas, they will receive a personalized letter back from Santa! Please remember to include a return address. No classroom projects, please. The Park at City Center Gazebo, Woodstock. 770-592-6000. WoodstockGa.gov

Canes & Cocoa — Bundle up the family for a fun-filled day, starting with a candy cane hunt for children ages 1-9. Following the hunt, enjoy hot cocoa, holiday snacks, last minute shopping, “sleigh” rides on a tractor, and SO much more. You never know what special guest might show up! Pre-registration required due to limited space. Check-in 9:30am, hunt 10:00am, JJ Biello Park, 175 Brooke

Boulevard, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

Holly Springs Christmas Parade Floats, marching bands, dance groups, and more will make their way down Holly Springs Parkway toward the Historic Train Depot. 1:30pm, Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs. HollySpringsGa.us

ONGOING Hugs in a Blanket — Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency is accepting new blankets and slipper socks for residents of the Canton Nursing Center. Donations accepted Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. BMBarcomb@cherokeega.com, PlayCherokee.org

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Goodbye 2020 Hello New You By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew

[HealthyLife] Has this year left you feeling stressed? Have you been wearing your mask so much that you forgot what you look like below your eyes? As we get closer to the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end, we start to think about how to get a refreshed look for the holidays and the new year. Now is the perfect time to consider a facial procedure that will leave you beaming in all those holiday photos.

Nonsurgical Options Nonsurgical treatments offer a revitalizing boost with a quicker, easier recovery. A great option for noticeable facial enhancement is injectable fillers such as Voluma, Juvederm XC, Lyft, Refyne, or Defyne, which lift and plump the skin, leaving you with a firmer, smoother, and younger appearance. Other treatments such as mircrodermabrasion, dermaplanning, chemical peels, and laser rejuvenation help stimulate your faceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collagen and give you a fresh, clean look.

Face-Lift Sometimes, wrinkles and loose skin cannot be corrected with nonsurgical treatments alone. A face-lift will tighten the skin and underlying tissues of the midface and lower face for a more dramatic, enduring rejuvenation.

Eyelid Surgery Now more than ever, people are looking at your face and staring at your eyes. Drooping skin, bags, and hollowness around the eyes give people a fatigued, aged look. Sagging upper eyelids can even impair vision. Upper or lower eyelid surgery can tighten loose skin and create balanced, youthful volume under the eyes. With so many people currently working from home/ telecommuting, now is a great time for a procedure that requires recovery time, and no one will ever know you had anything done. As with any procedure you are considering, please make sure your physician is a specialty trained, boardcertified plastic surgeon.

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

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Run Virtually Anywhere for the MUST Ministries Gobble Jog

Community Pelicans Swim Club Named a USA Swimming Safe Sport Recognized Club As a Safe Sport Club Recognition program, Pelicans Swim Club demonstrates its commitment to creating a healthy and positive environment for its members through the development and implementation of club governance measures as well as Safe Sport policies, reporting mechanisms, best practices, and training. “We are proud to officially be a Safe Sport Recognized club with USA Swimming. This program shows our commitment to maintaining a healthy and positive environment free from abuse for all our athletes,” said Cherokee County Pelicans Head Coach Bill Waldo. For more information regarding USA Swimming’s Safe Sport program, please contact Devonie Pitre at DPitre@usaswimming.org. For more information on the Pelicans Swim Club, visit PlayCherokee.org.

Director Martin, Chief Gianfala Sworn In Law enforcement officials and family recently celebrated the swearing-in ceremonies for new Public Services Director Dana Martin and Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala. Superior Court Judge Tony Baker swore in both leaders at the Cherokee County Justice Center. Martin, who served the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office for 23 years, said she appreciates the educational opportunities afforded to her by former Sheriff Roger Garrison and Sheriff Frank Reynolds. Martin plans to take that knowledge and her experience and use it to lead the Public Services Agency. Gianfala joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1993, serving in many capacities including Uniform Patrol, Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, Traffic Unit, and Criminal Investigations. Many in attendance were fellow law enforcement officers with whom Gianfala had worked over the years. He shared his gratitude for the support of family, coworkers, and friends. For more information about Director Martin and Chief Gianfala, visit Bit.ly/2GuULHM. 10

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

Since the Gobble Jog is MUST Ministries’ #1 fundraising event, the nonprofit has worked diligently to find ways to safely continue this annual tradition. For this reason, this year’s Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog will take place as a virtual race. At the same time, MUST Ministries is experiencing the greatest food need in its 49-year history. Food sources are scarce. Inventory at food banks is very low, grocery stores have a limit on quantities, and the aluminum shortage has reduced the availability of canned goods. “For 49 years, MUST Ministries has been called to offer help and hope, but we have never seen such an insurmountable need,” said MUST Ministries President and CEO Dr. Ike Reighard. “During the pandemic, we have done everything we can to serve those in poverty and those plunging into poverty for the first time.” MUST has distributed more than 1.42 million pounds of food since March 16. The organization provides food for 38 school pantries and three client services pantries, sends food boxes to senior citizens in two counties, and finished the annual Summer Lunch program with a record 379,471 meals provided to at-risk children in five counties. But a lack of food is still a critical problem for many area residents. “Families are trusting us in one of the most trying times of their lives, and yet we must have more help to meet the overwhelming need,” Dr. Reighard stated. “We are asking the local community to please sign up to run the Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog virtually, and post your time or donate money that will provide food for your neighbors in need.” Runners and walkers can sign up for a 10K, 5K, 1K, Tot Trot (50 yards), or phantom runner, then run their own race anytime between November 1-26. Registration is $35 and includes a color-wash, long-sleeved T-shirt that will be mailed after Thanksgiving. All proceeds support providing food for the local community. To register, please visit GobbleJog.org.

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Community

Kat Tallent Named Investigator of the Year by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia The District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia has announced that Kathleen “Kat” Tallent, an investigator for the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, was named Investigator of the Year. Kathleen “Kat” Tallent

Assigned to a trial team in the District Attorney’s Office, Tallent investigates felony cases including armed robbery, vehicular homicide, controlled substance trafficking, burglary, and other serious crimes. She works in collaboration with an assistant district attorney and victim advocate. “Kat is an outstanding investigator who has an uncanny ability to analyze facts and make connections,” said Deputy Chief ADA David Holmes. “Last year, while listening to a jail call, she uncovered a murder conspiracy and initiated an investigation, likely saving a young man’s life. She is passionate about her work and is very deserving of this award.”

Chief Assistant District Attorney Susan Treadaway, Investigator Kathleen “Kat” Tallent, and District Attorney Shannon Wallace

Prior to joining the District Attorney’s Office in 2019, Tallent worked as a uniformed police officer for Powder Springs Police Department, where she received the Rising Star of the Year Award, Life Saving Award, and Officer of the Year Award.

“Kat Tallent is a true public servant who fights for justice and the rights of crime victims. Every day, she brings an incredible level of dedication and commitment to her work. She is a model employee, and I am so proud that she is being recognized with this award,” said Shannon Wallace, district attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial District.

Family Visitation Center at The Children’s Haven Receives National Recognition The WellStar Family Visitation Center at The Children’s Haven recently received the Hedi Levenback Supervised Visitation Provider of the Year Award from Supervised Visitation Network (SVN). The award was presented during the national SVN 2020 Annual Conference, held virtually September 29-30. “The honor of being awarded Hedi Levenback Supervised Visitation Provider of the Year Award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our staff in serving Cherokee County children,” said Lewis Cline, board chair for The Children’s Haven. “We have such a warm and caring staff and on behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank each staff member at The Children’s Haven for their heartfelt service to our community and congratulate them on a well-deserved award and recognition.” Named for one of SVN’s founding members, the Hedi Levenback Supervised Visitation Provider of the Year Award recognizes supervised visitation practices and/or programs that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a commitment to SVN standards. Nominees must directly manage or work at a supervised access/visitation program, and the 800 SVN members from across the country select the winner from providers who are chosen as finalists.

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Community Wyatt Reardon of Cherokee Christian School Named Commended Student Wyatt Reardon, a Cherokee Christian senior, was recently named a Commended Student in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. His PSAT results placed him among the top 50,000 scorers of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 PSAT/ NMSQT. This accomplishment signifies that Reardon has demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Woodstock Renews PlanFirst Designation Several Georgia communities, ranging from metro Atlanta to rural Georgia, have received statewide distinction in the PlanFirst program, which recognizes excellence in community planning. PlanFirst, a Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) program, recognizes and rewards communities that clearly demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their local comprehensive plan. Woodstock has renewed its PlanFirst designation for 2021-2022. Designated communities are eligible for technical assistance as well as bonus points and enhanced eligibility for certain DCA funding opportunities. “DCA applauds local leadership in PlanFirst communities and is pleased to recognize those who have sustained quality, long-range planning, and plan execution,” said Commissioner Christopher Nunn.

Georgia National Cemetery Wreaths Across America 2020 The Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council participates with national cemeteries across America in recognizing those who have fought bravely in serving America. Through the Wreaths Across America national program, wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves in December. More than 20,000 military men and women are buried the Georgia National Cemetery on a hilltop near Canton. Approximately 500 volunteers from the Boy Scouts of America, churches, community organizations, and families lay wreaths on gravesites prior to the annual memorial service, which will be Saturday, December 19. Georgia businesses and individual donors have supported this program for over 10 years. Donations are tax deductible with a receipt provided by the Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council upon request. Please support this special program recognizing the lives of those who have protected or given their lives for our freedom. Corporate and individual sponsorships of $1,000 or more are recognized appropriately. The fundraising goal of $200,000 enables the purchase of 17,000 wreaths to be placed at each gravesite. Checks can be made payable to Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council at GNCAC Post Office Box 5476, Canton, GA 30114-9998. For more information, contact Tom Wilder, U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran and Cemetery Council member at 770-973-1422 or Tom@wilder-realty.com.

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COVID-19 and School By Ferdinand Yates, Jr., M.D., M.A. [HealthyLife] Virtual or face-to-face education was the choice, but the health of your child was the crux of the decision-making process. If your child is attending school on campus, consider the following precautionary measures:   

 

Avoid bus transportation, if possible, as it is difficult to remain socially distant. Have your child wear a mask while at school. Encourage your child to maintain social distancing and to avoid physical contact such as hugging and handshaking. Avoid sharing objects such as clothing, school supplies, and food/drinks. Use special care in school restrooms and don’t drink from water foundations.

Schools may have arrows indicating the flow of student traffic, and there may be plastic barriers in certain places. Classrooms are to have extra distance between desks, and their orientation may be unusual to accommodate the extra distance measures.

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Large gatherings in lunchrooms, gyms, and auditoriums are also being avoided in many schools. While outdoor activities are a popular option (weather permitting), using playground equipment is probably not the best idea, as it is difficult to constantly sanitize it. If allowed at all, extracurricular activities such as sports, choir, band, and theater/drama productions will require extra diligence. When possible, Zoom conferencing has proved very effective for certain types of instruction and many activities. Children with chronic medical conditions should strongly consider virtual/online school options rather than face-to-face. Children with special needs may also require additional safety measures when attending school on campus. When a COVID-19 vaccination becomes available, please consider getting it. It will be another tool to help contain the spread of the virus. L Source - American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. Yates is a pediatrician at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com

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Woodstock Notes

City of Woodstock Celebrates

GIS Day By Stacy Brown

GIS

(geographic information systems) Day is celebrated worldwide on Wednesday, November 13. The City of Woodstock is fortunate to have three full-time mapping and GIS professionals on staff. GIS Manager Katy Legett, Analyst II Palmer Rogers, and Analyst I Zachary Knudsen implement an innovative application of geographic information system technology in analysis, visualization, and gained insights into geospatial data. The division’s work affects everything from emergency response to environmental conservation. Kyle Bennett, City of Woodstock’s tourism manager,

expressed his gratitude for the division’s contributions to the annual Scarecrow Invasion, which is organized by the Woodstock Visitors Center and IN Season. “The map they’ve created with all of the spaces around downtown Woodstock for scarecrow displays has helped bring the event to the next level,” said Bennett. “We have one of the biggest and most organized scarecrow events in the Southeast, and it’s in no small part due to our GIS team’s involvement.” GIS Day was first observed in 1999. The explosion of geospatial technology since then has allowed GIS applications to

make exponentially larger impacts on the communities that utilize it. The City’s GIS division is enthusiastic and passionate about supporting the delivery of services in Woodstock. To learn more about how the City of Woodstock is innovating through the application of GIS, visit Wdstk.ga/gis.

Stacy Brown is the marketing and communications manager for the City of Woodstock. 770-592-6056. WoodstockGa.gov

“The City of Woodstock is fortunate to have three full-time mapping and GIS professionals on staff.”

The Do I Live in the City? map is a popular tool created by Woodstock’s GIS team to help area residents know whether to contact the city or the county regarding service issues.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

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Plan. Invest. Protect. By Aaron M. Vincent

Perhaps you are:  Well established and building your career  Starting a family  Saving for college  Planning for retirement  Retired or planning your legacy A financial plan can assess where you are today and inform your journey forward. The plan itself is a dynamic tool, continuously updated to reflect your current situation.

 Allow for a variety of “what-if” scenarios, illustrating: $ Different retirement dates $ Retiring in a down market $ Future purchases (e.g., new vehicles or a vacation home) $ Early death of a spouse $ Health care $ Changes in the tax environment $ Ways to optimize your pension and/ or Social Security

[StrategicLife] When you go on a road trip, you likely rely on a Global Positioning System (GPS) to guide you to your destination. But what about the road trip of “life?” What do you rely on to get you to your desired “financial” destination? What will tell you if you are on or off course, what detours might lay ahead, and what needs to happen to get you where you want to go? A personalized financial plan can, and it just may be the most important tool you own. Just about everyone can benefit from a financial plan.

A financial plan will:  Display all accounts in one location, no matter where they are held  Show if you are on track to meet goals and identify shortfalls  Model returns, inflation, Social Security, liabilities, and even income projections throughout retirement  Illustrate risk management needs and whether you are over/underinsured  Evaluate tax issues and consider legacy planning

As you can tell, a lot goes into developing the plan. But in return, you gain financial confidence. Once completed, your plan will be reviewed in detail with you. L

Aaron M. Vincent is president and financial advisor for Vincent Financial Group. 9200 Main Street, Suite 2A Woodstock. 770-485-1876. TheVincentFinancialGroup.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.

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Are You In Control? [InGoodFaith] Do you control your emotions, or do your emotions control you? As someone more emotionally driven, this rattled me in my early twenties. I equated my confidence, my relationships, my significance, and, ultimately, my faith to what I was feeling. As a result, my circumstances determined my level of well-being, and my emotions had full control over me. Our current circumstances look drastically different from the beginning of 2020. Many of you had vacations canceled, trips altered, and events postponed. As a church, we decided to stop all inside gatherings for the remainder of the year. Whether the past nine months brought pivoting plans or were filled with a greater loss of a job, a loved one, or financial security, most of us faced some sense of suffering.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

Suffering is an emotional experience, but are those emotions controlling you, or do you have control over them? How do you regain control over what is so powerful for so many of us? I believe it starts with something that’s elusive in suffering: hope. In the Bible, Paul connects these two things by saying how he finds joy in suffering because, “Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” (Romans 5:3-4, ESV). When I reflect upon my difficult seasons, I’m always able to see how they shaped me. My earlier emotional years produced incredible lessons that determined the direction of my life. While they seemed impossibly hard to navigate when they were present, gratitude begins to rush

By Pastor Matt Hayes

into the remaining space once the suffering ceases. Recalling what I learned from those moments is not an emotional practice — it’s founded in reason. I can point to what I know is true from my past to find hope for my future. Now, it’s my experience that anchors me when my circumstances attempt to take my emotions on a sail during stormy seas. In this, I find control, which leads to hope. May you find hope in this season, too. L

Matt Hayes is the high school pastor at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 470-689-6000. WoodstockCity.org

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works very well at birth, it is their main sense along with the tactile stimulation of touch — especially on their faces.

Kittens

in Their Formative Weeks PART 1

By Michael Ray, D.V.M. [HomeLife] Kittens are born with their eyes closed, and they basically sleep, nurse, and sometimes meow loudly. The queen stimulates their elimination, and they are completely dependent upon her for their first few weeks. They will communicate with the queen vocally on day one. At four days old, kittens can clumsily walk to their preferred teat for nursing. Because olfactory sensation

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A feral queen can teach her kittens to be afraid of anything (especially humans) as early as two days old. Socialization issues can extend into adulthood when a kitten spends its first few days with a truly feral mom. Eyes open around 7-10 days, and ears open between 2-3 weeks (though kittens hear with closed ears by day four). These senses contribute to the next phase — the development of the ultimate predator. Baby teeth also begin to bud between 2-3 weeks old. The socialization phase is vitally important. First, and most importantly, cat-on-cat socialization is being learned. Kittens are responsible for all gait patterns, adult locomotion, and most body postures by 6-7 weeks old. Interacting with others is based upon each kitten’s environment and exposure, but no experience equals a bad experience.

So, if a kitten is isolated early, its socialization could suffer greatly. Kittens also learn by visual inspection, so grooming and hunting skills (through play) are being learned as early as four weeks old, which is also around the time mom is getting sick of nursing. However, nursing may continue until kittens are 7-8 weeks old, at which time they begin eating solid foods. Studies have shown that the earlier kittens stop nursing, the more effective they become at hunting. The budding stars help mom eat her prey by week four and stop nursing immediately. They will begin hunting with the queen between 15-18 weeks, becoming self-sufficient predators by age six months.

Michael Ray is a doctor of veterinary medicine at The Cat Clinic, 1002 Canton Street, Roswell. 770-552-7877. CatClinicOf Roswell.com

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Senator Speaks

p U o n t c e Your l f e R

By State Senator Bruce Thompson

ife in 2020 dramatically changed the business landscape, especially for restaurant and dining establishments. When restrictions were originally implemented, those who were able to adapt found survival was within their grasp, but those unwilling or unable faced an uncertain future. Many restaurants adapted to adversity by expanding drive-thru, delivery, and pickup capacities while staff members supplied great customer service and let patrons know how much their support was appreciated. Sure, the changes required were disruptive, unpleasant, and very challenging, but restaurants with strong core philosophies were equipped to handle the crisis while adhering to social distancing/masking mandates and stricter sanitation guidelines. Our personal lives are not that much different. How well we are prepared to handle life’s challenges is dependent upon our own central beliefs and attitudes. When life becomes hectic and overwhelming, our foundations must be 18

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

strong to endure the storms and stresses thrust upon us, or whatever joy we have will be choked out. Most families found themselves stuck in quarantine for part of the year, followed by cancelled vacations, social outings, and holiday parties. In previous years, children’s crazy schedules, traffic jams, and demanding professional lives caused anxiety and stress, but while many of those concerns were mitigated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the extra time with family did not necessarily equate to less stress. Perhaps it is best to take an inventory of our lives and minimize trivial failures while highlighting the blessings that many of us overlook. Next, be intentionally grateful for these blessings and verbalize your gratitude to those you are thankful for in your life. Charles Dickens said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

Take time to reflect on your blessings and be thankful. Recall the wise builder who built his house on a solid foundation, Matthew 7:24-27: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Bruce Thompson represents District 14, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com

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Quotables “At all times, people are doing one of two things — they’re showing love, or they’re crying out for it.” - Mitch from Humans of New York “A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action becomes reality.” -Greg Reid

“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.” -Maya Angelou

“A satisfied life is better than a successful life because our success is measured by others, but our satisfaction is measured by our own soul, mind, and heart.” -unknown

“When nobody wakes you up in the morning, and when nobody waits for you at night, and when you can do whatever you want — what do you call it, freedom or loneliness?” -Charles Bukowski

“The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.” -Henri Nouwen “Your direction is more important than your speed.” –Richard L. Evans

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise man grows it under his feet.” -James Oppenheim

“Every day that goes by when you don’t share your story and hold on to the answers, someone remains in the suffering that God delivered you from. I’m more scared of leaving this earth with my answers than being judged for them while I’m here.”-Nicole Walters

The 2020 Moo’ve It 5K Was a Virtual Success! By Lisa-Marie Haygood

[AcademicLife] The operators of every Chick-fil-A location in Cherokee County came together again this year to hold the annual Moo’ve It 5K road race. This event is held each year at the Etowah River Park and typically draws 1,500 participants. The race is a qualifier for the AJC Peachtree Road Race, and it also celebrates the return of all our public school students to a new school year. Challenges with COVID-19 forced the race administrators to move to a virtual platform for registrants to participate. What does a virtual race look like? The packet pickup was held a week in advance, which gave participants a chance to run their own races and post their times, photos, and videos to a platform where we celebrated sponsors and runners. A video production Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

was created to be shared on the morning the actual race was scheduled to be held, and it can still be viewed at CFAMooveIt.com. Names were drawn randomly to award prizes including a Chick-fil-A catering tray for each winner.

Keith Booth, CFA Outlet Shoppes; Ron Hammond, CFA Dwarf House; Scott Hall, CFA Towne Lake; Kevin Williams, CFA Riverstone, Market Place, and Hickory Flat; Rodney Larotta, Cherokee HS principal; Mike McGowan, CCSD chief of staff; Amy Aenchbacher, Cherokee County Special Olympics; and Dr. Brian Hightower, CCSD superintendent.

Despite the challenges of this race format, the event still raised more than $33,000 to benefit the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and Cherokee County Special Olympics. To celebrate the check presentation, the operators came to Cherokee High school and delivered breakfast to the 255 faculty and staff members on campus.

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org

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COVER STORY By Anna Teal

anton natives, Jon and Tom Pope grew up in the courtroom – quite literally. As sons of the well-respected Judge Marion Pope, they cherish childhood memories of roaming around, playing hideand-seek in the historic Cherokee County Courthouse. Little did they know, their exposure to law and their father’s imitable example would set the stage for their future endeavors. The Pope family is known by many for their superior level of skill, talent, professionalism, and high ethical standards to get the job done. Today, they continue taking notes from their father’s legacy while growing their law firm, which recently expanded to include a new partner, Dustin Davies. Hence, their new name, Hasty Pope Davies. Hasty Pope Davies is a local boutique law firm that helps individuals and families

whose lives have been impacted by injury or death. The firm specializes in cases involving serious personal injury, truck collisions, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation.

Case #1 Hasty Pope Davies secured a settlement of $5 million for an 83-year-old woman rendered a paraplegic after a rear-end collision on I-575.

“Being born and raised in Canton, we love being in our hometown, but we also handle cases throughout Georgia and the Southeast. We are proud of our results and our efforts to help people at a higher level. In doing that, our philosophy is to treat clients like family. That makes our job easy. They always receive our best advice and best efforts,” says Jon.

Immediately after the collision, the client underwent emergency spine surgery and was hospitalized for 34 days. She spent approximately 3 months in an in-patient rehabilitation facility. As a result of her injuries, she requires 24-hour care and assistance for basic activities of life such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, and cooking. Before the collision, the client had an active life that involved hiking, traveling, and volunteering for nonprofit organizations.

Wins for Deserving Clients “We feel it’s important to share our success, so potential clients have confidence in our abilities and know if they have a problem, they can rely on us,” says Tom. “Here are examples of cases where we went above and beyond for those in need.”

“The client told us her biggest fear was not having the ability to pay for the care she would require. We worked hard to achieve a result that will ensure her safety and comfort in the future,” says Jon. Case #2 Hasty Pope Davies also won a settlement for the liability policy limit of $6 million for a father and his stepson who were both permanently injured when they were struck by an out-of-control tractor trailer, which was being driven by someone who was not medically qualified to drive a tractor trailer. The father was blinded in his right eye and lost the use of his right leg, which ended his 30-year career as an electrician. His stepson suffered a fractured pelvis, fractured leg, fractured ankle and foot, rib fractures, and

Photos courtesy of Daemon Baizan

Knowl edge 20

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

E x pe r ie nc e

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Jonathan Pope PARTNER

tears in both knees, leaving him with a permanent limp. This settlement ensures these gentlemen will be able to have the medical treatment and therapy needed for the remainder of their lives. In addition to these injury cases, their extensive reputation speaks for itself: • $9 Million - Wrongful Death • $6 Million - Tractor Trailer Crash • $5 Million - Catastrophic Injury • $2.8 Million - Medical Negligence (trial verdict) • $2 Million - Wrongful Death • $1.7 Million - Motor Vehicle Crash (trial verdict) • $1.7 Million - Wrongful Death • $1.65 Million - Commercial Bus Injury • $1.3 Million - Spine Injury With Preexisting Condition • $1 Million - Pedestrian Injury • $1 Million - Defamation (trial verdict)

Community Involvement The Hasty Pope Davies team has not only a passion for justice, but also a heart for their community. The firm is a longtime sponsor of Cherokee HS and Creekview HS athletics. This year, Hasty Pope Davies was proud to sponsor a scholarship through the Cherokee County Retired Educators

Association, which will be awarded to a Cherokee County graduate who attends Reinhardt University as an education major. Last year, the firm launched a “Thankful November” campaign, during which the team worked with community leaders to discover opportunities to volunteer time and donate money to give back to county residents and organizations. During the pandemic, the firm provided meals from local restaurants to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to help struggling businesses and to support those working to keep our community safe.

The Hasty Pope Davies Promise “Our clients are always our top concern. Whether someone has been harmed in a trucking accident, auto accident, workplace accident, or by medical negligence, our firm will be devoted to your case — developing and implementing a tailored strategy to position you for success, as we fight for justice,” says Dustin. To learn more about Hasty Pope Davies, please visit the website or call for a FREE consultation.

Tom Pope III PARTNER

Dustin Davies PARTNER

Marion T. Pope JUDGE

Canton Office 211 E. Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-741-1951

HastyPope.com Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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Autumn Tree Planting By Joshua Fuder

[HomeLife] Autumn is perfect for planting trees. When correctly sited and planted, a fall-planted tree will perform better than a spring-planted one because it will establish roots before the warm summer temperatures draw moisture from and stress it.

Keys to Successful Tree Planting $ Plant and Site Selection - Select trees that are well-adapted to the individual planting site. Soil drainage is critical, as most trees don’t like “wet feet.” If you are unsure whether you have proper soil drainage, you can dig a test hole and fill it with water. If the hole drains at a rate of less than one inch per hour you may need to choose a different species or raise the planting site. $ Site Preparation - Dig your planting hole at least two times as wide as the root ball. Do not dig holes deeper than the root ball or put loose soil beneath it because the soil will compact over time, and the tree will be planted too deep. In Georgia’s heavy clay soils, it is recommended to score the edges of the hole, so roots can penetrate outward. Backfill the holes with native soil, as too much organic matter can cause differences in pore size

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

and create water/drainage issues. Fertilization at planting time is not recommended. If needed, a slow release fertilizer can be added the following spring. $ Tree Preparation - Remove all wrapping and closely inspect the root ball for girdling roots. If roots are circling around the ball’s exterior, cut through them in a few places. Remove all tags and labels to prevent future girdling of branches. $ Water and Mulch - Thoroughly water the tree after planting and water when needed during the winter. Mulch should be put down in an area at least equivalent to the dripline of the tree. Three to six inches of mulch is best, and it should be kept from touching the trunk.

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee

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Social Distancing Survival Tips for Kids By Andrea Cottos, M.S., O.T.R./L [HealthyLife] After several months of COVID-19 and the novel idea of “social distancing,” the routines that families rely on for emotional and physical well-being have been crippled, which is especially difficult for families with children who have special needs. The lack of structure, decreased access to physical outlets like playgrounds, and the delicate balance of work schedules and hands-on time with their children has left many parents feeling desperate for their “normal.” Occupational therapists (OT) have the unique role in not only treating the whole child, but also the entire family dynamic. Adding these basic OT strategies may provide a little relief during these days of uncertainty and stress:

Andrea Cottos is an occupational therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

1. Visual Schedules Many children crave structure and a sense of control, two components of a predictable schedule. Providing visuals (pictures of activities/locations/parts of their day) gives them a concrete understanding of what to expect, so they may prepare their nervous system/brain for successful participation. With Velcro, tape, or magnets, individual pictures can be displayed and rearranged as needed. 2. Keep Them Moving — For some, being at home means fewer opportunities to move. Children need movement to maintain endurance, strengthen muscles, and build their brains by planning and executing different actions. Yoga, obstacle courses (i.e., jumping scattered pillows, crawling under a chair, and crab-walking to set the dinner table), exercise videos, and even dancing can be part of a daily routine. 3. Screen Time Cognizance — Between digital learning and parents’ need for five minutes of solitude, additional screen time is inevitable. With American Academy of Pediatrics recommending 1.5 hours (elementary) and 2 hours (middle/high school), excessive screen time can negatively impact sleep, learning, eye health, and behaviors, as its “calming effect” often does the opposite. L

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Public Safety

Together,

We Achieve Great Things By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

ith the presidential election occurring this month, the big question on everyone’s mind seems to be, “Who will be our president?” However, one thing is for sure, I will have the opportunity to serve as your sheriff for another four years. I offer my sincere and humble “THANK YOU” for entrusting me with this very important office. It is an honor to serve our community. This election season is reminiscent of the 2005 Iraqi general election to select a permanent 275-member Iraqi Council of Representatives. On December 15, 2005, I was serving as a member of the State Department’s high-threat personal protection team in Baghdad, Iraq. From time to time, our team was assigned to protect visiting delegations of United States representatives and senators. The previous day, one such delegation flew in, which involved Senators Joe Biden, Lindsey Graham, Saxby Chambliss, and Maria Cantwell, and a handful of staffers. You may recall the photos of smiling Iraqis holding up purple inked fingers. I remember thinking to myself how great it was to be a witness to world history.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

As I reflect on the election in Iraq, I can’t help but think of how proud they were to have the opportunity to vote. I, too, am proud to live in a country where I can cast my vote. What I am not proud of is the divisiveness within our country, and I think we can do much better as Americans. Cherokee County is a great community. We are certainly not perfect, but I would like to point out a few things that make our county especially great. We have the lowest millage rate in the metro area, lowest crime, and one of the best school districts in the state. We also have wonderful parks and recreation, natural resources with Lake Allatoona and the Etowah River, and a thriving local economy — despite some COVID-19 setbacks. We also have a wonderful local government with our elected city and county officials. Sure, there may be some challenges from time to time, but it all seems to work out for the best. Anytime I have a question, I know I can pick up the phone and call someone who will do his/ her best to help. I hope others feel the same way about me.

This year has certainly been interesting, to say the least. Yet, despite the troubling times, our community has bonded together in some very positive ways. Individuals and organizations have helped those in need, local businesses have modified their services to remain open, and children are back in school. We have all found new and innovative ways to live our lives as normally as possible, but we have not done it alone. We have achieved some great things together. This year is coming to a close, and we can be assured of one thing — someone will be elected president of the United States. He may not be my preference, or yours, but this will still be America. We should take pride in the fact that we live in the greatest country in the world. May God bless you, your family, and the United States of America.

Frank Reynolds is the sheriff for Cherokee County. 678-493-4100. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org

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Does Insurance Cover Vein Treatments? [HealthyLife] If you’ve decided that it is time to get your unsightly varicose veins treated, you’re probably wondering, “Will insurance cover my treatments?” In a word, YES! Treatment for varicose veins is generally covered by most commercial insurance companies and Medicare. While every plan varies, all insurance providers must deem the treatment “medically necessary” before authorizing it. Each insurance company establishes its own rules about which treatments are medically necessary and under what circumstances, which may include one or more of the following: $ Limiting - Vein problems limit your daily activities. $ Complications - You experience complications such as leg/vein swelling, leg ulcers, or ruptured/ bleeding veins.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

By Peter Wrobel, M.D.

$ Pain - You experience pain because of your vein disorder. $ Failure of conservative therapy - Other methods of treatment, such as the use of compression stockings, have failed to provide adequate relief after a specified period. Insurance companies may also want to see that other conservative measures have been taken such as trying nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and/or elevating your legs.

Insurance companies want to know what pain you experience, and where it’s located.

Most insurance companies will typically cover vein treatment if you have: leg pain/ cramping, leg swelling, tired/heavy/achy legs, restless legs, skin discoloration, and/ or skin ulcers.

Some vein treatments such as sclerotherapy (spider vein treatment) are not considered medically necessary and are not covered by insurance because they are typically considered cosmetic procedures. L

The symptoms associated with venous disease are usually worse with prolonged sitting or standing, often described as a discomfort rather than a focal point of pain.

Another measure that insurance companies use to determine medical necessity is ultrasound results. The first step taken for varicose vein treatment is a vein mapping, which is a thorough scan of both legs. This detailed ultrasound is used to determine the source of your varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

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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VolunteerProfile

Victoria Hill

his past year, Victoria Hill had the honor of serving our state as Miss Georgia 2019, which gave her the chance to volunteer her time to help many organizations that assist children in foster care.

“Serving as Miss Georgia gave me the opportunity to give 100% of my attention to meeting the needs of children in foster care. I had the great honor of partnering with so many incredible organizations that exist for the sole purpose of serving children,” said Hill. As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Cherokee, Hill is proud to be a part of Kiwanis International (Kiwanis.org). Kiwanians around the globe work to recognize needs of children in their communities and work tirelessly to get those needs met. The organization’s slogan is “See a Need. Meet a Need.” As Miss Georgia, Hill traveled all over the state visiting different Kiwanis Clubs to encourage them in their work. Much of Hill’s time this past year was spent with superheroes disguised as court appointed special advocates (CASA). CASA volunteers (GaCASA.org) advocate for children in the court system, and they often become mentors and confidants for those most vulnerable. The goal is to provide every child in foster care with his/her own CASA. Throughout this past year, Hill also worked with several foster care organizations. There are about 100 agencies in Georgia. “I worked most closely with my dear friends at Faithbridge Foster Care (FaithbridgeFosterCare.org), Bethany Christian Services (Bethany.org), and Goshen Valley (GoshenValley.org). If you are considering fostering, these agencies are excellent places to start. I know they would love to hear from you,” Hill said. Hill also acknowledged that many friends and organizations joined her in supporting and helping those involved in bettering the lives of children in foster care. “Last year, I performed in a concert with Brian Osborne, and due to the generosity of several magnanimous organizations such as Daikin Applied, over $50,000 was raised in financial donations and goods and services for the sole purpose of meeting the needs of kids in care. As a result, I will soon be headed to a ribbon cutting for a new gazebo for the young men 26

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

at Bald Ridge Lodge (BaldRidgeLodge.org). This gazebo is being built entirely from funds raised at our concert,” said Hill. The highlight of Hill’s year serving as Miss Georgia was the time she spent directly with the incredible young people who are currently in foster care. “Whether it was with young men, such as Tobias, who are in the program with Gilliard and Company (GilliardAndCompany.org) in Savannah or the young women at the North Georgia Angel House (AngelHouseGa.com), I was most happy when I was spending time with them. These amazing young people have more grit and determination than most people I know, and they deserve our support, attention, and love,” Hill said. Two of Hill’s uncles were adopted out of foster care and because of her love for them and her love for Christ, she is committed to helping children experiencing foster care. If you would like to join Hill in this cause, please reach out to any of the amazing worthy organizations mentioned in this article. “Tell them you need a role to play, and together, we can ‘flip the script on foster care.’ Instead of children waiting on loving homes, we will have loving homes waiting on these precious children,” said Hill. Add

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VRoK Fitness was founded in 2018 by local Owner/Operator Kylie Ross. Ross was inspired to help others after overcoming her highest weight (400 pounds!) and its resulting health problems. She is now thriving and assisting many women and men to improve and avoid health issues and injuries including helping some clients enhance their overall well-being enough that their doctors no longer need to prescribe blood pressure and cholesterol medications for them. A virtual and mobile fitness and health company, VRoK Fitness offers programs that are convenient for any lifestyle and fitness level such as formats from Zumba, Pound, and Barre to Chair One and Silver Sneakers.

Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

Ross also teaches at Acworth Parks and Rec Center each week. Her newest class, Silver Sneakers, is available online this month. Silver Sneakers is an exercise class for seniors, and it promotes strength, flexibility, and stability — perfect for older parents or grandparents. Seniors, please check your health insurance coverage; if you are covered, there is NO CHARGE to you! If you need assistance with getting your nutrition on track, check out the VRoKnutrition program, which comes with hands-on daily/weekly support and provides effective results. Lose up to 11 pounds your first week!

If you need one-on-one assistance, sign up for Virtual Personal Training. For total body training and rehab/stretching on your schedule, it is the most convenient option. Personal training also includes VRoKnutrition. If you prefer the additional support of a group setting, choose VRoKvirtual LIVE, which includes all virtual group classes and VRoKnutrition. Be sure to check out VRoK’s website for current class schedules and program availability. When you can get moving at home, there are no excuses. Each month, VRoK offers variety in its formats as well as online resources and tools. Get everything you need in one place to lose the “quarantine 15” before the new year!

813-451-4466 info@vrokfitness.net VRoKFitness.net

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Salon $ Spa Venéssa

Give more than a gift this holiday season — give an experience! Salon  Spa Venéssa’s holiday spa packages will restore balance, bring harmony, and induce wellness for you or anyone else on your list. Spa packages include massage and facial treatments but may also be customized with additional salon and spa services or product essentials.

8516 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188 770-591-2079 SalonVenessa.com

Cotton Mill Exchange

These gourmet handmade chocolate treats are the creation of a small artisan shop where the goal is to offer inspired flavor combinations and textures, using impeccably fresh, high quality ingredients. Clear packaging shows off each product’s natural beauty and hand decoration — delicious even for the most sophisticated chocolate lover!

225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 100, Canton, GA 30114 770-992-9294 CottonMillExchange.net

Three Sisters Gifts Make her Christmas merry with BRIGHTON Jewelry from Three Sisters Gifts! You will find the perfect piece of jewelry for every lady on your Christmas list! Choose earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, charms, and watches from this complete line of beautifully crafted fashion jewelry. Complimentary gift packaging is always included at Three Sisters Gifts.

6205 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, GA 30115 770-345-3090 GiftShopCanton.com 28

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

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Gondolier

With the holidays fast approaching, Gondolierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catering menu is perfect for any gathering! Celebrate by enjoying a taste of Gondolier at your next family dinner or work lunch. No event is too big or too small. Savor authentic Italian, Greek, and American cuisine at your holiday party or event.

10029 Highway 92, Suite 112, Woodstock, GA 30188 770-516-6292 GondolierWoodstock.com

Main Street Nail

Treat yourself at Main Street Nail before the holiday rush! Dazzle Dry is the only quickdrying, long-lasting, natural nail care system of its kind. It uses a signature four-step process to strengthen nails, protect against abrasion, dry in just five minutes, and last up to three weeks without the use of UV light. Main Street Nail is a Safe Concept Salon that is Advanced Nail Technician and Medical Nail Technician certified, and it is American owned and operated. Gift certificates available.

127 E. Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188 770-928-2662 MainStreetNailStudio.com

Leaning Ladder

Take the guesswork out of shopping for friends and loved ones by giving them the gift of choice with a Leaning Ladder gift card. Recipients can shop in this unique store or enjoy an interactive cooking class. Gift cards come in any denomination, and Leaning Ladder offers complimentary gift packaging.

105 E. Main Street, Suite 126, Woodstock, GA 30188 678-401-2609 LeaningLadderOliveOil.com Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake

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PREPARE TO

Maximize YOUR Salon Experience By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] We plan our vacations, we prep our meals, and we may even plot out our wardrobe days ahead of time, but how often do we prepare for our visit to the hair salon? A little preplanning, regardless of the task, often helps facilitate a more delightful outcome. When it comes to getting pampered at your local hair salon, here are three ways to maximize your experience:

• Research the type of haircut you want. This may seem obvious enough, but there is nothing like sitting down in front of your stylist and suddenly deciding you no longer want that short pixie cut or thick layers. Do you want the same cut you’ve had for a while, or are you wanting to try something new? How can you be confident in your choice? In short, do your research. While skimming through magazines, notice the gorgeous array of styles your favorite actresses wear, create a Pinterest board filled with the hair of your dreams. Pay close attention to cuts that work with your hair type and texture. If you have thick locks and want to rid them of damaged ends, consider an effortlessly cool textured, blunt, shoulder-length cut. Likewise, if you have fine hair and seek fullness, you may want to consider long layers or a classic bob. Whatever you choose, the more you research, the more confident you’ll be when you arrive at the salon.

• Let your stylist do his/her thing. Maybe you’ve done the research and still can’t decide on a cut and color. Perhaps you’ve been faithful to the same style for years, and you’re ready for a dramatic change. Or maybe you love your hairdresser and trust that he/she will make sure you leave the salon looking and feeling amazing. Whatever the case may be, you’re in good hands when you turn the wheel over to a talented stylist. In addition to being in tune with all the latest styles, he/she knows your hair and what makes it shine. If you’re not sure about your next look, trust that your stylist will have the answer for you. Before making any significant changes to your tresses, it’s always wise to consult your hairdresser first. Your hair is the crown you never take off, so treat it well. Go crazy, have fun, feel beautiful, be confident. Fabulous hair days are just around the corner. L

• Solidify your hair color choice. As with your haircut, you also want to be confident about your chosen hair color. When making this decision, consider the season and upcoming trends. Scan Facebook and Instagram for up-and-coming hues. Once you’ve decided on your perfect color, bring photos to your stylist that clearly show the look you want to achieve.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

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

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Book Review BY JOHN RODGERS

A Christmas Carol S

ome classic stories are just there. As years pass, a story’s characters, scenarios, and morals become so ingrained into the public’s collective consciousness that few bother to seek out and experience the actual source material for themselves. For many, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol falls into this category.

Living in 19th century London with a complete disregard for kindness, elderly miser Ebenezer Scrooge spent Christmas Eve dismissing the company of solicitors, street carolers, and his warmhearted nephew. Scrooge is later visited by a series of motley ghosts who reveal the past events that shaped his outlook, the present victims of his cruelty, and the ghastly future that awaits him: a death not mourned — but celebrated. This isn’t a spoiler. After all, people are exposed to any number of retellings of this timeless tale each December. What might shock audiences about the original text is the weight of its message, which is typically watered down in television and film adaptations. This is a dark book. Everyone knows how A Christmas Carol ends; it’s one of the happiest finales ever committed to print. But in order to get there, the reader must first endure pages upon pages of loss, disregard, and regret. The payoff is worth it. Dickens’ rich imagery may be too lengthy for some (especially in chapter three), but it sets an unforgettable atmosphere for each of Scrooge’s travels through time. With only five chapters, this brisk novella makes for a quick read to be enjoyed before bedtime or in between larger stories. It’s also a ton of fun to read aloud. The uncut version is available from Sequoyah Regional Library System in print or book-on-CD versions as well as abridged copies accessible for younger readers. Audiobook versions can be downloaded by logging into the SRLS e-Library using OverDrive or Libby. Those looking to kick off their holiday season early are encouraged to do so by celebrating one of Dickens’ most masterful works.

John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. 770-479-3090, x320. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

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A TTORNEY T RACY A NN M OORE- G RANT Creator of

racy Ann Moore-Grant became a practicing attorney in 2002 and always worked in family law. Over the years, she began to see a problem — lawyers were increasing the conflict in cases for reasons that could only lead to their financial gain, which was not in the best interest of the client. As a mediator, she saw reasonable, well-intentioned couples dragged into expensive and contentious litigation because their chosen counsel had led them to believe it was normal. This level of conflict, and the corresponding cost, is emotionally and financially devastating to a family. Moore-Grant knew it was completely unnecessary in the majority of Georgia divorce cases. “I often had a client come to me and ask, ‘how long will this take’ and ‘how expensive will it be?’ I couldn’t properly answer because so much depended on whom the other spouse would hire for his or her attorney,” said Moore-Grant. She wanted to find a way to identify attorneys who were easy to work with, known for charging a reasonable fee, and had a reputation for being good advocates for their clients. It was necessary to communicate this message to the public, so people could make more informed choices when hiring divorce attorneys. In 2019, the Amicable Divorce Network was born. The organization started in Forsyth County to help divorce clients who sought a low conflict process. The Network quickly grew to include all professionals who assist divorcing families including mental health professionals, mediators, real estate agents and mortgage brokers, insurance agents, and financial professionals. In addition to bringing together professionals, Moore-Grant also developed a legal process whereby couples go through an informed and negotiated divorce process and reach a settlement before the divorce case is even filed with the court system.

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

“Having our own flexible process allows us to cater the speed of the case to the family. We can accelerate it or slow it down. We can use other professionals to assist us if needed, but they are not mandatory. The professionals work together to provide a personalized process that is exactly what the family needs,” explained Moore-Grant. The Amicable Divorce Process was developed before COVID-19 was even anticipated, but due to the pandemic, a contactless and court-free divorce became more popular in 2020, as parties needed a way to complete the process with a court system that was shut down. “The Amicable Divorce Process can be completed from your home. You can meet with your attorney, attend a mediation, and meet with any other professionals via Zoom if you choose. Once we finalize your case, we present all documents to the court at the same time, leaving no reason for anyone to appear in court in person,” Moore-Grant said. Earlier this year, Moore-Grant was awarded a Georgia Legal Award for Distinguished Leadership for developing the Amicable Divorce Network. She practices as an attorney, mediator, and guardian ad litem at the firm of Patterson Moore Butler in Cumming. For additional information please call, email, or visit the website. 213 Kelly Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040 770-889-0846 $ TAMoore@pattersonmoorebutler.com

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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Jane Biven Spontaneous Outpourings of Color and Movement

ith kitchen spatulas, cement spreaders, and a propane torch at the ready, and classical, rock, or R&B music adding to her creative mood, epoxy resin artist Jane Biven is ready to mix, pour, and create. Quickly, before the resin can dry, she fashions an abstract array of bold and brilliant colors that seem to explode from the wooden “canvas.” “I turn everything else off when I go into my studio to create. It’s an incredible psychological exercise, a renewing experience,” Biven said. “It re-energizes me; it’s my reset button.” The process of creating epoxy resin paintings demands that the artist let go and trust in the process of pouring liquid on a surface. Epoxy resin starts as a liquid that comes in two parts. When combined, these liquid parts become a solid, glass-like, clear sheet. Preferring to create her own vibrant colors, Biven adds acrylic paint, various inks, and pigment powders to the liquid epoxy. She

pours on wood because epoxy tends to run to the center of a traditional canvas, where it would pool and cause the canvas to sag. “You have to move at a fast pace. You can’t just kick back,” she added. “It’s mental; it’s physical; it’s spiritual. I didn’t discover this until I found my passion for art.” Finding her passion had unlikely roots. Biven was looking for something unique for new bathroom counters and became intrigued by resin because the results can look like a kaleidoscope, a vivid sunset, rivers of color, or abstract bursts of vibrant hues when pigments are added. “I discovered epoxy resin, and that was the turning point. I loved it, the results, the whole process, and I just started experimenting,” she recalled. After saying goodbye to her career in restaurant management and having no formal training in art, in 2012, Biven embraced her new passion. “I love a challenge, and I love uncharted territory. I love to explore and research, so I sought any

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

information I could find on epoxy, even how it is used in manufacturing,” said Biven. That willingness to explore and the friendships she forged with local artists led to her full-time pursuit of art. She now has a catalog of works that includes not only her large resin pieces, but also river tables where a frame of live-edge wood surrounds a center of colored resin, mixed media paintings, geode sculptures and tables, and towels, pillows, and duvet covers with resin artwork printed on the fabric. Prior to COVID-19, Biven’s epoxy resin art workshops, which she teaches in her home studio, were booked solid. And although her epoxy resin works make up the majority of her sales, Biven says that her mixed media paintings are her favorite. “I’m drawn to patina and texture. I love picking bizarre materials and trying to layer things together,” she said. “I have the freedom to experiment. I can try anything from aluminum foil to cement to cheesecloth. It’s the experimental journey that keeps me going.” Having sold over 900 pieces, Biven extensively exhibits her art. Her works are currently on display in hotels, hospitals, and private homes from Florida to New York. “I use energy to create my art, and I like to think that the energy becomes part of the piece, and that people feel that energy and are moved by it,” said Biven.

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“I use energy to create my art, and I like to think that the energy becomes part of the piece, and that people feel that energy and are moved by it.”

For more information about Biven’s work, please call, email, or visit her website.

404-889-6849 | Jane@halfbakedart.com | HalfBakedArt.com

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Dental Insurance Is It Worth Having? By Steven Anderson, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] The employees at your dentist office understand how frustrating dental insurance can be because they often play “messenger” between patients and insurance companies. The complexities of a routine dental policy can be overwhelming. Here’s a short guide that may help you decide if enrolling/re-enrolling in a dental insurance plan is worth it: Dental Insurance Company Contracts The insurance company sells you/your employer financial reimbursements for certain dental procedures. This is a financial agreement between you and the insurance company. You pay a monthly premium (often deducted from your paycheck), and the insurance company pays your dentist a predetermined amount for specific dental procedures. In other words, your premium purchases a dental policy that your employer offers. Each contract has distinct benefit percentages for different procedures. Just because your policy has a “100% benefit” for a procedure does not mean that it will be “free.” It just means that the insurance company will pay its full predetermined amount, which is often less than your dentist’s actual fee for a specific procedure. In fact, benefit percentages are applied to the insurance company’s predetermined benefit amount for each specific procedure, which is not based on your dentist’s actual fees. The insurance

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

term “usual and customary rate” (UCR) is largely a misnomer and is not even consistent within an insurance company’s own policy offerings or within a geographic region. Each dental insurance company has its own UCR list, which it uses to control how much it must pay a dentist on your behalf. This is how insurance companies control the financial risk of the contract. You Get What You Pay For This adage is true in dentistry, and it applies toward providing quality care vs. costs and reimbursements associated with individual dental insurance policies. Dental insurance differs from medical insurance because catastrophic events are nonexistent in dentistry. Dental insurance companies are aware that there are no huge risks for unanticipated large claims, which is why dental insurance premiums are significantly less than medical insurance premiums. In fact, dental insurance companies cap possible risks by imposing maximum annual payouts (usually $500-$1,500 per customer). Higher premiums usually equate to larger payouts. Five Steps To Determine if Dental Insurance Is Worth It 1. Calculate how much you are paying each year for dental insurance by asking your employer what your monthly premium is. Multiply this number by 12 and write down the total.

2. Determine what deductibles you must pay (usually $50-$100) when you initiate certain procedures. 3. Estimate the number of times you visit the dentist each year. Are you maximizing your necessary cleanings and routine preventative care appointments? 4. Ask your dentist how much the insurance company paid on your behalf in the past year. Dentists usually keep track of this information, which will assist you in your comparison efforts. 5. Ask your dentist how much they anticipate the insurance company will pay for any necessary treatment that has been prescribed for you. With this information, you can make an informed decision. You may be surprised to learn that it’s financially better to pay yourself a comparable dental premium in a private savings account or use an employer sponsored Health Savings Account instead of paying for dental insurance. Call your dental office to understand exactly what your insurance benefits and limitations may be. After all, great dentistry 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

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Needs vs. Wants By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] Recently, a group of aging professionals and I were discussing giveaways for seniors. Many organizations offer presentations or health fairs, and there are always giveaways at these events. Who wouldn’t want something for free? Funny story — one time at a health fair for seniors, a provider had some expensive demo items out on her table. She turned to talk to someone, and when she looked back at her table, the items were gone. A group of people came by and thought they were free giveaways. The provider had to find the group to get her items back. I am fortunate to work beside a great organization called the Volunteer Aging Council (VAC), which does so much for older adults who live on a fixed income. The VAC has a Client Need/ Last Stop program that has helped hundreds of seniors in Cherokee County over the past 15 years or more. The Council receives financial assistance through grants and by hosting fundraising events. Like most programs, there is a process to apply for assistance, and it cannot help everyone. Most of the applications are high-need requests, and they often receive help. But some applications are denied because the requested assets are above the allotted limit for assistance. This year, the requests have doubled. A few people have applied for help who can afford to pay for what they are needing themselves. Someone tells them to contact Senior Services, and they “probably will get approved.” However, some are applying for “wants” instead of “needs.” Client Need/Last Stop is for older adults who must decide, for example, whether to pay for their prescriptions or their utilities. On average, the income of seniors requesting assistance is around $1,000 a month. Please understand that VAC funds are not unlimited. This group of volunteers works hard to raise funds to help seniors, and they are responsible for making sure those funds are used on the needs of older adults who have very little income. L

Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services

Woodstock Family Life | NOVEMBER 2020

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations

Mountain Education Charter High School 6500 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock 470-863-4006 Education

Abundant Living Foundation, Inc. 1558 Marietta Highway, Suite 200 Canton 404-973-9010 Nonprofit Organization/Health and Wellness

Capovilla and Williams

3205 South Cherokee Lane, Suite 130 Woodstock 866-951-0466 Attorneys

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services - Station 9

Dedicated in memory of Charlie Ferguson 1398 Reinhardt College Parkway Canton Government â&#x20AC;&#x201C; County

The ROCC

1558 Marietta Highway, Suite 220 Canton 770-224-6825 Nonprofit Organization

THRIVE | Coworking

225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 200 Canton 404-234-4762 Coworking and Event Space

The Daily Draft

8594 Main Street Woodstock 770-783-2799 Sports Bar/Restaurant

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Anderson Dental

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Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

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