PEACE ON EARTH , Good Will to All
“If you know something’s going to work, it’s not worth working on. It requires no courage. It requires no faith. It requires no skin in the game…. The unknown is the foundry where you forge your chips. Everything important is uncertain. Sitting with the discomfort of that uncertainty is the hard part, the wedge that can move the world.”
– Eliot Peper
As I type this for the December magazines, it is November 5, the day of the 2024 Presidential Election. To say Americans are on edge about the uncertainty of what will happen in our country depending on who wins the election is an understatement. People are emptying store shelves to stock up on supplies and filling their gas tanks at the pump as though we’re facing another pandemic.
But regardless of who wins, and we’ll hopefully have an uncontested answer by the time you read this, we must move forward and “forge our chips” in the best and most favorable ways we know how — even if it’s not our personal desired outcome. If everyone chooses to use their “discomfort” and “uncertainty” to make positive strides in the world, we all still win.
During this post-election holiday season, I pray we will all commit to focusing on what brings us together instead of what divides us. I pray that you cherish time making memories with family and friends (and if you need some ideas of fun things to do that are close to home, be sure to check out our Events Calendar on pages 6-9). And as 2024 comes to an end, I pray for peace, love, good health, happiness, and prosperity for you and yours.
Happy Holidays!
Julie Senger, Editor-in-Chief
PUBLISHER
Family Life Magazines
Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com
ART
Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com
Tiffany Corn
Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jack Tuszynski
PhotoJack.Net@Gmail.com
SALES/MARKETING MANAGER
David Wright David@FamilyLifePublications.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Steven Anderson, Barbara P. Jacoby, Jyl Craven, Kay Kirkpatrick, Tim Morris, Jennifer Paire, Andy Rogers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Susan K. Treadaway, Aaron M. Vincent
Family Life Magazines 6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095
Also available online at FamilyLifeMagazines.com
Family Life Magazines publishes the only monthly magazines in Cherokee County that reach more than 30,000 readers in print and digital formats — each issue, every month, with more direct-mailed copies sent to Cherokee County homes than any other local magazine.
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.
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Hot Topics at Georgia’s Upcoming Legislative Session
By State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD
Senator Speaks
By the time you read this, the 2024 elections will be in the rearview mirror, and everyone will be relieved to be finished with the onslaught of political ads. Those of us who serve in the Georgia General Assembly are looking toward the next legislative session, which begins January 13, 2025, and lasts 40 days. Our one constitutional responsibility is to pass a balanced budget (unlike the federal government), but there will be many competing priorities that will result in legislation.
One of the “hot topics” for the upcoming session will be litigation reform, which has become a big issue due to the impact of large jury verdicts on businesses throughout the state. Some businesses have left Georgia, despite its overall business friendly environment that has resulted in the state being named the No. 1 State to do Business for multiple years. Litigation reform is a complex issue that requires balancing the rights of individuals to seek their day in court with fairness and appropriate judgments. Like many other topics, the result remains to be seen, but there will almost certainly be negotiations between parties that fundamentally disagree.
Most would prefer to keep their hardearned dollars rather than send them to the government, and we are currently on track to
further reduce the state income tax. Working with Gov. Brian Kemp, we think you are better equipped to decide how to spend your money than the government is, and we look forward to further progress.
Public safety and crime issues are always important to legislators and citizens alike, and our general assembly has a long history of backing law enforcement and first responders. Gang and trafficking activities are problematic throughout the state. Our law enforcement and first responder communities are second to none in Cherokee. Our judiciary system is also very strong, and its treatment court program is a model for the whole state.
Early childhood education and literacy have also received much attention over the past few years, and I expect this to continue. We know that kids who are not reading on grade level by 3rd grade have statistically worse outcomes in life. We are fortunate to have excellent schools in Cherokee County, but not all of Georgia’s school districts perform at such a high level.
I serve as the chairperson for the Children and Families Committee in the Senate, and we are constantly working to improve the foster care and adoption systems in Georgia. As a physician, I also work on healthcare issues, especially patient
safety and insurance reform. Mental health and substance abuse issues continue to impact families throughout Georgia. Though we have made progress during the last few years, many still struggle. Improving access to treatment is a high priority under the Gold Dome.
Our legislative delegation is ready to hear your concerns and opinions, and we look forward to working to maintain the excellent quality of life enjoyed in Cherokee County. We work closely with your county officials and congressional representatives to address Cherokee County’s explosive growth and many other important matters.
You can find us at Legis.Ga.gov, which is also a great place to track legislation and observe our proceedings. Please feel free to contact any of your senators or representatives. If you are unsure who represents you, log on to OpenStates.org and enter your address. I can also be reached via email at Kay.Kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov or by calling 404-656-3932. I am honored to serve you in the State Senate.
SenatorKayKirkpatrick.com
Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, represents District 32, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-3932.
DECEMBER
1-9
Santa’s Calling — If you’d like Santa and his elves to call your child(ren) this year, please complete a Santa’s Calling request form on the Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency website. Forms must be mailed, dropped off at the Recreation Center, or emailed by 12/9. FREE! Santa and his elves will make calls 5:00-7:00pm on 12/11. The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock.770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
1-13
Hugs in a Blanket Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency is accepting new blankets and unisex slipper socks for residents of Cherokee County nursing centers. Donations accepted during regular business hours at the WREC (7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock), the Buzz (7345 Cumming Highway, Canton), and the Cherokee County Aquatic Center (1200 Wellstar Way, Canton). 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
1-13
1-21
Small Town: Small Works
Featuring local artists who live within a 15-mile radius of Woodstock, artworks in this show are small in stature but big in impact. Limited to only 15 inches or smaller, these artworks boast prices that are accessible to a wider audience. FREE admission. Regular Reeves House hours, Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org
1-22
Letters From Santa Would you like Santa to send your child a special letter? If so, drop off letters to Santa at the North Pole mailbox by 12/13. Santa will reply to each letter from his North Pole address. Parents, if your child’s handwriting is illegible, please leave a note for Santa’s elves. FREE! Regular hours, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
1-13
Santa Mail — If your child would like to send a letter to Santa Claus, just drop it in the Santa mailbox in downtown Woodstock. Word has it that you may get a letter back, so be sure to include your return address! No classroom projects, please. The Park at City Center Gazebo, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockParksAndRec.com
Adults With Aging Parents Seminar
Third Thursday of each month, 6:30pm, Covenant Presbyterian Church (KappermanWilliams Hall), 2881 Canton Road, Marietta. CobbCherokee@acapcommunity.org, ACAPCommunity.org/events
Woodstock Farm Fresh Market — Saturdays through 12/30, 8:30am-12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. VisitWoodstockGa.com
MilVet Meetup — First Monday of each month, 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. MilVetCommunity.com
1-16
Toys for Tots Donation Center — Drop off your new unwrapped toy donations for Toys for Tots. Regular business hours, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org
Historic Sweetscapes: A Gingerbread Journey through Cherokee County — See iconic buildings and spaces of Cherokee County turned into gingerbread works of art by local bakers. 10:00am-5:00pm Wednesday-Saturday and 12:00-5:00pm Sunday, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org
1-30 Holiday Lights of Woodstock
This event features a huge walk-thru Christmas light display. It’s the Christmas tradition for kids of ALL ages! Kids 12 and under are FREE. All others are $10 per person. Season passes are $25. The display is closed 12/24-12/25. Proceeds benefit the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. 6:00-9:00pm Sunday-Thursday and 6:00-10:00pm Friday-Saturday, Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. HolidayLightsOfGa.com
American Legion Post 316 South Cherokee County Meeting — Third Thursday of each month, 7:00pm, William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 706-726-2754. ALPost316Ga.org
Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 Meeting — Third Saturday of each month, 9:30am, Rally Point Grille, 9770 Main Street, Woodstock. 561-213-5699. Harry123130@gmail.com
The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty) On the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, connect with individuals who fill grandparent roles and bring honor to Christ through grandparenting. 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.
Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — First Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/ Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org
1-31
Holiday Lights at Veterans Park — Take a ride in your car through a two-mile light show featuring two drive-thru tunnels, animated Christmas displays, and over two million lights! Admission is $20 per car or $50 for a season pass. Proceeds will benefit various local charities. 6:00-9:00pm SundayThursday and 6:00-10:00pm Friday-Saturday, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. HolidayLightsOfGa.com
1-2/28/25
December Is
National Pear, Writing a Business Plan, and Tie Month as well as Gift of Sight, Operation Santa Paws, Worldwide Food Service Safety, and Universal Human Rights Month.
4
Fresh Start Mornings Where Are They Now? Flashback Panel — Past Fresh Start Mornings presenters Bryttany Hyde (The Little Sober Bar), Kelly & William Thomas (Golf2Grow), and Ericka Axelsson (The Cloud Makers) will reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys and the challenges they have overcome in the last year. FREE! 9:00am networking and 9:15am program begins, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org
6-7 Holiday Tour of Homes
Enjoy a special tour of some of Canton’s beautiful historic homes decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $25-$30. 5:00-9:00pm Friday and 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday, multiple homes in Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org
6-24 A Christmas Carol
A Century of Toys: 100 Years of Play — View toys from the early 1900s to modern day, from beloved vintage treasures to modern-day favorites. 10:00am5:00pm Wednesday-Saturday and 12:005:00pm Sunday, Cherokee County History Center, 22 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org
3 Cherokee Tech Meetup — The Cherokee Tech Community’s goal is to foster a vibrant ecosystem where tech enthusiasts, professionals, and learners can connect, collaborate, and grow. FREE! 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. MeetUp. com/cherokee-tech-community
5 Jingle Mingle — Raise a glass to the gift of small business! Mingle with current and prospective business owners in the Woodstock area. If you wear an ugly sweater, you’ll be entered into a contest to win great prizes and giveaways! The event benefits the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation’s Shop with a Hero. 6:00-9:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.Glueup.com
6
Morning INfluence — This month, enjoy breakfast and a performance of holiday music by the Woodstock ES Chorus. Registration is required. 7:45am, Woodstock Elementary School, 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.Glueup.com
Enjoy this good oldfashioned Christmas ghost story, wrapped into a classic Broadwaystyle musical. 7:30pm and 2:30pm Sunday matinees and 12/23-12/24, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org
7
21st Annual Reindeer Run for the Children — This event benefits children in need in Cherokee County. Participate by registering for the 5K walk/ run, 10K run, 1-mile fun run, or as a “Santa’s Helper” and snag a T-shirt. Entry fee is $20-$35. 7:00am registration, 8:00am fun run, 8:30am 5K/10K; Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. ServiceLeague.net
[continued on page 8]
Community Yoga Classes
On Monday mornings, bring your own mat for a FREE yoga class. 10:0011:00am, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org
YPOW AM
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Second Thursday of each month, 11:00am-1:00pm, Little River United Methodist Church, 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock. 615-293-1670.
Local Artist Showcase — On the first Friday of each month, stop by for a FREE opening reception featuring the local artist whose artwork is on display in the Reeves House Education Studio. Meet the artist, enjoy a glass of wine, and sway to some live music. 6:00-9:00pm, The Reeves House, 734 Reeves Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org
HICKORY FLAT
2740 East Cherokee Drive Canton, 770-345-7565
ROSE CREEK
4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-591-1491
WOODSTOCK
7735 Main Street, Woodstock 770-926-5859
FROZEN FUN NIGHT
December 6, 5:00pm, Hickory Flat
Participate in story time/sing-alongs, dancing, crafts, pictures, and more! There may even be an ice queen present, too!
TEEN YULE BALL
December 6, 7:00pm, Woodstock
Don your finest wizard apparel and enjoy this magical after-hours event. Registration required.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
December 9, 5:00pm, Hickory Flat
December 10, 6:00pm, Rose Creek
Enjoy treats, crafts, and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus (Hickory Flat).
Enjoy the Oak Grove Elementary Chorus, a special guest from the North Pole, refreshments, and other activities (Rose Creek).
THE NUTCRACKER STORYTIME WITH DANCENTRE SOUTH
December 12, 6:00pm, Rose Creek
Take a journey through the Land of Sweets during a special story time featuring dancers in Dancentre South’s production of The Nutcracker ballet. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
WINTER FUN STORYTIME
TEEN DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
December 14, 2:30pm, Hickory Flat
Led by a Teen Advisory Board volunteer, players of all skill levels are welcome. Registration required.
December 18, 10:30am, Woodstock
With winter-themed books, rhymes, songs, and a craft, this will be a fun, cozy morning for the whole family! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
GOODBYE, 2024! PARTY
December 31, 11:30am, Rose Creek
Make a craft and enjoy light refreshments with friends as you say goodbye to 2024. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
NOON YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
December 31, 11:30am, Woodstock
Celebrate a countdown to noon with crafts, music, and more! All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
continued from page 7
7
7 Santa’s Workshop — Kick off the holiday season with sleigh rides, pictures with Santa, craft and gift vendors, food trucks, and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a group of 4 or more participants. 9:00am-12:00pm, JJ Biello Park, The Valley Playground, 199 Brooke Boulevard, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
Veteran Breakfast With Santa — Veterans and their families are invited to kick off the holiday season with a pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. FREE! 10:00am-1:00pm, American Legion Thomas M. Brady Post 45, 160 McClure Street, Canton. 678-983-7590. CherokeeHomelessVets.com
7, 12, & 1/3/25
WIT!
The Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe will have the audience rolling down the aisle with laughter! Tickets are $10-$14. 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org
8
City of Woodstock Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights
As darkness falls, parade floats will light up the town. After the parade, the jubilee festivities will begin. 5:30pm parade followed by the jubilee, downtown Woodstock/The Park at City Center, Main Street/103 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-517-6788. WoodstockParksAndRec.com
13-14
National Wreaths Across America
On 12/13, families with loved ones buried at Georgia National Cemetery can obtain a wreath at the front gate to place on their loved ones’ gravesites. Volunteers will place wreaths on the remaining gravesites on 12/14, which will be followed by a formal ceremony honoring our heroes. 3:30pmsunset family wreath placement on 12/13; 9:00am volunteer wreath placement and approximately 10:00am ceremony on 12/14; Georgia National Cemetery, 101 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton. 678-852-4591. Salty31@hotmail. com. GANationalCemetery.org
14
Swim With the Grinch — Grow the Grinch’s heart this holiday season by helping to decorate the in-water holiday tree, playing pool games, having your picture taken with the Grinch, and making some arts and crafts. Nonswimmers or those in life jackets must have a parent in the pool with them. $15 per person. 9:00-10:15am and 10:45am-12:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org
14
Crafting Beautiful and Unique Holiday Wreaths Seniors can learn to create holiday wreaths. The fee is $10 per person. 9:00-11:30am and 1:00-3:30pm, Cherokee County Senior Services, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. CherokeeMasterGardeners.com
15 & 21
Screen on the Green — Bring the family to watch beloved holiday favorites! The Polar Express will be shown on 12/15, and The Grinch animated movie will be shown on 12/21. FREE! 3:00pm, Woodstock Arts Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock. WoodstockArts.org
19 & 1/4/25
The Lasting Laugh
Enjoy this hybrid comedy series that brings in two different Atlanta-based comedians monthly, hosted by Jessica It’s All Good. Tickets $10-$14, recommended for ages 12+ (content). 7:30pm, Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251. WoodstockArts.org
21 Homeless Veteran Candlelight Vigil
December 21 is the longest night of the year, and this event is to remember homeless veterans. Sundown (approximately 5:30pm), Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 678-983-7590.
26-1/15/25
Christmas Tree Chip & Dip — Throw away your Christmas tree the environmental way! Bring your Christmas trees to be fed into the chipper. The following week, bring a shovel to the park and “dip” into the free mulch. Please no flocked, painted, or decorated trees (they poison our waterways).
8:00am to dusk, Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x 1709. WoodstockGa.gov
National Civics Bee Launched
The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee, an initiative to encourage more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Cherokee County will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and build greater trust in others and institutions.
Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to enter the firstround civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel of judges reviews the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition, which is an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship.
The Chamber will host the Cherokee County competition in the spring of 2025. Local finalists and top winners will win prizes, with first place receiving $500. Winners from each local competition in Georgia will be invited to the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the fall of 2025.
Woodstock Parks and Recreation Earns National Reaccreditation
Woodstock Parks and Recreation continues to be in the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning reaccreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta during the Best of the Best Awards ceremony.
CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community.
“Woodstock Parks and Recreation demonstrated compliance with 154 standards to earn reaccreditation through CAPRA and NRPA,” said Mayor Michael Caldwell. “This is further proof that Woodstock enjoys the highest quality programs, best-in-class parks and trails, and award-winning events — thanks to the work of this outstanding agency.”
Woodstock Parks and Recreation manages eight city parks, over 25 miles of trails, a robust calendar of recreation programs, and the William G. Long Senior Center. The department produces annual events including Woodstock’s July 4th Spectacular, the Halloween Trail of Tricks and Treats, the Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights, and the region’s largest free summer concert series.
For more information about Woodstock Parks and Recreation’s programs, events, and facilities, visit WoodstockParksAndRec.com.
Taste of Woodstock Raises Funds for WHS Band Program
Representatives from the City of Woodstock Office of Economic Development recently presented a check for $7,000 to the Woodstock Wolverines Band Boosters. The funds were raised from the annual Taste of Woodstock event, which brings local restaurants and eateries together to share small bites of their favorite dishes with the public. Tasting tickets were priced at $1/ticket.
The Woodstock Wolverines Marching Band kicked off the event, followed by sets from other local
musicians. Judges reviewed bites from each of the 22 participating eateries to choose the winner of Best Appetizer (Primo's Pizza & Italian Kitchen for their pepperoni pinwheels and buffalo chicken pinwheels), Best Entrée (Prime 120 for their grilled filet mignon with a choice of chimichurri or black garlic aioli), and Best Dessert (D'Floridian Cuban Cuisine for their tres leches cake). The People’s Choice Award was a tie between A&M Kitchen and D'Floridian Cuban Cuisine.
(L-R) Mayor Michael Caldwell, Parks and Recreation Director Brian Borden, Parks and Recreation Office Manager Heather Gaddis, Deputy City Manager Coty Thigpen, and Special Events Coordinator Marybeth Stockdale
(L-R) WHS Band Boosters President Chris Saxon, WHS Director of Bands Bob Loehr, Woodstock Office of Economic Development Program Manager
(WOED) Sylvia Breitbart, WOED Director Brian Stockton, and WHS Principal Charley Ingham
Cherokee Chamber Seeks Nominees for First Citizen of Cherokee County and Teen Leadership
The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce seeks nominees for its prestigious First Citizen of Cherokee County Award through 12:00pm on December 13, 2024. The distinct title of First Citizen of Cherokee County is bestowed upon a man or woman who has resided in the county for a minimum of five years and has shown significant meritorious service to his or her community through family, civic, and/or religious involvement. A panel of out-of-town judges carefully reviews each applicant's accomplishments, and the winner is chosen based on merit. The 50th Annual First Citizen will be announced during the organization’s Annual Meeting scheduled for January 24, 2025.
The Chamber is also accepting applications for the Teen Leadership Cherokee Class of 2025 through December 8, 2024. Students must be in 10th grade to apply. The mission of Teen Leadership Cherokee is for participants to L.E.A.D. (lead,
engage, aspire, and drive), so that they may confidently become our community's next generation of leaders. Participants will develop a sense of community while discovering the impact of teamwork on their peers, their schools, and Cherokee County.
The young men and women selected to participate in Teen Leadership Cherokee must attend school and/or live in Cherokee County, demonstrate outstanding qualities as existing or potential leaders, and possess the desire to affect change in their community. Participants’ academic achievements and responsibilities – working after school, active participation in school functions, or membership in other organizations – will be reviewed during the selection process. The class is limited to 20 participants.
Applications for these awards can be found at CherokeeChamber.com. For additional information, please call 770-345-0400.
Live Like Laken 5K Race Recap
Cherokee Recreation and Parks raised over $29,000 for the Laken Hope Foundation at the inaugural Live Like Laken 5K.
The event at Woodstock’s Hobgood Park drew 731 in-person and virtual participants. Funds raised for the foundation will benefit organizations that promote women’s safety awareness, provide tuition assistance for nursing students, and improve children’s healthcare.
“It was a beautiful morning for the race, and we want to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our sponsors, vendors, and volunteers for making it all possible,” said Race Director Skyler Cox. “I also want to thank the Cherokee County community for coming out to support the Laken Hope Foundation and celebrate the wonderful life of Laken Hope Riley. As the race director, I couldn’t imagine a better day. The support from our community was truly inspiring, and I hope it will be a day we all remember in honoring Laken.”
The overall male race winner was Nathanael Spivey (A) with a time of 18:18, and the overall female winner was Isabella Kennison (B) with a time of 20:47.
For more information on the foundation, please visit TheLakenHopeFoundation.com.
Photos courtesy of TrueSpeed Photo
Community
Energy Assistance Program Opens for Homebound and Elderly
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services is now open to homebound and elderly households. Homebound households are defined as those where every resident is confined to the home because of medical conditions or disabilities. Elderly households are defined as those in which every resident is 65 years or older (if anyone in the household is under age 18 and all other household members are 65 or older, that household will meet the definition).
All households participating in the program must meet the income criteria, be responsible for paying the cost of energy for home heating directly to the supplier, and be U.S. citizens or aliens admitted to the U.S. for lawful permanent residence. Applicants must present their most recent heating bill and electric bill as well as proof of household income, valid Social Security number, and citizenship with a valid picture I.D. and/or alien status. Elderly households must also provide proof of age for all household members.
To apply for assistance, call the Cherokee County Service Center at 770-345-6531. If you can’t get through, please be patient and keep trying until you reach someone. Do not leave messages, as they will not be returned. The homebound/elderly "priority" is open December 2-31, 2024.
Recreation and Parks Director Honored With Distinguished Professional Award
Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Director Jay Worley was awarded the 2024 Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) District 5 Distinguished Professional Award, the highest honor given by the GRPA District 5. Worley was recognized for his 25 years of dedicated service, leadership in the community, and contributions to the GRPA.
Worley’s career began as an athletic/program coordinator for the City of Gainesville, where he developed youth and adult sports and adult instructional programming. He joined Cherokee Recreation & Parks in 2005 and became director in 2019. Under his leadership, the department achieved CAPRA accreditation in 2021, a significant milestone for Cherokee County.
His many achievements include opening the L. B. “Buzz” Ahrens Recreation Center, renovating the historic Hickory Flat Gym, and creating both a Facilities Division and a Natural Resources Division. He also played a pivotal role in the Northeast Cherokee Parks Plan, which led to the development of Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area and the design of the Yellow Creek Conservation Area & Trails.
Worley holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation degree from West Georgia and is a Certified Park & Recreation Professional and a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. He also founded the Cherokee Leadership Academy to mentor young professionals within the department.
Cherokee County Individuals Named to Georgia Trend’s 2024 Georgia 500 List
The annual Georgia 500 list contains men and women who move Georgia forward as a national leader for growth and business. Two members of the Cherokee County community were named to this year’s list.
Misti Martin, president and CEO of the Cherokee County Office of Economic Development, was selected in the Economic Development category. She was praised for being instrumental in “securing land for development that includes mixed-use, office spaces, advance manufacturing, data centers, and film studios,” and for advocating for and supporting local businesses in the community.
Georgia Trend magazine named Reinhardt University President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D., one of the state’s most influential leaders of 2024 in the Education category. The magazine described program successes under Dr. Roberts’ leadership including RU’s successful cybersecurity, nursing, and volunteerism programs.
(Above) Misti Martin, president and CEO of the Cherokee County Office of Economic Development, (R) Reinhardt University President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D
Jay Worley (front, center) holds his award.
By Jennifer Paire
Moose Roofs & Restoration Building a Legacy of Superior Craftsmanship and Trust
Canton
homeowner Mike DeLuca described his roof replacement by Moose Roofs earlier this year as “No stress, no mess.”
“It was about as painless a process as you could have,” said DeLuca, who operated the legendary R&M Hoagie Shop in Canton for decades. “It was crazy how fast it came together. It was exceptional work, and the quality and service is about as good an experience as I could ever have.”
Cherokee County natives J.J. and Metka Gantt created Moose Roofs almost a year ago, incorporating their penchant for face-to-face interaction and long-standing relationships in the roofing and construction industry. It’s a refreshing take on an industry increasingly prone to call centers and online interaction.
“When you call Moose Roofs, you will get me — I’m the one who answers the phone and the one who will climb onto the roof to inspect it,” said J.J., a Haag-certified
roof inspector since 2008 and a lifelong entrepreneur. “I don’t have any salesmen or door knockers. I’m the guy you call after you have been through all the fliers and sales calls.”
At a time when insurance companies are relying more on drones to assess roof damage and tighter underwriting standards that limit the ages of roofs they will insure, J.J. uses his institutional knowledge and solid rapport with insurance companies and adjusters to negotiate the best game plan for his customers.
“I called J.J. to talk to him on a Thursday, and he came right out to look at my roof. Then he called me Friday to say materials would be there Monday,” recalled DeLuca, who had roofs on his home and detached garage replaced. “His crew started on Tuesday, and they were done by Friday. In today’s world, you just don’t get service like that. And, you would not have even known they had been out there working.”
Scaling Rooftops
Moose Roofs offers free estimates for roof replacement, repair, and home restoration. The company is restoring a home in Atlanta from top to bottom after a tree fell through it earlier this year. Offering dimensional
shingles by GAC and CertainTeed, full roof replacements have a 10-year leak-free warranty, and smaller repairs are warranted for five years.
While roofing companies throughout Georgia use and market drone technology as a safer method of roof inspection, J.J. Gantt is a hands-on type of guy.
“J.J. is great at educating people about their roofing needs, and he doesn’t believe in doing the drone work,” explained Metka, who writes estimates and manages customer service and finances for Moose Roofs.
“He physically climbs up on every roof and checks for damage because drones can’t lift up shingles. They can’t see that flashing is damaged or crevices around the chimney.”
J.J. has been working with the same roofing crew for 14 years, and their average turnaround time on a roof replacement is one day. Simple roof repairs are also available as well as emergency tarp installation.
“Roof maintenance is increasingly important,” J.J. shared. “Insurance companies are making it more difficult to cover your roof after it is 10 years old.”
Moose Roofs’ response to this shift is a $500 roof maintenance special on most houses. The special includes new sealant on
all boots, flashing, vents, and other openings — all updates that extend the life of a roof.
Power Couple
J.J. and Metka are known throughout the community for their ambition and commitment to helping others. They are parents to Savannah, 27, a sales and marketing professional, and Chandler, 25, a social media influencer (@kingofpointlesstrix).
During the holidays, J.J. dons a headlamp and installs Christmas lights with dizzying precision on rooftops throughout the area. The couple sponsors Christmas for a family in need each year and enjoys being members of Macedonia Baptist Church.
Married for almost 28 years, both are graduates of Sequoyah High School. Over the years, J.J. owned a car detailing business in Marietta as a teen, and J.J. Gant Auto Brokers in Canton from the early 1990s until 2008 when a hailstorm damaged his inventory. With the economy on the downturn, he pivoted to roof inspection to help others with storm damage.
“I think what is most satisfying about the work I am doing is helping customers get back in their home after disaster strikes, and they’ve had major damage,” J.J. shared. “I like helping people get back to normal.”
Metka has been an emotional behavioral disorder paraprofessional at Creekview High School for 17 years, and she is a full-time student working to obtain her teaching degree in May 2025. She is part of the award-winning music and technology production team at Creekview’s home football games. Serving as the junior class sponsor, she has overseen prom planning for six years.
“He physically climbs up on every roof and checks for damage because drones can’t lift up shingles. They can’t see that flashing is damaged or crevices around the chimney.”
Serving Our Community Beyond the Courthouse
By District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway
Each year, the District Attorney’s Office handles thousands of cases including matters in Superior Court and Juvenile Court. But our work is not sequestered to the courthouse.
My staff and I serve important roles in state organizations, county task forces, and community groups. We provide training to colleagues in the criminal justice system including law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocates. We also participate in local events and give back to our community by serving those in need.
In 2024, we offered training in Cherokee County, throughout our state, and beyond. We provided specialized training to Cherokee County deputy marshals and animal control officers as well as Cherokee County Animal Shelter staff. We participated in school safety training hosted by the Atlanta Area Council for Boy Scouts of America. Our Gang & Organized Crime Unit delivered a four-hour presentation to the Georgia Gang Investigators Association summer conference. We also hosted training at the Roger D. Garrison Law Enforcement Training Center as part of the Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance monthly intel meeting.
In addition, we had the opportunity to speak to members of our community through local programs including the Woodstock Teen Public Safety Academy, Cherokee County Touch-A-Truck, Woodstock Citizens’ Public Safety Academy, National Night Out, and Senior Extravaganza. And I delivered opening remarks at the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Vigil.
We also presented to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Cadets, Cherokee County Senior Services Silver Roamers, residents of Soleil Laurel Canyon as well as students at career days at Creekland MS and Sequoyah HS.
Staff members took part in activities honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Our extremely generous and service-minded staff members enthusiastically participated in donation drives that benefited local schoolchildren and senior citizens. In 2024, we participated in a school supply drive for children served by the Cherokee Family Violence Center. We also contributed to the MUST Ministries Summer Lunch Program, which benefits local children.
Our entire staff is dedicated to serving Cherokee County, both within and outside the courthouse. We care about our community and demonstrate this compassion through our readiness to help and support others. Community engagement has always been, and will continue to be, a priority for me as your district attorney.
I am honored to work alongside such an incredible team and grateful to the citizens of Cherokee County for entrusting me to serve as your district attorney.
the district attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Cherokee County, Georgia. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/ District-Attorneys-Office
Susan K. Treadaway is
Marshal’s Office Training
MUST Ministries Donations
Silver Roamers
Soleil Laurel Canyon
Crafting a Retirement Plan That Aligns With Your Dreams
By Aaron M. Vincent, CFP®
[StrategicLife] Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work, but to truly make the most of your golden years, it’s essential to have a clear vision of what you want to
achieve. Whether it’s traveling the world, relocating, or establishing a legacy for future generations, knowing your goals helps build a financial plan that aligns with your dreams.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your retirement vision becomes a reality:
1. Stick to a Plan: Setting clear goals early in your journey to retirement is key. When you identify your objectives ahead of time, you can act sooner, allowing for more opportunities and flexibility in how you achieve them. Early planning keeps you motivated and gives you time to explore many options, as you work toward those goals.
2. Define Your “Why”: For each goal you set, think about the personal motivation behind it. Understanding the “why” can help prioritize your objectives and guide your decisionmaking process. Whether it’s the desire for financial security or the passion for fulfilling a lifelong dream, knowing your purpose will help you stay focused.
3. Do the Math: Retirement planning requires a strong grasp of your financial picture —
both now and in the future. It’s difficult to predict economic shifts, market changes, and life events, but regularly assessing your expected income and expenses is crucial. Keeping an eye on these variables ensures your plans stay realistic and achievable.
4. Set SMART Goals: Make sure your goals are SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused, and Timesensitive. Aiming for concrete outcomes with clear deadlines helps you stay on track and makes it easier to measure your progress.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or still a few years away, the key to achieving your goals is to start with a clear picture of what you want. The earlier you plan, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate the financial challenges and enjoy the retirement you deserve. L
is president and financial advisor for Vincent Financial Group. 9200 Main Street, Suite 2A, Woodstock. 770-485-1876. VincentPlanning.com
Aaron M. Vincent
Hot or Not? Your Haircare Appliance Guide
By Jyl Craven
[Lifestyle] Remember when you cooked your very first meal on the stove? Did you overcook it? Or how about learning to do your laundry or iron your clothes for the first time? Did you use high heat settings, regardless of the garment? Growing up, we often learn through trial and error. Sometimes, the mistakes we made were fatuous, and other times they were more severe. However, as adults, we realize the significance of temperature control in many areas. Knowing the correct setting for your haircare appliance is important. Here is information and a temperature guide for the three most commonly used haircare appliances, so you know whether to choose hot or not.
Blow Dryer
When blowing your hair dry, do you immediately opt for a high-heat setting? While it’s true your hair may dry quicker, this approach may not be the best for your hair type. For thin or compromised hair, use a medium setting. Thicker, more coarse hair types can handle higher temperatures. Always remember to keep the dryer moving. Too much heat in a concentrated area can cause damage. If your blow dryer has a cool-shot feature, switch it on when your hair is about 95% dry. This will help shut the cuticle down and create more shine.
Flat Iron
The right iron temperature is the difference between achieving a lovely style or creating an unwelcome disaster. To know your iron’s temperature setting, your appliance needs a guide or heat control feature. Most irons that only have an on/off switch are automatically set to a very high temperature. If your hair texture is thin and fine, or if you have chemically damaged hair, you’ll want to keep the heat setting between 200° and 300° F. For normal- to medium-textured hair, you can increase the heat to 350° F. Thicker, more coarse hair types can withstand up to 375° F. Regardless of your hair type or texture, never set your iron higher than 400° F.
HAIRCARE APPLIANCE GUIDE
Curling Iron
While the same general temperature settings apply as with the flat iron, the type of curl you want to achieve may cause you to want to increase the temperature. You may find yourself holding the iron in a position to lock in the curl, but this can be achieved with proper sectioning. If your goal is tighter curls, use smaller sections. Looser curls call for larger sections. Smaller sections also mean less heat, 225° to 325° F. For larger sections, you can increase the heat to 375° F while keeping the iron continuously moving.
Yes, too much heat can cause us to overcook our steak or shrink or scald our favorite cotton T-shirt, but too much heat on our hair is far from one of life’s little plights. So, next time you turn on your favorite haircare appliance, ask yourself, “Do I go hot or not?” L
Jyl Craven is the owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-3459411. JylCraven.com
December HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES 101
By Julie Senger
Though research shows that 90-91% of Americans celebrate Christmas, many know little about the cultural, historical, religious, or spiritual backgrounds of other holidays and observances that occur during December. To better understand a bit of history and some of our fellow humans, here is a brief overview of additional holidays celebrated and observed this month.
Bodhi Day
Who celebrates/observes it? Buddhists
When is it celebrated/observed? There are two Bodhi Days each year. The “secular” Bodhi Day is celebrated on December 8 in much of the Western world and Japan. The other Bodhi Day is based on the lunar calendar, so the date changes yearly. January 7, 2025, is the next lunar Bodhi Day.
Why is it celebrated/observed? Bodhi Day celebrates the day the historic Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, achieved enlightenment. Siddhartha Gautama was a pampered prince who was shielded from the world’s unpleasantries such as sickness, poverty, and death. After finally going out into the kingdom and seeing all its suffering people, he decided to abandon his privileged life and search for meaning.
After years of studying under various masters, Siddhartha Gautama was near death, emaciated from an ascetic lifestyle, and materially and emotionally bankrupt. He came to rest under a large tree, which became known as the “Bodhi Tree,” and he vowed to stay there and meditate until he reached enlightenment.
After reaching enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama’s realizations became the Four Noble Truths:
The truth of suffering (dukkha)
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)
“We suffer because we cling to things, all of which are temporary in this constantly changing world. If we don’t cling, we don’t suffer,” (BodhiDay.org).
How is it celebrated/observed? Though observances vary, those who celebrate may do some or all of the following:
• Pray and read scriptures (sutras)
• Decorate trees with lights or candles to symbolize Buddha’s enlightenment
• Enjoy special family meals
• Perform acts of kindness and generosity (dana) to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings and improve karma
Yule
Who celebrates/ observes it?
known as Yuletide, is a pagan festival that was observed by Germanic tribes, Vikings, and other pre-Christian groups. In modern times, it’s primarily celebrated by neo-pagans.
When is it celebrated/observed? It is celebrated December 21-22 (northern hemisphere) and June 20–21 (southern hemisphere). The celebration lasts for 12 days, which are the 12 days between the winter solstice and the beginning of the solar year because this was considered a sacred period that belonged neither to the old nor the new year.
Why is it celebrated/observed? The original purpose of Yule was to celebrate the winter solstice, which is the shortest day/longest night of the year, as a time of reflection and renewal. The celebrations were meant to ward off evil spirits and show gratitude for nature, the seasons, and the eventual bringing of light back into the world.
How is it celebrated/observed? Originally, the celebration by Germanic tribes “commemorated the events of the waning year and honored the gods with a festival of song, food, drink, and sacrifice,” (AllThatsInteresting.com/yule).
But with the steady spread of Christianity throughout Europe, many of Yule’s traditions — such as wreaths, Yule logs, feasting, and celebrating — overlap with current Christmas traditions.
Hanukkah
Who celebrates/observes it? Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is often referred to as the "Festival of Lights."
When is it celebrated/observed? This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25, 2024, and ends at sundown on January 2, 2025. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev.
Kwanzaa
Who celebrates/observes it? Kwanzaa is a cultural and spiritual celebration of African heritage.
When is it celebrated/observed? It is celebrated on December 26-January 1.
Why is it celebrated/observed? Primarily observed in the United States, Kwanzaa celebrates African family and social values. The Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" means "first fruits," and it’s related to South African celebrations of harvests.
“Both the name and the celebration were devised in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University in Long Beach and an important figure in Afrocentrism,” (Britannica.com).
It was conceived as a nonpolitical and nonreligious holiday and is not considered a substitute for Christmas.
How is it celebrated/observed? “On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture that contribute to building and reinforcing community among African Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols that represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31,” (History.com).
The seven principles of Kwanzaa:
Unity (umoja)
Self-determination (kujichagulia)
Collective responsibility (ujima)
Cooperative economics (ujamaa)
Purpose (nia)
Creativity (kuumba)
Faith (imani)
The seven symbols of Kwanzaa:
Fruits, vegetables, and nuts
Straw mat
Candleholder
Ears of corn
Gifts
Zartosht No Diso
Who celebrates/ observes it? Zartosht No Diso is observed by Zoroastrians.
When is it celebrated/ observed? Zartosht No Diso is observed on the 11th day (Khorshed) of the 10th month (Dae), which falls on December 26 of the seasonal calendar.
Why is it celebrated/observed? Marking the death anniversary of the prophet Zoroaster, this day is one of reflection and expression of gratitude for life and a commemoration of the life of Zoroaster.
How is it celebrated/observed? Many will perform prayers and rituals at home or in a fire temple to reflect upon Zoroaster's words of wisdom, usually through recitation of the Gathas, which are 17 Avestan hymns that are believed to have been composed by the prophet Zarathushtra (Zoroaster). The Gathas form the core of the Zoroastrian liturgy. Many will also attend lectures and discussions about the life and works of Zarathushtra.
Communal cup signifying unity
Seven candles in the African colors of red, green, and black, which symbolize the seven principles
Why is it celebrated/observed? “The Hanukkah story is based on historical events that took place in 165 BCE in Jerusalem. After the Second Temple in Jerusalem was desecrated by the Seleucid Emperor Antiochus IV and his Greco-Syrian troops, Jewish priest Mattathias and his sons rebelled. Retaking Jerusalem and the Temple, they lit the holy lamp (the menorah) but had only enough oil for one night. Miraculously, the lamp stayed lit for eight days until enough holy oil could be procured,” (LearnReligions.com).
The Hebrew word “Chanukah” means “dedication,” and the holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple.
Zoroastrians do not mourn, there is only remembrance and worship of the Farohars of the person who died. Farohars is a prominent symbol of Zoroastrianism, most commonly believed to depict the fravaši, which is the Zoroastrian concept of one's spirit.
Sources: Research.Lifeway.com/2021/12/08/Festivus-celebrates-a-historicalevent-americans-say/; PewResearch.org/short-reads/2017/12/18/5-factsabout-christmas-in-america/#:~:text=Today,%2046%%20of%20Americans%20 say%20they%20celebrate%20Christmas; BodhiDay.org; LearnReligions.com/ the-four-noble-truths-450095; APNews.com/article/Festivus-buddha-bodhiday-celebrations-885e76f3b738ee280641dcd135d39922; Calendarr.com/ united-states/yule/; Viking.style/yule-the-viking-winter-solstice-celebration/; AllThatsInteresting.com/yule; LearnReligions.com/what-is-hanukkah-2076477; Chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/102911/jewish/What-IsHanukkah.htm; History.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history; Britannica.com/ topic/Kwanzaa; ZoroWorld.org/zartosht-no-diso
How is it celebrated/observed? Families say prayers and light candles on a candelabra called a menorah, which has a central candle known as the shamash (or “attendant”) and eight additional candles to represent each of the eight nights. Special holiday foods are served, and since the Hanukkah miracle involved oil, it’s customary to eat foods that use oil in the cooking process (e.g., latkes, sufganiyot, blintzes, kugel, challah, gefilte fish, etc.). Families also sing Hanukkah songs, play games, and give gifts such as gelt, which are chocolate coins.
BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
Teacher Feature Katie Bertram
Hickory Flat ES teacher Katie Bertram’s fifth graders love her classes so much that they’ve coined a phrase in her honor.
“Bertram Bonuses” are the special moments she creates to make learning more engaging.
“It’s when we would go deeper into content, curriculum, topics, or texts through conversation and inquisition,” said the eightyear educator, who teaches “her passion”: English language arts and social studies. “Relevant content, deeper conversations, engaging curiosity, and allowing students autonomy and ownership of their learning is essential in my classroom.”
Her students cleverly picked up on one of Bertram’s core beliefs about teaching: “I’ve always found that relating content to students in a way that they can make a connection helps students become more excited about learning.”
“I chose to become a teacher because I have a passion for helping others to learn, a desire to make a positive impact on future generations, and wanted to become the teacher a student could count on for support and guidance,” said Bertram, who additionally facilitates the school’s Young Georgia Author’s
Fair and sponsors the Junior Beta Club. “I believe there is no greater gift than education, as it is a gift that no one can take away.”
One of her favorite teaching strategies is incorporating depth and complexity questions during her English language arts lessons.
“Depth and complexity elements help students develop different levels of thinking skills,” she said. “This was a strategy that I used frequently to help students become engaged and challenged through reading a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts.”
What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school? “One of the most important things parents can do for their child to be successful at school is to encourage and model a love for reading and learning,” she said. “Reading with your child and encouraging independent reading fosters a love for learning and improves comprehension and vocabulary skills. Something else important for parents to help their child be successful in school, as well as for their future, is to model kindness, empathy, and respect.”
Barbara P. Jacoby is the chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District. 770-704-4228. CherokeeK12.net
On the Other Side of a Surrendered Life
By Pastor Andy Rogers
[InGoodFaith] What if I told you that you could experience a life of immeasurably more than you could ask for or imagine? This is the life that the apostle Paul speaks of for those who place their faith in Jesus — a life that’s spiritually dynamic, victorious over sin, and filled with joy, peace, purpose, and wonder.
Those who are not followers of Jesus may think, “I don’t see many Christians living that kind of life.” And those who are followers might ask, “Why do we so seldomly experience this life made possible through faith in Christ?”
It’s not a question of God’s ability or his willingness. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is proof of that. Nor is it about a lack of trying on our part. Many think we simply need to pray, give, serve, and forgive more, only to be left exhausted, defeated, and no closer to experiencing God’s promises.
Could it be that rather than trying harder, we need to surrender more and follow in the footsteps of Jesus who shows us what a life fully surrendered to God looks like? True freedom, healing, wholeness, and life are on the other side of absolute surrender to God.
We often fear rather than welcome the Holy Spirit to work within us, helping us surrender to God because it requires us to relinquish our sense of control. Do we think we can do a better job than God who created and sustains us?
There is another way — the way of Christ who modeled a surrendered life. Even amid anguish in the garden that fateful night where he would be falsely arrested, beaten, and eventually sentenced to death, Jesus is found praying. He prayed for impeding suffering to be taken from him, but rather than stop there, he continued with, “but not my will but your will be done.” Sounds very similar to the prayer he taught his followers to pray. He taught them to pray for “God’s kingdom to come and God’s will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” A life of immeasurably more begins when we surrender our kingdom and our will unto God. L
Andy Rogers is lead pastor at The Way Woodstock, 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-516-0371. TheWayWoodstock.com
‘Tis the Season for Cracked Teeth
By Dr. Steven Anderson, DMD
[Healthy Life] Have you ever been advised by a dentist to “really consider crowning that tooth?” And perhaps that is the last you thought about it until you bit down on a candy cane and — crack!
A dental crown or “cap” restoration is one of the primary ways to safeguard an unstable tooth and keep it from cracking. A crown securely covers and protects the entire top of the tooth, and it is often the best treatment for a damaged tooth. With that in mind, you should be seriously motivated to restore your unstable tooth as soon as possible.
Whenever a tooth undergoes treatment to extract decay or disease, internal supporting tooth structure is removed. Filling material replaces the diseased portion that is taken out. When a large area needs to be filled, the entire tooth becomes unstable and, if not treated with a crown, the tooth can easily fracture, crack, and be lost.
Similar to a wedge that is used in splitting firewood, large silvercolored metal fillings act like wedges in teeth. When struck repeatedly (i.e., when you chew food), these fillings can contribute to tooth fracturing. Some fractured teeth cannot be restored and will need to be removed.
A dental crown is placed over the entire biting surface of a tooth. The crown distributes the direct biting force across the entire top surface of the tooth, removing the “wedge effect” of large silvercolored fillings.
Consider why construction workers wear hard hats and the importance of their inner bands, which evenly distribute the force of a blow around the head. Similarly, crowns protect your teeth from breaking due to the daily biting forces in your mouth.
Also, not all crowns are created equal. The materials that are used can make a big difference. Gold, porcelain, and zirconia each have unique advantages. Your dentist should explain your options.
Dental crowns are an excellent treatment to restore an otherwise unstable tooth. Given good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups, a crown can last many years and prevent your tooth from cracking and potentially falling out or needing to be extracted. After all, quality dentistry should be all about you!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 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
Artist Profile
BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
ELAINE YUREWICH Creating a World of Color and Texture
ArtistElaine Yurewich has one requirement for wherever she has lived: there must be room for a studio where she can sketch and paint as well as sculpt with polymer clay to create fairy and pumpkin houses, dragons and snakes, plates and bowls, and a variety of Christmas ornaments that dazzle with kaleidoscopic designs.
Her love of art was evident even in kindergarten when, sent to the principal’s office for talking, she would sit and sketch. Following her calling, she earned a graphic design degree then had a 30-year career as a graphic artist creating drawings and cartoons for advertisements.
“I did enjoy it,” Yurewich said. “I was able to draw, and that was most important to me.”
Now, she creates for herself, moving from sketching and painting portraits of people and animals to crafting sculptures and other objects in clay.
“My art used to be for everybody else — now it’s for me to relax, enjoy, and have fun,”
she said.
Whether done in pencil or oils, Yurewich’s portraits are realistic portrayals of her subjects. During the pandemic, she helped people who were grieving by creating portraits of their lost loved ones.
Today, she focuses on her clay creations. Self-taught, she manipulates and blends the clay to form intricate, multicolored designs. The joy of clay, she says, is that “It is totally free — free from realism.”
Although she sometimes sketches an idea, she says her best works are the ones she just creates. She begins by grabbing colors of clay and rolling them into rods that she forms into triangles, rectangles, octagons, circles, or other shapes. She then pieces these rods together to create a cane of many colors and shapes. She then rolls, pushes, and pulls the cane, reducing the size of her design.
Once she has created the primary cane, she uses a tissue blade to slice it. Each kaleidoscopic slice can be further cut,
then the segments are combined in a variety of ways, each way creating a new, multicolored design. Finally, she takes the individual pieces, sometimes covering the skeleton of a sculpture with ones that mimic feathers or fur. Other times, she creates flowers or covers objects including bowls and Christmas balls.
“I love the idea of creating designs in a cane where the same pattern runs through from top to bottom,” she said. “I will quite happily spend days creating one complicated cane from which I create animals, flowers, sculptures, and works of art.”
Still in love with art, Yurewich continues to learn, experiment, and push herself.
“Doing any of my art, I zone out. I’m in another world. It’s calm. There is no stress. I just get into the world of color and art.”
Avoiding Family Division
By Tim Morris
[Lifestyle] I have worked with the senior community for over 35 years and have heard many stories about family division over anything you can imagine. Most often, family members no longer speak to each other because they feel cheated out of an inheritance.
For example, I have three brothers, and our mom died unexpectedly over 34 years ago. We were surprised to learn she left a will because she was not very organized. She devoted 100% of her life to her four boys and always treated us equally.
My mom didn’t have money, but she inherited approximately 80 acres of family land in South Georgia after my dad died. My oldest brother was named the executor of the will, and he received 40 of the 80 acres, which I didn’t have a problem with because he lived on the farm with my mom. My other brothers and I were to divide the remaining 40 acres. We didn’t push our oldest brother to get everything finalized because we all got along with each other and had annual family gatherings. When we mentioned it, our oldest brother would say, “It’s always your property — there’s no hurry.”
After 34 years, my oldest brother finally reached out but got no response. One of my other brothers took him to court. I chose to stay out of it and told them to keep my property because I figured this wouldn’t end well. My relationship with my oldest brother meant more to me than a piece of dirt.
Eventually, the lawyer convinced the judge that we owed my oldest brother for the taxes on the land, so he got some of the acres left to us, which would have been my portion. Maybe we should have taken him to court right after my mom died, but I trusted my oldest brother because he represented something ethically good in my life.
Moral of the story? Make sure you and your loved ones have a will and choose an executor who will carry out your/your loved one’s wishes in a timely manner. Your family is worth it. L
Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services
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